Tessellations [BOOK TWO]

Chapter Sixteen

Don't go quietly, run to the dark
Don't die silently, tear out your heart

When I returned to my chambers, a speckled gray dove was sitting outside one of the windows. It watched me sideways, its one eye a clear blue color. A scrap of paper was tied to one of its feet with scarlet ribbon.

I opened the window. The dove let me take the note from it, settling down on the sill and preening its feathers as I sat down to read the letter.

Bird,

I was delighted to receive your letter and hear that you are well. The Black Lark? I hope you haven't gotten into any trouble. Then again, knowing you, you definitely have.

My coronation is to be held at month's end. I wish you could be here, although I know that's not possible. In any case, you can advise me on what to wear. My maids insist on something elaborate but I know you'd say I'd be better off wearing something simple and unassuming. I believe I shall go with your advice.

The kingdom is troubled, I'm afraid. More than it usually is in any case. There have been strange rumors lately. Perhaps you've heard them. I'm sure it's nothing, but I can only hope the turmoil won't cause the people to turn against me.

Forgive me for not responding sooner. I look forward to your reply.

Yours,
Melody

I was surprised but pleased; I hadn't expected her to be able to write back. Finding a quill and inkwell, I penned another letter.

Melody—

I've done my best to avoid trouble, I really have. But I can't help it if it's taken a fancy to me and follows me everywhere I go like a lovesick puppy.

I'm sorry to hear that the kingdom is in dissent. And so soon after everything, too. I'm sure you'll be able to handle it, of course, but still. That's unfortunate.

We are no longer aboard the Lark, and instead we've come to the court of Ahismae (across the western sea, in the lands of magic). I've discovered a number of surprising things during our time here, although foremost of these is the fact that Jasper is a prince—yes, a prince—more on that later. I believe we shall remain here for the next two weeks until Prince Vakari's coronation, at which point we plan to return, eventually, to the High North.

Wear the plain dress.

I await your reply.

As before,
Bird

I tied the letter to the dove's foot—messily; I'd never been good with knots.

I braided a lock of my hair as I watched the dove fly away, curving aimlessly through the sky before veering sharply and disappearing from view.

It'll find its way home. Birds always did.

•

I sighed. "What now, Jasper?"

"Don't look so put out. It's not like you were doing anything when I went to get you."

"I was napping!"

"This is more important."

I watched glumly as Jasper handed me a wooden sparring sword and strode out into the heart of the training field.

I moaned. He wasn't going to let me get out of this one. Dragging the sword behind me, I argued, "This really isn't necessary."

"You said you didn't want me to protect you all the time," Jasper reminded me. "You're getting what you asked for. You need to learn how to fight."