“And risk Fae’s wrath? Not on your life. Once you’re settled in Paderau will be soon enough.”
When they reached the camp, the others were dressed and packing the horses. Faelara’s instructions were simple things Taryn didn’t need to be reminded of but she listened out of respect.Stay close. Speak to no one except those she rode with. Keep the sword hidden.
Faelara kissed Taryn on the cheek, holding her close. “I’ve enjoyed our time together. You are a treasure, to be sure.” Tears shone in her eyes when she pulled away.
“Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, sweetling.” She squeezed Taryn’s hand before pulling herself into the saddle.
Taryn glanced at Rhoane, who sat on his horse a few feet away. A similar look was etched across his face, not necessarily concern but a resignation of sorts. She climbed into the saddle and patted Ashanni’s neck, ready for the next leg of her journey.
Beyond a large grove of trees, the road opened up. They stood on a hilltop, looking down at a valley of rolling green meadows. Nestled between two rivers, Paderau sparkled like a pearl set in a dazzling sapphire choker.
“Well?” Hayden said beside her.
“You told me your city was beautiful, but—wow.”
The closer they got to the city gates, the pull of ShantiMari, its multi-colored lights glistening above the walls and around the thick wooden gates, dazzled her senses. Guards stood at posts near the west entrance and even more walked along the battlements. Myrddin rode forward with the duke, and the guards snapped to attention, saluting them as they passed.
Paderau defied Hayden’s descriptions. Taryn followed the others, taking in the sights. Wooden buildings flanked the street, some with signs hanging above doorways, others with windows that offered everything from wineskins and cooked turkey legs to cotton tunics and boots.
Taryn had to keep from gawking at the sheer number of people who roamed the streets. Hundreds of inhabitants moved about their day. On more than one occasion, she spied soldiers patrolling the streets or standing outside pubs, keeping a close watch on everyone.
At the first bridge they crossed, Taryn leaned over to get a glimpse of the river. Clean, clear water flowed to the south. Farther down was another bridge, and after that, the river disappeared. The duke turned the group off the main street onto a small residential avenue lined with trees. The two- or three-story homes were solid and simple. Some had ornamental gates and paths leading to attractive porches.
The avenue opened to a square with stalls surrounding a huge fountain. Hawkers called out their wares, adding to the din. Pelts hung from the booth of a petite man with a flamboyant hat. Next to him, chickens pecked and scratched in a tiny enclosure. The square had an earthy smell to it—of sweat, dirt, and livestock. Comforting smells.
They rode along two more avenues, each more opulent than the previous one. As their horses clomped along the cobblestone streets, the tension from the long days of traveling drifted away from the group. Their voices rose with excited anticipation. Hayden gestured ahead, and Taryn held her breath at the sight of Paderau Palace.
The four-story palace was even more magnificent than it had looked from the hilltop, with arched windows and columned terraces. An intricate ironwork fence surrounded the gardens and buildings, with thick cords of ShantiMari snaking around the perimeter dissuading anyone who hadn’t been invited from entering. Each corner boasted a tower with discreet arrow slits, and the roofline effectively hid battlements capable of holding several platoons of the duke’s guard.
All those times you quizzed me about castles and palaces, now I know why.Taryn kissed her fingertips and looked up to the sky, hoping Brandt could hear her.
She followed the others into the courtyard, where a massive magnolia tree blossomed in the summer heat. She barely had time to grab her things before a groom led Ashanni away. They entered the palace through a side door, and Taryn almost tripped over herself staring at the opulence around her. The room was half the size of a football pitch, with perhaps sixty people seated on fragile-looking couches and chairs. Gold filigree edged the elaborately painted ceiling and walls. Before she could take it all in, Faelara led her away from the others.
They went up several flights of stairs and down more hallways than Taryn could remember. “Here we are. My rooms are down the hall.” Faelara pointed to a set of large doors. “If you need anything, come and find me.”
A rush of panic seized Taryn. “What am I supposed to do?”
