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"Very well." He sighed. "The vote has been taken and the result, though not unanimous, is clear. All of you return to the throne room and await my arrival." Amongst the quiet murmuring of the men and the shuffling of his feet he beckoned to one of his ever present guards.
"Bring the prisoner to the throne room. Ensure all are in attendance before bringing her in." The guard bowed and hurried away.
James knuckled his face with a tired sigh wishing this was all already over but knew the worst was yet to come. The other guard approached at his signal and waited for his commands.
"Inform the steward that I wish all of the nobles and guests in the palace to be present in the throne room immediately. Remind the steward that this is a royal command and I will brook no excuses for any who try not to attend"
"Yes Sire." The guard too quickly left the room.
James then looked at the Luxor ambassador and inclined his head toward the man, he had remained silent as requested and behaved courteously during the proceedings even though they were foreign to him. James made a mental note to himself to have a gift of Avalonian wine to sent to the man's chambers as a gesture of appreciation. Even during dark times as these it was always a good idea to acknowledge appreciation for another's actions especially when that person was a foreign ambassador with unclear motives.
"Ambassador, I apologise for such a lengthy discussion but I am sure you understand that it was necessary. I go now to announce the verdict and I would ask you to accompany me. You will see first hand how we administer justice here in Avalon, and afterwards I will make some time to talk with you properly as we have not done so. Please follow me." James glanced only briefly at Christine. "You too Lady Huor."
James re entered the throne room and indicated to the ambassador that he should join the other ambassadors to the left of the throne at the bottom of its steps. Christine he instructed to stand with the other nobles as he would not have her at his side then, he could bear the thought of having her close whilst he sentenced her sister. Whilst he waited for everyone to arrive he thought on Christine and what he was going to do about her and her...situation. He did not love her that much he did know and if he was honest with himself he knew his lust for her was beginning to wane. He was not intentionally shallow but he struggled to be faithful to one woman for very long as he always found his interest being piqued by another. He knew he needed to marry at some point and have a legitimate heir but he could not imagine a woman out there who would keep his interest. He knew for certain that Christine would never be his wife but beyond that he did not know what to do with her.
He was interrupted from his reverie by more people entering the room and once he could that most of the Royal Court was in attendance, excluding those currently in the country, he nodded to the slim man stood near the huge entrance doors. The man held a gold topped cane and rapped it on the floor three times silencing the crowd. They all turned then to look at James who remained seated his gaze calm and steady.
"I have summoned you all here to bear witness to the results of the investigation and subsequent trial of Sir Rivera Talimir."
James nodded to the guards by the doors and in short order the prisoner was escorted into the room. The crowd silently parted allowing the guards and Rivera to make their slow procession towards the throne. The four guards surrounding Rivera kept the pace slow giving the nobles plenty of time to look on the woman in their midst. They stopped a few feet from the throne and bowed in unison before ensuring Rivera knelt before her King, they were not rough in any way and Rivera seemed not to resist and was soon kneeling before James. James felt his throat constrict and his mouth dry up as the moment he dreaded came upon him. He did not doubt though, he accepted the Privy Council's decision as one that could not be altered even by him.
"Rivera Talimir." He began and was relieved that his voice was strong and calm. "You have been brought here today because accusations made against you. Accusations that have been supported with evidence."
James was silent for a moment as he looked on Rivera, even now she was a beautiful vibrant young woman and he held that image wanting to memorise it and never forget it. He felt sadness for his brother then too and wondered if if would ever forgive what he was about to do here today. It was clear Rivera and his brother had feelings for each other and he hoped in time his younger brother would understand that he had no choice.
"For the crime of treason we find you guilty." He said ignoring the gasps and murmurs from the crowd. "You are hereby stripped of any lands and titles you possess and will remain in our custody until such time as your sentence will be carried out. The sentence for treason is ...death. You will be hung from the gallows until you are dead. May God have mercy on your soul."
"Remove her from my sight." James snapped to the guards and it was only once they had escorted her out, as slowly as they had approached, that James sagged slightly in his chair.
It was done.
He remained where he was allowing the nobles and dignitaries to mingle in the room and approach him if they needed to.
Elim bowed to the king sadly but said what he had to and what was right for him to say.
"My lord, I feel that this is a matter that should remain within your family and that outsiders such as myself have no right to take part in it but I shall remain at your command." Elim wanted to say more but the king was too busy, in fact Elim could barley keep up with the young man but by the time they had reached the throne room Elim had gotten over his earlier emotional reaction to the trial.
This entire situation had no good choices; whatever choice the king made could spark a war and ether war was one that Luxor could use to its advantage.
If the king set sir Talimir free the duke could claim the king was weak and use it to his advantage in the nearing civil war however if the king actually killed Sir Talimir his own brother would become unreliable and possibly even traitorous and The duke would use such a rift between them to take ghosts pass without suffering grave losses thus effectively cutting the kingdom in two.
