It took several moments for Kaori to realize Ramis was speaking. He looked concerned, shaking her gently to try and get her attention. “Kaori, are you alright? Should I send for the physician?”
“I…” she rested her hand against her forehead, desperately trying to stop the world from spinning around her. It was too much for her to take in at once. She needed a minute to gather her senses and everything would be alright. She hoped. “No, that is quite alright. Just a little dizzy spell. I will be fine.” Forcing a smile, she felt Ramis steady her on her feet, his hand remaining around her arms in case she started to falter again. Even the King stood vigilant, adding to Kaori’s humiliation as he placed a heavy hand upon her shoulder.
“Need rest,” he nodded to her. Stern in his tone. Commanding.
She did need rest. That was one point she couldn’t argue. Her illness wasn’t completely gone. The slight tremble in her knees had never really ceased, adding strain to her every movement despite her attempts to present herself as a strong, healthy woman. She wasn’t ready for this kind of excitement. Had she known just how weak she really was, she might have argued to push the meeting back to a later time when she felt more in control of her body. “Perhaps the King is right. A little sleep might do me some good.”
Nodding in agreement, Ramis straightened his posture, the tips of his fingers sliding away from Kaori’s arms as his confidence grew in her ability to stand on her own. “We have time before Lord Losuva returns from Carpaen. There will yet be plenty of opportunities to work out the details of the alliance.”
The alliance. Yes, there was still much that needed to be discussed where that was concerned. Now that she was aware of the reason why Therek had left her to the negotiations, she felt foolish for having hesitated to speak more with the King on the matter. Naelt’s suggestion for the training of the Vor’shai was sound. And if Therek was intent on not wearing the crown, his place as General of the Vor’shai army was the perfect choice as an alternate role in this battle. He was more skilled than anyone she knew when it came to combat. Before she left this place, it seemed only right to inform the King that she trusted his counsel in that regard.
“Your Majesty,” she turned her face toward the King, nodding respectfully before aiming the rest of her statement to Ramis. It was easy to forget Naelt wouldn’t understand her if she spoke to him directly. “Inform your King that I agree with the idea of Lord Losuva being named general. I can think of no other man who would fill the position more appropriately.”
“A wise decision, Milady,” Ramis’s tensed features slowly started to soften, pleased with Kaori’s cooperation. For the first time since entering the throne room Kaori didn’t experience a wave of uncertainty when she heard Ramis begin to translate her words to the King. She was making the right choice. Even if Therek did accept the crown back upon his return, it changed nothing where the training of their people was concerned. He was the best possible man for the job. While being Emperor and General at the same time would be more of a burden than any one man should have to bear, she was willing to help him in any way possible to make it work.
Revealing equal pleasure at Kaori’s decision, Naelt’s irises seemed to flash a bright, vibrant yellow from under his narrow, slanted eyelids, his hand sliding down to pat Kaori approvingly on the back. His response was garbled, spoken in his native tongue, the only word which caught Kaori’s attention being the address he had used toward her since she first entered the throne room. Andanu. She wasn’t sure she would ever get used to being referred to as Queen. With any luck Therek would return soon and reclaim the title of Emperor so she would no longer be faced with the task.
“His Majesty states that he looks forward to meeting with you again when you are returned to good health. He wishes you a quick recovery and thanks you for gracing Namorea with your beauty.”
Kaori’s eyes did a double-take to hear Ramis’s translation of the King’s words. Beauty? Surely Ramis misinterpreted the King’s meaning. She could feel the warmth rising in her cheeks at the compliment, regardless of whether the translation was correct. Without more knowledge of the Namiren language, she had no way of proving him wrong. “Your King is far too kind,” she dipped low into a formal curtsy, repeating the motion she utilized upon first greeting the King. Her mother had always taught her that it was customary to show the same courtesy upon a farewell as was shown when greeting a man of Naelt’s station. In that moment, Kaori felt more grateful for her mother’s lessons than she ever had before. If not for her words of wisdom, Kaori doubted whether she would have been able to conduct herself for this meeting at all. “Be sure to tell him that I am in his debt for all he has done for my people. Our victory over Sulel will be the first step in a long and fulfilling friendship between our countries.”
