Thade wasted no time in helping Leyna to one of the elegant cushioned chairs at the table, making sure she was comfortably settled before situating himself next to her. He recovered from the initial surprise at Blaise’s warm greeting, watching the two men take their seats across from him. “With the Emperor’s Steward in attendance, it leads me to believe my letter was received?”
“Yes, it was,” Blaise cast an apologetic glance to Henri. “I’m sorry. I know I said I would merely be observing, but that was before I knew who we were meeting with.”
“I take no offense, Your Grace.”
“Good good. Now, the Emperor and I spoke and he was inclined to offer assistance, but ultimately left the decision to me based on the statements heard here today. Perhaps you could explain a little about the situation which has brought us together?”
Hesitant, Leyna looked over to Thade, unsure of whether it would be appropriate for her to speak. It was Thade’s role to do the negotiating for Queen Vorsila. Leyna’s company was supposed to be for no other reason than experience in diplomacy. She met his gaze, steady, both saying nothing in response to Blaise’s question. With a nod of approval Thade motioned her to speak, relinquishing the floor. “Well, it is complicated,” she started. “We have reason to believe that the Ven’shal intend to wage a second war on Tanispa. If they are able to acquire an army of the size we fear, the threat could bleed into Carpaen and Siscal. With this in mind, we feel it is imperative to give warning of the impending attacks and seek out the assistance of our neighbors.”
Blaise stroked his chin, thoughtful. “I see. Well, I certainly understand where that would pose a problem. What exactly is it you require of the Carpaen military? You know well enough our preference at neutrality.”
“I do, which is why I was afraid to hear the news of Emperor Radnor’s decision. After all, he chose to allow the Namiren soldiers to set up war camps on his land while they attacked Siscal.” Leyna’s tone held more bitterness than she wanted. The Carpaen government’s unwillingness to assist in the war against Namorea had caused countless deaths which could have been otherwise avoided. Siscal might have lost the battle if not for the Tanispan army coming to their rescue. A part of her still resented the Emperor’s passiveness.
“My dear, such venom I hear in your sweet voice. What reason do you have to speak so?”
“It was not intended, Your Grace,” she stated calmly, chiding herself for the acidity of her statement. Now wasn’t the time to let her past issues boil to the surface. It was important the meeting remain amicable.
Mouth open wide, Blaise gave a nod of understanding, his hand reaching out to rest lightly atop Leyna’s on the table. Taken aback by the gesture she pulled it away, staring at him in confusion. “I think I understand,” he frowned. “I heard what happened to you during the war. You don’t blame Carpaen, I hope. If anything the fault lies only on those who allowed you into the regiment. We both know you shouldn’t have been on the field in the first place.”
At her side Leyna could feel Thade tense, clearly bothered by Blaise’s accusations. Flustered, Leyna tried to distract from the topic, anxious to direct conversation back to the issue at hand. “No fault lies on anyone in that other than myself. The past, however, holds no bearing over our current predicament. Carpaen maintained neutrality then, but this war will be different. It will be closer to your borders, and the chances of it stretching into Emperor Radnor’s lands are very high. The Ven’shal will fight, and they will kill innocent people in Carpaen. I must implore you to see the severity of this threat.”
“Consul, what say you of the situation? You appear put-off. Should Carpaen have reason to be concerned? Is the situation really so dire?”
“Lady Evantine speaks the plain truth of the matter,” Thade stated, a faint strain evident in his voice. “Carpaen has more reason to be concerned than Siscal. The landscape of your country is more agreeable for war. Fewer mountains. Less creatures in the wild due to the number of cities you boast. Not to mention easier access to the Tanispan border by means of the river. The Ven’shal will without doubt find Carpaen the perfect target to begin their march.”
“That is a compelling argument, indeed. One which I will be sure to pass on to the Emperor.” Blaise looked Leyna over, his gaze scrutinizing, a vague smile curling at the corners of his lips. “I give my consent, not only because the Emperor was already pre-disposed to the thought, but because I desire to help Lady Evantine. Henri will write up the necessary documents. My only request is for a brief audience with the lady, if I may?”
