The Royal Companion

by Tanya Bird

  He propped himself up on one elbow and watched as she fixed her hair. She glanced at the sheet that covered him to his hip, tempted to return to bed. She turned away instead.

  ‘I’ll send for you later. We can go riding.’

  She was smiling when she turned back to him. ‘Good day, my lord.’ She gave a small curtsy and left his chambers with her chest bursting.

  Tyron got out of bed, washed, and went in search of his mother, who according to his squire, had grown impatient with his absence and fed up with his excuses. He found her seated in the solar with Cora, reading. He would have normally turned around and left upon seeing his sister, but he had already been announced. The two women studied him.

  ‘Where on earth have you been?’ Eldoris asked. ‘I had people out searching for you yesterday.’

  He walked in and sat in the spare chair near them. ‘Am I the only member of this family who does not have spies running about the castle?’

  Cora looked back at her book. ‘Well, they cannot have been very clever, Mother. He spent the entire day in his chambers with her.’

  Ah. Just what he was trying to avoid. He looked at Cora. ‘I see nothing escapes your spies, sister. Should I be checking under my bed for little people hiding there?’

  She closed her book and smiled at him. ‘Wouldn’t they have gotten a show? Tell me, brother, did her goat milking experience come in handy?’

  Eldoris’s book snapped shut. ‘Really, Cora, you would have to be the most vulgar princess this kingdom has ever lived through. I did not raise you to speak that way. Continue your reading elsewhere.’

  Cora stood gracefully and walked past them, head high. Eldoris waited for the door to shut before she spoke.

  ‘Please tell me I worry for nothing.’

  ‘My queen, my mother, you worry for nothing.’

  She placed the book next to her and folded her hands in her lap. ‘You are happy. It appears there is cause for concern.’

  Tyron laughed, which was very out of character. ‘My happiness should surely be cause for celebration, not concern.’

  Eldoris did not smile. ‘It is the source from which this happiness stems that worries me. It is not long-term happiness that feeds your soul, my son. This union will come to a destructive end for both of you.’

  Tyron stood up. He did not want his good mood ruined. ‘I am meeting with Father now. Am I to expect a similar speech from him?’

  Worry tugged at her face. ‘No, my love. I believe there is news regarding Corneo. Judging by the urgency of the message delivered, my guess is it is not good news.’

  Tyron sat in his father’s chambers alongside Pandarus. There were reports of attacks in the North of Syrasan. Two women and four young girls had been taken from a small village on the Lotheng River. Two male family members had died trying to stop them. No one knew who the riders were as they had been unmarked, storming through the village under the cover of night. No flag, no claim.

  ‘I do not believe they were Corneon,’ Tyron said.

  ‘Of course they were Corneon,’ Pandarus snapped. ‘This is exactly the type of cowardly behaviour we expect from them.’

  Tyron was not convinced. ‘What on earth would they want with a few women and children?’

  ‘What do you think? They did not take the old women.’

  Tyron shook his head. ‘The Corneon people are not rapists. They have morals.’

  ‘Corneo doesn’t have rapists?’

  It was clear Pandarus would disagree with whatever Tyron said. The king, who had been silent until that point, spoke up.

  ‘Right now it is an isolated incident. The act of a few desperate men.’

  Tyron was surprised by the comment. ‘They came from somewhere. Given the location and the nature of the offence, I would say they are likely to be Zoelin.’

  Pandarus made an exasperated gesture. ‘Yes, let’s label our new allies as criminal rapists because two of them spent one night with your Companion.’

  ‘Enough,’ Zenas said. ‘Get more information. For all we know they are Syrasan men. We will act when we have something to act upon. At the moment we have only suspicion.’

  Tyron raised his eyebrows. ‘Really? Who are you suspicious of? Because I am at a complete loss as to where we are pointing the finger.’

  Zenas and Pandarus exchanged a look that was not lost on Tyron.

  ‘We need to gather the facts,’ Zenas said. ‘Pandarus is scheduled to travel to Zoelin in two days to meet with King Jayr regarding trade. He can discuss the matter with them then.’

