Ch 31: The Race To The Clearing

Calder didn't know how long he had sat there crying, but he was glad no one had disturbed him. The Crown Prince weeping over his forbidden love in the War Room; oh the things people would say.

So once there were no more tears to weep, he dried his face, straightened his tunic, and left to wander the halls.

He couldn't remember the last time he had cried. Even when he left on his trials, his eyes had been dry, for he knew that someday he would return to his Tasha. In fact, the last time he could recall shedding tears was when his mother had died. After that, he had sworn to himself he would be strong no matter what. The King had also wept that day, but he had a kingdom to run, and had returned to his duty. Calder knew if his father had to be strong for the people, he had to be strong for his father.

But tonight, that strength had failed.

He had been wandering the halls of the palace aimlessly when he realized where his feet had been taking him; they were following the tether aroun