“Trouble me?” he asked, feigning surprise at the question. He was slipping. It wasn’t like him to let his guard down in front of someone. Quickly he refreshed the strained smile on his face, setting his gaze on Audri with a reassuring nod. “I’m fine, Audri. Just a little tired. I should probably get to my room and lie down if I’m going to be greeting our guests tomorrow.”
“Are you sure?”
“It’s nothing,” Edric lied, leaning forward to plant a gentle kiss on his sister’s forehead, stepping around her to make his way down the hall toward his room. “Let Mother know I’m not feeling well and won’t be joining them for dinner. Tell her not to worry. A little sleep and I will be right as rain by morning.”
The next day Edric found himself pacing the foyer of the palace, anxious for the arrival of Aiva and Callum. He was tired of beating himself up inside without anyone to talk to. A reminder of the joy life used to hold would be good for him. The more he thought about it, the more excited he became at the prospect of their visit.
Every carriage that pulled up outside the door brought a new wave of hopefulness, his eyes watchful at the window to see if it was his sister. They would be there; he had no doubt about that. Audri’s birthday was the day after next. If Aiva wanted to see their sister before she left to complete the rites of adulthood, she would have to be at the palace before morning. It wasn’t like Aiva to be late.
“Expecting someone in particular?”
Edric’s head lifted at the sound of his father’s voice. Through the bustling courtiers scurrying in and out of the palace doors, King Thade had a way about him that made him unmistakable in a crowd. He carried himself with remarkable confidence, shoulders back, posture straight, the silver glow of his eyes seeming to shine brighter than any other Vor’shai in Tanispa. They matched the polished silver buttons of his doublet, gleaming against the rich blue velvet. “Audri indicated last evening that Aiva and Callum would be arriving from Escovul. I hoped to greet them when their carriage came, however, it seems they are running late.”
“Yes, I have been watching for them myself,” Thade nodded in agreement. “They should be here before dark. Your sister Shaelyn will be here any moment, though. I am anxious to see my grandson.”
“I will never get used to the thought of you being a grandfather,” Edric chuckled to himself at the thought. His father was still young by Vor’shai standards. It was strange to consider him old enough to have a grandchild when his youngest daughter was only just becoming an adult. “You know, I always thought it would be Aiva and Callum who made us feel old first by having children. Who would have thought little Shae would be a mother so young?”
“I cannot say I’m surprised. She was head-over-heels for young Herryk.”
“Yes, but Aiva and Callum were inseparable – once they got over the initial hurdles of their relationship.”
Thade laughed quietly. He couldn’t argue the truth of what Edric said. It was impossible to have forgotten the drama Callum and Aiva’s union had caused in the beginning. They were able to laugh about it now. At the time, they failed to see any humor in it. “What you have to take into consideration is the fact that Aiva and Callum do not see one another as frequently as Shaelyn and Herryk do. Callum is the Captain. His work keeps him away for days, sometimes weeks, at a time. Someone has to help his father train the troops.”
“I suppose I never thought about that.” Edric frowned. His sister sat around that palace all by herself? It made him uncomfortable to picture Aiva there inside those walls with no one to protect her in case of an attack. She was the heir to the throne. Assassination attempts on the royal family weren’t unheard of. If anything, they had been frighteningly common in the past. “She shouldn’t be allowed to stay in Escovul if he is going to be gone for extended periods of time. While she is here, we should try to convince her to come visit us when Callum leaves.”
“You know your mother and I would never argue her company. There is also another option, if you are concerned about her being there by herself.”
“What option would that be?”
“Well, it might do you some good to get away from here yourself from time to time. Perhaps you could request to visit your sister when her husband is away. I have noticed that you look a bit tired lately. Life here can be tedious at times.” Thade cast an appraising gaze over Edric, searching his face for a reaction to the observation. “Am I right in my assumptions that your apparent heavy-heartedness has something to do with this place?”
