Chapter 23 Iann
IANN
Only a fool is stupid enough to not have gone in for a kiss. Memories of her opulent, blush pink lips, which my eyes were fixed to all night, taunt me. Every blatant sign she placed right in front of me, only for me to ignore. I am a fool.
In the morning, I wake to the sound of metal scraping against clay. A painful noise to one’s ears.
Shooting up, I find Deean in the corner tearing away at a piece of bread and shoveling a fork full of meat in his mouth.
“There he is.” He’s annoyingly chipper this morning.
I respond to him through the palms of my hands, rubbing at tired eyes. “I had one glass of champagne, why do I feel like my body has been chained and pushed off a plank into icy water?”
“I suspect benten or maybe lorice.” He moves on to a bowl of fruit. “They drop concoctions into drinks down at the tavern. Makes for a better night but results in wicked mornings.” He tosses the fork to the side and wipes his face. “I see you had fun though.”
“And not as much fun as you. They add truth serums?” No wonder the taste of the champagne was off.
Lorice is a common mixture made by apothecaries.
One I have used to get people to confess the whereabouts of hidden treasures.
But never have I been on the receiving end.
The thought of Ariah dropping it in my glass crosses my mind, but she also appeared loose-lipped and answered all my questions without hesitation.
It must have been the man who stopped her near the table. I’ve seen him around watching us.
I stumble out of bed and take hold of whatever he has in his cup. The heat warms my fingers. Thankfully it’s straight tea.
“You and Ariah got pretty close.” Ignoring him, I plop onto the chair across from where he sits. “What do you think of her?”
I wave a hand in confusion. “What do you mean?”
“It’s a pretty straightforward question.”
Tapping a finger at the edge of my chair we stare at each other. “I have a confession.” My mind spins and though it’s against my better judgment to share, I need to unload some guilt. “I invited her to Farella with us. And I may have also told her about the flower.”
His face melts into a mixture of fury and confusion, causing some turbulence of my own.
“I had to twist your damn arm to get me to come, and even then, I ended up having to be a stowaway to be here. You meet a woman, you have one deep conversation with her, and then ask if she wants to go?” He throws his napkin on the table.
“Absolutely ridiculous. Did you at least sleep with her?”
A pounding on the door saves me from answering and ends the discussion. Deean gets up to resume his role as courtier, a role he keeps forgetting.
We’re not done, he mouths before opening the door.
To both of our surprise it’s Benny who bows and rests his arm against the door frame. Slightly hunched over and profusely out of breath.
“There’s a problem,” he utters between battered breaths. “It’s Esha.”
Benny leads Deean and me across the castle and into the other wing where the workers stay and shows us to Esha’s bed, where he appears to be lying on his back, lifeless. “He didn’t get ready with the rest of us. When I tried to wake him, he didn’t stir.”
My fingers locate a slow beating against his wrist, but his skin is far too cold.
“And?” Deean asks me.
“He’s alive.” Leaning close I catch the scent of nightshade and newetberries. “He reeks of poison, though.”
For the entirety of our stay, I’ve been worried that something would happen to Marcel or myself. Eating, walking through corridors, especially going into the main village comes with great anxiety. Never did I think Esha would be the one to fall victim to a blatant attack.
“Why him?” Deean whispers. He looks around as if we are being watched at this very moment. “Not to belittle him, but what value can someone get out of poisoning him? He is a servant without much to offer.”
“Maybe he saw something,” Benny replies.
“Possibly. Or maybe he was confused for someone else,” I suggest, reeling in both Deean’s and Benny’s attention.
“If lorice was overflowing last night, maybe more secrets were found out than intended. Benny, go share the details with Harpen and have him alert Marcel. Deean and I will see if the Queen has an apothecary who is capable of making an antidote.”
Benny leaves as Deean and I search for Ariah, she might be able to help us with a cure.
Deean hits panic mode and recants details about last night. While I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if he let him being a prince slip, he swears he didn’t say anything at last night’s party.
Rounding one of the corridor corners, we nearly collide with Queen Cayleen. “Our apologies, Your Grace,” I say as Deean and I bow.
“Prince Iann. We missed you at last night’s dinner.” She strokes the flaming fur of a baby fox, and I spot the golden fox we gifted her, standing at her side. “I can’t fault you, I would be tempted to attend one of Lady Arranella’s parties myself, if given the opportunity.”
She looks me over and then eyes Deean. “You both look flushed. Is there something the matter? I like to know all things happening within my castle walls.”
“It’s one of my men.” I’d rather ask Ariah about the apothecary but there is no knowing where she is, and Esha may not have long. “He has been poisoned and I would like to have your apothecary assist him.”
She snaps a finger and a man with the most golden hair and blue eyes steps forward. It’s the man from last night, the one who stopped Ariah and potentially contaminated my drink.
