It was Artaxis again. He smiled genially at me and then at Susori before saying, "Still here I see."
I didn't say anything. He tossed something at me and I caught it out of the air. It was the key to the manacles.
There seemed to be a greater symbolism at play here than just simply handing me a key to get out of a temporary restraint. I glanced up to him and he confirmed my thought by saying, "You are free to go. Most of your men were not injured severely and they are now ready to travel. Those still yet unable to travel I will send to Philanthia at a later date when they are ready."
I shook my head and glanced from him to Susori and said, "None of this makes any sense! What are you two up to?"
Artaxis's cheery demeanor completely left as he said, "I am ensuring that the future of my beloved sister is a good one. You are a man that I have studied from afar for some time. I had a dream that showed you and my sister together as a couple and now I have done my part to fulfill that dream. Now, get my sister out of here to some place where she will be safe! That is all I ask of you. Other than that, I pray that you make her happy all the days of her life."
Artaxis backed away towards the door and glancing at Susori he winked and said, "I don't think the others will be ready to leave for at least another hour or so." With that said, he clanged the door shut.
"I've been set up!" I exclaimed into the silence of the room.
Susori's fingers squeezed overtop my shoulders consolingly as her face appeared off to the side of my shoulder, "You're not mad are you?"
I glanced at her. I should be mad, but one look at her intriguing brown eyes and how could anyone be mad.
"Why have you gone along with all this? You must be a princess or at least something close to it!"
Susori shrugged in indication that I had scored right on my guess of her being a princess but all she said was, "I trust my brother. He said I was happy in his dream. That said, I wasn't entirely sure about it, but last night at the banquet……… the way you looked at me……… it was not a hard decision to become yours. I have no regrets."
I looked forward again and said, "Neither do I."
A slim brown arm reached down over my shoulder, "Could I please have the key?"