“Deal.”
Lastly, I gave the Healer a long hug and we kissed both cheeks.
“Please contact us when you arrive, Amáne and we’ll do the same when we arrive in Trivingar.”
Gallen gave me a leg up, I buckled in, gave the word and Eshshah and I were on our way. Excitement coursed through us as we headed to our outpost, looking forward to our time alone with each other. As usual, flying with Eshshah always exhilarated me. Nothing could compare. I held myself in check until we were over the water and far enough away from land, and then I let myself loose, whooping and screaming with the joy of our freedom.
Our days at the outpost went quickly. We were always busy. I worked on my strikes and thrusts with my spear, practicing on the poor scrub trees. I couldn’t bring myself to use the dragon trees on the island for practice. They were too special to me, but the other trees and shrubs knew no mercy. I also practiced some shadow sparring. We ran through our tail mounts and wing mounts, ecstatic that we were able to take off after each one. Here, no one would see us and we could fly in broad daylight without a worry.
We swam in the warm waters, and I even managed to get some angling in. One of the days, we spent stranded inside as a Valaira reminded us of her fury. But I used that time to study the maps and castle floorplans that were in the library. I decided I’d have to bring some of the books and maps back to the Healer’s to replace those that had been destroyed during the fight.
We traveled across the kingdom on a moonless flight toward the most northwestern corner of Teravinea. A few hours remained before dawn when we landed at the Arevale Outpost. We made our way to the first chamber and I fell into bed. Anxiety worked my stomach into knots as I anticipated the activities of the next few days. I didn’t know what to expect at the manor, other than the fact that I would feel completely out of place. I was, in truth, quite ignorant of how to carry myself amongst nobility. I had rarely come into contact with the few who oversaw Dorsal. Sleep became difficult. When I finally closed my eyes, my nightmares returned with a vengeance. Fires, creatures, raging seas, and evil ladies dressed in finery. I was awakened by my own screams.
Eshshah soothed me. I fell back into a fitful sleep and awoke late morning to the sound of the communication disc buzzing in the distance. Still disoriented, I rushed to the library and put my hand on the knob. The Healer appeared with concern on her face, which shifted to relief when I came into view.
“Amáne, you were supposed to contact us when you arrived at Arevale.”
“I’m sorry, Healer. We arrived in the middle of the night and I didn’t want to disturb you. I had planned on contacting you as soon as it got light, but I guess I overslept.”
She gave me a shake of her head, but only said, “I’ll let Ansel know you’ve arrived.”
My heart skipped at the mere mention of his name. I sincerely hoped I was ready to face him. I must confine my heart and strengthen my resolve. Our quest depended upon it.
Changing into one of my two best gowns, my stomach rippled in panic. I worried that they were too outdated. Never one to be concerned with fashion, now I couldn’t help but feel inadequate and out of place when it came to dressing as a guest of a lord. What if I embarrassed Ansel? I wished I had confided in Fiona for her help in choosing something more befitting. It was too late for that. I brought my beautiful blue silk gown that Ansel had given me. I planned on wearing it for the ball tomorrow night, but what if that was too plain for the feast? My anxiety grew. I bit my lip as I gathered my pack and satchel and rode Eshshah bareback down to the field.
The sound of horses approaching triggered my heart to beat wildly. Closing my eyes, I breathed in and made an effort to calm myself. I fought for control of my unexpected anticipation of seeing Ansel again. More than just an eagerness to see a friend — it took me by surprise.
A devastating wave of disappointment shot through me as Braonàn appeared from around the bend ... alone, with only a horse for me. I felt out of control as my spirit shifted to fight the opposing emotion. Composing my face as quickly as I could, I saluted Braonàn, and tried to convince myself that it was to my advantage that Ansel hadn’t come.
“Greetings, Amáne. Lord Ansel sends his regrets that he couldn’t be here to show you to his home. A rather troublesome guest required his attention and he could not evade her demand. He’ll see you once you’re settled.”
I had to swallow the lump that rose in my throat. I somehow managed to nod and force a smile of understanding. Meanwhile, I questioned my emotions. Why was I so upset?