Edric was mortified to hear his father speak the thoughts that had weighed so heavily on him for so long. He had done everything to keep it hidden from his family. How was it that his father still managed to see through the façade? “Father –”
“It is alright, Edric,” Thade cut in with a knowing smile, reaching out to rest his hand on Edric’s shoulder to ease his obvious discomfort. “I know how taxing it can be. Regrettably, there is nothing that makes the life of a prince any less monotonous. You forget that I was once in a position very similar to yours. Even I found myself frustrated on occasion. There is no shame in it.”
“You might have been in a similar situation, but it was different for you. At least you were away from home. You found uses for your time that still benefited our people. If not for that, you never would have met Mother.” Edric released the air from his lungs. It felt good to say what was on his mind though he hated the thought of speaking his true feelings to his father, of all people. He couldn’t bear the thought of letting him down. But it was too late now. It was best to finish and wait for the repercussions of the confession. “Father, I am stuck in this palace day in and day out. The same faces pass me in the hall, the same women, playing their games to try and win my affections. How did you stand it? They don’t care about me; they care about my crown. I’m sick of them batting their eyes at me whenever I set foot out of my room.”
“Trust me, I know the frustration of that.” Thade turned his gaze heavenward. “Were it not for the gods throwing your mother in my path, I would possibly still be a single man. I am aware that majority of the people who call themselves nobility only care about their own bank accounts and titles. Finding love in a society where rank and status plays such a large role is next to impossible. I only wish you had come to us sooner. We could have sought some means to occupy your time. Just know that your presence here is far from useless. I enjoy hearing your counsel and I take your opinion to heart when it is offered.”
Lowering his gaze to the floor Edric stared at the polished leather of his boots, the sheen reflecting the glow of his silvery-blue eyes. A single question remained, bouncing around his mind, nagging at him. “How did you know? Have I done so poorly at concealing my apathy?”
“You are my son, Edric. Regardless of how busy your mother and I become, we do not cease to pay attention to our children,” he squeezed Edric’s shoulder comfortingly. “I have noticed it slowly worsen over the past few years. Last night at dinner even little Audri mentioned that she believed you distraught. My regret is that I did not say something sooner.”
A trumpet sounded from outside, directing Edric’s attention toward the entrance door. Stepping away from Thade, he peered through the window, saddened to find Aiva’s carriage still absent. The arriving coach belonged to his other sister, Shaelyn, who now climbed from inside. She looked like a doll in her exquisite gown of turquoise and gold brocade, the off-the-shoulder design of the sleeves adding a regal elegance to her slender arms. Yards of fabric flowed from the waistline to brush the gravel of the front courtyard. Her long black hair blew gently across her face in the breeze as she reached into the carriage, beckoning her son to come out. “Well, Grandpa. It looks like the children have arrived,” Edric smirked, winking at his father.
Thade chuckled, rolling his eyes in false disdain. “I suppose I should see if these decrepit old legs will carry me far enough to greet them properly.”
Following his father outside, Edric moved past the guards to
stand next to the carriage, smiling to see his nephew emerge from within. For a boy of fourteen he carried himself with impressive confidence. His lips were pursed in an attempt to look more stern, posing at his father’s side. The resemblance between the two was remarkable. Young Danil wore his long black hair pulled away from his face in a ponytail. They both possessed the same steely-blue eyes and angular features, though Herryk’s were more relaxed, offering his hand to Edric in greeting.
“Ah, Edric! It is good to see you again.”
“A pleasure, as always,” Edric accepted his hand, giving it a firm shake. “How are you enjoying your days as a father? Danil grows so fast. I swear it was only yesterday you and my sister arrived, carrying him in your arms. Now look at him. All grown up and pretending to be uptight and angry like every other member of court.”
“His mother told him that we have an image to uphold in front of the courtiers. He should turn into a child again once we’re out of sight from the masses.”
