“Well, I know that ...” My voice quavered. Then, like a Valaira, it hit me. I turned to the nephews. My mind reeled. I had to concentrate to stay on my feet. “I’ve met you two,” my voice but a whisper. “You were on the slave ship.”
The younger boy nodded as his eyes widened. Mine stung. I heard Ansel take a breath, but he didn’t interrupt. The nightmare came back — the morning I was abducted from Ansel’s manor and put on a ship to be sold as a slave. I had removed that terror to a dark corner of my mind, as I’m sure we all had. But now, here it was, opened up again, with two of my fellow captives sitting before me. I lowered myself back onto my chair. Ansel locked ankles with me again.
Seeing our reactions, the king took control of the situation. “Look now, it’s over and done with. This was months ago. Good has come of it. This is not the time to dwell on the evils of the past. With this rider’s remarkable skills, you were all saved. That is what we can look to.” He threw an approving look at me. I wanted to shrink from the attention.
His business-like assessment at first sparked the heat of anger in me. But then I realized he must have suffered greatly himself. Both of his nephews, heirs to his throne, had been abducted. My anger quelled.
Ryant’s gaze was piercing. If I could have crawled under the table, I would have.
“Rider Amáne,” Ewan spoke up. “I’ve written a ballad about you.”
“About me?”
“You were brilliant. You were like the wind as you flew out of that cage we were in and gave them all what they deserved — the way you took down all four guards single-handed.”
“It wasn’t single handed,” I said quietly. “I had Eshshah and Gallen, and everyone back at Trivingar manor.” I didn’t dare look at Ansel. “It was only because of them ...”
“Uncle,” Ryant broke in without taking his eyes from me, “may I have a word with you in private?”
King Tynan shot an annoyed look toward Ryant.
“Please excuse us,” The monarch said. “You may wait behind that door.” He motioned to a door at our right.
I fought every urge to hang on to Ansel’s arm as we exited the room.
We found ourselves in a hallway with a few chairs lining the walls. I dropped into one, disappointed that again, we were in the presence of guards. I wouldn’t be able to confide in Ansel to get his take on what was happening. Ansel chose to remain standing. Our eyes locked and he gave me an encouraging look with a slight shrug of his shoulders. He didn’t seem bothered that we still hadn’t gotten to the main purpose of this meeting.
Low tones seeped through from the other side of the thick door. I couldn’t make out what they said. Moments later, we were summoned back into the council chambers. We took our seats across from King Tynan. My gaze was drawn to Ryant. Again, he didn’t take his eyes off of me. My throat caught as I saw his triumphant smile.
The king cleared his throat. “Rider Amáne, who represents you in our country?”
I rose to my feet to address him, this time without mishap. “Excuse me, your Excellency?” Ugh, I have to think of another response. He’s going to think that’s all I know how to say.
“In our country, a young lady travels with attendants or chaperones — someone to speak for them. I assume you did not enter Serislan alone?”
“I came only with Eshshah, my dragon, your Majesty.”
Surprise shown on his face. “With whom would I negotiate a betrothal contract for your hand? Your guardian in Dorsal, then?”
“Excuse me ... I mean I beg your pardon, King Tynan? You are interested in my hand?” I stammered. What kind of a country is this?
The king burst out laughing. “No, not me. My queen would throw me from our bed chambers if I even thought such a thing. I would like to offer a contract to your guardian on behalf of my nephew here, Ryant. It seems he is quite stricken with you. It would be a most beneficial arrangement.”
My mouth dropped open. The air sucked out of my lungs.
Misunderstanding my shocked silence, he said, “Have you been promised to someone, then?”
My gown became even more confining. I found it hard to breathe. Heat rose up my neck and into my face. How do I respond to his question? The heat began to turn to anger. In a controlled voice, I said, “My Lord, the answer to your question is no. I am not promised to anyone. With all due respect, your Excellency, I don’t have — ”
“Amáne!” Ansel leaped to his feet.
