Legacy
CHAPTER 31
AN UNEXPECTED ALLY
I DID NOT SEE NARIAN AT ALL THE NEXT WEEK, as London and Destari had determined to keep us apart and had even taken to guarding my door at night. But our forced separation only made me more aware that, in many ways, the young man held my life in his hands.
I had begun to marshal arguments in Narian’s favor: He was young, yes, but mature beyond his years; he was estranged from his family, but Koranis would certainly provide him with an inheritance were he to marry the Crown Princess; he may not have attended Hytanica’s military school, but he had extensive military training. But the one objection I could not counter was the only one that mattered, that his loyalties might be divided. Although my heart did not want to admit it, reason told me that London’s assessment of the situation was correct, for it would be foolish, and entirely unnecessary, to risk a union between me and Narian when the son of the Captain of the Guard was prepared to assume the throne. Even London, who probably disliked Steldor as much as I, would see Steldor crowned before he would put Narian in a position of power.
Just when it looked as though things could not get worse, Steldor came back into my life. My father called me to his study to inform me that our family would be dining on the morrow with Cannan’s family in honor of Steldor’s twenty-first birthday. While I was thankful that I would not be spending the evening on my own with Cannan’s son, I dreaded the occasion nonetheless. I had not seen him since he had interrupted my shopping trip prior to Christmas, for the siege by Cokyri had been keeping all military commanders extremely busy, and that encounter hardly constituted a warm memory.
“As it is Steldor’s birthday, a small gift would be appropriate,” the King was saying.
“Yes, Father,” I said reflexively.
“I intend to discuss betrothal arrangements with Cannan, as I know of no other suitable candidate to be your husband. This decision can no longer be delayed, for your birthday is but three months away.”
My entire body tensed, causing my temples to pound. While it had become clear to me that joy lay with Narian and heart-ache with Steldor, I felt ill-equipped to persuade my father of this, for the simple fact remained that my feelings would have no influence on his judgment as to whom I should marry.
“I have invited Temerson as well, as a companion for Miranna. And, of course, Galen will be in attendance.”
“Yes, Father,” I repeated, curtseying as I prepared to leave. But the King was not through with me.
“I desire your happiness, as does your mother,” he said unconvincingly. “But you must desire it as well, and within the strictures of your position. Our hearts are not always wise, Alera, and cannot be relied upon in making certain decisions.”
I nodded, wondering if he had perhaps read my thoughts, and left his study without further response, afraid my voice would betray my feelings.
I arose early the next morning to make a hasty trip into the Market District, glad that February’s sunshine was at last chasing away January’s chilling rain. I had already decided what “small” gift would be appropriate for Steldor. As he had bestowed the exquisite and expensive sapphire pendant on me, I felt the need to match the lavishness of his gesture. When I came to the shop I had in mind, I surprised Destari by soliciting his advice on the purchase. Although he was uneasy about the nature of the item I was set on procuring, he assisted me in my selection and we returned to the palace within an hour.
That evening, Miranna entered my quarters, already dressed for dinner, to wait for me to finish my preparations. As Sahdienne brushed my hair, my sister flounced about my bedroom, more animated than usual, and I smiled broadly at her.
“Are you perhaps a little nervous about Temerson joining us for dinner?” I asked.
“Is it obvious?” she replied, sounding mortified.
“I’m afraid so. But don’t fret about it. I’m sure he will be equally flustered.”
“It’s just that we have never joined Mother and Father for such an occasion before.”
“I know. But he will pass the test.”
“He will, won’t he,” she agreed, and the color high in her cheeks gave away her affection for the young man.
Miranna was radiant in a deep green velvet gown over a cream brocade dress. She had chosen not to put her hair up, and it fell about her shoulders, adorned with a gold tiara set with emeralds. My gown was of white silk, with a bodice and tightly fitting sleeves of deep blue. Sahdienne had just placed the silver, double-banded sapphire-and-diamond tiara that I had worn for Semari’s birthday celebration around my upswept dark brown hair, and the silver-and-sapphire pendant that I had received from Steldor encircled my neck.
