Chapter 25
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
I open my door to depart for the day and find Serafina on the other side. Her brown eyes always hold a distant sorrow, and her shoulders slump slightly forward. Her fingers tremble around the slender, leather-bound folio in her grip.
“Serafina,” I say in surprise. “Hello.”
“The King asked me to deliver this to you.” She holds out the folio to me.
“Thank you.” I take it from her.
Serafina bows and walks away without another word. I step back and close the door, examining the delivery with curiosity. Untying the thick cord that binds the covers, I flip it open and see a thick stack of sheet music.
Wrath got me piles of sheet music to play on the pianoforte.
A sweet gesture—his thoughtful nature beginning to feel more habitual than surprising.
Over the past few weeks, I visited the pianoforte, cycling through the same ten or so songs I had memorized, pining for new material.
Although I am eager to dash across the castle to play these, I promised Aurelia and Violet a visit this afternoon.
Setting down the folio on top of my copy of the Warlord Chronicles, I head for the castle’s exit. As I descend the front steps, I see Aurelia and Violet waiting for me. Violet is bouncing with uncontainable joy, her face alight with a smile.
They appear far healthier than when I found them, no longer scrawny and sullen.
Aurelia’s face has regained a healthy warmth, the earlier pallor gone.
Violet’s hair is no longer scraggly and tangled, now neatly pulled into a bun at the nape of her neck.
Both radiate with newfound purpose, and although the scars of their past may never heal, they're on their way to fading.
“Hello, nice lady,” Violet greets me.
“Her name is Raelys, Violet.” Aurelia corrects her.
“Raewees?” she repeats.
“Close enough.” I laugh, holding out my hand for Violet to take.
We walk past the stalls, taking in the assortment of crystals, baskets, and clothing on display. The market is busy today as people move in every direction around us. I appreciate it more than usual, having been in my room resting a lot since I hit burnout.
“Yesterday I saw a squirrel,” Violet says excitedly. “It took a loaf of bread out the window.”
I laugh. “The whole loaf?”
“It was too heavy, so it dropped it.” Violet smiles. “Then it started eating on the ground.”
“I bet it was happy,” I reply, glancing between the merchant tents.
Zinnia smiles at me as we pass, her curly brunette hair braided atop her head in a crown.
She looks busy this afternoon; several patrons surround her booth.
We exchange a brief wave before she returns her attention to her work.
I need to visit her soon, as the last time we chatted was when I dropped off some extra bottles of wine Alastor gave me.
“We’ve been busy at the castle,” Aurelia starts. “Many guests are visiting from other courts over the next few weeks for some type of ball. I’ve heard some things, but I’m not sure if it will help you or not.”
“Like who?” I ask curiously, wondering what the event could be.
“Duke Nikolas Sterling of Thalvar. Some Elvarrans from Salasyr… I don’t know their names. And Miss Penelope Thorne of Corovya.”
“Who is that?” I am unfamiliar with the name.
“She is the Duke of Corovya’s daughter.”
I only recognize Nikolas’ name from the time Wrath mentioned him. For the rest, I will have to figure out who they are. “I’m unfamiliar with her. Anything else?”
“I see Master of Coin Harlan Cary walking the halls late at night recently,” Aurelia whispers, leaning in close to me. “They’ve been whispering that he miscounted over ten thousand Platasia from the treasury.”
That is some good hearsay. I’ll have to keep an eye on it in case the story develops. He may be stealing money to keep for himself, which could lead to more rumors spreading.
“Thank you. Update me if you hear anything else,” I say graciously.
“Raelys.” I hear someone call my name.
Glancing, I see Stanik and Marek as they walk past us. “Hello.” I smile and give them a friendly wave. “Out on afternoon patrols?”
“Yes,” Stanik replies, but he isn’t focused on me, his gaze glued to Aurelia. “Lovely day out, isn’t it?”
“Indeed…” I glance between the two of them. Aurelia’s hands fold neatly in front of her as she nervously smiles at him, but she doesn’t speak.
“The King lets you outside?” Marek’s gruff voice cuts in.
