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 to describe what had happened. Thepa insisted they stick to the original plan, and while Claudia and Rory did their best to support her, there was no persuading the others. When they arrived at Wildehaven, Sister Vivian and Lily boarded a boat back to Esha, while Bidant and Will waited to return to their respective nations. Deciding Wildehaven should not be the last to know what had transpired, Claudia rushed to the Ministry of Venya to tell Mistress Deeprabbit, barely arriving back in time.

Upon their return to Goldale, things were no better. The Archduke was disturbed to hear the 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. Frazzled and frustrated, Thepa sought solace in a hot bath, but even that was denied to her due to 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 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 that week, 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 taken time and effort to plan the mission and divide the responsibilities, but when it came right down to it, the mission revealed she wasn't where she should have been.

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?"

"I've been thinking more about Rory. More than ever, I'm convinced she's up to something."