Elim could see the seeds of war growing, he would soon have to make a gamble and the gamble on peace was becoming an increasingly unlucky choice.
Elim didn't want the war; he simply wanted to prevent Avalon from gaining superiority over Luxor but it seemed he no longer had much of a choice.
Elim stood with the other ambassadors as the verdict was read out; it was death and Elim was not surprised to hear it. Talimir hadn't even bothered to defend herself so the king was left with no choice but to condemn her, in a way she had signed her own death warrant and only she was to blame for that.
Elim didn't think she had truly betrayed the king and was convinced that it was her own sister that had forged the evidence but he would not say so to the king and Elim never trusted his intuition alone and preferred to work with facts.
Elim approached the king and did not bother to hide his concern.
"Your majesty I offer you my deepest sympathies for the sad affairs of this day, I have information from my homeland which I would like to share with you in private. I do not ask this of you lightly, I assure you that this news is of grave importance to both Avalon and Luxor and the events of this day leave us little time. "
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It was almost ten. The guards were changing shifts. Rivera was to be hung at sunrise. She had five minuets.
She quickly went to work, picking her way out of the cell and slipping quietly up the stairs from the dungeouns. Shehad to move quickly and get to her chambers before they realized she had escaped.
Once inside, she quickly shed the dress she waswearing in favor of an all-black riding outfit with a long cloack. She grabbed her bow, ironically the only weapon still in the room save for the dagger they had failed to find under her bed. Crudely, she cut off most of the leangth of her hair. She could hear a clamor going on down belowe. She was out of time.
Acting quickly, she made her way out to the hallway, heading for the Great Hall. She silently knocked two Royal Gaurdsmen out, trying to remain unseen for as long as possible, which was not long at all. Gaurds had begun to collect near the Hall, cutting off her escape route.
"Ser Talimir! This way, my Lady." Rivera turned to see one of Leo's loyalists, Ser Wesley. She said not a word, just followed him out and around the castle, to the stables where Lyon stood waiting for her. Jumping onto the black horse, she handed Wesley a note saying, "Deliver this to our Prince. He must know of what has transpired tonight."
Not wasting anytime she sped across the grounds and out the gate, dodging men and arrows, already a group after her. She would have a rough time getting to Edgebrook.
For three days she ran, not stopping. She knew she was dead if she did. Finally, on the third day, Castle Greyon came into veiw. Rivera felt an overwhelming sense of recognition as she entered the grounds and wearily got off her horse. Exaugsted, she asked to speak with the Duke of Edgebrook. "Tell him I am here to claim sanctuary under him, for I have been greiviously wronged by one of his own."
On the night of her escape, the head of the guard burst into the Throne Room. "My King! The prisoner, Rivera Talimir, has escaped..."
There was a long pause efore James finally asked, "How many casualties?"
"None, my Leige. She killed not a soul."
Ghost's Past was precisely what Lelinus desired in a stronghold: isolated, but at a strategic location to run his spy network, defensible, and rich in resources to support itself and his men, though it came with a few setbacks. Apparently, the old Baron of Ghost's Past was more interested in gathering raw materials such as iron, granite, and lumber and selling it in Arva or Caerwyn than using any of it to maintain his castle or the infrastructure of his people's settlements. Luckily, Castle Cadarn itself was quite sturdy. His men should have its defenses serviceable within the month and the peasants would appreciate the lumber and granite sent their way for the change.
Yet, as he supervised his men working on the castle or read through the reports his spies were already directing towards his new fief rather than Winnfell Palace, Lelinus was unsatisfied. For the longest time, he had always had Rivera at his side, to make helpful suggestions or speak about the events of the day or even just to train with. This had been the longest he had been separated from his best friend and lover. Was she his lover? He asked himself. They had only discovered their feelings for one another at one night, only for a viper to frame her for treason the next day. Lelinus frowned slightly. How he longed to order Lady Christine's assassination and yet, he dared not, lest he cut off one of the only ways to prove Rivera's innocence.
Lelinus shifted through the papers before him. His study in this castle was much smaller than the one he used in the palace, but it was servicable with an oak desk a few bookcases, and a roaring fire to keep him warm and, more importantly, burn any incriminating documents. He heard a knock on his door and he looked up.
"Come in," he stated and looked up to see one of his knights stood. He frowned slightly, "What news, Ser Wesley?"
"It's all in here, milord," he told him, handing him the letter. Leo opened it and smiled slightly when he saw it was Rivera's handwriting, but frowned at the contents.
