Silver Skeletons: Book 3 The Rose Tree Chronicles

Chapter Eighteen: The Marchioness of Aramycius

"Slave Owners cannot be sold into slavery unless the owner is homeless. When a homeless owner of a Slave is sold into slavery, the owner's Slave belongs to the new owner."

The ride to the manor alone was relieving. Just getting out of the palace to spend a sustained amount of time someplace where there wouldn't be extensive talk about a pointless war was enough to allow Polaris to relax. Now, he could discuss matters of real importance with someone who could most likely do something about them. It was finally a step that felt like it had been taken in the right direction.

At long last, Polaris's coach arrived at the large black mansion trimmed in gunmetal. Streams flowed over and around it like they did over the Saídan Palace, but the trees surrounding the structure shed luxurious crimson and bright red leaves. The coach pulled up to the entrance to drop Polaris off at the door, where he used the large dragon knocker and a butler answered.

"Your Honor," the butler immediately addressed. "The Lady is expecting you. Allow me to show you to her and I'll have someone take care of your coach."

"Thank you," Polaris replied.

The butler led Polaris to the four dark gray walls of a large drawing room surrounded by tall, black candelabras. Here, Marchioness Ivanna stood with her lady's maid, Aleda, and a couple of other gentlemen beneath a chandelier that was heavily adorned with black crystals.

"I suppose we can begin with any Saídan holiday that differs from our own," said Ivanna. "I'm sure it's safe to assume that they don't want to embrace any of ours just yet."

"My Lady," called the butler. "The Right Honorable Lord Polaris, Royal Advisor of Noelle, is here to see you."

Ivanna immediately turned from her conversation to spot Polaris beside her butler. She glowed at the sight of the royal advisor and glided up to him in her crimson and gold skirts.

"Lord Polaris!" She held out her hand for him to kiss it. "It's wonderful to see you again."

Polaris didn't bother kissing her hand. He pulled Ivanna in for a hug instead. After recognizing the way she felt in his arms, along with the smell of roses and perfume in her hair, he held her tighter. She was so comfortable and familiar; it was everything that he needed at that moment.

Ivanna hugged him back. "I've missed you too, Polaris."

Finally, Polaris let her go, looked at her, and smiled gently. "It is so good to see you again."

"Griffins, Polaris! You look ill!" Ivanna examined him closer and placed her hand to his forehead. "Are you eating? When's the last time you slept?"

Polaris chuckled softly. "I've only been a little stressed lately." He pulled her hand away from his face and cupped it with his hands.

"Only?" Ivanna asked. "A little? Lay down over here for a moment." Ivanna led Polaris to a dark purple chaise lounge.

"No, my Lady, we don't have time for this," Polaris said.

"There's plenty of time," said Ivanna as she sat Polaris on the lounge.

"No, we have much to discuss."

"Very well, but I will only discuss matters with you if you lay down."

"I'll lay down, but I won't sleep."

"Very well."

Polaris laid down as Ivanna wished. Then Ivanna put a hand to his forehead.

"Sleep," she said. Polaris immediately blacked out. "Heal," she whispered. She watched as the heavy bags beneath Polaris's eyes slowly receded, and she left him to rest where he lay.