Feeling the weight of the crutch in her hands Aiva walked tentatively over to the settee where Callum was seated, his eyes peering at the object with a similar interest, intrigued by the strange reaction it caused in the King and his Consul. She sat down at his side, letting it rest on Callum’s lap for them both to examine. “It looks as if it has seen better days,” Callum murmured.
“It looks about like we do, then,” Aiva laughed nervously, hoping to ease the sudden tension that had come over the room. When her father spoke again the strain in his voice was lessened. Slowly coming to terms with the memories the crutch seemed to bring forward in his mind.
“I made that crutch for your mother many years ago, Aiva,” he stated quietly. “The notches in the wood were acquired in her attempts to fight off the assassins who killed your uncle Enaes.”
“Well, I feel honored to be presented with an item of such significance. If it creates too many painful memories, however, I will refrain from using it,” Callum replied, respectful of the faraway look which remained in Thade’s eyes.
Shaking his head Thade’s lips curled into a soft smile, waving his hand dismissively. “No, not at all,” he said. “I was merely thrown by the sight of it. You will find it helpful in aiding you upon our return to Sivaeria. It will be a more joyous entrance if you are able to walk at my daughter’s side.”
“It will be even more so if the Princess is not dressed in rags. Jaslyn,” Feolan motioned for his daughter to come closer. “Will you see if you or your mother have a dress Aiva can borrow?”
“Of course, Father,” Jaslyn bobbed in a quick curtsy. Aiva watched her leave the room, her steps so graceful that she almost seemed to float along the floor. For a moment she envied the elegance of her friend. Jaslyn was everything Lady Faustine wanted Aiva to become. The perfect image of a lady. Staring down at the pants she wore, Aiva felt a twinge of disappointment. At the same time she couldn’t help feeling an overwhelming sense of pride at the woman she had become. Although she lacked many of the characteristics which were considered to be required of a lady, Aiva possessed many qualities more suitable for a queen. And it was because of those qualities that she had earned the love of the man now seated beside her, his hand sliding away from the crutch to gently clasp hers.
It was Feolan’s wife who appeared first from the doorway where Jaslyn disappeared, her emerald eyes aglow at the sight of Thade and the others. In her arms she held an infant, the tiny form bundled in a blanket, clutched protectively against her chest. “Ah, Thade,” she smiled. “I thought I heard your voice. You and the kids must be absolutely famished from the trip. I insist you all stay for dinner.”
“I would love to accept your offer, but we really should be on our way soon.”
“Nonsense. If Aiva might be persuaded to keep an eye on Soren, I can have Jaslyn help me prepare the food. It won’t take but an hour.”
Aiva was already on her feet. She was anxious to see the baby. It had been years since she’d seen one so tiny, reminded of little Ehren and Sidonie, still at home with their mother, waiting for the return of the King. “I do not require persuading,” she smiled, coming to stand at Maeri’s side. The baby stared at her from his mother’s arms, the soft green of his eyes leaving her breathless. Their gentle hue reminded her of Kaemin, filled with wonder and innocence, gazing at her, wide and curious. “He is beautiful. You must be very proud, Maeri.”
Nodding her head Maeri offered the baby to Aiva, carefully helping to place him in her arms, tucking the blanket around his tiny body. He was so little. She held him tightly, afraid of dropping him. Everything else in the room seemed to disappear. Slowly she made her way to the settee, hearing the voices of the others discussing plans for dinner and future visits to Tanispa to bring Soren before the Queen. She sat down on the arm of the chair, aware of Callum’s hand reaching out to press the blanket away from the baby’s face to get a better look. “He is so small,” he whispered. Aiva chuckled, her eyes shifting from Soren to gaze at Callum fondly.
“Just think. We are going to have seven of our own,” she winked. Her laughter rose at the sound of Callum’s cough, clearing his throat nervously, an awkward glance cast toward Thade where he stood, staring at Aiva, an amused expression upon his face.
