Chapter 12

 

 

The horses and carriage were ready for us by the time we’d broken our fast. My mother had come to see us off. Tears shone in her deep blue eyes.

“What will you do, Mother?” I asked, clasping her hands.

“Oh, don’t worry about me. Just remember to write. You remember our code?” She whispered the last part.

I bit my lip and nodded.

“Good. I will tell you if anything important happens here. I do hope you enjoy your new home. I’ll miss you, my beautiful girl.”

“I’ll miss you too,” I choked out, holding back tears as we embraced.

Valron waited patiently until we were done saying our goodbyes. He helped me into the carriage once I was ready—ready to leave my home… ready to leave the sea. I swallowed hard.

I stared out the carriage window as we left Aquila until my mother became a small dot in the distance. I closed the white curtain and sat back with a sigh.

“I know this must be difficult… to leave your home behind. I know you’ll grow to like Cansbroke though. Perhaps you’ll even love it one day. I have the kindest staff, and the scenery is breathtaking.”

“Thank you, Valron. You don’t have to be so kind to me, but you are. I appreciate that.”

“What kind of husband would I be if I treated my wife poorly?” He looked at me aghast.

“A wretched one.”

He smiled sweetly and placed a hand on my knee.

It turned out his words were true. The land around Cansbroke’s palace was a sight to be seen, as was the palace itself. Weeping willows shaded the pathways around the outside of the palace, which had many large windows to allow the light inside.

I was met with kindness, as Valron had promised. All of his staff welcomed me with open arms. I grew to adore each and every one of them.

Valron did his best to be a good husband. I did grow to care for him by winter, but it was nothing compared to the way I’d felt about Thaimis. I didn’t know if I’d ever feel that kind of passion again.

There was one thing I did hate about my new home… it wasn’t by the sea. I missed the sea as much as I missed my family. I felt confined in the palace… between the towering mountains it sat between. Sure, the sea wasn’t far away, but I couldn’t hear its waves kissing the shore from my chamber as I could in Aquila.

One night, as I sat bored in my chambers, I concentrated on my cup of tea. I willed the hot liquid into a sphere and floated it through the air. Powers were like muscles. They needed to be exercised if they were to be effective. I didn’t know when or if I’d ever need mine, but I didn’t want to lose control of them.

The sound of the door latch tore me out of my hypnotic state. I let the tea fall to the floor and scrambled back onto the bed.

Valron looked down at the puddle on the floor and cocked an eyebrow.

“I spilt my tea,” I lied.

“Would you like me to have Lamar fetch you more?” Of course he believed me. He took the cup from me. Lamar was Cansbroke’s head servant and the first person who had welcomed me to the palace.

I shook my head. “No, it’s alright.” I’d have to be more careful. I hadn’t told Valron about my powers, and I didn’t plan to. Only three people knew about my ability to manipulate water; my mother, Percifal and Sreda. I had thought about telling Thaimis. I was glad I didn’t.

Valron handed me a sealed envelope. “This arrived for you today.”

I recognized the seal right away as my mother’s. We’d written each other regularly since I’d left Aquila. I placed it on the table beside the bed. “Thank you. I’ll read it tomorrow. It’s late.” I patted the bed beside me for him to join me.

“I’ll be away tomorrow,” he informed, climbing into the warm blankets. “It looks like Gervase shorted us a sack of grain on our last order.”

I curled up beside him, and he stroked my arm. “But it’s so dreadfully cold out right now. Can’t you wait ’til it’s a little warmer?”

“We need it now. It’s sweet of you to worry, but I’ll be alright. It’s only half a day’s ride. I’ll wear enough furs to keep me warm.”

“Perhaps I’ll join you.” I peered up at him. His loose brown hair framed his face.

He shook his head. “No, stay inside and keep yourself warm.”

I leaned my head back against his chest and closed my eyes. It would’ve been nice to have something to do though. I was growing restless with being cooped up inside all winter, but I didn’t argue. Though it didn’t snow much in this part of Sarantoa, the coldness was damp and seeped into one’s bones.

When I woke, Valron was already gone. I leaned over, grabbed the letter from my mother and tore it open. It was written in the code we had come up with before my wedding. I fetched a quill and ink and began decoding my Mother’s words.