To my Lion,
If you are reading this, then my fate has been sealed. I have been found guilty and condemned to death by the Eagle, one of the ones I have considered my family. I have escaped, and am currently pushing to Edgebrook, where I shall seek refuge under the man who is assumed to be my father. Avalon cannot touch me there. I shall get to the bottom of this, the Viper shall not win this battle. If she truly be my sister, then she has quite a lot to answer for. Know that, for the moment, I am safe, and shall return to your side as soon as I am able.
Forever faithful & forever yours,
The Wolf
He looked at the letter for a moment, almost wistfully, before he sighed and threw it into the flames, "I know nothing of this. I have heard that my brother condemned my dearest friend to death and will not suffer his men to cross this Pass for as long as I grieve over her."
There. That blocked the easiest way into Duke Huor's lands. He only hoped that Rivera persuaded the man of the truth.
Castle Greyon, Edgebrook
Duke Peter Huor stared at the portrait of himself critically, his study bright with the light of the sun shining through a window. Was he really that fat? Granted, he hadn't seen combat in quite a while, but he still trained when he could and he thought he was taller than that, but, looking at the nervous artist before him, he smiled slightly, "Yes. I think I shall hang this upon my mantlepiece. Ser Ulrick, please hand the man his fee."
As he handed the portrait over to one of his servants, a messenger flew in, out of breath, and eyes wide. Duke Huor frowned.
"What is the meaning of this?"
"A l-lady, milord. She rode to the castle's entrance-claimed sanctuary."
"And who might she be? Speak."
"I-I d-dunno, but-."
"Send her away. I do not welcome strangers into my home. Not since youngest daughter died."
"B-but, milord!"
"You are dismissed!"
"She's in the spitting image of the late Lady Huor, your wife!"
"..."
"Milord?"
"Send her in and if you are lying, I advise you put some distance between yourself and Castle Edgebrook and never enter my site again."
"Y-yes, milord."
"The Duke is right through here, ma'am." The young man bowed. Rivera went through the doors and into a very large and very grand library. She barely made it two feet when she had to stop, her breath taken away.
"I remember this room!" She thought, her eyes lingering over the bookcase, the fireplace, the desk...
And finally on the man who sat behind it. There was a slight twinge of recognition, but nothing complete. Perhaps if she could see the man he had been fourteen years ago...
Now, his hair was silver, and his waistline was growing. Proud, the man had once been a great warrior, but was obviously losing his touch. She wondered what it would have been like, being trained by him. If she was his daughter, would he have even allowed her to go the path she had chosen? The path of the blade? Realizing she had said or done nothing but stare from the minuet she had entered the room, she hastily bowed, and spoke in voice surprisingly strong despite how tired she was.
"My Lord, my name is Rivera Talimir. I am a knight to the Prince of Avalon, and have come to claim sanctuary under your name. I have been wrongly accused of treason by the Lady Christine, and would request your help in clearing my name." Grey eyes met grey eyes. She recognized her eyes mirrored in his. She longed to ask the question, but how would the man truly know?
"You are the spitting image of Julia, Rivera," he paused. He had not said that name in so long, "I had thought you dead. Years ago, my wife-your mother, had gone to court. We left you and Christine in the care of your governess and when we returned... Bandits had struck. Christine was one of the few survivors."
He frowned, looking weary, "Christine would have recognized you the moment she saw you. I fear I know why she may have done this. An older sibling is always jealous of the younger at some point in time and you were taken from us at such a time at a young age. I think she grieved for you. How could she not? But young mother and I grieved for a long time. Then, she found out the truth."
Duke Huor smiled ruefully, "She is a bastard. She's never quite gotten over that. I tried to make her forget, but then her mother died and our relationship cooled. Then she saw you, I suppose. Please, tell me more about this treason Christine accuses you of."
She regained some of her composure, at least enough to continue. "I can remember that night, now...for so long I had no idea what had happened to me. When the king's men found me in the stables...all thought I had either been abandoned or kidnapped. I grew up among the Royal family. James and Lelinus are as much my brothers as they are to each other."
She sat down across from him, too tired to stand any longer. "Christine has been trying to secure her place as James' queen for over a year now. She has recently been found to be with child. James' child. However, the new King shows no sign of wanting any woman as his own, let alone Christine. Perhaps she recognized me in court. All I know is that she has framed me for treason against James, plotting with you to overthrow him and his family. It appears she also holds a grudge against you. James will need to know that Lady Huor is not her proper title. I am interested to see his reaction."
She paused once again. "James and his council have already tried and sentenced me. I am to hang from the gallows until dead. The Prince has been sent off to Ghosts' Pass, and will ensure that the Royal Gaurd does not follow me across the border into Edgebrook.
This was getting to be to much for Thomas. he was certainly attracted to this girl and that was unacceptable, he loved Gwen! The name Black Boar meant nothing to him, he had only been in the Reach once, and that was years ago and with the King so such a small inn woulnd't have mattered to him. He watched her leave, his jaw tightening as her hips swayed and he cursed himself for a weak fool.