“I’ll send a maid to run a bath for you, and I’ll have a tailor come by for measurements, as well.” She plucked at Taryn’s shirt. “You’ve been wearing this so long, I fear we’ll have to burn it.” She gave her shirt a sniff, crinkling her nose. “Mine, as well, I’m afraid. Not to worry, love, all will be well.”
The older woman led her into a room with two long windows opening to the gardens. The scent of jasmine drifted up to greet her. The smell reminded her of a time not long past in another world. She inhaled the sweet fragrance with a pang of homesickness. “It’s lovely, Faelara.”
Everything in the area matched in varying shades of yellow, from the soft-butter walls to the floral fabric of an overstuffed chair and small couch. Vases of fresh flowers adorned the tables. It was at once homey and unfamiliar. Taryn wandered to yet another room, where Faelaratsked to herself while opening several cupboards and drawers. Her slim fingers danced along the wall until Taryn heard a slightclick.
The secret compartment hinged open without another sound. “Taryn, dear, get your sword, please.” She brought the weapon to Faelara. “Put it in here. Now, I’m going to place some wards on the sword and the cupboard. If anyone besides you tries to open it or touch the sword, they’ll get a nasty shock.” She eyed Taryn. “Do you understand what a ward is?”
“I think so. Will it hurt me?”
“Not you, but everyone else.” Faelara whispered under her breath while Taryn followed the flow of ShantiMari as it wound its way around the sword and through the door. When she was done, Faelara closed the compartment with a final command. “It would be best if you don’t disturb the sword, but if you should need to, make certain you close this door when you’re done. Otherwise, the wards will unravel.”
Taryn placed her hand on the cupboard. A buzz of power ran through her and then back to the sword. Faelara’s Mari had a gentleness to it. Reluctantly, she took her hand away from the sweet feeling.
“Come,” Faelara’s voice called from beyond the bedchamber. Taryn almost swooned when she saw the next room. A large claw footed tub sat in the center of a bathroom. “I’m sure you will appreciate a nice bath after our ride.”
“Oh yes, please.” Much to her surprise, there was plumbing for the tub and sink.
Faelara led them back into the sitting room. “His Grace and Hayden have rooms on the top floor. Myrddin likes to stay in the eastern tower. Rhoane’s rooms are on the floor above us. Baehlon, I imagine, will stay in the barracks with the soldiers.” Her eyes drifted to the window, and her expression grew distant.
“Why do you all have rooms here?”
Faelara blinked at her question. “What?”
“Do you stay here that often?”
“I have a suite in every major castle or palace in all of the East. It comes with being one of the empress’s ladies.” She touched Taryn’s cheek. “You’ll have your own apartments, too.”
“Why? I don’t work for the empress.”
Faelara’s expression was soft, but her words held a hint of steel. “In time, you’ll understand. I’ll send in those maids. I’m sure the other girls will wish to meet you.” Again, she heard the steeliness. “Be polite, but please, do not tell them anything about where you came from. Just remember everything Hayden taught you, and you’ll be fine.”
After Faelara left, Taryn sat on the windowsill, breathing in the scent of jasmine, hoping it would calm her nerves. All it did was dredge up memories she couldn’t share about a life she was compelled to forget.
More alone than ever, she sat and watched without seeing the people who moved along the garden paths.
A young woman dressed in a plain blue dress with a white apron tied around her waist entered with a small curtsey. “I’ve come for your bath, miss.” Another girl dressed in a similar fashion followed her. They looked to be in their late teens, but with Aelinaen years, she wasn’t sure.
Their giggles floated above the sound of running water, and Taryn idly wondered what they found so amusing. Probably her dismal appearance. One of the girls appeared in the doorway to ask quietly whether she would like to bathe. Taryn had to keep herself from jumping straight into the tub fully clothed.
“Do, uh…do you usually stay here while I undress?” She asked when it was clear the girls weren’t leaving.
They held up a large towel for privacy, and she slipped out of her dirty clothes. Before they could stop her, she sank into the bath, doing her best to hide under the bubbles. Every ache she’d accumulated on the road started to melt away in the hot water.
“What are your names?” Taryn asked.
They were sisters, Mayla and Lorilee. More than the slight resemblance in their faces, their dark hair and sturdy frames marked them as kin.
