Traitor, page 11
The newfound sense of freedom invigorated me. If I was brave enough to venture out, I could do all the exploring I wanted.
A throat cleared at my side. I glanced over to find the younger guard pursing his lips. “Princess, I am so sorry to disturb, but where would you like us to take you?”
I smiled, hoping to put him at ease. “I’d like to call on a friend who accompanied us on our journey to Delunia. Sir Colin Headrick.”
“Very good.” He nodded but continued to regard me expectantly. But where does he live?
Heat clawed up my neck as I realized his unspoken question. Of course I couldn’t expect the guards to take me to Sir Colin just because I shared his name. The city of Ambrus surrounding the palace was large, likely housing far more notable aristocrats than our scholarly friend.
“He, um . . . he said he can view the marketplace from his home.”
Lines of confusion etched into the guard’s face before understanding dawned. He could tell I had no idea where to go.
How could I be such a simpleton? I was the model of a spoiled, out-of-touch foreign princess.
He dipped into a small bow. “Then we start at marketplace.”
He murmured something to the older guard, and we set out.
Anxiety crowded out the elation that had made me feel so liberated only moments before. What if we never found him? To fail on my own would be deflating enough, but I’d brought along an entourage to witness my embarrassment.
Victoria practically skipped at my side. She leaned close and touched my arm. “Don’t worry, m’lady. No doubt a man as friendly as Sir Colin is well known in these parts. Someone can direct us to him.”
I tried to convey my gratitude in my smile. Victoria’s optimistic presence was truly one of the greatest blessings on this journey.
The noise of the market reached us before its structures came into view. The older guard led us around a corner, and the view became as chaotic as the surrounding sounds. Clucking chickens, shrieking children, calls strung in words I couldn’t understand all coalesced into a stunning and vibrant picture. Striped tents with pointed tops lined the streets and brimmed with kitchen utensils and shining cloths and colorful fruits and elegant pottery.
I stared, my steps faltering. A sea of faces, of language, of life. None of it familiar. Apprehension wrapped around my insides tighter than any belt.
I don’t belong here. I’ll never belong here.
I looked around, frantic to find the younger guard and ask him to take me back to the palace. By the time I spotted him, he was speaking animatedly with a vendor. If only I could communicate with the older guard, who stood just ahead.
Victoria pressed closer to my side. “Do ye see that material there?” She pointed to a tent displaying fluid fabrics heavily embroidered with silver thread. “Wouldn’t those make stunning etanas? Especially the light-blue one. I don’t know where Alcie gets her materials, but I’ll make sure to mention it to her.”
I blinked, trying to isolate her words from the surrounding clamor. “Who is Alcie?”
“The palace seamstress assigned to make yer new clothes. I’ve been tryin’ to help, but many of her sewing techniques aren’t familiar.”
I noted her easy posture, the joy in her expression. She’d accustomed herself so easily to this new life, not even flustered by the necessity of learning new skills and submitting to instruction from a stranger.
She already swam deep in the ocean, navigating the waves with ease, while I’d hardly pressed a toe to the sand.
I faced her. “You really are a marvel, Victoria. It appears I’m aware of only a small fraction of what you do to occupy yourself every day, but I’m so grateful.”
She ducked her head, her lips pressed into a sheepish smile. “I—that is, thank you, m’lady.”
“And I agree that cloth is lovely.”
The younger guard returned, his boots clipping against the gravel. “Your Sir Colin lives on northwest corner.”
He indicated a lane leading away from the opposite side of the market.
I clamped my mouth shut before it could hang open. “Oh. Thank you. But how do you know?”
He grinned. “I ask Faustus.” He angled his head closer to us. “Nosiest seller in market.”
Victoria’s giggle bubbled like a cheery spring. “How very clever of you, Egan.”
Shame mingled with my gratitude for Egan’s discovery. I’d never thought to ask for his name. “Yes, thank you. Please, lead the way.” As the guards marched ahead of us, I whispered to Victoria, “What’s the older one’s name?”