  ‘That’s an awfully diplomatic approach. What do you expect King Jayr to say, “Oh, sorry, that was us”?’

  Pandarus stood up. He had heard enough. ‘Stop whining, I’ll take care of it.’

  He left without bowing. Tyron looked at his father, who would not meet his eyes. ‘Shall I travel to the Lotheng and gather more information?’

  Zenas kept his eyes on the table in front of him. ‘Yes. Travel with Pandarus in two days’ time. See him over the border and then look for likely breaches. I want to know where the men came from.’

  Chapter 23

  Tyron kept his word to Aldara and requested her company for a leisure ride that afternoon. They refused an escort and headed for quiet outside of the castle walls. Tyron’s mind was on the attack. He was also suspicious of the unspoken exchange between Pandarus and his father. There was more to the story, but he could not fathom what it might be. Aldara could see his mind was elsewhere.

  ‘Did everything go all right at your meetings earlier?’

  He looked across at her, realising what bad company he must seem. She was wearing a peach coloured long-sleeved dress that matched the shade of her cheeks. Her hair was in a tight braid that seemed as though it was causing her discomfort. Her question hung there unanswered.

  ‘Sorry, what did you ask me?’

  ‘My lord, if there is something you need to do or if you would prefer to have a quiet afternoon, I understand. Please don’t feel as though you need to keep me entertained.’

  ‘Don’t,’ he said, shaking his head. His tone was more abrupt than he had intended. ‘Don’t address me formally in private. It isn’t necessary.’

  His tone only confirmed her suspicion. ‘I hope you know nothing you say to me will go any further. I’m not required to relay personal conversations to Fedora. She believes this builds trust. Perhaps I can help you by listening.’

  ‘What sort of confession are you hoping to get out of me?’

  ‘I have heard rumours of some very bad behaviour over the last few days.’

  There was something about her sitting in that impractical dress on that temperamental mare that made his pulse quicken. Or perhaps it was her old boots, which peaked out from the bottom of her dress, boots that most certainly would not have been approved by Fedora. Maybe it was the way the dress spilled down Loda’s rump, inviting his hands to roam beneath it.

  Aldara followed his gaze down to her boots. ‘Ah,’ she said. ‘The only thing I saved from the fireplace. Far too comfortable to give up. I guess Hali was right, the dress was not long enough after all.’ She shrugged and smiled at him.

  ‘What else have you got hidden under that dress?’ he asked her.

  ‘A crossbow,’ she replied. ‘You are in good hands.’

  Neither of them spoke for a moment. They just watched each other. Their horses eased together as though they were being tethered that way. As soon as Aldara was within reach, Tyron pulled her from her saddle in one swift motion, so she was seated in front of him with her legs draped to one side. He kissed her then, and the heat of it surprised them both. It did not take long for his hands to find their way inside her dress. He pulled one of her legs around so she wrapped him. The urgency of the situation became too much. There was barely time for them to get off the horse let alone off the open track they had been following.

  Two confused horses stood by in the tall grass.

  ‘Well, that was unplanned,’
Aldara said, as she lay on her back next to him.

  The skirt of her dress was bunched at her hips, and her tight braid had come undone. Tyron was observing her as she watched the horses graze.

  ‘Speak for yourself. I had the entire thing planned out.’

  She looked at him and smiled. ‘Next time you should plan for a place where the grass is not so coarse.’

  He reached over and ran a finger across her lip. ‘And I didn’t find the crossbow.’

  She pressed her lips together. ‘Perhaps you should search me again.’

  His expression turned serious then. ‘I think there might be another fight soon.’

  The humour left her face. ‘Corneo?’

  ‘We’re not sure.’

  She rolled onto her side to be closer to him. ‘There is going to be a war but you are not sure who with?’

  ‘Someone is already here,’ he said, turning away. ‘We just don’t know who it is.’

  They were silent for a moment

  ‘Where are they?’