 

My dear daughter,

I hope all is well with you in Cansbroke. Everyone is on edge here. Whispers about war still echo throughout the palace, but it seems King Zaeden has no plans to send his army out this coming spring. I was beginning to wonder if perhaps this war won’t happen at all. Perhaps the king’s truly too afraid to wage war against the other kingdoms. I was wrong. He is waiting for something. I’ve seen him making regular visits to the tower where Sreda is being held late at night. I can only imagine what he might be doing with the sorceress. My only relief is that you aren’t here. I will keep you informed if I find out anything more. Until then, take care of yourself.

 

Love,

Mother

 

I stood and threw the note into the hearth that warmed my and Valron’s bedchamber. So the king was waiting for something. My brow furrowed as a sick feeling settled in the pit of my stomach. If the king was making Sreda use magic to help him win his war, there had to be something I could do… find the other elementals. I’d promised Mother I wouldn’t do anything without help from them. Perhaps it was my duty to seek them out.

A soft knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. “Breakfast is ready, Your Grace.” One of the maid’s voices called through the thick oak door.

“I’ll be right down!”

I slipped on a simple linen dress, threw a wool robe over top and went downstairs to the parlour.

We didn’t use the palace’s hall during the winter as we had no peers staying with us during the cold season. I preferred the peace of the parlour over the dining hall.

When one of the maids brought out my meal of steaming oats and bread, I touched her arm. “Would you fetch Maybel for me?” Maybel was the head of the maids at our household. She was the one the other maids listened to. She reported directly to Lamar.

“Of course, Your Grace.” The shy maid curtsied and left to find her superior.

I dug into my meal while I awaited Maybel. She came as I sopped up the last of my oats with a piece of bread.

“Your Grace, Anette said you wish to see me.”

“Yes, Maybel. I was thinking it would be nice to have a small feast tonight for Valron when he returns… a nice surprise. The servants are all welcome to join us. I find myself restless these days and could use something to look forward to. Can you make that happen?” I inclined my head at her.

“Yes, Your Grace. I’ll tell the cook to prepare a fine meal and ensure the rest of the staff prepare for tonight’s supper.”

“Thank you. Ensure everybody does their part so everyone can partake in the meal tonight. Once the food is out, we’ll all serve ourselves.”

“You are very kind, Your Grace.” She bobbed a curtsy.

I smiled at her.

She took my cue for dismissal.

Now, to find something nice to wear for the night.

I sat in my velvet, turquoise gown with a silver embroidered bodice, picking at my supper. We had waited until the food was at risk of becoming too cold before the staff and I decided to eat without Valron.

“What could be keeping him so long? He should’ve been back before supper.” I pushed my plate away, giving up on forcing myself to eat without an appetite.

“Perhaps the farmer and he decided to share a drink or two,” Maybel offered.

I frowned. “Well that’s rude of him; to cause us all such worry.”

A thin smile formed on Maybel’s lips.

I stood and began clearing plates.

Maybel stood up too. “Oh no, Your Grace. You must let me do that.”

“No, I mustn’t. I need to keep myself busy. I will take these to the kitchen. You just relax.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.” She sat back down and fiddled with her dress, not sure what to do with herself.

I took the plates from the rest of the staff and headed to the kitchen. Just as I set my armful of dishes down, I heard a holler boom, “He’s here! Your Grace! The duke has returned!” It was Lamar’s voice.

I gathered up my skirts and sprinted to the entrance and found Lamar helping Valron inside. I rushed to his aid.

Valron looked up at me, shivering so hard he could barely speak. “I—I’m s—sorry.”

“Never mind. What happened to you?” I demanded, taking in his poor state.

“Th—the horse. Threw me and then t—took off…had t—to walk back.”

“Dear Celestia. You’re frozen! Lamar, help me get him into bed.”

The tall, lanky servant grabbed one arm and I grabbed the other. We hauled him up to his bedchamber we shared. Once Valron was sitting on the bed, I turned to Lamar. “I’ll get him out of these wet clothes. Would you get one of the maids to fetch us some tea? Not Maybel though. I told her to relax tonight.”

“Yes, Your Grace.” He bowed and turned to leave, but not before I caught the concern on his face.

