“Not there!” Tess snapped. She snatched a vase from a servant and recentered it. “You, why isn’t that table shining? Someone sweep this floor! Is that flour on your uniform?” Arianwyn was careful to stay out of Tess’s view. She was not the only servant ducking for cover whenever Tess stormed into the room.
The trumpets sounded again, signaling the arrival of the guests to the Keep. Arianwyn hurried to a window, anxious to see the grand arrival. Other servants crowded at the windows or hid behind the stables, each vying for the ability to see the guests. Standing at the main entrance was King Rael, head and shoulders above even his personal guard. Arianwyn's gasp was covered by the soft chatting of the servants. He was the man who had raced into the King's Chambers the day the dragon saw her.
He had jet black hair and dark eyes. He was wearing a sleeveless shirt, which showed the black dragon mark, head resting on the back of his right hand, body twisting around his arm to disappear in the shirt and reappear down the other arm, tip of the tail resting on the back of his left hand. The sight of the mark caused Arianwyn to nervously check her bandaged hands tugging her sleeves down. As the other women had said, he had an impressive physique with not a bit of fat on his frame. He was clearly a warrior. Arianwyn shivered and was glad he had not seen her in the hallway outside his room.
As the carriage and horse riders came spilling into the courtyard, King Rael stepped down one step towards a man on a magnificent gray stallion. The blond man dismounted nimbly. “Your Majesty,” he said, bowing deeply. Arianwyn pulled back slightly. There was something repulsive about the man, but she could not put her finger on it.
“Thane Malcom. Welcome to my home. I trust that your journey went well.”
“Indeed, Your Majesty. Allow me to introduce my daughter, Lady Ethelinda.” A young woman descended from the carriage. Her blond hair was caught up in a net of gold and she wore a green velvet dress that brought out the color of her dark blue eyes. It hugged her body to her waist, where it was cinched tight by a thin golden chain. It flared away from her body in a full skirt. When she stepped from the carriage, matching golden slippers peeked from under the skirt. A heavy gold necklace with an emerald pendant hung around her neck and golden earrings sparkled at her ears. Arianwyn felt her stomach turn in revulsion. Her reaction to the daughter was even stronger than with the father.
“Your Majesty,” she simpered, curtsying deeply and accepting the king’s hand to stand. He kissed her hand in return, bowing slightly, and then escorted the party into the Keep. Arianwyn clenched her hands into fists. She wanted to race out and knock the woman's hand away from the king. She took a deep breath and noticed the servants dispersing around her.
Everyone returned to their chores and their taskmasters graciously pretended not to have noticed them all missing. No amount of stern looks could quell the gossip that immediately began to fly, although the servants worked harder than before.
“Did you see her dress?”
“What about his lordship’s new stallion? I hear it’s from the Plains!”
“She’s clearly going to be queen. What do you think she’s like?”
Arianwyn turned her attention to the talk about the queen. “She’s a lady, what we think doesn’t matter.”
“Well, yes, that’s true. But His Majesty generally lets Tess do what needs to be done and leaves us alone. Do you think she’ll be the same?”
“I don’t know. But you’re probably right about her becoming queen. She’s the obvious choice.”
Arianwyn listened closely, thinking hard about what she knew of those in power. She wished there was some way to stop the Lady Ethelinda from becoming queen. The woman struck her as cold, cruel. “She’s absolutely beautiful!”
“I’m sure she’ll be a wonderful queen.”
Arianwyn frowned, taken aback by the comments. :Spirit sometimes allows you see what a person is really like. The inside spirit doesn’t always match the exterior body,: Dragon remarked.
Arianwyn blinked. She had forgotten that Dragon had helped her use Spirit. She had dismissed it as not working. Her nervousness at the prospect of the Lady Ethelinda increased. “Stop,” she murmured. She couldn’t see a difference in vision, but she knew it worked now.
7-Appearances
The next few weeks were one arrival after another, each Thane hoping his daughter would be the next chosen queen. None arrived in as high a fashion as the Lady Ethelinda, though. In the betting pools that had started among the servants, she was the most favored to win.
