Prophecy of the Flame - Copyright 2011 by Lynn Hardy
Chapter Eleven
The page stands waiting for me outside the Council Chamber. “William, how long until the afternoon bells?”
“A little more than a mark, milady.” He dips his head.
“In that case, please lead the way to the chambers of Princess Szeanne Rose,” I instruct the lad, hoping showing up early won’t be considered bad manners. Grateful for a few minutes to sort out my thoughts before I have to deal with protocols and insinuations, I follow the youth.
William stops before a set of doors that look identical to mine. Struggling to pull myself out of the haze of guilt and self-doubt enveloping me, I focus on the chambermaid who answers the set of large doors as the page declares, “The Archmage Reba, to see Princess Szeanne Rose.”
The servant ushers us into a reception chamber, which differs very little from my own, then disappears into a doorway on the right. The princess joins us a few minutes later. “Archmage Reba, I am pleased you could make it. If you will follow me, lunch will be served momentarily.” She indicates the doorway she and the maid have used.
I remain silent, unsure how to reply. In a stately procession, I follow her from the reception chamber to commence my first royal luncheon.
Wow, now this is a bedroom. The princess’s private quarters make mine look stark by comparison. A plush, teal rug covers the floor of the room. Creamy velvet, with a three-inch border of lace, curtains off the balcony, giving the entryway a feminine frill. Elegant chiffon surrounds the mattress in soft waves, enhancing the delicacy of the carved bedposts. The cushions are aqua with a brocade floral print. Ivory silk ruffles the edges. An enormous vanity overpowers a corner of the room, with a wealth of bejeweled holders littering the surface. A three-sided mirror is snuggled between four armoires. So this is what a woman’s room is like. I guess they really were expecting a man.
“Your Highness, I’m honored by your invitation.” A chambermaid closes the door, leaving William in the other room. “Time didn’t allow us to get acquainted yesterday.”
“It is I who am honored by your coming.” She motions to the furniture in the center of the room. “The demands on your time are great. I wished, nonetheless, to convey sincere gratitude for your actions.”
Taking a chair, feeling more and more awkward, I dismiss the tribute. “Your Highness, I played a small part in the healing of your brother. Anyone with the knowledge and the ability would have done the same.”
“I am afraid I have misconstrued that to which I refer.” Princess Szeanne Rose ignores my denial. “Do not mistake me; I am truly grateful for the aid you gave Prince Alexandros. My brother would have been lost without your intervention. The entire kingdom is in your debt. I, though, am twice indebted. You have aided me in another, more personal situation. You restored my brother to me and you also gave me the desire of my heart, one I had come to believe was unattainable.”
My brows crinkle in puzzlement. She takes a deep breath as if such openness exhausts her. With a scrutinizing gaze, as if trying to see into my very soul, she continues. “Since I was a girl, I have taken care of every injured creature to cross my path. I persuaded Master Healer Tupper to tutor me in the healing arts, though it was unheard of for a woman to take up the study. I have tended to all of my brothers’ cuts, scrapes, and bruises, all the while dreaming of a time when I could convince my father to let me practice my skills at the Healers Consortium.”
Hope and excitement tumble inside her, quickly overcome by anger and frustration. Disappointment builds as she speaks. “Last spring the dream I strived toward for years was destroyed. When I mentioned my idea to Father in passing, he was sorely displeased. It seems His Majesty, while negotiating a treaty with Tuvarnava, has arranged for me to marry Prince Varpalava of Tuvarnava. His Majesty feels it would be inappropriate for the future bride to be dealing with peasants.”
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Prophecy of the Flame - Book One
FantasíaIn a blinding flash of light, five strangers are yanked from this world and thrust into a land of sorcery as they are granted the looks and abilities of the people they were playing. This band of wannabe heroes soon discovers that having the powers...
