Leyna watched in the mirror while her hair transformed under the woman’s hands, the tangled mass quickly becoming smooth, gentle waves over her shoulders. Simple. There was no time for anything elaborate. The King would have to be satisfied with what could be managed on such short notice.
“My shoes,” Leyna pointed to a pair of gold slippers next to the closet on the floor. She wanted out of the room. Every second felt wasted on useless preparation. The chambermaid continued to style Leyna’s hair, reaching for a headdress positioned on the dresser. Shaking her head, Leyna motioned to the shoes again, the gesture more demanding than before. “There is no time. My shoes, please.” She snatched the headdress from the maid’s hand, discarding it.
A knock at the door caused both women to jump in surprise, eyes shifted to see who was interrupting their frantic attempts to get Leyna ready. In the entry stood a younger blonde woman, bobbing down into a quick curtsy. “His Grace, the Consul, requested I check your progress.”
“I am nearly ready. I need only to put on my shoes –”
“Good heavens, you aren’t planning to leave the room like that, are you?” the woman gasped.
Leyna stared at her, unsure of how to respond. “There is little time for anything else. Surely the Consul will understand.”
“He is in no rush, Milady,” the blonde woman smiled, moving quickly into the room. “There is still at least half an hour before the meeting. Let me help you.” She collected the make-up trays on the dresser, setting herself in front of Leyna, steady hands beginning to apply the liner to her eyes. “You are attending an audience with the King and Queen. I don’t know how they do things in Tanispa, but here it would be rude to show yourself in their presence in such a state.”
“It is rude in Tanispa as well. I merely thought our time to be more limited. Frankly, I am unaware of what the hour even is.” Leyna had yet to get used to having people doing things for her. It felt strange to have two women catering to her every whim, one painting her face while the other arranged the coif headdress over her hair, the golden veil trailing down low in the back. In a matter of minutes she saw her reflection change from the hastily dressed woman she’d seen there not long before, now revealing the face of a courtier. She could pass easily as nobility with the mask the servants had provided her. If the etiquette learned from Lady Faustine would be enough to get her through the meeting without exposing the roughness she retained around the edges of her manner.
Clutching the heavy fabric of her skirts in her hand, Leyna made her way toward the door, drawing in a deep breath, her mind scattered over what she was walking into. If Thade was in no hurry, it gave an indication of there being no immediate concern. But why would he want her with him at the meeting? It didn’t make any sense. She held no sway over the Mialan royalty. They barely knew her name. It was unlikely they would care what she had to say.
The hallway was quiet aside from the scant few early risers, dressed and ready for their morning walk or ride around the grounds. Their faces were drawn, fatigued from the late hours they’d kept the night before. Leyna sympathized with them. Her own body longed to still be curled up under the blankets, safely in bed. She wasn’t ready for whatever Thade required of her. It would be so simple to feign her headache being more severe than it was and insist upon returning to her chambers. Inside she fought with herself over the idea. An escape would be welcome, but she couldn’t do that to Thade. He was counting on her. She would have to steel her resolve and plunge ahead blindly into whatever was waiting.
In the foyer she could see Thade standing near the center of the room. He was dressed in style, much the same as he had been the night before, though significantly more refreshed in appearance than anyone else Leyna had passed that morning. To her surprise his garb again resembled her own, the vibrant gold of his doublet lined with silver cording vertically down the front and sleeves, small epaulets adding a broader shape to his shoulders. His black trousers were barely visible under the high boots covering his feet and legs. A wide golden chain of office rested around his neck, signaling his superior rank to anyone who might happen by. “Lady Evantine,” he nodded sharply, bowing stiffly from the waist in greeting. “I was afraid you might decline my request for your company.”
“I would be lying if I said it wasn’t considered,” she replied. Gracefully she sank into a curtsy before him. All eyes were on them, curious stares directed from every corner where the guards and palace servants stood, whispering amongst each other. Formality was important. Anything more lax would be indicative of a deeper relationship of which they both needed to be on guard to prevent discussions. Leyna worried how many people already knew of Chlora spying on them in the gardens. The thought added to the discomfort she was already feeling, afraid to lift her eyes to meet Thade’s. “I must admit I am confused by the invitation. Your meeting with King Osias was to be in regards to business. I fail to see how my company will do anything but hinder the talks.”
