The Oreans

Chapter 48

Chapter 48

News from Florea

Lady Loreine had been right about Princess Roseana and Miel. They did not blame her in the least for being related to the Duke de Lys. They had in fact fretted when she had disappeared from the palace that tempestuous night. When she returned two days following her impulsive departure, their warm reception had taken all her misgivings away. Miel had even drowned out her apology with her own, feeling sorry that she had not broken the news in a more discreet manner.

Now, nearly a month had passed since Alen's letter. Everyone except Erin herself seemed to have forgotten the fuss she had caused. She had already shared to Miel what she had learned about Alen, which Miel had acknowledged enthusiastically. Still, the letters that Lady Enthea had foreseen never came yet. Erin had already written to Alen once and Miel had done so twice, but there had been no response. Erin wondered what was keeping him from writing back to them, remembered Lady Enthea's allusion to storms and could not help worrying.

Miel was getting so restless that she had gone so far as to discuss the possibility of leaving Roilion with her. Princess Roseana had overheard her then and warned her against doing such a thing again. Still when the princess was not around she would ask news about Florea from the maids. Erin, though finding consolation in making sketches and painting, a talent which the Queen encouraged, felt for her. But she wanted to emulate the princess' example. Sweet-tempered as ever, the princess remained true to her promise to Rafim. Spending her time learning more about Faunea's culture from their servants or making them accessories when not called to the Queen's presence, she came to be a favorite in the royal household. Everyone now kept on talking about how beautiful, smart and kind the Queen's eldest niece was.

The morning that day had passed for Erin just like many other mornings she had had, spending it with the princess and Miel. But there had been less conversation; for even Miel, who had the turn for it, seemed to have exhausted all she had to say. When a courtier had offered them to teach them a dance, it was apparent that the two were just too glad to go, for it meant a diversion from their routine. Only Erin found no satisfaction in it. She would rather be alone someplace where no one could disturb her peace.

It was a relief that the princess had not asked too many questions when she had excused herself from going with them. The princess must have assumed she was intending to finish a painting. Though guilty, Erin savored her isolation atop Roilion's second highest tower, which afforded her an indisputably magnificent sight of Leone now in the full glory and liveliness of summer and the rare sight of the sea not far.

But was she really enjoying it? Until now, the thought of her father still caused her a pang of sadness. She still hoped that there had been a mistake, that his name would eventually be cleared. She wished him to know that she still cared for him though he was not her real father. Most of all, she wished him to meet Alen. In her mind, there was a picture of them three—happy together. Sadly, at the moment, it was just a picture. Both her father and Alen were miles away: one locked up in jail, the other... what? What was going on with Alen?

"Is something bothering you, child?"

Staring vacantly at the glistening structures below her, Erin's heart skipped a beat at the voice from behind her. Her apprehension at meeting very important people had already been cured to some extent. But she had not been prepared for this. She had not expected to meet the King of Faunea at this very moment, especially not here in this lonely unadorned place.

"Your Majesty," she mumbled as she dropped in a curtsey, noticing that he was with Lord Avalco. The young man nodded at her with a lopsided smile.

King Leonel lifted his hat, showing his graying, once raven hair, and looked her up with intelligent but tired-looking cobalt eyes between a high forehead and an aquiline nose. The gaunt face was lit by a kindly smile.