The Princess, page 16
Fabian flushed as he retied his hair and a few moments later, he and Dimitri strode onto the creaking wooden docks.
“Finally losing that responsible streak of yours?” Dimitri asked, his tone light as the two of them passed the handful of warships and leisure vessels that bobbed in the water.
Fabian’s jaw tightened, his gaze still fixed firmly ahead of him. “All men have their vices, do they not? Including Father.”
Dimitri cast his brother a sidelong glance. Their entire lives, Fabian had been lauded as the model son. He had followed every rule and obeyed Alekos’ every whim. Fabian was Kelnore’s future and Alekos had molded his oldest son into the image of a powerful and mighty heir. But he is still a man, Dimitri thought. Just like the rest of us. No matter how much Alekos and the priests tried to paint the Imperial House in the likeness of the gods, they were mortals still. Dimitri’s thoughts flitted back to the servant woman who had drawn Fabian’s interest in the hallway days ago, then shook his head. Fabian’s business was his own. Besides, Dimitri had his own problems, like preparing to deal with Alekos’ inevitable fury when they reached the Grandis.
Tension crept into Dimitri’s shoulders when they strode up to the tall masted ship at the far end of the docks. He could hear the din of voices from the ship’s deck as they made their way up the gangplank. Four of Alekos’ personal guard met them at the top, bowing to both of the princes. As Dimitri and Fabian stepped onto the wide deck, Dimitri saw no sign of Alekos among the clusters of nobility scattered about, but mere seconds later, Alekos’ booming voice broke through the chatter of conversation. Dimitri swallowed hard as Alekos strode toward them. While Alekos’ expression was neutral, the tightness in his jaw and his bunched shoulders betrayed his irritation.
“Ah, my sons have finally joined us!” he said, coming to stand on Fabian’s right.
The noblemen and their families all turned their gazes toward Alekos, who raised his hand.
“Let us get underway,” he said. “May Ventus and Procella bless our hunting of these waters, and may we be victorious against the creatures that live in them!”
A cheer rose from the crowd and sailors scurried to free the Grandis from the dock.
“A word with the two of you,” Alekos said, his voice low. “Now.”
Alekos turned on his heel and strode off toward the below deck, leaving Fabian and Dimitri falling in step behind him, the trio flanked by Alekos’ personal guard. Before they descended the steps, Dimitri briefly gazed out at the bay with longing. He had no desire to be on the receiving end of one of his father’s lectures, like he was a damned child instead of a man of twenty and three, but one did not tell the Emperor of Kelnore no. Not even his sons.
They passed the extravagant dining area that would soon be in use, decorated with all manner of brightly colored cloth and artfully decorated shells, as well as a viewing area on the far side of the ship with tall glass windows that would allow the nobility to look out onto the water without being exposed to the elements. By the time they reached the captain’s quarters, the ship had begun to sway, leaving Dimitri stumbling ever so slightly as he fought to get his sea legs back. Fabian was irritatingly steady on his feet thanks to his years in the Imperial Navy aboard his own vessel. Dimitri far preferred being on land to the open water.
When they reached the captain’s quarters, Alekos ushered them into the room, instructing his guards to remain outside. The moment the door swung shut behind them, Alekos whirled around, his nostrils flaring.
“Where in the seas have the two of you been?” he said with a frustrated wave of his hand. “As if I haven’t already had to send guards to hunt damned Regulus down, I was beginning to think I would have to send them after the two of you as well!”
“I overindulged last night at the banquet,” Dimitri said, clearing his throat as he briefly ducked his chin. “I have no one to blame but myself.”
“This excursion is in your honor, Dimitrios,” Alekos said. “You insult the gods and the noblemen with such reckless and irresponsible behavior. You are not a child. You are damned well old enough to know better.”
“Yes, Father,” Dimitri said, bowing his head, the back of his neck heating.
“And you.” Alekos’ nostrils flared again as he addressed Fabian. “What in all the seas is your damned excuse?”
