Maji Born

36 - When The Dust Settles

Lavinia sat on the cold marble her hands coated in her brother's blood. She was shaky and disoriented. Zehara approached her cautiously and rested a hand on her shoulder. Lavinia jumped and hastily pushed herself to her feet.

"Thank you," Zehara murmured. Lavinia gave a curt nod but did not respond. "Carsire, can you take this body away?"

Carsire cleared his throat and approached Radek's body.

"Of course my queen. You," he pointed to two soldiers, "Take Radek Tazarine's body to the crypt and have it cleaned and prepared for the sending."

There was a brief shuffling as the two soldiers heaved Radek's body between them. Silence filled the room momentarily and then Carsire spoke again.

"If my Queen permits it, I would like to begin preparations for your coronation."

"Please. I would like a record of this encounter drafted and brought to me as well, and a report for damages." Zehara ran a hand over the golden throne, her eyes moving to the broken glass on the case, "What was in here?"

It was Devarak who spoke.

"The Ardaer stone was displayed there. Also several other precious items of note, the silver compass, Zedar emerald earrings from Tupre, and the scimitar from Diok.

He wandered over to inspect the case.

"My mother." Lavinia was still shaking. "Where is she?"

"Gone," Zehara said, "She left with your sister while I was fighting Radek."Lavinia tensed.

"She 'll head for Tupre. Jethra's betrothed is there. Most likely she plans to use those items as her dowry."

"I'll send someone after them," Zehara said, returning to Lavinia's side, "I promise they won't getaway." She turned to Eirian and Devarak.

"Devarak. I would like to grant you the rank of Spymaster. As such I would like you to facilitate in the finding of the disgraced dowager and her daughter."

Devarak nodded.

"I would be honoured."

The position in question had been previously discussed. This was just a formality.

"Lovely. I will get the paperwork drafted as soon as this mess is sorted. Then you will need to go after the dowager. I suspect that it can wait till tonight."

Lavinia frowned.

"Are you certain? My mother is quite cunning, she will be long gone if we wait."

"She is already out of our grasp. If she is as cunning as you believe, she will have had an escape in place prior to our arrival."

Devarak glanced at Eirian, who stood against one of the pillars, her expression drawn and her gaze focused on the floor.

"May I request Eirian's assistance? I would like to continue our lessons and her skills would be useful on my mission."

Zehara nodded, "If she wishes to go then I will support it."Eirian continued to stare at the floor for a minute but eventually raised her gaze.

"I will. May I be permitted to return home first? I have some unresolved business with my mother."

Zehara grimaced, "Of course. Do what you must. You have the day. Then you both must make haste." She turned back to Carsire.

"Please see to your preparations and fetch a maid to clean and dress us. Lavinia is in desperate need of something less...bloodstained..."

"I will see that it is done," Carsire said. He bowed and backed out of the room, leaving the others in silence. Zehara turned to Lavinia, hesitantly grasping her hand and pulling her toward her for a hug. Lavinia resisted at first, unused to the physical contact. Moments later she burst into racking sobs.

Devarak and Eirian turned away, giving them their privacy. Devarak went to Eirian's side, leaning down to inspect her for injuries.

"Are you alright? Any cuts?"Eirian was shaking slightly and her skin still danced with majik. He could make out the veins in her wrists and has ee tilted her head upwards to check her face he noticed that her blue eyes were still unfocused and cloudy.

"I'm fine, no cuts. At least nothing deep." She pulled away, breaking eye contact. After a minute of silence, Devarak staring at her with worry, she spoke again in a whisper. I've never killed anyone. " She crossed her arms over her chest and stared past him.

"Neither have I," Devarak said. This seemed to surprise Eirian.

"Never?"

Devarak pulled back.

"Why does that surprise you?"

"Well, it's just... in your line of work..." Eirian stammered, "Sorry. I assumed you had."

"Well, I haven't." Devarak gave her hand a light squeeze. "We can talk about it if you need to."

"No. I'd rather not." Eirian said, "Let's just leave it." She turned to glance at the double doors, "Do you think the cities been calmed yet?"

"For the most part."

Eirian's shoulders relaxed.

"Well, at least that's sorted then." She slid down the pillar and hugged her knees, letting her eyes shut. Devarak settled beside her and lay on his back, staring up at the ceiling. Lavinia had stopped crying and Zehara was stroking her hair. She hesitantly lifted the other woman's chin.

"You saved my life. Thank you."

She brushed a tear from Lavinia's cheek, and hesitating slightly, leaned in and kissed her.

Lavinia caught off guard, she started slightly before gathering Zehara's hand in hers and responded in kind.