“Seven, Aiva? That is quite a number,” Thade chortled. “You will make your grandmother a very happy old woman.” He slipped around to stand behind the settee, his hand coming to rest over Callum’s shoulder, a knowing sparkle in his eye. “Just do not get started too soon. I am still getting used to the idea of having a son-in-law. The thought of grandchildren remains a little unnerving. You are both young yet. There will be plenty of time to worry about an heir later.”
“Good. You can explain that to Grandmother Vorsila. Otherwise she will drive poor Callum crazy with her incessant nagging for us to hurry. Maybe if you and Mother had another child she would be content for a while.”
“That would require me to convince your mother as well. Perhaps if I tell her it was your idea…” Thade’s laughter was soft. Almost forced. Aiva knew her father wanted to have more children. Although he spoke in jest, she could sense the hint of hopefulness hidden within his tone. “It is no matter,” he continued absently. “The Consul and I need to speak before we return to the road. Can I count on you and Callum to keep an eye on the baby while we step out? Maeri and Jaslyn will not be far if you need anything.”
Leaning in closer to Aiva, Callum held his index finger toward Soren, a tiny hand wrapping around it. He smiled down at the soft glow of the baby’s eyes, nodding to Thade in agreement. “If I am to have seven of these someday, it will do me some good to get a bit of practice.”
“That is the spirit,” Thade grinned, giving them each a final smile before moving to follow Feolan from the room. “In that case, I wish you both luck. When dinner is ready we will eat and get Aiva dressed appropriately for our homecoming. We’ll be back on the road by nightfall. I hope you are prepared. Once we are in Sivaeria, the people are going to be happy to have their Princess and her husband returned to them. You won’t have a moment of peace for quite some time.”
The thought of going home had always been in the back of Aiva’s mind. She could picture it, longing for it, though when faced with the reality of their return it was almost surreal. Tanispa had become a place of fiction in her head to give her hope when life looked bleak throughout their journey. A nagging part of her was convinced she would never see it again. Now surrounded by the lush trees of the Tanispan forests she felt about to burst from excitement. The familiar landscape brought back memories, fond images, of the times she’d spent there. They were only a short distance from the Sivaerian palace.
Her heart danced with nervous anticipation the closer they came to the gates. She wasn’t sure what to expect. No one knew when they would return. Their arrival would come as a surprise to everyone at court. A parade of soldiers headed the way through the street in a proud display, returning from their victorious mission. Shouts could be heard from the yards before they were even through the entrance to the palace grounds. The carriage came to a stop just inside, General Cadell’s face appearing in the open door, smiling while motioning them to exit. “Your Majesty, we have arrived.”
Aiva’s hand rested over her chest to calm her racing heart. Why did she feel almost afraid to step from the protective walls of the carriage? This was her home. Yet somehow she felt a moment of panic to face all the people she had left behind in Escovul. She’d created such a scene. What if they hated her? It was possible some may even blame her for the abduction of Shaelyn. If she hadn’t run out of the palace the way that she did…
“Aiva?” Callum’s voice cut through her thoughts, his hand lightly clasping hers. “My father is waiting for you.”
She blinked, surprised to discover that everyone was already out of the carriage aside from her and Callum. Over Cadell’s shoulder she could see Thade and Edric peering inside to find what was taking so long. Face flushed, she accepted
Cadell’s outstretched hand, allowing him to assist her down the steps to the gravel pathway. The folds of her borrowed lavender dress swayed around her feet in elegant waves. It had been so long since she’d worn anything so fine. She wasn’t certain if she would be able to walk without stumbling over the excess fabric. Draping gracefully from her shoulders, the sleeves concealed most of the wounds on her arms. The marks left from the sting of the agarul were all which remained visible. Compared to the other injuries she suffered, they were the least ghastly. Easier for her to pretend she was in perfect health when her mother looked upon her for the first time.