Panic flashed in Fabian’s eyes, his face paling ever so slightly as he swallowed hard. Dimitri could count on one hand the number of times he had seen Fabian be at such a loss for words. Whatever Fabian had been doing, it was clearly something his brother had no wish for anyone, including Alekos, to know about.
“He was with me,” Dimitri said. “His tardiness was my doing. I convinced him to come down to one of the clavas in the Royal Quarter with me after the banquet. We just wanted a little fun, but I can see now how misguided our actions were.”
The tension in Fabian’s posture eased and Alekos pursed his lips. Dimitri forced himself to meet Alekos’ gaze, despite the slight quiver in his middle. By the gods, he thought. Let him not call me out on that lie. It was a plausible excuse. The clavas were gaming halls exclusive to the nobility, where wine flowed freely and other favors could be gained as well, for a price.
Finally, Alekos focused on Fabian. “You are crown prince. One day, you will be emperor. A lack of self-discipline shows weakness, and that weakness will make the noblemen see you as an easy target for their own schemes. You have spent weeks dealing with Lycaon. You know what you face. I will not have such behavior from you. Is that understood?”
“Yes, Father,” Fabian replied.
“The two of you had best perform well in the hunt,” Alekos said. “You have an opportunity to redeem yourselves; use it wisely. And know that I will be watching every move you take. Come; let us not keep the noblemen waiting any longer.”
Alekos motioned for Dimitri and Fabian to follow him and the three of them left the captain’s quarters behind. Once they were back on the deck, Alekos steered Fabian over to a group of higher-ranking noblemen which included Gavril of Vindemia. The viscount had been doing everything in his power to endear himself to his emperor of late, especially in comparison to Lycaon’s continued troublemaking.
Dimitri walked over to the ship’s railing, surveying the crowd for any sign of Aurelia. The ship would need to make it deeper into the water before they could hunt, and in the meantime, he hoped to find his twin. She was supposed to have been in attendance with Rhiannon. Eventually, he spotted her on the opposite side of the deck, seated in a chair with Rhiannon standing just behind her. Aurelia had her cane resting against her knees, but her eyes were bright as she and Rhiannon spoke. Just beyond her, Dimitri spied Luca standing with his father, Remus, and his half-brother, Cato. Remus appeared to be discussing something in an animated fashion, with Cato hanging on his father’s every word. Out of the corner of Dimitri’s eye, he noticed Duke Osvaldus of Ignis approaching with one of his four daughters trailing just behind him. When Osvaldus loudly cleared his throat, Dimitri had no choice but to acknowledge the other man. Osvaldus bowed while his daughter dropped into a graceful and clearly well practiced curtsey.
“Your Imperial Highness,” Osvaldus said as he straightened. “This is my youngest daughter’s first time in Talekos, and His Majesty wished for Flavia to make your acquaintance. With Ignis and Calidi sharing a border, His Majesty believed that it would be in the best interest of both duchies for Flavia to become better acquainted with Calidi’s future duke.”
Dimitri’s gaze flitted to Alekos, who was still talking with the same cluster of noblemen. Over the last few months, Alekos had not been subtle in reminding Dimitri of the duties that awaited him once his required service in the army came to an end. Once he relinquished his command, he would be expected to take his place as the duke of Kelnore’s coastal southeastern duchy, and, as Alekos had been keen on reminding him of late, a duchy would need a duchess—and heirs. This is your duty, he reminded himself as he took Flavia’s hand and kissed the back of it. His marriage was not his to arrange—that choice belonged to Alekos—and Dimitri could see the benefit in strengthening the alliance between Calidi and Ignis. Marriages were not for love. They were for power.
“Thank you for introducing me to your lovely daughter, Your Grace. Perhaps you would enjoy a walk along the deck, Lady Flavia?” Dimitri asked, offering her his arm.
“Yes, Your Highness,” she said, taking it with a smile.
It could be a far worse arrangement, Dimitri reminded himself as he began to lead the way to the bow of the ship. Flavia did not appear much younger than he was, and with her dark blond hair and rich brown eyes, there was no denying her beauty. She was slender in build, her voice soft and gentle, and she allowed him to do most of the talking. All marks of a noblewoman who would make a respectable wife. Despite his reluctance and resistance to leave his post, the duchy was his future. Every nobleman needed a wife of noble blood, and he would be no exception.