  ‘In the North, for now. They took women and children. Two men were killed trying to stop them. And no one knows why.’

  ‘What on earth do they want with children?’

  He shook his head. ‘I wish I knew. I leave in two days to get some answers.’

  He turned and watched her chest rise and fall for a moment. Then he reached out and placed a hand on it. ‘The only thing more difficult than fighting is waiting for it to begin. Sitting about, anticipating the loss. Wondering which friends will return with you, which ones will get a burial, and which ones will be buried only by the snow that falls on them.’

  Aldara understood grief, and she knew it extinguished everything around it, even the myth of glory that came from winning a war. She thought how odd it must be to return home a hero and be confronted with celebration while grieving. Her hand went over his.

  ‘How ludicrous you must find the feasting as you count the empty chairs before you. There really is no win for you,’ she said, speaking his thoughts aloud.

  That evening, Tyron sent for her. She had barely had time to wash after their ride together when Pero appeared with a message for Fedora.

  Hali helped her dress, pinned her hair, and painted her lips. She then offered to escort Aldara to his chambers, which meant she wanted to talk privately. As soon as they were out in the corridor and out of Fedora’s hearing range, Aldara turned to her.

  ‘What is it?’

  ‘Pandarus departs tomorrow for Zoelin,’ Hali said.

  One look at Hali’s face told her things were not going well between them. ‘Has he requested you for the evening?’

  ‘No.’

  Aldara stopped walking to buy them more time. ‘Well he has not acquired a new Companion, so that is positive.’

  ‘Probably because he is embarrassed by how quickly he churns through them. He rarely sends for one anymore,’ Hali said, eyes going to the floor. ‘He prefers a more social evening. He likes to rekindle with some of his former flames. Except Astra of course; she is far too pure for such things, apparently.’ She looked up then and shook her head. ‘I am nothing to him, you know. Just another warm body in his bed.’

  Aldara touched her arm. ‘You are something to those who truly know you. You are most certainly something to Lord Yuri.’

  Colour flushed Hali’s face. ‘Well, nothing can come of that.’

  ‘If you were to become a Noble Companion—’

  ‘If I were to become a Noble Companion I may as well be a prostitute. I will be with whatever men they want me to be with. Do you think Lord Yuri will want a used-up whore who has slept with most of his acquaintances?’

  ‘He understands your situation.’

  Hali shook her head. ‘We are so far past fairy tales now. And I am terrified.’

  Aldara wrapped her arms around Hali and pressed her lips into her hair. ‘We’re all afraid. But you have my love and friendship forever.’

  A few tears ran down Hali’s face, and she brushed them away. ‘For as long as they let us.’

  A guard passed them then, so they continued walking.

  When Aldara arrived at Tyron’s chambers she went straight to him. Into his hands, his mouth. All of Hali’s work undone within moments. Hair unpinned, lips kissed clean, and a freshly pressed dress lay crumpled on the floor. They lay in the dark, protected by it. Time may have even stopped momentarily.

  ‘Can I ask you something?’ Aldara inquired.

  ‘Anything.’

  She had broken so many rules she had almost forgotten they were not permitted to speak about the other Companions unless asked directly.

  ‘Will Pandarus send Hali away? Sell her?’

  Tyron thought for a moment. ‘I don’t know. We don’t speak about those things.’

  ‘The novelty has worn off.’

  ‘The novelty always wears off.’

  She suspected that was a general statement not specific to Hali. She could not imagine a time when the novelty of him would pass. But what did she know about those things?

  ‘Will you tell me when the novelty of me wears off? So I don’t have to guess on the subject?’

  He did not speak. Only even, sleepy breaths came from his mouth. She closed her eyes and tried to follow him.

  A gentle glow filled the room when she woke. Tyron’s arm was heavy and familiar around her. She could tell by his breathing he was awake.

  ‘I will not sneak away,’ she said, kissing the top of his chest where her face was pressed. ‘I will remain here until you tell me to go. That’s how it works.’