With her smile in mind he climbed from the bed, shedding his blankets to risk a quick glimpse in the mirror. He was no doubt somewhat ragged looking, a weeks worth of stuble on his chin. For a moment he wondered if such a disguise would be enough but then, he knew, it wouldn't. He stepped into the bath, trying not to flinch as he lowered himself into the steaming water.
He lay in the water until it began to cool, quickly washing himself and climbing from the tub. He dried himself off and then pulled on his partially damp clothes, sitting before the fire to preserve the heat of the bath, wondering his next move.
Gwen eyed the siblings over the top of her glass, what were they up too? She knew it had to be something important and she was determined to do whatever to figure it out, she was truly committed to keeping her brother, James on the thrown and hence would not let anything hinder that, she was a determined young woman caught up in the honour and duty to her namesake and she would surely give her last breath to keep James were he belonged, sat on the thrown of Avalon to rule with honour and valour over the magnificent land and its people.
“But you are right, my brothers forces could handle anything the bloody Luxorians threw at them…or any foe for that matter” Gwen was aware how the statement sounded like a warning to the Duke, she didn’t intentionally set it up that way but still he was a threat and if she could stomp out the threat by words rather than by a call to arms she would much rather do that.
He looked contemplative, regretting what he must do, "Did you know that her mother and I never ceased to love her? She was always to be the heir and we were to send you to Arva for the path to knighthood when you were older. I wish I could have told her that. Perhaps she wouldn't have taken such actions."
Shaking himself out of his reverie, he glanced over at his daughter by blood and smiled at her, somewhat teasingly, "I have heard of Prince Lelinus' bodyguard. I've heard certain rumors about her and the prince. Is he really like your brother?"
"The truth of the matter would be that after fourteen years, the two of us have developed feelings for one another, which only recently show themselves."
"Now, I believe it is time we clear both our names," he told her, taking out a sheet of parchment to address the King, "I shall have to ask that we meet with Christine as well."
She knocked tentatively on the door and after a moment of silence she walked in. "Oh good I see you found clothes." She made her way over to him "You don't look half bad all cleaned up." She poured a glass of wine for both of them taking a drink from her glass as she handed him his. She sat on the edge of the bed next to him her arm touching his as they sat. "So tell me what brings you out this way?" She tilted her head so her eyes caught his a soft smile brighting up her face. She studied the flex of his jaw as she spoke to him slowly draining her glass.
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Regardless he could do naught whilst sitting there, he rose and the room immediately quieted waiting expectantly to see what he would do. He was silent for a long moment choosing his words carefully.
"My Lords and Ladies." He began. "A grievous crime has been committed by Rivera Talimir, in fleeing her verdict she proves her guilt to all of those present here today. Rest assured that she will be found and brought to justice!"
He was relieved to hear many people in the room applaud him, and his determination to follow the law, and he hoped he could fulfil on his word and bring Rivera back to face her punishment. But first he had to discover how she escaped his dungeon and where she had fled to, neither was an easy task. He stepped off the dais and beckoned to the Luxor Ambassador.
"Ambassador, as you can see events are occurring that demand my attention, however I am interested to hear what you have to say. Let us go somewhere quieter and there I shall hear your news."
He strode from the room assuming the ambassador was following and leaving the nobles and other ambassadors to amuse themselves. No doubt to plot and gossip about these latest events. James walked swiftly to his personal apartments and only relaxed slightly when he had closed the doors on the rest of the palace. He indicated that the ambassador should sit on one of the chaise lounges in his private sitting room before sitting himself opposite him. A servant hurried in with a bottle of wine and two goblets and then quickly departed at a gesture from the King.
James poured the ambassador and himself a generous amount and then leaned back in his seat watching the ambassador. "Well then. I am listening."
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Katherine hid her amusement at Gwen's response behind her tea cup, the girl would not appreciate laughter especially when Katherine was laughing at her, the Princesses clumsy attempts to intimidate her or her brother were indeed amusing. Oh indeed the armies James could call to his command were formidable of that she had no doubt. But then the Reach had far more men than even the King was aware of and in Katherine's mind a far more able commander at their head. Her brother was a brilliant tactician and had took to the art of war as others took to sailing or horse riding, not only that but he commanded a loyalty from his men that she very much doubted the King could claim from his.
She glanced sidelong at her brother curious as to his reaction to the Princesses words, she was pleased to see that he did not rise to the bait and instead seemed content to watch and listen. He appeared completely at ease perhaps bored even but his sister knew him better than that and she knew without doubt that he was listening intently to every word. No doubt he was planning in his mind how to use any and all information she was able to glean from this meeting.