Chapter 25
Two days after the excursion on the Grandis, unusually cool and pleasant weather settled over Talekos, and Brynn and Rhiannon encouraged Aurelia to go for a walk in the palace gardens after the evening meal. Dimitri joined Aurelia as well, as he was to leave for Ignis the following day, and she also brought Sapphirus with her. The wildcat cub had begun to put on a bit of weight and was beginning to have more energy and vigor, which also meant that she needed more productive things to channel her wild energy into.
Aurelia held a small leather lead in one hand, the other end of it attached to a leather harness that Sapphirus wore. Brynn had been helping Aurelia teach the cub to walk on the lead, as it was a safer way for Sapphirus to explore the palace outside of Aurelia’s chambers. As Dimitri and Aurelia walked down the winding crushed shell paths, the fragrant scent of the flowers mixing with the salty smell of the sea, Dimitri watched Sapphirus closely.
“I must admit,” he said with a slight shake of his head, “I truly did not believe that Rhiannon and Brynn would be able to tame such a creature, but she seems surprisingly well-behaved.”
“She has her moments,” Aurelia replied, lightly patting the small pouch that Brynn had helped her attach to one of her gowns. “But food certainly seems to be very motivating to her, and she does seem to be adjusting remarkably well.”
“You are not uncomfortable?” he asked, casting Aurelia a sidelong glance. “Having such a creature sleeping and living in your chambers?”
“She needed someone. And while I cannot give her back the life in the wild that she should have, I can offer her a far better life than she will find in the menagerie.”
Dimitri pressed his lips tightly together. “I still worry about this whole arrangement. But I suppose if Rhiannon has convinced Father that it is safe, perhaps it is.”
They walked a bit farther, Aurelia admiring the rows of blooming oleanders. Sapphirus wanted to chase a few of the flying insects so it wasn’t long before they reached a short row of grape arbors. Aurelia’s gaze traveled to the trio of stone benches on the side of the path. Despite having the support of her cane, she was beginning to feel a bit of fatigue settling over her, and Sapphirus’ earlier vivacious energy had begun to wane.
“I need to sit for a moment,” she said. “And I think Sapphirus could use a bit of a rest as well.”
She scooped Sapphirus into her arms and settled on the bench. As Dimitri sat down beside Aurelia, Sapphirus began to doze.
“You truly are getting around remarkably better, Lia,” Dimitri said. “I’m relieved that Brynn and Rhiannon have been able to help.”
“I am grateful for that as well. Though I admit, I’m nervous for when they eventually depart. I’m not so sure that the royal physicians will be willing to help me keep up with the treatments that Brynn has recommended. They treat her and her knowledge with suspicion, no matter how much it helps.”
“Perhaps we just need to find you a physician of your own. It isn’t as if Father couldn’t afford to employ such a person.”
“Brynn has spoken of a man named Erik who hails from Darnic. Most of the treatments that she has used here have come from him. The royal physicians might not be so opposed to listening to him, being that he is a man.”
“I can ask Luca if he has heard of this Erik,” Dimitri said, rubbing his chin. “Father may be able to get Remus to find this man for him. I know Father has much on his mind right now, but if the physicians will not help you after Rhiannon and Brynn leave, that is certainly a concern.”
“Much on his mind in the way of Lycaon?”
Dimitri frowned. “And what exactly do you know about that?”
“I overheard a few of the noblemen talking on the Grandis. Rhiannon and I had gone to the viewing area so that I could rest for a bit after the second meal, and when she left me to go fetch us drinks, Duke Markus, Duke Osvaldus, and Viscount Crius came into the room. I only caught bits and pieces of their conversation, but I overheard them saying that Lycaon claims that Father has abandoned Lapis and refused to aid the duchy when it has needed it. And that Lycaon sees Fabian being stationed in the province as a sort of insult, as if Lycaon cannot handle his own duchy.” Aurelia half shrugged one shoulder, fidgeting with the end of Sapphirus’ leather lead. She hadn’t meant to eavesdrop on the noblemen’s conversation, but they hadn’t exactly been quiet, either. Besides, Markus thought I was too dull-witted to even fully comprehend what they were discussing anyway, she thought. The snide comment that the duke had made to his fellow noblemen, that her presence in the viewing room was of no consequence, had stung.