“Tassos.” She waggled her eyebrows. “But I much prefer Egan.”
We stopped before a one-story circular white house. A tidy path led to the orange front door, lined with rows of well-tended flowers.
Egan turned to me. “I believe this is house he meant, but allow me to approach to be certain.”
I nodded my agreement, and he tromped down the path, reaching the door in less than ten strides. I followed at a distance.
A man opened the door, issuing what I assumed was some kind of Delunian greeting. Egan responded, motioning to me. The man nodded and disappeared.
I kept my posture tall, but everything inside me cringed. What if we had the wrong house? Would the first impression of me among the townsfolk be my unexpected visit to a random gentleman’s home? Shame burned my ears. Before Nicholas, I’d been looked up to, respected, admired. Now I was belittled to an exile facing humiliation at every turn.
Yet not as great a punishment as I deserve.
Sir Colin appeared at the door, a warm smile radiating from his face. Relief flooded my veins. At least this outing needn’t be added to my lengthy inventory of mistakes. I hurried forward.
Sir Colin extended both hands and clasped mine. “Princess Penelope! What a lovely surprise.”
“It is so good to see you, Sir Colin. I feared we may not be able to find your home. I apologize for not giving you advance notice—I wasn’t sure how to reach you. But I’ve so missed our conversations and hope you don’t mind a visit.”
“Of course, please visit as often as you like. I’m afraid my home is a great deal smaller and less opulent than what you’re used to, but I try to keep it tidy.” He gestured for me to enter.
Egan stepped aside. “We shall remain at entrance, unless you prefer us to come within?” He peered inside the door, as though trying to spot any potential threats.
“I shall be quite safe in Sir Colin’s hospitality, thank you.” My gaze moved to Victoria. “Are you comfortable—?”
“I don’t mind stayin’ out here. I shall enjoy watchin’ the marketplace, and I’m sure these gentlemen will keep me out of trouble.” She directed a flirtatious smile toward Egan.
Tassos, at least, would keep her out of trouble.
I followed Sir Colin into a small sitting room interspersed with large wicker chairs boasting overstuffed cushions.
His laugh warmed the space. “I can only imagine the musings going through your mind right now, princess. It will be hard for a Trellan to believe, but this furniture is quite fashionable here in Delunia.” He leaned closer and spoke in a mock whisper. “I found it atrocious at first too, but it’s actually very comfortable.”
I perched on a teal cushion, trying not to smile at how he’d read my thoughts. “Your home is lovely.”
This laugh came out almost as a bark. “Spoken like a true gentlewoman. Now, may I offer you any refreshments? I brought back some rhosyn from Trellich, if you’d like.”
“Did you?” I couldn’t keep the enthusiasm out of my voice
“Rhosyn it is.”
I scooted farther back in my seat. “Only if you have enough for yourself. I wouldn’t want you to run out.”
He waved a hand. “I spend part of each year in Trellich and bring a crate filled with the precious cargo on every return journey. You’re not the only one in Delunia with a more refined palate.”
He winked and popped his head into the adjoining kitchen, murmuring something in Delunian.
I straightened my skirt and studied the room. A wide painting of a sunset shimmering over the ocean adorned one wall above a mahogany writing desk flanked by four orderly bookshelves. Two small tables carved from dark wood and topped with colorful tablecloths sectioned off the seating area. Beneath my feet lay a rug covered in a swirling pattern.
“Here we are.” Sir Colin reappeared, carrying a tray with the hard biscuits Delunians called psomik and an assortment of cheeses.
“Thank you, but you didn’t need to go to all this trouble just for me.”
His expression would’ve looked affronted if not for the twinkle in his eyes. “Just for you? How often does an old man have the opportunity to host royalty in his house?”
The man who’d opened the front door walked across the room and set a teacup on the table beside me. Scents of rose and lemon swirled in the steam wafting from the cup.
“Thank you.”