“Yes, indeed,” Ramis smiled. “There are a few matters which I must discuss with my King in private before we depart the palace. Perhaps you should take this opportunity to speak with your friend in the hall to repair any hard feelings or it will be a very long journey back to my home.”
Her heart fell at the mention of Liurn. She wasn’t sure she was ready to face him yet. Her reaction to his interruption had been harsh, to say the least. Justified or not, he would have been hurt by her sudden dismissal. She just wasn’t in the mood to coddle him. They had greater things to worry about than one man’s feelings. Especially one who had proven himself so hardheaded and judgmental toward the man she had just placed in command over the entire Vor’shai army. “Your Grace,” she nodded, accepting of his suggestion while not fully prepared to do as he said. All she wanted was to be out of the throne room so she could breathe normally again.
At her final farewell to the King, the guards pulled open the door for her to exit, their height no less impressive than upon first entering the spacious room. There was something about the feeling she got when her feet tread over the soft red carpet, the guards snapping to attention at her approach. For a moment she almost felt like a real Queen. Briefly, she experienced a sort of childish delight at the thought, reminded of the games she used to play as a child. Every girl dreamed of one day being a Princess. Never did she think that fantasy would ever come true. Regardless of how short-lived it might be, she was truly royalty. And it was an experience she wouldn’t soon forget.
Back in the quiet of the hall, the concerns which had been pushed to the back of Kaori’s mind came rushing to the forefront once again. Liurn. She had to find him. As much as she hated the thought of trying to speak with him at the moment, it was the right thing to do. He was her friend. Although he was impossible at times, it didn’t change the fact that he’d been there for her when almost everyone else had deserted her. He deserved better than she gave him in return. He was just so inexorable!
Scanning the area with her eyes she tried to locate where Liurn had gone, realizing in a moment of panic that he was nowhere to be seen. The corridor was empty. Aside from a few scattered guards, she was alone. “Liurn?” Her voice echoed down the hallway. She felt foolish calling for him when it was obvious no one was there. But where had he gone?
Concern started to build in the back of her mind. Unlike Therek’s calm and levelheaded demeanor, Liurn had a temper. If Kaori’s actions had stoked it in any way, there was no telling where he might have run off to. Would he be reckless enough to try leaving the palace without them? He would never make it to the house on foot. It was unlikely he knew the way back. Horrible images of Liurn getting lost in the wilderness and attacked by some wild, unknown creature set her heart into a rapid pulse, pounding hard against her chest until she felt as if she might faint. She was upset with him, but she didn’t wish any ill will upon him.
Quickening her pace, Kaori hurried down the hall. The corridor around her began to sway unsteadily, the increased rhythm of her heart bringing with it the feeling of lightheadedness which had become all too familiar as of late. She needed to calm down. If she didn’t get her breathing and her heart rate under control, she was
going to lose consciousness. But at least the meeting was over. It was the only bright side she had to consider. Exacerbating her illness now wouldn’t affect negotiations. Only her pride and dignity if the entire Namiren court watched her collapse in the middle of the King’s home.
Unsteady on her feet she came to a pause, hand lifted to her forehead to try and stop the room from spinning. This was ridiculous. Liurn was a grown man. She shouldn’t have to chase after him every time something didn’t go his way. Had he been anyone else, she might have been compelled to just let him go. “Lord Tialore!” she shouted, praying her voice would carry far enough to reach his ears, wherever they might be. He couldn’t have gotten very far. She was only in the meeting a few moments after sending him away.
