by Tanya Bird
‘You’re surprisingly sober,’ he said, attacking first.
‘My, my. She has got to you.’
Tyron said nothing.
‘Look at her, out there, playing the game so well. And you’re playing right along.’
‘You always assume people share your twisted mind. Not everyone plays games, sister.’
Before she could reply, Leksi came and sat in the empty chair on the other side of Tyron. Cora pretended not to notice.
‘I thought you would be out there,’ Leksi said to Tyron, smirk on his face. He leant back in his chair to watch the dancing for a moment. ‘Well, well. Philo has taken a shine to your Companion.’ He leaned forward, eyes on Cora. ‘Tell me, Cora, is that against the rules?’
Cora gave him a lazy glance. ‘Do not ask me about men’s rules. I just follow them.’
‘That’s not true,’ he replied, winking at her.
The dance had stopped, and they were all staggering about, out of breath and clapping one another. Tyron watched as Philo led Aldara to a table and poured her another cup of wine. She drank it fast, thirsty from her efforts. They were back out dancing before Tyron had collected his thoughts. That was his fault. He had meant to send her away and had delayed the decision for far too long. The truth was, she belonged to no one at that moment, and everyone seemed aware of that fact. Cora could not resist the opportunity to push him a little farther.
‘Is it just me or is his hand slipping inside her dress every time they come together?’ she asked, keeping her voice neutral.
Tyron was out of his chair and walking towards them before Leksi had a chance to point out she was wearing a closed dress, making the suggestion impossible. It did not matter anyway—Tyron could not have watched it for a moment longer.
‘Forgive the interruption,’ he shouted to Philo, trying to compete with the music. ‘Do you mind if I steal Aldara from you?’
Philo studied his face for a moment and then nodded. ‘By all means.’ He turned to Aldara. ‘You have worn me out. You will have to excuse me.’
Aldara curtsied. Once Philo was out of earshot she looked at Tyron. ‘What did you say to him?’ There was accusation in her voice.
Tyron took hold of her hand and led her through the maze of dancers and out of the hall. He was walking fast, forcing her to run to keep up. Once they were away from the noise and the stares of the guards, she pulled her hand free and stood still. He spun around on her, losing patience.
‘Where are we going?’ she asked.
He took a step towards her. ‘Where are we going, my lord?’
Her eyebrows shot up. ‘Really, that’s how you want this conversation to go? All right. Where are we going, my lord?’
He took hold of her arm again. ‘I am taking you back to your quarters to sleep off the wine.’
She pulled herself free again, this time using more force. ‘I really hope you are joking.’
‘Am I laughing?’
‘You never laugh, so how am I to tell?’
He lowered his arms to his side and looked at her. ‘You should not have even been here tonight.’
She folded her arms in front of her in a manner that would have had Fedora reeling. ‘And where should I have been? Scrubbing floors with the maids? Tucked up in bed losing my mind to boredom?’
‘I don’t know. Not in here.’
She stared at him, feeling the heat of anger in her stomach once again. ‘I can make my own way back to my quarters. And then I will spend the evening explaining to Fedora why I was asked to leave the banquet so she can point out, once again, all of the reasons I am a failure.’
She looked away and tried to walk past him. Tyron reached out and grabbed her arm.
‘I will explain to her…’
She reeled on him then, eyes burning. ‘Explain what? What will you explain? Tell me. You have explained nothing from the moment we were introduced.’
He could not find the words he needed. Or perhaps he did not know where to start. Either way, she was not done.
‘If you don’t want me, then hand me over to your guests or sell me! Those are my options, and the decision is yours to make!’
He let go of her arm, and she stood there panting, trying not to cry. Because he could not say the things he wanted to, he said something else.
‘Lower your voice. You will be taken away and whipped if you are caught speaking to me like that.’
She took an unsteady step away from him. When he said nothing more, she curtsied and said, ‘Good night, my lord.’
