“I know. Favian has also received a letter. Aaron has some business with the dragon council, so they will convene while Aaron is here.” Cathryn paused for a moment. “Are you going to return to Storbrook with them?”
Anna had returned to perusing her letter, but at Cathryn’s query, she looked up sharply. “Do you want me to return with them?”
“Not at all,” Cathryn said with a smile. “We enjoy having you here, and Bronwyn thinks of you as her big sister.”
Anna relaxed slightly as she smiled in return. “It’s nice to be a big sister for a change!”
“But perhaps you are feeling homesick?” Cathryn continued.
“I do miss Lydia and Zach,” she said. “Keira says they are learning to write their names already! But I’m not quite ready to return to Storbrook yet.”
“Well, you are welcome to stay here as long as you wish,” Cathryn assured her.
Aaron arrived a week later, landing on the gravel drive outside the house with Keira on his back. Anna flung herself into her sister’s arms, hugging her tightly.
“It is so wonderful to see you!” she said.
“It is wonderful to see you, too, Anna,” Keira said with a laugh.
Anna led Keira into the house while Favian greeted his cousin. “Cathryn has prepared the same room for you as before,” she said. Keira would stay alone at Drake Manor while Aaron met with the Dragon Council. The Council was made up of the eight elders and the Dragon Master. They would not stay at the manor, but would spend three days deep in the mountains, taking their natural forms. Owain was an elder, and although Favian was not, he would join the council in their conferences as Aaron’s advisor.
“How is Mother?” Anna asked Keira, after Keira had had a chance to refresh herself and bid farewell to Aaron.
“Not well,” Keira replied. “Most days she cannot get out of bed. Mary has taken over the running of the household, and Father has hired another two maids to help. Mother says she will remain in this world just long enough to see you wed!”
Anna sighed. “Then she may have to wait for many more years.”
“Do you return with us to Storbrook?” Keira asked.
Anna shook her head. “Not yet,” she said.
“Mother is not the only one who hopes to see you again soon,” Keira said.
“You mean the children.”
“The children, too.”
Anna groaned. “Garrick.” She dropped her gaze to her hands. “If I go back now … I’m just not ready!”
“I understand. But if you wait too long …” Keira let the uncompleted thought dangle. Anna nodded.
“I know.”
A clatter of hooves on the gravel outside the house had both women turning to look out the window. A horseman was leaning down towards a serving maid, a missive in his hand which he held out to her. They exchanged a few words, and then the man was swinging away again, kicking his horse into motion as he cantered down the drive. A few moments later the maid entered the room.
“Excuse me, Mistress Carver,” she said, “but this has just come for you.” Anna took the thick folded paper, nodding in thanks, and inspected it in surprise. It bore the official royal seal stamped into wax.
“What do you suppose this is?” Anna said, turning it over to see her name written in fine script on the front. Slipping her finger beneath the seal, she slid it open and unfolded the paper. “It comes from the queen,” she said, her surprise deepening. She spread the letter and read the contents aloud.
‘Anna Carver from Her Royal Majesty, Queen Matilda, Queen of this Realm by the Grace of God, we send you greetings.
‘It is with Great Pleasure that we send you this Communication announcing your Appointment to our Royal Household, where you will wait upon our Royal Majesty. As a Lady-in-Waiting, you will have the Privilege of showing your True Loyalty and Friendship to our Royal Person and to this Realm, serving us in the Royal Bedchamber. We expect the Pleasure of your Company at Court Monday next.’
Anna leaned back in her seat and lifted wide eyes to Keira. “Well!”
The contents of the missive were soon a topic for general conversation around the meal table. Cathryn thought it was an opportunity not to be missed, while Margaret advised Anna to consider how long she was prepared to remain away from her family. Keira wanted nothing to do with the royal court, but if Anna wished to go, she would not stand in her way. Bronwyn wanted Anna to remain at Drake Manor, while Will did not see what all the fuss was about.