I jerked my head in his direction. Whatever seething retort I may have entertained disappeared at the look in his eyes. Is he just as shocked as I? Fortunately, I remembered my place and pressed my lips together.
Ansel addressed the king. “Your Majesty, please excuse this rider’s manners. She has come a long way and I’m sure she’s had quite a shock in meeting up with your nephews. Allow me to answer your questions. Amáne is my responsibility while she is in Serislan. I’ve promised her guardian I would represent her.”
He turned to me, “Rider Amáne, you may be excused while I discuss this matter with King Tynan.” He motioned me back toward the door to the hallway from which we had just come.
My best option was to acquiesce. In the not-too-distant past, to have been excused in such a manner would have set my tongue on fire. Instead, I inhaled, turned to the king and said, “My apologies, King Tynan.” I curtsied to him, to his nephews and to Ansel.
I exited the chamber once again — my teeth clamped securely. Apparently women played a different role in Serislan than I was used to in Teravinea. Ansel caught on to that before I had.
Back in the hallway where Ansel and I waited only moments ago, I slumped into the same chair as before and stared at the carpet. What am I doing here? So far my presence had done nothing for Ansel, but confuse matters more. How long had we been here and still the king had no idea who sat across from him?
Again, I couldn’t hear anything understandable coming from the other room.
The door opened and I was motioned back into the council chamber. I took my place in the chair next to Ansel. He was seated again, and kept his eyes forward.
I found the atmosphere around the table noticeably different — uncomfortable. I glanced at Ryant, who did not meet my gaze. Ewan’s eyes were lowered, but he had a hint of a smile on his face.
As if the previous conversation regarding my hand in marriage had never come up, the king cleared his throat, and said, “So, young Lord Ansel. Let us at last address the reason for your visit. As I started to say earlier, I can only guess it is about your successful management of my silk operation at Trivingar Manor. You’ve taken a failing silk farm and made it more prosperous than any other I have in all of Serislan. I suppose you would like to plead for a larger percentage of the profits? Name your percentage and I will be happy to negotiate.”
How could the air have changed so quickly? Why did everyone avoid eye contact with me? I knew better than to ask. My stomach tightened, wondering if I would be taking a betrothal contract back to the Healer. The way Ryant avoided me made me think probably not. But the way Ewan behaved gave me doubts. It became obvious that I would not know the outcome of the conversation until I could get it out of Ansel.
Ansel stood. His manner majestic. “King Tynan, my Lord, I thank you for your praise. I am truly honored. I may want to have that discussion with you one day, but that’s not the purpose of our visit. I’m here to properly introduce myself. You were well acquainted with my father, whom I’m told, held a great admiration for you.”
King Tynan’s eyebrows raised. Both nephews as well as the king’s advisors took notice.
“My father was King Emeric of the Royal House of Drekinn. I am the true heir to the throne of Teravinea.”
A silence fell upon the room as the magnitude of Ansel’s announcement sunk in.
King Tynan broke the silence. “But the royal family was said to have perished in the explosion and fire. King Emeric, his beautiful Queen Fiala and their infant son, I never learned his name.”
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br /> “Ansel. They named me Ansel. My Aunt Nara, rider of the late Torin rescued me before the nursery exploded. That was when Torin met his death. Word that I had lived was kept secret by the dragon riders. Nara also lived and became known only as the Healer. It was necessary that Galtero thought us dead.”
“You do bare a likeness to King Emeric, but how can I be sure?” asked Tynan.
Ansel pulled a gold chain from beneath his tunic on which hung his father’s signet ring. “You may recognize the insignia that my father used to impress upon the wax seals. If you doubt, then I’m sure in your archives you can find an imprint to match.”
An attendant took the ring and brought it to the other side of the table for King Tynan to examine. He spent but a moment looking at it, then handed it back to the attendant.
“Prince Ansel, I loved your father. He was an honest man. A just ruler. It was a blow to me when I heard the news.” He shook his head. “This meeting has certainly gone in every direction, has it not?” He motioned for Ansel to take a seat, then put his fist to his heart . “How may I be of service to you?”
