“The bride cannot negotiate her own terms.”
“And what if the bride had no family? Would she simply be denied marriage because there was no one else to negotiate?”
“I do not speak in hypotheticals, Leyna.” Cadell’s tone was more firm than before, settling Leyna’s rising anger in fear of upsetting him. “All I can tell you is the way things are. Either Iden agrees to relinquish rights to his family name on the throne, or Queen Vorsila does. And they are both stubborn enough to prevent the marriage from happening.”
In silence, she stared down at the lines of graves. There had to be some other way. If it weren’t for Thade’s ancestors, they would not be in this predicament. Why couldn’t he have been from some other family? A genuine descendant of King Ehren’s original line of the Imri name would still have granted them more freedom simply for him not being heir to the throne. It was funny to think back to when he was just the Consul – and how impossible she felt a relationship between them would’ve been. In that position, the blessing of marriage might have had a better chance than it did now.
“There has to be another way,” she mumbled out loud, lost in her thoughts. “There must be someone other than Iden who could speak on my behalf.”
“With your parents no longer being alive to handle the matter, it defaults to the next of kin, whoever holds the highest station, that being Iden. I am sorry, Leyna. There is no other way.”
“No.” Her eyes brightened, a devious smile crossing her lips. There was one hope. One loophole they may be able to take advantage of. “I do have another relative. Do these rules require them to share the Evantine name?”
Cadell looked her over, curious to what was going through her mind. “I suppose that question has never been raised before. Explain?”
“Aviden Diah,” she blurted out excitedly, unable to hold in her emotions. She paused, inhaling deeply to regain some semblance of composure.
“Lord Diah is no longer with us –”
“I know,” she laughed, nervous about the response her idea would receive. “But he had another daughter. A half-sister to me. She is my next of kin, and by proxy, her husband is as well. One of higher rank than Iden. Queen Vorsila’s Consul to Siscal. Feolan Diah.”
Turning to face him, Leyna tried to decipher the look on his face, almost sick with fear of him denying her the last chance she had at happiness. Feolan and Maeri would without doubt negotiate in her favor. If Cadell could find a way to bend the rules, ever so slightly, it would prove beneficial to everyone – except Iden. Not that he deserved any recognition for his behavior. He was a disgrace to the Evantine family. If her grandmother was still alive, she’d be appalled at what he was doing to it. What he had already done to it.
His brow rose, thinking over her words with careful consideration. She watched him, holding back the urge to reach out and shake the answer out of him. “You make a valid point,” he mused. “I must say, though it would complicate matters on one end, it would certainly ease them on the other. But I cannot say with any certainty whether it would be allowed. That call would be up to Her Majesty to decide.”
“So there is a chance?” she asked, gazing at him hopefully. His features softened to see her looking at him in such a way, a smile spreading over his mouth.
“There is definitely a chance.”
Unable to keep her excitement in, she wrapped her arms around him in a joyful embrace, feeling him flinch at first before lightly patting her back with his uninjured hand. “You will argue for me, won’t you?” she pleaded. “You know how much he means to me. I would forever be in your debt.”
“You would owe us nothing,” he chuckled, wincing as he pulled away, his free hand rubbing at his wounded arm. “If anything, we would be doing you a great injustice by denying you. Keep in mind, Prince Thade would not be here now if it had not been for your heroics back in Siscal. Queen Vorsila nearly lost both of her sons in a single instant, prevented only by your bravery. And that does not count any of the many things you have so selflessly done and sacrificed during your time in service here. I will be sure to remind Her Majesty of such, in case she has forgotten, though I doubt she has. Such deeds are never overlooked by her.”
“When do you think we will know of her decision?”
“Soon enough,” he nodded. “Once you and I are healed, she spoke of throwing a bit of a celebration in our honor. A way to re-introduce you to the court and to see you are properly praised and recognized for your deeds, now that the war is over and your service no longer requires any form of secrecy. I will do my best to guarantee you an answer that night.”
