As we grew closer, a look of dismay crossed his face. “By heavens, it can’t be… Percifal? Is that really you?”
“Good day, Sir Dante. Yes, it is I. Your eyes don’t deceive you.”
His jaw clenched as his gaze hardened. I did my best to remain small and insignificant beside Percifal.
“You left us over two springs ago. We have no use for you anymore. Why have you returned to the gates of Aquila, Sir Lacrima,” he added Percifal’s title with a sneer.
“Ease your mind. I don’t wish to regain my position as constable. I left only to try to gain support for our kingdom so we would have a better chance in the war. I understand how it must have looked.”
He seemed like he didn’t believe what Percifal was saying, but then I saw a shadow of doubt cross his face. “Well, you sure left at a convenient time, but perhaps you are telling the truth. Who am I to decide? As your family is a friend of the crown, you may enter. King Zaeden will be made aware of your return. If you were indeed trying to aid our kingdom, I’m sure he will forgive your absence.
“No need to inform the king of my return. I will be visiting him first. He was, after all, the one who ordered me to travel to Solis.” Percifal locked eyes with the guard.
Sir Dante blinked a few times. “How could that be true? King Zaeden was outraged when you left.”
“Do you truly believe King Zaeden tells you all of his plans? It was a scheme, you imbecile.”
The guard scratched his head and laughed nervously. “Well, there you have it. I guess there’s more going on than I know.”
He actually bought Percifal’s story. I couldn’t believe it. Either Percifal still had the trust of the guard, or he truly was an imbecile.
Now, tell me, who’s this fiery red head you’ve brought with you?” I felt his hungry eyes look me up and down.
I willed myself to ignore his gaze.
Without even a glance in my direction, Percifal answered, “When Solis refused me, I decided I would take one of their own. A keepsake, you could say, for all my troubles. I plan to gift her to my mother. She will make a good servant.”
I turned my face, molding it into a look of shame.
Sir Dante judged me with his icy blue eyes. “Pretty little thing. I never took you as the type of man who’d take a prisoner for yourself. I guess your travels have hardened you.”
“It’s the people in this world who’ve hardened me.”
“Understandably so. You may pass. I will alert the king of your arrival. I’m most certain he’ll wish to see you himself.”
“Good day, Sir Dante.”
The two men nodded to each other as we rode through the gates. I cowered in my saddle, feeling the gate-keeper’s eyes still upon me. Something about the tall, brawny man made me shiver to my core.
Even once we were away from the eyes and ears of Sir Dante, Percifal kept his gaze straight forward and said not one word to me. It was as though he’d forgotten my existence all together.
Feeling awkward I offered, “You were quite convincing back there. I think Sir Dante believes you.” My voice sounded more nervous than I’d expected.
“Hush!” he scolded. “There are listening ears everywhere, and prisoners don’t speak to their captors unless bidden to do so.”
My cheeks burned at the way he’d spoke to me. Who did he think he was to treat me, a royal lady of the court, that way? I knew we both had to play our parts, but this was inexcusable.
Or was it? I scolded myself inwardly for my instinctual reaction. He knew this kingdom and its people better than I. If we needed to make others believe I was his prisoner, perhaps we also needed to believe our own charade. Regardless, I didn’t like being treated this way. I wished we could’ve thought of a better plan.
I soon forgot my troubles, taking in the gleaming palace of Aquila in awe. I thought it beautiful, with its enormous peaked towers and shining stained glass windows depicting scenes from the sea. The large, oval window at the center was stained different shades of blues and greens with a mermaid looking down upon the rest of the kingdom, as though she would protect them from any enemy.
Percifal steered us away from that window and toward the royal stables.
A young, gangly stable boy trudged out to greet us while we dismounted. “Good day, sir and—and Lady—”
“Pay this woman no attention,” Percifal instructed. “Take good care of our mounts, aye? They’ve had a long and tiring journey.” He tossed the stable boy a piece of silver and grabbed one of my wrists.
I pretended to seethe with rage, not a hard feat.
“Y—yes, sir,” the boy stammered nervously, bowing, and then he led our horses away.
