11. Chapter 11
11
I n the days leading up to my departure, time seemed to blur together as I eagerly anticipated escaping this place and being rid of the Archenon men. I packed the few dresses and training clothes Jesri permitted me to bring, endured his stern lectures on proper court etiquette, and meticulously cleaned every corner of my room before he allowed me food.
I took a long look out my window, imprinting the colorful woods in my mind, hoping that wherever I went, I could feel as at home as I did when its vibrant beauty embraced me.
Below, the hustle of servants and guards I had grown up with lined the estate walls, prompting me to depart.
I descended the stairs and stepped out the estate doors, greeted by welcoming voices. Levon stood beside his ebony carriage, caressing his bay mare, nodding briefly at me before conversing with his footmen. I took a deep breath, the humid air filling my lungs and propelling me forward with readiness.
Against the wall, Darius stood tall, clad in his usual training leathers. He embraced me tightly before heading off with his men, leaving no trace of the blunt emotions I knew he was holding back. He gave me a wink and nod before Aoife threw her arms around me, crying into my hair.
"Don't forget me," she sobbed with a tease. "Be brave, my dear." She held my shoulders, her gaze piercing. "You're going to do amazing things, Eliah!"
I blinked back tears, thanking her for everything. She released me with a gentle pat on my cheeks before I approached Calum, standing tall and noble.
Although my anger towards him had subsided along with the tears shed after the quarrel with Darius, an unspoken tension lingered between us.
I had only caught glimpses of him throughout the week. He never allowed me to speak before slipping away, veering down another hallway, or leaving before dawn to avoid me.
I could sense that he was aware of the book I had burned, particularly after Jesri uncovered the makeshift fire in my room, causing a commotion for all to hear. Calum's response was uncharacteristically muted—he neither demanded an explanation nor offered one himself. His silence, a departure from his usual demeanor, left me bewildered and on edge, the uncertainty gnawing at me like an itch I couldn't scratch.
However, the only words I heard from him were behind the closed doors of Jesri's study two days ago as they argued over my departure, etching a relentless memory in my mind.
"It's unwise to let her out of our sight with everything happening! Why send her now? And with him!" Calum's voice boomed, causing the wall I leaned against to tremble.
"Enough, boy!" Jesri's voice thundered, reverberating through the halls and halting even the servants in their tracks. "We had an agreement! What's done is done, and I will tolerate no further discussion."
Calum cleared his throat, drawing me back to the present.
"My lady," Cal said, bowing and lightly kissing my hand. He swiftly straightened up and released my hand as his jaw tightened, glancing at Levon and then Jesri. Resentment burned in his golden eyes. Perhaps he, too, wanted to be free.
"Goodbye, Calum," I paused, lifting my head high, refusing to let myself cry for him. I began to speak, but before I could, he swiftly enveloped me in a hug, holding me tight and absorbing every last scent of me. I surrendered to his embrace, easing my tension.
"I'm so sorry," he whispered with a sob before releasing me and quickly retreating into the estate. I stood there, sifting through our memories together, every game, every laugh, and every argument, feeling good to let them go. To let go of every illusion and unfulfilled promise.
With determination, I walked past Jesri without a glance. Taking Levon's hand, I allowed him to guide me into his carriage, settling onto the plush, velvety seat with enthusiasm. I watched the two exchange words before Levon entered, sitting across from me with a smirk.
The sun was at its peak, casting a discomforting heat inside the carriage despite the open windows. I was thankful Aoife insisted I wear the plain white dress, which concealed my features and looked more like a nightgown, yet its elegant, silky material helped to alleviate the discomfort.
As the carriage tugged away, a flurry of butterflies stirred in my chest, tinged with emotions. Jesri walked inside as Aoife took out her white handkerchief, waving it frantically overhead as tears streamed down her face, mirroring my own. I returned her wave, feeling a rush of emotion swell up inside me as I saw her fade from view.
