Castles - Book 5 - The Frencolian Chronicles (complete)

Chapter Thirty-One

 King Luke Chatelain himself escorted Prince Konrad, Moritz and Sleven to the guest rooms near his royal suite, encouraging them to bathe and change.

He'd left Prince Dorai to take care of the other men and commanded they meet in the castle's main conference room in an hour. He was eager to know the details of the escape and journey to Frencolia, but his mind focused mainly on his sister's timely presence.

Calling his chief servant, Sabin, he issued orders for the preparation of the castle dining room, and the decoration of the throne room.

Jobyna waited with her weeping aunt in her sitting-room while the servants poured hot water into the bath in Minette's ensuite.

A small girl skipped into the room, asking, "Mommy, why are you crying so much —and who is that lady wearing those men's clothes?"

Jobyna turned to see a small girl followed by three more children.

Minette blew her nose and with a fresh handkerchief, wiped her eyes. She pulled the girl toward her, putting her arm around the small frame. "This is your cousin, Jobyna."

Minette turned to Jobyna, "This is Elissa, named after your mother." The little girl hung back from her, shy and scared.

Minette stood and directed the children to her niece, "This is Doralin who is seven years old, and our son, Charles, is nine. Maia is our oldest, and is eleven. Children, this is King Luke's sister, your cousin, Jobyna."

The children scrutinized her with wide, serious eyes. They'd heard much about Jobyna and had prayed with their mother for their cousin's safe return.

Doralin spoke up, "God does answer prayer, doesn't he?"

Jobyna smiled at them in happiness, "Cousins! You all, are my cousins!" She looked at Maia, who was quite grown up for an eleven-year-old. Maia stared back at Jobyna, both thinking how alike they were; almost the same shaped face and long brown hair highlighted with gleaming copper hues. Jobyna hugged her look-alike, saying, "We're like sisters, Maia."

Minette, with the help of women-attendants, sorted through her gowns while Jobyna bathed. She chose the new one her seamstress had recently completed for her. Jobyna had told her aunt that she had only what she arrived in and would need something more appropriate to wear to dinner.

The gown Minette brought into the ensuite had been specially designed for her, but she had no feelings of regret in giving it to her niece. It was woven of fine pale green wool, the bodice and sleeves were decorated with tiny seed pearls sewn in an intricate pattern, embroidered here and there with threads of fine silver. Jobyna showed Minette the ruby necklace, declaring she would not wear it, because by rights, it belonged to Frencolia. Memories of the ruby necklace were painful, and she would be glad to be rid of it.

When Jobyna had dressed, Minette brought her a simple pearl choker and a cream-colored rose for her hair. Jobyna was a grown-up version of Maia. Minette, still unable to control her tears, fussed over Jobyna as she would her daughters; brushing her damp hair, plaiting the sidepieces. The young mother wove some of Jobyna's hair into a fancy knot at the back, tucking the rose into the top, leaving the rest flowing, loose and long. The effect was breath taking.

"You have such a beautiful face, oh, Jobyna, I'm so happy to see you here, safe." Taking another handkerchief from her diligent lady's maid, Minette sobbed into it.

Jobyna chatted with the children while Minette went to dress. Maia, concerned with her mother's inability to control her emotions, backed away from Jobyna and followed.

"What do you think about life at Kings Castle?" Jobyna asked.

"Charles is better at sword-fighting than Luke." Elissa said with triumph in her voice.