by T J Muir
“Have you been here long?” Diya asked, making small talk.
“Ten days now. Long enough for the novelty to be wearing off and to be missing the comforts of the palace.”
“The palace?” Diya asked, confused.
“Oh, you didn't know?”
“Know what?”
She put a hand back on her belly.
“Well, yes. I noticed that.” Diya said, then it hit her. “Trey's?”
Findal nodded vigorously. “Indeed.”
“So—you and Trey?”
“Married. Yes.”
Diya coughed, surprised. “Wow. I guess I've missed out on a lot. I'm sorry I wasn't there for the ceremony.”
Findal hugged Diya against her side. “Don't be. We know you would have been there if you could have. And besides, it was a bit-- hurried.”
“You mean--”
“Exactly. But that had been the plan. To force the issue with Trey's uncles by presenting them with a 'situation.' Oh you should have seen that. When Papa showed up in an outrage, to the entire council. Presented with the clear evidence of disgrace, there wasn't much they could do but agree to the match! Uncle was irate. I think Trey loved that bit most of all.”
Diya was taking that in when Kalat returned carrying a large box.
“See. I am still here. On my feet and unmolested.”
Kalat grunted again, looking unamused by Findal's dry humor.
“Trey insists on keeping me near,” she said, nodding towards her escort. “And on making sure I am never left unprotected especially away from the palace,” she sighed, sounding a bit tired. “Come. I need to sit down and get off my feet.”
She led them down a small lane that wrapped along a pond. A little ways down there was a garden with stone benches in the cool shade. Diya helped Findal settle her bulk down and get comfortable, while Kalat stood a few feet away watching over the pair.
“Sometimes having Kalat is worse than nursemaids and chaperones were growing up. But I know Trey means well. And I know it is not without cause. But tell me about you. I hardly even recognize you. And your hair!”
Diya reached up, brushing her hair back, feeling unsure about it now. “Do you like it?”
Findal paused. “Actually, yes. Yes, I do. Very much. You look so exotic now.”
Diya laughed. “Well, I wasn't aiming for exotic. The goal was to blend in. I wanted to come find Trey but I was worried that someone from back home might recognize me.”
Then it was Findal's turn to laugh. “Nothing to worry about there. You look exquisite. But so different. And it isn't just the hair.” She looked at Diya again, scanning her head to toe. “So, tell me. Where have you been?!”
Diya looked at Findal's clothes and then back at her own, feeling shabby and underdressed. She hadn't taken much of her jewelry and had gotten out of the habit of wearing it. Now she felt unpresentable. “In hiding.” In the middle of a forest miles away from civilization. “I suppose you heard the official story?”
Findal nodded. “Everyone heard, it went all over the city. Rumours and speculation-- everyone was talking about it, that you had gone missing. That you had run away with your secret lover, that you had drowned yourself, that you'd sailed off from southport for the southern islands, that you'd changed your name and joined one of the holy sects. Each one was more ludicrous than the last. I knew they probably weren't true. I mean, part of me hoped you might have found Jay, Jedda, and disappeared together. But I figured that was unlikely.”
Diya could see the sad pity on Findal's face as she spoke.
“So tell me!”
“Well, nothing nearly as exciting as the stories, that's for sure. It was arranged for me to disappear, leaving in the middle of the night and taking nothing except a few essentials.”
“Nothing?”
Diya shook her head, remembering her finery, neatly laid out in her dressing room so far away now. Gone. “Nothing.”
Findal looked appalled. “How horrible for you!” Findal reached out and brushed Diya's hair back. “So does your family know where you are?”
Diya nodded, reluctantly. Even though this was her closest friend, she felt uncomfortable. She wasn't supposed to tell anyone ever, in order to assure the secret stayed safe. She trusted Findal completely. But she also knew how easy it was for a tiny slip of the tongue to happen. She hoped that Findal had learned discretion. Certainly she had always been more level headed than the likes of Linna and Minna. But still, everyone in their circles thrived on gossip and scandal. Sitting there, she was grateful for Kalat's presence, watching over them.
