“Yes, I told him I’d meet him in his dining room.”
“Very well then, you won’t be needing your boy clothing tonight. I’ll choose a gown for you.”
I rolled my eyes as she pushed me into the bathing room.
With a deep sigh, I sunk into the delightfully hot tub and let my travel-weary body relax.
After my bath, Lali helped me into a blue gown from Fiona’s creations. I wanted to make sure to tell Fiona that Ansel was quite pleased with it. His eyes lit up the moment I entered the dining hall.
We enjoyed the fare the staff laid out for us — fresh fruit and cheeses in a fabulous display.
Avano joined us later. Although they had nothing to worry about, I think the Healer held him strictly to his chaperone duties.
I could barely keep my eyes open when they escorted me to my chambers hours later. As soon as I closed the door behind me, I dropped into my bed and let sleep take me. However, it was short-lived. My mind filled with confusion about my plans to make it to Orchila. Was it the right thing to do? Would Ansel or the Healer be angry with me? How could I guarantee our success? No answers came to mind. I had to figure out a way to leave Ansel after we had our audience with King Tynan. Hiding anything from him was going to be difficult. I wish I didn’t feel I had to hide my plans from him.
The following day, Ansel and I spent most of the early afternoon riding the grounds while he briefed me on royal etiquette. I was nervous about the audience, but doubly so with my additional intentions. Thankfully, my anxiety about the Valley of Dragons was hidden behind the mission Ansel had arranged. I caught him looking at me curiously more than once.
“I’m sorry if asking you to accompany me is putting you through unnecessary stress, Amáne. Maybe I should have put more thought into it before coercing you into this trip.”
Ugh, he’s blaming himself, when most of my anxiety is of my own doing.
“Ansel, don’t worry. It’s a necessary part of my training. It will give me an occasion to practice and improve my negotiation skills.”
“I’m not sure your negotiation skills need improving. You’re already a master of persuasion.”
I hoped he didn’t catch the strain in my laugh.
Ansel had meetings with the local silk merchants in the afternoon and offered to arrange a diversion for me until he would return early evening. I assured him that was not necessary, as I planned on visiting Eshshah at the outpost. Internally, I sighed my relief when he complied, but only after eyeing me sideways. Was that a suspicious look in his eye or simply my guilt?
The afternoon passed quickly as I poured through all the books in the library regarding Orchila. I danced for joy when I found what I had hoped. A manuscript in which Leyna had given the location where we could find information about the Valley of Dragons. Her writing filled the margins of the book. I couldn’t discuss it with Eshshah at that moment for fear Sovann would become curious.
That evening Ansel and I ate again in his private dining room. My mood was light but distracted as I still reeled over my good fortune at finding Leyna’s notes. I’d committed her directions to my memory and would inform Eshshah when I thought it was safe.
I made an effort to listen to Ansel’s further discussions regarding Serislan and King Tynan. Information that may prove to my advantage should King Tynan wish to address me. My heart constricted when I caught Ansel’s frown. I tried my best to hide my restlessness, but my guess was he knew he didn’t have my full attention. Asserting the fact I was overly tired, which was the truth, I excused myself from his company earlier than I cared to. I couldn’t take the chance he would ask me what was on my mind.
The night brought turmoil to my dreams — visions of trees flashing past as water raged around me, swirling in a dark vortex. I fought for air as it pulled me under. My hand thrust out of the water, reaching up to the sky. I pleaded with an old grey dragon that flew above. A dark, painted face floated before me, then lunged. I screamed as I bolted up in bed. Hurried footsteps and a knock at the door brought me fully awake.
“Mistress Amáne,” a male voice called. I recognized the voice of one of the manor guards. “Are you all right in there?”
“Yes. Yes, I’m fine, thank you.” I called through the door. “I must have been dreaming. I’m sorry to have alarmed you.”
I fell back into my bedding and sighed as I heard his footsteps retreat.
The night passed agonizingly slow as nightmares continued to invade my rest. Fortunately, I managed to stifle any more outbursts.
