The Princess, page 12
At first, Aurelia felt uncoordinated, but Brynn was patient with her and before long, she had successfully done a few laps in the shallow water. Part of her didn’t want to leave the water when Brynn called an end to her swim, but she could also feel fatigue starting to set in. When Brynn helped her out of the water, Aurelia’s heart rate picked up slightly and a brief wave of dizziness washed over her. Her stomach clenched and Brynn steadied her with a hand on her shoulder.
“Getting out of the water is likely going to be the hardest part. Let’s have you sit for a bit before we return to your chambers,” Brynn said, guiding Aurelia over to one of the stone benches along the edge of the pool.
Aurelia shuffled over to the bench. When she sat down, the dizziness abated and her heart rate slowed. Rhiannon brought her and Brynn each a cotton towel, and Aurelia pulled hers around her shoulders as Rhiannon took a seat beside her. Aurelia could not deny the exhaustion she was feeling in her body after swimming, but she felt hope bubbling up within her as well. If swimming would help ease her symptoms, she would come to the pool every day.
“The swimming should increase your tolerance for movement,” Brynn said, “which should help your symptoms overall, including the fainting.”
“Thank you,” Aurelia said. “For encouraging me to try.”
“I know it’s challenging,” Brynn replied, “but there’s going to be an element of trial and error to what we’re doing while Rhiannon and I are here. Erik’s guidance was that each patient is different, and that any healer or physician will need to learn what works for each individual.”
“If it will help me improve, then I will try,” Aurelia said. “It’s imperative that I make a good marriage match, and I will not be able to do so if I am not well. No man wishes an invalid for a bride.”
Brynn opened her mouth as if to speak but shut it when Rhiannon cast her a sharp look.
Aurelia glanced between the two of them, her brow furrowing. “I would prefer that you both speak freely while you are here.”
Brynn lightly cleared her throat, shifting some where she sat. “It is only that… things are different in Pern Coen, that is all. Women are not so concerned about marriage, but then again, most marriages on the island are not made for political purposes.”
Aurelia tilted her head. She didn’t know much of Pern Coen, as she’d only visited the island once when she was very young. Most of the empire, especially among the nobility, thought that the ways of the islanders were backward and barbaric. And despite Alekos’ closeness with Rhiannon, he had never encouraged the people of Kelnore to believe otherwise.
“But you are the daughter of royalty among your own people, are you not?” Aurelia asked Brynn. “You didn’t marry to ensure the future of your clan?”
Brynn shook her head. “Spirits, no. I married a man who is a blacksmith and bowyer by trade, and who also happens to be an excellent cook. I married him because I love him.”
“And that was… acceptable among your people?” Aurelia asked, her eyes widening.
“Yes,” Brynn answered.
“Women in Pern Coen fill many roles,” Rhiannon said. “Some are leaders of their clan, some are healers, some are warriors, and some are farmers. And there are also many who choose to be wives and mothers as well, but that is not the only future they have before them.”
Aurelia found herself struggling to fully grasp such a strange belief. For her entire life, it had been drilled into her that her duty to the empire was to marry well and bear her husband many sons. Especially as a princess, the political alliance and wealth that her marriage could bring to the Imperial House was paramount. But even among commoners, women had strict duties they were not to stray from. They were to be wives and mothers, first and foremost. Some common women would also be allowed to work in kitchens, as laundresses, as seamstresses, or as handmaidens, but Aurelia could barely fathom the idea of women working as farmers, much less being warriors. The Imperial Army and Navy would never allow such a thing. The defense of the empire fell to the men. Women were far too delicate and emotional for such a heavy burden.
“The men on your island, they allow such things? Without resistance or complaint?” Aurelia asked.
“In Pern Coen, we believe it makes us stronger,” Brynn said. “It is not for me to decide the desires or destiny of another.”
Aurelia pressed a finger to her chin as she addressed Brynn once more. “Does your husband truly cook?”
“He does,” Brynn said, lightly laughing. “At Castle Clogwyn, for the Ri’s family, no less.”