Katherine leaned forwards and refilled her tea from the pot, doing the same for Gwen when she saw hers was also empty. She leaned back again and flicked a questioning glance at her cousin.
"There are threats other than Luxor that we have not heard about?" She queried her tone holding nothing but innocent curiosity and a hint of alarm as though she feared these other 'threats'. "Never fear cousin, they will not succeed in bringing Avalon down. Not when you have the Reach to watch your back. After all if you cannot trust your family then who can you trust?"
The young man seemed far older then he had been in the coronation; both his manners and his stance where no longer boyish or irresponsible and conveyed an impression of seriousness to the observer. The king's eyes echoed the confusion and frustration the affairs of the day had forced upon him, however Elim saw a slight hint of confidence in those eyes; a flicker of newly found confidence which with time had the unmistakable potential to grow into a power of will.
Elim saw this happen before and would have shuddered if not in the presence of the king; if this young man found the confidence he so desperately needed nations would tremble and gods would weep. Elim almost preferred the misguided ideals of republic then to see strong kings rise to the throne of any nation but he took comfort in the knowledge that this young king still had a great deal to learn and many trials ahead of him before he became one of those men Elim and all nobility dreaded and feared even more then the radical liberal ideals spreading among the peasantry.
Elim nodded in approval again enjoying the fabulous wine, he would have to handle his words carefully; the king lacked experience knowledge and a great deal of common sense but he was no fool or at least less of a fool then Luxor's current rulers.
"Your majesty I think it is imperative we make our positions clear and believe me as ambassador of Luxor it is a difficult choice for me to take."
Elim sipped another drop of the wine clearing his throat and continued to speak with a clearly displeased tone of voice.
"An Ambassador should never make his position clear about anything; it is one of the fundamental rules of our trade but today is not by any counts a normal day."
"Your current situation is quite clearly an undesirable one; I think you shall agree with me when I say that Avalon isn't as united as it should be. The nobility think of how to exploit the death of your father and how to forge you into a symbolic figurehead behind whom they can justify all their petty schemas and corruptions. Your lords look for rule not only in you but also in Duke Devalin. Loyalty to the crown is second place to survival and these lords wonder to whom they should pledge allegiance and slowly make their choices by the actions you take today and the next few days. The people now serve you but in the realties of war to whom would the then owe allegiance to? Not to duty, not to honor but to whomever asks them for less and gives them more."
Elim knew he angered the king but it was his intention to do so, he did not leave a space from which the king could strike back and continued talking.
"The kingdom is facing a trial you are facing a trial and your every action and every word shall carry weight not only in Avalon but all around the earth and maybe even to the gates of heaven itself.
Luxor faced this moment; our king came to the throne years ago at the time of your father but you would be unwise to believe this makes Luxor a nation with stability; the truth is quite different."
"We did not have a king like your father we have a king who may have been a great king had he not been subject to continued lack of health. Why is such a weak king still on the throne you may ask, the answer is because the nobility want him on the throne and I would not be at all surprised if they have a hand in his illness.
As you know I am bound by oath to serve my king but it is difficult to serve a king who can no longer rule his own country. It is no coincidence that Luxor has stagnated in the face of Avalon's growing cultural and technological supremacy; we may sell a good image to the world but in truth our nation is not as great as we would like to pretend it is. A year ago the presents revolted and formed a republican army which quite nearly succeeded in usurping the throne. The revolt was crushed as was a revolt 15 years ago was crushed but each time the numbers grow, the liberal ideals reach new complexity and nobility itself is subverted by the liberal ideals. The nobles have a free hand in all matters and are taxing the people in a rate they can no longer pay and we have no king to stop it. The nobles make war on each other freely and hardly any one even bothers to attend the king's court in person these days.
I have just been informed that the king is again gravely ill and it seems that he shall not live for more then a month at best and what little authority the royal family had is no longer significant. I have also been informed of certain interests in the current struggle in Avalon from very powerful lords of Luxor. I am of the opinion that men and resources are making their way into the Devalin armies as we speak and that very soon fleets of Luxorian warships shall sail together with the Devalin fleet."
"I can no longer speak for my nation and promise peace because there is no longer any central authority other then an alliance of self interest of the strongest nobles in court. I do not make a threat; I am giving you a warning that unless the duke is taken care of soon the Devalin's will have a force capable of defeating you. If you loss ghosts pass the war shall be lost to you before it starts; you need a victory if you are to survive on the throne and win the confidence of your subjects."
Elim drained his cup, amazed at the conviction in which he spoke his words.
"Let me give you a few more words of advice; trust no one not your family, not your friends and not even your love. trust no one "
"M-my Lord, a man bearing the royal seal of the Prince has appeared, he requests a message be brought in and an audience with the Lady..."