“On the contrary, you are quite well-versed in the matters which will be discussed. I can think of no one else more capable of assisting me,” a faint smile passed over Thade’s lips, offering his arm out to Leyna to accompany him. “That aside, I thought the experience might do you some good. My hope is still to see you at my side on Nesperiti’s court. This is a good opportunity to learn.”
Accepting Thade’s arm, she fell into step beside him. There was a tension between them. A lingering hesitation, reminiscent of that which Leyna had felt in the garden when they parted ways last. Thade was distant. Lost in his own thoughts. It was obvious to Leyna that he was holding back a great deal, though it was impossible to distinguish what. Her head was a tumult of confusion itself without adding to the chaos by trying to decipher what was in Thade’s mind.
“I was hoping by now you might have had enough time to consider my offer. You have not yet given me a response in regards to your decision to join me at court in Siscal.”
Leyna kept her eyes straight ahead, chin held high, proud. “Now hardly seems the time,” she stated quietly. “Ask me again after we are excused from the King.”
They paused in their brisk pace, lingering in front of a high-arched door to the left. Guards were positioned on either side, erect, arms pressed tight to their sides. At Thade and Leyna’s approach the men gave a sharp pivot, attention focused on Thade. “His Majesty awaits you,” one of the guards announced, his fist clenched tightly, crossing over his chest.
Thade ignored the guard, turning to face Leyna, eyes settled sternly over her face. “You give me your word that you will grant me an answer once our business is concluded?”
“We shall see,” she mumbled, embarrassed by the questioning stares of the guards upon them. “Please. We cannot keep His Majesty waiting.”
Argument was impossible for Thade in that moment. The presence of the guards made speaking openly out of the question, leaving him with no choice but to accept her tentative assurances. “Very well. Gentlemen. If you will.”
Obediently the two men reached for the handles of the double doors, pulling them open to grant entrance into the room beyond. A red carpet spread across the floor. Near the opposite end of the lengthy room Leyna could see two thrones positioned side by side, the regal countenances of the King and Queen instantly drawing her thoughts back to the task at hand. They were there. The throne room of the Mialan royal family. A slight breath of relief escaped Leyna to discover Chlora to be absent. Her personality had come across acceptable for social situations but grating when it came to business. More would be accomplished without her there, seeking to attract attention.
Inside her chest, the pounding of her heart was growing stronger, almost unbearable in its inconsistent fluttering and skipping. Her first instinct was to run. Thade’s arm linked with her own was the only thing holding her there. She felt him stiffen at her hesitation, forcing her to take another step forward. Behind them she could hear the doors closing. She was trapped. There would be no escape now.
&
nbsp; Their pace was slow. Agonizing to Leyna’s nerves. By the time they reached the glimmering gold of the thrones, she feared her legs would give out and send her collapsing to the floor at the feet of King Osias. Reflexively she went through the motions taught to her by Lady Faustine. It was instinct, requiring little thought to accomplish. Eyes lowered, she sank into a deep curtsy, maintaining the position near the floor at Thade’s side until she felt the gentle pressure of his hand signaling her to rise.
“Your Majesties,” he bowed again, motioning toward Leyna with a fluid gesture of his hand. “If I might present to you the Lady Evantine. Heroine of Tanispa and newly appointed member of Queen Nesperiti’s court in Siscal.”
Averting her gaze to conceal the blood rushing to her cheeks at the introduction, Leyna curtsied once again. Etiquette was on her side in hiding her discomfort. The King and Queen would think little of her downcast eyes, assuming it to be nothing more than respect and modesty.