“Skyleen, go with Prince Iann’s courtier and help in any way possible. Guards, go ask the workers if they have seen anything untoward and track down who would do this.”
I nod to Deean, forcing him to follow Skyleen. At her command the others scatter until it’s just the Queen, me, and one other guard.
“I hope you don’t think this is a direct act from the crown? I assure you, maintaining our newfound alliance is of the utmost priority.” Black lace claws at her neck and the pearls in her earrings dangle, drooping down to her shoulders.
“No, not at all.” I fill the corridor with lies.
“Good.” With her free arm she interlocks it with mine and leads us down the hall. “Bad blood isn’t good to have during one’s visit. The last thing we need is more tension between our kingdoms.” We continue strolling the corridor and that same feeling of being watched creeps up.
“I was thinking about your proposal the other day. The one to expand trade.” My attention is hers. The words make me forget about all other pressing manners. “I think it would be good for our kingdoms.”
“You do?”
“Don’t be so surprised. I’m not as cold-hearted as stories make me out to be.
Your suggestion is a reasonable one.” Letting go of my arm she stops and pivots towards me.
“I’ve heard grand stories of the great explorer prince.
And even grander stories of my precious Farella Isle.
I assume it’s a desired destination of yours. ”
I give her a pitiful smile. “I’ll make you a deal,” she continues, “I’ll grant you access to Farella, but you must bring your findings back here and they shall be split fairly.
Although, I do warn you, those lands have been closed off to travelers for a reason, and I’m certain you’ll find much more trouble than treasure. ”
She wants the flower, and much like my father, she is counting on me to locate it. Even if there is something worth finding, my father will not permit me to come back to Haymel. Nor would I risk the return to this kingdom. But all she needs is my word, even if it is a lie.
“Fair enough.” And I watch my agreement pull a smile from her, one far from joy and closer to deception.
“Well then, you have permission to travel my lands anytime you’d like.
” She locks her arm back with mine and proceeds into her throne room.
It is far grander than the one in Saden and looks exceptionally polished and decorated for tomorrow’s masquerade.
Orange and white azaleas fill the room, a sight that would have my mother hyperventilating.
“As one of our special guests tomorrow, I want to make sure you are ready for the festivities. Do you already have an outfit? If not, we can fashion something quickly.”
“Yes, Your Grace. I brought appropriate attire with me.”
“Good.” Her arm slides away from mine as a servant brings over a tray. The scent is heavenly. “Spiced pear tarts. A specialty dessert in Haymel. Do try one.”
The servant lowers a tray of the flaky golden tarts. Saden is not accustomed to having pears and only receives them through trade. Most of the supply is dispersed amongst the palace and other noble homes.
My mouth waters as a parade of butter and spices floods my awareness. I resist the urge to take more. There are more important matters, and this is all beginning to feel like a distraction.
“Of course, you will need a date.” She tosses her unfinished portion of the tart on the tray and pets her fox once again. “After careful consideration, I’ve chosen Vera to escort you tomorrow.”
“Vera?” Smothering a cough with my hand, I turn my face from her afraid it will give my emotions away.
Does she think I am some child who is incapable of selecting for myself?
And Vera is beautiful, well spoken, clearly educated, and possesses a spiciness that is enough to keep me engaged, but her face isn’t the one that comes to mind.
“Isn’t Ariah tasked with helping me?” I turn back, focusing to keep my face unreadable.
“Surely she can remain with me during the ball and my brother can carry on with Vera.”
She clicks her tongue and steps towards me. Her shoulders rise and there is a pinch between her eyebrows. “I would love to provide that option for you, but Prince Marcel insisted on having Ariah as his date. I’m afraid I must oblige to his needs first, being that he’s the heir of Saden.”
The fingers of my right hand fan out, spreading as far as they’ll allow before curling into a fist. Blood thrums through my hand spreading a flame that ignites my body, scorching my face.
“I’m afraid I have to go.” I bow to Queen Cayleen and storm out of the throne room. She mumbles something but I don’t hear the words, nor care to hear them.
Memories of an all too familiar scenario resurface. This isn’t the first time Marcel has taken an interest in what’s mine. He and Thana were caught by Deean years ago. In that instant, the longest and only relationship I’d ever had ended. Ultimately saving me, but scaring, nonetheless.
There were encounters after Thana, but a jaded heart makes for a terrible companion, and even worse lover.
Ariah feels different than the rest. There is a constant need to be in her presence. Excitement in wanting to share stories with her and a longing for her to reveal pieces of herself.
Though we are nothing, and I can’t call her mine, it’s knowing Marcel took something I desired for himself that pains and infuriates me.
I forgave him once, but I would rather a poison stop my heart before I do it again.