Amaskan's Blood, Raven Oak [read me a book .TXT] 📗

you, even with my life if necessary. I truly hope you live long enough to understand the sacrifices others are making on your behalf, Your High-ness.”

She executed an elaborate bow, her arm flourishes mocking Margaret while her petulant voice did the same. Adelei retreated to the door and stood like a member of the royal guard, eyes unmoving and her face a wall of neutrality.

At first, Margaret tried shouting, and when that garnered no response, she tossed another candle. This one missed the mark so wide that Adelei didn’t even blink. Eventually, Margaret took to ignoring Adelei’s presence as well. Dressed and ready, the Princess retired to a corner chair to read until a bustle at the door sent several pages scurrying in. Adelei stopped all three as they shouted their messages with all the tact of children given a new duty.

“Prince Gamun—he’s here.”

“The Prince is here. You must come.”

“King Leon says hurry. The Prince is here.”

Margaret dropped her book and ran her fingers through her long, black hair. Several braids twisted in circles near the top, but the bottom portion hung free. She snarled at a few tangles, then fixed a smile on her face as she rose. Adelei stopped her before she reached the open door.

“His Highness gave you orders this morning, orders to obey me for your safety. Whenever you leave this room, I go first. Before you enter another room, I go in first to check it. Can you follow these instructions?”

“If I can’t?”

“Then you don’t leave this room.”

Margaret nodded her compliance, though she stuck her tongue out at Adelei. The slow process of searching each room before Margaret’s entrance, even if just a visual check, delayed their journey across the castle to the front doors where the royal family would await the approaching Prince Gamun of Shad, soon to be of Alexander.

By the time they arrived, Prince Gamun already waited at the entrance, still astride his horse. Upon sight of his bride, he dismounted and stared up at the clouds. King Leon shot a nervous glance at them both. Adelei shrugged and jabbed her thumb in the Princess’s direction.

Margaret ignored her father completely. She strode across the cobblestone courtyard to Prince Gamun himself. The break in protocol was the action of a love-sick child, something most of the courtyard found sweet as they smiled knowingly at their princess, but Adelei caught the smirk on Prince Gamun’s face. His spotted Paloda skittered when the wind caught Princess Margaret’s dress, and its ruffles fluttered like birds before the nervous horse. Adelei kept her distance from the spirited horse but moved closer to the couple in case the horse reared.

Prince Gamun bowed low to the Princess, his black hair glinting in the sunlight. He remained on one knee as King Leon approached and rose once King Leon’s voice rang out across the courtyard. “Welcome to the crown city of Alesta, Prince Gamun Bajit of Shad. May your Way guide you.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty. May your Way guide you as well,” Prince Gamun replied in perfect Alexandrian. “I see a few faces I do not recognize from my last visit.” While he gestured toward members of the high court, his gaze rested on Adelei.

She ignored him for the most part, choosing instead to study the men and women in his entourage. Prince Gamun kissed Margaret’s hand, an action that elicited a giggle and a flush from head to toe as Margaret declared him to be the “perfect gentleman.”

Adelei bit her tongue and counted to ten. Twice. If she swoons one more time, I may not be able to restrain my sarcasm.

As the King introduced other members of the high court and visiting dignitaries, Adelei spotted a young girl in the Prince’s party. Her cloak glittered in the sun, and her smile matched. When she caught Adelei watching her, she ducked down in her saddle.

She couldn’t have been more than twelve. What possible reason did he have for bringing her here? There were servants aplenty in the castle. Though with a hooded cloak that nice, she couldn’t possibly be one. A second wife perhaps? Fits his type.

The young girl clung to an older, heavy-set woman. Tutor perhaps? Old nursemaid?

“I see your kingdom has acquired the services of the Amaskans.” Prince Gamun stepped in Adelei’s line of sight.

“Prince Gamun, allow me to introduce Sepier Adelei, formerly of Sadai,” said King Leon. Prince Gamun reached out a hand and grinned wider when Adelei didn’t offer her own in return. She wore a face of boredom and neutrality.

“Does Master Adelei speak Alexandrian?” Prince Gamun stepped a foot closer to Adelei, the gleeful grin dazzling Princess Margaret. “Do you speak Shadian, perhaps?”

“She possesses quite the brawn, Prince Gamun, but I’ve seen naught by way of brains,” answered Margaret. “Yet my father is convinced it is time for me to have my own sepier, so here we are.” She blushed when he smiled again, though his eyes darted to Adelei.

“As well you should, Princess. These are dangerous times we live in.”

Adelei raised a brow. “Indeed, Your Highness. And with the wedding bringing so many strangers into Alesta, it would be all too easy for an enemy to slip into the castle. Right through the front gates even.”

“They might even be welcomed by some. Dangerous rumors followed us on the road to Alesta.”

“Prince Gamun, allow me to introduce to you my grand advisor…” As King Leon spoke, Gamun’s fingers brushed Adelei’s elbow. Her body cried out for her to flee, to step back, but she remained still as he tightened his grip. Let him think he has you scared. Truth was, her legs fought not to tremble as she stood on display.

“Similar, yet different,” he whispered, and Adelei couldn’t help but follow his glance.

The sun lit Margaret until she glowed. She pursed her rosy lips and fluttered her eyes like a simpering idiot. Despite looking the fool, Margaret’s brows furrowed as she noted Gamun’s grip on Adelei’s arm. “Maybe she’s not the fool after all,” Gamun