by Lola Ford
As it turned out, table manners were a lot more complicated than Nerie expected. From the way she sat to how she held her fork. It seemed as though Alaena was nitpicking every detail. Throughout it all, she was expected to maintain a conversation - without talking around the food in her mouth or simply not eating.
The longer the lesson went on, the more agitated Nerie became. Seeing the queen was like seeing Astra. And every time she saw Astra she thought of the snake from the night before. Kiriga said that Astra didn’t enter the room - but that didn’t mean that she didn’t have anything to do with it.
Looking down at her plate, Nerie set down her fork and knife. Alaena frowned but didn’t say anything.
Maybe Alaena would know, and if not, she would at least understand how Nerie was feeling. She had witnessed Nerie and Astra’s last encounter and knew that they were on less than friendly terms.
“Um, your highness…” Nerie started, only to be cut off by the queen.
“Princesses do not say ‘um’ Nerie. Also, there is no need to be formal with me during lessons.” Alaena’s voice was even, but Nerie couldn’t bring herself to look her in the face.
“Alaena. I don’t want to be disrespectful of you or the king, however, I think that Astra had something to do with the snake.”
Nerie glanced up to see the queen’s expression.
Alaena blanched. First white then red. Nerie could see her visibly trying to tame whatever emotions were going on in her mind.
This had been a mistake. Of course, she shouldn’t have said anything to Alaena, Astra was her daughter. Her first-born child. Nerie mentally berated herself.
As the queen got her emotions under control, she spoke tightly, “Astra could not have had anything to do with the snake. She was with me the entirety of yesterday. King Soren only informed me of your decision to join the court early in the morning. I - knowing how you and Astra get along - decided that it was in everyone’s best interest if she was not present during your first attendance. She simply had no time to do so.”
Oh. So that’s where Astra had been the day before. Nerie couldn’t believe her own stupidity. Of course, there would be other people who would want her dead other than her older half-sister. That must be part of being crown princess.
At the same time, Alaena hadn’t said Astra wouldn’t do it, just that she couldn’t have been behind the snake.
A pit formed in the place that should be her stomach. Maybe it was because she didn’t like Astra, maybe it was because it was easier than guessing at some unknown assailant, but Nerie still thought that Astra was somehow involved.
“Excuse me. I am going to go prepare for court. It would be unfair of me to keep Astra away for two days in a row, so instead I will be joining you today.”
Alaena stood and left.
Great, Nerie thought, Astra would be there today. She hoped that her mother and Ahlwin were both in attendance. She wouldn’t mind seeing Wilm again either. Karina was already picking out an outfit for today, and a secondary servant who Nerie didn’t recognize had been brought in. King Soren must not want Karina or the Royal Knight to leave her alone at any time.
Will you join me today? I know you can’t enter the Solar, but would you be willing to lay in the gardens? She asked Kiriga.
Of course. You know you upset Alaena, right? She couldn’t believe you would accuse Astra of trying to kill you. Nerie felt Kiriga’s tail twitch. I don’t know why you brought it up anyway. I told you that she didn’t enter your rooms.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Nerie
Arriving at the Solar, Nerie was once again announced and then greeted by a mass of people bowing. While people didn’t crowd around her quite the same way as the day before, there was still a constant stream of people waiting to talk to her. They seemed more aware of her needs, inviting her to sit with them and drink tea, or snack on the small delicacies.
While it kept her busy, she was constantly aware of Astra. Astra seemed to be moving in a motion that mirrored Nerie, keeping herself as far away from her half-sister as possible. Nerie felt herself relax slightly as it seemed that she had no interest in a confrontation today.
She’s just angry that you’re here, Kiriga told her.
Nerie glanced over to the windows, where several courtiers stood with their noses pressed to the glass. They were looking at Kiriga who was laying in the sun, who was more than aware that she was at the center of attention. She flexed her opalescent talons, and several people gasped. A smile tugged at Nerie’s lips until she glanced at Astra again. Astra was watching the dragoness too, a frown crossing her face.