“Yes, Marek.” I lighten my tone. “I’m not a prisoner.”
“I jest.” He chuckles. “You’re not so bad for a human.”
I laugh. “Only the finest of compliments.” I glance back at Stanik, who won't stop gazing longingly at Aurelia. “Well, enjoy the rest of your afternoon!”
“You too.” Stannik nods, walking in the opposite direction from us.
Continuing our stroll, I watch Aurelia’s cheeks flush as she stares at the ground. I know she’s incredibly shy, but her crush is unmistakable. I’m about to ask Aurelia if she and Stanik know one another when Violet cuts in.
“I wanna berrybun!” She shakes my hand a few times to get my attention.
I frown. “I don’t even know what that is.”
While staying in the North, I encountered many new types of food and sweets, which were quite delicious. However, what I miss most about the food from home is the sea salt. It is our main export in Cathros; it makes everything taste delectable.
“No, Violet. No sweets before supper.” Aurelia sighs. “I’ll bake some tomorrow.”
“Sissy!” Violet whines.
I watch them squabble with one another and can’t help but see myself and Valentin.
I can’t even imagine how he felt when he received the news that Avelisar had fallen, likely thinking that I was gone.
Once his grief subsides, he will be fuming, ready to take retribution on the Elvarrans.
I wish I could somehow let him know I am still alive and well.
A soft breeze unexpectedly brushes across my skin, drawing my attention. That’s strange… it hasn’t been windy all day. I glance in the direction of the wind and meet a pair of emerald green eyes watching me.
“Aurelia, I—”
She cuts me off. “Our hostel is a block away. Thank you for allowing Violet to see you. She has been begging me nonstop.”
“You leaving?” Violet whines as I bend down to her level.
I hold out my arms. “We’ll see each other again soon,” I reassure Violet, hugging her close.
“Goodbye, Raewees,” Violet replies.
“Listen to your sister for me, okay?” I tell her, standing upright.
“Okay,” she relents.
“I’ll see you at the castle.” Aurelia waves as they depart.
I cross the street towards Sebastian, his smile broadening as I approach.
He has this carefree presence today, body relaxed as he leans against the wall.
The top laces of his tunic are undone, showing off a part of his muscled chest. His brunette hair is artfully disheveled, the waves brushing his cheekbones.
“Hello, my lady.”
“I haven’t seen you in a while,” I say playfully.
“Are those the girls we had to scuffle in the alley for?” he asks curiously.
I nod. “The very same.”
“Then it was well worth it.”
“Indeed.” I glance back, watching them disappear down a nearby street. “I’m glad I could help them.” I turn my attention back toward Sebastian. “How were your travels?” I inquire.
The last time I saw him, Sebastian told me he would be leaving for two weeks, but it has been almost a month. I nearly forgot that he was returning to Khalessor. Dukes are quite busy, so maybe there was more to handle at home than expected.
He lets out a long sigh. “Nothing more riveting than paperwork.” Sebastian steps closer to me. “Promenade with me?”
“Sure,” I reply warmly, strolling down the street alongside him. “How long have you lived in Ashvarin?”
“All my life. When Gottfried ascended to the crown in Rykaris, he gave these lands to me,” Sebastian explains. “I am very grateful to him.”
I must tread carefully. “He sounds like an honorable man.”
“Very.” Sebastian beams. “You shall meet him one day.”
That is an interesting statement. It sounds more like a demand than a friendly suggestion. Sebastian acted cold toward me when I asked for favors and inquired about the rebellion, likely due to a lack of trust. I need to bond with him more to encourage him to open up.
I redirect the conversation. “Do you have any siblings?”
He shakes his head. “I am an only child.”
“Really?”
“Yes. My mother was a…” he hesitates for a moment. “Courtesan.”
If his mother isn’t high-born, then how did he manage to rise to the rank of a duke? His father must be an Elvarran lord or perhaps well-connected to Gottfried. It is worth trying to see if he knows anything.
“She must be proud of how high you’ve been able to ascend.” I smile, passing no judgment.