I immediately began helping Valron undress. “So did that stupid horse cost us our grain too?” I scowled whilst unbuttoning his tunic.

“No, I found the sac of grain and carried it with me… gave it to one of the maids.” At least he wasn’t shivering so hard now.

“Good. It wasn’t all for naught then. I’d hate if you went through this for nothing.” I pulled off his boot so he could get out of his breeches.

“I’m sorry I missed dinner. You look pretty,” he complimented sincerely.

I scrunched up my face and helped him lay down in the bed. “I was bored, so I threw a dinner for the staff.”

“How very kind of you.”

There was a knock before one of the maids entered with the tea.

“Thank you,” I said, taking the cup and saucer from her.

She curtsied, and then left us.

After I finished helping Valron drink the warm liquid sweetened with honey, I stoked the fire and curled up beside him. I hoped the heat from my body would help warm him.

When I woke, it was daylight. I stretched and glanced up at Valron. His face had a sheen of sweat on it. I put my hand to his face. He was burning up. I scrambled off the bed, still in my gown from the previous night, which was now rumpled.

I flew out of the bedroom in search of Lamar. I found him with Maybel. They both stopped their conversation and turned to give me their full attention. Worry was etched on both their faces.

“It’s Valron. He has a fever.” I balled my hands into fists and pressed them to my face. Stupid horse!

Maybel came to comfort me as Lamar said, “I’ll send for the physician. He lives nearby.” Maybel reminded me of my mother, the way she consoled me. Though, they were nothing alike appearance wise. Where my mother was sleek and dark, Maybel was curvy and grey.

“Please make haste.”

He bowed and went to gather his cloak and boots.

“Come now, Your Grace. Let’s get you out of that gown.” Maybel put her arm around me to coax me forward, and I complied.

Shortly after Maybel had helped me into a day dress, Lamar and the physician arrived.

I followed them up to the bedchamber where Valron still lay. “Can you do anything for him? He came home cold and wet last night after his horse threw him,” I told the man with a receding hairline that was to heal my husband.

“I can give him a tonic to help with the fever. Other than that, I suggest you keep him warm and in bed,” the physician advised while setting his bag down beside the bed. He pulled out a dark blue, glass bottle and poured it into the cup that had tea in it the night before.

Valron groaned as I helped him sit up and drink the tonic the physician gave to him.

“Give him lots of liquids. You should sleep in a different room to avoid becoming infected too,” he said, gathering his bag again.

“That’s all? There’s nothing else you can do for him?” My eyes darted to the pained look on my husband’s face. This was serious.

“That’s all I can do for now. Give him more of this tonic tonight. I’ll come back tomorrow to check on him.”

I blinked fast a couple times and stepped out of his way. “Alright.”

“That’ll be one gold piece for my services each day.”

I went to the box on the dresser and pulled out a gold coin and handed it to the stout physician. “Thank you, good sir.”

He pursed his thin lips. “Don’t thank me yet.”

He left, and I went to the side of the bed and sat on my knees. “Oh, Valron. You must get better.”

He looked at me with red eyes. I saw regret there. I grabbed his hand and squeezed it.

“Shall I fetch some soup, Your Grace?” Lamar asked from behind me. I’d almost forgotten his presence.

“Yes, he must keep up his strength. Please have the cook prepare something.”

While I waited for the soup to arrive, I sat beside the bed listening to Valron’s raspy breathes. I wondered what would become of me if the unthinkable happened. I’d be free to return to Aquila. No! I must not think that way, I scolded myself. Valron was a good man.

When the soup came, I fed it to Valron only to have him throw it right back up. One of the maids helped me clean him up and got him new blankets.

Tea was the only thing he could keep down. Maybel and I took turns helping him drink it.

I slept in one of the guest chambers, as advised. Actually, I didn’t do much sleeping at all. I lay awake for most of the night, to be honest. My mind kept me tossing and turning. I never wanted to marry Valron, but I didn’t want him to die. He’d been the best husband a man could be under the circumstances. If he didn’t make it out of this, my mother would surely marry me off to someone else… unless I took over this household. I didn’t know enough about matters of estate. Perhaps I could learn. No, I don’t want to stay here if he dies. One, two, three. I tried counting to quiet my mind. It worked—eventually.