Beasts of Flames

Chapter Two

Within minutes, I reached my room and unlocked the door only to find my aunt standing directly in the middle of it.

"Hello, Lyda."

"Andromeda," I replied. Andromeda's gaze fixated on my leather sparring outfit and the flush of my cheeks that was nearly gone from my earlier encounter with Maximus. Her scowl grew deeper, and I could tell she knew what had occurred earlier in the sparring room without saying a word.

"You should get a grip on your emotions. One day, you're going to get caught, and I'm not going to be around to bail you out."

I didn't even acknowledge what Andromeda said as I made my way toward the small armoire in my room. I started rummaging through my very small selection of dresses before pulling out a simple black frock that fit trimly against my body. I had worn this dress many times, and it was always noted by the snobs of court. Another reason I would always pick it.

"Lyda, can you at least reply so I know you've heard what I am saying? Merciful Thalassa! It's like I'm speaking to a brick wall!"

"Well, Andromeda, I am not one of your little court spies who just does whatever you say and listens to all your problems. I have problems of my own to deal with. I don't need a nag."

My last word stung deeply, and the gasp of shock from Andromeda bellowed from the room. Andromeda always had the worst flair for the dramatic when it came to me, and I couldn't stand it. I began peeling away my layers of leather, and Andromeda shielded her eyes from the "horror" of my nudity. I simply pulled my simple court dress over my head, unamused by my aunt's arguments about modesty.

"What is so important you decided to break into my room to tell me?"

Noticing I was now fully dressed, Andromeda unshielded her eyes and said, "I assume you've heard about the announcement that is about to occur."

"Yes. What about it?" I snapped. I began pulling the sweat-soaked strands of my hair into a delicate braid down my back, golden strands shining brightly amongst the ashen wood of the rest of my plait. Andromeda sat on the bed and adjusted her conservative, high-neck red gown with dainty gold trim caressing the wrist of her sleeves, a fitting garment for the royal advisor.

"I've come to tell you that you are under strict orders to keep your mouth shut. As you have already put me in numerous positions where I could have lost my status, you will behave as any other lady in court would," in the middle of her monologue she was adjusting the sheer veil that permanently adorned her slightly wrinkled forehead. It was meant to be a sign of her virtuosity and faithfulness to the king, whatever that meant.

"You need to learn that your actions have consequences. So, if you speak up today, I will expose your little dalliance with that soldier's son to everyone at court. You will be deemed a harlot and thrown into the streets, or worse, the dungeons."

I could not believe it. My head swiveled so quickly towards her aunt that I didn't know what I was doing until I was inches from her face.

"Don't you dare threaten my relationship with Maximus? It's not your business or anyone else's business for that matter!"

Inches away from her face, I growled through my teeth, but my aunt remained utterly unfazed.

"It is my business when you both parade around and speak such horrendous things aloud. Anyway, it will have to end soon, and you will see why at the announcement."

"What are you talking about?"

"You'll see. Promise me, you will not cause a scene today in court." Her face turned from a scowl to a much more solemn expression. Whatever she knew obviously would have consequences for whatever Maximus and I had with each other, and now, I truly wanted to run so I'd never have to find out.