“I’m Taryn.” She tried to keep herself submerged as much as possible. “I don’t normally bathe with others in the room.”
“Lady Faelara said you might be shy.” Lorilee applied a heavenly scented shampoo to Taryn’s hair and began massaging her scalp.
A small moan escaped Taryn’s lips, and she lay back against the tub, more relaxed than she’d been in months. When Mayla turned her slightly to wash her back with a sponge, Taryn gave in to their ministrations, her inhibitions forgotten.
After bathing her, they rubbed scented oil into her roughened skin before wrapping her in a robe and sitting her in a chair. Taryn must’ve dozed while they brushed out her hair because a knock at the door startled her awake.
As Faelara promised, the seamstress arrived to take her measurements. Margaret Tan was a large woman who brooked no nonsense and made Taryn stand still while she measured every inch of her body. All the while, she made little clucking sounds before writing on her pad of paper.
After Margaret Tan left, Mayla finished Taryn’s hair and handed her a silver mirror. Taryn stared at the intricate mass of braids and curls. “Oh my God. It’s beautiful.”
Lorilee and Mayla smiled at her while curtseying together.
“We’re glad you like it, miss,” Lorilee said for both of them.
Taryn kept touching her hair, amazed at what they did with the rat’s nest it had become since she’d arrived on Aelinae. “Like it? I love it.”
The girls giggled and curtsied again. The older one, Mayla, said, “Your hair is lovely, like gold silk. We’ll be back before dinner; if there is anything else you need before then, just ring the bell.” She pointed to a tasseled bell pull discreetly placed by the window.
Hayden arrived as the maids were leaving, and Taryn fidgeted with her robe ties, feeling vulnerable in her undressed state.
The plain brown tunic and breeches he wore on their journey were long gone, replaced with tight-fitting trousers and a brocade jacket that skimmed his hips. His blond hair gleamed in the sunlight. The effect was stunning and a bit unsettling.
He deposited an armful of rich fabrics on a couch. “These should last you a few days.”
Taryn sifted through the beautiful gowns, the desire to wear them causing an unfamiliar thrill. “What’s wrong with the clothes your father gave me at Ravenwood?”
“Those are fine for a country manor, but at Paderau, the dress is more formal.” Hayden picked out an emerald green gown for dinner and a pale blue dress for her to wear until then. “I like your hair up. It suits your face.”
His compliment caught her off guard. “Lorilee and Mayla work miracles.” She paused. “Why do I have to change for dinner? Can’t I just wear one dress all day?”
Hayden’s glare could cut stone. “Ohlin’s beard, no. Day clothes aren’t suitable for dinner.”
“I’m not sure this is suitable to be worn out of the bedroom.” Taryn fingered the blue gown. Little more than rich silk draped to the floor, bits of lace accented the bodice and sleeves. Pearls dotted the empire waistband.
“You say the most curious things. I’ll leave you to dress, but don’t take long. There are some people I’d like you to meet.”
She hesitated a moment before calling after him. “Hayden?” When he turned back to her, she blushed. “Thank you for being so kind to me.”
“You saved my life. I will forever be in your debt.”
“Is that the only reason?”
“Of course not. If I may be so bold, I consider you a friend and hope you might see me as such, as well.”
“I couldn’t think of a better friend in all the world.” She held him tighter than she’d meant. His arms wrapped around her, hesitantly at first, and she sank into him. Raw emotions— gratitude, relief, loneliness—swept over her. She took a step back, wiping a tear from her eye. “God, I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s come over me.” She swiped at her tears with the handkerchief he handed her. “About that whole lifesaving thing—do you think we could keep it between us?” She waved a hand around the room. “This is more than I can take right now, and having people think I’m some sort of hero would be way too much.”
“Of course. I’ll respect your wishes.”
“Can you make sure the others don’t say anything? It might be too late, but we can ask.”
“Done. Now, if you’ve no other requests, I’ll wait in the sitting room.” He closed the door behind him, and she changed into the dress, feeling exposed beneath the soft fabric. She took a deep breath before joining Hayden in the other room.