“Yes, we have heard much about you, young lady,” King Osias bellowed. With a wave of his heavily ring-adorned hand he motioned for her to rise, smiling broadly. “An impressive display in the art of dance you gave at the celebration last evening. Not since my last visit to Queen Vorsila have I witnessed a performance of such skill.” With a wink he set his eyes on Thade, nodding to him in approval. “Your Grace, I must ask that you and the Lady visit again. The women of this court could use a good example from time to time. I fear our daughter’s dislike of music has made them forget how important it is.”
“I would be delighted to see her accompany me here again. It is my hope I may be able to convince her that her presence at court is more valuable than anywhere else.” Thade cast her a sideways glance. “But if you insist it of her, I find it hard to believe she would refuse.”
“Then I must insist! You will of course not decline our invitation to Princess Chlora’s wedding.”
“I would not think of missing such an occasion. Has a date been arranged?”
For the first time since their approach Osias’s smile fell. “I am afraid not,” he shook his head, lines of frustration creased along his forehead. “You know how she can be. But we will have a date soon enough. Please, extend our invitation to Queen Vorsila and Prince Enaes as well. The ceremony would not be right without all of our friends there to share in the joyful occasion.”
“What say you, Lady Evantine? Will you accept His Majesty’s invitation?” Thade raised his brow, inquisitive. His words were deliberate. Precisely aimed in a way which would back Leyna into a corner. Propriety required her to accept. He was well aware of her inability to decline for sake of appearances. And once her word was given, she would have little choice but to follow through.
“I will do my best to be in attendance,” she nodded, her voice soft, delicate. It was the closest to an affirmation she was capable of. There was no telling where she would be, or what she would be doing, when Chlora finally settled on a date. Her affections toward the groom had come across as lacking during conversation. It was doubtful she would seek to hasten the vows.
“Splendid.” Osias’s face brightened once again, beckoning Thade to step in closer. “Now, with formalities out of the way, tell me. What is this business you spoke of in your letter? It sounded quite urgent.”
In a sudden flurry of movement at Osias’s side, Queen Adalyn rose to her feet, the elaborate crimson skirts of her gown flowing out around her. “Perhaps Lady Evantine and I should go for a turn around the room and leave the business talks to the men,” she smiled, offering her hand out to Leyna warmly. “My husband can get rather long-winded over political matters. I would much like to learn a bit more about the mystery woman His Grace has brought to accompany him.”
Thade’s eyes shifted between King Osias and Queen Adalyn. “With all due respect, Your Highness, but my hope was to allow Lady Evantine a chance to speak on the matter which I regret to lay before you. Her knowledge is far more vast than my own in regards to the intricacies. The issue is of a larger scale than I prefer to burden you both with, but Queen Adalyn, it might be best if you hear my request as well.”
Intrigued by Thade’s request, Adalyn lowered herself onto the throne once again, urging him to continue with a silent nod of her head.
“It is unlike you to be so grim,” Osias squinted at Thade. Curious. “Whatever the matter is, let us hear it. You know we will do what we can to assist.”
“Under any other circumstances I would say assistance is unnecessary, but I cannot assure you with any amount of certainty. It has become known to us that the Ven’shal seek war upon Tanispa.”
“War, you say? Were they not banished from your country centuries ago?”
“They were. It is impossible to know how long their army has been building.” Thade sighed, the weight of the situation evident on his elegant features. “It grieves me that I must come to you now, as your humble ally, to request your support should these matters take a turn for the worst.”
Osias stroked his chin in thoughtful contemplation. “You have reason to be concerned with their army? What intelligence do you have which makes you believe this to be a significant threat?”
“We have witnesses, Your Majesty,” Leyna chimed in, shooting Thade an apologetic glance. He had brought her to assist, not to lead. Though she felt Thade had been correct in his belief of her being more versed on the subject than himself. “A group of Ven’shal and Esai have formed a partnership in which they intend to resurrect the old Ven’shal sorcerer Arcastus from his grave. Are you familiar with this name, Your Highness?”
“I am familiar. Continue,” Osias waved his hand in an almost dismissive gesture.