“Come now,” Percifal finally spoke to me, leading me toward one of the apartments connected to the main part of the palace.
I let him lead me, keeping silent. I hoped we would soon find his sister and put an end to this act.
When we came upon the large, wooden door to the apartment, Percifal knocked once softly before opening it. “Mother? Chel?”
Peering around Percifal, I caught sight of a woman who looked to be in her fourth decade. She sat upon a chair but jumped to her feet when she saw us, crying out with glee. Her long, wavy hair was the same onyx colour as Percifal’s. I could see where he got his sharp, angular features from too. As she drew closer, I noticed her eyes were a deep blue colour, though. Not turquoise like his.
Her eyes welled up with tears as she grasped Percifal’s face in her palms. “My dear Celestia! Percifal!” She started sobbing as he pulled her into his arms. “I—I thought I w—would never see you again,” she cried into his shoulder as he stroked her soft hair.
“I’ve missed you too, Mother. I’ll tell you everything. It’s all right now. Shh,” he soothed.
I stood back, feeling as out of place as a chicken among ducks. I smiled at the way he’d softened with his mother. Gone was the cold facade he’d worn only moments ago.
Finally remembering me, he let go of his mother and beckoned for me to come forward. “Mother, this is Lady Zephyra Caldura. She hails from Solis.”
“Oh, my dear,” his mother shook herself. “Forgive me my rudeness. You see, I have not seen or heard from my son in over two springs. Though he told me why he had to leave, I didn’t know if he would ever return.”
“No apologies necessary, madam. I understand,” I reassured her.
She patted a chair for me to sit down.
“Zephyra, this is Lady Dulcina Lacrima. As you’ve surely guessed, she is my mother.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Madam Lacrima.”
“As it is to meet you, darling.” She turned to Percifal. “As happy as I am to see you. You shouldn’t be here.”
“Don’t worry about me, Mother. I’m taking care of things. King Zaeden will be glad I’ve returned when he learns why I left,” he assured her. I prayed he was right.
“Why did you leave? Wait. First, the two of you shall wash and eat. You both look as though you’ve had a long journey. You can tell me everything at dinner.”
I winced, knowing what a sore sight I must have made, my dress filthy, and my hair half-undone from the wind.
“Yes, Mother. I can take care of washing myself. I trust I still have some garments here to wear?” Percifal asked with a cocked eyebrow.
“Of course. Go take care of yourself. I’ll see about finding Lady Zephyra something to wear.”
Percifal disappeared down the hall, and his mother gestured for me to follow her up the wooden staircase.
The apartment had a warm, cozy atmosphere and was scattered with fine furnishings of cherry-wood and blue and silver décor, which made one think of the sea during a bright summer day.
Many beautiful crystal vases and silver candlesticks decorated Madam Dulcina’s bedchamber. White blankets covered her large bed, canopied by sheer silver curtains.
The Lacrima’s were surely favoured by royalty. In spite of all that had come to pass, it seemed the k
ing didn’t blame Madam Lacrima for her son’s absence. If he had, I doubted she would still have this apartment and all of her trinkets.
As Madam Lacrima threw open the dark, polished wooden doors to her wardrobe and began rummaging through the many gowns inside, I remembered exactly who I was pretending to be in this kingdom and thought it best to speak up. “Nothing too fancy, madam. I—er—I’m posing as your servant, a gift from your son, whilst here in Aquila.” I looked at my feet. “I don’t wish others to question my attire. Forgive me.”
“Oh?” Madam Lacrima started. “You are my guest for this dinner, but I shall find something suitable afterward. Oh, and you will tell me exactly why you are posing as my servant, once your belly is full.”
“Yes, madam. My gratitude.” I bowed my head as she pulled out a gown, shades of both light and royal blue.
“Here we are. I think this’ll do just fine. You’re a bit smaller in the waist than I, so it may be a touch loose, but otherwise, I believe it shall be quite comfortable,” she exclaimed, grinning at me.
