Chapter 6 Iann #2
There is coughing that comes from the door and we both find Esha standing there uncomfortably. “I’m sorry to disturb you, Your Highness, but your father, the King, is requesting you meet him in the war room.”
Finishing my drink, I set it on the desk and stand. “Thank you, Esha. Tell him I’m on my way.” Esha bows and takes his leave.
Without a word or glance, I move past Thana.
“You will never find someone like me,” she calls after me, like it’s some kind of threat.
Turning to her, for a split second, I see the brilliant woman my heart once pranced for. But there is no prancing, no more critters that used to stir my stomach, or breaths that used to be caught with a simple look.
“Oh, I don’t know about that. I’m awfully good at finding things.” The corners of her lips twitch upwards. “But you’re right. I won’t find someone like you because…I’m no longer looking for you.” And then her smile vanishes.
Before she can retort, I walk away and head to the war room, leaving her alone.
“There he is,” my father shouts from across the grand room, his echoes traveling to me.
The war room is always the chilliest place in the castle.
The space is nearly the same size as our main ballroom and could hold a few hundred people if given the opportunity.
But I’ve never seen more than twenty in here at a time; a mix of ambitious people, ready to offer their opinions to the King.
Vast statues occupy the spaces on the blackened stone walls. All are replicas of the rulers who once controlled Saden. My father has one nearest the large, round table, and I imagine Marcel will have one of his own when the time comes.
Approaching the table, I see Marcel, my father’s advisor Kinnry, and one of our army commanders, Devona.
Kinnry and Devona stand and bow before I take my seat. Both are dressed up tonight. Like everyone else, they came for a celebration and didn’t shy away from fine linens and gold jewelry.
Despite the numerous fireplaces burning, a dark ambiance fills in the room, and I think that’s what the designer intended. This isn’t a room for the weak.
Taking a seat, my father holds up a letter.
The envelope on the table next to him is empty, the wax seal is a deep orange—a color closer to red.
The symbol on it is that of a fox with a crown on its head.
It’s not a seal we see often in this kingdom.
It’s one that could get someone killed if they aren’t an active member of the King’s court.
It is the seal of Haymel, and only those with official crown business are allowed to send and receive anything from the enemy territory.
“Queen Cayleen would like to arrange a truce between our kingdoms,” my father starts, and both Kinnry and Devona shift in their seats. “She has written in great detail what she requires and what she’s willing to give up if we agree to this truce.”
“Rich of her,” Devona says, under her breath before adjusting once again in her seat.
“She’s killed countless soldiers and citizens of ours and audaciously sends a letter demanding things of us?” Kinnry chimes in.
“We are kings and queens. We always make demands,” my father retorts.
“Of course, this will open up conversation for us to make demands of our own. It will also provide opportunities for trade and allow for easier travel between the kingdoms.” Reading further he continues, “She has also extended an invitation to a ball hosted in our honor. She wishes me to be in attendance.”
Devona leans forward in her seat, shifting in a dress that was made to look like armor but is much easier to move about in during events like these.
Her eyes are as clear as Lake Alma, an immense blue spreading throughout.
“If you don’t mind me being forthright, Your Grace.
” She waits for my father’s acknowledgment before continuing, “You, walking into Haymel after all these years, is a death trap. Surely, she will limit the number of guards we can send to protect you. She will have the advantage and Queen Cayleen will certainly use it.”
Leaning back in his chair, he props his elbows on the arms of his seat and folds his hands under his chin.
This opportunity is perfect for getting access to the flower. He can even use it as a bargaining chip in the truce. Giving Haymel access to trade and travel might allow us access to Farella Isle in return.
My father doesn’t speak, but I know that’s exactly what his mind is on. But I have to agree with Devona on this one. He would be walking into an ambush.
“Marcel,” he calls to my brother, whose gaze is caught in the silver swirls of the black wooden table.
He wears clothes similar to our father—a cream-colored coat embroidered with gold to match the crowns on their heads.
My father’s, of course, is bigger and carries stones far more precious than anything in the room.
“What would you do? Make peace with our enemies in the west or continue the division to ensure protection?”
He’s testing him. Always has. Deean and I would get a few political lessons here and there but never to the extent Marcel has received from him. As future king, he is to know all things about our way of life, and I wonder just how much my father has shared with him about this upcoming expedition.
Marcel clears his throat and pulls his eyes away from the table.
“I cherish and miss our grandfather dearly, but the war between our kingdoms started with him and Queen Cayleen’s father.
Not even she had anything to do with it.