Nodding to him respectfully, Leyna pressed on. “If they are successful, and we have received information which indicates they could be so, it would increase the strength tenfold of any army they bring against Tanispa. Not only is our own country at risk, but others could be as well. Those involved are power-hungry. A victory over one government might spark their greed to continue toward another. If we attempt to take them on alone, we will risk the safety of all our lands. With your help, our defense might be strong enough to push them back before they have a chance to gain any footing.”
Adalyn stared at her husband, horror-stricken at the thought of what Leyna was saying. Aware of his wife’s sudden panic, Osias rested his hand gently on Adalyn’s arm, reassuring her that everything would be alright. “This is dire, indeed. Lady Evantine, you give a very compelling statement on the matter.”
“It is because I feel very strongly regarding it,” she stated calmly. “This is a time where we must rely on our friends and allies in order to guarantee the safety of more than just a single race of people. The Vor’shai are not the only ones threatened by Arcastus’s return, but with the right preparation, further turmoil can be avoided. For the sake of your people as well as our own.”
“Well, it does not take much to convince an old man like me,” Osias chuckled, the sound forced under the strain of his own heavy thoughts. “Queen Vorsila has always been a good friend to Mialan. Although it is preferred war be avoided at whatever cost, I could not, in good conscience, turn you away if that is the path the gods see fit to lead us down.”
“I assure you, Your Majesty. All precautions are being implemented to deter violence. We hope to avoid war as much as you do. We merely would rather err on the side of caution and make sure our allies are informed and prepared.”
“A wise decision,” Osias nodded to Leyna, his attention shifting to where Thade remained silent at her side, eyes fixed on her, seemingly distracted. “Your Grace, you may send word to Queen Vorsila that she can count on us. I will make sure our General is informed and preparing his soldiers for action. I trust you will do the same.”
“General Cadell has been kept abreast of the situation,” Thade cleared his throat, straightening his back to stand proudly before the King. “Your continued friendship means a great deal to us. If there is anything we can offer you in return,
do not hesitate to ask.”
“You can see that Vorsila and Enaes are at our daughter’s wedding. For now, I see no need to ask anything else of your people.”
With a smile Thade bowed, stepping in closer to Leyna’s side once again. “The Levadis family will be in attendance. You can rest assured. Queen Vorsila would not miss the occasion and you know Prince Enaes would never turn down a chance to see your lovely daughter.”
“Ah, flattery! And to think you have already received what you wanted from me. You are a good man, Your Grace,” Osias rose from the throne, giving a slight nod of his head in a show of respect. “And Lady Evantine,” he added. “Do not forget that you will be expected at the celebration as well. You are always welcome here in our home. Any friend of His Grace and the Tanispan Queen is a friend of ours.”
“You are too kind, Your Majesty.” Leyna curtsied low, a feeling of relief washing over herself. It was almost done. The farewells had begun. It wouldn’t be much longer before she and Thade could escape from the throne room. Once free of the King and Queen, her only concern would be getting away from Thade before he could insist on drawing an answer from her.
Standing at her husband’s side, Queen Adalyn smiled pleasantly, nodding her head to Thade and Leyna in turn. “Be safe in your travels home. It is a long road.”
With one final nod Thade hooked his arm around Leyna’s, urging her toward the door. She had to concentrate on her steps. One foot in front of the other. Slow. She couldn’t look too desperate to get out of the room. Inside she was proud of the way she’d conducted herself in front of the Mialan royalty. Lady Faustine’s teachings had not gone to waste. At times Leyna feared the lessons would be forgotten due to lack of practice. It was a rare occasion for her to have need of them. Out of Faustine’s care, the chances of being at court for any function had been slim – though if Thade had his way, she would find herself tossed into things far more frequently than she was comfortable with. After so many years in the role of a slave, it was an intimidating thought to consider. The constant fear of what the upper echelons would do if they ever discovered the secret of her past work. It was hardly becoming of a woman of any standing.
The Myatheira Chronicles: The Vor'shai: From the Ashes (Volume 1) Page 69