Once I was dressed for the evening and had dismissed my maid, Miranna and I chatted in my parlor until a Palace Guard arrived to inform us that our escorts had been shown to the small dining room on the first floor. Destari and Halias accompanied us down the stairs, then departed, off duty for the night, since Cannan, Steldor and Galen together were more than capable of protecting the royal family.
Miranna touched my arm and we stopped in the corridor outside the dining room while she moistened her lips and pinched her cheeks. I smiled as she began to fuss with the placement of her tiara.
“Your beauty already exceeds mine. There is no need to increase the disparity,” I teased.
She giggled and stepped sprightly into the room just a pace ahead of me.
Steldor stood to the right of the dining table, one hand resting on a high-backed chair, the very portrait of elegance and charm as he casually swirled the wine in the glass he held in his other hand. Temerson, looking refined in a gold doublet, stood silently next to him, his brown eyes occasionally darting to Steldor as though he were afraid to be in his company.
The near end of the oblong table was covered in white linen and had been set for ten with opulent golden plates and glass goblets. My father’s place was at the head of the table, with my mother on his left and Cannan on his right. I would sit on my mother’s left, with Steldor beside me, then would come Galen and whomever he had invited to accompany him. Faramay would sit next to her husband, with Miranna and Temerson likewise seated on the right side of the table.
Steldor, magnificent in a black silk doublet embroidered in gold, set his goblet of wine down on the table before he came to greet me. He inclined his head to kiss my hand, and I could tell that he was pleased to see the sapphire pendant resting just below the hollow of my throat.
I took his proffered arm and permitted him to lead me toward the refreshment table. Miranna hung back, looking expectantly at Temerson, who stumbled across the room to her side. They remained just inside the door, talking quietly, and I supposed that the young man needed to warm up to her before braving the rest of us.
As Steldor poured me a glass of wine, Cannan and Faramay arrived. Steldor’s parents cordially greeted Miranna and Temerson, but then Faramay caught sight of her son and crossed to us, Cannan a step behind. After giving me a curtsey, she adjusted the lacing on Steldor’s shirt, her face radiant with joy. Cannan, inclining his head slightly, moved to my side.
Steldor indicated his dislike for his mother’s pandering with a roll of his eyes. I raised a hand to my mouth to hide my amusement, and as I did so, chanced a glance at Cannan, who appeared disgruntled by his wife’s overly solicitous behavior toward their son.
As mother and son stood together, I was again struck by the strong resemblance between them—her oval face, high cheekbones, straight and narrow nose and perfect smile were mirrored in Steldor. We continued making small talk, and it was but a short time later that Galen arrived with a young woman by the name of Tiersia. She was petite and feminine, but would have been rather plain were it not for her clear green eyes and long, bronzed-brown hair. As she was two years my senior and rather reserved, I had never before spoken with her.
“Ah, Galen! Late as always, I see,” Steldor said as he took note of his friend’s entry into the room.
 
; “I’m never late,” Galen returned. “You should know by now that the party doesn’t begin until I’m here.”
A mischievous glint flickered in Steldor’s eyes as Galen guided Tiersia into our midst.
“And who is this lovely young lady who has somehow been prevailed upon to accompany you?” he inquired.
“Relax, I’ll get to the introductions in a moment.” Like Steldor, Galen was in excellent spirits. Turning to me, he bowed and kissed my hand. “Princess Alera, may I present Lady Tiersia, the eldest daughter of Baron Rapheth and his wife, Baroness Kalena.”
I nodded as she curtseyed, and Galen then addressed Cannan and Faramay.
“Lady Tiersia, I would like you to meet Baron Cannan, Captain of the Guard, and his wife, Baroness Faramay.” Galen’s manner remained formal, and he bowed his head in respect.
