BeforePeter couldstophimself,heasked,“Whatifher name isn’t Camaria anymore? What if they renamed her...she was young enough…” Hefoundhewas murmuringto himself, for LordCaddell had whisked from the room.
Cam and her company had journeyed by horseback in a summer
smelling breeze and a globe of sunshine. Both forests and fields met their eyes. The four girls had all learned to ride at a young age, thanks to Owen’s instruction. Amelia, also, was a proficient rider and acted as a beneficial escort from their home to their new destination. Before their departure, Grandfather had told Cam that their journey last no longer than a day.
Cam had glanced over Grandfather’s hand -drawn map of the nation within his study shortly before their departure. She had noted that the Royalty Realm lay not too far to the north of her home. Farther north of the Royalty Realm lay Gnosi, situated among mountain ranges and passes. The Imber Fel Realm peered from the Far East beside the Silver Sea, and Cinis Lumen was flattened to the far south, far from all other civilizations.
Cam knew even before peering at the map, that Mirabelle was not an enormous nation. Its size was, however, sufficient for its people and seemingly prospered year after year. Only common quarrels had been in existence between the realms, and fortunately, none of these brawls had yet erupted.
Amelia was peppered with questions from both Cam and her sisters. Amelia knew much about the palace of the Royals and had, in fact spent much time there. She had friends still dwelling there as Royals themselves.
When a blooming, red sun was burst across a sky just before its departure from this side of the planet, an enormous hill came into Cam’s view. A river ran from one side of the hill and collided with the mouth of an even more expansive river at the bottom. A small village was built at the base of the hill and included small inns, taverns, and docks. Climbing up this hill, were homes built on exotic earth. Many were stately castles near streets which could be seen from above through intervals of space between pillars supporting beams over the walkways. As they neared the palace, Amelia pointed to a bridge which ran from the mainland to the river, and towards the front doors of the structure.
When their carriage had been drawn up to the palace’s entrance, the door was flung open, and a man of tall stature stepped through. “Amelia!” he called, a smile lighting his lips. His brown hair hung in waves to his shoulders. He had a short trimmed beard and sparkling blue eyes.
Amelia returned the hearty greeting and embraced the man. “Girls, come near.” She motioned at Camaria and her sisters who approached the palace steps. “May I introduce to you Lord Cole Caddell. Cole, these are the daughters of Lord Kazbek and Lady Silva. They have accompanied me here, for one of them has been elected as a Royal.”
Lord Caddell dipped his head as he took each of the girls’ hands and pressed his lips to them. “A pleasure to meet you. You must be the next Royal,” he said when it came Camaria’s turn.
“Indeed, Lord Caddell. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” She withdrewher hand from hishold. “How does he know its me? Did they send word already?”
“I suppose we should arrange rooms for you and your company to spend the night,” Lord Caddell said, turning to Amelia.
“Yes, and we’re quite famished.”
“After Lia has assisted you in settling in, I will have a meal prepared for you. You may join Peter and me in our private dining room.”
“Peter!” Amelia gasped, her hands clasping the sides of her face. “It has been far too long since our last reunion.”
Cole laughed. “He has been eighteen since spring. Though still a boy, he has great potential to become a noble, young man.”
“And he is doing well?”
Coleshrugged. “He has somewhat rash ambitions,but keeps up with the work he is provided with. You can ask him yourself of his affairs.”
Cam was beginning to wonder when the conversation would reach an end when Lord Caddell at last slid the door open enough to allow the girls’ entrance. Her eyes cast over the front hall of palace which was well lit on the eastern and western walls for they were filled with glass. The ceilings rose in arches with designs etched into them and gold paint as a furnishing. A winding, marble staircase rose to the second level from which a young woman, who appeared just older than Fiera was now descending.
