Chapter 14
Allied kingdoms are a fickle task, just as allied relationships. Mutual agreements that do not fare well in every season. The sun is unforgiving.
My dress has a loose golden thread. My fingers pick at the shining fray and give it a tug. Seated in a small, dark hall lit with only a few of those torches that never burn down, I shift in my seat impatiently when a voice booms.
“That doesn’t explain her attachment to a life she has never lived,” Cedric argues.
The cess who met with me this morning have been explaining the curse again, even though they themselves barely understand it.
I begin to pluck feathers from a tufted pillow now.
The guards deposited me here after Cedric was called to deal with the missive.
And is still dealing with it now.
It’s late but the castle is awake. Their words are clear from the hall, my hearing crisper. “We are working to uncover what her psyche created during her time asleep, but for now, she needs to convalesce. Lady Liv needs rest,” another retorts – Henry.
That is an issue sometimes.
“She will have time to convalesce,” another voice chimes in, one I don’t recognize.
“Henry, the threat of the High Council stepping in is valid. No one has seen or had contact with Elivienne,” he pauses and clears his throat, “for two years. A high-ranking lady of the nobility, who is to be queen, gone missing. If that happens, we lose our chance at presenting other items in the future. Her presence is more than necessary for not only our sake, but for the whole kingdom. A united front,” Cedric growls.
“The High Council favors Lux, no?”
“Not if they think I have murdered my bride or allowed a blight to take out more lives without intervention.”
I know very little except that my presence was called upon by Duresden two days ago, before I woke, and naturally Cedric declined.
He explained that the messenger that was sent looked gangly and weak, almost afraid to do anything other than deliver the invitation, which explains the quick journey back to the castle.
This King Rolan, whoever he is, appears to be the main adversary against the kingdom I stand in now.
“Duresden knows not of her plight, to our knowledge. Any sign of weakness gives Rolan an upper hand, a hole he can penetrate through. Given her station, he has warrant. She is needed,” a different voice, velvet and deep, replies.
“We, of course, know he is using this meeting for other reasons. Disguising it as a friendly encounter but laced with ‘The High Council has missed the introduction of its promised member, Lady Elivienne. I would be happy to report back…’” Cedric drawls.
“We can’t answer an investigation if they called one.
And the land between us causes more issues year by year.
Let us build our own case, if necessary.
We know why Rolan is requesting our presence so let’s assure him our kingdom and its future is safe, secure and absolute. ”
“As long as Avonde clears it,” Henry sighs.
The following week, Avonde cleared it – as long as she could accompany the group on our visit, she clarified. The cess was clear that I had a choice in this. But leaving will give me a chance to breathe, to be free of this castle and the weight of it all. I can play another part, I assured her.
Nearly a month here and I understand the role of cess is larger than playing nurse. They appear to be respected as advisors and treated with the status of nobles or something higher.
“If you change your mind, you need only say the word and a messenger can begin the message chain to Duresden. Every twenty miles, a guard post is stationed with the fastest messengers in my legion, each race to the next post to deliver a message, ensuring there is no break in transportation. They may apparate or ride horseback, but it is incredibly effective.”
“I will attend, tell me where to be and when.”
This morning, I was attended to by a single maid who I have seen around the cottage only once before. She selected the gown and while she offered to kohl my eyes, I declined.
I’m now sat in the carriage, awaiting our departure when two voices approach. I steel my spine, the gloves in my hand wrinkled from my wringing.
“We’ll still attend,” someone says, opening the small door. Cedric steps into the carriage and pivots to sit on the bench. My bench. Where my body is. I clear my throat as he bends to sit and he jolts upright, turning to find my frozen form behind him.
“I’m sorry,” he winces, seating himself on the opposing bench. An unfamiliar male climbs in behind, his taupe shorn hair and golden eyes marking him as undeniably handsome. I give him a smile.
“We thought you opted to stay behind,” he breaks the ice, smiling fondly. I realize now how odd it is to essentially be meeting me again for many people in the castle. Those allowed to meet me, I suppose.
“I was told it would be a simple trip, one that was, um, imperative for –” I wave my hand around – “all of this.”
The male extends his arm forward and glances at my hand to be placed in his.
Proper court and all. He kisses it gently and introduces himself.
“My apologies, I am Garreth. Second to Cedric on the privy council, Commander of the Central Region, and incredibly more humorous than he.” His wink makes me giggle and I mark the roll of Cedric’s eyes.
“A pleasure.” I dip my head.
Shortly after, Avonde crawls inside. The cess pauses for a good look at all three of us, judging the energy before seating herself beside me.
The next five hours should be interesting.