Lost Heir (Blood Weaver Trilogy #2)

Chapter 5

5

E ven after stepping out of the Grand Hall, the weight of the conversation still hung heavily in the air around us. Viktor, his posture tense with apprehension, was the first to greet us, his loyalty as evident as his concern.

“Your Highness,” he greeted, bowing deeply, a sign of respect mingled with urgency. “Apologies, but—”

I waved off his concerns before he could finish. “Don't worry, Viktor. I'm well aware of Marcellus's ways. He leaves little room for dissent,” I reassured him, hoping to ease the obvious tension in his shoulders.

He offered a solemn nod, acknowledging the truth in my words, the complexity of court dynamics playing silently between us.

Selene wore a mask of contrition. “Leila … I’m sorry, I should have listened to you—”

“It’s too late for that now,” I snapped, still holding her wrist. I realized I might have been a bit harsh and slowly released her. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to … I’m just a bit stressed. ”

Selene shook her head. “It’s okay. I understand. I—”

“Not here,” I whispered.

Seeking a semblance of privacy, I glanced around the opulent expansiveness of the palace courtyard. “Is my room still situated in the Eastern palace?” I inquired, the need for solitude pressing.

“Yes, Your Highness. Allow me to escort you both.” Viktor’s tone shifted to one of dutiful assurance as he led the way.

Our path to the Eastern palace was a journey through the heart of Valorian splendor. The palace grounds unfurled like a meticulously designed tapestry, each step revealing more of its intricate beauty. Marble pathways bordered by lush, fragrant gardens guided our way, the air filled with the scent of blooming night jasmine and lavender, a soothing balm to the day's tensions.

Archways carved with effigies of the moon goddess marked our passage, their silvery sheen casting a soft glow under the afternoon sun, a reminder of the divine protectorate who oversaw Valoria. The rhythmic splash of fountains and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze accompanied our silent procession, the natural harmony a stark contrast to the discord we’d endured in the Grand Hall.

The Eastern palace, with its soaring towers and gleaming domes rose majestically against a backdrop of azure sky. Its facade, adorned with crescent moon motifs and celestial imagery, demonstrated Valoria's enduring devotion to the moon goddess. The entrance was flanked by statues of guardian spirits, their faces serene yet vigilant, welcoming us into the sanctuary of the palace's most private quarters.

As we traversed the final stretch, the Eastern palace's grandeur enveloped us, its corridors whispering stories of the past, each step taking us deeper into the place I once called home. The walk, a transition from the public spectacle of the Grand Hall to the intimate seclusion of my chambers, was a journey back to myself, away from the princess and back to the person I had become during my years away.

We approached the ornate doors leading to my chambers and Viktor reached forward, pushing them open with a reverence that suggested we were entering a sanctuary rather than mere living quarters. The first thing that struck me was the soft light filtering through the tall, arched windows, casting the room in a warm, golden hue. The air was scented with the subtle fragrance of jasmine and rose, a comforting embrace that welcomed me back to a place I hadn't realized I'd missed so profoundly.

“My room ...” I whispered, Selene’s startled gasp echoing my delight. Stepping inside, my gaze swept over the familiar yet changed surroundings. The walls were adorned with fine tapestries depicting the moon in various phases. An opulent rug woven with threads of silver and blue covered the floor, soft underfoot, leading the way to a large canopy bed draped in gossamer fabrics that fluttered gently in the breeze from the open windows.

“Your Highness, we prepared the chamber for your return,” Viktor said, breaking the silence. “We hoped it would make you feel welcome.”

Clasping Selene’s hand again, I turned to him, a smile finding its way to my lips despite the day's earlier turmoil. “It's more beautiful than I remembered. Thank you, Viktor.”

He bowed slightly, a gesture of deference. “It was our honor, Your Highness. If there's anything else you require, please don't hesitate to ask. ”

My attention was drawn to a small, intricately carved table by the window, upon which lay a collection of scrolls and books. Beside them was a crystal decanter filled with a luminescent liquid that seemed to glow with its own inner light, and a single glass. “Is this …?”

“Aetherwater,” Viktor explained, following my gaze. “Infused with moonstone to aid in relaxation and healing. I thought you might appreciate it after your journey.”

I nodded, touched by the thoughtfulness. “That's very considerate. Thank you.”

“If there’s nothing else, I’ll exc—”

“Are the court ladies still the same?” I inquired before he left.

He stilled, opening his mouth then closing it again.

“What is it, Viktor?”

He cleared his throat. “Her Majesty changed them.”

I snorted and gave a dry laugh. Of course my mother did. No doubt my new court ladies were all dutiful spies for her. I knew returning to Valoria would be tricky, but if I didn’t have a safe place to rest, I would surely lose my mind.

“I can always change them, Your Highness,” he whispered softly, as if unsure about his suggestion.

I smiled. “It’s like you were reading my mind,” I said. “Do you know of any trustworthy court ladies who aren’t loyal to my mother?”

