Kings Game

Chapter 39 - The Tomb

(1)

"You look gorgeous!"

Kell looked down at the dress, indifferent. She preferred tighter clothing for ease of movement but it made little difference. In an emergency she could easily rip the dress off and she wasn't opposed to fighting naked. Karyn, on the other hand, was completely enamored with the lacy dress.

"It's a perfect fit!" said Darling, enjoying the spectacle almost as much as Karyn. "Red and black really do suit you. And with those boots you almost look like an adult."

Kell scowled at her sister. "I am older than you, remember." She tugged at the long gloves covering her arms. Her mother had insisted on them. The dress covered her shoulders and biceps but left the scars and etchings on her forearms visible, so her mother had improvised. Kell disliked the burden of keeping the gloves in place but accepted the importance of hiding her etchings from view.

"Are you two done treating me like a dress-up doll?"

"For the moment, it's Karyn's turn."

Karyn lit up. "Really?"

Smiling, Darling grabbed a box and pulled out another dress. She held it up, revealing a dress of light blue and cream with a myriad of ribbons.

"It's amazing!"

"There are a couple more but this one is my favorite. We can have them tailored before you leave."

"You mean I can keep them?"

"Of course! We wanted to thank you for looking after Kell."

Taking the dress, Karyn smiled. "She's the one that looks after me."

"Guarding and looking after are two different things."

A knock came from the door.

"Enter," Kell called.

Perri came into the room, wheeling a tea cart. "Good morning ladies, priestess."

"Good morning Perri, has mother finished her business?"

Perri went about pouring a cup of tea for Kell and Darling. "Not quite, she'll be another hour. Once she is finished we will head into town for the day." After passing a cup of tea to Darling and Kell, he offered a cup of hot water to Karyn.

Karyn accepted the cup with a smile and went about preparing her own drink, tossing in a tea bag from a leather satchel and sprinkling in some powder from a vial.

"We will spend this evening with Lord Jeremiah and his family. I shall leave you ladies to prepare."

Perri deposited a tray with the teapot before taking his leave.

Karyn swirled her tea, watching the powder dissolve. "Who's Jeremiah?"

"My fiance," said Darling.

Kell winced while Karyn bounced up with excitement. "You're getting married?"

"In another year or two, yes. We're expecting an increase in manufacturing and want to wait out the chaotic period as we adjust to the flow of exports. Once things stabilize, we will plan for the wedding."

Karyn frowned. "That...doesn't sound very romantic."

"It's a political marriage," said Kell. "Darling is being used to tie our family to another one. If I recall correctly, Jerry's family manages the refineries?"

"Yes, and please don't call him Jerry, it makes him flustered."

"Oh," said Karyn. "That's sad. I'm sorry you have to go through with that."