My heart nearly burst at what I had just witnessed.
“King Tynan,” Ansel said, “I’m here to plead for your assistance in defeating Galtero. We are building our army, but with the addition of your select, we can assure a better chance to take back the throne.”
One of the king’s advisors stiffened. “Your Majesty, why would we interfere in the problems of another kingdom? Do we not have our own to contend with?”
Without thinking, I leaped to my feet. “Your Grace, allow me to answer that question.” Not waiting for his reply, I started, “The horror of Galtero’s rule is not just isolated within Teravinea. I have personally heard him declare that he will march into Serislan. Your country is in as much danger as ours.”
Ansel emitted a small groan that only I could hear. The king and his aides eyed me in shock. I did it again. I will not get used to being a silent female. No matter, I’d already committed myself. I didn’t flinch.
“You would have us believe you spoke with King Galtero?” King Tynan asked.
“He spoke to me. I didn’t say a word to him.”
“You are an enigma, Rider Amáne. Please enlighten us.” He leaned back in his chair and let out a exasperated sigh.
I told my story of how I had gone to the Hatching Ceremony disguised as a male and how I’d obtained a dragon egg to bring back to the Healer. Without detail, I went through my ordeal in the arena with the monster lizards and my subsequent rescue by the black lizard, Charna Yash-Churka.
“I’m sure Galtero expected I would not leave the arena alive, when he told me, and I quote, ‘There will be a new breed of lizard that will answer only to me. With them, I will bring power to my monarchy. Even the Kingdom of Serislan will fall to me.’”
I finished with a small curtsy, then lowered myself into my chair. I kept my eyes on the gaping mouths before me.
Young Ewan, once again, broke the spell. “Wow, Rider Amáne. I’m going to have to add a few more verses to my ballad.”
The air lightened. King Tynan allowed a smile.
“Prince Ansel. I see you have the wisdom of your father. Bringing this rider with you was a shrewd move on your part. I would have granted your request for military aid in honor of your father’s memory. Rider Amáne has put it one step closer. I must grant you aid also for the sake of Serislan.” He put his fist to his heart once again.
The meeting went on for a bit longer as they discussed details and other considerations. I couldn’t stop my mind from wandering. My upcoming trip to Orchila invaded my thoughts. My heart quickened its pace.
Finally, we took our leave of King Tynan with a promise to meet him in his private dining room for the evening meal.
Ansel and I made our way toward the guest wing where our chambers were located. Our rooms were next to each other. Two castle guards followed closely, so we refrained from conversation. I noted, by the colors they wore, these two were members of the elite guard. King Tynan must have assigned his best to us when he found out the identity of his esteemed guest.
I sensed Ansel was as anxious to have a word with me as I was of having a word with him. Arriving at his door, he said, “Rider Amáne, would you join me in my chambers?”
“My Lord, that would hardly be proper.” What was he thinking?
He caught his error and shot me a mischievous smirk. I was thankful his back was to the guards. It was all I could do to try to keep my face neutral.
“Of course, my apologies my lady. I just need a word with you.”
Ansel turned to the guards. “Please lead us to the gardens and leave us so I can consult with my aide.”
“Prince Ansel,” the lead guard responded, “my duty is to ensure your safety while a guest at Serislan Castle. I will be happy to show you to the gardens, however, we will not leave your presence. I can assure you your privacy. We will be out of earshot, but will remain in the vicinity.”
“Very well, then. Please.” Ansel motioned for the man to lead the way.
We walked in silence. My thoughts went again to my predicament. How am I going to take my leave of Ansel without arousing suspicion? Maybe I should just tell him of my plans. I can’t. He would never let Eshshah and me go on any kind of reconnaissance without going through proper channels. I could see the importance of that if we were actually going the full distance and talking to the Ancient Ones. But Eshshah already talked me out of that plan. Rightfully so. This would be merely a fact-finding mission. No danger. Hardly any time involved. Just a matter of a few hours to find someone familiar with the Valley of Dragons. With that information, we could return at a later date with Ansel. I convinced myself it did not require any kind of discussion or permission from anyone. But, how do I explain to Ansel that I wouldn’t be flying back to Trivingar with him?
