“Thank you, Lady Olivia. Please, call me Alyssa. Apologies for cutting you short but I need to speak to you before the maids return.” She knelt by the side of the chair and looked up into Olivia’s careworn face.
“My dear, whatever is it?”
Alyssa took a deep breath. “You of all people know how the Guardianship of the Watches work.” She paused as Olivia stilled. “You must know that Aaron didn’t take up the Guardianship. His vows never mentioned the Lady; he ignored her completely. I don’t know where it went, or who now holds it, if anyone. I believe that Simeon won’t pick his up, either. That Seneschal of his is controlling him. He is following a different path, and he set my maid, my own maid,” she clenched her fists, “to spy on me.”
“Hush, child.” Lady Olivia touched her shoulder. “I understand, but I don’t know what I can do. Councillor Peverill restricts me; he commands my every move. Aaron intends to force me to Join with him.”
“Simeon is going to try and Join me to your son. In other circumstances, I expect it would have been the right decision, but I can’t, not now.”
“I still don’t understand how I can help.”
Alyssa bit her lip. “After Simeon’s confirmation, I am going to visit my mother at court. Captain Bryce promised to escort me, but I need you to support me. I am going to say that I wish to speak to my mother before I’ll Join. I’ll promise to Join with Aaron when I return and not before. You could use it to delay Joining with Peverill as well, say you want a double Joining.” Alyssa’s shoulders drooped.
“They won’t listen to me,” Olivia said, knowing it for truth.
“You could make them listen if you wanted to. I am sure Lord Stefan would have wanted you to protect the Guardianship. If we don’t, no one else will. The King has to come and stop all this, this chaos,” Alyssa finished, waving her hands in the air. “The maids will return soon. My room is three doors to the right. Lady Olivia, please think about it. I won’t let Greenswatch go down without a fight!” Alyssa stood, adjusting her dress.
“I would have been proud to have you as a daughter.” Olivia held out her hand as she stood. “And I know Stefan would have too.”
“I would have loved it too,” Alyssa said, blinking back tears as she took Olivia’s hands and kissed her cheek. They both felt the zing that passed between them, and they stared at each other wide-eyed before they smiled in recognition and hugged each other fiercely.
“Call me Olivia,” Olivia whispered as they stepped back. “We’ll see what we can do.” She straightened her shoulders as renewed vigour coursed through her veins. Alyssa was right, Stefan would have wanted her to protect the Guardianship with her very last breath.
Alyssa walked down the stairs slowly. As she reached the bottom, she heard the rumble of voices in the long drawing room, so she turned towards the door. She raised her chin as she pushed the door open and entered. Lord Aaron and Councillor Peverill were seated in a huddle with Simeon, deep in conversation. Aaron noticed her first. He stood and gave a shallow bow. “Lady Alyssa.”
“Lord Aaron, Simeon, Councillor Peverill,” Alyssa acknowledged them. “Simeon, shouldn’t you be getting ready?” she asked. “You’re not dressed yet.”
Simeon’s lip curled. “Women and their fripperies. I am ready. Once Lady Olivia arrives, we will proceed to the pavilion.”
“Pavilion? Are we not going to the lake?” Alyssa asked, dread in her heart.
“Reid has it all arranged. We do not need to travel down there. Ah, Lady Olivia, a timely arrival, and Captain Bryce. I wasn’t aware that you were still here, haven’t you a home to go to?” Simeon glared at Bryce.
“Lady Olivia required an escort. I was happy to oblige,” Bryce replied, ignoring Simeon’s blatant hint.
Alyssa grinned in appreciation. “You are welcome, Captain Bryce. If it hadn’t been for you and Lieutenant Jennery, I wouldn’t be here today. Where is Lieutenant Jennery?”
Bryce escorted Lady Olivia to the nearest chair and turned back to Alyssa. “He went to check the horses and ensure everyone is ready to leave on your command.”
“Leave?” Simeon stiffened. “I’ve already told you, Alyssa, that you are not going anywhere. Though the Captain and his men are free to go anytime.”
“Oh?” Alyssa’s eyes glinted a challenge. “And I have already told you that I am going to court to stay with Mother. Captain Bryce and Lieutenant Jennery are escorting me.”