“She is giving you audience presently. Is that not enough?” Thade mused.
Blaise snorted indignantly. “I shouldn’t have to specify my meaning. The request was for privacy, if I might be so bold.”
Rising from her chair Leyna struggled to steady her balance. The crutch wasn’t far off, her hand grasping for it to provide support for her injured leg while Thade immediately stood to assist her. “Leyna, what are you doing?” he whispered. “You are under no obligation to grant his request.”
“It will only be a moment.” Leyna directed a smile at Blaise, gesturing toward an open area of the room. “I cannot give absolute privacy, for many reasons which I’m certain you understand, but I can offer you my undivided attention. If you will walk with me? I am a bit of a cripple these days.”
Blaise hurried around the table to take his place at Leyna’s side, stepping between her and Thade, oblivious to the hesitance Thade gave in releasing her. “Of course. Please excuse us, gentlemen. I will not keep the lady’s company from you for long.”
Aware of Thade and Henri’s watchful eyes, curious by Blaise’s actions, Leyna struggled to manage her steps alone, not wanting to rely too heavily on Blaise for support. The situation was awkward enough without adding the humiliation of being unable to stand on her own. Content that they were out of earshot of the others, she turned to face him, no longer sure if she’d made the right decision in allowing them privacy. Instantly upon looking in his eyes she was returned to that day in the academy when she first explained her intentions of leaving for Siscal. He’d been less than pleased with the idea. By now she assumed his infatuation with her had ended, but there was no telling what his emotions had shifted to.
“Leyna.” Blaise paused, shaking his head in disbelief. “I can’t believe it’s really you.”
“I’m a bit surprised by you as well.”
“I thought I would never see you again. Your departure was so sudden. Why did you never come to say goodbye?”
Struck by the question, Leyna gazed at him, a grimace crossing her features. How could she explain it? He would never understand the discomfort he’d caused her when they discussed her plan. At the time she’d been too young to grasp the extent of her wild idea and her desperation caused his arguments to fall on deaf ears. The rumors rampant through the academy regarding his feelings for her had done nothing to benefit his chances at talking her out of going. Even with the best of intentions, his words were hollow in Leyna’s belief that they were meant for nothing but his own gain in keeping her close. “I knew you would try to stop me,” she sighed. Defeated. “It was wrong, I know. I should have come and given at least some mild assurances of my safety, but – I was young, Blaise. I cannot be held accountable for the flaws of my inexperience. All I can offer you now are my sincerest apologies.”
“But you never came back. You never wrote –”
“You know the military well enough to be familiar with how it works,” Leyna argued. “As long as the war raged in Siscal, there was no chance of my returning to Carpaen.”
“Yes, but I never expected them to actually accept you.” Exasperated, Blaise cast his eyes to the ceiling. He breathed in deeply to try and regain his composure, lowering his gaze to look at her once again. “I waited, day after day, for word from you. Somehow I thought they would turn you away for your age and leave you with no choice but to write for me to bring you back to the academy. Had I known they
would be foolish enough to employ you, I never would have let you walk away. It was ludicrous. The chances of your plans succeeding had been laughable. The first word I received was the day I heard of your brush with death while protecting the Tanispan Prince. Ever since then I have been kicking myself for ever letting you go.”
“You wanted me to fail?”
“No, I wanted you to realize that you needed me…” Blaise let his voice trail off. He looked hurt. Pained by the memories her presence brought over him. “You have always been stubborn, Leyna. Telling you that your idea was insane would never have convinced you to stay. I knew you would have to see for yourself. And once you discovered the truth, I wanted to be the one you came to. I would have done anything for you, and you know that. I – I wanted to marry you.”