Nerie excused herself from her current conversation and looked around. She had hoped to see Myha, but she and Ahlwin were missing. Nerie wandered the Solar - politely nodding and greeting people as she passed, but she did not initiate any conversations.
It definitely wasn’t as exciting as it had been the day before. She started towards the doors of the Solar that exited into the garden when she felt eyes on the back of her neck.
Turing, she found herself nearly nose to nose with Astra. Nerie took a half step backwards looking around for Alaena. Astra smirked.
“Mother had to take care of some urgent business. I’m sure she’ll be back momentarily,” Astra shrugged gracefully, noting Nerie’s discomfort.
Nerie looked her half-sister up and down. It was strange - knowing that she was related to this girl - yet neither looking nor acting anything like her. Astra, unlike the rest of court was wearing a dark burgundy dress that clung to her form. Her long dark hair was twisted into an elegant knot at the base of her skull, with curled tendrils hanging from her temples. Her eyes were dark, and she had dark makeup accentuating the fact.
“Astra, it’s a pleasure to see you.” Nerie said, straightening her shoulders and tilting her chin slightly. She wouldn’t let the older woman cow her.
Eyes narrowing, Astra’s strong smirk faded slightly.
“As pleasurable as finding a serpent in your bed? I was surprised to hear that you took it so poorly. Aren’t you used to sleeping with your over-sized lizard anyways?”
Nerie felt her face burn. How dare she insult Kiriga. Lowering her voice, Nerie said, “Say whatever you want about me, but leave Kiriga out of it.”
“Well, I must be going. Wouldn’t want to upset Mother.”
Astra glided away, choosing to ignore Nerie’s statement.
Why. Why does she hate me? Nerie moaned.
She would have loved to get to know Astra, but even seeing the woman made her blood pressure rise.
She hates you because I Chose you over her.
Kiriga had stood and was stretching outside. Nerie could once again heard gasps as people watched her in wonder.
You are a showoff.
I know.
Nerie could feel Kiriga’s smile without turning to look.
I’m ready to go.
Nerie was tempted to follow Astra but knew that wasn’t the greatest idea she’d ever had. It would be easier to just leave.
I know that too, Kiriga laughed.
As she left the Solar, Karina was standing by the door. Nerie ignored her, heading down the hallway to her rooms.
“Your Highness,” she heard Karina say. Pausing to look back at the older woman, Karina made a formal bow.
“Your Highness, I do apologize, but as discussed with their Majesties this morning, you are being temporarily relocated to another set of rooms.” Karina stood, “If you would please follow me.”
Nerie let out a hiss of annoyance, and Karina paled.
“I am so sorry for the inconvenience,” she repeated.
“It’s not your fault Karina. Astra just took advantage of the fact that Queen Alaena had to leave the Solar to talk to me. It’s left me in a rotten mood.”
Nerie mentally berated herself, reminding herself that nearly everyone in the palace was dedicated to her happiness and wellbeing.
“Of course, your Highness.” Karina was
silent as she led Nerie to the temporary rooms.
The doors while ornate, were an average height and width. Karina pulled them open, stepping back for Nerie to see. The sitting room was small and only had two exits, one to a bedroom and one to a bath.
Wandering inside, Nerie first went to the bath. It had a small mirror and a bronze tub that would hold her small frame but was nothing like the stone one in her suite. The tiles, while decorated, were a simple repeating pattern. Heading back through the sitting room to the bedroom, she found a bed that was as large and ornamental as her previous one. However, it took up much of the room. On the far wall was a closet that while large enough for several of her gowns, was not large enough to change inside of.
The one thing that really stood out to Nerie however, was the lack of access to one of the courtyards. The lack of access to Kiriga and the other dragons.
How am I going to see you? Nerie asked Kiriga, her heart pounding.