He got no further as Rivera cut him off. Impulsive as always, she was all but barking orders at the man. "Don't just stand there, bring him in. I know exactly who you speak of, he is no threat to us." Shifting nervously, the man looked to the Duke, who gave a small nod, smiling.
Ser Wesley entered not long after, a letter in his hand. Rivera smiled. "It does me good to see you well, Ser." He told Rivera, offering her a nod and bowing slightly to the Luke. "My Lord."
He handed the letter to Rivera who tore it open.
My Wolf,
It is be be expected, though I have long dreaded this outcome. I can never forgive the Eagle for this treachery. Though I will stand with the Eagle against the threat that would see Avalon destroyed out of selfish ambition, I am determined that he will not remain in power. It is clear that this land needs my guidance more than ever. Say the word and the Serpent will die. She is so blinded by ambition, she does not see the blade above her head. Nonetheless, I will not so that your name may be cleared and your honor restored. When that day comes, I will look for the look on the Eagle's face. I am hopeful your supposed father will aid you in what is to come.
Nonetheless, these plans are a poor consolation to the present situation I find myself in. Cadarn is a strong fortress, but a lonely one, and as my spies return with rumors of war, I cannot help but miss your warm touch. I feel naked without you at my side and my bed seems too large and cold without you, no matter how many blankets I have covering me.
Longing and Forever Yours,
The Lion
She smiled, and nodded her thanks to the knight. "Stay by him, Wesley. It may be a while before I can return."
The man smiled, and nodded. "Of course, Ser. But know that both he, and all of us knights, miss you terribly. The regiment just is not the same without you, not at all." With a bow and a smile, he was gone.
"I believe I shall retire for now. Three days of hard riding does nothing for one's sleep." Rivera said after a moment.
A servant led her up to the room, but in truth it was unneeded. Rivera remembered every inch of the castle now. Her room was exactly as she remembered it, right down to the clothes in her closet. She smiled, remembering how happy she had been. But she had been happy among the Royal Family as well...
She wouldn't deny it. She longed for Lelinus. If only he were here. She had already made up her mind that they would stop by Castle Cadarn on the way to see James. There would be no stopping her either, which she was sure her father knew.
Her father. What an odd thing to think about after so many years. But her father he was, there was no denying that. It wasn't as if she wanted to either. But being a Lady of court was no matter she would look forward to. She wasn't sure how she would balance being a knight and a Lady at the same time. It would all work out, or at least she hoped. Of course, if Lelinus took her to wife...
That would make everything different. Daughter of a Duke, Princess by marriage, and a knight...all those things would make her more eligible for being Queen much more than any of the harlots James rutted around with. And Lelinus was known for his distaste for such women. The thought made her smile. Oh, how she missed him! But, with any luck, she would see him soon enough.
Henry watched the two women carefully. He was now certain that his cousin had no idea that the Luxorian fleet had sailed and this gave him some solace. It would make his lie about not attending the coronation more believable. The knot in his stomach was still there however at the thought of the enemy fleet at sea. He could prevent the Luxorian fleet from landing in the Reach but then they would still be ashore somewhere in Avalon. The thought of having to fight alongside his cousin turned his gut.
He let Katherine continue to speak, she was much better at this then he, as beautiful as she was dangerous. Without her, he had no doubt he would not be able to survive the coming storm.
Thomas Blackthorne
When Vivian returned he was forced to drag himself from his reverie and offer her a smile. When she sat next to him and offered him a drink he took it gladly though he knew he would have to be careful how much he drank around this woman.
He nodded his thanks and tried hard not to lock eyes with her, it would be trouble if she did, this woman was trouble in every way, and she knew it.
“I make for Caerwyn, to see an old friend. I had hoped to beat the storm, but no luck.” He paused to drink again. “Is there somewhere nearby I can purchase a horse? I need to be on my way.”
She could have laughed at Katherine’s statement about trusting family and nearly did, although she couldn’t conceal the amused look on her face as her cousin openly mocked her “It’s a funny thing trust…” Gwen uttered her tone calm and collected even though her features hardened slightly. Rising from her seat Gwen grabbed her wine glass as she walked over to the window, it was still dark out and not much could be seen of the harbor below asides from the lanterns atop of the ships masts floating in the dark, it was almost haunting. Turning back to her cousins she walked to the head of the table bringing the glass to her lips “I’ve come to learn that you can truly only trust a few people in life…in fact I can count those on one hand” she stated firmly. Lowering her gaze she smirked slightly “And unfortunately only one of them is my kin.”
“So pray tell dear cousin, where do you think my trust for you is on the grand scale of things?”