“And he is the best cook that Castle Clogwyn has had,” Rhiannon said with a smile. “When the other Ris comes to visit the castle, they often swear that they are going to spirit Macsen away to come work in their kitchens.” She paused, placing a hand on Aurelia’s knee. “If the future you wish for is that of a wife and a mother, there is nothing wrong with that, but those are not the only roles a woman can fill.”
“Outside of Kelnore, you mean,” Aurelia said, even as a part of her was intrigued by the ideas that Rhiannon and Brynn had espoused.
“Yes,” Rhiannon said, pressing her lips together. “Outside of Kelnore. Come; let’s get you back to your chambers to rest for a bit. I know Alekos is expecting our presence at dinner tonight.”
Aurelia was careful to move slowly as she rose to her feet, a new habit that Brynn had encouraged her to practice, and she was pleased when she only felt a slight dizziness as she began to walk. They stepped through the double doors on the far end of the pool and then followed the winding palace hallways back to Aurelia’s chambers. Brynn and Rhiannon kept up a light conversation about the warmer weather that had settled over Talekos as the spring season inched closer and closer to summer, but Aurelia found herself only halfway paying attention, unable to keep her thoughts from straying to the conversation they’d had about women in Kelnore. She knew her duty, just as she knew it was wrong of her for entertaining such thoughts, but she couldn’t stop herself from wondering what her future might look like if she lived on the far northern island instead of in the empire. You are a princess, she sternly reminded herself. Kelnore’s people depended on her to help ensure that peace reigned over the empire, and her family depended on her to ensure that the House of Vepi did not crumble. There was no other future for her. Not in Kelnore.
Chapter 19
After three long months, Dimitri’s company was finally leaving Mador behind. But while the rest of his men were on their way to the city of Prosperum in the province of Ignis, Dimitri would be spending time at the Imperial Palace before joining them. In three days, it would be the celebration of the birth of Aurelia and himself, and with the plague having finally dissipated, Alekos was eager for an opportunity to reassert his power and entertain his noblemen.
There would be days of celebration, most of them likely outside and out on the water because the summer was just beginning, but for Dimitri, his first priority upon reaching the palace was seeing Aurelia. His twin had been writing more regularly in recent weeks and from what Dimitri had gleaned in her letters, she had been faring far better in both health and spirit with Brynn’s treatment. She had even been able to begin swimming again in the palace pool, a pastime she had enjoyed since they were children.
There had been constant rumors that many of the noblemen were displeased that a woman had been allowed to act as a physician within the hallowed halls of the Imperial Palace, but as far as Dimitri was concerned, Aurelia’s improving health was far more important than any snide grumblings from any noblemen. And it isn’t as if Cyrus or any of the other palace physicians have been able to help her, Dimitri thought as he rounded a corner of the palace’s third floor, so engrossed in his thoughts that he almost barreled straight into Fabian,
“By the seas,” Dimitri muttered, taking a few halting steps back. “Sorry. I didn’t see you.”
“When did you get here?” Fabian asked.
“I just arrived,” Dimitri replied. He glanced at Fabian’s clothing. Unlike him, his older brother was dressed in muted tones of burgundy and black instead of his military uniform. “I take it you didn’t?”
“I arrived a few days ago,” Fabian replied. “The gods blessed us with clear sailing once we reached the coastline of Solis. Hopefully the same will be true when I return to Lapis.”
“Ah, Lapis,” Dimitri said, arching a brow. “How is Duke Lycaon?”
“An arrogant pestilence I will be glad to see the back of,” Fabian replied, his tone flat. “He at least has enough sense to not have snubbed Father for this particular affair. Are you going to see Aurelia?”
Dimitri nodded. “It sounds as if she has improved much in recent weeks. I’m eager to see her for myself.”
“She does appear to have rallied, from everything I have seen and heard,” Fabian said, even as a slight hint of skepticism filled his voice. “The noblemen have been giving Father grief about Brynn and Rhiannon’s presence, but at least Father has been able to keep them in line for now.”