  His eyes were closed, but he responded to her with his hands and then his lips. ‘You left yesterday.’

  ‘Yes, after two days. Be reasonable,’ she laughed.

  He shifted so he could her better. ‘What will you do if I have to leave to fight another war?’

  She looked up at him. His eyes were open, staring at the wall. ‘I will be here praying to that God of yours, waiting for you. All you have to do is stay alive and return when it is done.’

  His eyes went to her then. ‘Is that all?’

  She smiled at him. ‘And there are a few things you need to do before you leave,’ she said, tilting her hips forward.

  The conversation was over.

  The next time Aldara woke, blinding light poured through the window. Tyron sat at the table, washed, dressed, and watching her.

  ‘I didn’t have the heart to wake you.’

  She sat up, holding the sheet around her. ‘What time is it? Why are you dressed?’

  He eyes swept over her. ‘It’s noon. I’m dressed to take you riding once you have eaten.’

  She wrapped her arms around her knees and looked at him. He was about to spend days in the saddle. Taking her riding was probably the last thing he wanted to do. The gesture warmed her though.

  ‘Isn’t there something else you would rather do with your remaining time?’

  His eyes went to her naked back. ‘Yes, but I thought we could do both.’

  Her eyes shone at him. She had never experienced that kind of energy with someone before. She was not in control of herself, and it was terrifying.

  An hour later they were riding side by side through the forest. It was alive with chatty birds, nervous hares, and long-tailed green lizards lazing in the sun.

  ‘Why do some of the lizards have more purple on their throats do you suppose?’

  Tyron watched them scamper away from the horses. ‘The more colourful ones are male.’

  Aldara narrowed her eyes on him. ‘And how do you know that?’

  ‘We had excellent teachers. I thought Fedora was supposed to be educating you. Do I need to have a word to her? I would expect you to know about lizards,’ he teased.

  ‘She will teach us all about lizards the moment a nobleman admits to finding the topic interesting.’

  Tyron pointed ahead of them. ‘Here it is.’

  She followed his hand and saw an opening in the trees. Throu
gh the gap, she could see sweeping grasses littered with vibrant, purple echinacea. It was a haven of light in the densest part of the forest.

  ‘What is this place?’ she asked, stopping Loda at the edge of the grass.

  ‘A childhood discovery. We used to play here a lot,’ he said, dismounting.

  He tied the reigns around Otus’s neck and tapped his rump so he would wander off to feed.

  Aldara slipped off Loda and did the same. ‘Don’t you run off,’ she whispered to the mare before reluctantly letting go of the bridle. The mare trotted after Otus, and the two horses grazed together. When Aldara turned back to Tyron he produced a blanket from behind his back.

  ‘See, everybody wins today.’

  She laughed as she took his hand and pulled him into the sunlight. It was a glorious feeling amid darkness to be showered by the sun’s warmth. The dense trees did not even permit a breeze. Aldara let go of Tyron’s hand and looked at him.

  ‘Do you want to race me to the middle?’

  He frowned down at her, a smile tugging at his lips. ‘Race you? To see who is fastest?’

  ‘Yes. That’s the purpose of a race,’ she said, lifting the skirt of her dress and knotting it around her hips. ‘I can carry the blanket if you are worried about being disadvantaged.’

  He glanced down at her bare legs and shook his head. ‘All right. Go.’

  Aldara squealed and took off after him. His height advantage meant his legs covered more distance with each stride, but her own legs were fast. She tried to close the distance between them, but it was no good.

  ‘Watch out for grass snakes,’ he called back to her.

  She laughed. ‘You’re in front. They will bite you first.’

  He grinned and stopped running, marking his triumphant win by throwing the blanket down in the centre of the meadow. She stopped next to him, out of breath from exertion and laughter.

  ‘You are faster than Kadmus,’ she said, collapsing on top of the grass.

  He sat down next to and pulled her on top of him. He moved her legs so that they tightened around him. They were panting.

  ‘You appear to be hot. Take off your dress,’ he said.