“Lia, my girl, would you be so kind as to assist our guests into settling upstairs?” Cole addressed the woman. Lia flashed him a smile and turned on her heal. A long, silky, black ponytail dangled down her back. Her face was bronze colored and set with charcoalcolored eyes. She was like a rare, exotic, bird so unlike any woman Cam had ever seen. She was set apart in black apparel, a color more uncommon among her own people. A dazzling ruby glittered from the stone hung over her chest, indicating her citizenship of Cinis Lumen.
Lia led the company in an ascent over the marble stairs. The second level of the palace was a maze of winding passages with chambers lying on opposite sides of halls. Lia’s swift stride took them far from the staircase and nearly caused Cam to feel quite lost. Eventually, the young woman halted and displayed for them six adjoining bedchambers. “I hope they suit you,” she said, swinging open the door to Cam’s chamber. Cam slipped in behind Lia to observe her given guest domain.
The ceiling reached for several feet as did the single, glass window set into the south wall. The window overlooked the river far below where the Imber Fel Realm ships were now sailing from.
Cam was soon joined by her sisters, and together they shed their traveling garments and donned evening clothing suitable for dining. Mista twirled in her chiffon colored skirt. “I do hope there is a handsome, young prince here as well as pretty princesses. It would be a shame to have only boring, dull, old people.”
“Mista,” Terra reproached. “Be thankful we been provided with both refuge and comfort.” Camaria, Fiera, and Adria ignored them, and slipped from the bedchamber to meet Amelia in the hall. They were soon joined by Terra and Mista. Their company complete, Amelia wove them through the passages and to the marble staircase. Cam was thankful for Amelia’s experience in the palace so that they found their way to their destination.
Once they had descended to the main level, they followed the sounds of drifting voices into a quaint dining room. Cam’s eyes slipped between the swinging skirts of her sisters and of Amelia to see Lord Caddell lounging on a sofa beside a younger man. Cole greetedAmelia oncemore, risingtodrawher near. Theyoungman’s eyes flicked to meet her gaze for a brief instant before he was enveloped in Amelia’s embrace.
“Peter, the years have been far too long since our last reunion. I do hope you are doing well.”
“I am, Amelia. Thank you. I hope the same of you.” Amelia offered him a small smile before she turned and drew the five girls towards her. Peter nodded his head as each of the girls were introduced. Only Fiera shook his extended hand. When Amelia gave him Cam’s name, his eyes rested on her for a long moment. Finally, he spoke. “A pleasure to meet you.”
“Likewise,” Cam replied, still studying his features from the tips of his black hair to the graceful line of his jaw, to his sharp, blue eyes.
“Please, dine with us. Our meal is soon to be presented.” Peter said at last. Cole and Amelia walked arm in arm towards the dining room while Adria and Mista flanked Cam.
“He is deliciously charming,” Mista whispered loudly.
Cam shot her a sideways glare but could not prevent the small smirk that tugged at her lips. Adria tilted her head and observed as Peter pushed into the dining room. “Hiseyes are rather pleasant.”
After the evening meal had been conducted and Lord Caddell,
Amelia, and Peter had conversed at length, Amelia asked that the girls and Peter both leave her and Cole to themselves. Peter watched as the girls scrambled for the library which they had passed earlier and had spoken about during the meal. He finished what little wine he had consented to drink and presently departed from the dining room. He followed the voices of the y
oung women to where they had assembled themselves in an old, hardly used, and excluded library.
He entered with full expectations of being hit with a drafty air, for this part of the palace was hardly ever warm. He was pleasantly surprised, to find that earlier, Lia had set a fire ablaze in the enormous hearth. The door, which Peter ambled through, opened into the back of the library so that the girls could not view his entrance, for their backs were turned to him.
The youngest, he noticed, was sprawled upon the floor beside the oldest who had slipped off the couch and was now tossing a cushion in the air and catching it in a firm hold. The one with lighter colored hair and the brunette were huddled in an armchair, observing the pages of a thick volume.
