The Letter, Part 3
He dismounted, leading his horse toward a copse of trees on the hillside. Before disappearing from view, the prince turned back to the others, his “entourage” as he jokingly referred to them, and asked them to wait for him on the road.
Brushing the branches from his face, Gilbetron stepped into the small clearing just off the Lystrian highway. He closed his eyes, taking in the fresh air. He frowned, though, as he remembered the terrible events that had once taken place on the very spot on which he now stood. It had only been five years ago when he and Telematrice had made camp here on their way to avenge the destruction of the giant’s village. Just as they were about to fall asleep, Bobolonious, having discovered their hiding place, raided the site, taking them captive and dragging them into the city.
He heard the rustling of leaves behind him, and he felt a stirring of irritation rise to the surface. “I told you to give me some privacy!” he shouted, coming full-circle to face —
But it wasn’t the servants. Telematrice, his estranged wife, dressed head to toe in a flowing blue gown, swept toward him, the bottom of her dress billowing over the grass, cascading mulch to either side. His breath caught in his throat. She remained to this day the most beautiful woman he had ever met.
“Telematrice, I’m…” His voice trailed off weakly, at a loss for words. What could he say to the woman who had mysteriously disappeared over a month ago without so much as a warning. What could he to the wife who had broken his heart without ever explaining what he had done to offend her.
Her expression was a complete mask. “Gil,” she said, using the affectionate shorthand he had come to expect over the years. “I trust you’re well.”
“I couldn’t pass by without stopping here,” he said quietly, his eyes downcast.
She smiled softly. “I know. That’s why I came.” She took a few steps toward him. “Did you read the letter?”
“Down to business so quickly?” he muttered bitterly.
“Gil, don’t—”
“Don’t what? Don’t make a scene? Don’t ask any questions? Because I haven’t done those things. Over a month, and I’ve kept quiet, pretending you were on an extended visit to the east. All official, of course. Important matters of state.” He hesitated, forming his words carefully so as not to be overcome with emotion. “What about other matters?” he asked.
“Matters of the heart, you mean?”
He nodded.
“We’re not having this discussion here. I’ll ride on ahead. Take a few minutes to get a grip on yourself. You wouldn’t want your staff to see you like this.”
With that, she turned and walked back through the trees, disappearing entirely. He cursed silently and gave his eyes a rub, trying to choke back the tears that were forcing themselves down his cheeks.