The servants were kept scrambling, arising early each day to make fresh bread for breakfast, which was delivered on gleaming silver trays polished each night, laundry done fresh each week, currying of horses, checking of equipment for royal hunts, balls lasting late into the night, and daily bathes for the ladies along with the usual duties they had. Arianwyn was more exhausted than she could remember being in a long time and hoped the king decided soon.
“Arianwyn, I need you to fetch supplies from the market,” Tess said, shoving a small pouch into her hand. “We’ll need spices for tonight’s dinner—get the list from the cook—and stop by the general store to have them deliver feed to the stables.”
Arianwyn took the money pouch and picked up a basket. She listened to cook’s list, repeating back the ingredients to ensure she could remember them all before heading out the door, taking a deep breath. “Arianwyn!”
She turned and smiled. A young girl was running after her, a basket on her arm and braids bouncing off her shoulders. “Can I come with you?”
“Of course, Willow. I would be glad for the help carrying everything back,” she teased. Willow made a face at her followed by a grin. Arianwyn waited for Willow to catch up and they walked in step through the gate. Willow kept up a steady stream of chatter about the difficulties the ladies were causing the maids the entire way.
They stopped by the general store first, paying for the delivery of the feed before heading to the grocer’s stalls. Arianwyn was inspecting a bunch of chives when she heard a familiar voice. “Jinny!”
She froze, staring at the chives. “This will do,” she said breathlessly to the vendor, shoving the greens in her basket, paying and turning away from the voice. She grabbed Willow’s hand and dodged through the crowd. Her heart raced a painful staccato in her chest.
“Arianwyn, I think that man is talking to you. He’s following us, anyway. Why is he calling you Jinny?” Willow asked, craning her neck to see the man following them.
Arianwyn risked a backward glance. Her stomach knotted into a ball and dropped. Bernie was rushing after them, waving and shouting her fake name. Arianwyn dodged down a side alley, lifting her skirts and hurrying. “We must move quickly,” she muttered to Willow.
“Why? What’s wrong?”
Arianwyn bit her lip, half running down the alley and turning sharply into a busy street. “He’s just…someone I knew once.” At Willow’s worried glance, Arianwyn quickly added, “He’s not dangerous. He’s actually very kind. It’s just that things are complicated now. I’m safer here,” she finished to herself.
Willow nodded wisely, as if she understood, and followed Arianwyn though several more twists. When Arianwyn felt they had lost Bernie, she returned to their shopping, always keeping an eye over her shoulder for his tall, thin form.
Arianwyn and Willow took a roundabout way home, returning a few hours after lunch. “It’s about time,” Tess grumbled. Arianwyn handed over the spare money, apologizing quietly. “Nothing but work to be done now,” Tess sighed. “Here. Take this tray to the king. He was unable to lunch today and has requested his meal now.”
Arianwyn stared at her. “Isn’t there someone else?” She licked her lips nervously. The last thing she wanted was to be seen again.
“Don’t be ridiculous girl! You’re wasting time. Quickly, now.” Tess hesitated, noticing the lack of color in Arianwyn's face. “Don't worry, your accent isn't as thick as it used to be. Now go.” She made a shooing gesture
at Arianwyn.
Arianwyn moved woodenly, her stomach tying in worse knots than when she heard Bernie. Would he know she had entered the Dragon’s Cave? Would he be cruel? Had the king heard the rumors from Bernie yet? She closed her eyes and forced herself to keep moving. The rattling of the dishes on the tray made her open her eyes again. She concentrated on keeping her hands still. She could not loosen her white knuckled grip.
She could always leave before anyone knew. She could set the tray down and just walk out. No one would ever know. Bernie was here. She could find him. He would watch out for her. She bit her lip. She didn't want to be trapped with Bernie again. :You’re being ridiculous,: Dragon stated.
:And what if the king’s dragon got a good look at me?: Arianwyn kept watching for an inconspicuous place to set the tray. She had not decided to get Bernie yet. He was inconsistent, possibly a liability.