“Absolutely not,” Simeon declared.
“I think you are presumptuous, Lord Simeon. You forget that you are not your sister’s guardian, your mother is. Lady Alyssa wants to be with her mother after all that she has been through. It’s enough to give any woman the vapours,” Lady Olivia said firmly.
“Mother,” Aaron spoke over her, “this is none of your business.”
Lady Olivia gave him a withering glare. “It is certainly none of yours.” She turned back to Simeon as Aaron gaped at her.
“Perhaps I should escort the Lady Olivia outside, maybe some fresh air while you continue the discussion in private,” Peverill interjected, standing up.
“That is not necessary, councillor. Please sit,” Alyssa waved her hand, forcing the councillor to sit back down. He threw a look of desperation at Simeon. “I am not going to be bullied in private. If Simeon has something to say he will say it now.”
They were interrupted as Reid entered the room, closely followed by Jennery. “My lords, ladies, gentleman, we are ready to begin the confirmation.” He was blithely unaware of the tension in the room.
Simeon exhaled. “Very well. Alyssa, we will continue this discussion after, privately.” He led the way out of the room.
Lady Olivia accepted Captain Bryce’s arm before Peverill could cross the room, and they followed Simeon. A slight smile hovered over her mouth. Alyssa allowed Aaron to escort her. His arm was rigid under her fingers and cords in his neck stood out prominently as they left the room. A shocked Councillor Peverill and Jennery followed on behind.
The pavilion was full of seated dignitaries; councillors from the Grove, Lord William from Marchwood and Lord Marcus from East Watch were also present, seated together with their wives and talking intently. Garrick stood at the back amongst the household staff, a heavy frown on his face. Reid ceremoniously led Simeon to the front of the stage and faced the audience.
“Quiet, please,” he called out. “We are about to begin the service for the confirmation of Lord Simeon of Greenswatch.” He bowed to Simeon before stepping away.
Alyssa scowled as a tall dark-haired man joined Simeon. She turned around to the man seated behind her. “Councillor, who is that?”
“Councillor Meritas, he brings great momentum to our council.” He smiled benevolently before he sat back.
Alyssa watched in confusion, numbly listening to the travesty of a service. Her eyes filled with tears as Simeon vowed to keep the rule of the council and swore fealty of Greenswatch not to the King and Lady, but to the council. She bit her lip and clenched her fists, concentrating on keeping her seat; she wanted to launch herself at Simeon and shake some sense into him. How had it come to such a pass? How could Greenswatch be brought to its knees so effortlessly?
“So be it, in the name of the council,” Meritas finally proclaimed. “I give you Lord Simeon of Greenswatch. The council looks forward to a strong and prosperous union.”
Alyssa stood, unable to keep her seat any longer, and confronted her brother. “Congratulations, Lord Simeon, Councillor Meritas.” She held herself rigidly; if she relaxed, she wouldn’t be able to control her growing despair. Her jaw ached with the effort. “But haven’t you forgotten something?” she bit out.
Simeon stiffened. “Not now, Alyssa.”
“If not now, then when?” Her voice cut through the silence. She turned to the room, pale and stern. “Isn’t there something missing? Was the Lady’s blessing for Greenswatch invoked and accepted? If so, I fear I missed it in all the councillor’s smooth words.”
&
nbsp; Lord William rose from his seat. “Lady Alyssa is correct. I was surprised at the lack myself, and at this location.” He glanced up at the canvas awnings. “I fear that your Watch is exposed, Lord Simeon, and that puts the rest of us at risk in turn.”
Simeon drew himself up, his cheeks flushed as he addressed the Marchwood lord. “I think that Lady Alyssa is overwrought with recent events, and certainly behind the times – as it seems is Lord William. The council’s voice is ascendant here in Greenswatch.” He drew in a slow breath. “Councillor Meritas will be pleased to explain it to you.”
“Oh, that will not be necessary. I understand completely,” Lord William said before retaking his seat, nodding at Lady Alyssa.
Councillor Meritas stood forward, frowning at the lord. “Ladies and gentlemen, please.” He waved towards the exit. “Lord Simeon invites you to accept the hospitality of Greenswatch, and to join him in celebration of his confirmation.”
