The Serf and the Soldier

by Holly Law

  Elara blinked back tears at that news. It made matters all the worse. She hadn't known that Corden had doubted her feelings for him. She felt a horrible twisting pain in her heart. “If you can talk to Corden, tell him I'm staying with the family he was apprenticed to, Turbek's family. And tell him he has a son? Will you do that for me?”

  “So you were pregnant!” Rushal gasped and went pale. “When I get my hands on Koldre…”

  “What's his name?” Lady Elisa asked cutting off her husband.

  “Lairk.”

  “Your brother will be so pleased.”

  “Elisa, perhaps we could manage something a step better,” Rushal said, softly and clearly an idea had occurred to him. “Let's take her home. I don't want to talk openly here.”

  “What a wonderful idea! You'll come won't you?” Lady Elsia clutched her hands in an excited manner.

  “I could, but I'd need to tell some people.”

  “Of course. Meet us at the gate to the City of Lords in an hour?”

  “I will,” Elara promised.

  Elara left them after yet another hug from Lady Elisa. Elara went straight to the guard post by the main gate and spoke to Arik about what was going on. Arik nodded and promised he'd get word straight to Turbek. He also promised to leave a few guards at the house in case anything went wrong. Elara immediately made her way to the gate. Lady Elisa and Rushal were waiting for her. They led her through the gate without being questioned.

  Soon she found herself within the elaborate and ornate City of Lords. It had a completely different feel than the city Elara had come to know. The streets were wide and lined with trees. They were less crowded and no one bumbed into her. There were lavish fountains and statues along the streets. Every house was very large and ornate. Her entire village could have lived in one of those houses with room to spare. The gardens they passed were beautiful. And it was with Lady Elisa and Rushal that Elara caught her first glimpse of the royal palace.

  The palace was breathtaking and Elara could almost not believe it at first. It was surrounded by an ornate wall with gold tiped spikes, but it rose far above the protective wall. The marble was washed to a pristine white and the sculptures on the outside were breathtaking. Near the roof, golden flowers and whimsical creatures seemed to spring to life. She was still too far away to see the details, but it was amazing to think a building like that could exist. It was strange to think that if things had gone differently she would have been living in that building, happy and content with Corden and their son.

  Eventually, they continued on to Rushal's manor which was not too far from the palace and was across from a very beautiful park where many lords and ladies walked, enjoying the warm afternoon. Inside, she was shown to an ornate room full of finery which Lady Elisa called a sitting room. Elara discovered the couches were far less comfortable than they looked, but did not mention that aloud.

  Rushal ordered they were to be left alone before he closed the doors. Rushal chose a chair before he broached his idea. “Here is my thought,” Rushal said. “In three days there is a ball at the palace. It is widely believed the king intends to propose to Lady Orelia that night. It is also supposed to be a masked ball. It would be relatively easy to sneak you in given that situation.”

  “What a wonderful idea,” Lady Elisa said clapping her hands together excitedly.

  “You really think that will work?” Elara asked frowning.

  “Oh, of course. All sorts of people from out of town show up at these things. It is so much easier to approach Corden at a ball than it normally is,” Lady Elisa said promptly.

  “It will be even easier if we can convince her brother to escort her in without knowing it's her,” Rushal suggested. “He still needs a date and it wouldn't be right for him to appear alone. Corden's been pestering him about it I hear.”

  “Lairk?” Elara frowned. “Why would he be there?”

  “Oh, you hadn't heard?” Lady Elisa said brightly. “He's one of Corden's most trusted advisors now. Corden wanted someone around who had solid, practical views and Lairk suited the job well enough. Granted, Lairk can rarely get near Corden without Koldre nearby, but he's still very influential.”

  “Good for Lairk,” Elara said feeling proud of her brother.

  “Then you're willing?” Rushal asked her. “We'll have to rush some of the preparations, but we should be able to get them done in time.”

  “I am willing.”