“Well, we should get him inside pretty quick. Lucky for him, he isn’t old enough to be exposed to their eyes,” Edric grinned at Danil, waving him toward the palace doors. He wanted out of view from the courtiers himself. The young age of his nephew was a perfect excuse to escape to the safety of the palace walls.
To his dismay Thade stepped in front of him, clasping Danil’s hand in his with a wide gesture toward another arriving carriage. “I will see Danil inside. If I am not mistaken, you will want to see our new guests.”
Lifting his eyes to follow Thade’s hand, it took only a moment for Edric to recognize the Levadis crest on the carriage door. His face brightened at the sight. Aiva. She was the only one other than their parents to travel in such a lavish vehicle. Trying to hide his excitement he straightened his shoulders, moving away from Shaelyn’s coach to wave at the approaching horseman. Behind him Edric could see the others moving toward the palace through his peripheral vision, leaving him to greet Aiva and Callum. Not that he minded. Everyone at court knew how close the three of them were. It was a respectful gesture to grant them a few minutes together before they would be swept into the rush of courtiers anxious to see their Princess and her husband.
When the carriage came to a stop Edric had to force himself to remain still. He wanted so badly to run to the door and drag his sister out in a grateful hug. Unfortunately, that wasn’t something he was allowed to do. As Herryk mentioned, they had an image to uphold in public. The people couldn’t see their royal family acting like children. They were too old for that; at least when someone was watching.
Callum was the first to exit, his short brown hair perfectly cut and styled, disrupted only slightly by the wind which blew unusually strong through the yard. His umber eyes lit up to see Edric standing there, waving excitedly while making his way around the horses to open the door for his wife.
Aiva was an image of perfect poise and grace. While Edric had always believed his sisters to be pretty girls, Aiva was the one he thought truly beautiful. Her features were identical to their mother in many ways with her elegant high cheekbones and porcelain-like skin. The color of her eyes reminded him of two vibrant sapphires sparkling from the internal energy which lit them from within. Her figure was slender and feminine though Edric knew she was capable of keeping up with any of the soldiers who served under her husband. A master swordswoman after their mother’s own heart. One would never know her true strength by simply looking at her. The rich blue of her damask gown matched her eyes, long waves of silken ebon hair flowing down her back. Accepting Callum’s hand she stepped down from the carriage, her smile brightening to see Edric there.
“Edric! My dear brother, I have been so excited to see you again.”
“You look absolutely stunning.” Edric stepped back to motion toward her.
“Stunning?” she laughed. “Trust me, it’s only by the work of the corset I wear. I must have eaten a good deal more during Callum’s last leave. Regrettably it seems I am gaining a little weight.”
“Then you’re the only one who notices. I’m sure your husband would never agree with you.”
“I know better,” Callum chortled, coming to stand beside his wife. “Not that I do agree with her. But if for some reason I did, I would never admit it. I still find her just as beautiful as the day I married her, if not more so.”
It warmed Edric’s heart to see the two of them together. Callum leaned forward to kiss Aiva on the cheek, adoration shining forth from the depths of his eyes. His love for her was unmistakable. Edric could think of no other man so deserving of his sister’s hand. “It’s good to have you both back in Sivaeria. How long will you be staying? A while, I hope.”
“We haven’t decided,” Aiva shrugged, smiling up at Callum. With a casual motion she linked her arm with her husband’s, extending the other in wait for Edric to accept it. “At least a week. General Cadell has granted Callum a month away from the troops. He must have remembered that our anniversary is coming up. The men say he is heartless, but I know otherwise. He would never dream of separating us on such an occasion.”
“A whole month? That is impressive. You should spend it here. We could throw a ball to celebrate your anniversary. How long has it been now?”
Callum grinned at the question, nodding at Edric as he accepted Aiva’s outstretched arm. “Thirty-nine wonderful years, and counting. Time moves so quickly. I’m beginning to feel old.”
