Chapter 4 Meeting
I entered the baths and moved over to one of the private divisions. The baths are a convenience that only the nobles get. Hot water is run to this room and there are small private baths and larger communal baths. I never bath with anyone else. I learned it is best to keep others from seeing my body. I started to undress and noticed some kinks and bruises, nothing that bothered me really. I took down my hair and got in. I sat on the small ledge that went around the bath and let the warm water cover my body; it was easier to be alone at times like this.
I grabbed my soap and started to wash my arms. I had stopped covering them when I started training because everyone got scars; I just came with many more than the others who started at the same time. I traced then crisscrosses that covered my arms, remembering some of the things that went with them. I moved on to the rest of my body. This is why I always wore boots that went up to my knees and pants, and never bathed or changed with anyone else or in a way that people could see.
The burn marks that went up from just above my ankle to a few inches below the back of my knee where harder to hide than the three long scars that crossed my back. These ones I didn't want people asking about. I didn't even want to think about them. The rest were insignificant compared to these.
"Snap out of it, and get a hold of yourself," I said shaking my head as I started to wash my hair and rinse off. I got out and got dressed in the clothes that Angelo brought me along with my custom made boots that I always wore. I made sure to put a knife in each boot and strap a dagger to my thigh.
Feeling that I was sufficiently armed, I gathered my things and headed quickly to my room and dumped my things and made my way to the dining hall.
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I reached the large double doors that were covered with depictions of lions, and pushed them open. Three heads turned towards me, I felt every muscle in my body adapt their usual ready to act feeling. I would not relax a bit this whole dinner, but my company would not notice this at all.
I saw Kileath sitting at the head of the table in his ornately carved chair, his eyes wide a little in surprise. To his right where two other men. The one closest to him was looking at me and starting to get out of his seat. He stood and I could see that he was an inch or two above 6 foot, he had red hair that was loose and went past his shoulders, his eyes were a bright leaf green. I could tell he was well built, and probably good in a fight. He looked to be a year or two older than Kileath. I recognized him almost immediately after my observations.
"Lord Cadmus, It is nice to see you," I said making my way around to Kileath's left side and giving a small bow to Cadmus.
"The pleasure is all mine," He replied with his deep voice that was almost annoying, with a charming smile. I cringed internally, I hope he won't be patronizing all night, like many others have tried to be in the past.
"Evelira, glad you could join us," Kileath said and gestured for me to take my seat.
"I was getting cleaned up, sire, sorry for being late."
"It's not a problem. Well you have met Lord Cadmus from the eastern border and accompanying him is his new general, Rune Stern." Kileath said gesturing to the other man sitting next to Cadmus.
Rune, had long hair not as long as Cadmus's or Kileath's, but long enough to be put up if needed. It was thick and dark almost black. Compared to Cadmus he was just a bit shorter he was tan and built strongly but not overdone and terribly obvious. Closer to Angelo maybe. His arms were bar and lined with scars similar to my own. I looked up to his eyes which were a startling blue, dark around the edges but almost white towards the pupil. He looked about Kileath's age. He was smiling me and looking me over. I narrowed my eyes at him, his presence was all wrong.
I turned to Cadmus and quirked my eyebrow. "What happened to General Raul? I do not remember being informed of his retirement, which is odd considering all requests are retirement are given strait to me so I am able to make sure all the ducks are in a row and that the replacement fits my standards. Unless this has changed without my knowledge." I looked Cadmus straight in the eye and folded my hands under my chin.
"U-uh...We-well you see General Raul..he uh." Cadmus stuttered sweat starting to form on his forehead. I fought a smile, good he was afraid of me.
"Yes, go on" I said waving my hand for him to continue.
"Evelira, stop making the man nervous." Kileath ordered with a small smile playing on his lips.
"Forgive me, Your Highness," Turning back to Cadmus I said, "But I really would like to know what has happened to General Raul and why I wasn't informed."
Clearing his throat Cadmus spoke, "General Raul is dead. He was found in his bed covered in blood. We-
"Why wasn't I informed immediately? If he died no matter the cause I should have been informed before the new general was appointed. How long has he been dead?" I demanded
"About two weeks. We wanted to send word the night we found him, but we believe that he was murdered, more specifically assassinated." He rushed to finish before I could interrupt. He turned to Kileath.
"This is disturbing news. But I must agree that you should have informed Commander Evelira immediately along with your beliefs. Though I understand you choice to move a new general in his place immediately."
"I apologize Your Highness. I along with Rune have come to the conclusion that the death of Lord Leium, and the deaths of some of the other government officials weren't accidents like they were made to look like. I think that they were also assassinated. " Cadmus said sitting back in his chair and taking a large chug of wine.
"What makes you say that? I looked over all the reports and nothing seemed to come off as assassination. I have taken all the precautions I can to make sure none of the officials are killed. Are you saying my work is failing?" I questioned cocking my head to the side while my eyes bore into Cadmus's eyes.
"I do not believe he is saying that, Commander." Rune spoke for the first time. His voice was smooth not to deep or high, pleasant with an undercurrent of something hidden. It annoyed me instantly.
"Then what is he saying?" I turned my gaze to his. He didn't flinch but didn't exactly look comfortable.
"We think that the killer is striking when they are least expecting it and during a time that it is easy to get them alone. Most likely outside." He finished, his gaze never moving from mine. I started to finger the dagger on my thigh. Something was off with him, Kileath and Cadmus both were ok in their presence I didn't feel anything strange about them or any of the servants that were bringing food and clearing away our dishes. I moved my awareness further out into the castle, still no change. So it was just him.
"Well we will have to look into this, but I believe that it is time to retire for the night. Evelira please stay behind so we can make some arrangements to look into this." Kileath nodded his head at me and waved over a servant that was standing against the wall. "Take Lord Cadmus and General Rune to the guest quarters. We will speak more tomorrow." Dismissing Cadmus and Rune with a nod and a wave.
They both bowed and left the room following the servant. Kileath rose and motioned for me to do so as well. He started off towards his study with me fallowing close behind. When we reached the room he walked over to his desk and leaned against it. I grabbed the spare chair and threw myself into it still not relaxed.
Kileath looked at me and with a look in his eye he asked. "What do you think of Lord Cadmus's accusations? And what are your thoughts on that Rune Stern?"
"I think both are annoying." I looked over at him and a small smirk formed on my lips.
"Let's kill them."