All the venom was gone from her tone. She stood upright, turned, and walked away down the corridor, leaving him standing alone, hands open and words still missing.
She did not see Philo again.
Chapter 19
Twenty-seven days. Aldara could not help but count them. Twenty-seven days without one word from him. She listened for news, but none of the maids knew anything more than she did. He had not left Archdale to fight a secret war or returned to Galen with his guests nor any of the other excuses she had dreamed up. His horse remained in the stables, and he was safely inside the castle walls—just never anywhere near her. She had to stop listening for mention of his name. So twenty-seven days after the incident, she found a way to distract herself.
‘You want what?’ Fedora asked, clearly displeased.
Aldara was undeterred. ‘Some archery supplies,’ she said again. ‘Sapphira believes that archery is the only talent Prince Stamitos wants from her.’
Hali was pretending to read by the fireplace. She wanted nothing to do with it.
‘Absolutely not,’ replied Fedora calmly.
Aldara remained calm also. If there was any chance of getting her way, it would need to be Fedora’s way ultimately.
‘There are plenty of girls that can sing. There are no others in the kingdom that can shoot a longbow over four hundred yards. His lordship chose her for that reason—the reason she stood out from all others that day. She just wants the equipment and the chance to maintain her skills in case the need arises.’
Fedora walked away. ‘The need to shoot someone?’
Aldara walked alongside her, remaining calm. ‘The need to entertain the prince or his guests in a form of his choosing. Or perhaps the need to accompany his lordship on a hunt.’
Fedora picked up the pace. ‘Companions do not hunt. And she will not be entertaining guests with her…archery.’
She had one more try. ‘This is the first girl that really captured his attention—the girl with the longbow. Are you sure you want to offer up something different?’
Fedora stopped walking. It was a long enough pause to be a good sign. ‘Very well. I will send a squire to fetch her equipment from her father. I don’t want to cause scandal by sourcing it within the castle walls. Any practise is to be done outside of her singing and other lessons. Am I understood?’
‘Yes, my lady.’
It was a small win, but a much-needed one. It would give them both more access to the outdoors. Sun, fresh air, a chance to breathe properly.
The following day, a messenger arrived with the equipment from Sapphira’s father. Inside the leather quiver, hidden among the arrows, was a letter that Sapphira read in private. Afterwards, she washed her face and returned to Aldara, who said nothing of her red eyes.
Fedora allowed them to spend the afternoon at the butts where archery training took place. She felt armed Companions roaming the castle grounds alone might be cause for alarm, so she sent a guard to accompany them. The guard carried the equipment and trailed behind them as they stepped out into the sunshine that had finally broken through the clouds. There was just enough warmth to remind them the warm season had begun. The girls stopped walking to bathe in the light for a moment. The guard, impatient and resentful of his duty, hurried them on. They did not walk, they strolled. Aldara breathed deeply, occasionally spinning around so the sun reached her entire body.
Sapphira laughed at her and then reached over and unclipp
ed her hair. ‘You may as well completely relax,’ she said, using her fingers to detangle the waves, so they fell about her shoulders.
‘Don’t lose that clip, or Fedora may not let me back in.’ Aldara lifted her arms, bathing her cold hands in the warmth.
They continued alongside the castle, weaving through hung linen and maids elbow deep in soapy water. Sapphira could not help but join in on Aldara’s insanity. She spun faster and faster until she was so dizzy she had to grab hold of a wet tunic to keep herself upright. The maid scolded her, and Aldara laughed, surprising herself. It was a sound she had not heard in weeks.
‘We should go,’ Sapphira said. ‘I think Fedora is having us watched.’
Aldara went silent and followed Sapphira’s line of sight up to a figure standing in the window above them. A dark shadow against the brilliance of the sun. Familiar enough to wipe away her smile and slow her heart beat. She used a hand to shield the sun, trying to get better vision, but the window was now empty. Her hand fell to her side, and she looked at Sapphira. ‘Yes, we should go.’
