Mistborn #02 The Well of Ascension

as a lady, she—"
    "Stop," Elend snapped. "Vin is fine as she is."
    Tindwyl smiled.
    "What?" Elend demanded.
    "I've insulted you all afternoon, Your Majesty, and you barely grew sullen. I mentioned your Mistborn in a mildly disparaging way, and now you're ready to throw me out."
    "So?"
    "So, you do love her?"
    "Of course," Elend said. "I don't understand her, but yes. I love her."
    Tindwyl nodded. "I apologize, then, Your Majesty. I had to be certain."
    Elend frowned, relaxing in his chair slightly. "So, this was some kind of test, then? You wanted to see how I would react to your words about Vin?"
    "You will always be tested by those you meet, Your Majesty. You might as well grow accustomed to it."
    "But, why do you care about my relationship with Vin?"
    "Love is not easy for kings, Your Majesty," Tindwyl said in an uncharacteristically kind voice. "You will find that your affection for the girl can cause far more trouble than any of the other things we've discussed."
    "And that's a reason to give her up?" Elend asked stiffly.
    "No," Tindwyl said. "No, I don't think so."
    Elend paused, studying the stately Terriswoman with her square features and her stiff posture. "That. . .seems odd, coming from you. What about kingly duty and appearances?"
    "We must make allowances for the occasional exception," Tindwyl said.
    Interesting , Elend thought. He wouldn't have considered her the type to agree to any sort of "exceptions." Perhaps she's a little deeper than I've assumed .
    "Now," Tindwyl said. "How are your training sessions going?"
    Elend rubbed his sore arm. "All right, I suppose. But—"
    He was interrupted by a knock at the door. Captain Demoux entered a moment later. "Your Majesty, a visitor has arrived from Lord Cett's army."
    "A messenger?" Elend said, standing.
    Demoux paused, looking a little embarrassed. "Well. . .sort of. She says she's Lord Cett's daughter, and she's come looking for Breeze."

He was born of a humble family, yet married the daughter of a king .

21
    THE YOUNG WOMAN'S EXPENSIVE DRESS—light red silk with a shawl and lace sleeves—might have lent her an air of dignity, had she not scampered forward as soon as Breeze entered the room. Her light Western hair bouncing, she made a squeal of happiness as she threw her arms around Breeze's neck.
    She was, perhaps, eighteen years old.
    Elend glanced at Ham, who stood dumbfounded.
    "Well, looks like you were right about Breeze and Cett's daughter," Elend whispered.
    Ham shook his head. "I didn't think. . .I mean I joked, because it was Breeze, but I didn't expect to be right !"
    Breeze, for his part, at least had the decency to look terribly uncomfortable in the young woman's arms. They stood inside the palace atrium, the same place where Elend had met with his father's messenger. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in the afternoon light, and a group of servants stood at one side of the room to wait on Elend's orders.
    Breeze met Elend's eyes, blushing deeply. I don't think I've ever seen him do that before , Elend thought.
    "My dear," Breeze said, clearing his throat, "perhaps you should introduce yourself to the king?"
    The girl finally let go of Breeze. She stepped back, curtsying to Elend with a noblewoman's grace. She was a bit plump, her hair long after pre-Collapse fashion, and her cheeks were red with excitement. She was a cute thing, obviously well trained for the court—exactly the sort of girl that Elend had spent his youth trying to avoid.
    "Elend," Breeze said, "might I introduce Allrianne Cett, daughter to Lord Ashweather Cett, king of the Western Dominance?"
    "Your Majesty," Allrianne said.
    Elend nodded. "Lady Cett." He paused, then—with a hopeful voice—continued. "Your father sent you as an ambassador?"
    Allrianne paused. "Um. . .he didn't exactly send me, Your Majesty."
    "Oh, dear," Breeze said, pulling out a handkerchief to dab his brow.
    Elend glanced at Ham, then back at the girl. "Perhaps you should explain," he said, gesturing toward the atrium's seats. Allrianne nodded eagerly, but stayed close to Breeze as they sat. Elend waved for some servants to bring chilled wine.
    He had a feeling he was going to want something to drink.
    "I seek asylum, Your Majesty," Allrianne said, speaking with a quick voice. "I had to go. I mean, Breezy must have told you how my father is!"
    Breeze sat uncomfortably, and Allrianne put an affectionate hand on his knee.
    "How your father is?" Elend asked.
    "He is so manipulative," Allrianne said. "So