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His father had looked so frail, so ill that James had struggled to picture him as the strong and virile man he had been in his youth. He had lain in his large canopied bed, dwarfed by its size, surrounded by his physicians, his family and members of his privy council. Closing his eyes for a moment James could almost feel the warm stale air in that room, the cloying smell of sickness and incense and hear the quiet praying of the priests. All knew that the King's time was near and could do nothing now but wait. James had been stood by the fireplace, with his brother and sisters trying to be strong for them and yet wishing to be anywhere but in that room, when his father had beckoned him over with a weak hand. James had approached the bed and leaned in close to his father so he could hear his whispered words.
"Make me proud my son, make me proud."
He had died shortly after, as though those final words had used up the last of his strength, and within no time at all James was crowned King of Avalon. For better or for worse he was King and he would do all he could to live up to his fathers expectations. The Devalins and any other doubters be damned.
"Ambassador I appreciate your frankness." James said finally. "Normally I would not tolerate such...opinions but as you have said today is not a normal day. I am aware of tensions in Avalon and steps will be taken accordingly. It saddens me to hear that nobles from Luxor are plotting against me yet I am not surprised by this. Many of your fellows I am sure would like nothing better than to see Avalon brought low and as much as I would wish for peace I do not believe my wish will be granted."
He was about to continue when a guard approached and bowed. "Your Majesty?"
"What is it?"
"There is a representative from the North, he is asking when you will meet with his Lord. Olaf Ironskin of Dawnsea. They have been here some time sire but until now they have been informed that you are unavailable. Should I repeat this to him?"
James sighed and shook his head. "No. I will not keep the Earl waiting any longer. Advise his representative that if it pleases the Earl I would invite him to speak with me in my apartments."
"Yes Sire."
As the guard left James stood and walked to the window gazing out over the gardens of the palace. "The Earl is one of my family's oldest and most loyal subjects. I do not wish to offend him further by keeping him waiting any longer. Besides I need to verify, with my people, the information that you have provided me. I am sure you understand that I cannot take such words for granted especially considering that they refer to my kin in the Reach. If you will excuse me we will continue this conversation in due course."
As he waited for the ambassador to acknowledge his words and the leave, James allowed his thoughts to move onto his next meeting. He disliked that he had been forced to keep the Earl waiting but with the trial he had not had time to greet him properly. He hoped the Earl would understand and if not he would make suitable reparations.
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Katherine did not attempt to hide her amusement at Gwendolyn's words, her lips curved into a smile and a chuckle escaped her lips, she carefully placed her cup on the table and then stood. She walked towards the window where Gwen had just stood and looked outside taking comfort in the ships resting in the harbour below. She was not worried not particularly intimidated by the Princesses behaviour, in fact she was pleased she had managed to rile the young woman so easily. The chit was intelligent that much was clear and yet clearly lacked the self control and patience needed to play this kind of game. With just a few careful words Katherine had succeeded in angering the Princess and in doing so she learned much about the other woman, Katherine had always found that people gave away much when angry willing or no.
Of course she was well aware of her own short temper and how it was perhaps her biggest flaw, many times in the past had it almost been her undoing, yet here in the comfort of her own home she had a strong grip on it. Here she was mistress of her own castle and therefore not outshone by the beauty before her. Nor did she think that Gwen could say anything to rouse her temper especially not when she and her brother clearly had the upper hand and Gwen must know this. Katherine idly played with the drape hanging by the window, taking the time to think on how to phrase her next words. Should she appear hurt by the almost transparent accusation? Or perhaps acknowledge that she was not as innocent as she appeared? she decided against the former as Gwen was not that stupid. To pretend innocence now would be a waste of time. No, perhaps it was time for the gloves to come off.
"I find it most interesting, cousin, that you harbour such a suspicious nature but not really surprising. After all when one has something to hide one must behave thus in order to protect oneselves do they not?"
Katherine arched an eyebrow inquisitively. "Perhaps we have given you reason to suspect our loyalty but then again perhaps we have not. Unless I am mistaken the Reach has always guarded your borders has it not? No enemies have yet invaded Avalon through the Reach have they?"
Katherine glanced at her brother, wondering what he must think of the turn this conversation was taking, and she hoped he trusted her in this as he had always done before.
"Perhaps you are referring to rumours of our...doubts over your brother being crowned King. It is true we have our concerns over his ability to lead us and yet we continue to defend Avalon from outside forces as we should. We, rightfully so, are giving him the opportunity to prove himself a worthy King."
This was not true of course, she and Henry were simply allowing him to dig himself a deeper hole but his sister need no know that.
"You speak of trust and how clearly you do not trust us but perhaps it is we who should not trust you. After all, as sister to the King your behaviour should be trustworthy and beyond reproach should it not?"
Katherine walked forward so she stood in front of the princess and narrowed her eyes, her expression calm yet her eyes had a dangerous gleam in them warning that she was not to be trifled with. This chit might be more intelligent than assumed at first glance yet Katherine had been dancing this dance for far longer than Gwendolyn and the young Princess could not hope to match her.