Braonàn dismounted, and after greeting Eshshah, took my pack and satchel, then looked around for more. “This is all you have? Just these two bags?” He was incredulous. “Perhaps our lady guests could use some instruction from you. The amount of trunks and bags for such a short stay have worn out the boys assigned to assist them.” He boomed with laughter.
I groaned silently to Eshshah, dreading any contact with those ladies. Hugging her goodbye, I mounted the horse Braonàn held for me and we headed for Trivingar Manor.
We rode out of the woods, rounded a corner and the manor house came into view. It took my breath away — it was magnificent. Larger than anything in Dorsal. The red roof contrasted against the blue sky, and the two towers on either side with bluegreen domed roofs made the most striking impression.
A wave of nausea rolled through me as the towers loomed above. I found myself angry at the Healer for not training me in dealing with nobility. I fought the urge to turn my horse around and return to Eshshah. I’d always thought myself strong, but here I was cowering like a little girl. I took a deep breath and looked forward to the sanctuary of my chambers where I planned to hide until the ball the next night.
The doors swung open to the entry of the manor. My awe at the magnificent portal increased as I took in the interior — majestic as well as daunting. I felt my lowly position as Braonàn ushered me inside. We ascended the staircase to the left and proceeded down a long corridor. A young boy approached us, bowed to Braonàn, and after a hesitant glance up and down at me, he bowed to me as well. Evidently he decided that if I was accompanied by Braonàn, I might deserve a bow. I wanted to melt into the nearest tapestry.
The boy whispered something to Braonàn and then took his leave with one more quick bow in my direction. Braonàn turned to me and quite apologetic said, “Amáne, I’m so sorry, but something urgent has come up. Please wait here and I’ll get someone to take your things and show you to your chambers.”
“There’s no need for that, Braonàn, just tell me where my room is and I’ll find it.” Already humiliated by my appearance, I couldn’t bear for anyone else to scrutinize me. He hesitated, but didn’t argue.
He pointed down the corridor and said, “Please forgive me, Amáne, but if you insist. The guest apartments are in that direction. At the next hallway, turn left and your chambers will be the last door on the left.”
I thanked him, picked up my bags and hurried as fast as I could to find my room. Before I could get to the hallway where I was to turn left, I cringed. Heading toward me strolled an elegantly dressed young lady, maybe about my age, or a bit older. I wouldn’t reach the turn before our paths crossed. My only hope was that she would think I belonged on the manor’s staff and would ignore me. To my dismay, I realized she purposefully drifted to my side of the corridor. Her face, though it could be beautiful, looked quite hostile. I glanced behind me to see if maybe she was directing her stare at someone else. There was no one behind me.
The lady stopped in my path. She wore a beautiful silk gown that had a revealing neckline. It had a tight-fitting bodice that forced her ample breasts up to where more of hers was protruding than I could ever hope to have in total. She looked me up and down with utter disdain, shook her head and made a “tsk tsk” noise.
Tossing her hair back with her hand, she said, “You must be Amáne,” she practically spat out my name. I’d never met this girl before. What could be bothering her? Was her anger di
rected at me? How did she even know who I was?
“Yes, and you are ...?” I was at a loss as to how to handle this situation. I did nothing to provoke her, but she continued to glower at me. Managing to maintain control of my temper, I forced a smile on my face — but my instincts kicked in. I needed to be on my guard. I lowered my bags to the floor in case I needed to defend myself. It occurred to me that this might be a silly overreaction — this was Ansel’s home. I couldn’t imagine any one of his guests, especially one of her station, initiating a fight. But I had to go with my gut feeling. She had a wild look in her eyes. I didn’t trust her.
“Well, if you are truly Lord Ansel’s friend,” and she emphasized the word ‘friend,’ “he certainly has told you about me.”
Unable to find my voice, I shrugged and shook my head. I could not recall him talking about any lady in particular.
She continued, “I am to be the future lady of this manor. My mother is finalizing the betrothal negotiations with Lord Ansel at this moment. You may call me Lady Kalonice.”