Morning found me not very well rested. I gazed into the looking glass and frowned at the redness in my eyes. I splashed water on my face, donned my riding gear and rushed down to the dining room to join Ansel for a bite to eat before we were to leave for King Tynan’s castle.
Ansel peered at me over his cup of tea, his eyes troubled. “Amáne, although I think it’s a necessary learning experience for you, I’ll release you from your duty of accompanying me to the audience. I heard you had a rough night. I’m truly sorry.”
I swallowed hard. Of course word would have gotten back to him. “No, Ansel, it’s just my usual dreams. You know that nightmares have always plagued me. Please. I want to go with you. Besides, you probably wouldn’t be able to persuade King Tynan by yourself. You’ll need my help,” I teased, trying to ease his mind.
Should I just give in now and let him know my real reason for my anxiety? No, he wouldn’t understand. He was not there when Bern spoke so convincingly of Leyna and her quest. Neither did he hear the Healer’s affirmation of the Valley of Dragons. I’ll tell him when the time is right. Not now.
Our eyes locked. My heart ached as I noted his unease. I raised myself from my chair across from him and moved to his side of the table. He put his cup down with a smile and a raised an eyebrow. I ran my hands through his long dark hair. My fingers laced behind his neck as I brought his face to mine. I pressed my lips against his. He pulled me to his lap and held me in a tight embrace.
We parted. I smiled as I gazed into his smoldering eyes, glad to see his face ease of his concern.
There’s nothing like the thrill of soaring above the fields and forests — watching it speed by below us. The elongated shadows shrunk as the sun rose. Our flight was under three hours. This would be the first time the four of us had flown in daylight and landed in a populated area. It was time for people to know that dragons and riders did exist. We decided to start with the people of Serislan. It was a long way from Castle Teravinea and there was no danger that King Galtero would find out any time soon.
No longer tense — flying eased my nerves and gave me a sense of calm — I began to formulate a plan. Our long flight gave me the opportunity to converse with Eshshah. I revealed my strategy that we would leave Serislan Castle after the audience with the king and head for Orchila.
I felt her reluctance.
“Amáne, as I said, I would follow you anywhere, or in this case bear you anywhere. I’m relieved you planned only a day trip for information, and that you will confide in the Healer and Lord Ansel when we return to Dorsal.”
“We’ll be in and out of there in less than a day. I promise. Then I’ll share my findings.”
The castle appeared ahead and grew in size as we approached. It was a breathtaking sight. Like Castle Teravinea, Serislan Castle was built on the cliffs overlooking the eastern sea. But that was where the similarity ended. The stonework on this fortress showed architectural embellishments and ornamentation that contrasted with the comparatively austere castle of my homeland. The shadows and light danced off the turrets and cone-shaped roofs. King Tynan’s wealth echoed from its walls. The silk trade was certainly lucrative.
Ansel’s messenger to King Tynan several weeks prior had informed him that dragons would be flying above his kingdom. He had been a close ally of Ansel’s father, King Emeric, and was therefore familiar with visits from the king and other dignitaries arriving on dragons. He didn’t yet know that it was King Emeric’s son
flying in, but only that a lord of one of his manors somehow managed a ride on a dragon.
The king recognized this great honor of hosting dragons and their riders. It was apparent that he had declared this a festival day. I noted the colorful flags blowing from the battlements and tents set up in the castle grounds. A large empty field spread before us, obviously cleared for us to land. It had been roped off to keep the people clear of the field. Cheers could be heard as we spiraled downward. Ansel and I locked eyes as our excitement echoed that of the crowd.
“This is how my memories recall the arrival of dragon and rider. As it should be.” Eshshah said.
We dismounted as attendants stepped up to us, one eye on us, but a nervous one on Eshshah and Sovann. They saluted us and our dragons. After asking permission, they bestowed extravagant compliments upon Eshshah and Sovann, who acknowledged them with pleased rumbling. The attendants took a hesitant step backwards. I translated that our dragons were pleased with their greetings. The sound of my voice must have taken them by surprise. I guessed they had just figured out I was a female. I kept my amusement to myself. Ansel conducted himself in a most formal manner which I tried my best to emulate.
