“Our Queen told me her reasons, all of which I cannot argue, but none of which I can share,” he explained. “Your presence will be nothing more than a brief appearance. Enough to circulate word of your attendance, at the very least. I told her I could not allow you out of your duties for more than a half hour’s time, which she understands. Whatever articles of your uniform you are unable to conceal under your dress will be kept in one of the council rooms just off the hall leading to the main ballroom. After your time at the party has ended, you are to report there, finish dressing, and head to the watch tower at the gates. Are we understood?”
“Yes, sir.”
It was an absolute mess! Her head reeled at the thought of leaving her post for any span of time during such an occasion. They needed to have someone to watch in her place until she could get back to her duties. Someone she could trust to handle any situations that might arise in her absence.
“Do we have any lead commanders?”
“I have commanders, yes. Why?” Cadell asked, squinting at her, curious by her question.
“I need to have someone I can trust watching over things while I am otherwise engaged. You know these men better than I do.”
“I leave the choice in your hands. It is the job of the Captain to appoint duties in situations like this. We can arrange a meeting with the commanders if you desire to better acquaint yourself with them.”
Leyna sat the empty glass down on the table, her body held up by her arm resting lightly on the edge. There was not enough time to get to know any of those men well enough to present a responsibility so great. She was certain they were all worthy men, or Cadell would not permit them the titles they carried, but that didn’t mean they would perform the same for her. They hardly knew her, and it was no secret that some of the men were somewhat put-off at the idea of taking orders from a courtier.
“There is a soldier amongst the ranks, or at least there should be, who goes by the name of Zander Tercsin,” she said suddenly. Her face brightened at the thought. “Do you know this man?”
Cadell pondered over it. “Yes, the name does – ah, I see. Of course. Do you trust him?”
“With my life,” she nodded in affirmation.
“He has a good history from the reports of his work over the years,” Cadell mused. “His fighting is clean and efficient. If you feel he is capable of the job, I can extend a promotion to him as a commander, but he will be under your authority. If he behaves dishonorably, his actions will reflect on you and will be taken into account when determining whether or not you should fall to the repercussions of it.”
“He will not behave dishonorably. I can think of no one else for the job.”
“It is done then.” Cadell wrung his hands, a sharp motion of his head signaling Leyna to move. “I will meet with him and brief him of his orders when we finish here tonight and threaten him with death if he tells anyone at court your identity. That should do the trick.” He held his face stern for a moment before flashing a quick wink in Leyna’s direction.
Leyna chuckled to herself at the thought of Zander’s face in hearing a threat from Cadell. He wouldn’t turn down the promotion, and he didn’t dare cross the General. Moving out onto the floor, she readied herself for another round, her body already screaming at her with exhaustion. “He will prove a worthy commander. I feel confident in that.”
“He’d better. Now ready yourself. There is still much for you to learn if I am going to have you ready for a war in a week. Do not expect to be sleeping tonight.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Her dress fit awkwardly over the waistband of the uniform pants. To hide the legs from view, Leyna borrowed pins from the seamstresses, securing the ankles up and away from the satin slippers she wore over her feet. The neckline was designed to sit high around her neck, the sleeves long and lacy, concealing the thinner fabric of the shirt she wore underneath. Zander’s fingers tugged on the bodice laces, pushing the extra material of her shirt down inside. “Women,” he smirked with a hard yank of his arms. “If you were only a man, this situation wouldn’t be nearly as complicated.”
“Just get it tied and presentable enough that I can get this over with,” she grumbled. Her hands ran along the smooth silken fabric. She wished the circumstances allowed her to appreciate the fine garment more, but it was nothing but a costume now, hiding her true purpose for a brief time.
A detailed mask stared up at her from the small table at her side, purple amethyst stones glittering radiantly around its eyes. The gems were evenly spaced to create a dramatic slant over the opening, smaller stones lining the edges down along the cheek and up to the forehead. At the temple, the mask extended stiffly outward, decorated on both sides with flowers formed of silvery silk. Gently, she lifted it to her face, the shimmering ribbons fluttering down over her shoulders, colorful and elegant, accenting the deep mauve tone of her gown.
Zander finished securing the bodice with one final jerk, his hand playfully slapping Leyna on the back, nearly causing the mask to fall from her grasp. “There. You almost pass as a lady.”
“For the next thirty minutes, she had better,” Cadell’s voice rang out across the room from where he stood near the door. His uniform was the traditional black and gold design of Tanispan military attire, though the trim shone brighter than normal. A pair of gold and ruby cufflinks sparkled in the light of the room. “Commander, you know the plan. As soon as the Captain and I exit this room, you are to report to the watch tower near the front entrance of the palace. If a tree so much as bends in a peculiar fashion, you are to come and notify us immediately. Are we understood?”
“Yes, General.” Zander’s smile disappeared from his lips without a trace. He knew better than to become too relaxed around Cadell.
“Captain,” Cadell turned to Leyna, looking her over closely. “Not bad.” His fingers tapped the surface of the mask dangling from his own hand. It was simple in design. All gold, with a thin, roped trim around the edges. Intricate black geometric patterns filled the empty space around the eyes and molded cheeks, bringing out the colors of his uniform as he slid it over his face. “The Queen and her son have already entered the ballroom and taken their seats. We will make our entrance, mingle briefly, dance a single song if necessary, and find the exit. You are not to leave my side.”