“Then heal up quickly,” she smiled, resting her hand over Cadell’s injured arm. “My heart cannot handle waiting much longer.”
Offering out his good hand, Cadell motioned for her to take it, his head nodding in the direction of the palace. “And it will not have to,” he replied. “I suggest you have a seamstress begin work on a gown for the party. All eyes will be on you that night. We must make sure you look your best.”
Over the next few weeks, Leyna could hardly stand the anxiety she felt in regards to the possible outcomes of the celebration. Invitations had been sent, the whole of Tanispa set to gather in the Queen’s ballroom. By the time the night arrived, she suddenly found herself trembling from nerves. Afraid of what people would say. How would they react to her? And if Queen Vorsila’s answer was no, there was no way to know how she would take the news. Poorly, but the humiliation would be the worst. Everyone would be witness to her denial. It was all too much to think about.
The seamstress was finishing the final touches to her dress, making sure everything was perfect and in place, every piece fitting the way it was intended. It had been a long time since she’d felt the discomfort of a corset, but she found it difficult to mind. Tonight she was a lady. It was a small price to pay.
Folds of a gentle soft-blue fabric fell from her slender waist, cinched up tight under the corset and the laces of the gown. A kirtle of a rich sapphire hue was visible through the cut of the top layer, accented by a delicate white lace along the edges. A silver chain draped around her waist, hanging down elegantly in front of the skirt, the links interspersed with tiny, glittering sapphires to catch the light. The bodice showed off her curves, tasteful in design. A sapphire blue ribbon stretched from a silver and gem-studded brooch at the center of the chest, wrapping down at an angle to her waist and around her back; a splash of color against the softer shades.
The neckline was lower than Leyna was used to. No attempt was made to create a mask over her scars, the skin exposed over the collarbone, off-the-shoulder sleeves of white lace delicately resting over her upper arm. Long trailing lines of fabric hung from the elbows, regal in its length and grace, nearly reaching the floor when her arms lowered to her sides.
“Are you sure it is not too much?” she asked hesitantly, her posture erect while the seamstress tied the final bow at the base of the bodice. “I feel overdressed.”
“You cannot be overdressed at your own party, dear,” the woman smiled. “Now have a seat so I can finish your hair. The General will be here any minute to escort you and we still have much to do.”
She did as she was told. If she didn’t do something, she was going to go mad from the anticipation. She couldn’t remember ever having felt so nervous before in her life. It was worse than the fear she’d felt walking to the final battle of the war. How could it be that she was more afraid of the Queen than she was of an enemy bent on seeing her dead?
Across from her, she could see the reflection of herself, watching her hair transformed under the woman’s expert hands. Her long ebon locks hung down her back, only the front pulled up in elegant ringlets, held in place by a clip of silver and sapphires, tiny strands of gem-adorned chains hanging down in the back. The colors of her ensemble brought out the deep glow of her blue eyes, accented by the make-up lining the edges of her lashes, a stark contrast to her pale skin, cheeks rosy from the blush as well as her
own nervous excitement, matching the pink of her full lips. She was ready. At least in costume. She couldn’t be certain her mind was ever going to be truly prepared for this night.
“You look stunning, Your Grace,” Cadell’s voice came from the doorway, a servant leading him into the room. He was dressed in his usual formal attire, the military colors suiting him well. “Are you ready for our party? I expect it will be a very long evening.”
“I am not sure I would use the term ‘ready,’ but at the very least, I cannot think of anything else necessary to do before we head down to the fray.” She rose up from the chair, smoothing the fabric over her midsection. The corset was already making breathing difficult. “I do not do well with this. You will need to appear twice as masculine in order to make me look feminine by comparison.”
“That hardly sounds like a concern,” he smirked. Through her nervousness, Leyna couldn’t help but laugh at him, moving over to stand at his side. “The crowd is already gathering,” he added. “Chief Okivra and his wife were arriving when I stepped through to come here. It must be quite an occasion for him to make the trip south a second time within only a few months.”
