Warrior's Mind (Book 2 of The Warrior Chronicles)

Chapter 59

When Leyla woke just after dawn, she found herself alone in bed. The fact that she hadn't felt Raphael move was testament to how deeply she had slept. I won't let anyone hurt you, so sleep comfortably. She must have truly believed his words to have allowed herself to be so defenceless. Leyla closed her eyes, thoughts of Raphael flooding her mind. 

His sad eyes, his warm kisses, the feeling of being in his arms...Bloody Diya, what was she doing? Yes, everything he said seemed to make sense and yes, she had lost track of the number of times he put himself in danger to save her, but... but what if it all ended up like before? What if she was misreading things like she had with Alec?

You make me weak; that was what Raphael said. But wasn't it reversed? He kept pushing at her, kept offering his hand, his warmth, his care until the walls that had protected her heart all these years were reduced to rubble. 

He made her weak. And weakness scared her.

Wanting to escape her conflicting thoughts, Leyla pushed out of bed and made use of the water and fresh clothes that had been left on a nearby set of drawers. She was tying the white sash on the flower embroidered dress when a strange humming beyond the windows caught her attention.

On most mornings, Leyla could hear the chirping of the birds that lived in the gardens of the minister's islands, but not today. She moved across the room and pulled aside the heavy curtains, surprised to find dozens of people gathering around a small platform in the garden below. 

The trial!

She had been so focused on Raphael, that she had forgotten about what happened to the guards! Now, as she remembered the attack, she also remembered the blood on her hands with a sense of growing unease. No, she had to stay calm. Raphael said there was nothing to worry about, so the perpetrator must have been caught.

Leyla watched as a group of cloaked alchemists joined the gathering below. Who exactly was it that stabbed the men last night? It would surprise her if there was anyone other than Annabelle who would go to such lengths to frame her.

The crowd below her parted to give Raphael and the Book Keeper space to pass. Adults bowed and youngsters rushed forward, making a respectful circle around their Prorex. Leyla could see a group of young girls giggling after they received a nod of acknowledgement from him, then they were moving aside so he could climb the steps to the platform. Leyla was following his progress across the stage when there was a sudden knock at the door. 

"Consort?" She recognised the voice of the servant in charge of Raphael's room. "The Prorex wanted me to make sure you had risen."

"I'm awake!" She crossed to the door and opened it.

"Ah, you are dressed!" The servant sounded relieved as he smiled. The two guards behind him gave her a short bow, then looked away. "If you are ready, Consort, would you follow us please?"

"Lead the way." Leyla followed them down to the front gardens where there was barely a place left to stand. The crystal dome's courtyard was now filled with people; men, women, even a few older children, newly arrived from the White Gardens, were in attendance. She recognised some of the ministers standing with their families, then looked up to the platform where Raphael and the Book Keeper were conversing. The guards stopped walking and pointed her up the steps.

Silence began to fall with each step she took, setting her hair on end. Things just didn't feel right. Why were the guards following her up the steps and where was Michael? Wasn't he always present at important meetings?

Once she reached the top step, the Book Keeper turned her way and motioned for her to stand to her the right. The woman's eyes lacked the warmth they normally carried and her mouth seemed tense. Sensing the presence of the guards behind her, Leyla looked to Raphael for some kind of explanation. He said nothing, but tipped his head ever so slightly as if to tell her it was alright.