  Rejection

  The following three days were chaotic to say the very least. Elara was not permitted to leave the house and Lady Elisa was very selective about who she let inside. A very specific dressmaker was chosen who was sworn to secrecy. The lady did not understand until she arrived at the house and Elara was introduced to her. The woman fell into a low curtsey at once. Elara reminded the lady gently that due to the fact she was declared dead she was no longer Corden's wife and that she had never been officially named queen to deserve such treatment.

  The woman remained very polite as she measured Elara and went over the styles. Elara knew little about the styles, but Lady Elisa was more than willing to help. It occurred to Elara after a dress was chosen and the dressmaker left that Elara had no means to pay for the dress and told Lady Elisa that. Lady Elisa dismissed the cost and said it was covered.

  Lady Elisa was not as generous with jewelry which made Elara more comfortable. Instead Lady Elisa let her borrow what she thought would go best with the dress. Elara did not argue and knew the lady had better taste than her anyway. The other little things that were needed Lady Elisa went shopping for without her and simply hoped for the best. The shoes took several tries before they came out right.

  When the day of the ball arrived Elara found herself surrounded by servants as they tried to get her ready for the event. Lady Elisa insisted she look absolutely perfect. Elara was not certain she could achieve that, but silently went along with the lady. Elara was washed and primped almost beyond her ability to tolerate such treatment. Nothing was permitted to be out of place and she did not like sitting still for over an hour as they worked on her hair. It was just before Lairk was scheduled to arrive that she was permitted to see her full reflection.

  Elara had never seen herself in such finery before and didn't recognize herself at all. The dark blue and silvery white material fit her perfectly. The fabric was gathered in such a way to reveal variations of color on the under layers of the dress. The tightness of it was suddenly all the more bearable upon seeing that it was so complimentary. Since it was late summer the short sleeves were very comfortable and showed off her arms nicely. Her hair was gently curled behind her head and blue and white feather's highlighted it. The mask she wore fit perfectly both with hair and dress. It also did a very good job of concealing her identity.

  Elara was very nervous when she was led downstairs to where her brother was waiting. Elara knew Lady Elisa and Rushal had not told him who she was, but Elara refused to go along with that. Lairk was waiting in the main entryway looking a bit nervous. Lairk had changed in the past five years. He was still clearly Lairk, but he was subtly different. His face looked more careworn, but his tan from the long hours working outside had faded. Some of his muscle had gone with it and he had a slight belly he had not possessed before. His mask rested in his hand and he looked clearly nervous. He also looked a bit startled when she walked down the stairs. He bowed to her respectfully.

  “My lady,” he told her politely and his voice was very much the same. “It will be an honor to escort one such as yourself to the ball tonight. But we must hurry. Your hostess is already gone and the ball has begun.”

  “Of course,” Elara said simply and then hesitated as Lairk reached out to wrap his arm around hers. “Lady Elisa said they didn't tell you who I was.”

  “They said it might be best if I don't.”

  “I disagree. I see no reason to hide myself from you, brother.”

  Lairk's reaction was immediate. He recoiled and swore looking completely surpr
ised. It was odd to hear the Corscan oaths from his mouth, but any doubt that was there vanished when she raised her mask. “I've missed you, Lairk,” Elara told him simply.

  Elara found herself caught in a tight hug. “I thought you were dead,” Lairk told her and she could feel him shaking slightly. “We all did. I…”

  “Lairk, I need to be at this ball tonight. I need to talk to Corden. Lord Koldre won't like that I'm there. He has kept Corden from getting any word from me for the past five years. Can you get me to Corden?” Elara asked intensely.

  “Yes, I can,” Lairk said confidently. “We're almost equals in the court. Koldre doesn't have the authority to prevent me from getting to Corden.”

  “Good. If for some reason you can't at least let him know I'm alive and staying with the family he was apprenticed to and tell him he has a son.”

  “You were pregnant then. I'm an uncle!” Lairk looked stunned by the news.

