The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Four: In the Beginning

by Melissa Collins

  At the sight of her there in front of him Therek reached his hand toward her, gently cupping his palm over her cheek, the flat of his thumb lightly stroking the skin in an unexpected display of affection. “Anything,” he breathed, seemingly captivated by her.

  Content that she had his attention, Kaori gave a definitive nod, her hand coming to rest upon Therek’s fingers. His touch was distracting her. If she didn’t get him to stop, she wasn’t sure she would be able to let him walk away. “You must return from Carpaen,” she stated matter-of-factly. “I cannot win this war without you, and you know it. I will not permit you to die.”

  “I… Kaori,” Therek’s response was broken by a miserable laugh, tearing his eyes away from hers as he retracted his hand. “That is not something I can promise –”

  “You speak as if I am giving you an option,” she interjected, unwilling to hear his arguments. Therek would survive his journey to Carpaen. She refused to accept any different. “Once you have secured us an army, I expect to see you back in Namorea. I will make sure the details with the King are worked out before your return. Are we understood?”

  A faint smile passed over Therek’s lips. She could tell he was giving in. There was no point arguing with her. Even he couldn’t deny that it was far better to leave with the assurances of a safe return. They had to keep positive. If they didn’t, the worry would drive them both mad. “You have my word, Milady,” he replied in his typical, suave fashion, sweeping forward to take Kaori’s hand. Out of habit he leaned forward to kiss the back of her knuckles, pausing just before his lips touched her skin. His expression softened to see her hand in his, lifting his eyes to cast a final, wistful gaze in her direction. Leaning forward, he planted a tender kiss on Kaori’s forehead, giving one last apologetic smile before turning to make his way toward the door, slipping into the hallway without another word.

  Left in the emptiness of the room, Kaori sank back onto the bed, inhaling a long breath as she pulled the blankets up to her chin, grateful for the cushion of the pillow under her head. She wasn’t ready to face the others yet. Without Therek there she could feel the weakness that remained in her limbs, a slight tremble having begun throughout her body with the effort it took to stay upright during Therek’s farewells. It would be a few days before she started to feel like herself again. After everything she’d been through, she wasn’t entirely sure she knew what that felt like anymore. The only thing she had to make sure of was that she figured it out before she was presented to the Namiren King. His assistance was her best hope for defeating Sulel and his men – and with so much riding on her victory, accepting defeat as a possibility was no longer an option.

  Filled with nervous excitement Kaori stood in front of an elaborate mirror which hung from the wall in her quarters, scrutinizing her appearance in search of anything which might belie her current state of health. Illness left her weakened but she refused to let the Namiren King see the tremble in her knees. The slight shake of her hands. The gods only knew what stories the King had heard about her. He would never expect the great Kaori Levadis to appear in her current malnourished state, looking frail and far too slender for a woman rumored to be a fighter.

  Dissatisfied with her reflection, she brought her hands up to her cheeks. Lightly she pinched the skin in hopes of creating a hint of color against her pale complexion. She hated going anywhere looking the way she did. Beaten down. Nearly broken. Her usual fire felt somewhat diminished. Nightmares plagued her nights, preventing her from achieving a decent, restful slumber. Lack of sleep lengthened her recovery time, the weakness in her muscles leaving her bedridden until this morning. Pehrona had urged Kaori to stay in bed rather than attend the audience arranged with the Namiren King, but she was stubborn. Insistent that the meeting go on as planned. Sickness wasn’t a good enough excuse to place more lives at risk back home simply in hopes of a few minutes of sleep.

  She barely recognized the woman staring back at her from the mirror. The dirt and blood had been washed away, her hair free of the disgusting oil which left it so heavy during her time in captivity. Underneath it all, she had changed. Transformed into a girl she no longer recognized. Scrapes and scratches marred the usually smooth surface of her skin yet it was her eyes which appeared most changed. At one time she’d been able to see a youthful innocence in their silver glow, filled with hope and determination. Now she could find no trace of the naïve girl she’d been the day she was attacked by Deliao’s men in Rothdara. There was a hardness to her gaze. Jaded from the never-ending battle her life had become. She was wiser now. Knowledgeable of the way the world truly worked, finally seeing reality without the tint from the rose-colored lenses she once viewed life through.