“Opes’ bones and Noctus’ teeth,” Dimitri muttered before scrubbing a hand over his face. “Do not repeat what you overheard to anyone else, Lia.”
“Not even to Father?” She had considered more than once going to Alekos with what she had heard, but at the same time, it would have required her admitting that she had been eavesdropping, something Alekos would hardly have approved of.
“Father is already well aware of Lycaon’s treachery,” Dimitri said with a grimace. “That is why Fabian is in Lapis, and why he will remain there until Father says otherwise. To remind Lycaon who is the emperor, and future emperor, of Kelnore.”
“Do you think that will be enough to force Lycaon to get back in line? From what I overheard, it sounds as if Fabian’s presence in Lapis is only making him more irate.”
“I don’t know. It might take more than just threats. It might also take giving Lycaon something he wants.” He gave a slight shake of his head. “But do not worry yourself over it. Father has maintained control of Kelnore for decades, and he learned from his father before him. The House of Vepi has not held the Imperial House for centuries because it is weak. Lycaon might believe himself to be cunning and crafty, but he is not more cunning and crafty than Father.”
Sapphirus began to stir in Aurelia’s arms, the cub stretching out her paws as she gave a big yawn. Soon, she demanded to be let down, ready to begin exploring again. Aurelia was also feeling less fatigued after her brief rest, and she and Dimitri got to their feet to resume their walk through the gardens. But as they continued winding their way through the rows of plants and sculptures, Aurelia couldn’t keep her thoughts from flitting back to the knowledge that all was not well with the Duke of Lapis. Lycaon is just a duke, she reminded herself. Father is emperor. For all of Lycaon’s power, it was nothing compared to Alekos’. And how much trouble could one disgruntled duke cause?
Chapter 26
Fabian’s jaw ached as he paced back and forth in his bedchamber, his gaze continually straying to the small servants’ door on the opposite side of the room. Where in the seas was she? He forced himself to take in a deep breath, flexing his hand. She will come, he told himself. She always has.
He paused to relight a few more candles near his bed, glancing at the lanterns lining the room. They, at least, still appeared to have plenty of oil. Rolling his shoulders, he began pacing again, the fractious energy inside him growing with each passing moment. In a few short hours, he would have to board his ship to return to Lapis. He loathed the thought of more long months spent dealing with Lycaon, the damned man continually causing trouble for Fabian at every turn, from giving the city guard orders that contradicted Fabian’s own to accusing both Fabian and his men of making up the rumors of sirens being sighted in the waters surrounding Lapis to frighten the people into obedience.
A sudden, distinctive knock at the servants’ door caused him to come to an abrupt stop. At a second knock, his pulse quickened. He strode over to the door, his mouth growing dry as anticipation filled him. Slowly, he pulled it open, revealing a woman’s shadowy figure standing on the other side.
“I am alone,” he said quietly.
He ushered Valeria into his chambers, closing the door behind her. Their first meeting months ago had been completely by chance. He had needed new measurements taken for one of his uniforms during a brief interlude at the palace, and Valeria had been one of the palace seamstresses given the task of taking them. Her beauty had been what had first drawn Fabian to her, with her dark hair and her tall build, and he had soon discovered that the attraction he had felt had been returned.
The desires that had been lit between them could go nowhere—they both knew that—but it had not stopped them from enjoying one another’s company and touch whenever they could. Valeria was his one vice. He had always been the dutiful son, taking the utmost care with his carefully crafted image, but there had been something about Valeria that had chipped away at the rigid rules he had so closely followed for all of his life. He could have her, so long as what was between them was kept secret. He pulled her into a kiss that she eagerly returned before he placed his hands on her waist in order to guide her over to his bed.
“You seem restless,” she said when they were forced to part for air. “And troubled.”