He nodded. “They aren’t court ladies, but they work in various sections of the palace, from the kitchen to laundry duty. But they’re loyal, I can guarantee it.”

“Perfect. If anyone asks, tell them it was me. I’ll write up a letter just in case.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

After Viktor excused himself and left me and Selene to settle in, I wandered over to the window, drawn by the view it offered. The gardens below were a riot of color, evidence of the palace's dedication to beauty and harmony. From this vantage point, the worries of court politics and personal entanglements seemed a distant memory, if only for a moment.

Turning back to the room, I took in the small writing desk with its quill and ink neatly arranged, the comfortable chairs positioned by a low-burning hearth, and the wardrobe doors slightly ajar, revealing hints of the gowns nestled within. Each detail was a stark reminder of the life I was stepping back into, a blend of duty and personal sanctuary.

Selene’s voice, soft and laced with concern, pierced the serene silence of my chambers, drawing me back from my reverie. “Are you okay, Leila?” she asked, her eyes searching mine for signs of unrest. “Won’t your mother be upset if—”

Cutting her off, I nodded slightly, the weight of realization settling on my shoulders. “She will be, but she’ll get over it,” I admitted. The thought of navigating palace intrigues without becoming ensnared in my mother’s web of surveillance was a cumbersome burden. “If I allow her court ladies to remain, I won’t have a moment of peace. My every move will be reported to her. They have to go.”

As understanding dawned in Selene’s eyes, her earlier excitement at our arrival was now tempered by the complexity of our situation. “I didn’t realize how … complicated things would be,” she confessed, a hint of worry threading through her words. “No wonder you were in no rush to return home.”

A rueful laugh escaped me, the irony of the situation not lost. “You’re right about that. I think this is the part I dreaded the most. Palace life is akin to being a bird trapped in a gilded cage. It’s … suffocating,” I mused, the analogy bitter on my tongue. “After a decade of freedom, the confines of these walls feel more like shackles. I'm not sure I’ll assimilate well.”

Selene's response was a gesture of solidarity. Her hand found mine, her grip firm and reassuring. “I’ll be with you every step of the way,” she promised, her determination a beacon in the uncertain path that lay ahead. “You’re not alone.”

Her words, simple yet profound, offered a sliver of comfort amidst the turmoil. “Thank you,” I whispered, allowing myself a moment to lean into the strength of our friendship. “In this nest of vipers, you’re probably the only one I can count on. But …”

Her brows knitted together in concern. “But what?”

Exhaling an onerous sigh as the weight of our situation seemed to press down on all sides, I met her gaze, the conflict within me evident. “But being that anchor, you also become my most vulnerable point, a lever others might use against me. Are you certain you wouldn't rather return to the Luminar Sea? To your people?” The question hung between us, saturated with the implication of her safety and the potential cost of our bond.

Her response was immediate, her resolve unwavering. “Would you have me leave, then, to safeguard yourself?” Her tone, gentle yet firm, challenged the notion of separation as a solution.

“No, of course not!” I hurried to clarify, the mere thought of her departure a bleak prospect. “I just ... I fear what they might do, and how they might exploit our friendship to meet their ends.”

Selene took a step closer, her presence a comforting certainty. “Leila, or Lyanna,” she corrected softly, “whichever name the world knows you by, I choose to stand with you. Not as a maid, not as a mere assistant, but as a friend. The Merfolk can wait. This ... all of this,” she gestured around us, “is where I need to be. Where I can protect you .”

Her declaration, bold and without hesitation, fortified my resolve. In the intricate dance of palace intrigues, Selene's loyalty was my unwavering point of light, a reminder that not all battles were fought with swords or spells, but with steadfast hearts and unbreakable bonds.

I took a step back, creating a small space between us, driven by a need for clarity. “By the way,” I ventured, a thread of confusion lacing my words. “What happened earlier? Why did you arrive in the Grand Hall with Marcellus? I understand why Viktor couldn’t override my brother’s demands, but why—”

Selene's response was a quiet retreat; her gaze shifted towards the window, the open vista a silent witness to her turmoil. “He ... he thought if his parents saw us together, it might …” she trailed off, her uncertainty palpable.

I pressed for more, needing to understand. “Might what, Selene?”

With a ponderous sigh, she glanced back, her vulnerability framed against the backdrop of the room. “Might offer us a better chance at being together,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Selene,” my voice was laced with concern, “why would you entertain such thoughts? Engaging with Marcellus in this way ... it's dangerous. My mother—”

She interrupted with a nod, a silent acknowledgment of the precarious path she treaded. “I know, I do. After seeing her reaction ... Well, it's clear she disapproves. She already doesn't like me.”

I reached out, offering reassurance by squeezing her hand. “It's not about dislike, Selene. My mother operates within a realm of caution. She doesn't know you, and that's where her distrust stems from. Don’t take it personally, but also remember what kind of person she is and guard yourself against her.”

Selene's eyes met mine, a mix of gratitude and resolve within them. “I will. I promise.”