In an instant I felt as if all the air had been sucked out of the hallway. My head spun. I couldn’t breathe. My heart had been ripped out. Abandonment — my worst fear had been realized. I knew I had held Ansel’s attentions at bay. I hadn’t truly committed myself to him, other than friendship, yet I couldn’t help but feel I had been cast aside. Should I be thankful that this truth came out before I had taken that next step? I couldn’t keep the shock from showing on my face.
“Eshshah!” I silently screamed.
“I’m with you Amáne.” She was as confused as I.
Clearly shaken, I managed to close my mouth. Evidently it was the reaction Kalonice had tried to achieve. Pleased with herself, she pulled her shoulders back, tilted her nose up and glared down at me wickedly.
“Oh?” She stroked her hair. “I see by your blank stare that maybe he hasn’t told you our plans. I thought maybe you were better friends. We will announce our betrothal tomorrow at his birthday ball.”
Still unable to take a breath, my throat tightened — I grew light headed. This didn’t make any sense. Why wouldn’t Ansel have told me such an important part of his life? My first inclination was to believe that this girl had gone mad and had lied to me for some evil reason. But then I recalled a couple occasions where it seemed he’d tried to tell me something and then changed his mind.
Had he been trying to find the right time to tell me he was to be betrothed? Then what was he doing with me all this time? He had me convinced that he had feelings for me. I’d allowed him to kiss me — I even kissed him back. All along he had plans with someone else? I suddenly felt so foolish, so naive.
My stomach twisted. I felt like I would vomit. I needed to turn around and leave this place here and now — to run back to the Arevale Outpost if I had to. I noted her smug look and the enjoyment she gleaned from my torture. At that moment, I decided I couldn’t let this cow win and have the satisfaction of watching me turn tail and run.
I found my breath. Although my blood began to boil, I forced out my words in as normal a tone as I could summon. “I’m sure Lord Ansel was going to tell me soon enough.” Not a very good response, but it was all I could do to just utter those words as she stood there twirling her hair. I fought desperately to stay in control of my temper. I added, “My congratulations to you. You two must deserve each other.”
“Thank you. Actually, it will be a marriage of convenience. I’m sure I may come to love him in time. Lord Ansel is quite the talk here in South Serislan. He is exceedingly handsome, as I’m sure you’ve noticed.” Her eyes raked my gown with disgust. “Or, perhaps you haven’t. I won’t fault him if he wishes to keep a friend on the side. You know men ...”
My breathing became shallow as my anger rose. I could hear Eshshah’s warning thoughts. I would take care of Ansel later, but right now all I wanted to do was draw my dagger and shear the golden curls off of Kalonice’s head. Slicing her throat wouldn’t have satisfied me as much as relieving her of her prized locks — to begin with anyway — and then maybe her throat afterwards. Eshshah hummed loudly in my consciousness. My hand involuntarily made its way toward my dagger hidden in the folds of my skirt. She caught my movement and gasped. At first it looked like she was about to go for a concealed blade of her own — I fervently wished that she would.
Instead, her hand went to her throat, as she called out, “Murderer! She’s trying to kill me!” She turned on her heels and hurried back the way she had come, screaming her accusation as she fled down the hallway.
This could not be happening to me. I wanted desperately to wake up and find this was another one of my nightmares. Unfortunately, I was wide awake. Snatching up my bags, I could think of nowhere else to run but to my room.
I found my chambers and pushed in the door. Quickly slamming it shut, I locked it and leaned my back against it. My chest heaved from fear, coupled with anger — my eyes stung.
An uncontrollable rage boiled over me. Before I could stop myself, I flung my bags across the enormous room with such a force they smashed against the opposite wall, causing a wall sconce to crash to the floor. I crossed to the large ornate bed, and after swiping at the package that rested on it — sending it across the room to collide with my bags — I slumped face down and sobbed.
Without warning, a door behind me swung open. In a flash I sprung off the bed, drew my dagger and stood in a fighting stance. Prepared to defend myself, I thought Kalonice had come to my chambers to take revenge. Before me was a woman, probably in her late twenties, standing frozen in the doorway to what looked like a bathing room. Her eyes were wide, but I saw no fear in them. Nor did I detect any hostility, only surprise. Her face broke into a friendly smile as she said, “You must be Amáne.”