“You are a dream, Taryn.”
She curtseyed as he’d taught her. “Thank you, Hayden. I mean, Lord Valen.”
“Very good. You remembered.” He held his arm out to her. “Are you ready?”
“No, but let’s go anyway.” Remembering a title was one thing, recalling everything else he taught her was something else entirely.
Chapter 14
THE princesses gathered in the garden room of Paderau Palace, as they always did when visiting the duke. A meeting place of sorts, guests could linger over tea to hear the latest court gossip or play games, if that was their inclination. Marissa sat with her sisters but only half listened to what they said. Her attention was drawn to Duke Anje’s son, looking very much alive, and the girl who stood nervously beside him.
An unpleasant tremble ran through her as the couple approached. Like pins and needles from a sleepy limb, her nerves twitched, unbalancing her carefully constructed composure. The bewildered feeling was unnatural for Marissa, and she pulled her power around her like a cloak, keeping her face calm, her senses alert.
Hayden bowed low to them. “Your Highnesses, I would like you to meet a dear friend of mine. Taryn, these are the Princesses Marissa, Eliahnna, and Tessa, all daughters of Empress Lliandra.” He faltered a bit when he came to the dark haired beauty who sat slightly apart from Marissa and her sisters. “I’m afraid we haven’t formally met, but you must be Princess Sabina.” He turned to Taryn to explain. “She is visiting from the Summerlands.”
Sabina held out her hand to Hayden, a demure smile teasing her delightful lips. “It is my pleasure, Lord Valen. The princesses have told me stories about you, and I must confess I was rather looking forward to our meeting.” Her lush lashes beat once, twice and then rested prettily on her cheek a moment before fluttering open.
Hayden’s lips pressed against her skin, and Marissa looked away only to meet the curious stare of Taryn. She inclined her head in greeting.
Taryn executed a perfect curtsey. “I’m honored to make your acquaintances.”
Marissa couldn’t place Taryn’s accent, but it sounded rough, unrefined like an Offlander. “Where are you from, child?” Marissa asked when it became clear the girl woul
dn’t speak unless spoken to.
Taryn’s shoulder twitched with a suppressed shrug. “No one location. My grandfather and I traveled from place to place most of my life.”
Hayden indicated they should sit, and Taryn took a seat, her back straight, palms pressed against her knees. She was nervous, that was certain. When a servant brought her tea and cakes, Taryn gave him a grateful smile. Her hand trembled when she lifted the cup to her lips.
Faint inscriptions circled Taryn’s wrist. A tug from deep inside pained Marissa, as often happened when something one longed for is lost for all eternity. Earlier, she noticed Rhoane wore similar marks on his hand, which could only mean one thing. The Eirielle had returned.
Since Taryn’s birth, Marissa had dreaded this day. Her Mari flared for an instant, and Taryn looked at her with doe eyes filled with something akin to recognition.
Tessa pelted Taryn with questions, only pausing long enough to let her give a quick response. She was unfailingly polite, if a little stiff in her replies. Her easy manner charmed the younger princesses, nonetheless. Twice, Marissa tried to enter her mind, but the girl had it sealed shut. What Marissa couldn’t determine was whether Taryn knew who she was and toyed with them or if she was truly ignorant. Pretending to be what you were not was a game Marissa excelled at and, as she studied her, she gauged how skilled Taryn might be, as well.
“I’ve heard your palace is quite remarkable. Is it really made of crystal as everyone says?” Taryn asked Tessa with a guilelessness Marissa found insulting.
Only an Offlander would be dense enough to ask such a tactless question. Perhaps her innocence was genuine, and if so, it would make Marissa’s objectives that much easier to obtain.
“Not really,” Tessa explained, “but Mother likes to tell everyone it is. They call it the Crystal Palace because of the rock it’s made from. When the sun hits it, it shines like polished diamonds. There are whole walls made of rock so clear you can see through them, but unlike glass, it is impenetrable. Even to ShantiMari. Perhaps someday you can visit and I’ll show you.”
The Stones of Kaldaar (Song of the Swords Book 1) Page 12