:Then he did.: Arianwyn felt Dragon yawn and chuckle. :He's a dragon, he most likely got a very good look at you...assuming he was paying attention. You’re safer here than you have been in any other place. I wouldn’t ruin a good thing if you didn’t have to. Besides, Bernie’s not the type of mate you need.:
Arianwyn sighed. Dragon was right. This was the best place she had ever lived and worked. She was good at hiding or she would have been found by now. She tightened her grip on the tray and hurried to the king’s study. The guard merely glanced at her and opened the door when she arrived. Apparently, he did not think she was much of a threat.
She walked inside, keeping her head down and was surprised to hear voices. “Your Majesty,” a woman said in a wheedling tone, “King Rael, it’s so silly to keep delaying things when your choice should be clear.” Arianwyn couldn’t resist glancing up. King Rael was writing on a document while Lady Ethelinda, dressed in ruby and gold today, leaned overtly over his desk. She was clearly frustrated that the king was not paying attention to her, much less succumbing to her charms.
“Lady Ethelinda, your willingness to take on the responsibilities of queen is most becoming. Very few women would so willingly trade their comfort in the place of difficult responsibilities. However, many of my Thanes have traveled far to be here and it would be impolite to send them packing so soon after their arrival.”
“Then you choose me?” she purred, stroking his arm.
“I didn’t say that, either.” King Rael looked up and saw Arianwyn. Relief flashed across his face. “Excellent! You may return to your quarters, lady. Thank you for your visit.” He gestured for Arianwyn to place the tray on his desk, clearly dismissing Lady Ethelinda.
The other woman glared viciously at Arianwyn as they passed. Arianwyn blinked. That was not the reaction she expected for bringing the king his lunch. She set the tray down with a small sigh, curtsied, and moved to leave. “Is carrying the tray such a burden?”
Arianwyn turned back to see the king regarding her with amusement. “No, Your Majesty. Of course not.” She looked down at her hands, clasping them in front of her and noticing that she still had a white knuckled grip. She needed to get out of here.
“You’ll have to convey my thanks to Tess for her timely assistance. The Lady Ethelinda is not easily dissuaded once she has made a decision and your arrival gave me the perfect reason to dismiss her.” He put his documents aside and began to eat.
“I will be sure to, Your Majesty,” Arianwyn murmured, curtsying again and moving toward the door. She lifted her hand to the handle, relief blossoming in her chest. She was free. He didn't recognize her.
“What happened to your hands?” he asked casually.
Arianwyn felt her heart jump into her mouth. Her hand fell from the door as she turned, this time clasping her hands behind her. “A…an accident when I was younger. They were badly burned. I keep them wrapped to hide the scars.” She swallowed, hoping to work some moisture into her mouth.
“Is that so? Do you have a sister, perhaps?” She shook her head mutely, stomach churning. He sat back and stared at her while he ate. “Perhaps another maid in the Castle shares your appearance, then. Is there another redhead working here, I wonder.” Arianwyn stood rooted to the spot. She flushed under his study and looked down at her feet, hoping to be dismissed soon. “Where are you from?”
“The high mountains, Sire.”
“Your family brought you here?”
“No. I am here alone.”
“That’s a long way for a woman to travel alone.” Arianwyn shrugged. He leaned forward abruptly, staring at her. “You are certain you traveled here, completely alone? Look at me and answer.”
Arianwyn’s eyes snapped up to meet his and she felt panic replacing reason. She tried to think of an answer for him but her mind remained blank. He knew. He had to know or he wouldn't be asking all these questions. She bolted. :Dragon!:
She should have known she would have no chance of getting away. She was in the process of opening the door when her arm was abruptly jerked to a halt. He gripped her arm tightly with one hand and slammed the door shut again with the other. He jerked her around to face him, fingers digging into her upper arms. “What were you doing snooping in my room? You were the one who entered the Dragon’s Cave. Do not lie to me, for I will know if you do,” he hissed, shaking her slightly. The guards pounded on the door, calling to Rael. “Be silent!” he snapped at them, still glaring down at Arianwyn.
Arianwyn looked up at him, frightened. “I wasn’t…I didn’t mean to…I just noticed that the brass fixture was worn and checked to see if it needed more cleaning. I didn’t mean to open the door…”she stuttered to a stop under his glare, a scar puckering and turning white across his forehead. She swallowed. “I swear, I haven’t told anyone what happened or how to open the door.”
