Chapter 22 #3
“Since the events of that night are off-limits”—I eyed Valeena conspiratorially, at which she fell into a fit of giggles—“may I ask if you were ever arrested by the kingsfae for your plans to raid Mistvale’s shores?”
Varkin shook his head. “My lovely wife used her connections with the royal family to waylay my arrest, but my father was rather unhappy with my defeat.”
I leaned forward more. “Oh dear, that sounds like it may have been worse than being arrested.”
Varkin shrugged. “I’m not sure how much you know about my father, but King Drachu has many, many children. Most of us were born of his concubines. I’m no exception, but he still endeavors to discover which of his children have traits that may serve him. Alas, I failed miserably.”
My lips downturned in sympathy that Varkin had likely been shunned by his father.
Varkin chuckled and shook his finger at me.
“Now, none of that. I can see that you’re feeling sorry for me, but worry not, Princess Primelle.
I may not have much contact with the Lochen king, but that doesn’t mean my entire family has shunned me.
Even though I’ve spent most of my life on land with my mother’s family, and have only returned to the sea on occasion, I do have a number of Lochen brothers and sisters who are still happy to welcome me into their homes. ”
“Indeed, we’ve even met a few at family functions when they’ve agreed to spend time on land with us,” Lillith chipped in. “Isn’t that right?”
Koraline inclined her head, and at her side, Neb added, “I think I met one of your brothers last summer. What was his name? Tyler or something like that?”
“Tylen.” Varkin corrected, then laughed. “And yes, you all met him last summer, but as I said, there’s many of them. You’ll inevitably meet more in the seasons to come.”
“Which also means we have plenty of homes to visit if we go to sea,” Valeena chipped in. “I do adore the cities beneath the waves.”
“Do you visit them often?” I asked.
Vordem cut in, “Not often enough. She’s usually here annoying us.”
Valeena slugged him in the shoulder but went on to tell me about the trip she’d taken last season to Vemil Brasea, the Lochen capital in the Adriastic Sea.
Despite being only a quarter Lochen fairy, Valeena had inherited the ability to shift into the fish-like creatures the Lochen fae could turn into, something her brothers couldn’t do.
My delight increased at her story and her family’s easy banter.
It was in such contrast to the annoyance emanating from Darius and the stiff posture my aunt Crisillin wore.
My uncles on my father’s side appeared more open, but I couldn’t help but wonder if extended family gatherings could be awkward.
But I supposed only time would tell about that too.
After Valeena finished her story, my mother patted my hand and at last made a proper introduction to Neb. Even though Koraline still looked down her nose at me, Lillith seemed to be warming to me, and Neb had good enough manners not to share in my oldest sister’s snubs.
The clock rang noon when everyone finally stood, and my father sauntered to my side to give my hand a squeeze. “And that, my darling, is everyone. Welcome to the family, Primelle.”
Even though I was hoping to speak privately with my parents so I could request that I start researching what was known of the creatures, my parents insisted that we all spend the rest of the day together so I could become better acquainted with my extended family.
I figured after the familial duties were done, I could corner my parents and ask them if I could be released from the palace each day to venture to the libraries. But at least the rest of the day didn’t involve sitting inside.
Instead, my entire family sauntered to the outdoor stables so we could all enjoy a ride over the palace lands on the royal domals. I only thanked the gods and goddesses that Gwen and Timith had insisted I take riding lessons as a child. Otherwise, I likely would have been thrown from the saddle.
As it was, I enjoyed the activity. The fresh air and sunshine helped me forget momentarily about the attack in the maze, and my Lochen cousins proved to be as pleasant as the weather.
Darius, on the other hand, I could easily do without seeing again anytime soon.
He was constantly complaining about something or another, and his mother wasn’t much better.
My poor uncle Leopold also seemed to share in my desire to keep his distance.
Not once did I see him ride by either his wife or son.
My Imperial Warrior followed me on his own domal throughout the venture, and I could tell from Royden’s expression that he wasn’t a fan of domals even though he was skilled enough in the saddle to keep up.
“Lovely day, isn’t it, Primelle?” My uncle Arnel trotted up to my side. His mustache gleamed golden in the sunlight, and I was struck again by how much he looked like my father.
