“How was your trip from Rivages?” asked Charyn.
“I imagine all trips from Rivages are long,” replied Malyna, “but since I’ve only made the journey once, my experience might not be usual.”
“In a way, I envy you. I’ve never traveled that far.”
“There’s nothing to envy.”
“Do you have any brothers and sisters?”
“I do, but I’m much the youngest. All the others have left the holding.”
“Even your brothers?” asked Aloryana.
“Oh, yes. They’re in charge of various things. One is working to improve the coal mines. Another is learning how the ceramics manufactory works…”
When Malyna finished the listing of her siblings, Charyn asked, “And what about you? What part of the family efforts are you involved in?”
“I was brought up just like my sister … and other younger daughters. I play the clavecin, adequately. I know mathematics, and Father insisted that I learn something about surveying and how to keep holding ledgers.”
“Don’t try to discover everything about Malyna all at once,” interjected Chelia as she entered the salon. “You’ll have more than a few meals with her. Besides, your father and Bhayrn are about to join us, and it is time for dinner. I’m sure your father will have a few things to ask our guest as well.”
“I just might,” added Lorien as he stepped into the salon. “Welcome to the chateau. I hope the guest quarters are to your satisfaction and that Aloryana and Chelia have made sure you know where everything is.”
Malyna stood immediately, and she inclined her head. “You’re most kind, Your Grace.”
“No formal titles here,” Lorien replied.
“The three of us call him ‘sir,’” said Charyn drolly. “Mother calls him whatever she wishes.”
“Yes, sir,” replied Malyna.
“Shall we?” said Chelia, gesturing toward the family dining room.
Charyn found that the seating had been changed so that he still sat on his father’s right, with his mother at the other end, but Aloryana was seated beside him, while Bhayrn sat on his mother’s right, and Malyna on Lorien’s right, which meant that Charyn was seated right across from Malyna.
Chelia looked to her daughter.
Aloryana immediately spoke. “For the grace from above, for the bounty of the earth below, for Your justice, and for Your manifold and great mercies, we offer our thanks and gratitude, both now and ever more, in the spirit of that which cannot be named or imaged.”
Only after Aloryana had finished did the servers appear with the pitchers of red or white wine. Then came the platters with wine-marinated and braised veal cutlets, and served with a wine reduction, along with sliced and roasted small golden potatoes and beans with slivered buttered almonds, and two baskets of freshly baked bread.
Lorien lifted his goblet. “To our guest.”
After the toast, no one lifted a utensil until Lorien did, not that the rex tarried in the slightest, immediately, if precisely, slicing off a portion of the cutlet before him.
Bhayrn immediately looked at Malyna. “Why did you decide you wanted to come to the Year-Turn Ball? I mean, it’s mostly for older High Holders and heirs. Well … and some unmarried daughters.”
“And the older couples are … less stimulating, and the heirs and their parents are looking at the marriageable daughters as a horse buyer might examine a prize filly. Wasn’t that what you’re suggesting?”
Malyna’s tone was warm, pleasant, and so understated that it was a moment before the import of what she said struck Charyn … and he almost choked on a morsel of potato, but managed not to reveal his surprise. He did need a swallow of wine to clear his throat.
Bhayrn flushed, but Aloryana grinned, if only momentarily.
In that instant of silence, Malyna continued, “I thought I might never have another chance, and there is always the possibility that it might be exciting. After all, with all of you, and the High Council and now the members of the Solidaran Factors’ Council all attending, when would a young woman from Rivages ever have more than one chance in a lifetime to see all of those people in one ballroom?”
Charyn was impressed by Malyna’s ability to skewer Bhayrn, seemingly guilelessly, and then sound like the perfect High Holder’s daughter, certainly quickly enough that any reply to her first words would be awkward.
“You see,” said Aloryana immediately. “It’s not just me, Bhayrn.”
“Balls can lose their charm over time,” said Chelia, gently, “but few women forget those whose charm is remembered.”
“Some men remember them as well,” added Lorien surprisingly. “In time, you might even remember one that favorably.” He looked to Malyna. “Aren’t you related to High Holder Calkoran?”
“He’s my uncle through marriage. His sister is married to my father.”
“There have never been any alliances with the Ryel holding, have there?”
“No, sir.”
“Just as well.” Lorien helped himself to another cutlet.
“You play the clavecin?” asked Chelia, although the question was scarcely that.
“I do play.”
“Then we must hear you some evening, once you are rested, and you can hear Aloryana … and her brothers, if they feel so inclined.”
“Charyn’s been learning a duet to play with me,” Aloryana announced. “We could play that.” She looked to her older brother.
“If Musician Palenya feels that we play it adequately.”
“She’s already said that,” affirmed Aloryana.
“Then we’ll play,” agreed Charyn with a smile.
Given the interest both his parents took in keeping the conversation away from political or other sensitive subjects, Charyn mostly listened for the rest of dinner, adding a few words or phrases here and there.
When he left the family dining room, after watching Aloryana draw Malyna away, Charyn made his way to the grand staircase, thinking how his father had been so courteous—and that was unusual, especially since Malyna was merely the youngest daughter of a High Holder. High Holder Zaerlyn must have done more than just support Father indirectly. Much, much more.