King Rael glared at her a moment longer, then leaned in close. “If you decide to disappear, there will be no hole deep enough nor sea wide enough in the entire earth for you to hide from me. I will brand you traitor, find you, and kill you. I will not give you a chance to threaten my dragon as you have others,” he growled in a low voice.
Arianwyn swallowed and nodded. She would have to plan running away very carefully. Maybe if she waited a few days he would forget. King Rael let go of her arms and she fell back against the door. Arianwyn rubbed her arms, knowing she would be bruised. “You may go,” he said, returning to his seat and his food. Arianwyn curtsied again and left, keeping her gaze locked on the floor. One guard glared at her while the other poked his head into the study. She heard the king order them to leave her alone.
:I should have left when I thought about it. Now I’m trapped!: she thought angrily at Dragon. She walked swiftly back to the kitchens, anxious to be as far from the king as possible.
:We’ll figure out something. Maybe he will forget, as you’ve already thought. What did he mean by ‘others?’:
:I don’t know. Perhaps he was crazed by rage.:
:Perhaps. Either way, we will wait a few days for him to forget about a servant. Then, maybe, I can pick you up in the night.:
Arianwyn shook her head. :That’s too risky. What if the king’s dragon notices you landing and blocks our flight? Then we’d both be trapped.:
:Tess had you go to market for her. Perhaps you could receive such orders again.:
:Most likely Tess will know I’m not to leave,: Arianwyn thought bitterly.
:There are others who could give you the order…and perhaps you could interrupt her rise to power at the same time.: Dragon flashed an image of Ethelinda into Arianwyn’s mind.
Arianwyn chewed on the inside of her cheek, avoiding the other servants in the kitchen by heading to the scullery. Ethelinda was known to be demanding. If Arianwyn could ensure she was available to serve Ethelinda, orders were guaranteed. She hoped it would be that easy. With everything going on, she hoped her little visit with the king would soon be forgotten. He would be kept busy with the Lady Ethelinda, after all. And Ethelinda was sure to need items picked up from market. Despite her misgivings of the woman, she might be her b
est chance to get out of here.
Bernie
Bernie searched in vain for Jenny, certain the woman he had seen was her. He ground his teeth together, frustrated at the size of the city and the number of people pressing in around him. The streets were a confusing maze of twists and turns. At least finding the king would be easy.
He made his way to the Keep, keeping a close hand on his purse and the other on his cudgel. It took longer than he thought to finally find the right street up to the Keep. He paused, head tilted back to look up at the massive walls and gate facing him. Bernie took a deep breath. He would be rewarded for his information. He approached the gate.
A guard stepped in front of him, frowning. “Where do you think you're going?” he asked.
“I haf news fer the king,” Bernie said.
The guard laughed. “You'll have to clean up your accent, lad. No one here knows what you're saying.”
Bernie clenched his teeth as the other guard joined in his laughter. “A dragon!” he snapped. “It flew over me.” The laughter stopped abruptly and the two guards shared a look. Try though he might, he could not interpret the silent message they shared. “An' slavers.”
The guard swore. He turned toward the far end of the gate tunnel and whistled. A lad appeared at a full run. “Take this lad to see the king. Tell Sigurd he's seen a dragon and knows about slavers.” The boy nodded and waited for Bernie to catch up.
If Bernie thought the city was bad, the Keep was even worse. The lad led him up stairs and down hallways and up more steps before they stopped outside a large door with four heavily armed guards standing by it. “Sigurd, he says he's got news of import for the king,” the boy piped to one of them.
Sigurd turned steely blue eyes on him. They surveyed every inch of Bernie. Bernie struggled to stand straight. He would not cower before a mere guard. “Leave that,” Sigurd said, indicating the cudgel. Bernie pulled the weapon from his belt and looked around, frowning. “Rynert will take it.” Another guard held out his hand. Bernie gave it up. Sigurd opened the door and spoke to someone on the other side. “You're in luck. The king will speak with you.”
The King's Treasure Page 5