Cassia was upon her own sofa, flipping idly through a smaller volume than that of her sisters.’ “Camaria, not Cassia,” Peter corrected himself. He had crossed the expanse of the library and now stood over the young woman. He cleared his throat. Her soft, blue eyes flicked up to meet his. She straightened and swung her feet to the floor.
“May I join you?” he attempted to smile but only a sm all tug of his lips upward rewarded him. Camaria only nodded, and he plopped onto the second half of the furniture.
“What have you found to read?”
He watched her glance at the numerous shelves lined with
books which he himself hardly ever touched. “A col lection of fairystories I read when I was younger. I have since then lost them in my own home.” Her voice held tones of solemn forgetfulness.
Peter nodded. “Myfather readmanytomeonce. Ihavesince then lost interest in reading.”
The girl straightened, her eyes widening as they met his. “But reading is one of the most beautiful experiences. Well, depending on the book.” She smiled slightly as she turned the thin volume in her hands.
“As of recent I’ve only read sheet music. Every once in awhile I will pick up history texts.”
“On musicians?”
Peter’s mouth curved into a small grin. “War strategies, actually. Mind you, I am no soldier,” he said, leaning back and folding his arms. “But they interest me.” He paused before asking, “You come from the Medulla Realm?” He inquired as if it were a question though he already knew the answer. He did not allow her time to reply. “I have been there on a few occasions for Royal business you know, including training. I wonder why we never met.” He shrugged.
“And did my homeland find your favor?” Camaria asked, as she set the book aside.
Peter looked towards the hearth when he replied. “I do not favor it above any other realm. That I know for certain. I find it too suffocating. The rules stifle me regardless of the intentions.”
He diverted his gaze from the fire to her own, to find her eyes a light and gradually narrowing. “Which do you favor more?” she asked lightly.
“Gnosi Realm. Only because my sister and mother reside there. Otherwise, I have no preference. All the realms are equally flawed, though they do provide virtues too.”
“And your father? Does he live there too?”
Peter only frowned, but slackened his own features as he saw her gaze slip back towards the fire. He leaned back and swung his arm to rest on the top of the seat. “Do you get along with your sisters?”
“For the most part.” A small grin appeared on Cam’s mouth. “We are sisters after all.”
“I do not see my sister often,” he said with a sigh.
With these words, Peter rose and exited the room. He did not know why he left at this point nor why he had entered in the first place. He felt her confused stare trailing him as he closed the oak door between them.
“And why did I say those things about her realm?”
Frustration prickled inside of him, because once again, he had spent the day dwelling on his father. And allowed the pain...everything built up over the past thirteen years…
“Make a fool out of myself.”
Camwondered at Peter’s strange and hasty exit. “What harmful
words have I spoken?” she asked herself. Feeling weary of sitting in a palace yet to be explored, she too departed from the room and began a self-guided tour through the dimly lit palace. The halls were lit only by a few torches perched upon the walls. The shadows danced upon the floor, matching the rhythm of her pace.
Soft voices drifted from the study in which Cam had first seen Peter. She wondered what was so important that Amelia had asked for a private meeting with Lord Caddell. Overcome by curiosity, Cam edged closer to the sealed door and carefully pressed her ear to the wood surface.
“I wish you had spoken to me before bringing her here. It may put her in danger if the other Royals discover our connection. We should have waited until preparations were entirely secured.” Lord Caddell sounded tired and irritated unlike the smooth tone he possessed earlier.
“Shecouldhelpyouknow.BeingthenewRoyal andall. With her training and requirement to travel the realms she could speak to people. She could become popular. The Realms do like to gossip about the happenings here. And if she did gain popularity among the people, some may be convinced to join us. Our numbers are not small, but we are certainly in the minority. And besides, it is time she should know of the…” Amelia paused and then in a low whisper that Cam barely caught she added, “The Spirit Followers.” There was a long pause. Cam stood with bated breath, wondering if the conversation has come to an end.