As the room started to come into focus Kaori realized she was no longer alone. In her dazed wandering she managed to find herself in the main foyer of the Namiren palace, the watchful eyes of the curious courtiers settled upon her, whispering amongst each other at her strange behavior and appearance. Many of them had never been off the island. She could only imagine what a shock it must be for them to see her there. A Vor’shai amidst a race of people who knew nothing of the world outside their society. And her behavior wasn’t helping to deter their attention. Damn you, Liurn. Why did he have to be so capricious? One minute he was the perfect image of a nobleman and the next he was throwing a tantrum like a spoiled child.
Embarrassed by the number of eyes upon her, she forced a smile, nodding to the courtiers in a polite gesture of greeting. If she was going to be Queen until Therek returned, it was best she put on the best show possible for the people of Namorea. They were allies, after all. It was better they not think the Vor’shai weak. She already loathed to admit that she’d come there to beg assistance of the King. With any luck, the men and women staring at her now were unaware of that fact.
Anxious to be out of the palace Kaori hurried toward the door, grateful to find it standing open, a warm, gentle breeze floating into the foyer, reminding her of springtime in Carpaen. For a moment she was taken back to the days of her childhood, running through the courtyard of the Levadis estate, the smell of fresh grass and flowers wafting across her nostrils. Reality quickly pulled her from the reverie, reminded of the harsh truth. Those days were gone. The Levadis estate no longer existed beyond ashes and rubble. Never again would she stroll through the beautiful gardens and feel the sun on her face with the same carefree mind she possessed as a child. Sulel had made sure every last memory of her childhood was destroyed. And every moment she spent daydreaming about a part of her life that no longer existed was another minute Sulel was sitting on that throne, celebrating the misfortune of her people.
“Liurn!” She hastened her pace into the yard, her slippered feet crunching along the gravel with every step. A figure was standing near the palace gates, head upturned to stare at the sky. Kaori recognized Liurn instantly, a long breath escaping her to see him still within the confines of the palace grounds. “Liurn, what are you doing?” she demanded, hurrying across the path to stand at his side. “I have been looking everywhere for you.”
Clearly angry, Liurn gave a derisive snort, his head lowering to stare at Kaori, a hint of contempt visible in his eyes. He had never looked upon her in that way before. It was almost frightening to see such heated disdain come from a man she considered one of her dearest friends. One who claimed to love her. “Oh, so now you want me? Or did you just come out here to send me away again?”
“Liurn, don’t be like that…”
“Like what?” he challenged, stepping forward in a display of aggression. Forcing Kaori to take a step back. “I thought we were friends, Kaori. How dare you order me around like I’m some worthless servant.”
She didn’t have time to feel threatened, her emotions swiftly shifting from surprise to indignation. Liurn had no right to speak to her like this. Not because she held any position of power; though that detail remained nagging at the back of her mind. He treated her like the enemy. Pushing her around like some child who needed to be put in their place. She refused to back down and give him the satisfaction of seeing her cower before him. He was out of line – and she intended to make sure he didn’t get the idea that she would take such disrespect from him. “Let’s get one thing straight,” she hissed through gritted teeth, chest pushed forward proudly to stand her ground. Unable to restrain her rising anger she brought her hand up to push against Liurn’s chest, causing him to stumble backward under the force, an expression of shock contorting his handsome features to see Kaori fight back. “I will not be bullied by you, or any other man who thinks they are better than me. When I told you to drop your ridiculous grudge against Therek, I meant it. Who are you to argue with the Namiren King? If not for Therek, we wouldn’t be here. You’re an ungrateful little bastard if you haven’t realized that by now.”
“I…” Liurn stammered, fumbling over his own tongue to try and find his words. It was difficult for Kaori not to laugh at the spectacle. He was intimidated by her. A grown man trembling at the wrath of a woman. In a way, she kind of enjoyed it.
“You what?” she pressed, taking a step forward to cover the gap between them. Liurn recoiled slightly, angling his body away from her as if in fear she would strike him again.
“It was not my intention to argue with the King,” he exhaled, voice shaking. “Who we choose as the general is not a decision which should be taken lightly. I have to wonder if Therek is really the best man for the job.”
“And who would you suggest? Yourself ?” Kaori snapped.
