by Rin Grey
“What happens then?” Elizabeth asked.
“In order to be a Seeker, you need someone to vouch for you, to say that they believe that you will keep your promise,” Jon explained.
“Kind of like a character reference?” Elizabeth asked with a frown.
Jon shook his head. “It’s a little more than that. The person who vouches for you takes responsibility for your actions. If a Seeker breaks their vow, their sponsor has the choice to either hunt them down and bring them back to face justice, or if they are unable or unwilling to do that, face the punishment themselves.”
Jon didn’t bother to explain what the punishment was. Everyone who lived in Linarra knew that the punishment for treason was death. And breaking a vow to a prince would most certainly be considered treason.
Elizabeth swallowed, her face falling. “Well, I guess that’s that then. No wonder Sean gave up arguing with me.”
“What do you mean?” Jon asked in confusion.
“Because I don’t know anyone who I could ask to sponsor me,” Elizabeth said with a pretence at indifference.
“You don’t have to ask, I’m offering,” Jon said quietly. He had forgotten, now, that he’d harboured any doubts about this whatsoever.
Elizabeth stared at him, shock written clearly on her face. “You?” she blurted out.
Jon nodded. “Yes, me. Is that such a surprising thought?”
“I…” Elizabeth stared at him, then shook her head. “I don’t think that’s such a good idea…”
“Why, are you planning on defecting?” Jon asked curiously. Somehow, the thought didn’t frighten him. Maybe because he didn’t believe it. It didn’t seem like something she’d do at all, even though he barely knew her.
Deep down, something he couldn’t even begin to explain, some link that he had never known existed, told him that he could trust her. She might deny feeling any responsibility to others, but from the little he had seen of her, he didn’t believe that.
“No, of course not,” Elizabeth said quickly, maybe too quickly. “I just don’t understand how you can trust me enough to do this after everything I’ve done.” She looked up at him then, her expression guilty.
“Because Sean trusted you enough to ask me to,” Jon said simply, even though it didn’t even begin to explain why he’d agreed.
Elizabeth’s eyes widened, and she stared at him in disbelief. “Sean asked you to?” There was a note of hope in her voice.
It made Jon feel even better as he nodded. “He did,” he confirmed.
Elizabeth stared at him as though she was having trouble taking it in. Then she squared her shoulders. “You’re really sure?” she prodded.
“I’m totally sure,” Jon confirmed. And he had no doubts at all.
Elizabeth’s smile only solidified the feeling.
Chapter 18 – Promises
The ceremony took place a few days later in Sean’s study.
Elizabeth was relieved that it was a private affair, attended only by four participants. Elizabeth, Sean, Jon, and King Liasana, who presided over the ritual. She wasn’t quite ready to be in the limelight yet.
Even so, she dressed formally—in a dress, no less, cut slim fitting enough that it posed no hindrance to the sword she was rarely without, and indeed was essential to her new role.
“Thank you all for coming on this solemn occasion,” Hugo began quietly. “Elizabeth, before we start, has Sean clearly explained the details and responsibilities of the position to you?”
Although Hugo had previously insisted she not stand on ceremony, she decided the occasion warranted a formal response. “Yes, Your Majesty,” she replied, bowing just enough to signify respect.
“You understand that once your oath is given, it cannot be broken unless your liege permits it, and that your oath compels you to obey your liege without question?”
Elizabeth took a deep breath. It somehow seemed far more serious when put like that. “Yes, Your Majesty,” she said again.
“And furthermore, you understand that Jon’s agreement to vouch for you means that in the event of your defection, he takes full responsibility, including taking any punishment decreed for you if necessary?” Hugo continued.
Elizabeth nodded again soberly. She still couldn’t believe that Jon had made the offer, and she intended to make sure he never regretted it. “I understand, Your Majesty.”
Hugo gave her a reassuring smile. “We can proceed then. You have the medallions, Sean?”
Sean nodded and stepped forward, handing Elizabeth one of the small gold medallions with his crest inscribed on it. He kept an identical one for himself.
