Silver Skeletons: Book 3 The Rose Tree Chronicles

Chapter Thirty: Lady Ivanna's Phobia

"Those birthed from a Slave are immediately determined to be a Slave. The proper paperwork of the Slave's official birth must be turned in to the Association of Slave Owners within the day of that Slave's birth or the following morning."

Rein's posture changed to defensive upon seeing the sheer panic in Ivanna's eyes. She looked at the webbing between Ivanna's fingers and then glanced at the four assassins. "Yes, they know you're part mermaid. I'm sorry. I thought it was necessary to explain your plans involving the marquis as a way to further explain your feelings about elves since he plans to use cuffs engraved with Elvish against you again."

"Please don't feel concerned that we have this knowledge," said Elion. "We also understand what it's like to be cast out due to one's ethnicity."

"Take me for example," said Ezra. "I'm a valkyrie who can't fly, which makes me an outcast to my own kind."

"That is most unfortunate," Ivanna acknowledged. "I am sorry to hear it. Due to the outcast-nature of this information, very few people do know about it, so I do ask that it is kept amongst yourselves. Don't worry though, as Rein has mentioned to you already, word will be out soon and you won't have to keep it secret for very long."

"Which is very noble of you," said Elion. "We wish to help in any way that we can."

Ivanna nodded. "Thank you, that does serve as encouragement, of which I need as much as I can get."

"If it helps, my Lady," said Elion. "You are perfectly capable of countering my powers as well."

Ivanna smiled sweetly at Elion. "I appreciate it. However, fortunately for you, I have yet to learn how to do so." Elion nodded in understanding. "Anyway, I apologize that Polaris couldn't be present for your arrival. Our king was murdered three days ago, and due to his role in the Royal Court, Polaris has been quite busy. However, he will be joining us for dinner, and I hope that during this time we may quiet any concerns we all may have about each other."

"I am excited to meet Master Polaris again," said Ezra.

"That will be a relief for us, my Lady," said Gideon.

"I'm glad to hear it," said Ivanna. "In the meantime, allow me to show you to your chambers."

***

Ivanna let the former League members get settled, and after informing them that she would announce when Polaris arrived, returned to her library with a spiked lona. Rather than pace in front of her grand fireplace again, she stood on her balcony to get some fresh air and gaze over the kingdom, so beautiful visually but so ugly internally. After having spent some time to herself, Aleda and Rein approached her.

"Does it still look as beautiful as it did when we first arrived?" Aleda asked.

"Of course not," Ivanna answered. "Besides, you know the main reason why I decided to live here."

"What was the main reason?" Rein asked.

"Because Polaris lives here," Aleda answered for Ivanna with a smile.

"So, if you both feel the same way about each other, why aren't you two courting?" Rein asked Ivanna.

"Well firstly," Ivanna began, "I doubt we both feel the same way about each other. Secondly, it wouldn't be a wise decision for us to court. Our situations would become so much more complicated. New problems would arise from it, and then there's the fact that I will be exposed soon. Depending on how that goes, it could lead to some serious consequences to Polaris's reputation, which has already suffered some wounds due this situation involving Nadia."