Crutch in hand, Callum found his own way out of the carriage, refusing to accept the help of his father. He was a proud man. She couldn’t blame him for wanting to make a good impression on the courtiers already coming through the massive arched doors at the front of the palace to see who had arrived. Through the midst of the bodies Aiva’s heart swelled to recognize two little black-haired children rushing to the front of the crowd. Arms held wide in front of them they called out for their father, met halfway across the path by Thade who caught them up in a fierce embrace, swinging them around jubilantly. To see Sidonie and Ehren meant her mother wouldn’t be far behind.
Fidgeting, she stepped in closer to Callum’s side. Everything seemed a blur to her senses. Overwhelmed by the chaos of it all. When the Queen appeared in the doorway she looked torn. Her long ebon hair flowed gracefully around her shoulders, slightly disheveled, though doing nothing to take away from the beauty she possessed. Even in distress she carried an elegance unlike any other woman at court. Aiva watched as her father set the twins on their feet again, long strides carrying him the distance to the palace doors to sweep his wife into his arms, kissing her, the tenderness of the gesture evident to all who witnessed the scene. Tears of joy flooded from the Queen’s eyes. Aiva couldn’t help smiling to see her parents together. For years she’d found their happiness with one another almost irritating. Now, staring into the depths of Callum’s umber eyes, she knew what it was like to experience an emotion so strong. She could appreciate the care her parents took for one another.
She felt oddly detached from the people around her. It was like a dream, the way the soldiers were greeted by their loved ones, cries of joy echoing through the air. Only vaguely was she aware of Callum hobbling away from her side toward the frail figure of Calie who had come to stand next to the Queen. Her eyes were red-rimmed and swollen from the tears she’d wept. Although she smiled to see her brother and father coming toward her, she couldn’t conceal the misery she suffered. Edric and Shaelyn were with their parents, embracing one another, their voices raised in joyful chatter of their adventure. Aiva knew she should join them. They would be waiting for her.
Not wanting to draw attention to the distance of her thoughts, she made her way through the crowd to where her parents stood, pulled into her mother’s arms instantly at her approach. “Aiva, I have been worried sick about you.”
“There was no need to worry about me,” Aiva replied, returning the pressure of her mother’s hug. It was easier to console her now, knowing that they had made it home safely. There was so much she wanted to tell her mother. To let her know that she was not the same foolish girl who had left Escovul so long ago.
A gentle pressure on her arm from her mother’s hand guided Aiva forward, away from the rest of the group. She moved toward the palace doors, courtiers bowing at her approach, greeting her with formal pleasantries. Aiva watched the way Leyna responded, head nodding in polite recognition of each one. Glancing over her shoulder Aiva searched the crowd for Callum, saddened to see him disappearing amongst the wave of bodies now swarming in to greet the returning soldiers. Taking note of Aiva’s reluctant steps, Leyna paused, gazing at her daughter in solemn silence. “Aiva, come,” she whispered. “I need to speak with you before my heart can be at peace.”
Curious by her mother’s words Aiva forced her gaze away from the crowd, allowing her mother to lead them deeper into the palace. They found their way to the serene gardens of the courtyard, the vibrant flowers a welcome sight to Aiva’s weary eyes. It seemed so long since she’d seen them last. They brought with them a wash of memories, guilt settling over her to think of the events which had come to pass. Shaking her head she tried to clear the images from her mind. Too many fond memories had been made there to focus on the bad. She couldn’t dwell on the negative. It was best to move on.
They came to pause at the center of the walkway where Aiva remembered watching her parents with General Cadell, discussing the arrangement of a marriage between her and Callum. To think on it now almost made her want to laugh. How foolish she had been! That night should have been a happy one. If she’d known then what she knew now… “What is wrong, Mother? I thought you would be relieved to have your family home again. Why do you look so troubled?”
“My conscience, dear,” Leyna shook her head sadly. “It was not until after you were discovered missing that I realized the number of things I should have said to you. I feared for your safety and worried that I may never have a chance. It warms my heart to have you returned to me, but in turn I cannot refrain from speaking with you on the matters which continue to weigh heavily on my heart.”
