The Matriarch's Daughter

Chapter Ten: Claudia's Concern

If Thepa thought that the next few days would be stress-free, she was wrong. 

As soon as they teleported to the ionic crystal, half the team decided to return to their home territories. Thepa insisted they stick to the original plan, and while Claudia and Rory did their best to support her, the three of them could not persuade the others. When they arrived at Wildehaven, Matron Vivian and Lily boarded a boat back to Esha, while Bidant and Will waited to return to their respective nations. 

When they arrived in Goldale, things were no better. The Archduke was disturbed to hear news of the massive army and the cryptic message of the enormous goblin. Even worse, he had chastised Thepa for not taking better command of the team, reminding her that a hands-off approach wasn't the mark of a true leader. With a stern gaze, he repeated his earlier command. Frustrated, Thepa sought solace in a hot bath, but even that was denied her by plumbing problems. Defeated, she left, thinking it was a crummy ending to a crummy day to a crummy week.

As Thepa walked into her private quarters, she found Rory and Claudia sitting on her bed, reading a copy of The Age of Beasts. She sighed and flopped down next to them, exhausted beyond belief.

"Rough day?" Rory asked, setting the book aside.

Thepa grunted in response. "Apparently... Our comrades think I'm a failure at leading them. After the week we had, they should be more grateful I hadn't pushed them into the massive army and left them there."

Claudia gave her a half-hearted smile, the corners of her high cheekbones barely pulling taut. "Don't beat yourself up. All those different personality types, there are bound to be conflicts."

Rory tilted her head. "Still... do you think they were right?"

"I—," Thepa paused to consider it. She thought she was ready. She had put significant time and effort into planning the mission and assigning responsibilities, but if she was being true to herself, she knew the mission showed she wasn't where she needed to be.

Thepa hesitated, but then shook her head. "No, not exactly. But I do think I could have done better."

Rory nodded in understanding. "That's all that matters. You'll learn from this and be better next time. Why don't you get some rest for now? You look like you need it. In the morning, Claudia and I want to talk to you about what the goblin said."

"Do you mind if I stay back? Mistress Deeprabbit wanted me to discuss some state affairs with Thepa. You...erm, know how she feels about the two of you together."

"Well, as much as I would love to hear about state secrets, I think I'll also call it a night. Don't have too much fun without me," Rory said with a wink.

The two hugged Rory, and Claudia waited, her ears and face flushing red with each beat. When she was sure she could hear the last of Rory's footsteps echoing down the hall, she turned back to Thepa.

"Actually, this has nothing to do with Deeprabbit. I was hoping to speak to you about Rory."

"Claudia Silver!" Thepa exclaimed, her face widening into a grin. "You little tale-spinner. What would your mother say?"

"I'd suspect she'd get the lye again. It worked once when I was six completions. Who's to say it wouldn't work now that I'm twenty-six?"

Thepa laughed for the first time in days. Even though she was sure Claudia wasn't making a social call, she still appreciated it.

"Have a seat," she said, gesturing to her bed. "What's on your mind?"

Clandia sat. Then, in very Claudia fashion, she jumped straight to the point. "I've been thinking more about Rory. More than ever, I'm convinced she's up to something."