***Alexis***

Nabvan was uncontrollable. He smashed the glass of liquor into a wall and put his fist through a window. He was furious at Rowl and Destiney, yet even more at himself. How had he missed all the clues? He was around when Rowl had been banished. He knew the whole story. Why had he not recognized Rowl as the vicious troublemaker? He had obviously changed his name and aged ten years. However, Nabvan felt he should have sensed that this was the same evil-minded man. King Siefer had been devastated at the time. His entire family was gone. The little brother he wanted to protect was banished forever. Nabvan was his best friend and confidant. He was well aware of the battle between the brothers. The scar should have been enough to identify him.

Alexis tried in vain to calm her husband. She soothed, "It was so long ago, and Rowl was never supposed to return. His skin and hair are different from spending so much time on other planets. The name is not the same. He bears no resemblance to the king. You could not possibly know it was him. He hid the scar from view most of the time."

Nabvan responded, "I knew the man was a troublemaker. He showed resistance to authority from the very first day of training. I let my sympathies for his plight blind my mind and heart. I saw only the displaced young man inside and missed the anger. I have to do something about my mistake. I need to hunt him down and destroy him before he starts a rebellion." Nabvan began to dress in his armor.

Alexis argued, "We must not let him know that we have discovered his secret. It will only push him to act on his plans immediately. King Siefer asked that we allow him to return and correct the situation. His mistakes with Destiney are a large part of the reason she has let Rowl into her life. Her need for understanding and attention allowed him to gain her loyalty and brainwash her mind. The king feels responsible and wishes to regain Destiney's heart. Have patience."

Nabvan relented. Alexis was wise and even-tempered. She was able to reason with the warrior inside him. He replied, "I will wait for the king's return to rid Milisaria of Rowl. Destiney is a different matter. She must be warned of his treachery. He can not be allowed to continue using her power to gain allies."

Alexis agreed. She answered, "We better hurry. The longer she is under his influence, the deeper Rowl can dig in his claws. Be aware that she may not be receptive to what we say. She has not listened to me for quite a long time."

Nabvan and Alexis made the long trek to the king's quarters. Guards blocked their way until they recognized the commander. Nabvan's glare sent them scurrying to open a clear walkway to the chambers. They followed Nabvan's footsteps out of concern for their queen. He did not argue. He pounded on the door. No one answered. Afraid he would awaken Scyon, Alexis took over. She tried the door and found it unsecured. Destiney was too trustful and believed the guards were the only protection she needed.

The outer chamber was empty. The door to the inner chamber was open. The guards went on alert. Unlocked doors meant danger to them. Alexis was the first to peer in the doorway. She stopped in shock. Nabvan and the guards looked over her shoulder and shrank back in horror. The queen was not alone. She was curled up in the arms of Rowl. Rowl's eyes were open. He was smiling. Evilness exuded from that smile. He had obviously heard Nabvan's pounding and yet stayed in Destiney's bed. He clearly wanted to be discovered with her.

Nabvan's growl of anger made Rowl laugh out loud. His laughter awakened Destiney, and she jerked from his arms. She stared in disbelief at the crowd in the doorway. Her face turned red with shame and embarrassment. She hid her face in the blanket.

Rowl was not embarrassed at all. He appeared triumphant. Displaying his nude body for all to see, he stood and slowly dressed. His words rang out, "Do you like what you see? The queen has definitely enjoyed it. I hope my brother hears of her infidelity and it causes him great pain. The Milisarians will find it quite interesting, I am sure. They will wonder how a man can rule over many worlds and not have control of his wife. It will make my message much more appetizing."

Nabvan longed to strangle the preening, arrogant man. He could not do so and keep the respect of the guards. Sadly, Rowl had not yet done anything illegal. Due to the previous king's proclivity for many lovers, infidelity was not a crime.  Nabvan had to allow Rowl to leave unscathed.

Destiney went hysterical at Rowl's words. Alexis tried desperately to comfort her. She motioned for Nabvan and the guards to leave.

Nabvan wanted the guards to swear they would keep the queen's disastrous mistake a secret. However, he knew that it was a wasted effort. Rowl's laughter could be heard as he made his way through the vast capitol building. It ensured that everyone would know he had been in the king's quarters during the night. The rumors would spread quickly, bringing shame and dishonor to King Siefer. Rowl's wish would come true. The Milisarians would question his abilities to rule over the colonies.