Bowstrings & Velvet (Spellbound #1)

Chapter 11: The High Council Meeting

As Shae stood outside the large ornate door to the High Council's chambers the following day, she realised she had not visited the room since the day her father brought her there for her engagement to Felix. It had been such a strange feeling to be hauled inside a room and inspected by twelve men of varying ages as if she was no more than a prize horse to be approved for breeding. The only person in the room that day who had treated her like a person was Felix. The only one who had cared about what she wanted.

Taking a deep breath, she pushed the heavy door open and stepped inside. To her relief, the council members had not arrived yet, and the only people inside were Felix and Castel. Seeing the King's Guard safely back sent a rush of relief through her, and without thinking, she hurried across the room to throw her arms around the knight. He took a startled step backwards, surprised by her show of affection, but his arms soon came up to reciprocate the embrace.

"I am so happy to see you safe," she said, her words muffled by the cloak fastened to his armour.

"Your Majesty." Castel's voice was soft, even as he remained steadfastly deferent to her higher position. "Thank you for your concern. I was relieved to learn of the safe return of you and the High King. I worried about you travelling alone without protection."

Taking a step back, she looked at the knight. He was a handsome sight in his King's Guard armour, polished to the point it glinted like silver, and a royal green cloak flowing down the back. His dark hair was slightly curly, usually kept short, and his eyes a warm brown.

"Oh, you're hurt!" She reached up to gingerly touch the gash dissecting one of his dark eyebrows.

He winced but didn't move away. "It's only a scratch. You need not worry about me, Your Majesty."

A noise from behind them made her drop her hand. Felix had quietly moved away to give them some privacy but was now staring at them, an unreadable look on his face. Had the members of the council not arrived right then, she would have asked him about it. Instead, she hung back as the men gathered around the large table that dominated the room, with Felix standing at the head.

She'd seen the council members around the castle and during functions through the years, but this was the first time she saw them all gathered like they had been when she first met them. At least today they barely registered her presence, much unlike their previous meeting when they had argued over whether she was the best match for the High King, or whether a princess from their own kingdom would be better suited. It had been humiliating. That her father had secured the match had been an accomplishment he was still proud of. There was glory in supplying the future High Queen of Erya.

"Council members." Felix's voice brought her back from her memories as he addressed the men in the room. "Today we are to hear reports from Sir Castel of the King's Guard and Spymaster Boreas. Commander Gawain is present as he needs to hear these reports as well. I have also invited Grand Sorcerer Arawn, as I thought he might have some insights."

There was a general murmur of agreement from the twelve council members.

"Sir Castel," Felix continued. "What can you tell us about the attack on our procession in Adreas?"

The knight stood from his seat at the bottom of the table, his gaze sweeping over the gathered men. Shae wondered if he was nervous. She certainly would have been. But maybe he was more accustomed to addressing a room full of men. Maybe if they allowed women on the council, their constant bickering that Felix complained about would cease. When Castel's eyes met hers for a moment, she gave him an encouraging smile. He gave her a barely perceptible nod before turning to address Felix at the head of the table.

"Your Majesty." He bowed. "We are certain it was a planned attack. Not only were they lying in wait for us, but they were much too organised and too many to be regular highwaymen. After Your Majesties escaped, we managed to fight them off and the remaining attackers retreated when they realised you had left. As we had sustained heavy losses, we decided not to pursue them but to return to Messina."