“She does look like her mother,” Lord Caddell replied in a resigned tone absent of his previous irritation. Cam was hit with a wave of confusion. She knew she did not look much like Silva, and to her knowledge, this man had never met her.
“And your eyes,” added Amelia.
“Mia, I think it’s too dangerous. TheSpirit Followers are not ready to emerge yet!” His words came out in a loud whisper. “Our restoration would begin in small groups and slowly spread. The time lying between now and complete restoration is enough time to have her hung, just like her mother!”
“She has a potential to do miraculous things. Just like her mother. She has that same spirit of touching people where they need to be touched. Spiritually of course. But she, first must be touched.”
“I remember when Cassia wanted to name her Camaria. A beautiful name, I think. Maybe someday, I can tell her all about it.” Though Cole’s words sounded kind, Cam’s entire body clenched. Her heart halted for an instant and then resumed pumping at an alarming rate.
“It is time she knew the entire truth,” Amelia said firmly. What truth? That Lord Caddell was really her father? What would that make who she thought her real relatives be? Was that it? Or was there more? Who were the Spirit Followers? Her heart was racing. She had to know.
“Are you certain this conversation is being held in the utmost secrecy? Cole asked.
“I’ll check the door.” Cam crept away quickly, and she couldn’t move fast enough to feel like she was outpacing her thundering heart.
Five
“Wedo not have much left in your size,” Lia told Cam, frowning as
she rummaged through a closet. Her long black, silky ponytail hung down her back. “Ah hah!” she exclaimed finally. “This is a little plain but it would enhance those blue eyes of yours.” She handed Cam a soft, silky, black peasant top with long sleeves. The back was tied up through the middle with black strings, exposing part of her back. Lia then handed her a tiered, evergreen skirt.
“Wear your necklace,” Lia suggested. Cam glanced at her reflection in the mirror. Lia was right. The black of her shirt enhanced the color of her eyes, revealing their brilliant shade of blue.
“Thank you,” Cam said, smiling.
“Surething. Thatoutfit isfor everyday.I’llleave a cloak here for you to wear as well. Eventually, there should be a ball held for you, and we’ll have a dress made up. Sorry, we couldn’t get you anything more colorful, but we’ll be able to eventually.”
“No, this is fine,” Cam assured her. Lia nodded and they both left the room. It was nearly a few hours after d
awn, and Cam directed her steps downstairs to meet Amelia for the morning meal. Afterword, Amelia would present Cam to the remaining Royals she had yet to meet.
Cam had been kept awake most of the night mulling over what she had heard. There was no doubt she would confront Amelia. She yearned for answers. Amelia greeted Cam heartily when the young woman entered the private dining room. Amelia, as Cam noticed, was seated alone at the end of the table. The dining room was sunny and warm with the sunshine poured profusely through the glass windows. The walls and curtains were gold and red as if the sun had erupted over the space.
“Did you sleep well?” Amelia asked as Cam took her seat.
Cam lifted the spoon next to her bowl absentmindedly. “I slept alright, once I managed to fall asleep.”
“I didn’t expect you to sleep too well since you’re staying somewhere other than home for the first time.”
“I was quite exhausted from our journey. I had a lot on my mind as well.”
“I suppose you miss your parents and grandfather already.” Cam nodded. “What did you think of Peter?” Amelia changed the subject, smiling.
“Do you want a polite or honest response?” Cam asked, mustering a wry grin.
Amelia chuckled. “Give me both.”
“To be polite, he’s a charming young man.”
“And to be honest?”
“I don’t know, Amelia. He’s kind of prideful perhaps. He speaks his opinion without hesitation. Not that such a thing is wrong…there’s just something about him that I don’t favor.”
“He’s been through a lot, Camaria,” Amelia replied, her tone now somber. “He lost his father at a young age and also had to leave his mother and sister. He had to live away from his home in Gnosi nearly all his life.” Cam frowned as she recalledPeter relating to her that he had lived in Gnosi until he was sixteen years of age.
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