As we neared the gate, Darius and the other guards greeted me with bright smiles and salutes. Darius broke rank to bow swiftly, his smile now streaked with tears. As we passed through, they all broke formation, waving goodbye before closing the gate.
I kept my eyes fixed on the estate for as long as it remained visible, watching it shrink into a distant memory on the horizon. Despite the pressing tears, I willed myself to remain composed, determined to show strength even as my heart felt heavy with leaving behind everything I had ever known and unsure of what the future held.
I turned from the window with a deep breath. Levon was absorbed in a book, sitting regally in his white tunic and knee-high boots. I quickly glanced away, feeling uncomfortable being so close to him, and shifted my knees to avoid touching his. We sat in silence for what felt like an eternity, the quiet stirring my nerves.
Looking back out the window, I could no longer see the glittering sea. I wondered if I would ever see it again—or anything familiar, for that matter. A sense of dread replaced my earlier excitement as countless questions flooded my mind.
Why did Jesri do it? Why barter me to Levon for a Match ? Why was Cal acting so…distant? And how did this tournament connect to the Leonardian War and those Spellcasters?
Nothing made sense.
I grunted in frustration, massaging my temples to quell the relentless questions and swirling emotions.
Levon glanced up from his book, an eyebrow arched. "Is something troubling you, my lady?"
"Do you have more riddles for me, or do I have to beg to find out what this Match is about?" I demanded, irritation lacing my words.
His gaze drifted downward, and he closed his book with a soft thud. "Every year, King Thealor, like his ancestors, hosts mini-tournaments, spanning from dancing and jousting to baking and winemaking. All purely for pleasure," he began, his smile dimming. "But every few years, he announces a Match—where individuals blessed with talents, such as yours, are called upon."
"Talents like mine?" I scoffed, my voice wavering. "I'm not sure I would call it talent."
"What you have goes beyond talent," he murmured softly, his eyes locking onto mine with a sincerity that made me pause.
I narrowed my brows and laughed, a brittle sound. "Then what might these talents help me with in this Match?"
"Perhaps that's another part of the riddle you'll need to solve," he mused, his tone gentle but enigmatic, a faint smile hinting at a deeper knowledge he wasn't ready to share.
I stared at him, stone-faced and annoyed, but my resolve was crumbling. Letting out a long sigh, I decided I wasn't ready to beg…yet. "Where are we now?" I asked, trying to keep my mind from wandering.
He kept his grin, looking out the window. "It looks like we're still in Fernwen," he noted, briefly meeting my gaze. "We should reach the Desrin border in a few hours, where we'll stop at an inn." He stretched out his legs, which now rested on the edge of the bench I was sitting on. "Did you bring anything to keep yourself occupied?"
I curtly nodded, recalling the book I had stashed in my satchel that sat at my feet. Glancing out the window once more, I resisted the temptation to reach for it, knowing from past experience that focusing on a book while moving could lead to motion sickness, and I was not keen on spending the next few days in a smelly carriage.
Levon straightened up, returning his attention to his book.
"What are you reading?" I inquired, eager for any distraction to quiet my racing thoughts about the Match.
"Some war tactics that would likely bore you," he replied. I folded my arms, holding back a snarky retort.
"Planning to go to war anytime soon, hm, Sir Alder ?" I asked, growing irritated by his presumption.
He chuckled. "I wish, Eliah ."
I sat up straighter, taken aback by the comment. "Truly?" He looked up at me with amusement and nodded. I shook my head in continued disbelief. "Enlighten me then," I commented with more sarcasm than intended.
A grin played on his lips as he lowered the book. "About war tactics?" His voice resonated with the carriage's movements, purposefully evading my question. "You'll find out soon enough."
"No, why the desire for war?" I pressed. He furrowed his brows, the smile vanishing from his lips.
"Perhaps a tale for another time," he replied, lifting his book once more and returning to his reading. I rolled my eyes, shrugging off the dismissal.