“Amáne? Are you all right?” Ansel asked. I realized he’d been trying to get my attention.
I jolted from my musing, surprised to find we’d arrived at the gardens. The guard was out of sight and hopefully out of hearing. “Uh, I’m sorry. Yes, I’m fine.”
“You didn’t hear a word I said, did you? Why the worried look?”
I recovered quickly and deflected his question. “Ansel, what did you say to them when you sent me out of the council chamber? I’m assuming I don’t have to deliver a marriage contract to the Healer?”
Silence. My head jerked to his eyes. He looked at me with an expression that froze my heart. My eyes went wide. He couldn’t hold that look for long before he burst out laughing.
“I would strangle you here and now if those guards weren’t around.” I growled.
“I’m sorry, Amáne. I couldn’t resist. You’ve been too distracted lately. I wanted to see if you were paying attention.”
“You are not sorry.”
A wave of guilt began to wash over me. I took a deep breath, and allowed it to pass.
His eyebrows first raised then came together as he eyed me curiously. “Why do I get the feeling you’re trying to keep something from me?”
Why did he have to know me so well?
“Ansel, please tell me what went on in that room.”
He shrugged. “I told them that not only are you a dragon rider for the Kingdom of Teravinea, but you ride a dragon from the Royal Dragon lineage. By law, you are duty-bound to the Royal Dynasty of Drekinn. You may not leave your duty, nor live outside of Teravinea. If Prince Ryant wished for your hand, he must denounce his crown, hand it to his younger brother and live with you in Teravinea — and play second to your duty to your kingdom.”
“That would explain his reluctance to look me in the eye. And from Ewan’s posture, it seems he was happy not to have the burden of the crown. How did you know such an obscure law?”
“Well, if it’s not a written law, then I would be sure to make it one.”
I shook my head. “You were taking quite a gamble. What if he’d agreed?”
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��Then, I imagine you would be taking a betrothal contract to the Healer.” He smiled.
I tried to work up an angry scowl without success.
“So, what are you hiding from me?” he asked.
His question took me suddenly, but at that instant, I came up with a reason to leave in the opposite direction.
“All right, you win. I’ve been trying to decide how to tell you that I won’t be going back to Trivingar with you tomorrow.”
He blinked. “You’ll be staying with Prince Ryant?”
“No!” I rolled my eyes. “Eshshah and I will leave here to visit Kira. She was the young girl from the slave ship. I promised her I would visit. Now is as good a time as any, since I’m so close. She lives just a short distance by dragonflight, north of here. I’ll ask Prince Ryant or Prince Ewan if they can direct me to someone who knows her location.”
“Sovann and I can go with you.”
“No! ... I mean ... there’s no need for you to spend more time away from Trivingar. I may stay up there a couple days. I’m sure there are more pressing things for you to do than go wandering around Serislan. Eshshah and I will be fine. Truly.” My heart beat fast. I hoped he couldn’t hear it.
Ugh, I don’t know if I can stand the guilt of my deception.
He eyed me sideways. After a quick sweep of our surrounding to determine where the guards stood, he put an arm around me, drew me in and snuck a quick kiss. He pulled back with a soft smile. Concern shown in his eyes. A pain shot through my heart. Did he doubt my story? It was the truth — although a large part was left unsaid.
That evening we met in the king’s private dining hall. The delectable fare was served in unlimited amounts and countless varieties. I wore yet another confining gown, designed by Fiona. This one, a deep red. Beautiful, of course, but I would have preferred to see it on someone else. Although I begged my attendants to go lightly on the tugging and tightening, it still prohibited me from enjoying the amount of food I could have consumed if I were in my usual tights and tunic. I cursed the latest fashion once again.
Amane of Teravinea - The Crown (The Teravinea Series Book 3) Page 6