You’re being silly. I’m right here. She covered Nerie’s mind in warm and loving feelings.
But I can’t get to you, what if there’s another snake?
There won’t be, Kiriga sounded so confident.
How do you know?
Many people who’ve been in and out of your room today seem to think that it came in from the courtyard. Apparently, it’s a local breed. It is venomous, but it is not unheard of for it to seek a warmer spot, especially since we are entering winter.
I know it’s local, all children are warned away from it. But local or not, I don’t think it was an accident that it ended up in my bed.
I heard Astra taunt you, however, she didn’t put it there. She was simply happy that it was there.
Nerie threw herself onto the bed in annoyance. Even Kiriga didn’t believe her. She felt the dragoness withdraw herself from her mind but ignored her. She was going to let Nerie pout about it on her own.
She heard a slight knock on the bedroom door and looked over to see Karina.
“Your Highness, I’m sure that dress isn’t the most comfortable thing to lay in. Please let me help you remove it.” Karina said with a slight bow.
“Did you bring my pajama pants?” Nerie asked as she stood.
Karina’s face twisted into a slight frown as she answered, “No, my lady. Her highness, the queen, saw them and had them confiscated.”
Of course, she did, Nerie thought angrily.
It wasn’t the first time it had happened, but Aldis had always supplied her with a new pair. With him gone she would be stuck in dresses. Even sleeping ones.
“Right. Well, will you let me know when my mother joins me for dinner?” she asked as Karina undid the intricate knots that held the dress together.
There was a slight pause, “I’m sorry my lady. She is attending dinner with Sir Ahlwin again this evening.”
Nerie’s mood blackened further. Astra, Queen Alaena, even her mother and Kiriga seemed to be working against her.
“I see. I’m ready for dinner whenever then. I’m going to go to sleep early. I can finish undressing myself.”
She knew she was being snippy to Karina and that the poor woman hadn’t done anything to earn her ire, but at the moment she didn’t care.
“Of course, my lady. I’ll bring it in immediately.”
Karina left, closing the bedroom door behind herself.
I am not working against you. It’s just that Astra didn’t put the snake in your room, Kiriga’s voice was quiet.
Even if she didn’t do it herself, she was involved, Nerie insisted.
I’m done talking about this, Kiriga told her shortly.
Nerie was shocked. She didn’t think the dragoness had ever spoken back to her before. It hurt.
I love you Nerie. With all my being. But I am my own self, not just a reflection of you, the dragon’s voice was much softer this time.
I just feel like I’m being punished. I want you here to sleep with me. To keep me safe.
Tears were welling up in the princess’s eyes.
I know, Kiriga soothed. I can feel and hear everything you think and feel. I’m sorry I’m not there. I’ve gotten too big to walk around inside the palace.
Another small knock on the door drew Nerie’s attention away from the conversation. Karina entered carrying a tray. Even from here Nerie could see the steam rising off a bowl of soup, and a large pile of fresh bread.
“I know that it’s not going to make up for your day, but meals like this always make me feel better,” Karina told her as she sat the food on a small table in the corner of the room. “If you need anything, I’ll be in the sitting room.”
“Thank you, Karina.”
Nerie wiped at her still dewy eyes.
“You don’t need to thank me my lady,” Karina said.
“Yes, I do. Royalty or not, I was a commoner most of my life. You thank people when they do things for you.”
“Of course, my lady.”
Nerie was feeling slightly better. She looked around the room with a fresh set of eyes. Less than two months ago, she would have been awed to even been given this suite. The bedroom was still larger than the whole second floor of their shop.
Their shop.
Nerie frowned. Who was taking care of all the books? Did Myha ever leave the royal palace to go back to their home? What about all their friends? They’d just disappeared the day after the hatching ceremony.
Nerie felt rather ashamed of herself. She’d never even let Raana know what happened. It felt as if the life she was living now, and the life that she had always know were parts of a dream. Two things that could not possibly have ever existed in the same universe.