“Less restless and troubled now that you’re here,” he said before capturing her lips in another kiss.
“Finally losing that responsible streak of yours?” Dimitri asked, his tone light as the two of them passed the handful of warships and leisure vessels that bobbed in the water.
Fabian’s jaw tightened, his gaze still fixed firmly ahead of him. “All men have their vices, do they not? Including Father.”
Dimitri cast his brother a sidelong glance. Their entire lives, Fabian had been lauded as the model son. He had followed every rule and obeyed Alekos’ every whim. Fabian was Kelnore’s future and Alekos had molded his oldest son into the image of a powerful and mighty heir. But he is still a man, Dimitri thought. Just like the rest of us. No matter how much Alekos and the priests tried to paint the Imperial House in the likeness of the gods, they were mortals still. Dimitri’s thoughts flitted back to the servant woman who had drawn Fabian’s interest in the hallway days ago, then shook his head. Fabian’s business was his own. Besides, Dimitri had his own problems, like preparing to deal with Alekos’ inevitable fury when they reached the Grandis.
Tension crept into Dimitri’s shoulders when they strode up to the tall masted ship at the far end of the docks. He could hear the din of voices from the ship’s deck as they made their way up the gangplank. Four of Alekos’ personal guard met them at the top, bowing to both of the princes. As Dimitri and Fabian stepped onto the wide deck, Dimitri saw no sign of Alekos among the clusters of nobility scattered about, but mere seconds later, Alekos’ booming voice broke through the chatter of conversation. Dimitri swallowed hard as Alekos strode toward them. While Alekos’ expression was neutral, the tightness in his jaw and his bunched shoulders betrayed his irritation.
“Ah, my sons have finally joined us!” he said, coming to stand on Fabian’s right.
The noblemen and their families all turned their gazes toward Alekos, who raised his hand.
“Let us get underway,” he said. “May Ventus and Procella bless our hunting of these waters, and may we be victorious against the creatures that live in them!”
A cheer rose from the crowd and sailors scurried to free the Grandis from the dock.
“A word with the two of you,” Alekos said, his voice low. “Now.”
Alekos turned on his heel and strode off toward the below deck, leaving Fabian and Dimitri falling in step behind him, the trio flanked by Alekos’ personal guard. Before they descended the steps, Dimitri briefly gazed out at the bay with longing. He had no desire to be on the receiving end of one of his father’s lectures, like he was a damned child instead of a man of twenty and three, but one did not tell the Emperor of Kelnore no. Not even his sons.
They passed the extravagant dining area that would soon be in use, decorated with all manner of brightly colored cloth and artfully decorated shells, as well as a viewing area on the far side of the ship with tall glass windows that would allow the nobility to look out onto the water without being exposed to the elements. By the time they reached the captain’s quarters, the ship had begun to sway, leaving Dimitri stumbling ever so slightly as he fought to get his sea legs back. Fabian was irritatingly steady on his feet thanks to his years in the Imperial Navy aboard his own vessel. Dimitri far preferred being on land to the open water.
When they reached the captain’s quarters, Alekos ushered them into the room, instructing his guards to remain outside. The moment the door swung shut behind them, Alekos whirled around, his nostrils flaring.
“Where in the seas have the two of you been?” he said with a frustrated wave of his hand. “As if I haven’t already had to send guards to hunt damned Regulus down, I was beginning to think I would have to send them after the two of you as well!”
“I overindulged last night at the banquet,” Dimitri said, clearing his throat as he briefly ducked his chin. “I have no one to blame but myself.”
“This excursion is in your honor, Dimitrios,” Alekos said. “You insult the gods and the noblemen with such reckless and irresponsible behavior. You are not a child. You are damned well old enough to know better.”
“Yes, Father,” Dimitri said, bowing his head, the back of his neck heating.
“And you.” Alekos’ nostrils flared again as he addressed Fabian. “What in all the seas is your damned excuse?”
Panic flashed in Fabian’s eyes, his face paling ever so slightly as he swallowed hard. Dimitri could count on one hand the number of times he had seen Fabian be at such a loss for words. Whatever Fabian had been doing, it was clearly something his brother had no wish for anyone, including Alekos, to know about.