“Princess Penelope, this is my manservant, Niles.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Niles stared at me, then glanced to Sir Colin. After a quiet conversation in Delunian, Niles gave me a tight smile and a low bow. He set a matching cup on the other table, then slunk out of the room.
“My apologies, princess. I’m afraid he only speaks Delunian.”
“Nothing to apologize for.” I curled my fingers around the teacup. The warmth was hardly needed in such a climate, but it felt familiar and comforting.
Sir Colin blew across his tea. “You’ve been in Delunia what . . . two weeks? How are you finding it?”
“Yes, two weeks yesterday.” At least that question had a simple answer. “And I . . . everyone has been very kind.”
He chuckled, tea sloshing from his cup. “A safe, acceptable answer. But there’s no need to be a diplomat here, princess. Feel free to speak your mind.”
I rubbed my forehead with my empty hand. “Everyone truly has been kind. But it’s so—different here. Everything is bright and noisy and hot. I can only converse with about five people, and the rest of the time I’m surrounded by conversations I can’t understand. Everyone alternately seems to be laughing at or ignoring me, and I don’t even know which is worse. I—I miss home.”
I blinked against the tears stinging my eyes.
“Ah, Penelope.” He snapped open a handkerchief and handed it to me. “I recall feeling the same way. After the quiet respectability of Trellich, especially Glonsel Palace, the boisterous nature of the Delunian people is bound to be a shock. Nothing is more alienating than living in a sea of people, all of whom can speak to each other but not to you.”
I used his handkerchief to cover an unladylike sniffle.
“You may find this hard to believe, but I think it likely the worst is already behind you.”
My arm stilled mid-dab as I looked to him.
He raised a hand. “It won’t be easy to see from this perspective, and some days will wear you down until you feel worse than ever. But whether you realize it or not, you’re already adapting to your new surroundings. I’d wager you’re starting to find the sounds not quite as abrasive and flinching a bit less at the vibrancy. Knowing you, clever girl, you’re even picking up a Delunian word here and there.”
His smile carried patience and wisdom, so like a father.
“It will take time—far more than you’d like—but it will get better. In the meantime, please visit as often as you’d like and drink up my entire store of rhosyn if it helps. We’ll get you through this ordeal.”
I gave my eyes a final dab, then took a long sip of tea. Heaving a shaky sigh, I leaned my head back. This—a small, circular house with strange furniture and a servant who couldn’t communicate with me—was by far the closest I’d felt to home since setting foot on Delunian soil.
Perhaps with Sir Colin’s help, I would get through this ordeal.
Chapter 13
I traipsed down the now familiar thoroughfare leading to Sir Colin’s home at the far end of the marketplace, flanked by Victoria, Egan, and Tassos.
The noise and press of people, even the smell of sweat, fowl, and spices, had ceased to rouse my distaste. Once I crossed the bright-orange threshold, confined in the peace and quiet of Sir Colin’s sitting room with rhosyn steaming in my teacup, I’d feel at home.
Niles maintained his usual somber demeanor as he admitted me. Sir Colin appeared in the hall, scowling at a button on his jacket as he struggled to fasten it.
Spotting me, he stopped short. “Princess Penelope. How delightful to see you.”
Lowering his hands, he bent into a low bow.
My swallow did little to douse the warmth searing up my neck. “Good afternoon, Sir Colin. I’m so sorry—it seems I’ve caught you at an inopportune time. I ought to schedule my visits or send a message ahead.”
“Nonsense.” He straightened his collar with a smile. “I appreciate that you visit as family does, without ceremony. Like a long-lost daughter. But I’m afraid you caught me on my way out.”
“Don’t let me detain you. I shall stop by the market instead.”
My words spilled out in a rush—a vain attempt to cover my disappointment. Of course the poor man had better things to do than sit around each day, awaiting my visits.
“Perhaps . . .” He steepled his fingers, pressing them to his pursed lips. “Yes, perhaps you might join me. If you wish to, that is. You brought your guards?”
