The Empty Ones (Fantasy Romance)

77. Like an orchid

It's a busy night. A lot of things are happening at once; a lot of people are gathered at court.

Theoretically it's a good night for an escapade. Nobody will notice I am gone. Except Riyo.

Now how can I make this happen? It's true that we built some trust but I am not sure that's enough.

Could I even convince him to keep another secret? Would that be wise given the magnitude?

He follows me to my rooms after I leave the party early, as I mostly do.

"Marhani good?" he asks.

"Yes. Why wouldn't I be?"

"Because talk with man with red hair again."

"Yes, I am fine. And Lord Thessarion is not a bad person."

"Not?" he frowns. "Mahrani crying after talk with him last time."

"No, he is actually making the world a better place. It's just that he really doesn't let people know him for real. When you see him acting so open and courteous it makes you think that's who he really is; the only way he is. But he actually has the weight of the world on his shoulders in some way."

By saying this I also acknowledge that I am one of the few persons who actually know the burden of his position.

Riyo looks at me uncertain. It's complicated to explain and I also shouldn't talk too much about Theon. It's weird.

"So Marhani like man with red hair?"

"Lord Thessarion. And yes, I do. As mentioned, he is making the world a better place. He might not like me, but he doesn't have to."

"How better?"

"With science."

"What science?"

Now he seems interested.

"Science is like magic but for people who don't have magic, like you and -"

I stop just in tine before saying 'me'. It has become comfortable talking to him. I notice that trust built between us in a way. We don't know a lot about each other but we do know some rather deep secrets.

And right now there is something strange in his eyes. Like a lot of pain. I mean sure, you idiot. You just pointed out again what stands between him and being what he wants to be.

So I take a deep breath and end my sentence.

"And me," I say in the end.

Now his eyes are visibly wondrous.

I nod.

"So, I know for a fact that it's not your fault and that it shouldn't matter. It just is how it is."

"Magic not always good," he says.

"Well... Magic in itself is neutral. It's only good or bad what you do with it. But yes, magic is viewed like a gift from the gods but then one might wonder why bad people have a lot of it... Or if gods are just injust."

I can't read his expression. His eyes are big and fixed on my face.

"A cahil would say I am blasphemous. But I don't think gods mind us being inquisitive. Why ask for blind faith? It makes no sense. If there is nothing to hide one shouldn't fear questions."

Again an eerie silence.

"Do you believe in the same gods up north?"

Fera was praying to all the gods in the priority so I do not really know because I guess she didn't believe in any.