“You will have to excuse me this afternoon. I’ve been summoned by Hector to come to his house for a meeting,” said Ansel. “I will be back for dinner.”

“Very well,” said Griffa. “Young Max and I will have a grand time this afternoon.”

Ansel went to grab his hat and cloak. Griffa came up to him.

“What do you think Hector wants so urgently?” asked Griffa.

“Probably just to hear how the boy is, and what is planned over the next few days,” replied Ansel putting his hat on.

“At least they aren’t asking for Max yet, small mercies. We will see you this evening.”

Griffa walked Ansel to the door.

“Oh, and say hello to dear Desma for me. I’m sure she will be at the door to greet you,” Griffa said in a mocking tone. She opened the door to let Ansel out. Ansel shook his head at Griffa and went on his way.

Delis house was about a five-minute walk from Keene Manor. Along the way Ansel passed his own modest home. He took a moment to look at it. It was two stories made of the same stone as Keene Manor, built around the same time. Generations of protectors had lived there. It looked in good repair. He had a nice married couple who would come and tend to it while he was gone. He would check in with them in a few days.

Ansel wasn’t too fond of his home. He had spent so much time at Keene manor as a youth and young man that it felt much more like home than Ansel’s house. For a moment he let himself wonder what it would be like to permanently live in the manor with Griffa, staying in her room. A small smile came to his lips, but he quickly cleared his mind. This was not a time for daydreaming, not when he would be walking into Delis House and talking with Hector and probably Desmona as well.

Ansel arrived at the Delis House and knocked on the door. He expected the housekeeper or some other house worker to answer the door, but it was Desmona herself at the door.

“Ansel! I was so glad to hear you arrived in town safely. The king and little Griffa as well. Come in, father will see you in just a moment, but I thought we could have a chat first.”

Ansel didn’t want to have a chat with Desmona, but he saw there was no choice. She brought him into their parlor. It was a fancy room that looked like it had been recently refurbished. He imagined Desmona’s mother had redone it recently. He removed his hat and placed it on a small table.

“Where is your mother today? I would like to give my regards,” said Ansel not wanting to be alone with Desmona.

“She is out visiting as usual. She has many admirers you know. Father does not mind. He knows who and what she is. You know us enchantresses can’t help our nature. It does not mean that we do not love,” said Desmona inviting Ansel to sit on the sofa.

She sat uncomfortably close to him.

“I’ve been thinking perhaps it is time for me to settle down. If I could meet the right person who is not the jealous type, who would understand I can’t help who I am, and yet know he was the one I would always come home to, then I think I could be very happy. I would also make him incredibly happy as well,” said Desmona in a seductive tone.

“I wish you luck in finding someone then. Maybe at this year’s harvest festival. I hear it will be quite nice with plenty of visitors from the Valley. It might be good for you to meet someone who doesn’t know you,” said Ansel with indifference.

“Oh, Ansel you don’t have to play with me. I know you remember how we used to be. I know you can’t help but still think of me. We had such fun together. Can you imagine being like that for the rest of your lives,” she said putting her hand over his.

He quickly took his hand from under hers and stood up. He did remember what it was like when they were together. He remembered the passionate nights that would pass in a blur and the horrible days they spent together. He didn’t want to relive any of it.

“Desma, if you are considering me as a husband, I would think again.”

“You have a line to continue. You are of an age where you should think of a wife, Ansel and who better than me? I will not hold you back. I know you have a job to do. Just promise you would not hold me back as well,” said Desmona looking up at him.

“No, Desma, I will not be your husband. You can’t stop thinking that right now.”

“Is there someone else then? Are you really pining for Gryphon? Do you think she will ever settle down, Ansel? She is as wild as a forest sprite. She will never give you what you need.”

“And you think you know what I need?” asked Ansel.

He was getting angry, but he didn’t want to show that to Desmona.

“Yes, you need someone who knows how to navigate magical high society. Someone who can host parties and entertain. You will be protector to the king. You will have a high station. You need someone to match that. Griffa may have the bloodlines and name, but she doesn’t have the manners or temperament. It must be her non-magical mother’s blood. Why her father fell for that little, simple woman I will never know.”

“Stop talking about Griffa and her family. She is more than you will ever know. What my plans may be are none of your concern. Just know you are not included in any of them,” said Ansel through clenched teeth.

