Duty

Chapter 88 What's left behind

It wasn't how she had wanted to leave, but perhaps it was for the best. She looked at the boy across from her in the carriage. He still had a lost look in his eyes and barely said a word.

Hopefully he would open up a little after some time at Boncini. They could all used some healing.

There were a lot more people traveling back with her than there had been when she came to Auros several days ago. Then, there had only been a small guard. Now, there was an entire entourage. Not large enough to start rumors, but still larger than she would have wished. There was a guard, consisting of twenty soldiers, a luggage cart, a span of horses with a stablehand leading them, Lucius' teacher, and his wetnurse. One of the soldiers was leading Lucius' shabby pony by the reigns.

The king didn't want word to get out that the young prince was being relocated, so he had urged Vara not to make any stops along the way so they would reach Boncini by nightfall. It was a concession she made gladly, because she longed to be home.

Before leaving, Vara had gone to say goodbye to Cyrus, but he had locked his door and would not answer her. Through the wood, she had begged him to take care of himself, to call on her soon and that she loved him. All she could do now was hope he would return to his former self and pick himself up again soon.

Lucius' dog Tytus was lying at their feet in the carriage, oblivious that he was moving to a new home. Vara was sure he would like it there. He'd be free to run around the estate. He'd been born there. She wondered if he'd remember.

"Not long now," she told the boy, "it was your grandmother's estate. Did you know?" She was sure he did. His teacher would have taught him when going over the various noble houses, but she hoped to draw out a reaction.

Lucius gave a tiny nod. "I know," he mumbled.

Determined not to let him withdraw again, Vara smiled encouragingly. "Tell me about it then. What do you know about Boncini?" The last thing she wanted was for Lucius to stare into the distance all day . She had brought him with her so he could be a child again instead of having to follow a strict protocol all the time. Of course he should grieve for his mother, but she wouldn't let him curl up in a dark hole like his father was doing now. She remembered what had worked for Cyrus in the past. He needed distraction. And he needed some breathing space. Most of all, he needed friends. He didn't need to be coddled or buried in lessons. And there were plenty of children in the nearby village, and at Boncini there was Phoebe.

Vara sat back and listened as Lucius hesitantly began to recite what he knew of Boncini and of his grandmother Aelia and her family lineage.

It was a start. At least he responded.

The carriage came to a halt, and a moment later the door was opened.

"We have arrived, my lady," the driver announced. He held out his hand to assist her out of the carriage.

Vara politely took it, even though she did not need the support. She turned back to the carriage and coaxed Lucius out. His dog followed eagerly and started sniffling around excitedly.

"Tytus! Come!" Lucius scolded the animal. Reluctantly, Tytus returned to the boy's side.

Meanwhile Vara was giving out orders to situate their new guests and bring the luggage inside.

From the gardens, Lykander approached them. "Welcome back, my lady," he greeted her, "how was Auros?" He glanced at the boy behind her curiously, but decided not to ask for now.

Vara smiled at him kindly. "As well as expected," she said, "not many of the lords could make it, but they sent their regards." Her smile turned sad. "I'd wanted to return home sooner, but I was held up. How have things been here? Has there been any news?"