A warm radiance and pride fill his gaze. “Very. This rank has allowed me to take care of her, so she no longer has to work.” He folds his hands behind his back. “Your mother is no longer with us, correct?”
I frown. “Yes. Thalia is no longer with us.”
My heart breaks slightly at the lie, but I must keep up the appearances of my heritage.
No one can know about Isla. The secret must remain hidden at all costs.
If people find out, they could see me as the true heir to Rykaris and force me onto the throne.
Others may try to ransom me off like those bandits in Liora.
If that happens, I may never truly be free.
I need to keep moving and find a way to escape these chains that bind me.
“I’m so sorry.”
“It’s okay.” I smile. “It sounds like you’re close with your mother.”
Sebastian nods. “We are very close. She means the world to me.”
“My brother and I are the same.” I give him a sidelong glance.
He pauses for a moment, something lingering on the tip of his tongue. I can tell he’s choosing his following words carefully. “My king has taken an interest in you,” he finally says.
“Is that so?” I reply curiously.
My pulse quickens in my veins, but I keep my mask of indifference on my features. I have this gut instinct that Gottfried knows something. These were the games of court, after all, a constant grab for power and ascension, and perhaps he wants to separate me from Wrath.
“I know you said your ceremony in Avelisar was interrupted, but he’s offering you refuge in Rykaris if you’re being held here against your will,” Sebastian explains.
“Your king’s grace is boundless,” I lie, a tight smile on my lips. “I can see why you speak so highly of him.”
“Thank you.”
“As I’ve said, I’m not being mistreated here.” I look around at the piles of snow. “And I’m not sure this is the best time to travel as winter settles.”
“Of course.” He nods. “I’m merely extending his offer.”
“Is there a timeframe by which he needs a definitive answer?” I ask, knowing that his urgency will determine Gottfried’s motives.
Sebastian shrugs. “Not necessarily. Once you’re in Rykaris, you can send word to your brother.”
How dare he hold that over my head.
“Yes, my brother will be pleased to know I’m still breathing,” I comment, pivoting the conversation once more. “I do wish we could put this war between the North and South behind us. My time here in Khalessor has made me realize we’re not so different after all.”
His expression softens. “We’re not. We’ve allowed those in power to convince us we are enemies. It’s why I’m drawn to you. You are very open-minded compared to most humans.”
“Thank you,” I say gently, noting his choice of words. “And your king? What are his beliefs when it comes to humans?”
“The East is known for its leniency on tradition. We have many halflings living in Rykaris,” Sebastian replies, dodging my question about the King. “It was once the most popular Elvarran kingdom to reside in.”
“What happened?”
“They lost their beloved queen.”
My mother. A knife of unease twists in my gut. My mother passed, the curse began, and shortly after, the war broke out. It didn't explain the sudden exodus of the population from Rykaris to Khalessor. People fled Gottfried. Due to laws, taxation, or beliefs, they left him in droves.
They left him for Wrath.
“Do you know what happened to her?” I ask hesitantly, putting our trust to the test. If Gottfried had a hand in killing my mother, then I am going to get to the bottom of it.
“No. All I know is that it was very sudden and unexpected,” he replies coldly. “She was incredibly beloved. Rykaris has truly never felt the same.”
There’s something Sebastian isn’t telling me. I can feel it—his previous caution exchanged for a warm willingness to help me escape. Why the change of heart so suddenly?
“Do you think they were in love?” I push him further.
Sebastian’s smile wanes. “Sometimes, royals do not get the luxury of marrying for love. You know this firsthand.”
I give him a slight chuckle. “Trust me, I know.” We turn the corner, stopping at the base of the castle stairs. “How long are you in town for?”
“Until Noctalis.”
I nod. “I’ll consider his offer.”
“Of course.” Sebastian bows, striding off.
I can’t leave Khalessor yet. If I do, I’ll lose all the progress I’ve made. Aurelia has already proven useful, gathering some gossip in the castle halls for me. Kaia is working on our new business venture. I’ve swayed many minds at the tavern, blending seamlessly among the townspeople.
I’m ready to take the kingdom down.