“If Brynn’s skills are helping Aurelia, I fail to see where the noblemen have room to complain. After all, she will be marrying one of them, or their sons, one day. One would think they would want her to be well.”
“I fear that this whole affair will weaken her marriage prospects, not strengthen them. The noblemen do not care for what they see as a dangerous influence. Aurelia has been spending almost all her time solely with Brynn and Rhiannon. The noblemen are going out of their way to avoid her, and telling their sons, daughters and wives to do the same.”
“She is a princess. Marrying her means marrying into the Imperial House. Only a fool would walk away from such an opportunity.”
“But she is not the only princess. There is also Hadriana. And if given the chance, as it currently stands, the noblemen would choose her for themselves or their sons over Aurelia.”
“Brynn is clearly helping Aurelia improve,” Dimitri said with a frustrated wave of his hand. “What does it matter to the noblemen if the end result is Aurelia’s health being restored?”
“It matters that Brynn is a woman. Women are not physicians. You know that. This isn’t Pern Coen.”
Dimitri’s jaw tightened, his desire for Aurelia to be well again, no matter the cost, conflicting with the order he knew was necessary for the survival of the empire.
“It is not for much longer, at least,” Fabian said, running a hand through his hair. “Brynn and Rhiannon will be gone by the end of the summer; they wish to return to Pern Coen before the weather begins to change and makes their travels to the north more difficult.”
As Fabian spoke, his tone became distracted and Dimitri noticed his brother’s gaze straying farther down the hallway beyond him. Dimitri frowned, glancing over his shoulder, only to find nothing there save for a servant woman. When Dimitri looked back at Fabian, his brother’s gaze was fixed on the servant and remained that way until she slipped through a servants’ door and disappeared from view.
Dimitri cocked his head. “Something caught your interest?”
Fabian’s cheeks flushed and he briefly ducked his chin. “It’s nothing. Enjoy your visit with Aurelia.”
Fabian brushed past him and Dimitri gave a slight shake of his head. If a palace servant had caught Fabian’s eye, that was his brother’s business. Fabian’s indiscretions were his own. The gods knew Alekos had plenty of them, and in truth, he’d never forbidden his sons from doing the same, so long as they did not draw too much attention to who they brought to their beds. With a brief roll of his shoulders, Dimitri continued on down the hallway. When he reached Aurelia’s chambers, Rhiannon met him at the door, ushering him into the common room.
“Welcome home,” she said, pulling him into a hug.
Rhiannon’s warmth brought an immediate smile to Dimitri’s face. Alekos would have been furious with the lack of titles and protocol, but there was a kindness to Rhiannon that was not often seen in the Imperial Court. And for Dimitri, that made it easier to overlook his aunt’s often unorthodox ways. “It’s good to be home. For a little while, at least.”
“Brynn and Aurelia are out on the balcony,” Rhiannon said, motioning for him to follow her. “With the temperature a bit more pleasant today, Brynn thought it would be good for Aurelia to get a bit of sunshine.”
As they stepped out onto the balcony, Dimitri felt the tension in his shoulders and chest ease. Aurelia was seated on a cushioned chair next to Brynn, the two women gazing out at the calm waters of the bay as they conversed. Aurelia looked far less gaunt than when Dimitri had seen her last, and her pallor was not nearly as sickly and pale, but it was the slightest of sparkles in Aurelia’s brown eyes that gave him the most hope.
“You’re home,” she said with a grin. She went to get up, but her movements were slow, a subtle reminder of what Brynn had warned Alekos of. There was hope that Aurelia’s symptoms could improve, but there was no cure. He hurried over to her side and pulled her into a hug.
“By the seas, do you look better than when I saw you last,” Dimitri said as he eased away from her.
“I feel better,” she replied. “Well, most days. Some days are still harder than others.” She resumed her seat, her movements slow and measured. “You’ll have to forgive my slowness. I don’t do anything quickly anymore and standing and walking both still feel difficult at times.”