I inhaled and bit my tongue, remembering Jesri's voice in my head about behaving. Slowly exhaling, I rested my chin in my hands, leaning against the window, and pushed aside my frustration.
As we journeyed on, the vibrations from the uneven path beneath the wheels reverberated through the carriage. The vibrant hues of the woods gave way to a sea of lush greenery, with towering pine trees and unusually thick trunks stretching as far as the eye could see. In the distance, mountain ranges emerged, their peaks obscured by clouds looming ominously close, obscuring our view as we approached.
I glanced back at Levon, who was now engrossed in writing something down in his notebook and couldn't help but notice his charm. His tunic draped effortlessly over his sculpted shoulders, revealing glimpses of his hazelnut skin beneath. My eyes traced the contours of his chest, following the rhythm of his breath. I observed the movement of his scarred hand, noticing how his fingertips had turned black from the charcoal stick he was using. His eyes shimmered with a sense of adventure, which I had always longed for, and I hoped this training might fulfill.
"Enjoying the view?" he teased. I snapped out of my trance and turned to look out the window. I struggled to swallow my embarrassment, but my neck and cheeks betrayed me, flushing with each jolt of the carriage wheels.
"I am," I replied softly before clearing my throat. "It's quite different out here." I caught the hint of a playful grin on his lips as he closed his notebook and retrieved a cloth to wipe his blackened fingers.
"The world is much bigger than those pretty woods of yours," he remarked.
"They were never mine," I muttered.
His smile dimmed. "Perhaps not, but they were a sight to behold." I dared a glance at him, and his emerald-blue eyes sparkled in the setting sun, deepening the color of my blush.
I cleared my throat in an attempt to clear my mind. "I'm ready to see what else the world has to offer," I said, and I meant it.
Leaning forward, he rested his elbows on his knees as the fabric of his open shirt exposed more of his chest. Sensing my gaze, he flashed me a sly smile and locked eyes with me. "I believe the world is ready to meet you."
I wasn't aware that I had fallen asleep when I was quickly jolted awake after Levon tapped his shoe against mine rather forcefully. My neck was stiff and pulsed with pain as I tried to move.
"We are almost to the inn," Levon said, holding back a grin. I looked out the window to see that the sky had dimmed to a dark violet color, with only the setting sun as our guide.
"Did I sleep long?" I asked, rubbing at my neck and stretching back my shoulders.
"No, although—" his lips turned up. "I was about to throw you out with that horrid snore you make."
"I do not!" I snapped. He only laughed, not giving me any indication if he were serious.
We were no longer in the thicket of trees but on a vast open landscape, embraced by rolling green hills and valleys dotted with the twinkling lights of nearby towns and scattered mountains in the distance. Seeing several settlements clustered together made the world feel more tangible, reminding me of my small place within it.
The horses trotted down a winding hill and approached the inn, which had large wooden posts with vines that roped around each one. Though the inn was much larger than I was expecting, it was homely, and as soon as we stopped, I quickly jumped out of the carriage, excited.
"Do I need to remind you of your role as a lady?" Levon teased, a playful glint in his eyes. "I hope you'll conduct yourself accordingly, especially when we dine with the king," he added, waving off the footmen and declining the use of a stepping stool.
"Conduct myself?" I countered, folding my arms with an animated pout. "You mean I can't stroll around in my training gear, taking out my frustrations on anything that crosses my path?"
Levon chuckled. "Tempting as that sounds, perhaps save it for the training grounds," he suggested. "And no one should be themselves around the king," he quipped, flashing me a cautious smile as he took my arm, leading the way towards the inn. Suppressing the urge to fire back a witty retort, I allowed him to guide me inside, exchanging a glance as we crossed the threshold.
He pushed open the large wooden door, and a wave of warmth greeted us. A plump woman carrying a basket of mixed vegetables paused mid-stride. "Oh, welcome! What can I do for you?"