“It is a pleasure to meet you,” Cannan responded, but I saw Tiersia glance apprehensively at him, and I knew his mere presence was once again having an intimidating effect.
“And this, of course, is their son, Lord Steldor, whom I sometimes claim as my best friend,” Galen finished with a flourish.
Steldor inclined his head to Tiersia and clapped an arm around Galen’s shoulders.
“Let’s get you some wine,” he said, drawing Galen to the small table that held goblets and several different types of drink.
As the younger men served themselves, Cannan took the opportunity to lead Faramay across the room toward the well-stoked fire, and Tiersia moved to my side.
“How long have you known Galen?” I inquired, attempting to ease her nervousness.
“We met at a small holiday gathering, and he has called upon me twice since then.”
She was soft-spoken and genteel, and I couldn’t help thinking that Galen was doing well for himself.
The two friends returned, extending to us fresh glasses of wine. After taking a sip from his own goblet, which he had retrieved, Steldor addressed Tiersia, continuing in his earlier vein.
“So tell me, what type of bribe was used to entice such an enchanting woman into accompanying Galen tonight?”
Tiersia did not answer, but cast her eyes toward her escort as her cheeks turned deep pink, uncertain how to react to Steldor. Draping his left arm around her waist, Galen nobly intercepted his friend’s remark.
“You may have had to resort to a bribe or two to persuade young women to accompany you, but I’ve never had to use such measures.”
“No, no, your memory is flawed, Galen. It was they who bribed me.”
“And how long was it before they demanded a return of their money?” Galen was grinning widely, enjoying the exchange of jibes.
Again addressing Tiersia, Steldor continued, “I should warn you about Galen. His charm wears thin about…well, about now, after which he becomes quite a bore.” Motioning to the refreshment table, he added, a devilish glint in his eye, “So, feel free to partake of the wine throughout the evening, and when you are in need of…more stimulating companionship, come find me. I’m always willing to lend a hand to a desperate young lady.”
Lifting his eyebrows, Galen gave Steldor a small shake of his head to let him know he was overstepping his bounds with Tiersia.
“I feel the need to remind you that Princess Alera is your companion this evening, while Tiersia is mine. Do try to remember that.”
“I never forgot.” Steldor smirked, then he slapped Galen on the back and pulled him a few feet away, saying, “Excuse us, ladies, as we have matters of the kingdom to discuss.”
Tiersia and I now stood together in confused silence. She did not know what to make of the best friends, and I was both annoyed and amused by Steldor’s scandalously flirtatious style. Thankfully, the King and Queen were announced by Lanek at that moment, thus saving Tiersia and me from awkward conversation about our escorts.
My parents greeted Cannan and Faramay, who were now standing by the fireplace on the near side of the room. Steldor and Galen came to reclaim Tiersia and me, and we approached our elders so that Galen could once again make introductions.
After a few minutes of polite conversation, the King and Queen moved to the table to seat themselves for dinner, and the rest of us followed.
The dinner would be served in several courses, although they would be less extravagant than usual, due to the rationing instituted throughout the city. Soup would come first, followed by bread and thick stew, then legs of beef and mutton. The final course would consist of pastries and fruits. The feast would last well over an hour, as formal dinners tended to proceed slowly, and often seemed like a dance, with certain movements deemed appropriate and missteps duly noted by the older generation.
Despite the perceived pressure to display impeccable manners, the meal progressed pleasantly enough. Steldor was, naturally, on his best behavior in the presence of my parents and his, and paid just the right amount of attention to me while simultaneously charming the rest of the room. I, on the other hand, was aloof and somewhat distant, knowing that my input was not needed in order to carry the conversation, and preferring to simply observe Steldor at his best.
The feast concluded and my parents invited everyone to join them in the adjacent tearoom, where more intimate seating had been arranged. Steldor extended his hand to assist me to my feet as my father moved toward us, a broad smile upon his face.