Liurn’s lips parted to speak, thinking over his response carefully before saying anything. “There are plenty of men among us who would make fine teachers for an army.”
“Name one.”
“I – well…”
“A name, Liurn!”
“Me! Are you happy?” Liurn exclaimed, enraged by Kaori’s persistence. “I am the one who helped you build this rebellion. That day in Whitelyn when we first stood up to the soldiers, it was me who fought by your side. Therek didn’t help. For Sarid’s sake, Kaori, the man fought against you!”
“He had no choice!”
“Oh, he had a choice.” Fists clenched, Liurn’s posture straightened, all sign of his earlier hesitation no longer visible, the amber glow of his eyes flashing brightly as he stared Kaori down. “We all had a choice, Kaori. You just don’t want to admit he was too much of a coward to stand up for his people. It wasn’t until he already lost everything that he finally decided to be of some use.”
She couldn’t remember the last time she was this angry. Her heart raced. Body trembling. It took every ounce of willpower she possessed not to punch Liurn square in the nose. He deserved it. For everything he said about Therek, she believed anyone would have lashed out against him. But she couldn’t allow herself to be consumed by rage. The offense she took at his insults toward Therek wasn’t entirely rational. Her emotions clouded her ability to handle this situation with the same grace she might have otherwise attempted to utilize. “Perhaps you are unaware, but I am the reason Therek lost everything. He tried to protect me from Sulel and General Deliao while I was in captivity and was banished from court because of it. That deserves some recognition.”
“I find that hard to believe,” Liurn scoffed. “Judging by the way you looked when I first saw you in Gavir, he obviously didn’t do enough.”
“What would you have him do? Take on Sulel’s personal guards by himself ?”
“The man is more skilled with a blade than ten of Sulel’s soldiers combined. If your safety meant that much to him, then why not?”
“You have lost your mind,” Kaori threw her arms up in exasperation. This was getting her nowhere. Liurn was too hung up on whatever animosity he felt toward Therek to ever see reason. “You are suggesting an outright assassination of the – recognized – Emperor and his general. Such actions would have started a revolt and our people most certainly were not prepared for a fight at that time
.”
“There wouldn’t have been a fight. You said it yourself, he is the rightful Emperor. He could have done something.”
“He could have done nothing! By the gods, Liurn, are you really so simpleminded?” she gasped, finding it hard to catch her breath. There was so much she wanted to say! For a man who prided himself on his intelligence, he was proving no smarter than the bricks which made up the wall surrounding them. “The soldiers do not recognize the legality of the documents signed by Sulel’s father. In their minds, Sulel is the Emperor. If Therek struck at him, he would have been marked as a traitor and hunted by every soldier under Deliao’s command until he was brought to death.” Drained from the seeming futility of the fight, she shook her head, waving her hand at Liurn in dismissal as she started to turn away. This was accomplishing nothing. Ramis would return soon and when he did she just wanted to get back to her room so she wouldn’t have to look at Liurn any longer. The sight of him made her want to scream.
A hand on her wrist prevented Kaori from walking away, her eyes lifting to glare angrily up at Liurn where he stood, holding her firmly in place. “Kaori…”
“Take your hands off me. I have nothing more to say to you.”
Gathering all the strength she could muster Kaori tore her arm from Liurn’s grasp, the force nearly causing him to fall face-first onto the ground at her feet. Let him fall; she thought angrily. A little humility might do him some good…
Satisfied that he wasn’t close enough to grab her again she moved quickly toward the carriage. That man had her so worked up, she couldn’t even enjoy the beauty of the palace anymore. The clean air felt almost suffocating, her hands clutching at her chest to try and take in a full breath. She needed to calm down. This fight wasn’t worth the energy she exerted. One of these days Liurn would realize how foolish he was being – but that day wouldn’t be today. All she could do was bite her tongue through the ride home and pray he wouldn’t start a scene in front of Ramis. If he did, she couldn’t promise that Liurn would return to Ramis’s home unscathed.
The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Four: In the Beginning Page 71
