Prince Aidan sighed; it was going to be long night. He was spending his last night before his knighting in a silent vigil in the small, but ornately decorated chapel where the ceremony would take place. He had finally reached his eighteenth year, the age that would prove him as a man, and it made him of age for knighting. As the Kings son there was no question of whether he would be with the others in the morning.

            Every year Aidan’s responsibilities increased. And after tomorrow’s ceremonies he wasn’t sure he was going to be able to keep up with everything. His father demanded so much of him already, yet as Prince and heir to the throne it was expected. It wasn’t always easy but Aidan handled it well. He understood the necessities of everything he was taking part in, and learning. He had to be prepared, but his father still had a few years left in him. Aidan had plenty of time to learn.

            At the squeak of the old wooden door hinges behind him, Aidan glanced over his left shoulder. Briefly smiling as he recognized the figure who was making his way toward him as his fathers most trusted man, Sir Zacharias Hanson McLever.

            “My Prince” Zacharias said with a slight inclination of his head. “I see you’ve chosen to pass this night much the same way as your father when he became of age.”

            Turning his body to face McLever, Aidan smiled. “Tell me am I much like him when he was young.”

            “You are almost the same man as your father. If it weren’t for your temper and flirtatious manner, your personalities would be almost indistinguishable.”

            “Flirtatious manner! You should be one to talk, I’ve heard the stories about you and your adventures with women.”

            “Ah,” Zacharias chuckled. “But we aren’t here to talk about those times. I came here tonight on behalf of your mother.”

            “My mother?” Aidan whispered, voice and face expressing shock. “She’s been dead these ten years. What do you mean on her behalf?”

            “When your mother was ill she knew she wouldn’t be around to see you wed, or take the throne. She wrote to you this letter.” Zacharias said pulling a sealed piece of paper out of his cloak and placed it in Aidan’s hands. “She told me to give it to when you were to be knighted.”

            Aidan turned the paper over in his hands. The waxen seal was engraved with a G for his mother’s name. When he brought it closer to his face he thought he could faintly detect the smell of the perfume she wore when he was young.

            “There’s something else,” Zacharias said holding a small pouch out to Aidan. “This, Gavina asked me to give to you on your eighteenth birthday. Your father had it made to give her at the betrothal ceremony. She wore it everyday after that. You look much like she did Aidan. Your eyes are the same and the fire and passion she had in her heart burns in your own.” He said touching a hand to Aidan’s chest before he rose.

            Aidan watched as Zacharias left, his green eyes brimming with tears that threatened to fall at the thought of his mother. The leather pouch Zacharias had handed him was heavy and on further inspection this inside was lined with a soft fur. Reaching in he found a black onyx pendant on a golden chain. The stone was carved to the shape of a horse, one leg raised and head held high. It was the symbol f the royal house. Aidan fastened the chain around his neck and then broke the seal on the letter.

My beloved son,

I have entrusted this letter to Zacharias. A friend whom your father and I hold in deepest respect and trust. I believe that you to will look to him for friendship and guidance as I once did.

            I can’t read into the future Aidan, and I do not know where your heart lies when it comes to love, yet as the mother of the heir to my husband, King Leroy’s throne and Queen of Conrath, part of my duty is to look for a suitable bride for you.

            Her name is Aileana. I met her mother and her when the child was only five. Even then I knew she would be perfect for you. You were only seven then my son. 

            I must warn you though Aidan. She is Aileana, Princess of the Dragon Clan. While they are not our enemies, neither are they our allies. If you married her Aidan it would be for the benefit of our kingdom. The Dragon Riders would be a good, strong ally for us to have. And on the brink of a war with Lyndon, what could be better.

            My son I love you. I know you will make the right choices for your family and for the people of Conrath. You will make a good King for our Kingdom.

                                    With a mother’s love,

                                                Gavina MacAlister

Aidan folded stared at the paper for a moment longer then folded it and placed it with in the lining of his deep blue velvet cloak.  Knowing that that he should try to get some sleep before the excitement of tomorrow Aidan headed back to his room. Crawling into bed, his mind still racing Aidan slipped into a sleep full of dreams.