“I would like to steal your young man for a few moments. I have some affairs to discuss with him. You can get along without him for a short time, can you not?” he asked, chuckling.
I nodded, and my father put his arm around Steldor’s shoulders and drew him companionably away from me and into the tearoom. I began to follow, walking with Galen and Tiersia, when I noticed Cannan standing by the doorway between the two rooms, his eyes upon me.
“Princess Alera, may I have a word?” he said as I approached.
Without waiting for an answer, he ushered me toward the dining room’s bay window. It was clear he wanted no one to overhear us.
The candlelit chandeliers that had created a soft glow over the table where we had dined did not reach this part of the room. The moonlight filtering through the window kept the darkness somewhat at bay, but created shifting shadows on the floor. Cannan gazed out the window into the West Courtyard as I waited for him to speak.
“I was once much like my son,” he began, then turned to me, his face looking more lined than usual, deliberately choosing his words. “But war forged my temper into conviction, my ego into self-confidence and my stubbornness into fortitude. Steldor has yet to face such trials, but when he does, he will change as well.”
He paused, and his voice was heavy when next he spoke.
“I know that you are not in love with him, but I am convinced that he loves you, although I doubt his pride would let him admit it. This gives you some ability to influence him and to change him as well.”
He turned his back to the window, his face now lost in darkness, but I knew not how to respond. I was unsettled by his frankness, as well as his assessment of my feelings. The silence between us lengthened, and I searched for something to say, but then he continued, his next statements even more astounding.
“Although I believe in time that you would be able to open your heart to Steldor, I do not wish to force you into marriage. I will not give my permission for a betrothal until you indicate to me that such is your desire.”
Gratitude broke over me in waves at the unexpected reprieve he was extending, immediately tempered by worry as to my father’s reaction.
“But my father…”
“Need not know my reasons. I can delay this decision without telling him that we have spoken.” Anticipating my next concern, he continued, “I can also handle my son.”
I nodded, almost inexpressibly grateful. “It may be Steldor’s birthday,” I finally managed to say, “but you have just given me a rare gift. Thank you for your kindness. I will carefully weigh your advice.”
“We had better rejoin the others,” he replied,
somewhat gruffly. His change in manner did not dampen my joy, but merely confirmed he did not often reveal this sensitive side of his nature.
The moment we walked into the tearoom, Steldor looked our way, a small furrow appearing in his brow as he contemplated his father. He was standing with Galen and Tiersia, his conference with the King having come to an end, and I knew from the blush in her cheeks that he and Galen must have again been tossing jibes at each other. As Cannan moved away from my side, Steldor took his place, but I was prepared for his arrival.
“I have something for you,” I told him, tugging at his arm with a beguiling smile. “Come with me.”
The tactic worked, for my rare show of affection drove all thought of asking about my conversation with his father from his mind. I slipped my right hand into his left and led him into the corridor and down the hall to the King’s Drawing Room, noticing as I did so that there was a slight ridge running across his palm.
As we crossed the threshold, I retrieved the package I had set upon the massive oak sideboard that stood on the other side of the room, feeling a sudden chill, for no heat emanated from the barren stone fireplace. Steldor waited in the middle of the room until I returned to extend to him the narrow, tightly wrapped gift. When he reached for it, I took his left hand in mine, turning it over to examine it.
“I cut myself when I was a child,” he explained.
“Badly, by the looks of it,” I remarked, inspecting the pale skin of the scar that crossed from the base of his first finger to the heel of his palm. “It would appear that flipping daggers is a dangerous pastime.”
I met his eyes as I relinquished my hold on him, expecting some reaction. He smirked before turning his attention to the gift he held in his right hand. He studied the oddly shaped package, then quickly removed the wrapping. He glanced between the leather sheath lying in his hands and me, and slowly extracted a dagger with a black leather grip and a ruby set into the pommel.
“I didn’t know you paid so much attention to my weaponry,” he remarked with admiration and approval.