My pulse sped up a notch. Not the quiet afternoon I’d hoped for, but almost anything would be preferable to another hour wandering the palace halls.
“My guards are just outside. Where are you heading?”
He chuckled. “A reasonable question. It’s not a typical destination for a young lady of consequence, I must admit, but you might find it interesting. There is a village outside the palace city walls, Leipon. The people there—they live quite differently than what you’ve seen of Delunia thus far. I’m afraid they are outside the royal family’s favor, and thus suffer a life of poverty and ill health.”
I tucked my hands behind my skirt so their trembling wouldn’t reveal my cowardice. “And what brings you to such a village?”
His mouth opened and closed once in silence. “I try to help where I can. Bring a few supplies, give ideas for medicine and gardening based on my studies. I provide—education, I guess you might say.”
“How very kind of you. But you said this village doesn’t have a good relationship with the royal family. Do you think my presence would be welcome?”
Though reluctant to admit it, the timid side of me hoped he’d discourage my company on his venture.
“I believe it would, if you’re so inclined. The notice of their future empress would give hope to the people of Leipon they haven’t experienced in years. The royals must drive by if they exit the city north, of course, but they hide in their enclosed carriages, relying on their glowering guards to keep the villagers at bay.”
I winced. Were Vander and his family truly so callous? Perhaps conditions in Leipon weren’t as dire as Sir Colin’s descriptions. Or perhaps the royal family was unaware of the hardship just beyond their walls.
Then again, both Sister Rochelle and Sister Eleanor had spoken of the rampant poverty in Delunia.
I straightened. “I would like to join you, if it isn’t any trouble.”
“None at all.” He gestured to a chair. “Rest for a few minutes. I’ll have Niles inform your guards of the purpose of our outing and gather a few supplies. Then we can be on our way.”
Tassos wore a dour frown as Sir Colin closed the door behind us. Even Egan’s expression exhibited concern, but he said nothing as we set out toward the north city gate.
Within minutes, sweat trickled down the neckline of my etana. My guards’ stern countenances only added to the heat’s oppressive weight.
Was this outing a bad idea? But Sir Colin would never put me in danger. And besides, as future empress, it was only right I become acquainted with the country I was to rule one day.
Most people ignored our unusual procession as they bustled about their daily lives—hanging linens to dry, tending to gardens or livestock, chasing mischievous children in amusement or anger.
Several called salutations to Sir Colin, which he returned with enthusiasm. Others openly gaped at me. I drew closer to Victoria, but nothing short of a darker complexion and less elaborate dress could make me inconspicuous.
The North Gate rested beneath a tall stone archway, both beautiful and imposing. Sir Colin grasped the guards’ hands in a jovial greeting. One’s eyes narrowed at the sight of me and my entourage, and he bent closer to Sir Colin as they conversed.
I pulled back my shoulders and made my gaze direct and confident. Sir Colin wasn’t escorting a dainty, timid female through the gates.
At least, I didn’t want it to appear so from the outside.
Beyond the gate, the smells of animals and spices gave way to unfamiliar plant and floral scents. Trees lined the road, their large glossy leaves shading us from the sun’s incessant heat. Spiny plants and patches of weedy grass spotted the caked dirt, not a home in sight.
I turned to Sir Colin, brows raised.
A hint of sadness dampened his smile. “Leipon is here, I assure you. Over the years, they’ve been driven farther and farther from the city gates.”
Egan and Tassos had stiffened, each with a hand on his sword hilt, but they remained silent as we walked on. Victoria’s gaze was questioning as it met mine, but even she didn’t utter a word.
Luminate, let Sir Colin be as trustworthy as I’ve come to believe. The prayer rose unconsciously before I could stop it. The Luminate no longer cared for my safety.
I swiped at a trail of sweat trickling down my cheek. The sides of my slippers pressed into my feet, becoming more painful with every step. Perhaps I should’ve asked Sir Colin to defer this outing to another day, when I could’ve worn more appropriate attire or used one of the palace carriages.