“That does nothing to make this any less stressful,” she nibbled her lower lip. “Let us just get this entrance over with. I cannot stand the anticipation much longer.”
He flashed her a knowing smile as they moved through the door, their elbows linked. She knew him to be the type of man who didn’t enjoy large gatherings. They were in very similar situations regarding a celebration in their honor, forcing them both to endure the crowd. It is only for one night, she tried to calm herself. After tonight, things will be different, one way or another.
She knew better than to try and convince Cadell to tell her anything regarding his discussions with the Queen. He was impossible to read. His guard was up, prepared for her watchful gaze, intent on not giving anything away before the proper moment. It was frustrating to her. The night had arrived and still she would be forced to wait.
They paused outside the door of the ballroom, Leyna’s heart fluttering uncontrollably inside her chest. She was trembling. Cadell could sense it, his hand reaching up to rest over hers gently. “You will do fine,” he whispered, nodding politely to the doorman. “We are ready, sir, if they are prepared for our entrance.”
Trumpets sounded from somewhere nearby as the door opened, announcing their arrival. Everything went silent inside the room, save for a single voice calling out their names in a booming shout. “Her Majesty’s General Cadell Zerne and his Captain, Her Grace, the Duchess of Escovul!”
“I cannot do this,” she breathed suddenly, pulling back against his arm. She needed out of there. Her breath caught in her lungs, the sensation of hyperventilating sending her into a panic at the sound of their names announced to the room. Everyone was waiting for them. They would be watching. Iden was sure to be in attendance, and well aware of who she was. It was too much.
Cadell held her firm, preventing her from getting away. “You have no choice, Leyna,” he said quietly. The doors were opening wider, revealing them to the crowd inside. Frozen in place, Leyna stared out at the faces.
It was an incredible sight. All of these people kneeling for her. The little orphan left with nothing, and here she was, attending a gathering in her honor, celebrating her, with the entire kingdom anxious to look upon her face. It was breathtaking. She would have remained there, agape at the crowd, if Cadell hadn’t urged her forward, guiding her through the path created for them down the center of the room. Only for royalty had she ever seen such a silent and respectful display upon arrival to this room.
Queen Vorsila rose to her feet upon their entrance. For the first time, Leyna could see Thade’s face, standing proudly at the Queen’s side, unobstructed by the mask they all were accustomed to seeing over his features at public gatherings. There was no longer any need to hide him. He was the Crown Prince, heir to the throne. The last surviving child of the Queen. She couldn’t hide his identity forever out of fear of the Ven’shal.
Leyna couldn’t take her eyes off of him. His doublet matched her dress in color, the rich sapphire blues lined with a lighter cording around the shoulders and waist. A crown of twisted silver and gold rested atop his head, diamonds sparkling in the light of the chandeliers. It was a drastic change from his casual appearance while in Siscal. Little details of the past fell into place when she thought back on them, surprised by the fact of it having taken so long for her to figure out who Thade was. There were so many hints. So much that should have given him away, but she’d been so oblivious.
Music once again started to play throughout the room, the guests rising to their feet to return to their conversations. A single face stood out to her amongst the crowd, his blue eyes wide and staring, locked on her every move. His features looked familiar, though she knew not from where. At first glance he resembled someone she’d seen before, but if she looked too closely, she lost the memory, unable to grasp it long enough to determine who he was. He was moving through the crowd now, the distance between them growing shorter with every step until he was before her and Cadell, his arms opened wide to her in greeting.
“My dear Leyna. I thought I would never see you again.”
Straight-faced, she remained still, her arms down at her sides. “I beg your pardon?” she asked. A knot in her stomach tightened. On the man’s right hand was a ring similar to the one she wore on her own, the gems glittering to show off a crest carved into the surface. Iden?