The king of Serislan, surrounded by his guards, came forward from where he had sat to watch our approach and landing. The people bowed as he passed.
A herald approached, and after a quick word with the attendants, he stepped back. In a formal voice he announced, “King Tynan of Serislan may I present Lord Ansel of Trivingar Manor, rider of Sovann, and Amáne of Teravinea rider of Eshshah.”
The king gave a crisp dragon salute as Ansel bowed and I executed a deep curtsy. When I straightened, I noticed quite a few raised eyebrows. I managed to not roll my eyes, but decided I should at least remove my helmet and let my hair fall. Hopefully, it would avoid any more doubts as to my gender. My error — the removal of my helmet had the opposite effect. It initiated more murmurs throughout the crowd.
The king laughed and eased my embarrassment. “Well, Rider Amáne, I believe my people were unaware that females may be chosen as dragon riders. Although, if I remember my Teravinean history, you are but the third female rider. Am I correct?”
With another curtsy, “Yes, Your Highness. That’s true.”
After a nod from Ansel for permission to address our dragons, he said, “Mighty Sovann and beautiful Eshshah, the honor of having your presence at my castle brings back the past when your magnificent kind and your riders were frequent guests of mine. May that time return in full before my life is over. If you care to take a meal, the field to your north is stocked with sheep and cattle at your choosing.”
Ansel responded, “Your Highness, our dragons are very pleased with your generous compliment. They hope your desire will become reality. They also thank you for your offer of a meal, but they are not hungry as they just ate before we left Trivingar.”
He nodded in acknowledgment, then said, “So, you’ve doubly surprised me, Lord Ansel. First, you take over my least productive sericulture enterprise at Trivingar Manor, and you work it into the most lucrative silk operation in the land; and then you arrive at my castle as a dragon rider. What other surprises do you have in store for me?”
You have no idea, I thought.
“Thank you, I appreciate your praise, your Highness,” was the extent of Ansel’s response. Brilliant how he skirted around that question without even a pause.
With a motion, King Tynan summoned for the horses to be brought. He waited patiently while Ansel and I removed our dragons’ saddles. Attendants took them to store in a nearby tent.
The king mounted his horse. I watched Ansel wait until the king was settled before he hoisted himself up. I followed his lead and mounted after Ansel. We were led in a procession through the fairgrounds and to the royal palace. Eshshah and Sovann stayed behind, content to be the center of attention in the field.
Ansel and I were ushered to guest apartments while the king went another direction. He graciously entreated us to get freshened up from our journey, and he will meet us in his council chamber in two hours time. I noted we were followed by two guards. My guess was they were to protect us as well as keep their eye on us.
I found ladies-in-waiting in my chambers ready to do my bidding. Still not accustomed to such a life, I pressed my lips together as they fussed about me. In no time, I found myself soaked, scrubbed, dressed and coiffed.
After perusing the contents of my bags, the ladies decided which gown I was to wear. They slipped on a white long sleeved chemise, then proceeded to lace me into a deep blue silk velvet gown. The sleeves laced tightly up to my elbow and then fell wide and loose up to my shoulders. My hair was braided and pinned up. Satisfied, they had me turn around for them to give me a final inspection. I obliged halfheartedly.
My sword hung in its scabbard on the back of a chair. I wished I could have slipped it on over all the trappings of my gown. That wouldn’t be possible. However, my duty remained — Ansel’s safety was my responsibility. I ignored the horrified looks of my ladies-in-waiting as I grabbed my dagger and placed it in a special sheath that Fiona had sewn into my gown. They couldn’t stifle their cries as I pulled my smaller knives out of my pack and secured them in various places in my loose sleeves and under my skirts. Gown or no gown, I would be armed. Even a small knife could make a difference, I mused, as I thought back to the dagger I used against the sorcerer in the arena of death.