  “Yes, and the family I was living with named him for me and chose your name ironically enough so he's also named after you to a certain extent.”

  Lairk laughed. “That should create a bit of confusion, but Corden should approve. Let's go meet your grieving husband,” Lairk said taking her arm and showing her out. Elara returned her mask to her face before they were out the door.

  “Does he miss me, Lairk?”

  “Does he miss you? What sort of question is that? Of course he misses you! He searched the desert for a week once he got back to the city and gathered enough soldiers. He found the bandits who took you, but no sign of you. One claimed he had sent you in the direction of the city. That gave Corden hope, but…well there was no sign of you--I suspect because Koldre was in charge of the search. He was a complete wreck. He felt so guilty and was completely out of it with grief when you couldn't be found. He blamed himself. He wishes he had waited to return with the rest of the army. Mother was less upset over the loss of father. Trust me, he misses you. He'll probably burst with joy when he sees you.”

  “Just as long as he doesn't make a big scene in front of Koldre?”

  “Does it matter? Koldre is powerless once you reveal him to Corden.”

  “That doesn't mean he is incapable of hurt my son and friends out of spite.”

  “Corden will take care of it. Don’t worry.”

  They walked through the streets to the palace and Elara found it to be a warm and pleasant night. Not a single cloud blocked the moon or stars from view. The palace was brightly lit with lights and Elara felt overwhelmed when she was escorted inside by Lairk. The details were even more amazing up close. The whole building was one giant work of art. She was so distracted by the building that she was barely aware of Lairk handing an invitation to a servant. A moment later, they were in the ballroom.

  Elara could not help but gasp at the sight of it. They stood atop a marble, double staircase that had gold designs etched into it. Rose, gray, and white marble were all used to make it even more beautiful. Above the dance floor were several large, crystal and gold chandeliers that gave the world a magical feel. The whole room felt bright and festive. Elara could barely make out the elaborate designs on the floor that were made up of the same color marble as the stairs. Ladies in every color dresses swirled around in complex patterns on the floor. The men were just slightly less colorful, but no less elegant.

  Lairk showed her down the stairs and few seemed to notice them. They passed several couples who briefly spoke with Lairk. Lairk was polite, but he was clearly intent on a destination and they did not delay him long. They were nearly at their destination before Elara saw Corden. Even with his mask, she knew him. Even without his gold circlet she would have known him. He was dressed in his usual preferred green and was a very elegant and refined form.

  Corden was not alone, however. Lord Koldre stood nearby with a pleased look on his face that was barely hidden by the mask. What bothered her more was that there was a woman near her own age on Corden's arm. She was richly dressed and clearly very beautiful. She also was very clearly comfortable with Corden. Elara knew very few women would have been comfortable enough with him to rest their head on his shoulder. She had a pleased smile on her face.

  “I was beginning to wonder if you were coming, Lairk,” Koldre observed coolly.

  “My date was a bit delayed,” Lairk apologized bowing slightly to Corden. “I hope I wasn't missed too badly.”

  “You didn't miss much yet,” Corden assured her brother with a welcoming smile. His eyes turned to Elara and she could barely force herself to continue breathing. She hoped he would know her. He leaned his head to one side and frowned just slightly. “I don't believe I know you're date. She doesn't look familiar to me.”

  “We've met before, your majesty,” Elara told him hesitantly.

  Corden's curious eyes sharpened instantly, but that was the only change of expression. “Indeed, we have,” Corden said softly. “May I borrow your date for a dance, Lairk?”

  “Of course, your majesty,” Lairk said again bowing slightly.

  Corden detached himself from the girl who seemed a bit confused. Lord Koldre looked even more confused as Corden politely took Elara's arm and showed her to the dance floor. “Who did you bring?” she heard Lord Koldre hiss to her brother.

  Elara found it odd to be so near Corden again. As they took their places on the dance floor Corden asked her, “Are you who I think?”

  “I hope so,” Elara replied with a smile.