As she ate, she did have to give credit to Karina. She was feeling slightly better. Still thinking about the juxtaposition of her two lives, Nerie quickly grew tired.
As she climbed into the soft bed, she couldn’t help but pull back the sheets - checking for any unwanted guests. Finding none, she quickly settled into the soft fabric.
***
The following morning, she was woken to the soft knock of Karina bring breakfast. Today’s meal was light and Nerie dressed and ate slowly, chatting with Kiriga. It seemed that work was underway on her normal quarters, and Kiriga was curious about various tools. Which she then stole the knowledge of them from their wielders, excitedly telling Nerie about each one.
As the morning dragged on, Nerie found herself pacing the small sitting room. While Alaena had stressed royalty was never late - she also stressed that you should be mindful of the people waiting for you.
Alaena was late.
“Karina, did her majesty the queen, say anything about being late today?” Nerie asked the woman.
“No, shall I send someone to see if she is coming?” Karina was already walking to the door as she asked.
“No, I’ll take the morning to myself. I think that I’ll go on over to the king’s quarters and spend time with both Kiriga and Ilex.”
Nerie also moved towards the door.
Karina moved to shadow the princess as usual, to see her to her destination. While she always accompanied Nerie through the halls, she would stay in the main sitting room of the king’s suite once they arrived.
Nerie passed through several of the rooms looking for the king to let him know she had arrived. Ilex and Kiriga were both still eating their morning meal and had yet to return to the courtyard. Reaching the king’s study, she paused as she went to open the door.
She could hear raised voices from the other side.
“... cannot allow her to wear such a thing!” Alaena’s voice was clear through the thin wood.
“She can’t wear a dress while riding a dragon Alaena!” Soren’s voice had a hard edge to it that Nerie had only heard on a few occasions.
“Princesses do not wear pants! It’s not like she’ll be flying very often! You don’t.” Obviously, they were talking about her, and Nerie’s heart raced.
“I don’t because Ilex doesn’t fly! Even still, I ride him like a h
orse.”
“If you ride him like a horse, she can ride Kiriga like a horse. Sidesaddle. Like a lady.” Alaena’s tone was desperate.
Soren however broke into laughter. “Do you want her to fall off midair? Riding a flying dragon is nothing like a horse. I’ve ridden Soros and Eras enough to know that.”
“This isn’t acceptable. Regardless of how she will be flying.”
“Alaena. This is not a matter of style but rather safety.”
“I don’t care! Just think of how the court would react if they saw her in such a garment.”
Nerie was unsure of if she should open the door or walk away like she hadn’t heard anything. She wasn’t sure why she had thought that the king and queen would have separate quarters, but she hadn’t imagined them sharing them.
“It’s been a while since the ruler was a queen. I know that. My grandmother was the last. But the court will get used to it. I’m sure Nerie will…”
Nerie didn’t get to hear what the king thought she would do, because at that moment Alaena opened the door, muttering about pants.
“Oh, Your Highness!” Nerie said, tripping on her skirt as she stepped backwards.
“Nerie. You’re early for your lessons with Soren,” Alaena said, steadying Nerie by her elbow.
Her face gave away no expression that she had been talking about Nerie just moments before.
“I thought I would take the morning to spend with the dragons, but they are all still eating,” she stammered. “I came to let his highness know that I was here.”
“Well, he will be happy to see you.” Alaena let go of Nerie, walking off.
Neither of them mentioned the fact that Alaena had not shown up for Nerie’s daily lessons.
Cautiously Nerie peaked inside the doorway. Soren was standing in middle of the room, clearly frustrated at the queen’s rapid departure.
“Nerie! I’m glad you’re here! Come in!” Soren waved her forward the moment he set eyes on her.
While Nerie had gotten the gist of what the argument had been about, when Soren stepped aside, Nerie could hardly believe her eyes. On a rack before her was the most luxurious outfit she had ever seen.