Bride of War: Battles of Eyenwar, Book 2

Chapter 5- Departure

I stand in my chambers overseeing the movement of my many trunks into the carriage train waiting outside the castle gates. At home, I wouldn't need nearly so many, but here I am expected to uphold a certain standard of never wearing the same dress twice in one week. Normally, I would be quite pleased with this never ending parade of clothing, however it is all utterly impractical while my country is so deeply in debt. Not to mention there isn't a single thing suitable for travel. I never thought a day would come when I would miss the plain trousers that are so common in Torrain.

The general attitude of the council towards what they call 'the Queen's mad scheme' is predictably negative. They grumbled for days, attempting to convince Garen to abandon the idea of accompanying me. With no success. In grudging defeat, all of them scrambled to pack up their things and make their own journeys to the Summer Palace.

My own entourage was drawn together a few days ago, Lady Fiona and Lady Marla joined me at the palace yesterday in preparation to be my ladies maids. Perdy, my most trusted servant will also be accompanying us. I must admit, I will be glad for her down-to-earth presence.

Each and every hour that passes, I feel my stomach tie itself into tighter knots. I cannot tell if it is from nerves or excitement, but either way I haven't had a thing to eat since a meager breakfast of fruit and half a pastry early this morning.

"Please your highness, you must eat something," Perdy places the emphasis on the word must.

Lady Marla chimes in, "Yes! You are already so thin! You wouldn't want to lose your figure."

I ignore them both in favour of the less vocal task of running inventory of the belongings that remain in my room. It doesn't take long, there isn't much left. Only the empty, forlorn furniture remains.

After a final lunch in the palace dining room, (of which I have very little) before parading ourselves out into the courtyard and stepping gracefully into awaiting carriages. All save my husband, my sister, and Branon, who mount themselves on horses decorated with plumage and shiny emblems studded through the seat and reins.

In my own carriage, I will ride with lady Marla, Lady Fiona and Perdy. I climb in first, as is befitting my rank, followed by Fiona, Marla, and lastly Perdy.

"Oh! I am so excited." Lady marla exclaims, fairly bouncing in her seat.

Lady Fiona shakes her head, "I promise you, there is not much excitement trapped in a carriage on a long journey."

I consider this, then weighed in, "It is not nearly so horrible as freezing on horseback."

They both look at me in slight confusion. Clearly, I have missed something obvious. Again.

"You, a lady, have ridden on horseback?" Fiona asks.

"Is that wrong? Lady Jacqueline did so when I first arrived in Cantabrar."

Marla shakes her head, "Only for a pleasure ride down the riverbank. Never in the cold, and never for long journeys. It simply isn't ladylike."

"I see," I answer, somewhat irked, "I suppose that being ladylike was not my chief concern while a war was imminent."

Both ladies look even more scandalized, but they politely let the matter drop. The topic of the revolution is avoided more often than not, unless someone is blaming me for it. It certainly would not be wise to draw attention to my involvement in such a way once we enter the Summer Palace.

We hear a call outside, somewhat muffled by the hard wood and cushions in the carriage. The carriage, which I hadn't noticed had even begun to move, rolls to a stop. There is a bit of arguing, men's voices just reaching my ears. Suddenly, the noise stops. A few seconds pass, and the side door of our carriage is pulled open sharply, prompting a stifled scream from Marla.

Garen stands there a look of placidity on his face, which I am sure hides the irate truth underneath.

"Queen Mirabel, would you please join me for a moment?" He asks purposefully over gentle.

I offer him my hand and he helps me out of the carriage. Once I am firmly on the ground, he tucks my arm under his and leads me towards the front of the procession. We have stopped near the outside gate of the city, where the horse traders were suppose to hand over their contributions to the expedition. Except, one trader in particular still stands in front of the gate, his hands firmly on the reins of his horse.

Lorens C'thri, the beautiful man with the beautiful horse.

"How lovely to see you again my Queen! You look more radiant than the first time I had the privilege of making your acquaintance." He bows deeply, not once releasing the reins.

"I do not take kindly to setbacks Mister C'thri, and flattery will not alleviate that feeling." I answer shortly.

He does not seem perturbed by this.

"I beg your apologies, Majesties. However, Flame here is my families crowning achievement. I would be remiss not to handle the transaction myself." He sounds very sincere, but some instinct tells me to doubt his motives.

On the other hand, having an expert on horses in our midst might prove useful.

"Have you your own transportation?" I ask.

He nods, motioning to a horse tied to the gate, a packed saddle bag hanging from it's side.

Garen has remained silent through all of this, and I haven't an idea if it is because he trusts me or he is too angry to speak.

"I should like to confer privately with my husband on the matter." I assert. I look to Garen, hoping I have done the right thing. He gives me a small smile, and I feel myself relax a little.

Unfortunately, there isn't exactly anywhere private to go. The train of travelers is not so large as it could have been, since the council members decided to travel individually and on their own schedule, but still it is many a servant and soldier in a small space.

we settle for the small guard tower at the base of the wall, to the left of the gate. It is a small room, entirely closed off from the outside world save a single window used to watch the usual flow of outgoing traffic.

Inside is dark and musty, but blessedly cool, and entirely private. I back away from the window, into the corner so I may not be seen.

"What do you think?" I ask quietly.

Garen bites his lip in concentration, a habit I have noticed he only allows to surface in private.

"I think we should let him come."

I am a bit surprised by this verdict, "Really? But I did not invite him. He will have been successful in his tactic of stalling us until he gets what he wants. We do not want such a thing to become a regularity."

"True," My husband agrees, "However, we must make a statement about working traders being able to oversee and protect their own goods. Until the horse has been transferred to your Kelpis cousin, the horse is still his, correct?"

"Yes..." I agree tentatively.

"Part of your plan is to open exclusive trade between Kelpis and Skevet for lumber, yes?" He continues.

Again, I confirm that he is.

"So we must encourage dialogue between the traders of Kelpis and the traders of Skevet. What better way that to include a trader in initial negotiations?"

I smile, "You are right. You are very wise, for such a young king."

My words do not have the desired effect. A little of the light dies from Garen's eyes, and I know he is thinking of his dead brother, manipulated for so long by a vengeful ghost.

"Shall I inform Mister C'thri?" I ask.

He nods, "But be sure to add that this came about with my blessing. The council members surely have spies among the servants, and we can't have them thinking I allowed you to make a decision. Fool men."

I nod, motioning for my husband to exit the guard house before me, as is befitting his rank.