I returned her smile, and she handed me the dress, pointing me to another small room at the back of the chamber. “The washing room is there. Wash up in the basin, and come down once you are ready. I shall see that supper is prepared and set out.”
I thanked her again as she walked past me, her own silvery gown swishing as she exited her chambers.
How wonderful it felt to be inside the walls of a palace again—and clean, I thought, scrubbing the grime from my body with the sea sponge that I’d found in the copper basin filled with cool water. Not a full bath, but it would do for the moment.
The dress Madam Lacrima had lent me was quite exquisite for what she must’ve deemed simple. The sky-blue shade bodice was laced up in the front with a silver ribbon. The sleeves, which only covered my shoulders, were of the same colour and made of lace. The skirts were made of a soft royal blue fabric that seemed to float away from my body with each movement.
Though Madam Lacrima was correct in that her waist was slightly bigger than mine, it wasn’t noticeable, and I was grateful, for it kept the gown from being too constricting—like many of mine back at home had been.
Once I combed out my disheveled hair and braided it, I checked myself in the silver-backed hand mirror sitting on the desk by the bed. Satisfied with my reflection, I made my way back downstairs to find Percifal and his mother.
Descending the stairs, I spotted Percifal. He wore a deep blue doublet and black leather breeches. I didn’t think he could ever be more beautiful than he already was… I was wrong.
I heard his breath catch when he noticed me coming down the stairs. He looked me over, approval in his expression. A light in his eyes I hadn’t seen since our night in the shack ignited his gaze as he took my hand. “My Celestia, Lady Zephyra. You look exquisite. Like a true royal”
“Oh no,” I put my hand to my chest, feeling my cheeks burn. “You don’t think our facade will be blown if someone else sees me in this, do you?”
“Perhaps the dress is a little fancy for a servant…” he waved a dismissive hand, “but Mother can find you something simpler to wear tomorrow. I daresay no one else will see you tonight anyways.”
“All right. If no one else will see me, then I don’t see the harm. It is nice to wear something so lovely again.”
“I thought you looked just as pretty in your rags.”
I laughed nervously, not knowing how to respond to such flattery.
“I mean it, Zephyra. And forgive me for the way treated you outside. I did it for your own safety.”
“I know,” I replied before adding, “I have grown quite fond of you as well—Constable Lacrima.” I inclined my head, but he only shook his.
“Don’t call me that, please. It’s just Percifal now,” he said with what sounded to me like shame.
“I was only teasing. Come, show me to your dining room. I’m sure your mother is eagerly awaiting us.”
He nodded in agreement. Taking my arm, he escorted me to the private dining room, where his mother indeed waited with our plates, which were made of silver. A hearty amount of food sat on the center of the rectangular table.
Once our bellies were full, and we’d each downed a couple goblets of Aquila’s fine wine, Percifal enlightened his mother with our story. She listened intently with a solemn expression while he revealed his time as a vagrant, and how he had found me, the woman with the power of fire.
When he finished telling her every necessary detail, he asked, “So, where is Chel? I thought to find her here with you.”
Madam Lacrima sat back, folding her hands in her lap. “I’m afraid she’s not in Aquila. I thought it too dangerous for her to remain here, with King Zaeden’s thirst for power. I had her married to Valron Michester—the Duke of Cansbroke.”
“You what?” Percifal slammed both his palms against the table, causing the plates to rattle. “You married her off like some—some prize? I thought you and Father had agreed never to do that to her!”
“Percifal, listen to me,” Madam Lacrima commanded, trying to soothe him in a gentle, yet stern tone.
Percifal wasn’t listening, though. He kept going on as if she hadn’t spoken. “I can’t believe you. This is outrageous, Mother. I leave and you sell off my sister because you think she’s at risk? Everyone is at risk, no matter where they are, with King Zaeden alive and trying to use this dark power—”
Her patience wearing out, Madam Lacrima shot out of her seat and shouted at him, “I said, listen!”
He clamped his mouth shut and glowered at her. I felt like they both forgot that I was even in the room. I would’ve excused myself, but I didn’t wish to draw their attention while they were both so heated.