But what? It was another reminder to Charyn that there were all too many things he didn’t know.
12
On Meredi, Charyn was awake early, hardly surprising since he’d gone to bed far sooner than was his usual custom, not that he ever made a habit of remaining up as late as his father. As he dressed, he looked outside. It wasn’t raining, but the morning was gray, and a low wind moaned outside the chateau.
When he made his way to the family breakfast room, the only one there was his mother.
“Good morning,” he offered cheerfully.
“Good morning, Charyn.”
“I take it that Aloryana kept Malyna up late last night. I thought I heard them talking.” Charyn eased himself into the chair across from Chelia.
“Aloryana wanted to know what it’s like to grow up as a High Holder’s daughter. She thinks she’d have more freedom.” Chelia’s tone was dry.
Charyn frowned. “But you’re a High Holder’s daughter. I’ve heard about your growing up.”
“For girls, mothers don’t count. Just like fathers often don’t count for sons. You’ve had the opportunity to talk to Ferrand. Why do you think your father tolerates him? There’s been no one like that for Aloryana.”
“What if Malyna has had a freer upbringing?”
“She hasn’t. That family has always required more from its offspring. They’re raised with the education of High Holders and the expectations of factors.”
“Is that another reason why you were willing to guest her?”
“Among several.” Chelia took a sip of tea and then a bite of cheesed eggs.
“Why did you say that she’s not my type? She’s attractive. She seems to be both witty and intelligent.”
“She is both witty and intelligent, and very strong-willed. I don’
t believe that she is your type, but I’d prefer that you discover that for yourself.”
“You’re not going to offer any hints?”
“You’d take them all the wrong way. And I’m not saying that to pique your interest. She is the kind that could easily break your heart … or worse. That wouldn’t be good for you … or for Solidar.”
“I could insist.”
“Isn’t that a little premature?” Chelia smiled. “She’s been here less than a day. Get to know her first.” She paused. “And don’t try to separate her from Aloryana. That would be most unfair.”
If you’re matchmaking, it’s definitely in a most peculiar way. “You almost sound like you would prefer she weren’t here.”
“Sometimes, what’s best for any of us isn’t necessarily what I’d prefer. What are your plans for the day?”
By that question, Charyn knew that the subject of Malyna was closed for the moment, at least in terms of Malyna’s possible relationship to either himself or Aloryana. “I haven’t decided. I’ll likely go to the exchange, first. Later … Aloryana mentioned that we should practice the duet together.” Charyn shrugged.
Chelia nodded. “I’ll mention the practicing to Aloryana. That will give Malyna a respite. Or Malyna might want to listen or even meet Palenya.”
Charyn took a sip of the tea the server presented, and then addressed his breakfast. Cheesed eggs weren’t his favorite, but the berry preserves on warm bread more than made up for the eggs.
His mother was still sipping her tea when he left, but no one else had joined them.
His first stop was in Norstan’s study.
The seneschal tried to conceal a sigh as he saw Charyn enter the small chamber. “Good morning, Lord Charyn.” He extended the copy of the appointments list.
“Good morning, Norstan.” Charyn scanned the list, noting that Minister Aevidyr was listed for first glass of the previous afternoon. “Was the meeting with Aevidyr a long one?”
“It was scheduled for a glass.”
“How many times did the rex meet with the guard captain?” Charyn asked even though Churwyl wasn’t listed.
“I don’t know. Guard Captain Churwyl never requests a meeting with the rex from me.”
Charyn nodded, then folded the list carefully and tucked it into the inside pocket of his jacket. “Thank you.”
His next stop was to the guard duty room, where he hoped to find Guard Captain Churwyl. Churwyl wasn’t there. A good quint later, Charyn caught up to the guard captain at the door to the stables in the rear courtyard.
“Good morning, Lord Charyn.”
“Good morning, Guard Captain. How are things going?”
“For now, there’s nothing amiss.” Churwyl’s words were almost doleful, as if he doubted that matters would remain quiet.
“Have you had any success in getting more guards?”
“We’ve always had plenty who wanted to be guards. The problem has been finding those who want to be guards for the right reasons.”
A low roll of thunder rumbled out of the north. Charyn wondered how long it might be before the rain began, most likely freezing. “Those who have some interest and pride in being guards and who see the task of protecting the rex as a worthy duty?”
“Something like that, sir.”
“More like honor and pride in being a guard and wanting to do the task well enough to keep getting paid?” Charyn laughed softly. “You don’t have to answer that. Were you here when the High Holder’s daughter arrived?”
Churwyl looked relieved and then puzzled for an instant. “Yes, sir.”
“I understand she came alone.”
“No, sir. Not with a chaperone, but she has two of her father’s men, trained like guards, it seems to me.”
“Oh? They stayed?”
“Yes, sir. Her father sent a message saying they could stand outside watches. Not inside the chateau, of course.”
“How well are they trained?”