The two chatted for a little while, Findal catching her up on the social chatter from Tatak Rhe, interrupted only by brief pauses to shift her position or rub her belly. After a while the shifts became punctuated with small groans.
“I really shouldn't keep you,” Diya said. “You sound exhausted.”
Findal groaned outright, hearing that. “That's the truth. It seems all I do these days is eat and sleep. I'll be happy to have this little nugget out, that's for sure.”
“When are you due?”
“Well- do you want the official date or the actual date?”
It took Diya a second to figure out her meaning. “Oh.”
“Yes. We're actually a bit torn. We'd both feel much better if it were born at home. But, being born elsewhere, we can claim it came a bit early, without the speculation that it looked very healthy for its circumstances.”
“So, how is the convocation going?”
Findal rolled her eyes. “I think I have slept through most of it, and slept through Trey's explanation of events as well.”
“Do you think it would be possible to see him?”
Findal fished out a chocolate, looking thoughtful. “I don't know. I know he is busy, but I can ask. I know he would want to see you. I'm sure of it. But I'm also not sure how to arrange it. It isn't like we can just bring you onto the estates,” she paused, licking her finger tips. “I know. Tell me where you are staying. I'm sure Trey could slip out for a while and no one would notice.”
The baby must have kicked, because Findal flinched, putting both hands on her belly. She smiled, but Diya could tell she was in discomfort. She was torn. She wanted to sit and talk and talk. But she knew Findal needed to lie down, and she felt too exposed. If she wouldn't draw attention, sitting with the Da'har's wife might. All she needed was for someone to start asking questions about Findal's companion. And she hated that Hak'kar had made her paranoid.
“I'm at the Ivy Gardens, just to the west of the city, off the River Road.” She realized she had lowered her voice as she gave the directions.
“Is that where you've been this whole time? Hiding out at an inn?”
Diya laughed. “Oh wouldn't that be lovely!” She imagined waking up every day to breakfast, hot baths, scented lotions and no demands on her time. “But no. I've been staying with some distant relatives of a friend of the family, a tiny place called Dunwood. I don't think it is even on any maps. The father, Ashok, is a master builder who travels a lot. It's a very nice little place. Very different than home.” Diya had omitted the bit about being the children's governess. She didn't want to see the pitying or scandalous look on Findal's face when she heard that truth. Fortunately, the baby chose that moment to send another solid kick out into the world, and Findal didn't press the subject.
“I wish we could stay here. Or that you could come back with me. Then we could stay up all night and talk. But this one,” she said, rubbing her belly, “has its own ideas.”
As if on cue Kalat stepped forward, helping Findal to her feet. “Zo'Trey will be unhappy if you are kept out and tire yourself.
Findal nodded, looking at Diya sadly. Both of them felt torn, but knew that reality was going to pull them in opposite directions. “Walk with me, at least back to the square.”
Diya stood up, taking Findal by the arm, feeling Kalat's watchful eye on them.
Back in the square, the two paused,
lingering. Neither one of them wanted to say goodbye, knowing it could be a very long time before they saw each other again.
“How long will you be staying?' Findal asked.
Diya shrugged, uncertain. “A few days, maybe?”
“I must see you again before you leave. Promise?”
Diya nodded, hugging Findal. “I hope so. Yes. Yes, let's try to meet again. But I would also like to see Trey. He may know something that can help. I don't know if there is an answer to this disaster.”
“Ir’Da’hana.”
Diya froze, feeling a knot in her stomach and cold panic. A flash of turquoise and dusty purple passed by. Colors she knew all too well. That was Pavan himself, bearing down on Findal. She recognized the silky smooth tone of disinterest and boredom. She turned, despite herself, and for a split second looked him right in the eye. Did he recognize her?