“He was with me,” Dimitri said. “His tardiness was my doing. I convinced him to come down to one of the clavas in the Royal Quarter with me after the banquet. We just wanted a little fun, but I can see now how misguided our actions were.”
The tension in Fabian’s posture eased and Alekos pursed his lips. Dimitri forced himself to meet Alekos’ gaze, despite the slight quiver in his middle. By the gods, he thought. Let him not call me out on that lie. It was a plausible excuse. The clavas were gaming halls exclusive to the nobility, where wine flowed freely and other favors could be gained as well, for a price.
Finally, Alekos focused on Fabian. “You are crown prince. One day, you will be emperor. A lack of self-discipline shows weakness, and that weakness will make the noblemen see you as an easy target for their own schemes. You have spent weeks dealing with Lycaon. You know what you face. I will not have such behavior from you. Is that understood?”
“Yes, Father,” Fabian replied.
“The two of you had best perform well in the hunt,” Alekos said. “You have an opportunity to redeem yourselves; use it wisely. And know that I will be watching every move you take. Come; let us not keep the noblemen waiting any longer.”
Alekos motioned for Dimitri and Fabian to follow him and the three of them left the captain’s quarters behind. Once they were back on the deck, Alekos steered Fabian over to a group of higher-ranking noblemen which included Gavril of Vindemia. The viscount had been doing everything in his power to endear himself to his emperor of late, especially in comparison to Lycaon’s continued troublemaking.
Dimitri walked over to the ship’s railing, surveying the crowd for any sign of Aurelia. The ship would need to make it deeper into the water before they could hunt, and in the meantime, he hoped to find his twin. She was supposed to have been in attendance with Rhiannon. Eventually, he spotted her on the opposite side of the deck, seated in a chair with Rhiannon standing just behind her. Aurelia had her cane resting against her knees, but her eyes were bright as she and Rhiannon spoke. Just beyond her, Dimitri spied Luca standing with his father, Remus, and his half-brother, Cato. Remus appeared to be discussing something in an animated fashion, with Cato hanging on his father’s every word. Out of the corner of Dimitri’s eye, he noticed Duke Osvaldus of Ignis approaching with one of his four daughters trailing just behind him. When Osvaldus loudly cleared his throat, Dimitri had no choice but to acknowledge the other man. Osvaldus bowed while his daughter dropped into a graceful and clearly well practiced curtsey.
“Your Imperial Highness,” Osvaldus said as he straightened. “This is my youngest daughter’s first time in Talekos, and His Majesty wished for Flavia to make your acquaintance. With Ignis and Calidi sharing a border, His Majesty believed that it would be in the best interest of both duchies for Flavia to become better acquainted with Calidi’s future duke.”
Dimitri’s gaze flitted to Alekos, who was still talking with the same cluster of noblemen. Over the last few months, Alekos had not been subtle in reminding Dimitri of the duties that awaited him once his required service in the army came to an end. Once he relinquished his command, he would be expected to take his place as the duke of Kelnore’s coastal southeastern duchy, and, as Alekos had been keen on reminding him of late, a duchy would need a duchess—and heirs. This is your duty, he reminded himself as he took Flavia’s hand and kissed the back of it. His marriage was not his to arrange—that choice belonged to Alekos—and Dimitri could see the benefit in strengthening the alliance between Calidi and Ignis. Marriages were not for love. They were for power.
“Thank you for introducing me to your lovely daughter, Your Grace. Perhaps you would enjoy a walk along the deck, Lady Flavia?” Dimitri asked, offering her his arm.
“Yes, Your Highness,” she said, taking it with a smile.
It could be a far worse arrangement, Dimitri reminded himself as he began to lead the way to the bow of the ship. Flavia did not appear much younger than he was, and with her dark blond hair and rich brown eyes, there was no denying her beauty. She was slender in build, her voice soft and gentle, and she allowed him to do most of the talking. All marks of a noblewoman who would make a respectable wife. Despite his reluctance and resistance to leave his post, the duchy was his future. Every nobleman needed a wife of noble blood, and he would be no exception.