He was dressed formally also, and this was the first time Elizabeth had seen him wear the silver circlet that signified his position as prince.
When she’d first met him, he’d been just an ordinary mage. Linarra hadn’t even existed then. Even when he’d gained his current position, she hadn’t really thought of him as a prince.
Now she was going to have to.
Her heart thudded in her chest, and she couldn’t help thinking how handsome he looked. Hell, this was probably the closest thing she’d ever get to a wedding ceremony.
She held onto the medallion tightly, suddenly nervous.
Sean smiled reassuringly at her but didn’t speak.
King Liasana continued. “Elizabeth, if you would hold the medallion in your left hand and repeat the Oath of Fealty.”
Elizabeth nodded and took a deep breath, hoping her voice wouldn’t waver, and repeated the vow she’d memorised. “I, Elizabeth Salinga, do swear loyalty and obedience to my Prince and Liege, Sean Veryn. I swear that I will faithfully carry out all and any duties he lays upon me in my role as a Seeker to Linarra, to the best of my ability.”
She was relieved that her voice was strong and clear. As she’d been instructed, she fed a small amount of her magical energy into the medallion.
King Liasana nodded and turned to Sean. “Do you accept her pledge, Prince Veryn?”
“I accept.” Sean stepped forwards and touched his medallion to hers, allowing some of her magical energy to flow into his.
King Liasana turned to Jon, asking formally, “Lord O’Connell, you are present to vouch for Mage Salinga?”
Jon nodded, “I am.”
Elizabeth handed her medallion to Jon, still touched and a little awed by the trust he was placing in her.
Jon took the medallion without hesitation, holding it carefully as he used his magical energy to seal hers into the medallion, repeating his own vow. “I, Jon O’Connell, do swear that I have complete faith in Mage Elizabeth Salinga, and that I am willing to vouch for her fidelity to Prince Sean Veryn.”
And it was done. Sean slipped his own medallion around his neck, and Jon smiled as he placed Elizabeth’s around hers. Jon kissed her cheek. “Welcome to the Seekers, Elizabeth.”
She was officially a Seeker.
She smiled up at Jon, then turned to Sean as he came over to her with the matching medallion around his neck and kissed her, his arm remaining around her waist. It all felt a little surreal. Obviously Jon and the king were aware of their relationship, but still, she hadn’t expected his open affection.
King Liasana smiled warmly at her, then said to Sean, “I believe you promised us dinner?”
Sean nodded and opened the door behind his desk, and led them into what Elizabeth could only guess was the private residence section of his palace. She hung back, suddenly nervous and unsure.
Sean glanced back, seeing her hesitation, and said quietly, “Senika’s away for the weekend visiting her sister. There will be no-one but the four of us tonight.”
Still she wavered, feeling like she was crossing a line, until Sean held out his hand to her. He smiled reassuringly, and she put her hand in his, letting him lead her into his home.
She had wondered many times what his home would be like, and she looked around her with interest. The living room that they passed through was warmer than any of his
many part-time houses had been, the walls lined with books, the large chairs inviting a reader to stop and sit for a while.
He led them through to the dining room. The table was modest, possibly seating about eight people, though it was set for four tonight. Sean sat at the head with Elizabeth on his right and King Liasana on his left. Jon took a seat next to Elizabeth.
After everyone had begun their meals, King Liasana asked, “So, what happens now?”
Sean raised an eyebrow. “I was thinking about finishing dinner. I take it you’re planning something else?”
Hugo laughed. “Yes, I was. By all means, finish eating. I meant now that Elizabeth is a Seeker?”
Sean shrugged. “Very little, until Glenin is born at least, so I have plenty of time to think of something to do with her.” He grinned teasingly at Elizabeth as he said the last bit, and though she laughed, she couldn’t help feeling a little cheated.
“I don’t want to sit around twiddling my thumbs until Glenin is born,” she protested. “You know that wasn’t what I signed up for.”