When Aaron returned to Drake Manor with the other dragons three days later, Anna still had not decided what her course of action should be. When Aaron was brought up to date on the letter from the queen, he offered to support Anna in whatever course she chose. “But,” he said, “court life is not for the weak-willed. Be sure you are prepared for life there before you decide to accept. But you need to decide soon. The queen expects you in a few days.”
“I know,” Anna said. She gave Aaron and Keira a bleak smile before leaving the room and walking outside. In the distance the forest was a sea of reds and yellows against an azure sky, while behind them the hills were still swathed in the verdant green of pines. She headed towards the stables, and was soon picking her way along the path that led to the river. She reached the bank, and glanced up at the ridge. She had not been here since the fateful day when Bronwyn had gained her true form. She hesitated for a moment, then kicked her horse back into motion, leading the mare into the water and up the cliff on the other side. She looked up, and felt her heart speed up when she saw something circling high overhead. It wasn’t until the dragon drew closer that Anna could see it was Bronwyn. She landed on the ground near Anna with a slight thump.
“What are you doing here?” Bronwyn asked, settling herself down on the ground.
“Thinking about the queen’s directive.”
“What does a lady-in-waiting do?”
“She attends the queen.”
“Does that mean you cannot leave once you are there?”
“Oh, no! Nothing like that! A lady helps the queen with small things, such as getting dressed, or accompanying her in her duties, but she is more a companion, and will read with her, or paint, or walk. Sometimes the queen chooses just to have one lady attend her at a time, or wishes to be alone, and then the ladies are free to do as they wish.”
“So you can come and visit?”
“Yes. I’m sure the queen will grant me permission to visit my family. And you can come visit me, too.”
“And how long do you have to stay with the queen?”
“Well, most ladies remain until they get married, or choose to retire from court. The queen cannot force me to stay against my will.”
Bronwyn nodded, considering this. “So what are you going to do?”
Anna shrugged. “I don’t know.”
“Well,” Bronwyn said, “I want you to stay here, and Aunty Keira wants you to go to Storbrook, and the queen wants you at court. What do you want?”
“That’s the problem! I want to be near everyone!”
“Well, maybe it’s the queen’s turn to have you for a while.”
Anna turned to look at Bronwyn in surprise. “Maybe,” she said. She smiled. “Maybe so.”
Chapter 17
Anna tapped the quill on the desk as she sought the words to write. She had informed Aaron and Keira of her decision to go to court and join the queen’s entourage, but the most difficult communication lay before her now.
‘To Garrick Flynn of Storbrook Castle, from Anna Carver,’ she wrote.
‘By the time you receive this communication I will have already taken up residence at the royal court at the behest of Her Majesty, Queen Matilda. I have been appointed to the position of lady-in-waiting to Her Majesty, and do not …’
Anna stared down at the letter, before scratching her pen through the words and flipping the page over.
‘To Garrick Flynn of Storbrook Castle, from Anna Carver,’ she began again.
‘You have probably received the news that I am now serving the queen at the royal court, and will not be returning to Storbrook in the foreseeable future …’
With a groan, she crumpled up the paper and drew out a fresh piece.
‘To Garrick Flynn, from Anna Carver.
‘The queen has appointed me as one of her ladies, and I have accepted the position. I am so sorry for the hurt I may have caused. You deserve someone far better than me. I wish you all the best. With fondest regards, Anna.’
She folded the letter and sealed it with a wax wafer, before leaning back in her chair and closing her eyes. Once the letter was delivered there was no going back. She rose to her feet – she would give the letter to Aaron right away, before she could second guess herself. Everything else was already in readiness. Her garments had been packed in a trunk and sent ahead to be delivered to the palace, and she had taken leave of the Drakes of Drake Manor the previous day. She had stayed the night with Keira and Aaron at Drake House, and this morning Aaron would accompany her to the palace. She walked down the passage slowly. She was casting herself adrift in the wide ocean of the world. At the palace there would be no family close by to turn to, and no dragons watching over her. And the human world she was stepping into was far more dangerous than the dragon world she was leaving.