“Indeed.” I tilted my chin to smile at him. “Do you ride often?”
“Not usually. The last time I did so was about six months ago when I visited. My brother does love his domals.”
I cocked my head. I hadn’t known that about my father. When acting as Roosep, my father had never mentioned his love of riding.
Arnel studied me, then frowned. “I imagine all of this is a shock to you, given that you only learned of your true parentage in the past week.”
I shrugged sheepishly. “It has been a bit of an adjustment.”
Arnel moved his domal a bit closer to my mare. “If you ever want more information about our family or history, feel free to visit my home’s library. I’m a bit of an enthusiast in that aspect and have collected many family history books. Perhaps that would make you feel more of a Manafold.”
I perked up. “Oh? I do love to learn of history.” But then my happiness dimmed. “I suppose it will have to wait, though. Your brother’s forbidden me from leaving palace grounds, for now, at least.”
Arnel smiled in an appeasing manner. “Ah, yes, the attack last night in the maze. I can understand his concern, but I can assure you my wards are just as strong as the palace’s, and since I don’t have any shifting hedges, they should hold just fine.
So if he ever changes his mind, you’re welcome at any time.
I reside only a few hours carriage ride from here, so if you’d ever like to scour my home library and are allowed to, you’re very welcome to do so. ”
I beamed. “I do love a good library. That’s such an enticing offer.” I sighed. “But for the moment, I must decline. Thank you, though. That’s very generous.”
He shrugged. “I just want you to feel welcome, and if I’d known you were alive, I would have extended the offer sooner before all of this craziness happened.”
A genuine feeling of kinship coursed through me. “Thank you, Uncle.”
He nodded a farewell, then heeled his domal forward to join my father and Leopold.
My cousins’ laughter rang through the air, and I considered my uncle’s offer again.
Most likely, the larger libraries in the land were where I would find answers about the creatures, but maybe, just maybe, his home library was worth pursuing as well.
And if he truly took an interest in our unique family history, perhaps something was buried in his books and tomes that could give me a clue as to why I was being pursued and singled out by whoever was after me.
All in all, my thoughts only strengthened my belief that I had to convince my parents to release me from the palace grounds so I could hunt for answers. Time was ticking, and as the attack had shown last night, we had no idea when our enemy would next strike.
When we finally returned to the stables, it was late afternoon, and the palace grounds were awash in activity. A dozen other fae nobles were also about, most on domals but others simply standing in groups and talking. From what I could see, they were all from the various Houses.
I’d met the majority of them the evening prior, but there were a few faces I didn’t recognize.
“Ah, there she is.” Lady Ryderdim eyed me from where she sat atop her own domal. “Princess Primelle in the flesh.”
I rode closer to her, then dismounted and glanced at the other fae surrounding us warily. I had the distinct feeling they were talking about me since many of them were whispering and glancing in my direction.
The elderly House leader eyed me from atop her steed, which kept pawing at the ground. “The princess of the hour has joined the royal family for a ride, it seems.”
“Indeed, Lady Ryderdim. It’s a pleasant day for one.
” I forced my attention away from the whisperings and smiled up at the Ryderdim House leader.
Movement from around the stable drew my attention.
Nathaniel was there too, speaking with a few fae near the domals.
“It’s lovely to see you again,” I added.
The older female’s lips pursed. “Is it?”
My smile wobbled at her cool tone. “It is. I’d hope to see you soon.”
She placed a hand on her hip and arched an eyebrow. “Why? So you could lie to me more?” She huffed. “Truth be told, I’ve been hoping to see you too, simply so I could say that to your face.”
For a moment, I was speechless, and Royden also dismounted and took a step closer to me. Silently, his hand went to his blade.
Lady Ryderdim scoffed in the warrior’s direction. “Oh please. I’m not threatening the princess,” she snapped at him. “I’m merely voicing my discontent with her.”
“I’m sorry . . . I don’t understand,” I stammered.
Around us, my cousins’ frequent laughter died, and the chatter from the other nobles faded. I didn’t have to look to know that everyone was listening to us.
“Did you not hear me, Princess? I said you lied to me.”
“Lied to you, how, Lady Ryderdim?” Genuine confusion swam through me.