Madam Lacrima sank back down and put her hand to her forehead. “King Zaeden has locked Sreda in the tower. He siphons her power to use for his own dark needs.”
Percifal’s face paled, and my heart sank.
Sreda, I repeated the name over in my mind until, finally, I recalled why it sounded familiar to me. Percifal had told me that Sreda was the sorceress who helped his sister with her power when she was a child. If the king was using her magic for his own needs, the situation was even direr than I’d imagined.
Percifal’s next words shook me from my thoughts. “We’ll leave tomorrow for Cansbroke to find Chel.”
“I’m actually relieved to hear that,” his mother sighed. “She used to write to me often, but I haven’t received a letter from her in some time, and I’m starting to worry.”
Percifal frowned. “Do you think something’s happened to her?”
“I’m sure she’s fine. Nonetheless, it eases my mind to know you shall be going to visit her, sad as I am that you must be leaving so soon.” She reached across the table and clasped his hand with her slender fingers. “You have grown into the most handsome and honourable man. I’m so glad to see you here and well.”
He patted her hand and looked into her eyes. “It’s good to see you too, Mother. Anyways, it’s better if I’m gone before King Zaeden decides to question me about my sudden reappearance. I don’t think he’ll be happy when he learns of my return. I’ve bought myself some time, but word will reach his ears soon. I’m sure of it.”
She smiled sadly at him and released his hand. “Of course. Though, I’m sure he would never truly harm you, even now. Your father was like a brother to him.”
Percifal only smiled back at her, not wanting to give her another thing to worry about, even if he doubted it himself.
Madam Lacrima turned to me next, as if suddenly remembering my existence. “Forgive us our rudeness, Lady Zephyra, you must be exhausted. I can show you to your room so you may get some rest,” she offered.
“That would be lovely. This journey seems to never end.”
“I’m sure you shall find comfort in Chel’s home as well. It’s only a day’s ride from here.” She rose and led me from the dining room, leaving Percifal alone with his goblet of wine.
/> I was indeed tired, but I also wanted to give Percifal and his mother some time alone. She missed him, and Celestia only knew when he would see her again.
“You may sleep in Chel’s old bedchamber. I say it is more comfortable than the guest chamber, and she’s not here to use it.” I heard a bit of sadness in the last words she spoke.
I smiled at her and tried to offer her some comfort. “Thank you, madam. We shall send word of your daughter’s well-being to you when we reach her.”
“You are very kind. The way my son looks at you… I have never seen him look at another with such adoration. I hope you realize he’s a good man, even though he keeps his emotions hidden most of the time. He has been through a lot.”
“I know he’s good. He’s saved my life twice. It’s something I shall never forget,” I reassured her.
“Wonderful. I’m happy he was there to save you,” she said with a note of pride as she stopped and opened the door to Chel’s bedchamber. “Here we are. There’s a night shift on the bed. I asked my maid to lay it out for you.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Goodnight, Lady Zephyra. Rest well.”
“Goodnight, Madam Lacrima.”
She left me to return to Percifal.
Lying back in the silk blankets that made me think of water almost brought tears to my eyes. It had been so long since I’d enjoyed such comfort. From what I could make out in the dim light, it looked like Chelela had taken most of her belongings with her. The pale moon shone through a long window covered by sheer, silvery curtains, casting a milky hue about the bedchamber.
It felt strange to be sleeping in a giant bed all alone after spending so many nights on the hard ground next to Percifal. I should’ve been able to sleep with ease. Instead, I found myself tossing and turning beneath the covers.
I tried to silence my mind, but dark thoughts of my time spent in Algor’s dungeon kept creeping in. I decided to focus on something else, something happy—Percifal.
Without him, I would likely be dead, my body rotting away in that dungeon along with Mel’s. He was the true hero in all of this, whether he believed it or not. I’d never felt so close to another person before. Actually, the only person I’d felt that close to was Adelaide, but she was family. When all this was over, if we beat King Zaeden—what would become of us? Would I go home to Solis and leave him here in Aquila? A sharp pain sliced though my chest at the thought.
The Elemental Diaries - Complete Series Page 20
