“Then I’m forever in your debt. The only regret I have is that I didn’t see it sooner. I might have been able to spare you the pain of having to arrange the marriage yourself.”
“And the accusations you made against Callum… they have been cleared? Has he been found innocent?”
“All of my claims were based on statements which have since been proven to lack credibility. Father released Callum of all charges while in Luquarr.” Aiva stepped back to gaze happily at her mother. It felt good just to be with her again. To smell the soothing scent of her perfume. She was reminded of how much she’d missed her family while they were away. “My concern now is for Calie. Were you with her when Kaemin’s body was returned to Tanispa? Please tell me that she had someone to console her. Callum and I have been beside ourselves at our inability to be here for her.”
The smile on Leyna’s lips faltered at the mention of Calie. “She is exactly as can be expected of a young woman who has lost her betrothed. I insisted she remain at the palace with me and her mother until the rest of her family returned. Having her father and brother home again will no doubt help. I will speak with your father and request him to make sure their family remains with us for a while longer. She needs to have friends close.”
“Yes, I agree,” Aiva tried to maintain her composure. It was difficult to discuss Calie without rekindling the painful memory of Kaemin’s death. If she was going to be any help to her friend, she couldn’t allow her own emotions to get the better of her. She would have to be strong. “We should return to the others, then. I dislike being away from Callum for long and I’m sure you are anxious to have Father’s company again.”
“You know me well,” Leyna laughed quietly to herself. “Yes, let us return to the crowd. We can speak again later. Perhaps we can have the General and his family with us to a private dinner this evening. I want you and Edric to tell me all about your adventures.”
“Oh, we certainly have some grand stories to share,” Aiva nodded, linking her arm with her mother’s to begin a slow walk back toward the joyful celebration at the entrance of the palace. “There is an incredibly entertaining tale which you might enjoy,” she added with a devious grin. “It involves a tiger I saw while on an unexpected visit to Tunir…”
The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Two: Beyond the Veil Page 92