Averting her eyes, Leyna brought her hand up to cover her mouth. Her stomach wrenched to hear him say the words. She’d been so young! Never had she thought his emotions ran so deep. Blaise had been an attractive man in his younger days. Capable of winning the hand of any girl in Eykanua if he desired. So why her? His little orphaned pauper.
And worst of all was the truth in her own heart. She’d never reciprocated those feelings for him, nor did she believe it to ever have been possible. Even if forced to return in humiliation and defeat, his dreams would never have come to fruition. At least not in love. The dire circumstances of her and Reina’s situation might have forced her to concede in union, but never could she have loved him.
“Blaise, please,” she whispered. “You must understand something. It would be wrong of me not to give you the truth, after all this time. And while I dislike the thought of hurting you, in the end I feel it will give you the closure you require, in my telling you that I have never felt the way toward you which you profess to have felt for me.”
“You were young. I believe it was possible for your heart to change.”
“While I respect you and am forever indebted for the kindness you bestowed upon Reina and myself, I must insist that it never would have been so. You must understand, Blaise. The gods took us in the directions they intended us to go, and chose for our paths to never cross again until time no longer allowed us to be anything more than friends. Please accept my regret for having caused you pain, but I assure you it was never intended.” Leyna’s lips parted to speak again, breath caught in her throat at the sight of Thade and Henri positioned only a few feet away. When had they approached? Her face flushed, the tips of her ears heated with the burning humiliation of what might have been overheard. At the sudden change in Leyna’s countenance Blaise was alerted to the others, casting an agonized glance to the floor to avoid their stares.
“I’m sorry, Your Grace,” Henri started, moving forward with a hesitant step. Blaise waved him into silence.
“Don’t. It’s unnecessary.”
“If you will excuse my intrusion, then. I never would have thought to interrupt but the lady looked distraught and I feared for her well-being.” Thade came to Leyna’s side, staring down at her with concern. “Are you alright?”
“I am quite fine, though a little tired,” she stated quietly. Her emotions were surprisingly calm. It eased her mind to finally have the opportunity to explain herself to Blaise. Whether it pained him or not, he deserved to know the truth. To not torment himself any longer about the choices which brought her where she was in life. Leaving Eykanua that day was the best decision she ever made. A life spent in Carpaen with Blaise would have been lacking everything she desired, and he would have learned over time that his love was misplaced on one so young. It was best for them to part now as friends than to have inevitably parted ways long ago in hatred.
“Consider it forgotten, Consul,” Blaise forced a smile, lifting his eyes up to give a polite nod. “I believe we were nearly finished, as it was. As far as business, I maintain my word that Carpaen will offer whatever assistance Queen Vorsila requires. My only stipulation is that you take good care of Lady Evantine. She deserves to be treated with the highest regard.”
Thade returned Blaise’s nod. Leyna could feel the pressure of Thade’s arm around hers tighten, pulling her in closer to him protectively. “You have my word that the Lady will be well looked after.”
“Good,” Blaise replied. “If I hear of any harm befalling her, I will be very displeased.” With a deep bow he lowered to his knee before Leyna, gently kissing the back of her hand. Quickly he straightened, his attention toward Thade more precise and formal. “Milady. Consul. I look forward to being of assistance to you in the future. It has been a pleasure. Henri, come. We have work to do before I return to Carpaen.”
Without a word Henri followed Blaise toward the door, their progress halted as he gave one final pause, turning back to address Thade. “Oh, and Consul?”
“Yes, Your Grace?”
“Do give my congratulations to Lord Feolan on his upcoming nuptials. I only recently learned of his betrothal.”
“It is a very recent event, indeed,” Thade nodded. “The betrothal ceremony was only a few weeks ago. I am sure Lord Feolan and his wife-to-be would be pleased to have you at the wedding.”
“When is it to take place?”
“Two weeks from tomorrow. At the chapel in the eastern corner of the city.”
“I regret business will have me detained. With my felicitation, you will also have to pass along my apologies for being unable to attend. It may be for the best. I’m not particularly fond of weddings myself.”