Maybe it’s time to show our enemies redemption. ” He struggles to find a word.
“Redemption?” Kinnry grumbles, clearly against the extended truce. “Surely that will be seen as a weakness on our end.”
Marcel only smiles.
Looking back at my father, I can’t tell if he agrees or not. While redemption is a route someone like me would take, it doesn’t feel right coming from Marcel. I know my brother, and letting things go is not something that comes easily to him.
He once stopped speaking to me for an entire year because he thought I had destroyed one of his favorite telescopes when we were kids.
In actuality it was Deean, and it’s still a secret I haven’t shared to this day.
But Marcel only started speaking to me again because he wanted to play with my new toys.
Even after the incident with him and Thana, I didn’t resort to stooping so low.
I adjust in my seat before memories bring forth such cruelty; clearing my throat, I turn my attention to my brother.
“Let’s say we offer them redemption. You still think it wise to send our father there to potentially be attacked, or worse, killed? ”
“No, I don’t,” he responds like he already knew this question was coming. “I agree with the Commander. I think instead of sending the King, we aim a little lower.”
Instantly understanding his point, I interrupt him. “You? You’ll go in his place?”
“I’m less of a threat and not as important. I think it’s our best move.”
Kinnry and Devona eye each other, their expressions hard to read. Then a thought comes to me. It’s not something I want to do, but if I’m to go after the flower, it makes the most sense.
“Send me,” I say, turning to my father. “I’m not your direct heir and therefore not nearly as valuable, and I’m not a threat to her. I could convince her to open all of her roads and passages for trade.” The words come out slowly, making sure he gets the emphasis on what I’m trying to say.
My father leans his arms on the table, thinking over the opinions of everyone in the room.
“You will both go.” Marcel and I stare at each other in bewilderment.
“Sending two of my sons shows her there is no threat and no fear. If she wants to meet with me, then let this interaction be a test. Commander Devona will accompany you. I shall write the Queen of Haymel back and confirm your attendance at the ball. You depart in three weeks, so make the proper preparations. Now, go enjoy the night before it’s over. ”
Kinnry and Devona are the first to leave. Marcel takes his time but eventually exits the war room.
“Three weeks,” I say, sitting back in my chair. “Exactly the amount of time you told Rolley we would depart.”
My father grins. “The Queen’s letter arrived a few days after Rolley showed up and shared the story of his great-grandfather.
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect.
I didn’t make this clear before, but no one is to know of the flower or of your mission in Haymel.
You must convince the Queen to let you journey to Farella.
Lie. Scheme. Cheat. Do what you must. If she forbids it, then you have my permission to travel there without her knowing. ”
Shock ripples through me. Going there without her permission is a death wish and he seems to have no concern.
His eyebrows burrow together and he leans away from me. “Sorry,” he whispers. “Don’t put yourself in danger.” He reaches out and places a hand on mine. “Just promise me you’ll try to convince the Queen?”
“What’s going on? You don’t even know if this damn flower exists and you’re willing to risk your sons for it? Why this sudden obsession?”
“I wouldn’t ask you if it wasn’t dire. I can’t tell you anything, but I need this. I need this to be true.”
“Are you dying?”
“We’re all dying.”
My eyes roll. “Don’t be a smart ass. And that’s not a no.”
He chuckles. “No, I’m not. Just trust me on this.”
Again, he’s cryptic and there has to be something bigger at play here. Why do I always find it difficult to say no?
“I will go to Haymel for you. I will try to get permission to cross the Queen’s waters, but if she says no, I am coming back. I will not risk my life for a secret you’re not willing to share.”
“Fair enough.” He digs in his pocket and pulls out the black foxtail Rolley had given him.
“And while you’re there, do some digging on who may have left this.
Whoever works for the Queen and entered our lands without permission, is likely to know the whereabouts of Rolley’s great-grandfather.
” He stands, placing a hand on my shoulder.
“Go have fun before the night’s over. Pretty sure I saw Thana Hagens roaming about. ”
“Already saw her, and no thanks.” I tuck the foxtail into my pocket.
“For the best, I suppose. She kind of scares me. And your mother’s not too keen. Maybe you should let your mother try to find you a suitable match,” he teases.
“She already tried, but I snuck out when she was occupied with interrogating the women.” His laughs boom throughout the room, and I have little doubt he already knew of her plans.
“I thought her and her sister were up to no good. They’ve been sneaking about for the past few days.”
“Thanks for the warning.” His laughter continues to echo. “Goodnight.” I turn my back to him before I crack a smile, and leave him with his humour.