Keira was waiting in the small parlor behind the hall at Drake House. Aaron was not in the room, but Anna guessed he wasn’t far away. Keira smiled as Anna walked into the room.
“Ready?” she said.
“I am,” Anna said.
Keira took a step forward, taking Anna’s hands in her own. “You are more than ready,” she said. “You are strong and courageous, and I know that you can rise above whatever challenges or intrigues come your way.” She smiled, and lifting her hand, stroked the hair from Anna’s face. “I will miss you,” she said.
“I will miss you, too,” Anna said, a sob catching in her throat and making her voice squeak, and then she was in Keira’s arms. “I don’t deserve such a wonderful sister.”
“Nonsense,” Keira sniffed.
“Give my regards to Mother and Father,” she said. “And hug the children for me. Tell Lydia she will daily be in my thoughts.”
“I will,” Keira said, pulling away gently as Aaron came into the room. She kissed Anna on the forehead and turned away.
“Ready?” Aaron asked quietly, and Anna nodded.
“I’ll see you later, my sweet,” Aaron said to Keira, brushing his hands down her arms. She nodded, and he drew away, turning towards the door and striding out of the room.
“Goodbye,” Anna said softly, and quickly turned and followed Aaron, not waiting for a reply. Aaron was already out the door, waiting on the street. He looked down at Anna as she joined him.
“You don’t have to do this,” he said.
“I know,” she said. “But I want to.”
Aaron nodded. “Then let’s be on our way.”
Aaron led Anna to a wooden door on the second floor of the palace, where he gave their names to the guard. The man nodded and disappeared through the door, closing it behind him. There was a small bench on the opposite wall, and Anna sat down while Aaron stood, hands clasped behind his back, a few feet away.
“If you need anything, let me know,” Aaron said. He had already provided her with a handsome allowance. “And if you are unhappy and want to return home, I will speak to the king.”
“Thank you,” Anna said.
Aaron nodded and started pacing along the corridor. “Do not expect the men at court to be honorable,” he said. “And never, ever, allow yourself to be alone with any man. The higher the rank, the more dangerous he will be.”
“I’ll be fine, Aaron,” Anna said, a note of exasperation creeping into her tone. Aaron stopped his pacing and turned to look at her.
“I know you will,” he said. “But humor an old man, will you?”
Anna grinned. Aaron did not look more than thirty, although he was well over the century mark. “Please continue, O ancient one,” she said.
The door opened and the guard reappeared. “Her Majesty will see you now,” he said. “Follow me.” Anna rose to her feet and followed the guard through the door, Aaron behind her. The guard led them down a passage to a door at the end, which he opened. Within the room sat the queen on an embroidered chair, surrounded by a small group of people. Anna saw Kathleen sitting in a chair a short distance away, a piece of embroidery in her hands, while closer to the queen were the women Anna had seen in the gardens.
“Your Majesty,” Anna said, sinking into a low curtsey.
“Mistress Anna,” the queen said. “And Aaron Drake. How wonderful!” One of the women from the gardens tittered behind her hand.
“Your Majesty,” Aaron said, greeting the queen with a shallow bow, before his gaze wandered to the woman who had laughed. He frowned slightly. “Blanche.” She smiled, her lips thinning tightly in a smile that did nothing to soften her features or remove the glint from her eye. So this was Blanche, Anna thought. The woman who had been so sneering towards Keira when she first met her six years ago. No wonder Aaron didn’t like her. Blanche nodded slightly.
“Aaron,” she said. Aaron stared at her for a brief moment, then turned to the others.
“Lady Elizabeth,” he said. “Lady Kathleen.”
“Master Drake,” Kathleen said, her voice so soft Anna had to strain to hear it. She was staring at the floor as she twisted her hands in her lap. But she peeked up with a smile at Anna when Aaron returned his attention to the queen.
“How nice of you to accompany your sister-in-law,” Matilda said.
“Of course,” replied Aaron. “She is part of my family and falls under my protection.”