He knew he was showing too much emotion, but he couldn’t help it.

“We will see, Ansel. I’m very persistent. You will see I am right,” said Desmona. She got up and stood in front of Ansel.

The door to the parlor opened and Hector Delis stepped in.

“Ansel,” he said, “how good it is to see you.”

He looked at Desmona and Ansel standing closely.

“I hope I wasn’t interrupting anything, or maybe I do,” he said with a laugh.

“We were just catching up as old friends, father,” said Desmona.

She gave Ansel a kiss on his cheek. She whispered in his ear.

“I’d look out for Griffa if I were you. The Ring does not approve of her and they will not like her playing hostess to the king.”

Louder she said, “It is so good to have you back in town, Ansel. I hope to see more of you very soon.”

Ansel nodded as she walked away and left the room. He didn’t like her warning about Griffa. Was she telling the truth or trying to get under his skin?

“Now, Ansel. Tell me about the young king. Is all as it should be?” asked Hector sitting down in a chair and inviting Ansel to do the same.

“He’s a good boy, I think. He seems clever. He proved to be kind and brave on our journey here. I think he is all we could expect at this point. He is still young and has lived his life until now as a stable boy. I think he will grow into who he needs to be.”

“So, you trust he will accept that he is king? The Ring won’t want a reluctant king. We will need someone sure of himself if this is going to work.”

“I think in time his confidence in his title will grow. We will have to give him time.”

“Time is not something we have a lot of at the moment. How hard is it going to be for him to discover his magical abilities?”

“I think he will learn quickly. Griffa and I have already started training him this morning, and he showed great promise,” answer Ansel.

“You think it is wise to include Gryphon Keene in training the boy?” asked Hector leaning forward.

“Why wouldn’t it be? Griffa is a powerful sorceress. She has a better feel for magic than most folk. Max also enjoys having her around. He already trusts her,” answered Ansel.

Hector took a moment and looked as though he was choosing his words carefully.

“Ansel, I know you are fond of Gryphon. I Have no real objection to her, but she is, well, a little different. Aren’t you afraid she could fill the young king’s head with things that won’t be helpful? We don’t need any complications.”

“Griffa cares about the boy, and she will do what she can to keep him safe. She might talk to him of choices more than you and me, but when Max chooses to become king, she will not stand in his way.”

“Are you sure the boy will choose it? Could others such as Gryphon or folk he knows back in Clarton influence his decision?” asked Hector.

“The young king will choose what is right. He might be confused and unsure now, but that is to be expected. Once he learns more about our history and unlocks his own magical ability, he will become who he was meant to be,” said Ansel firmly.

“Very well, you will be expected before the Ring tomorrow after breakfast before the mid-morning bell rings. Bring the boy so we can meet him. We will want to review your training schedule and discuss his living arrangements.”

“Max and I will be staying at Keene Manor. He will be safe there and well looked after.”

Ansel knew he was getting upset and his voice reflected his emotion.

“I have no doubt, Ansel. There is no need to get defensive, I am just stating what the Ring will want to talk about. I am not saying that the young king cannot stay at Keene Manor, only that the Ring will want to discuss it. You will bring the boy tomorrow?”

“Yes, we will be there directly after breakfast. Is there anything else?” asked Ansel standing up.

“No that will be all. You can of course stay awhile and take tea with Desmona if you would like. Maybe even stay for dinner?”

“I thank you but no. I need to get back and start planning out the king’s training. Give my regards to your wife and Desma.”

“Of course, let me see you out,” said Hector as he stood up walking Ansel to the door. Ansel grabbed his hat off the little table as he passed.

“Ansel, I have nothing against the Keene girl. Her father was one of my best friends and a wonderful leader of the Ring, but you have to admit she is a little different. Take care with her around the young king.”

“Griffa would never do anything to hurt the plan for the kingdom. She wants peace and justice restored as much as anyone.”

“I’m sure,” said Hector opening the door, “but you may have a harder time convincing some others on the Ring of that. Good day, Ansel.”

Ansel bowed and walked out the door and onto the front lawn. He took a deep breath and put his hat on, willing himself to calm down. He knew Griffa had a reputation of sorts, but he still didn’t like it thrown in his face. He knew she wouldn’t care. She knew who she was, and he did as well. He didn’t want Griffa to change. Ansel just hopped it didn’t cause harm to come to her at some point.