  The dance started before she could say more. The steps left them little time to talk and much time for Elara to realize how poor she was at the elaborate dances of the nobility. Once when Corden was close behind her he whispered, “Don't play games with me. Tell me who you are.”

  He moved away again before Elara could respond. Seeing that the dance was a long one and they would have little time to talk Elara removed her mask and dangled it off her wrist. Corden's response upon seeing her face was instant. He did not waste a single moment. He took her hand and led her off the dance floor. He moved so quickly everyone noticed. He was not rough, but she was most definitely pulled out to a balcony. Corden's mask was off in an instant.

  He stared at her face for a second and Elara saw tears come to his eyes instantly. He touched her face with trembling finger tips. Then, even more abruptly than he had pulled her off the dance floor, he kissed her. Elara had not been kissed since she had been taken by the bandits and found it was even better than memory. She could feel all the passion and hurt he felt. It felt like it would never end and she hoped it would not. But it did end and as abruptly as it started.

  “Where were you?” Corden demanded and Elara was taken aback by the tone. It was not gentle curiosity. There was anger clear in his voice and his eyes were no longer gentle, but full of intent anger. “Why do you show up now when I looked for you for so long?”

  “Corden,” Elara began, but was soon cut off.

  “Why did you wait so long to come to me? Why did you let me think you were dead? Did you do it to escape a marriage you just realized the advantage of? Why did you let me think you were dead?”

  “Corden…”Elara began and felt tears come to her eyes. That wasn't the greeting she had expected. “I…” She didn't know how to answer those accusations.

  “Do you have no answer for me? What did…”

  “I have done nothing you accuse me of,” Elara snapped in anger. The tears in her eyes burned. “I have been trying to see you for years, but clearly you have learned to regret your choice in that time.” Elara curtsied low to him. “Your majesty.” Elara turned and walked off the balcony scarcely believing she was doing it. She had waited so long to talk to Corden and she was walking away. He hadn't wanted her and his opinion of her was clear. What he thought her capable of was clear. She struggled to keep any more tears from falling as she hurried across the dance floor and up the stairs. She knew many eyes followed her and she heard Corden call after her. She also heard orders shouted to the guards at the doors.

  The
guards had not anticipated the order however and Elara found herself well past them before they were ready to pursue her. She raced through the hallways and soon found herself outside. She did not hesitate and continued running. She passed few people, but all were startled by her appearance. She knew she must have been a very odd sight. She had never seen a lady sprinting down the street. She did not pause at the gate to the Merchant's city even though the guards called asking her what was wrong.

  Elara ignored any who called after her. She arrived at Turbek's house and did not hesitate as she pulled open the door. She ran up the stairs and heard Arik call for her to identify herself. She was caught roughly at the door by soldiers who released her as soon as they recognized her. Vasi looked startled by her appearance. As did Turbek who was just finishing his dinner.

  “What's wrong?” Vasi demanded. “What happened?”

  “Corden…” Elara began and could not make herself continue at first. “Corden accused me of so many horrible things. He seemed to think I wanted him to believe I was dead. He said such horrible things. I ran out of the ball. I barely talked to him.”

  “If I get my hands on that boy…”Turbek growled.

  Elara did not stay to listen to what was said. She went into her room and got changed into one of her normal dresses. She carefully folded the dress and placed the jewelry on top. Someone would return it to Lady Elisa. Then she carefully woke a very tired Lairk and told him softly, “We're leaving.”

  “Leaving?” he asked sleepily.

  “Yes, we're going back to Brogden.”

  “Brogden?” he asked sounding more confused.

  “Our home.”

  “Did you see father?” Lairk asked seeming to remember.

  “Yes, he didn't want us.”

  Lairk's lip trembled then and tears fell from his eyes. Elara gave him a quick hug before she bundled him up in clothes and threw the rest of their belongings in an improvised bag. She carried Lairk and the bag from the room. “Where are you going?” Arik demanded looking startled.