Chapter 9 #3
“No need,” Elowen said. “I was just leaving.” She twisted to face Amryn.
“I’m sure you and Carver are exhausted and want to rest tonight, but perhaps we can have dinner together soon?
I’m sure my father will be available, and Berron .
. . He may have other plans,” she said, the obvious lie falling heavily between them.
She winced apologetically before saying, “I’ll talk with Father and let you know.
” She didn’t wait for a response—which was just as well, because Amryn didn’t know how to tell her that she and Carver were leaving this place as soon as possible.
Immediately after the emperor’s meeting tomorrow, she hoped.
With a little wave, Elowen was gone.
Ahmi raised a questioning eyebrow.
“One of Carver’s sisters,” Amryn explained.
Understanding filtered over the maid’s expression. “Ah.” She glanced about the room. “Is the general here?”
“No. He’s in a meeting with the emperor.
” For the first time, Amryn truly looked at Ahmi.
The middle-aged woman must have had a quick bath while the Chosen had met with the emperor, because Ahmi was clean and looked quite refreshed, despite the weariness that clung to her after their hard journey.
It was the undercurrent of her nerves that had Amryn straightening. “Is everything all right?” she asked.
Ahmi’s throat flexed as she swallowed. “Yes. Of course.” She glanced at the guard stationed in the hall. He wasn’t looking at them, but he was undoubtedly listening.
Amryn stepped aside, waving for Ahmi to enter the room.
The maid did so, before closing the door with a soft click. When she turned to face Amryn, her hands were clasped loosely before her, her eyes lowered. “A palace maid has been assigned to you, my lady. She’ll be here shortly to take over my duties.”
Amryn’s breath caught. “You aren’t . . .
?” The question went unfinished, because of course she’d known Ahmi wouldn’t remain her maid forever.
Ahmi’s assignment as Amryn’s maid had been a temporary one.
And it made sense that she’d be anxious to return to the temple she called home.
Still, Amryn’s heart sank. Ahmi had provided gentle companionship over the last few months.
She had a calming presence that made her easy to be around—an invaluable trait for an empath, who was easily drained or overstimulated by others and their emotions.
Ahmi’s steadiness and gentle kindness had made her a perfect friend. Amryn would miss her—intensely.
Ahmi’s lips pressed together, her gaze flicking up to meet Amryn’s eyes. “It has been an honor to serve you, my lady. I admire you a great deal and have greatly enjoyed your company. I . . . couldn’t leave without saying goodbye.”
There it was. A flicker of desperation amidst her resolve. A crack that betrayed her reluctance.
Amryn held her gaze. “Are you set on returning to Esperance?”
Hope lit through Ahmi, though her expression remained carefully smooth. “Esperance has been my sanctuary for many years. I never thought to leave it.” She bit her lower lip. Old pain surfaced as she said, “I was married, once.”
Surprise lit in Amryn, because Ahmi had never spoken about her history.
“It was something my parents arranged,” Ahmi said. “He was an older man. A retired soldier who drank more than he should have. He often took his anger out on me.”
Amryn’s heart clenched. She had no words, other than, “I’m so sorry, Ahmi.” Saints, they weren’t enough.
But Ahmi gave her a small smile of silent thanks.
“After my husband died, I sought refuge within the church. My local cleric recommended me for a servant’s position in Esperance.
It was a perfect fit for me. And when we were told about the Chosen and the arranged marriages, and High Cleric Zacharias asked some of us to volunteer as a lady’s maid, I didn’t hesitate.
My situation was very different from yours, but I’d faced an unwanted marriage to a stranger.
I knew if I could be there for one woman in the same position—be able to keep an eye out for the abuses I suffered and help in any way I could—I needed to do so.
” She took a measured breath. “It took me time to trust Carver, especially with his military background, but he has proven to be a good man. I can see that he cares for you—and I know you care for him.” Her smile was tearful but sincere as she said, “I thank the Saints every day your marriage was nothing like mine.”
Awed by this woman’s strength and compassion, Amryn wrapped her arms around her, squeezing tightly.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
Ahmi returned her embrace, any thoughts of protocol lost between them in this moment. When Ahmi eventually pulled back, her eyes shined with unshed tears. “As much as I’m grateful to the church, and for my time in Esperance, I would like to remain with you. If you’ll have me as your maid.”
“Yes,” Amryn blurted, not even pausing to consider how she would pay for Ahmi’s services when she didn’t have access to coin. “Please. Thank you!”
Ahmi chuckled as the effusive words spilled from her.
“Thank you, my lady. Seeing your courage has inspired me to pursue a life outside the temple walls again. I’ll speak to High Cleric Zacharias tomorrow and tell him of my decision not to return to Esperance.
” Her lips quirked. “And I’ll tell the palace maid her services are no longer required. ”