“Do not tell me you have forgotten your grandfather,” he chuckled. His arms opened wider, waiting for her to accept his embrace.
She continued to stare at him, making no move to show any sign of pleasure at his presence before her. He was the last person she wanted to see. And it was no secret his display of affection was for his own benefit, not hers. “Of course I have not forgotten you. But your memory of me does tend to be a bit fleeting. You remember me now, but you forgot me before – how long until you forget me again?”
“I never forgot you,” he frowned. “How could I forget my own granddaughter?”
“You forgot me because it was not convenient for you to recall me at the time. I mean about as much to you as your own daughter did, and that says very little of your affections. It is best you lower your arms, because I have no desire to play your games simply to better yourself.”
Iden blinked in surprise at her. “You think you are too good for your own family now? Has your position and accomplishment all gone to your head? You forget who worked to bring honor to the name you bear. A bit more appreciation is expected.”
“I suggest you leave the lady be for now,” Cadell cut in, stepping between the two of them. “Her Grace has more pressing matters to attend to. This is her party, after all.”
“Our party, but yes,” she nodded. “This discussion is for another time. It would be uncouth of me to tell you exactly how I feel about you in front of all these people.”
Moving to turn away, Leyna gasped to find herself face to face with a muscular chest, the velvety material of the doublet giving off a soft sheen in the light. Slowly, she lifted her eyes to see who blocked her path, her heart nearly stopping in her chest at the sight of Thade standing so close to her. “If you gentleman will excuse us. I have need of an audience with the lady.”
“Of course, Your Highness,” Cadell bowed.
The other people in the room no longer mattered to her. Their voices faded away into nothing but a background noise, ignoring the stammering protests of Iden as she fell into step beside Thade, their arms linked, posture formal, keeping a distance between their bodies while they maneuvered through the crowd.
He guided her toward the head of the room. Fewer people gathered near the thrones, creating a space at the wall where they could stand without fear of interruption. Leyna was aware of the eyes on them, curious ears straining to hear what was being said for the sake of adding to the local gossip. The courtiers loved their rumors. They th
rived on it. Let them think what they wish, she thought, dismissing their prying stares. None of them matter. Especially not now.
“I did not think you would be allowed to speak with me,” she said softly, her eyes shifting nervously to the floor, afraid to meet his gaze directly.
“Let them try to stop me,” he smiled. With a gentle touch, he lifted her chin with his hand, his head tilted to stare deeply into her eyes. “Why do you suddenly look so afraid to be near me?”
“Because you are the Prince, Thade,” she exhaled. “Why did you never tell me? I feel like an absolute fool.”
Clasping her hands in his, Thade shook his head with a disheartened grimace. “You are not a fool. There were so many times when I wanted to tell you. And most of them I nearly did. But I feared you would treat me differently. That you would be afraid to be yourself around me, the way so many others are when in the presence of someone of my station. The way you are right now.”
“No,” she squeezed his hands tightly in hers. “I am just thinking over all the times when I should have figured it out. I see the resemblances now between you and your family. Your eyes – they should have been the definitive clue. Tell me, Thade. Did you know it was me when you asked me to dance at the masque all those years ago?”
He chuckled to himself, a hint of red rising in his cheeks. Shaking his head, he smiled back at her, the sparkle in his eye nearly causing her to swoon. He was unbelievably handsome in that instant. It was hard not to just wrap her arms around him in front of everyone in the room, not caring what any of them thought of her. Somehow she managed to restrain herself.
“Would you believe me if I said no? You changed so much during the time we were apart. When I saw you off to Faustine’s that day in Siscal, you were still a child. The girl I asked to dance that evening was very much a woman. When you spoke to me, however – a part of me suspected. I longed to keep you for another waltz, but my brother, in his usual fashion, stole you away from me. Had you not left so suddenly, I very well may have lost my disguise that very night; to you as well as Feolan.”
The Myatheira Chronicles: The Vor'shai: From the Ashes (Volume 1) Page 97