CHAPTER Thirty
Kalat instinctively stepped between Findal and Diya, and Pavan. She turned away, trying to disappear into the crowd. She fought down the urge to run, forcing herself to remain calm and not draw attention to herself. Hopefully, Findal would have Pavan’s full attention. She never imagined that Findal would rise to such prominence but right now she prayed and trusted that Findal would keep Pavan distracted. Part of her knew that there was nothing about her that would draw his attention. She looked different, and she was far enough away from home.
Stopping long enough to tie a scarf over her head, she hurried through the crowds, hugging her packages. She moved quickly, back across the square, down the steps and across the bridge. Only then did she slow her pace and relax, although she kept looking behind her to be sure she wasn't being followed.
She circled around and came to the inn from the far side, looking over her shoulder before dashing up the steps and in the door. She could hear the clink of silverware and the low buzz of conversation coming from the dining room. There was a time when she would have felt the pull of good food, wine and conversation but she wanted nothing more than to get behind a closed door. She was halfway up the stairs when a voice startled her.
Calling up from the entry, “Will you be wantin dinner?”
She half turned, gripping the railing tightly. It was just Minara, wiping her hands on a towel.
After a day of running around, she was feeling hungry. “In my room, thank you.”
“Would you care for anything in particular?”
She thought of a hot spicy choofa dish but knew that wasn't likely. “No, just a plate, something hot. Some cheese perhaps and a bottle of wine? And a bit of brandy.”
Minara nodded and turned towards the kitchen as Diya dashed up the stairs into her room. She decided to wash up while most of the guests were still at dinner. By the time she finished a short bath and got back to her room, a tray was sitting on the table. She felt the door click behind her and let out a sigh. She sat on the edge of the bed, toweling her hair dry. The routine helped her calm down. She pushed her damp hair back, and turned her attention to the tray.
First, she poured a glass of wine from the carafe, just a small taste. Satisfied with the dark red wine which had hints of oak and cherry, she took a larger sip. Then she removed the cover from the tray to find an assortment of sliced meat and cheeses as well as sweet bread, fruit, and a hot dish of choofa with vegetables. She put together a plate and carried it over to the chair by the window. Having eaten her fill, she poured a glass of brandy and took a couple of spiced chocolates and settled back down in the chair. She hadn't brought any books or anything to do. So she watched the sky dim and the moons rise as she sipped at her brandy.
She lit the lanterns in her room but kept them low. She liked the dim light, feeling less exposed. She replayed her day in her mind. Findal had looked good. Happy. She was glad for her friend. Pregnant? That was a surprise. She tried to imagine Findal with a baby. What would Trey and Findal's baby look like? But oh, how she waddled. She remembered her walking up the steps, just before they ran into Pavan. She flinched. Pavan had looked right at her. Had there been any hint of recognition? The man was a seasoned player in that game though. She wondered if his expression would have changed, even if he had known exactly who she was.
She reminded herself that she was safe now, though and forced herself to relax. Drinking another glass of brandy, she lay her head back and watched the lights flicker in the city below until she nodded off.
She woke with a start. It was full dark now, and most of the city lights had gone out for the night. There were no sounds coming from downstairs, but she was sure she had just heard something. A light tapping at her door. Would the serving girl be checking to see if she needed anything?
Her heart raced as she walked across the room. She grabbed the bottle of brandy, to use as a weapon against a possible intruder. She opened the door a crack.
“Trey!” She was surprised, grabbing him by the arm and pulling him into the room, closing the door behind them.
“You know I'm married, right?” He said, laughing.
She laughed despite herself. “How did you find me?” she said, hugging him tightly.
“I asked the innkeeper.”
Her heart skipped a beat. She took a step back, still holding his arm.
He must have seen her expression. “No worries. I simply said I was meeting a friend. She probably assumes I am with the convocation, and that you are my mistress.”