Churwyl laughed. “I’d have them in a moment. They can handle sabres and rifles, and they’ve some considerable training in unarmed fighting. I can see why the High Holder felt safe in sending her with them.” After a moment, he added, “They have to be his best.”
“Sending them with her suggests he values her highly.”
“He should. She’s a real beauty, sir.”
“She is attractive.”
After a pause, the guard captain asked, “Will you be needing the carriage and guards today, sir?”
“I will, in about a glass. Just a driver and one guard. I’ll be going to the exchange.”
“Yes, sir.”
As he walked away, Charyn couldn’t help but feel a certain puzzlement. He knew that some High Holders kept armed guards, but the number allowed was limited under the last revision to the Codex Legis to a company or less. Keeping guards was a luxury, and that suggested that High Holder Zaerlyn was indeed well off. That kind of wealth could certainly sustain a dwelling in L’Excelsis … but then, if Ferrand thought the High Holder was a come-lately, perhaps Zaerlyn didn’t see any point in spending the money. Yet … if he had, perhaps the family would be more accepted.
Charyn shrugged. Even after years of listening to his mother and talking with Ferrand, he didn’t pretend to understand everything about why High Holders did what they did. With factors, it was much simpler. Regardless of what they professed, most of them wanted golds and the power that golds provided. A few, like Paersyt, wanted golds to build or create things, but even most of those factors wanted what they built to lead to golds and power.
By eighth glass Charyn was once more at the exchange, and in less than a glass after that he had left, heading back to the Chateau D’Rex, having seen nothing in the way of price changes that might have signified something. Nor had he overheard anything that piqued his interest.
When he reentered the main foyer, he did not hear anyone playing the clavecin. So he made his way to the music room, which was empty. He closed the door, then seated himself at the clavecin and began to play … rather to practice his part of the duet. The last thing he wanted to do was to play badly with a High Holder’s daughter listening. Especially that one. He also wanted to finish any practicing before any of the councilors coming to the meeting might overhear.
He didn’t know exactly how long he’d been practicing when he paused after misfingering a tricky passage.
“It’s easier if you actually play it the way Farray wrote it, with the ritard before the last bars of the arpeggio.”
He recognized Palenya’s voice without even having to turn or think. Immediately standing, he gestured to the clavecin. “Perhaps I could do better if I heard it played correctly.”
Without a word, she seated herself on the bench and played the section—faultlessly from what he could tell. Then she stood. “Now you should try it.”
More than two quints passed before Charyn managed to play the section to Palenya’s approval. Then he stood and stretched. “You’re a hard taskmistress.”
“You said you wanted to play it right.”
Charyn offered a wry smile. “I did say that.”
Palenya said quietly, “If you practiced as much as most clavecinists, you could be a decent musician, even good.”
“But not great.”
“There are few great musicians.”
Just as there are few great rexes or High Holders. “I might as well try to be good at what I’ve been raised to do.”
“I’m sure you will.” Palenya offered an enigmatic smile, then said, “It’s just before first glass. Aloryana will be here shortly. The two of you can go through the duet first. Then I’ll work with her.”
She had barely finished speaking when the door to the music room opened, and Aloryana, Malyna, and Chelia all entered.
“Oh … you’re here,” said Aloryana, her voice sounding disappointed.
“I was practicing the duet. Musician Palenya was instructing me. I thought we could practice it together firs
t.”
“While you and your brother are practicing,” Chelia said cheerfully, “I’m going to talk with Malyna.” She looked at Aloryana. “I’ve scarcely had a word with her. Then I’ll have a word with you, and Malyna can play the clavecin by herself … if she wishes.”
“I haven’t played much recently,” said Malyna, “but perhaps Musician Palenya might be able to offer me a few reminders.”
“Splendid,” declared Chelia.
Charyn managed not to frown. He’d never heard his mother use that word in that fashion.
“I would hope we could hear you all play on Solayi afternoon.” Chelia looked to Malyna, and the two left the music room together.
“We might as well begin,” suggested Charyn.
“If we must…” Aloryana looked ready to pout, but then sat down on the bench beside her brother.
“You can’t have every moment of her time,” murmured Charyn almost under his breath.
“You’re just jealous,” whispered Aloryana in return.
“We need to practice,” returned Charyn in his normal voice, looking to Palenya, who had not bothered to disguise her amusement. He grinned in return, then positioned his hands. “You begin, remember,” he said to Aloryana.
“I know,” replied Aloryana, her voice falsely sweet.
Two quints later, Charyn left the music room. Since his mother was still talking with Malyna, and her sitting room door was closed, and since his father was meeting with the High Council and the Factors’ Council, Charyn walked to Sanafryt’s study.
The Minister of Justice looked up, then handed Charyn a sheaf of papers. “You might as well read these petitions. When you finish reading them, we’ll talk.”
Charyn nodded and took the papers to the table desk that had become his.
All three petitions were about tariffs. All were from factors, and from the amount of golds involved, the factors involved were likely at least as well off as many High Holders. Charyn read each petition twice before turning. “Minister Sanafryt?”
“You’re read them all?”
“I have.”
“What is the issue with Factorius Druesyl?”
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