“That is a sad thing to hear. Marriage is a most joyful occasion.”
Blaise laughed, the sound bitter and hollow. “For some,” he stated flatly. “Good day to you both.”
Leyna and Thade stood in silence while the men made their way out of the room, a loud click of the door leaving them alone. She prayed Thade wouldn’t ask any questions. It was embarrassing enough to know that he had overheard any part of her conversation. To be forced into explaining it would only injure her worse.
A quiet intake of breath signaled Thade’s attempt at speech, cut off by a sharp raise of Leyna’s hand. “Before you say anything, please do not ask about my past with Blaise. I assure you there is nothing to it of any importance.”
“I was not going to pry.”
“But you are curious. I can tell.” Leyna looked up at him, the warmth returning to her cheeks. How could she think of being with any other man when standing at Thade’s side? If only he knew! “He was a good friend of mine when I lived in Carpaen. You must have been aware of our familiarity. Blaise was the man Prince Enaes spoke with when he inquired of my name at the academy in Eykanua.”
A look of understanding passed over Thade’s features. “Ah, yes. I suppose I never made the connection before. Truthfully, I paid little attention to the names Enaes gave. Enough to retain them, only. There must have been more than a mere familiarity to have raised such a profession from him.”
She wanted to crawl under the table and hide behind the elegant chairs. He’d heard Blaise’s admission. It hurt her to think of him being aware of the words which Blaise spoke. Thade had done so much for her in achieving the annulment of her previous engagement, while also hiding her from Prince Enaes’s attempts at seeking her hand. And now this? Another man eager to have her. How awful it must make her look in Thade’s eyes! “Do you think less of me for it? I lack any understanding of why he would feel that way for me. When last Blaise and I were in each other’s company, I was only fifteen. If I did anything to spark such emotions in him, it was not by any intentional means. To hear him say those things to me now, I am – shocked. Words cannot describe how much so.”
“It seems you have stolen the hearts of more men than I thought,” Thade stated, his tone quiet. Detached. “What torment it must be for them all.”
“The only torment right now is that which my leg is causing me,” Leyna sighed. She didn’t want to discuss the past anymore. What was done couldn’t be changed. The only thing she could do was try and move beyond it. They had Carpaen’s suppor
t. Right now, nothing else mattered. “I should get home to rest. The doctor wouldn’t be happy to know how long I have already been on my feet.”
At her request Thade seemed to revive from whatever reverie he was lost in. Composed, he gave a slight nod, helping to guide Leyna toward the door. “Of course,” he said calmly. “I am supposed to help Feolan with some last minute details on the wedding. We should be headed back before it gets much later.”
The chapel yard was quiet and peaceful. Devoid of the bustling city sounds that Leyna was accustomed to when not in the privacy of her home. She’d spent the better part of the last few weeks alone due to her injuries, propped up on the dingy cushions of an antique settee in the house she’d come to call her own. Feolan was more than willing to let her take it on. One last thing he needed to worry about while preparing for his marriage to Maeri.
Even through the turmoil of the impending war, he and Maeri managed to find joy in each other. A celebration of any grand scale was out of the question under the current circumstances, but they were content with a private ceremony to exchange their vows until such a time when they could make it a larger affair. They had arranged for the priest at the chapel to join them, with Thade and Leyna acting as their witnesses. Never had Leyna seen either of them as happy as they looked that morning while gazing with admiration into each other’s eyes. It had been absolutely breathtaking to watch.
A part of her still grieved over her own failed union with Kael. She tried to console herself that it was not meant to be. The gods would have found a way to help them work through it if they really were intended for each other. From the start, everything had been against them. And now, there was no recovering from the things which had happened. In the eyes of the Queen, it had never happened. She was free of the bonds placed over her that day in Dalonshire when she so foolishly accepted his proposal. That was a mistake she did not intend to make again anytime soon.
The Myatheira Chronicles: The Vor'shai: From the Ashes (Volume 1) Page 74