  In preparation for the meeting, Pehrona had spent the past few days making alterations to some of her clothes so Kaori would have something to wear other than the tattered rags which once resembled a dress. Pehrona’s figure was somewhat larger than Kaori’s sickly frame. It required significant effort to adjust the material, though seeing how the garment fit her now, she couldn’t deny the skill Pehrona possessed with a needle and thread. It was elegant yet simple in design, the soft lavender fabric lying perfectly across her skin, delicate lace adorning the squared neckline and sleeves to add just a hint of decoration. Her waistline remained more slender than she liked, the fabric hanging somewhat loosely around her hips, but that detail mattered little. The King wouldn’t be looking at her hips. As long as she resembled a lady, she was content.

  “You look nice,” Pehrona’s voice drifted through the room from the doorway, the soft sound of her slippered feet drawing Kaori’s attention to her arrival. Startled, she turned to face her friend, a strained smile the best she could give in greeting at a time like this. She couldn’t deny the nervousness she felt at the thought of meeting the Namiren King. In all her lessons, she learned little about the land and culture of Namorea aside from a few drawings to indicate the strange features of the people there in comparison to the humans and Vor’shai. To this point, she had yet to witness one in the flesh. Uncertainties floated through her mind, fearful of the many things which would make this meeting turn into the nightmare she prayed to avoid. What if the King didn’t understand her language? Carpaen didn’t boast a high population of Namiren citizens. Lack of association with the Empire made it difficult to believe the people of Namorea would have found it necessary to learn how to communicate with anyone outside their own race.

  Trembling, Kaori turned her gaze back to the mirror, fidgeting with the lace around her neck. “I wish I could believe you,” she mumbled, leaning closer to inspect her appearance in the reflection once again. “Something tells me I am not what the King expects. I am no diplomat.”

  “Therek would not have given you the task if he did not believe you capable of it.” Pehrona’s smile was more believable as she came to stand at Kaori’s side, the tips of her fingers lightly playing with the soft wave of Kaori’s hair, eyeing it with curiosity where it hung loosely over her shoulders. “Would you like me to do something with your hair? We have a few minutes before Ambassador Valdur will be ready to depart.”

  “While I appreciate the offer, I fail to see any reason to fuss with my appearance any more than I already have. If I cannot talk like a diplomat, the style of my hair will do nothing to help my image in the King’s eyes.”

  “That may be so, but it may make you feel better about how you look.”

  As she turned her gaze from the mirror, Kaori caught a glimpse of what looked to be sadness in the depths of her own eyes. The physical pain of her injuries had dulled significantly, though it was the scars they left behind which ailed her now. Not only the visible ones, but the internal as well. Emotional. Mental. Constant reminders of the torture Sulel and his men were capable of. Horrible memories of the agony inflicted upon her. Other than the brief time she spent in Therek’s company before he left, she had found herself unable to let anyone close to her without cringing, afraid they might strike. Out of the c
orner of her eye she constantly saw shadows that resembled the soldiers, her heart racing to think they were coming for her. She didn’t want to experience the torment again. It would take a great deal of time before she would truly be able to relax and enjoy life the way she once did, if that luxury was ever afforded her again. “I just want this over with.”

  With a comforting touch Pehrona lowered her hand to rest upon Kaori’s shoulder, an expression of genuine sympathy visible on her elegant features. “Try not to worry so much,” she consoled. “Liurn will be there if you require assistance, though I do not think you will need him. I have seen you conduct business before. When it comes down to it, you will handle the meeting with more grace and eloquence than the most seasoned of courtiers.”

  “Let us hope you are right,” Kaori inhaled a deep breath, praying that it might somehow ease the uncomfortable tingle of anxiety which had begun to settle over her. She needed to get out of this room. What was taking the Ambassador so long? “Is the carriage ready? We should not risk being late.”