“Very well then. To the tower then, Commander,” Leyna nodded to Zander. “We will see you soon.”
Zander’s heels snapped together in a sharp motion, his hand giving a crisp salute. Without further direction, he turned away, moving swiftly from the room.
Leyna was far too distracted to focus, barely aware of her and Cadell passing through the door into the hallway. The people passed by as if in a dream, blurred images in her mind, their voices a droning hum with no clear words amongst the noise. People bowed and curtsied to her like royalty. Even with a mask, they recognized the unmistakable uniform of Cadell at her side, addressing him by his title.
The ballroom brought back memories to Leyna, standing there again, colorful masked faces surrounding her from one end of the room to the other. Music wafted through the air with a gentle melody while couples danced, smooth and graceful, across the floor. At their approach, the crowd near the arched entry stepped to the side. They formed a path down the center of the floor, opening the way for them to the exquisite thrones at the head of the room, where Queen Vorsila and the Prince sat, somber and rigid in their mourning attire. They wore matching blackened masks, golden knot-work the only splash of color aside from their pale skin.
His interest clearly piqued at Cadell’s arrival, the Prince’s head cocked to one side, peering down the aisle to where Leyna and the General stood. Courtiers flocked to them, lavishing them with compliments and pleasantries in hopes of garnering favor. The attention left Leyna discomforted at the thought of all the eyes upon them. Questioning and curious. They all wanted to know who she was. Cadell was the most powerful man in all of Tanispa, aside from the Prince, and his affairs w
ere always of public interest.
Leyna found her gaze wandering over the feathered faces in the ballroom. It was an occasion which demanded the presence of anyone who held significance in the Tanispan court. Her heart fluttered to think on the possibility of Thade being there, hidden amongst the mass of people, unbeknownst to her under the cover of his mask. Would he even recognize her if they crossed paths? She didn’t know what she would say to him if he did. There was just too much. Too many words left unspoken that morning before she slipped out of his arms.
Would he be angry with her? He must have understood her reasons for leaving. Feolan spoke of the same fears when he came to her after seeing Thade off to Tanispa. There was just too much risk. And though it hurt her to walk away, nothing she felt now would compare to the pain of knowing she was the reason he was banished for treason, or worse. No. It was better this way. And it was better if she ceased her incessant search for him amongst the strangers.
“You look lost,” Cadell mumbled to her under his breath.
She glanced over, pulled from her reverie at the sound of his voice. “I am being watchful. That is significantly better than lost. One cannot be too cautious at times like these.”
Halfway down the aisle, Cadell redirected them off the open path, into the tightly packed throng around the dance floor. Leyna followed his gaze toward the thrones, noticing the Prince to be on his feet. Queen Vorsila had positioned herself in front of him, her thin form petite and frail next to her son’s muscular build. Something appeared to be wrong. Leyna couldn’t see their faces due to the masks, but their body language suggested a disagreement of some kind, the Prince’s gloved hands clenched into fists. After a moment, they both returned to their seats, the Prince’s eyes staring hard into the crowd.
Men came by to offer their praise upon Cadell for his work with the military in preparation for war, their conversations shallow and empty to Leyna’s distracted mind. They occasionally would inquire about the Captain’s position. Had it been filled and by whom. He was evasive with his responses, informing them that it was assigned and that the Captain was well-prepared for any impending attacks, and they shouldn’t worry themselves.
She didn’t feel prepared. How could she be prepared for anything when she was packed into these ridiculous clothes, trapped in the middle of the ballroom by a group of people who had no idea of the danger they could be in. She needed to be outside with the unit, ready to give orders if an attack came. Ready to fight.
A quiet voice managed to find its way to her ear amongst the cacophony of noise filling the room, her head perking up in surprise at the familiar sound. “You are still in Tanispa?” Feolan asked, barely audible over the din. “Maeri and I thought for sure you would disappear and we would never see you again.”
“How did you know it was me?”
“The rumors abound in regards to the mystery woman in the company of General Cadell.” Feolan glanced over to the General before continuing. “Whispers say it’s the new Duchess of Escovul. Maeri and I are familiar enough with that title to assume.”
Hesitant to speak, Leyna let her eyes hover on Cadell, curious if he was aware anyone had approached. He appeared caught up in a deep conversation with a taller gentleman dressed in a perfectly tailored suit of deep green damask fabric, their faces turned in toward each other. Satisfied that he was distracted, she tilted her head closer to her shoulder, hoping Feolan would be able to hear. “The only reason I am here is because Queen Vorsila commanded it. Were it not for that, I would be occupied by far more important matters.”
“A certain someone desires to know of your health and well-being. Perhaps you could give assurance to be passed on, as well as for my own concern.”
“A certain someone?” she asked. Her heart pounded against the inside of her chest. “Might that someone be who I think it is?”