Sean sighed. “Already forgetting your vows, Elizabeth?” He raised an eyebrow.
Elizabeth bit her lip, angry that he was using this against her.
Hugo spoke up. “I don’t believe raising a valid objection is in violation of her vows, Sean. It seems like a reasonable request to me. Have you excused other Seekers because of their pregnancies?”
“You sent Layla out on a mission when she was pregnant last year,” Jon interjected.
Elizabeth gave them both grateful smiles. It hadn’t occurred to her that her new role might earn her some other defenders. She’d made the right choice, even if she was sure there were going to be difficulties as well.
“This is different,” Sean insisted.
Hugo raised an eyebrow. “That’s exactly why you have to act like it isn’t.”
Sean looked mutinous for a few moments, and Elizabeth might have laughed if she wasn’t holding her breath waiting for his answer.
“Fine,” he muttered finally. “I’m sure I can find some missions that have limited risks. In fact,” he looked more cheerful, “I have the perfect partner in mind for her.”
Hugo looked confused, then his face cleared, and he laughed. “You’re joking, right? Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
Elizabeth glanced over at Jon to see if he understood what they were talking about, but he looked as confused as she was.
“Oh, I think it should be very entertaining,” Sean replied.
Hugo just shook his head and chanced the topic. “Are you intending for Elizabeth to attend events in the Cardinal scene?”
Sean shrugged. “I see no reason why not. It’s part and parcel of the role, really.”
“There’s going to be dissent from the other Cardinals,” Hugo pointed out.
“That’s their problem,” Sean shrugged. “Elizabeth won’t be the first mage, or mundane for that matter, to attend Cardinal balls.”
“That’s true,” Hugo agreed. “But the others who have participated have been married to a Cardinal. And even then, very few of them persist in their attendance. I suspect most of them don’t receive a cordial welcome.”
Sean frowned at that and glanced over at Elizabeth. She hoped he didn’t see her worried expression. “I shall make it clearly understood that she is to be welcomed,” he said flatly.
“That is going to cause speculation,” Hugo pointed out, “especially once Elizabeth’s pregnancy is noticed.”
“Elizabeth’s pregnancy has nothing to do with her appointment as a Seeker,” Sean said bluntly.
“How are you going to convince them of that?” Hugo challenged.
“By giving them a more pertinent reason for her appointment,” Sean said airily, as though he had it all worked out.
Elizabeth was glad someone did, because the conversation was starting to make her feel more than a little overwhelmed. She hadn’t considered any of this when she’d first made her request.
Hugo grinned a little. “And just what reason is that? Because I doubt the truth is going to go down too well with Senika.”
Sean shrugged. “I’ll just mention that Elizabeth was a Mainstay Mage.”
Hugo raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure that’s such a good idea? The Mainstays have gone to quite some lengths to see that their names have been kept quiet.”
“Oh, I won’t shout it from the rafters. But a few comments, well placed and carefully said, should ensure that the information gets out,” Sean said.
Jon stared at them. “Elizabeth is a Mainstay?”
Sean nodded. “My Mainstay, in fact. That one we might keep quiet though.”
Hugo considered Sean’s suggestion, his head to one side. “It could work,” he said thoughtfully, “if delivered in just the right way.” He looked over at Elizabeth. “Do you think you can respond with just the right amount of mysteriousness, not actually answering, but making it clear that you were, indeed, there?” he asked her.
“Probably,” Elizabeth said cautiously.
“That will account for why she was chosen to be a Seeker,” Hugo agreed. “But it may not stop the questions about the parentage of her baby,” he pointed out.
Elizabeth frowned in concern. “I didn’t realise that this was going to cause so much trouble, Sean. Perhaps it wasn’t the best idea,” she said uncertainly.
Sean reached out and covered her hand with his. “It is no trouble, Elizabeth.” To Hugo, he said, “If they want to speculate, then let them. If they think the baby is mine, then so be it. I intend to make it clear once my contract with Senika is at an end anyway.”