They walked away from the castle and stepped onto the new grass that was taking over the mud. They walked amid lines of flowering populus, finding themselves in a quiet place where the noise was just a distant hum behind them.
‘In there,’ the guard said, pointing to a gap in the trees.
The girls walked through the opening onto a large, grassy lawn. They stopped, looking around at the target mounds positioned at varying distances. Behind the mounds, protective fencing ensured no stray arrows took out unaware passers-by. Each mound had five coloured rings.
‘I assume the aim is to hit the yellow circle in the centre?’ Aldara said.
‘You’re a natural.’
Sapphira collected her things from the guard, handling the equipment with ease and familiarity. She strapped her quiver to her hip, so the arrows hung beside her. When she raised the bow, her loose cotton dress slid up her arm, revealing toned muscle beneath it. Aldara stood behind her, a quiet observer.
‘Nock, mark, draw, loose!’ Sapphira shouted.
She released the arrow, and it pierced the heart of the yellow centre. She shifted her footing and aimed at the next target. Aldara noticed the guard next to them shift his weight.
‘Nock, mark, draw, loose!’ she shouted again, hitting another bulls-eye. She found a rhythm and released another six arrows consecutively.
‘You don’t have to call it when there are no other shooters,’ the guard said.
Sapphira rolled her eyes. Aldara guessed the shouting made him uneasy.
‘All of that effort and it turns out you do not need any practise after all,’ Aldara said. ‘I should also mention I wish to remain your friend now that I have seen what you can do with that thing.’
Sapphira tucked her hair behind her ears and offered the bow to the guard. ‘Fancy a little competition?’
‘I most certainly would,’ a voice came through the trees.
Prince Stamitos appeared through the opening, smiling on top of his chestnut gelding. Leksi followed behind him, loose rein and appearing relaxed. Aldara glanced past them, but no one else followed. The women dropped into a curtsy.
‘Good day, my lords,’ they said in unison.
‘Indeed,’ Stamitos replied. ‘So this is where Fedora has been hiding you. Can’t pretend I am not pleased.’
Leksi’s eyes rested on Aldara, and he nodded politely.
‘Actually, I have been lost among a sea of dresses and suffocating on songs,’ Sapphira said.
Stamitos looked between the targets. ‘I’m not one for songs.’ He smiled down at her. ‘Pandarus has organised a large hunting party in a few days’ time. I am hoping Fedora will let you join us.’
‘I will not hold my breath.’
Aldara laughed. ‘Sapphira has figured out the hierarchy of the power around here,’ she said to Stamitos.
‘Yes, I have heard even the bravest of princes do not go up against Fedora.’ He glanced at the bow in Sapphira’s hand. ‘Have those arrows ever been used on a moving target?’
Sapphira went completely still. She appeared to be listening for something. Aldara was about to speak to fill the silence, when suddenly, Sapphira lifted her bow towards the sky and released an arrow at a vertical angle. A few moments later, a large, black crow, fell to the ground in front of them, making the horses stir and Aldara squeal. Sapphira stepped forward and yanked the arrow from the dead bird. Aldara cupped her hands over her nose and mouth in horror. Stamitos and Leksi were smiling, and the guard just stared in disbelief at the lifeless bird.
‘I’m afraid I could not possibly join the hunt,’ Sapphira said. ‘Women are forbidden from taking part, and it would not be fair to your guests.’
Stamitos laughed, eyes lighting up at her. ‘Perhaps you can give them a few pointers beforehand then.’
‘We should go before Fedora’s spies discover the two of you breaking the rules,’ Leksi said, interrupting their flirtation.
Stamitos kept his eyes on Sapphira for a moment. ‘Ladies,’ he said, bowing his head.
Leksi nodded in their direction, then the men turned their horses and trotted off towards the stables. Both of the girls curtsied and did not rise until the horses were some distance away.
‘Well, Fedora will be pleased to hear you have no nerves in the presence of royalty,’ Aldara said, eyes going to the bird.