"We'll need a few rooms for tonight," Levon replied, gesturing as the two footmen entered with our belongings.
"The only rooms I have left are with two beds," she said with a shrug, her gaze lingering on my arm linked with Levon's. Hastily, I released his arm and stepped back, realizing she assumed we were a couple. I was about to correct her when Levon spoke up.
"We will take them. Thank you, Madame—" he stopped, waiting for her name.
"Oh! Tyran, no. Only Mrs. Bestrum," the woman said, with her cheeks flushing. She walked over to a small table at the far end of the wall and grabbed two silver keys with a red ribbon on each. "Here you are," she said, placing them into Levon's hand. "Upstairs on your left. You can pay once you leave," she stated, hurrying with her full basket.
"Thank you, Mrs. Bestrum."
He pivoted, scooping up the bags, and gestured toward his footmen, who promptly fell into step behind us as we ascended the stairs. The wooden floor groaned under our weight, and distant voices and laughter reverberated through the corridor as we passed several doors, finally arriving at ours. Levon set the bags down with a thud and handed a key to one of the footmen, who swiftly disappeared into their own room carrying bags. Then, Levon slid our key into the lock, pushing the door open to reveal a stale room devoid of the cozy atmosphere downstairs. The two beds were cramped and uncomfortably close, with only a small stand between them, adorned with a solitary lamp. There was no bathing area, no vanity, no armoire.
"Levon, if you insist on lecturing me about proper conduct, may I remind you that we're sharing a room?" I remarked, gesturing towards the cramped space, clenching my jaw in frustration. Calum would be livid if he found out about this arrangement.
"Would you prefer to sleep in the carriage, my lady?" he retorted, his tone tinged with annoyance.
"What about—" I started, searching for an excuse. "What if I need to relieve myself during the night?" I trailed off, a pang of realization hitting me at how entitled I must sound.
He gestured down the hall and briskly entered the room, depositing my trunk on one bed and his on the other. Then, he stepped back out into the hall where his footman waited.
I closed the door with a resounding thud. How was I supposed to navigate this with him? I suppressed a groan, recalling Darius' advice to control my anger.
Fine. This was to be a new experience, a new…I hesitated, uncertain of what lay ahead besides potential disaster. Squashing the thought before it could spiral further, I made my way over to the bed.
Sinking onto the thin mattress, it groaned under my weight as I unraveled my braid. With a sigh, I slipped off my boots and kicked them underneath the bed. Stretching out my legs and arms, I massaged my tight neck and shoulders, still bearing the bruises from the evaluation.
As I stood up to move my trunk to the floor, the door swung open once more, revealing the two footmen with more of our belongings in tow. They piled the cases high into the corner before scurrying off as if afraid of my presence.
"Hungry?" Levon reentered the room, balancing two bowls of steamy stew, accompanied with a hearty roll.
"Yes!" I exclaimed, my stomach protesting loudly at the delicious aroma emanating from the food. Levon handed me one bowl before settling on the bed opposite me, the old mattress creaking with each movement.
"Why do your footmen seem to be afraid of me?" I inquired, sinking back onto the bed and sampling the stew. Surprisingly flavorful and spicy despite its less-than-appetizing appearance.
"You're the charming and quite attractive lady they've heard about for months," he said, taking a bite.
I sat there, a mixture of confusion and frustration evident on my face. "What do you mean?" I pressed. Levon remained silent, opting instead to shovel stew into his mouth while stealing nervous glances in my direction. "Levon," I demanded.
He finished his meal and set the bowl down on the small table between the beds. "Jesri is quite the storyteller," he remarked, reclining on the bed with his feet dangling off the edge.
If I could only strangle Jesri right now, I would. His mastery lay not in truth but in weaving webs of deceit, and I could only imagine the elaborate tales he had spun for Levon.