Aiva gazed at her mother, confused and concerned for the distress she could see in her eyes. She couldn’t blame her mother for any desire she felt in speaking her mind. It was one lesson Aiva had learned herself while away from home. The importance of saying the things you need to say to those you care about before it is too late. Wanting nothing more than to comfort her mother, Aiva brought her hand up to rest on Leyna’s arm with a warm smile. “I am listening, Mother. However, I am certain your worry is unnecessary.”
Leyna’s fingers brushed lightly over Aiva’s hair, staring proudly at her daughter. “You have become a beautiful woman, Aiva,” she said quietly, the expression on her face softened to see Aiva smile. “When I was your age, I always told myself that when I had a daughter, I would do anything to make her happy. Until recently, I believed I was doing so. It was not until the complications of your wedding that I began to feel as if I failed you somehow. I always swore that I would never force a union upon my children. To think of forcing you into such a bond against your will pains me. I hope you can forgive me for going against my beliefs and putting you in the position I did. You must know that it was done for your own good as well as the sake of our family.”
“Oh, Mother,” Aiva breathed, relieved to discover her mother’s discontent to be over something that felt so trivial now. A few months ago Aiva might have argued with her mother and added to the guilt she already felt. After everything that happened over the past several weeks, she was confident in her ability to ease her mother’s mind. Had it not been for her, Aiva was convinced that she and Callum might have missed any chance at happiness. “Do not worry yourself over the marriage. I know I put you in a difficult position in regards to our family. If anything, I should thank you for being my eyes when I was too blind to see the truth for myself.”
“I don’t understand, Aiva. I thought you were upset about the union.”
“I was,” she nodded. “That is no longer the case. I am convinced you knew what was best for me all along. I just couldn’t see it. My anger was misplaced and it is I who should apologize to you.”
The tension in Leyna’s face eased. Exhaling a sigh of relief she pulled Aiva to her in a warm embrace. “I was worried you would hate me for forcing Callum upon you. Through your claims of hatred toward him, there was something in your eyes which told me that you were merely confused. I could not understand why, but I knew you loved him. To this day, I still do not know your reasons for denying it.”
“That is because I had no reason. I assure you that I no longer have any desire to argue the truth. Callum is a fine young man. He always has been. You and Father were right in your decision to secure him as King. No other man would have been quite so deserving of the Levadis name.”
“S
o you have conquered whatever veiled your heart before the wedding? You admit that you love the man chosen for you as your husband?”
“More than you can possibly imagine.” Aiva lowered her eyes to the ground, suddenly embarrassed to admit her mistakes to her mother. It had been easy enough to scold herself for the foolishness of her actions. She hated to think of what her mother would say. Aiva’s behavior had been immature. Ungrateful. Her mother had every right to be angry with her. “My actions were wrong. It stemmed from a terrible misunderstanding that I wish could be taken back, but I know it cannot. I am more curious as to how everyone else knew I loved Callum when I was so blinded to the truth.”
“It was obvious, Aiva,” Leyna smiled. “I have known for years. The day he left for his training, you forget that I was witness to your face when you returned to this very garden to find him gone. Although you said nothing, I saw your heart break. At the time there was nothing I could do to ease your pain. Sixteen is a tender age for a young girl. If anything, I blamed myself for having allowed you to become so close to him, knowing it was wrong to have granted you his company. You were too young to understand, however. Much the same as I was when I was sixteen and met your father for the first time. I was oblivious to my feelings. When I came to inform you of our decision to join you and Callum, it wouldn’t have been impossible to talk me out of it. It was your own words which solidified the choice in my mind. I realized that, much like myself, you were confused by what you felt. It took me years to discover the truth of my love for your father and I suffered terribly due to my inability to admit the emotions. I could not bear the thought of you suffering the same when I had the ability to prevent it.”
The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Two: Beyond the Veil Page 91