‘Why would I be nervous? When I am armed, they should be nervous.’ She put down the longbow and retrieved her small crossbow, holding it out to Aldara. ‘Come, I’ll teach you.’
Aldara hesitated before taking it from her. Kadmus owned a simple crossbow he used for hunting. She had played with it a few times, and had been terrible. She had never put too much effort into learning because if she was not able to use it, then she was not expected to hunt with it.
The afternoon slipped by, and Aldara proved to be an enthusiastic student when her target was a lifeless, painted mound. When she finally put the bow down, her hands were raw and the ring finger on her right hand had a large blister.
‘We’ll have to get a glove made for you,’ Sapphira said.
Aldara laughed. ‘Fedora would love that request.’
They reluctantly began their walk back to their quarters with a bored guard shuffling behind them. They passed the empty clotheslines and abandoned washing bats. Aldara glanced again at her hands, enjoying the familiar burn of work. It reminded her of a different life. One with purpose. Her life before him.
Leksi found Tyron in the stables, loading his horse with supplies. The sun was setting behind him, and soon there would be nothing but shadows.
‘Where could you possibly be going at this time of day? And without me?’
Tyron glanced at him. ‘I am meeting with Lord Clio at his manor in Veanor.’
‘Veanor?’ No response. ‘Shouldn’t Pandarus be taking such meetings?’ Leksi glanced at Pero, who had already mounted and was waiting with two guards nearby. ‘Why are you running off to Veanor? Is there a sheep crisis I’m not aware of?’
Tyron mounted. ‘There is no sheep crisis,’ he said, looking at him. ‘He has a new supplier from Galen staying with him who I want to meet. I’m bored, and happy to go in place of Pandarus.’
He pushed his horse forward, but Leksi did not move aside, stopping the gelding with his hand instead.
‘You are bored with this peaceful time? There is no pleasing you.’
Tyron glanced about. ‘It appears that is true.’
Leksi was not buying the story. ‘I saw your Companion today at the butts.’
And there it was, a sharp return of Tyron’s attention and a flicker in his eyes confirming Leksi’s suspicions.
‘Ah, I see. This trip has little to do with your Galen supplier.’
Tyron did not want to discuss her. He had seen her earlier from the window, bathed in sunlight, spinning like a carefree child.
‘You’re as bad as my mother. You miss nothing.’
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‘To me you try to lie?’ Leksi let go of the horse. ‘Go on then, take your trip. Run away. Torture yourself some more.’ He turned and walked away.
Tyron did not move. ‘Leksi.’
Leksi stopped and turned around, taking in his tortured expression.
‘What was she doing at the butts?’
Leksi smiled, satisfied. ‘She was with Stamitos’s new acquisition. They were shooting birds from the sky. It seems you and Stamitos share the same unconventional taste in women.’ He paused. ‘When you finally work up the courage to invite her to your bed, be sure to sleep with one eye open.’
Tyron watched him leave. He knew Aldara would find any excuse to be outdoors. He wanted to ask more questions, but Leksi was too far away, and he had already revealed enough.
His horse was waiting for instructions while the younger horses shuffled nearby, impatient to get moving. He preferred an older horse for exactly that reason. They were never in a rush. They understood there was nothing at the end of their journey worth rushing for. All that was ahead of them was fatigue, thirst, hunger, battle, or death.
He left Archdale, his pace slow, dreading the return when he would send her away. But he had let it drag on for long enough, and it was hurting them both. No more excuses. No more indulgent glimpses. He would do it as soon as he got back.
Chapter 20
On the morning of the hunt, the cold air took the women by surprise. They reluctantly covered their gowns with thick cloaks. Aldara laid them out on a chair and then stood by the door, watching them disappear, one at a time.
‘Can you finish my hair?’ Hali asked, giving up.
Aldara’s hands were sore from archery practice, making her wince occasionally. Hali threw looks of disapproval at her in the mirror.