"I'd wager he painted me as the epitome of desirability, destined for greatness, yet claimed my life in Fernwen was much too mundane for someone of my talents ," I began, my voice thick with bitterness. "He likely bribed you to whisk me away, to toughen me up for whatever this Match may be, and parade me before the king like a prized possession—all so Jesri could revel in the glory and earn respect within the Royal household." I paused, taking another bite of my meal.
Levon propped himself up on his arm, his gaze piercing as he studied me intently. He parted his lips to speak, but I interjected before he could utter a word.
"Hm? Was that not correct?" I challenged. "Perhaps he paid you handsomely to whisk me away and parade me before the King's Court, all so he could swoop in as the heroic rescuer of his damsel in distress? Hoping that by showcasing his efforts, he would earn admiration from those around him, who would then urge him to stay, forge alliances, or resort to whatever means necessary to paint himself as the hero!"
Levon shook his head, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "You certainly have a vivid imagination, my lady." Levon's emerald gaze bore into mine, unwavering and steady. "Don't let yourself get upset over crushed flowers, Eliah," he advised, his voice calm but firm. "Your emotions are written all over your face, in your body language. Don't let it show."
I rolled my eyes in annoyance, utterly defeated. This anger, an unwelcome intruder, seemed to hold me in its grasp with unrelenting force.
"Then what did Jesri tell you, Levon?" I inquired, my words dripping with sarcasm.
"He simply claimed he had a beautiful young lady in need of a better life," Levon replied calmly, his demeanor unruffled despite the storm brewing within me.
I clenched my jaw, fighting back the urge to hurl my bowl across the room, channeling all my frustration into maintaining control, remembering Darius's words to trust him.
A better life?! If he truly wished for me to have a better life , then why subject me to such cruelty for as long as I have been breathing? I scoffed bitterly, realizing, once again, it was all just a facade.
"I don't believe you. Why else would Jesri allow you to take away his prized possession unless he also stood to gain something? You two had an arrangement, and I'm merely the pawn in your little game," I retorted, rolling my eyes and gritting my teeth, struggling to contain my anger.
Levon's demeanor softened, a hint of sympathy creeping into his expression. "He could be rash at times—" he paused, holding up a hand as I laughed bitterly.
"He was exceedingly cruel to you, Eliah. And while it's true that we have an arrangement, I assure you that you will be looked after in my care. I did not enjoy watching you suffer. Not even a prized possession merits such harsh treatment. You have my word, Eliah. You will be cared for, and you will succeed."
His words extinguished the flames of anger burning within me. I sat there, rendered speechless, simply staring at him before nodding in gratitude and silently finishing my stew. I yearned for a better life—one where I could shed the label of an orphan and thrive with strength and resilience.
He broke the silence. "So, you've never ventured beyond Fernwen?"
"No," I admitted, pausing briefly. "I've been to town on special occasions, but I was never allowed to venture beyond Fernwen." Except for that one time when Jesri permitted Calum and me to ride to the Western Sea Port for important business matters in his carriage. I couldn't help but chuckle at the memory, recalling how I ended up getting sick and decorating the carriage with the contents of my stomach. Jesri was furious, and he never allowed me to ride in his carriage again after that incident.
"Was there a reason?" he asked quietly.
I shrugged my shoulders. "Jesri likes to keep his possessions close…" I trailed off, suddenly aware of the irony in my words, given that he was the one forcing me to leave.
"Well," he leaned back, his head resting against the wall. "The world is vast—much bigger than you might imagine. It's a place of contrasts, Eliah. Not every garden or flower is in full bloom; shadows linger in even the brightest places. But there is also light, goodness, and beauty amidst the darkness; you just need to look for it."
I nodded, eager for the new adventure that awaited, yet unable to shake the feeling that darkness still clung to me like long, spidery fingers that pulled me deeper into its web. It was as if the echoes of my dreams were warning me, whispering secrets I couldn't quite decipher.