"Tell me, Dear Cousin, why is it your eyes seemed to linger a very long time on someone else's betrothed? I found it most curious that during my time at court your eyes sought this man's time and again. I wonder whether the King is aware of you apparent...interest in a man soon to be married to another."
Olaf frowned slightly as a messenger was finally leading him to the suite that James was awaiting him. He had become very impatient as time progressed and rumors spread like wildfire throughout the palace, though he did not show it. Years of fighting and dealing with the necessary evils of Court politics had taught him patience, but inwardly, he was quite perplexed. Ser Rivera was a traitor and plotting with her father to overthrow the Royal Family? That thought seemed ridiculous, in his opinion. She had been raised with the Royal Family and was quite attached to Prince Lelinus if he remembered correctly. Her behavior in her trial, however, had assured the Privy Council of her guilt, however, but then, she had somehow escaped. Personally, Olaf believed she had acted like any impertinent youth would upon being accused of treason by a close friend, but that had certainly not helped her.
When he reached James, he gave him a short bow and gave him a weary smile, "Being King is a tough task, Your Majesty. Personally, I would have executed the Luxorian ambassador and settled the dispute between Ser Rivera and Lady Huor through a trial through combat, but that is the custom of Dawnsea and the North. It is your misfortune that you your customs demand you kowtow to petty niceties."
He shook his head, giving the King a hard, but contemplative look. He gestured at the Luxorian, "Beware of parasites, your Majesty. They will suck you dry."
Ghost's Past
Lelinus notched an arrow, eying the figures in the fog. There were five of them and they looked well-armored. He quickly took aim at the one furthest away from him, aiming for its neck. With a cold glare, he let loose the arrow before notching another one, not waiting to see if he managed to hit iit. The figures were moving now, and he took aim again, loosing one at the kneecap of the one to the right. He smiled in satisfaction and was about to notch another arrow when he was interrupted.
"Lady and Duke Huor have just arrived. Lady Huor is requesting your presence!"
Leo frowned, eying the dummies fluttering in the breeze, held aloft by ropes on a sort of training contraption that the archers stationed in Castle used. He had finally finished with his paperwork and was adapting his aim to compensate for the fog in swamp when this unwelcome piece of news reached him. Curse Christine Huor and her scheming. If she thought she could enter his domain at anytime she pleased, then she had another thing coming.
"Tell her I will receive her in the library and ask her if she's spoke with her real father lately," Leo stated heading back towards the Castle.
Her royal blue cape rustled behind her. Her hair, where she had chopped it off crudely, had been fixed, and was now incredibly short, just barely reaching her chin. She wore dark blues and golds, mixed in with blacks. The outfit was meant for riding in, as well as formal wear. She had refused to wear anything put breeches. Though her father had tried to insist she wore a dress, she would not.
"I'll not be caught dead in something of that nature outside of a party or my wedding day." She'd told him. Her black riding boots made heavy footfalls on the stone floor. The door opened behind her, and she turned ot see Lelinus enter. He hadn't acctually looked at her yet, so with a smirk and her hands on her hips, she said directly to him,
"Lelinus DeGrey, since when am I not welcome at your side? Is my being of Noble birth just too much for you?"
"Rivera?" he asked in shock. Idly, he glad to see that she had stuck to her refusal to wear a dress whenever she could get away with not wearing one. She definitely looked like a noblewoman now, but she was still Rivera. He would have liked to say something clever or witty in response, but as was usual when Rivera took him by surprise, his tongue was one step ahead of his mind.
"It's the fact that your Noble Birth is liable to have you executed. Did you have to anger Jamie so much? My spies tell me you did nothing but antagonize him!"
He was so relieved to see her again, after being separated from her by his brother and yet, the worry and anger he had been suppressing had chosen this moment burst through the dam of his self-control. Nonetheless, he couldn't stop himself from reaching out to her and pulling her into his embrace.
"This isn't the time to make jokes, Vera!"
"Oh, you'll be giving me none of that, Leo. My Noble birth is exactly the thing that will save me, as well as the proof that Christine in not Noble-born." She said nothing else, allowing the words to sink in. She wanted to see his reaction. She drank in his face with her grey eyes. How she had missed him so.
At her next words, he smiled as though Feast Day had come early, "So she is a bastard. There were rumors, of course, and I loved how they haunted her, but to prove that they were true... So, your, um, father is on our side then?"
To tell the truth, he wasn't sure of Rivera's plan to goto her father. He could have easily sided with the daughter he knew rather than the stranger accused of treason, but if they had Duke Huor's support, then that meant that Christine's position was shakier than she realized.
"Does he treat you well?"
Her eyes reached his once more. "Well, do want to meet him or not?" She asked with a playful grin.