A murmur rose as the audience slowly filed out. Jennery fell in beside Lord William. “Lord William, Lady Imelda,” he said. “You risk much, my lord; best keep your men close. Remember what happened to Lord Hugh.”
“Lady protect us in these trying times,” Lord William intoned, placing his hand over his heart. “As the Lady wishes so that it will be, but leaving that child to face those usurpers on her own – I just couldn’t do it.” William inspected Jennery. “What unit are you? I don’t recognise the uniform.”
“Lieutenant Jennery of the King’s Guard, seconded for the duration to Captain Haven of the Lady’s Guard, sir,” Jennery said. “I am escorting Lady Alyssa to Old Vespers later today with Captain Bryce of Stoneford. Maybe we should travel together, at least until we reach the East Road,” he suggested as Garrick approached them.
“Liaise with Roberts, he’s the captain of my guards.” He indicated a bluff man standing behind them.
“I’ll leave you in the safe hands of Garrick here,” Jennery said as he and Roberts sized each other up as they entered the grand hall. The musicians were playing a lively dance.
“Your lord just painted a huge target on his back,” Jennery murmured to Roberts as Lord William, Lady Imelda and Garrick traversed the hall, garnering much attention. Lady Imelda patted her husband’s arm and moved off to join Lady Olivia seated at a table by the wall. Captain Bryce was standing behind her.
Roberts looked resigned. “Nothing new there, he was a great friend of Lord Hugh. He’s been itching to say something ever since the news reached us. And then not to be invited to the Leaving.” Roberts spread his hands. “It was bound to happen. I brought an extra unit with us to make sure we make it home; they are camped north of the Grove.”
“Good. Unfortunately, you may need them.” Jennery scanned the room. Neither Alyssa nor Simeon were present, and nor was that smarmy councillor that Alyssa had taken such exception to. “Excuse me a moment.” Jennery skirted the dance floor.
“Bryce, did you see where Lady Alyssa went?” he asked as he reached Lady Olivia’s table. Olivia looked up in concern.
Bryce tilted his head towards the far exit. “She went through there with Lord Simeon.”
Jennery observed Simeon’s seneschal stop someone leaving and turn them back into the hall. He caught Roberts’ attention and signalled. Roberts drifted to the other end.
Lord William approached, his blue eyes alert. “What is the matter?”
Jennery grimaced. “I’m not sure, but the doors are all guarded, and no one is being allowed to leave.”
Lord William pinched his lips as he inspected the room. “Nothing for it then, eh Garrick? Must be time to dance with the ladies.” He offered a hand to Lady Olivia.
Garrick grinned in response. “Lady Imelda, it would be my pleasure.”
Chapter 31
Greenswatch
Alyssa paced the drawing room like a caged animal, trying to calm her anger. Simeon was insufferable. If he thought he could keep her locked up, he would be mistaken. And that new councillor of his, well!
The lock clicked, and Simeon entered the room followed by the councillor, Meritas. He was a dark shadow behind Simeon’s shoulder with glittering black eyes that drew her attention. She tried to ignore him.
Alyssa gripped her hands together, ready to pounce on her brother. “Where have you been? How dare you lock me in?”
“You bring it upon yourself by this unbecoming behaviour. Our guests do not want to see you so distraught. Before you make yourself ill, Councillor Meritas wishes to speak to you. He will help you overcome your unnecessary distress. I recommend you listen. It would be easier for you in the end. Now sit.” Simeon pointed to the chair.
“No, I will not sit, and I will not listen to either of you. You will let me out.”
“All in good time,” the smooth voice of Meritas interrupted. “Please, I mean you no harm. Sit, and we can begin. My lord, why don’t you return to your guests; you will be missed. Keep them there. I will be along shortly,” he instructed.
Simeon inclined his head and left the room.
“What have you done to my brother?” Alyssa moved behind a chair, her fingers curling like claws around the rigid back, determined not to look at him.
Meritas shrugged. “Nothing that will harm. Just helped him find the true path, as will you. Look at me, Alyssa. Such a pretty name. Look at me and listen, listen to my voice; it will help you relax and free you of these anxieties.” His voice droned, a continuous stream as he circled the room, closing in on her.