Chapter 25
Two days after the excursion on the Grandis, unusually cool and pleasant weather settled over Talekos, and Brynn and Rhiannon encouraged Aurelia to go for a walk in the palace gardens after the evening meal. Dimitri joined Aurelia as well, as he was to leave for Ignis the following day, and she also brought Sapphirus with her. The wildcat cub had begun to put on a bit of weight and was beginning to have more energy and vigor, which also meant that she needed more productive things to channel her wild energy into.
Aurelia held a small leather lead in one hand, the other end of it attached to a leather harness that Sapphirus wore. Brynn had been helping Aurelia teach the cub to walk on the lead, as it was a safer way for Sapphirus to explore the palace outside of Aurelia’s chambers. As Dimitri and Aurelia walked down the winding crushed shell paths, the fragrant scent of the flowers mixing with the salty smell of the sea, Dimitri watched Sapphirus closely.
“I must admit,” he said with a slight shake of his head, “I truly did not believe that Rhiannon and Brynn would be able to tame such a creature, but she seems surprisingly well-behaved.”
“She has her moments,” Aurelia replied, lightly patting the small pouch that Brynn had helped her attach to one of her gowns. “But food certainly seems to be very motivating to her, and she does seem to be adjusting remarkably well.”
“You are not uncomfortable?” he asked, casting Aurelia a sidelong glance. “Having such a creature sleeping and living in your chambers?”
“She needed someone. And while I cannot give her back the life in the wild that she should have, I can offer her a far better life than she will find in the menagerie.”
Dimitri pressed his lips tightly together. “I still worry about this whole arrangement. But I suppose if Rhiannon has convinced Father that it is safe, perhaps it is.”
They walked a bit farther, Aurelia admiring the rows of blooming oleanders. Sapphirus wanted to chase a few of the flying insects so it wasn’t long before they reached a short row of grape arbors. Aurelia’s gaze traveled to the trio of stone benches on the side of the path. Despite having the support of her cane, she was beginning to feel a bit of fatigue settling over her, and Sapphirus’ earlier vivacious energy had begun to wane.
“I need to sit for a moment,” she said. “And I think Sapphirus could use a bit of a rest as well.”
She scooped Sapphirus into her arms and settled on the bench. As Dimitri sat down beside Aurelia, Sapphirus began to doze.
“You truly are getting around remarkably better, Lia,” Dimitri said. “I’m relieved that Brynn and Rhiannon have been able to help.”
“I am grateful for that as well. Though I admit, I’m nervous for when they eventually depart. I’m not so sure that the royal physicians will be willing to help me keep up with the treatments that Brynn has recommended. They treat her and her knowledge with suspicion, no matter how much it helps.”
“Perhaps we just need to find you a physician of your own. It isn’t as if Father couldn’t afford to employ such a person.”
“Brynn has spoken of a man named Erik who hails from Darnic. Most of the treatments that she has used here have come from him. The royal physicians might not be so opposed to listening to him, being that he is a man.”
“I can ask Luca if he has heard of this Erik,” Dimitri said, rubbing his chin. “Father may be able to get Remus to find this man for him. I know Father has much on his mind right now, but if the physicians will not help you after Rhiannon and Brynn leave, that is certainly a concern.”
“Much on his mind in the way of Lycaon?”
Dimitri frowned. “And what exactly do you know about that?”
“I overheard a few of the noblemen talking on the Grandis. Rhiannon and I had gone to the viewing area so that I could rest for a bit after the second meal, and when she left me to go fetch us drinks, Duke Markus, Duke Osvaldus, and Viscount Crius came into the room. I only caught bits and pieces of their conversation, but I overheard them saying that Lycaon claims that Father has abandoned Lapis and refused to aid the duchy when it has needed it. And that Lycaon sees Fabian being stationed in the province as a sort of insult, as if Lycaon cannot handle his own duchy.” Aurelia half shrugged one shoulder, fidgeting with the end of Sapphirus’ leather lead. She hadn’t meant to eavesdrop on the noblemen’s conversation, but they hadn’t exactly been quiet, either. Besides, Markus thought I was too dull-witted to even fully comprehend what they were discussing anyway, she thought. The snide comment that the duke had made to his fellow noblemen, that her presence in the viewing room was of no consequence, had stung.