  “You will not be late. Everything is going to be fine.”

  Everything was going to be fine? It sounded like a joke. Nothing had been fine for months. Upon waking in Namorea, Kaori discovered the true horrors which had befallen her people after she was taken into captivity. Vor’shai nobles stripped of their titles. Families slaughtered in the streets for the most minor of offenses. Cut down for nothing more than a mere utterance of prayer to the Vor’shai gods. It sickened her to think that the madness continued even now while she wandered safely through the halls of the Ambassador’s luxurious home. The fate of her people rested upon her shoulders – and she could barely support her own weight upon her legs. “I still do not understand why Therek entrusted this negotiation to me,” she exhaled the air held in her lungs, shifting her weight to take a step away from Pehrona, closer to the door. “He may think the documents listing him as the rightful heir are worthless, but he is wrong. Sulel may wear the crown, but it does not change the truth. It is Therek the King should speak with, not me.”

  Lifting her eyes to watch Kaori move across the floor, Pehrona gave a soft sigh, clearly discouraged by Kaori’s lack of confidence. “You are right. Therek is the rightful heir and true Emperor of Carpaen. But he has delegated this duty to you. He trusts you. Without a proper court, there are few people he can turn to for help. Honestly, you should feel honored he considers you worthy of such a task.”

  “I…” Kaori started to argue, the words trailing off into silence. There was no debate to be had. Pehrona was right. Therek may be Emperor, but he had no one. He was the only Vor’shai with claim to a title, albeit tenuous. Reliant on the outcome of the war. Until Sulel was taken down, Therek had no choice other than to slowly rebuild some sort of structure amongst their people. Those who proved loyal to the cause were prime candidates for new rank and responsibility. It was possible her own familial title of Countess would be restored, leaving her with no choice other than to learn how to conduct business with other courtiers and diplomats. If she wanted to support Therek, it was in her best interest to learn how to handle herself in politics. She just wished her first experience could have been with a dignitary of lesser rank than a king. “I suppose you are right,” she conceded, shoulders bowed forward in embarrassment. This was an amazing opportunity. It would be completely irrational to throw it away simply because she lacked faith in herself. You will never know what you are capable of until you try…

  Drawing her shoulders back, she attempted to make herself look more courageous than she felt. She couldn’t let her doubts stand in her way. So many things had felt equally as impossible over the past several months and yet here she was. Free from captivity. Alive. Preparing to meet with the Namiren King. Representing her people in one of the most important events of their generation and beyond. This meeting could change the future of the Vor’shai forever – and Therek granted her the honor of playing a role in it all.

  Confidence building, she gave a definitive nod in Pehrona’s direction, grateful to feel some of the doubt start to trickle away, replaced with a renewed sense of purpose. This wasn’t just about herself. It was about her people. Everyone was counting on her. “I really should make my way downstairs. There are some questions I must ask of the Ambassador before we leave.”

  Pehrona gave no argument, merely nodding in acceptance of Kaori’s decision. It was odd, in a way, how everyone treated her since she awoke. There was no denying Therek’s warm greeting was far different than that which she’d become accustomed to from him, though she couldn’t help feeling his change in behavior was for a different reason than the others. Everyone acted as if she was of some great importance. Placed on a pedestal. Her best guess was that it had something to do with the fact that she managed to pull through an illness which would have claimed the life of a weaker woman. It was as if they thought her somehow different. Blessed. Protected by the gods in some way.

  In truth, she felt differently as well. Something changed while she was asleep. Upon first waking she felt more confused than ever about the direction her life had taken but now she realized that she saw everything with more clarity. Her goals were defined and she knew it required a strong, levelheaded mind to achieve the things she desired. Despite her hesitance and occasional lapse of confidence caused by her time in captivity, she felt a sense of hope for the future. She and her friends were taking steps toward victory. When she first considered organizing the rebellion, she never imagined the extent her endeavors would go. They were amassing an army. Conducting talks with foreign governments to build alliances and solidify their strength on the battle-field. This was real. It was happening. And it was because of her.