“Why, is she an orphan?” Blanche said with a little laugh.
“Blanche. Enough.” The queen frowned, and the tight smile grew tighter.
“No,” Aaron replied, “but Master Carver lives many miles distant. However, even if he lived within the shadow of the palace, my name and protection would still extend to Mistress Anna, and I would consider it a personal insult should anyone injure her person or name in any way.”
Anna sighed. She knew what Aaron was doing, and as much as she appreciated it, she felt like a bone between two fighting dogs. One side, royal court, other side, Dragon Master. Aaron glanced at her, giving her a wry half-smile and the slightest of shrugs.
“Of course it would, Aaron,” said the queen. “I’m sure Blanche did not intend to insult Anna.”
“Of course not,” Blanche said. “I cannot imagine why anyone would think I meant to insult our dear friend. It was just an innocent question.”
Aaron took a step forward. “I have known you for a long time, Blanche,” he said softly. “I will not tolerate any slurs against Anna’s name. Do not think that because I live away from the city I am unaware of what happens within this court. I am very well informed, my dear Blanche, and will take whatever action I deem reasonable should any member of my family be in any way maligned.”
Anna saw Blanche swallow hard and her face grow a shade lighter, but she kept her eyes locked with Aaron’s.
“You have made yourself very clear, Aaron,” she said. He continued to look at her for another moment, before stepping away and turning to Anna.
“Remember what I told you,” he said. “We will remain in Civitas until the end of the week should you need to contact me.” Anna nodded. “Farewell, sister,” he said, leaning down and kissing her forehead as Keira had done.
“Goodbye, Aaron,” she said. “And thank you.”
He nodded, and glanced once more at Queen Matilda. “Your Majesty,” he said, then turning on his heel, left the room.
Chapter 18
Anna quickly settled into the routine of a lady-in-waiting. She and the other ladies slept in a room adjoining the queen’s bedchamber – a long chamber, with four beds hung with drapes that could be pulled closed to allow for some privacy. Two desks stood in the room, and
beneath the long window were chairs and benches, covered in embroidered cushions. There were separate alcoves where each lady’s garments were stored, as well as other personal items. Each lady had a lady’s maid, who woke them every morning with a cup of mulled wine, and assisted them with dressing. Betsy, Anna’s maid, was a quiet, young woman, with a shy smile and deft hands.
Once the ladies were ready for the day, they would ensure that the maids of the queen’s chamber had everything in readiness for the queen – a hot bath drawn and placed by the fire, mulled wine and warm, buttered bread ready on a tray, her garments laid out for the day, ornaments set on the table, and slippers warming by the fire. The maids would leave the room, and the drapes around the bed would be pulled open by Lady Elizabeth, who would wake the queen, brushing her hands down her arm, as Anna stood by with the tray. It took a few days before Queen Matilda was satisfied with Anna’s handling of the tray – it must not rest on the bed, nor be too high in the air; it must not be too close, nor too far; the bread must be placed just so on the tray, with the wine two inches away.
While the queen had her meal, Kathleen, whom the queen declared had the gentlest hands, brushed her hair, seating herself on the bed beside Matilda. Her golden hair reached all the way down her back, falling in gentle waves that glimmered in the candlelight. Oils and spices would be rubbed into it, and Kathleen would wrap it in a strip of linen, in preparation for the queen’s bath. Her meal finished, Matilda would rise from the quilts and step into the hot water, perfumed with rose and lavender, and Blanche would wash her body with a linen cloth. Once the queen had completed her bath, Elizabeth would rub oils into the queen’s skin, covering her entire body while Her Majesty stood naked in the middle of the room, sighing and groaning in pleasure. Anna never felt entirely comfortable, and would glance away when the task was performed. When the queen was well oiled, Kathleen would bring the royal chemise and gown, and she and Anna would lower the garments over Her Majesty’s head. While Blanche coiffed her hair, one of the other ladies would take turns reading aloud for the general amusement of the others.
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