“He returned to Siscal in attempts to see you again a few days after you departed,” Feolan’s eyes scanned the room, his head coming back to pause next to Leyna’s ear once again. “You can imagine his panic to find the front door of your home broken in, the window shattered, and blood stains spattered about. I explained the events the best I could. Of course, all I was able to tell him was your intended destination at the time, but that you left no word of your plans beyond that.”
“And since then, have you seen him?”
“I have not spoken with him, but he is here this evening.”
A pull at her arm told her that Cadell was ready to move, the other man stepping away from the crowd. Horrible timing. She just needed a few more minutes… “Your Grace, it is about time for us to demonstrate your skill at a single waltz before we find our way to the exit.” He started to move away, his eyes shifting suddenly to take note of Feolan standing so close to Leyna’s side. “Why, Consul. I did not notice you there. Sadly, I must take the lady away.”
“Would it be possible for me to steal her for a dance this evening?”
“I am afraid not,” Cadell shook his head sternly. “She is not to be out of my sight.” Leaning in, he added quietly to Leyna, “Nor were you supposed to be speaking with anyone.”
“A waltz then,” she nodded with false cheerfulness. “Consul, if you please, pass along that I am well and I give my deepest regrets in my inability to say more.”
Before she could wait for a reply, Cadell pulled her away, guiding her stiffly out onto the dance floor. The musicians began a soft, graceful melody, signaling the start of a new dance. With the poise only an aristocrat could possess, Cadell bowed deeply, his hand offered to Leyna in expectance. Following his lead, she sank into a formal curtsy, her slender hand daintily resting atop Cadell’s.
There was no denying his incredible partnership as he swept her into the dance. He knew the steps, leading from one move to another, never breaking frame or rhythm. It was a flawless rendition of the dance, though her head was in the clouds. She couldn’t think about the music. Thade was there. Feolan made no indications of his presence being merely assumed. I have not spoken with him, but he is here this evening. Had he seen him? Would he go to him and pass on the message? But then, Thade would be aware of her attendance, if he was not already. He would look for her. She couldn’t let that happen. They needed to finish the dance and get out of there before things grew any more complicated than they already were.
Leyna became aware of Cadell’s sudden distraction, his eyes drawn toward the head of the room, an expression of concern visible around his deepening frown lines. “We may be exiting sooner than expected.”
“General? What is it?”
“The Queen has signaled us to the door. I suggest you move quickly.”
Out of the corner of her eye, Leyna glanced over to Vorsila, her crimson painted lips curled downward in a discontented frown. The Prince was nowhere to be seen, his throne empty, the elegant plumes of his mask lost among the sea of people moving around the room. Leyna barely had a chance to take a step when she caught sight of Zander’s familiar form pushing through the crowd, his unmasked face causing him to stand out among the guests. They recognized the military uniform he wore. The concern laid in why he was approaching Cadell with such haste.
People were moving, separating for the Prince who was now visible, steadily nearing the dance floor, his eyes focused straight ahead, unaware of the women batting their eyes at him as he passed. Cadell urged Leyna forward, his hands pushing her to move toward the door. “Meet up with the commander. We will meet after you get changed and you can brief me on the situation then.”
“Sir –”
“Do you understand?” Cadell’s teeth were gritted, his eyes narrowed at her, almost threatening. Nodding her head, she let him shove her toward the crowd, immediately regaining her balance to fall into step at Zander’s side.
“You look worried, Commander. Speak,” she stated calmly. She didn’t dare meet any of the curious stares aimed at her through the crowd. No one could be allowed to know what was going on. Her rank in the military could
n’t be made obvious, Leyna’s body language attempting to look less authoritative while moving out of the room with Zander.
It took them mere moments to reach the hallway. The corridors were less congested, making travel easier through the twists and turns which led to the chamber where their evening had begun only a short time ago. Waiting until they were out of range from any curious bystanders who might overhear, Zander launched into his report, holding the door open for her to slip inside. “An enemy unit is approaching the palace.”
“The palace?” Leyna gasped. “How did they get by the border patrols? They were not supposed to yet be within Tanispan lands.”
“We do not yet know. There is no mistake, though. Reports show them to be only a few miles off. They will be upon us within the hour. There is little time to prepare.”
Struggling with the laces on her bodice, Leyna felt her frustration building. There was no time for this! She should already be dressed and standing at the tower. “It is knotted,” she huffed, her fingers clenching around the thick ribbons. With a hard yank, the loops holding it in place snapped at their seams. The dress was ruined. Though it made little difference.
Zander already had her uniform doublet in hand as she slid the bodice off, helping her arms through the sleeves over her shirt. While she secured the buttons, Zander unfastened the pins from her pant legs, the clatter of the metal against the floor where he tossed them the only sound in the room other than the hurried rustle of fabric. Her armor waited for her off on a table not far away. It took several minutes for her to put it on, the breast plate thin and light in comparison to the armor she was accustomed to in Siscal. Her gloves allowed for ample movement of her fingers and wrists. Better for the use of the sword now attached at her hip. After a final glance over her inventory and arsenal of weapons, she was content that everything was in order the way it was intended.
The Myatheira Chronicles: The Vor'shai: From the Ashes (Volume 1) Page 83