Chapter 35
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
It takes some time to walk to the castle barracks, where I hope I may find Stanik.
I walk to the outer bailey, approaching a large stable.
Some Elvarran soldiers sneer at me as I pass.
Strangely, I don’t feel like I’m in danger.
Wrath—Casimir—will end any man who lays a hand on me.
The knowledge sends a strange confidence surging through me.
“Raelys?” A deep voice calls out.
I stop and see Marek sparring with another soldier nearby. His brunette hair is messy from training, his face smudged with sweat and dirt. He sheathes his longsword into its scabbard as he approaches me.
“Hi, Marek.” I smile at him.
“What are you doing here?” His eyes narrow at me.
“I’m looking for Stanik.”
“Why?”
“It’s personal.” I shrug.
Marek walks me to the main building. Pushing open the door, he guides me inside. Barnham and Stanik discuss something with each other, the two of them leaning over the table.
“Why are you here, Raelys?” Barnham eyes me suspiciously.
“I need to speak with Stanik.”
“Why?”
“It’s about the… offer,” I say hesitantly, unsure if I should divulge such private matters to Marek and Barnham.
“I asked for Lady Aurelia’s hand,” Stanik explains.
“The kitchen girl?” Barnham deadpans.
Stanik nods. “A short promenade, Raelys. Then I must return.”
“Sure thing.” I clasp my hands in front of me.
We exit the building, strolling through the barracks. The soldiers around us hone their skills with swords and bows despite the freezing temperatures. I wonder if they use the winter season to improve their skills, rather than to rest.
“And?” Stanik asks nervously.
“She has accepted.” I smile, watching him light up beside me. “Aurelia hopes you could help her sister find an apprenticeship somewhere to learn a useful craft. She is happy to move into your residence.”
“Today is the greatest day.” Stanik sighs in relief.
I chuckle. “May the gods bless you both.”
“Thank you, Raelys.” He stops at the edge of the barracks, turning to face me. “You have done me a great service—one I will not forget.”
“I have a task that requires your expert bow,” I tell him quietly.
“What is it?”
“You see, someone is sending a pigeon to my brother. I need to intercept it,” I tell him the truth, hoping my mark won’t burn. “It’s supposed to go out tomorrow.”
“Then you must wake before the sun rises and meet me at the castle's west side in the forest,” Stanik replies in an equally low tone. “Before they send the morning rounds.”
I nod. “All right.”
“One favor,” he says seriously. “Then we are even.”
“Understood.” I nod, exiting the barracks.
Entering the castle, I turn left and walk through the busy halls. Due to the number of guests staying for the festivities, the castle is far more lively than usual. I scan each group, straining my senses to hear any side conversations or hushed whispers on my way back to my room.
I spot two dukes in the hall. I recognize them both from Noctalis.
The taller, red-haired one is Lydia’s husband, Alec Wulfstan of Salasyr, and the menacing, amber-eyed one is Nikolas Sterling of Thalvar.
Their conversation quiets as I pass, Nikolas turning to take notice of me.
I need to speak with Alec privately, as I’m desperate to know more about Lydia’s whereabouts.
“Pardon me,” Nikolas speaks.
I stop walking. Nikolas steps closer, his tall form looming over me. He’s trying to intimidate me; I see it in the measured stillness of his stance, in the smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. But I won’t fall for that.
“Your Grace.” I give him a slight bow out of courtesy, playing the game.
“You’re a long way from home, Princess,” he taunts.
“Undoubtedly,” I reply plainly, not giving him any information he can use against me.
“All of Avelisar is gone, but you’ve remained.” Nikolas insinuates that something suspicious occurred.
“Really?” I lighten my tone to feign surprise. “I hadn’t noticed.” I skirt around every one of his tactics, knowing precisely what he’s trying to get out of me.
Nikolas chuckles. “Tell me why the blade is keeping you here.”
“I’d like to have a word with the Duke of Salasyr.” I deflect his question.
“Oh, do you? Sebastian didn’t fuck you well enough?” Nikolas sneers. “He’s married, concubine.”
I bite down on my tongue. He’s purposefully trying to get a rise out of me, and I won’t allow him to see me squirm.
Nikolas is likely taking retribution out on me for when I destroyed Horatio’s reputation at the ball, or perhaps I got in the way of one of his plans.
Either way, I abhorred this man simply because of the way he talked down to me.
“That’s enough, Nikolas,” Alec pipes up, stepping closer to us.
“Until next time, Princess,” he mocks, sauntering away.
“This way.” Alec walks in the opposite direction. “You wish to speak with me?” he asks curiously.
“Yes.” I walk alongside him. “You wouldn’t happen to be married to Lady Lydia Leonora, would you?”
He nods. “I am. Are you acquainted with her?”
I’m in complete disbelief. “She was my lady in waiting back home in Cathros. Lydia is one of my closest friends. When you return to Salasyr, can you tell her I miss her dearly?”
Recognition dawns on Alec’s features. “You’re the Princess of Cathros?”
I nod.
“Lydia has spoken to me in great detail about you. Her father, Duke Raoul Leonora, is one of my longest trade partners in the South.” Alec smiles.
“I did not realize who you were when I met you at the ball. Lydia grieved your loss for weeks. I thought there were no survivors from the attack on Avelisar.”
My brows raise. “I’m the sole survivor.”
“Well, you’re very fortunate,” Alec remarks.
No one knows about my deal with Casimir.
“Is Lydia happy here in the North?” I pivot the conversation. I care deeply for Lydia. If she is close, then I need to find a way to contact her.
“Very much so. Lydia is soft and kind.” Alec’s blue eyes grow distant as he thinks of her, radiant even. “I am deeply in love with her.”
“I am very pleased to hear that,” I reply, relieved she’s well taken care of. “Her happiness means a great deal to me.”
“You are an excellent friend. Lydia speaks very highly of you,” he continues. “I wish I could do more for Cathros. I’m quite fond of the South.”
“You are?” I ask in surprise. “Is that why you are pledging your house to Rykaris?”
“I am torn.” He sighs. “I am trying to make right for my predecessors' past transgressions. The Wulfstans have a history of being… bloodthirsty.”
I nod, slowly taking in his words as I remember the history book I read with Casimir. Warrick’s thirst for power caused a war among the Elvarran kingdoms, and Alec has likely spent most of his days trying to repair his family’s name.
“If Erynthe allies with Rykaris, that will leave Cathros vulnerable,” I explain. “If Cathros falls, then Dratheria is done.” I argue my point, hoping he will come to my aid. Perhaps with Lydia on my side, we can sway Alec to protect our home.
“I agree with you,” Alec replies. “I have tried to stay neutral for as long as possible.”
“I’m working on the King and my brother,” I tell him. “Don’t decide until spring if you can. I will correct this.”
Alec hesitates for a moment, but then relents. “All right.”
“Thank you,” I say graciously.
“You’ve got that Valantis fire, I’ll give you that.” Alec chuckles. “I’m sure Lydia will be begging me to visit you as soon as she knows you’re alive and here in Khalessor.”
I smile. “I await the day we are reunited.”