Ugh, not again.
“Yes, and you are ...?” I snapped back.
“Pleased to meet you Mistress Amáne,” she said with a deep curtsy, “I am Eulalia, pronounced yoo-LAY-lee-a, my friends sometimes call me Lali — LAY-lee —” She repeated her name slowly, as if we didn’t share the same language.
“Lord Ansel enlisted me to attend you. I see he described you perfectly when he told me you had beautiful blue eyes with a fire burning inside you. Yes,” she said studying my face, “I would say he was correct.
“He said you would like a long soak when you arrived and sent some herbs that would please you in your bath. Although why a gentleman like Lord Ansel would know the personal private affairs of this nature about a lady, I don’t know, but that’s not any of my business. I just do as I’m asked and I was asked to have a hot bath waiting for you. I expected you sooner, but was told you were delayed, but I’ve managed to keep it hot.
“Will you be sheathing that dagger any time soon, Mistress Amáne? Because, truthfully, it’s beginning to make me a bit nervous. Not that I would ever accuse you of any attempted harm, it’s just that it’s not easy to help you prepare for your soak with that blade pointed directly at me. And I’m sure you understand that I am not here to harm you.”
I realized I still held my fighting stance. Although it appeared she hadn’t taken a single breath in this entire dialogue — that truth made me dizzy — there was nothing about her that was in any way threatening. I sheathed my blade.
Without missing a beat, she continued, “My apologies that something in your arrival has gotten you so agitated, else why would your face be wet with tears? Please tell me so I can make it right for you. Is it the bedding, or your chambers are not to your liking? I can certainly request a new location. I was told to give you anything you needed. I hope it’s not me that has you upset, I know I can sometimes do that to people, but Lord Ansel assured me that you and I would get along just fine, and that I would be the one person on his staff who would be able to handle you. Oh dear — I don’t really mean that in a bad way — I mean with your firey spirit. I can attest to the fact that he thinks very highly of you by the way his eyes shine when he says your name.”
My
heart split open just then. How could he think highly of me when he didn’t even have the consideration to mention anything about Kalonice. I dropped heavily on the bed and put my face in my hands.
Eulalia rushed to my side and put her arm around me.
“Oh, now I’ve said something to give you grief. I’m so sorry. Please tell me what’s bothering you or I’ll not forgive myself.”
She was so sweet, regardless of her exhausting discourse, I didn’t want her to feel bad. Between sobs, I said, “It’s just that I’ve had a run-in with one of the guests ... she told me ... er ...”
She seemed to know immediately of whom I spoke. “Oh, of course, her. I did hear some screaming in the hallway and it could be none other than Mistress Kalonice. I tell you that girl is trouble — I shouldn’t speak so disrespectfully of my superiors, but I’m sorry, she is not worthy to be a guest of Lord Ansel’s. I apologize if she has said something to hurt you. Just stay clear of her and you’ll be fine.”
If she knew what Kalonice had told me, she would know that just staying away from her would not mend my hurt.
A loud knock at the door made me leap up and draw my dagger once more.
“Amáne, it’s Ansel. Are you in there?”
My heart stopped, my eyes opened wide and I looked with shock at the door and then at Eulalia. Tears filled my eyes again. I shook my head no and pointed to the bath, then rushed through the bathing room door and closed it behind me leaving her to deal with Ansel.
I threw off my clothes and jumped into the tub just in case she tried to talk me into seeing him. I could hear her open the chamber door and tell him that I was soaking and was not presentable for his visit. Of course she said it with more words than anyone else would use, but eventually I heard the large door shut and then lock. I exhaled a long sigh and started to let the hot water and the herbs wash away my misery.
I awoke to a loud knock. It took me a minute to figure out where I was. After my bath, Eulalia had left me to rest. I cried myself to sleep.
Amáne of Teravinea - The Prophecy (The Teravinea Series Book 2) Page 7