  Each step she took down the hallway was carefully placed, muscles tensed. Her legs were still somewhat weak. Walking felt strange after so long lying in bed. Her only hope was that adrenaline might kick in and help give her the extra boost she needed to get through this meeting until she could get back to her room and collapse onto the soft cushion of her mattress, out of view from anyone else.

  By the time Kaori reached the foyer, her fear gradually began to shift into excitement. Nervous about what the meeting might hold for the future of her people. It seemed unlikely the Ambassador would have gone through the trouble of arranging an audience if he doubted the King’s inclination to help. Namiren men already willingly accompanied Therek to Carpaen to offer assistance in building a proper army. That alone said something. Enough to quell the fear she experienced before.

  Near the entrance to the home Kaori smiled at the sight of Liurn standing there, his face brightening to see Kaori. “You look stunning, as always,” he complimented, his legs carrying him forward swiftly to take Kaori’s hand, guiding her to stand before another man positioned in a rigid stance next to the door. “Ambassador Ramis Valdur, it is my pleasure to introduce Lady Kaori Levadis.”

  Heat rose to Kaori’s cheeks at Liurn’s warm greeting. It wasn’t uncommon for him to display pleasure at her company, but it was unusual for him to bestow such compliments. Especially while in the company of others. At the moment she felt far from stunning. “Your Grace,” she curtsied low before Ramis, her head lowered in hopes of concealing the pink hue Liurn’s words brought to her skin. Silently, she prayed the men wouldn’t notice the mild tremble in her muscles at the effort it took to hold the respectful posture, forgetting her embarrassment quickly in fear of falling at the Ambassador’s feet.

  From where she stood bowed before Ramis, she felt her hand passed from Liurn’s grasp to another, a pair of long thin lips lightly brushing the surface of her knuckles. Overcome with curiosity Kaori slowly lifted her eyes, demure in her mannerisms as she attempted to get a better look at the strange man standing in front of her. She was startled at first by what she saw, barely managing to conceal her surprise to avoid making a scene. In her lessons she learned the complexion of the Namiren people was darker than that of most citizens in Carpaen but she assumed it was no different fro
m the deep tan acquired by anyone who dwelled in the warmest cities of the desert. To her astonishment, Ramis’s skin was a dark brown, the coloration more natural than a simple tan. In addition to the unusual coloration, Kaori was immediately aware of a wide crest which rounded the man’s forehead from one side to the other, resembling a bone protruding from the skull like a crown contained under a thicker layer of skin. His eyes possessed a dramatic slant, different from the rounded shapes Kaori was familiar with in her own people, as well as the humans. Through the narrow slits a pair of brightly colored yellow irises stared out at her from the lids, examining Kaori with the same scrutiny with which she looked upon him.

  “I have heard much about you, Lady Levadis.”

  “I am not sure if that is a good thing,” Kaori’s smile faltered, uncertain if her humor would be understood. She knew nothing of the Namirens or their personalities. Her hope was that Ramis may have learned the art of jest during his time at the Carpaen court.

  A wash of relief coursed over her to see Ramis’s lips curl into a smile, a short, barely noticeable nod acknowledging the lightheartedness of Kaori’s remark. “Your people speak nothing but the highest praise for your deeds. So much, in fact, that I was beginning to doubt whether it could all be true.”

  Regaining her confidence Kaori slowly retracted her hand from Ramis’s long, powerful fingers, straightening her posture in attempts to ease the shaking in her knees and give the appearance of height. An illusion of strength for the sake of the foreigner in their presence. “If that is true, then I hope the stories are more fact than fiction.”

  With an approving nod Ramis’s eyes lingered on Kaori, his smile fading somewhat, the expression on his face transforming into one of solemn appreciation. “You recovered from a bout of infection severe enough to claim the life of even the strongest soldier. That has made a believer out of me. One protected so closely by the gods is certainly not one to be trifled with.”