As prepared as I could be, I slipped into the hallway to await Ansel. I found him waiting for me, instead. He leaned against the wall opposite my room. The dark blue color he wore took my breath away. How uncanny, we both wore similar colors. His eyes couldn’t mask his pleasure as he discretely took in my appearance. If only we weren’t surrounded by attendants and guards, I would have had my arms around his neck immediately. I struggled to recover a cool façade.
To help me back into my role, Ansel addressed me rather formally. “Rider Amáne, that blue gown becomes you. May I say you look well-refreshed.”
“As do you, Lord Ansel,” I managed to choke out.
The great doors of the council chamber were opened for us. We entered a large room with thick carpeting. Tapestries hung on the walls depicting detailed scenes of Serislan. A massive round table spread before us. The king sat on an ornate high-back chair, his men-at-arms standing at attention behind him. Two advisors sat on either side. To his right, sat two young men. One just a boy, maybe eleven or twelve, the other probably a bit older than I. They had to be brothers or closely related by the similarity in their looks. I stopped and took in a breath. They looked vaguely familiar, but since there was no chance I’d ever met them, I shook off my curiosity.
Ansel bowed, I curtsied deeply as the king gestured for us to take the two chairs across from him. I arranged the extravagant fabric of my gown around me. It was nearly impossible to find a comfortable position. This was more confining than the gown Lali sealed me into for Ansel’s eighteenth birthday ball. I didn’t know how the aristocratic ladies could get used to such attire. Next time Fiona would have to design a gown that I could breathe in.
My eyes were drawn back to the young men. They both stared at me with mouths agape. I wondered if maybe the ladies-in-waiting had put something unusual in my hair, or if my gown had failed in some way. I didn’t want to draw any attention to myself by checking my clothing, or putting my hand to my hair, so I directed my eyes to a spot on the table in front of me. The heat rose in my face.
In desperate need of Ansel’s touch, my foot inched its way to his foot under the table. I wrapped my ankle around his. He shifted in his seat and crossed his other boot over my ankle, but didn’t look in my direction. His gesture gave me comfort.
“Welcome once again, Lord Ansel and Rider Amáne,” the king began. “I’ve asked for my nephews to join us. Ryant,” he indicated the older boy, “and Ewan,” he nodded toward the younger. “It’s time they sit in on castle business. The queen and I are not able to produce an heir. Ryant, my sister�
��s eldest, will accede to the throne after me.” The two young men continued to eye me as they gave us the dragon salute.
King Tynan turned to Ansel, “You were vague in your request to speak with me, but I believe it has to do with ...”
Before he could finish his sentence, the younger boy whispered loudly to his brother. The king cleared his throat at the interruption, and scowled at Ewan. Unaffected by his uncle’s sternness, the boy left his seat and whispered into the king’s ear. They weren’t aware of dragon riders’ extraordinary hearing.
Without meaning to eavesdrop, I heard, “That’s her.” The monarch looked at me and then back at Ewan, his eyebrows nearly touching.
“The one on the ship,” the boy added.
King Tynan’s eyes widened and he turned to me once again. By that time, the heat had risen in my face, I wanted to fan myself, but froze. My heart beat dangerously loud. What was he talking about?
Disregarding the conversation he began with Ansel, the king fixed his eyes upon me. I swallowed hard as I tried to meet his eyes. Have I done something to offend them?
“Rider Amáne,” the king addressed me.
I tried to rise quickly to respond, but my foot was entangled in Ansel’s. I lost my balance and knocked my chair over backwards. It fell with a heavy thud on the carpet. I just managed to grab the table as Ansel gripped my arm, preventing me from following my chair to the ground. Ewan giggled. I tried to catch my breath.
“Are you certain about that, boy?” Tynan asked.
Still scowling, the king continued to focus on me as attendants righted my chair. My knuckles turned white from clutching the table.
“What do you know of the slave trade, Rider Amáne?”
“Excuse me, your Excellency?”
“The slave trade. What can you tell me about it?”
Amane of Teravinea - The Crown (The Teravinea Series Book 3) Page 5