Diya opened her mouth, closed it, then opened it again but just shook her head, speechless. But it was just so good to see her friend that she hugged him again. Then she felt tears on her face. She sniffed. Trey backed up, brushing her hair back, wiping a stray tear away.
“You look good. Even with the hair. The northern air must agree with you.”
“I don't miss the summer heat. But the cold! Oh by the nine hells it gets cold up here!”
Trey laughed.
“Come, sit. I am forgetting myself.” She picked up the brandy, wishing she had requested an extra glass. Instead, she handed him the brandy snifter and took the wine glass for herself. “You also look good. And married! Hard to believe.”
“I know,” he said, sipping the brandy. “But it's been good. Despite the furore our indiscretion and its consequences caused. Especially with Uncle.”
Diya remembered tales of the infamous Uncle. She wondered if the man had a name, but regardless, he was the most powerful member of the Zayam House. Next to Trey, that was.
“Have you heard anything from Jay?” she asked. That was what she really wanted to know.
“Nothing since his letter when he returned the horses. And sent back a stunning Tajynal horse as a gift. That was a wonderful gift and had the added benefit of proving to Findal that Jedda was the man I've always believed him to be. At least we know he is with friends, and he is safe. His man, Kirrin, is a level headed and smart man. From the way he moves and watches a room, I suspect he is very capable of watching out for Jedda.”
“Oh. I never really got to know him.”
“Nor I. But I saw him enough times around the palace. He moves a bit like a soldier, relaxed but alert at all times.”
Diya shook her head. “I don't know. I never noticed.”
“And he has Cham also. But he sounds like he is doing wonderfully, among the Faenyr.”
Diya brightened, hearing that. She had the same sense from Jedda's letter, but it felt better having that confirmed from someone else. The Faenyr! Jedda thought she might be able to find a place to stay, among them. How wonderful would that be? Should she share that information with Trey?
“Diya?”
With a shake of her head, she brought her attention back to her guest. “I'm sorry. I was just thinking about him. I miss him so much.”
Trey nodded sympathetically. “I do too. He brought something, a change. He made me look at things differently. Forced me to see things, even if I didn't like what I saw.”
“I know! There were so many things I never considered-- until I met him.”
&nbs
p; “Let's hope he remains safe, and can come back safely.”
Diya bit her lip. She nodded in agreement. But what would he be able to come back to? Now that it was known he wasn't from a wealthy and prestigious family, could Trey bring him back into his household? She was afraid to ask that question. But she was determined that somehow she would find a place for Jay. When she returned to Tatak Rhe. Until then, she would happily live among the Faenyr. So long as they were together, everything would work out. She kept the bit about the Faenyr to herself, and listened to Trey grumble about the convocation. “It seems all the south wants to talk about is the border. All the west wants to talk about is the shells.”
“The shells? What about them?”
“Well, the western regions are convinced we must know something about why the shells fail, since so many of ours have had issues. Clearly if we understood the problem with the shells we wouldn't be having these issues.”
“Perhaps they are hoping that by comparing the issues the southern regions have, then they might get some idea if the issues they are having are the same, or completely different. Magic has never worked in the south, but water has never been a problem for the most part. Not in the south,” she said, knowing this was all information Trey knew as well as she did. “Now, with the magic becoming unpredictable here in the west, they are thinking that there might be a progression. First the magic fails, and then the water fails. They’ve had a hard time getting access to information though. It seems the Asha-Kajar are just as territorial as everyone else.”
Trey stared at her, his mouth open and face screwed up in confusion.
Diya looked at his expression. “What?”
Trey blinked, opened his mouth to speak and then closed it again. Then he shook his head, as though clearing his mind. “That’s a matter for the councils and priests to deal with.”
For the men to deal with, was what he meant.
“It’s the shells. It affects everyone. And as so’har, it should be my responsibility as much as anyone else’s.”
Trey shook his head, and poured himself some more wine. “It’s nothing you should be concerning yourself about,” he said, decisively.