Elizabeth stared at him. He did? This was the first she knew of it, and it set her heart racing. She hadn’t even hoped that he might acknowledge her publicly. And for him to not only admit it, but to do so in front of Jon and Hugo, was doubly surprising.
Even though she wanted that admission more than anything, she didn’t want the drama her presence was apparently going to bring between now and then.
She was way out of her depth with all that she had unknowingly taken on. She’d looked forward to working with Sean, perhaps even learning a little more about what the rulers of the Dome were up to. She hadn’t even considered attending Cardinal parties and definitely hadn’t guessed that her baby might be a reason for gossip.
Hugo glanced from Sean to Elizabeth, finished up his dinner, and stood up. “Well, it sounds like you have everything under control then. It’s been a very pleasant evening, Sean, but I’m afraid that it’s time for me to take my leave.” He held out a hand to Elizabeth and said warmly, “I’m very glad you have joined the ranks of Seekers, Elizabeth. I have no doubt you’ll be an asset to Linarra.”
Elizabeth shook his hand and managed a smile at him, even though she was in the midst of doubting the validity of his statement.
Hugo nodded to Sean and teleported away without ceremony.
Once the king had gone, Jon cleared his throat and sat up. “Well, I have a big day tomorrow, so I think I might get some sleep.”
Sean smiled. “Goodnight, Jon.”
“Goodnight, Sean. Goodnight, Elizabeth.” Jon pushed back his chair and left the room, leaving Elizabeth and Sean alone.
It felt very strange, sitting here with Sean, their son going to bed upstairs. Despite her relationship to both of them, she was painfully aware this was Senika’s place, and that she was an interloper in a life that wasn’t hers.
But when Sean turned to her and smiled, she forgot all that. Senika wasn’t here, and she was. She might as well enjoy this rare moment.
Sean came around the table and kissed her gently. “Well, my Seeker. I wonder what orders I should give you to start with?”
The expression in his eyes was decidedly amorous, and she laughed and put her arms around his neck. To her surprise, he picked her up and carried her through the house. When he kicked open the door to what she realised was a bedroom though, she felt suddenly uncertain. “Sean, I’m not s
ure if we should…”
He set her gently on her feet and put a finger to her lips. “Shh. It’s all right. Senika doesn’t sleep here, this is my room.”
Still uncertain, Elizabeth looked around. She had to admit, the room had a decidedly male flavour. Far more simply furnished than the rooms she had seen in his other houses. She could easily imagine him here. The bed was large, but had only a simple quilt covering it. Most of the rest of the room was empty, save for a shaving stand and a small desk.
She turned around to look at Sean, wanting to be sure. “Where does Senika sleep then?”
Sean frowned, then sighed. He crossed the room to another door and opened it, gesturing inside. “Senika’s room is through here.”
Elizabeth nodded hastily. She had no real wish to see, and Sean closed the door. “Satisfied?” he asked her, a tone of annoyance in his voice.
“I’m sorry, Sean, I’m just not used to all this,” she excused.
“What, usually you’re the one having the affair?” Sean asked pointedly.
Elizabeth glanced over at him, irritation rising at his mocking, and realised that that was exactly the problem. “Yeah, something like that,” she admitted with a rueful smile.
Sean laughed softly, and the tension dissipated. He came back across the room and kissed her. “Let me worry about Senika,” he said softly. “It is not your concern.”
Elizabeth let herself be swayed and tried to enjoy just being here. Sean made love to her gently and afterwards, when she lay in his arms, she said softly, “I honestly had no idea I’d be causing trouble for you by doing this. Why didn’t you tell me?”
Sean regarded her thoughtfully for a moment, then shrugged. “I don’t know. Would it have stopped you?”
“Maybe,” she admitted.
“Then I’m glad I didn’t say anything,” Sean said, pulling her down close again.
She snuggled close to him, ridiculously happy with his answer, but still a little troubled.
“Regretting it already, Beth?” Sean asked quietly.