“Perhaps that’s something you can help us with, Dimitrios,” Brynn said as he took the open seat on the other side of Aurelia and Rhiannon pulled up a chair beside Brynn. “I have had the thought that perhaps a cane would help Aurelia feel a bit more steady on her feet when she’s moving around.”
Aurelia worried her lower lip, dropping her gaze.
“You don’t like the idea,” Dimitri said, focusing on his twin.
“It’s not that I dislike it,” she said with a wave of her hand. “It’s only… I worry how it will be seen by those in court. I would not wish for it to diminish my marriage prospects further.”
“A man should be able to look beyond that,” Brynn said, her tone laced with disapproval. “At least, a decent man should.”
While Dimitri didn’t care for Brynn’s disapproving tone, he also found that to his surprise, he didn’t entirely disagree with her statement. Others would perhaps look down on Aurelia for using such a contraption, but her illness had changed her. If she needed something such as a cane to better navigate the world, she shouldn’t be denied it.
“If it will help you move around easier,” he said to Aurelia, “I do not see how it could hurt to at least consider it. There are woodworkers in the palace complex. One of them should be able to craft something for you.”
“Would you be willing to go with Brynn to speak with them?” Rhiannon asked. “We tried going ourselves but we were not… well received. And every time I have tried to bring it up to Alekos, he’s dealing with the noblemen or having some meeting with General Hesoid or Admiral Vulcanus.”
Dimitri resisted the urge to snort. The woodworkers certainly would have been less than thrilled to see Rhiannon and Brynn. They were not used to taking such requests from women. Pern Coen, he knew, had vastly different laws than the laws that governed the empire, but the people of Kelnore were not accustomed to women being allowed such freedoms.
“Of course,” he answered. “I would be happy to.”
“Was your journey from Mador uneventful?” Aurelia asked. “I spoke with Fabian yesterday and he seemed relieved that once he reached Solis, he was not forced to deal with sailing through constant storms.”
“Surprisingly, yes,” he replied. “At least, once I got away from the coasts. There were still some storms I had to contend with when I initially rode south, but far less than the last time I returned home.”
“You mentioned in your last letter that many are beginning to believe these raiders have something to do with all of this foul weather,” Aurelia said.
“There are many theories, each as outlandish as the last, I suppose. But these raiders clearly have magic, and it’s very possible they could be using that magic to manage such feats. Of course, there is also talk that sirens might be somehow involved as well. And they were long known for their unnatural ability to control the seas.”
“The sirens are this far south?” Brynn asked, tilting her head. “There are old stories of them inhabiting the Niwl Channel, though the Kings of Darnic had more to do with them than anyone on Pern Coen, but I did not realize their reach extended so far.”
“There were sirens,” Dimitri answered, “over a millennia ago. They were believed to be completely destroyed by Kyveli the Conqueror when the empire was founded.”
“Until now,” Rhiannon said, a slight wrinkle settling in her brow.
“Yes,” Dimitri said, unable to keep the derision from his tone. “Until now. Many men have seen evidence of them, myself included. It’s a nightmare, really, with both the raiders and the sirens possessing magic. Though I suppose at the same time, it’s not much of a surprise that they’re ravaging Kelnore’s shores. That is the nature of magic: destruction.”
Brynn stiffened and Rhiannon cast her a sidelong glance before turning her attention back to Dimitri.
“I will not argue with you that magic shouldn’t be used for ill. Spirits know I have seen it used thus,” Rhiannon said. “But I would disagree with you that its very nature is evil.”
“You know Kelnore’s history,” Dimitri said, jerking his head back. Opes’ bones, he wasn’t accustomed to such forthrightness from a woman. “You were raised in Kelnore. You know what horrors the sirens wrought on these shores and the many Kelnorians who lost their lives to them.”
“I know that Kyveli vowed to destroy every last one of them after he claimed that the gods had told him that the southern shores belonged to men. I am not excusing bloodshed, but it is equally possible that the sirens’ actions were not born of pure malice. They might have been born of a desire to defend themselves and what they saw as their home as well.”