“Don’t even get me started,” Edric rolled his eyes. “Grandmother Vorsila is counting the days as well. I don’t think a single dinner goes by where she doesn’t question our mother and father about when you two are going to start a family. I was surprised to find myself with another sister before word of a niece or nephew came – and from Shaelyn! Vorsila is beside herself. She may have something to do with Cadell’s decision to give you a month off.”
“Yes, that sounds like our grandmother. I swear that woman thinks of nothing but babies,” Aiva sighed. With graceful steps she let Callum and Edric walk her toward the palace doors, leaving the servants to gather the suitcases from the carriage. “I simply couldn’t justify having a family so early. There was no immediate need for an heir. Callum and I are young and healthy. It will be a long while before our parents step down as King and Queen, and to start a family so soon would have left the line to the throne a bit congested. Quite frankly, I was relieved when Mother and Father announced they were having another child. It distracted her from us for a year, at least.”
“You must have been granted some reprieve when Shaelyn and Herryk announced the birth of Danil.”
“Goodness, no,” Aiva laughed softly. “That only made it worse. I daresay, I would be content to let Shaelyn have a second before I settle into the role of a mother. Besides, I’m rather fond of my figure the way it is. If I gain any more weight, Callum may not be able to bear the sight of me and then what would I do?”
Gently Edric nudged Aiva with his elbow. He hated to hear his sister talk about herself in such a negative fashion. It bothered him to think Aiva might harbor significantly low self-esteem. She had every reason to be confident in her body. Next to their mother, she was the most revered woman in all of Tanispa. Not to mention the fact that he knew Callum doted on her. To give even the slightest question of her husband’s loyalty and love for her seemed almost criminal. “You’re going to give your husband a complex if you continue to talk that way. I’m beginning to wonder if his time away is causing more bitterness than you let on.”
Edric’s heart sank to see the smile on his sister’s face quickly fade, replaced by an expression of melancholy similar to that which had marred his own features for so long. Curious, he let his gaze shift to where Callum walked at Aiva’s side, eyes downcast to the gravel path, watching his boots with every step they took, as if afraid looking away might cause his feet to cease functioning. Suddenly uncomfortable with the obvious tension between the two, Edric let his eyes return to the palace doors. For once, he was eager to be in the foyer amongst the e
yes of the courtiers. Their presence would force a smile to their faces in order to provide an image of happiness for the people. While Edric could get away with an occasional frown in front of the public, Aiva didn’t have the same luxury.
The guards stationed at the entrance pulled the door open for the three of them, nodding politely to Callum and Aiva as they passed. They were dressed in military fashion, no doubt having been trained under Callum and his father. It was beginning to seem as if there wasn’t a soldier in Tanispa who hadn’t been. Despite Callum’s young age, the General pushed him to the limits in his work. Edric had never considered the possibility of this having adverse effects. How had his sister and his closest friend managed to keep their discontent hidden for so long?
“Perhaps we could take a turn through the gardens, like old times,” Edric cleared his throat, uncomfortable by the heavy silence. Although the smiles had returned to the faces of the two at his side, the tension remained. How anyone in the foyer could be so oblivious to its presence, he couldn’t be sure. It hung so thick he believed it could have been cut through with a sword if he was to attempt such a feat.
“You boys go ahead,” Aiva replied quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. Her arms slid easily away from Edric and Callum, sadness evident in her eyes as she gazed up at Edric. His heart broke to see her look at him that way. It was all he could do to keep from wrapping his arms around her to disallow her from walking away. “I am going to find our mother. We can catch up this evening after dinner,” she leaned forward to gently kiss Edric on the cheek. “Try to behave. I know what you two can be like when left alone.”
With nothing more than a wink Aiva hurried away, hands clutched tightly at her skirts to keep from tripping over the fabric in her hastened pace. Edric watched, unsure of how to respond to her quick departure. At his side Callum stood, rigid, an expression of longing on his face to see Aiva go.
The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Three: Crown of Ice Page 2