Alyssa shook the intrusive buzz out of her head and moved away from him. She chanted the Lady’s Oath under her breath, concentrating on the words. Dear Lady, she beseeched, help me. She moved in counterpoint to the man who was slowly backing her into the corner. She knew what he was doing, but she couldn’t see a way out, the chair between them her final barrier.
“That’s right. Listen to my voice, you know you want to, my voice is the door to all you need,” Meritas crooned as he moved forward. His eyes glinted as he cornered her. Lunging, he brushed the chair out of her hands as if it was matchwood and pinned her against the wall. He lifted her chin. “Stare into my eyes, and sink deep, deeper, you are feeling relaxed, and at ease.”
Alyssa struggled against his relentless grip. “You are relaxing, as you sink deeper and deeper.” He muffled her mouth as she attempted to bite him. “You are tired. It is time to sleep, Alyssa, time to close your eyes and sleep.” Her struggles lessened as she stared up into his severe face.
“Is that how you always get your women?” A sharp voice broke the spell. “It doesn’t seem very honourable to me. Does it you, Tagerillion?” Jerrol raised his brow at the tall Sentinal standing beside him.
“No, he must be taught those manners that he seems to have mislaid.” Tagerill stared at the man. “Most unseemly behaviour.”
Before Meritas could react, Tagerill crossed the room and slammed him against the wall, forcing him to release Alyssa, who gasped as she slid out of his grasp.
Jerrol was by her side in an instant, helping her to a nearby settee. “Lady Alyssa, are you alright?”
Alyssa sniffed and rubbed her face. “He was trying to make me go to sleep. His voice,” she shuddered, “it was creepy. I was struggling to ignore it. Captain Jerrol, Tagerill, you arrived just in time!”
“Who is he?”
The man struggled against the grip that pinned him against the wall, his feet dangling as Tagerill whispered in his ear. The man’s face blanched.
“He is the new councillor, Meritas. Apparently, head councillor, as he performed the confirmation ceremony, if you can call it that. I’ve never seen him before, but the rest are in thrall. He has done something to Simeon, I am sure of it.”
Jerrol helped Alyssa rise. “I need to have a quick chat with him. Do you think you can return to the hall and pretend to be in thrall too? Just agree with Simeon or Aaron, appear docile? I’ll be along shortly.”
Alyssa leaned on his arm. “Thank you for saving me, and thank you for sa
ving Greenswatch, Captain.” She kissed his cheek. They both felt the Lady’s thrill as they touched. “I will help in any way I can.”
“Well, we haven’t saved it yet. But Lady willing we will. Don’t be alarmed when you pass the guards who appear to be sleeping on duty. We will help them later.”
Alyssa chuckled with delight, a little colour returning to her cheeks. Tagerill winked at her impishly, making her smile broaden.
Jerrol escorted Alyssa to the door, opening it quietly to check the corridor. “All clear.” He opened the door wider. Alyssa slipped through the door and lifted her chin, assuming a vapid expression on her face. Casting a saucy glance at Jerrol, which made him grin in appreciation, she skipped down the corridor. Shaking her head in disbelief, she passed the slumped body of one of her brother’s guards.
The strains of a waltz grew louder as she approached the doors of the grand hall. She smiled at Birlerion, who stood guard outside the door. He grinned back at her and opened the door, allowing her to slip in and shutting it behind her.
Jennery and Bryce were skirting the dance floor, looking alert. She cast them a vapid look before approaching her brother. “Simeon,” she said. “It’s ages since we last danced. May I have the honour of this dance with our newest lord?”
“A pleasure, my dear.” He took her in his arms. “So, did you enjoy your chat with Meritas?” he asked, watching her closely.
“Such a nice man, so soothing.” Alyssa gazed at him, emptying her head of all thought.
“Good, I’m glad. He will be good for the Watch, I believe.”
“I’m sure,” Alyssa replied dreamily as they circled the ballroom.
“And here is Lord Aaron, I believe about to cut in.” He surrendered Alyssa into the arms of the Deepwater lord.
Jennery watched Alyssa spinning around the dance floor. She didn’t look right. He caught her eye, and she distinctly winked at him before her face resumed its vacant expression. What was going on?
Sentinals Awaken: Book One of the Sentinals Series Page 26