“Opes’ bones and Noctus’ teeth,” Dimitri muttered before scrubbing a hand over his face. “Do not repeat what you overheard to anyone else, Lia.”
“Not even to Father?” She had considered more than once going to Alekos with what she had heard, but at the same time, it would have required her admitting that she had been eavesdropping, something Alekos would hardly have approved of.
“Father is already well aware of Lycaon’s treachery,” Dimitri said with a grimace. “That is why Fabian is in Lapis, and why he will remain there until Father says otherwise. To remind Lycaon who is the emperor, and future emperor, of Kelnore.”
“Do you think that will be enough to force Lycaon to get back in line? From what I overheard, it sounds as if Fabian’s presence in Lapis is only making him more irate.”
“I don’t know. It might take more than just threats. It might also take giving Lycaon something he wants.” He gave a slight shake of his head. “But do not worry yourself over it. Father has maintained control of Kelnore for decades, and he learned from his father before him. The House of Vepi has not held the Imperial House for centuries because it is weak. Lycaon might believe himself to be cunning and crafty, but he is not more cunning and crafty than Father.”
Sapphirus began to stir in Aurelia’s arms, the cub stretching out her paws as she gave a big yawn. Soon, she demanded to be let down, ready to begin exploring again. Aurelia was also feeling less fatigued after her brief rest, and she and Dimitri got to their feet to resume their walk through the gardens. But as they continued winding their way through the rows of plants and sculptures, Aurelia couldn’t keep her thoughts from flitting back to the knowledge that all was not well with the Duke of Lapis. Lycaon is just a duke, she reminded herself. Father is emperor. For all of Lycaon’s power, it was nothing compared to Alekos’. And how much trouble could one disgruntled duke cause?
Chapter 26
Fabian’s jaw ached as he paced back and forth in his bedchamber, his gaze continually straying to the small servants’ door on the opposite side of the room. Where in the seas was she? He forced himself to take in a deep breath, flexing his hand. She will come, he told himself. She always has.
He paused to relight a few more candles near his bed, glancing at the lanterns lining the room. They, at least, still appeared to have plenty of oil. Rolling his shoulders, he began pacing again, the fractious energy inside him growing with each passing moment. In a few short hours, he would have to board his ship to return to Lapis. He loathed the thought of more long months spent dealing with Lycaon, the damned man continually causing trouble for Fabian at every turn, from giving the city guard orders that contradicted Fabian’s own to accusing both Fabian and his men of making up the rumors of sirens being sighted in the waters surrounding Lapis to frighten the people into obedience.
A sudden, distinctive knock at the servants’ door caused him to come to an abrupt stop. At a second knock, his pulse quickened. He strode over to the door, his mouth growing dry as anticipation filled him. Slowly, he pulled it open, revealing a woman’s shadowy figure standing on the other side.
“I am alone,” he said quietly.
He ushered Valeria into his chambers, closing the door behind her. Their first meeting months ago had been completely by chance. He had needed new measurements taken for one of his uniforms during a brief interlude at the palace, and Valeria had been one of the palace seamstresses given the task of taking them. Her beauty had been what had first drawn Fabian to her, with her dark hair and her tall build, and he had soon discovered that the attraction he had felt had been returned.
The desires that had been lit between them could go nowhere—they both knew that—but it had not stopped them from enjoying one another’s company and touch whenever they could. Valeria was his one vice. He had always been the dutiful son, taking the utmost care with his carefully crafted image, but there had been something about Valeria that had chipped away at the rigid rules he had so closely followed for all of his life. He could have her, so long as what was between them was kept secret. He pulled her into a kiss that she eagerly returned before he placed his hands on her waist in order to guide her over to his bed.
“You seem restless,” she said when they were forced to part for air. “And troubled.”
“Less restless and troubled now that you’re here,” he said before capturing her lips in another kiss.
