Eirian sat gripping a cup of tea between trembling fingers. Her hair had been swept away by the maid and her bandage had been changed twice. Her head seemed to have stopped bleeding now. She spotted Lavinia and visibly relaxed.
"I'm glad you're alright," Eirian said to Lavinia, as Zehara guided her to the settee. "Where's Devarak?" Eirian glanced at the doorway nervously.
"He's not here?" Zehara asked.
"No he went after you," Ellington said. "I suspect we'll see him in a bit. No point searching for him. By the sounds of it, the Serpents were only after Zehara and Lavinia."
Eirian placed her tea down on the side table without taking a sip. There was a moment of silence as Lavinia settled onto the settee and Zehara settled on the floor beside her. The maid appeared with more tea a moment later and offered it around to everyone.
The Duke sat across from them in one of the armchairs. Aritus sunk into the one beside him looking pale.
"I'll escort you to the council in the morning, Zehara. If all goes well we can head to Midais in the next few days," The Duke told Zehara. She nodded wearily back at him. She glanced over at Arutis.
"I'm sorry I dragged you into this Aritus."
He shrugged weakly.
"Don't mention it. This is more adventure then I had expected but it will make for a great tale one day."
"No doubt. I would ask one more favour of you if you would permit it." Zehara paused.
"Of course. What is it?" Aritus inquired, leaning forward in his armchair.
"I would like to invite you to join my council as my diplomatic consort for Zedar," Zehara said.
She knew this was a lot to ask of her friend but she knew him well enough to know that it was also something that he would want to partake in.
Arutis' hazel eyes widened.
"It would be an honour. I accept."
"I would like you to escort me to my council audience tomorrow as well. That way I can introduce you to the council." Zehara added. She took a small sip of her tea before continuing.
"It will be important for them to meet you prior to my departure for Midais."
Aritus nodded.
"That seemed very wise. Would I be permitted to create a record of the events of your rise to power?" Aritus inquired.
"I was hoping you would suggest that," Zehara said. "We will be sharing a meal tonight with the rest of my compatriots. Your presence at this meeting would be mandatory of course. That way you will be up to date with our plan and my contacts here in Zedar. I would love a copy of your records once they are completed."
Aritus nodded.
"Of course my Queen."
"Aritus. There is no need to be so formal. Though I must say it's an improvement on your usual tone." Zehara's pale eyes glittered with mirth as she spoke.
YOU ARE READING
Maji Born
FantasíaA Disowned Princess, A Determined Thief, and A Downtrodden Commoner... Enter the newly crowned King Radek. He's put a ban on maji and decreed that all those who possess it should be put to death. But let's back up. First, a thief breaks into his th...
