Treasures of Andalia Chronicles: Ring of Flames

Chapter Nine: There were Two Peas in a Pod

AMARIS

It's been a few days since I proposed the oath of blood to Rihaan, and he still hasn't said anything about it. Although we spent some time together, the conversation wouldn't seem to go in that direction. He always made sure that it won't go there, which is strange because he said that he'll be keeping a positive note but until now, he hasn't come up with a decision.

The banquet on that night went smoothly, since I haven't learned the right etiquette for interaction during the socials, I haven't involved myself much. In short, I wasn't able to search for good prospects to build connections. Fortunately, Moryen was with me the whole time since Katya wasn't allowed to stay with me because of her status. Saevel, on the other hand, was still looking at me with eyes full of malice. But that only happened when she wasn't with me. When Moryen was there beside me, his eyes would turn soft but the minute he caught me looking at him, he averted his gaze.

It was strange.

He didn't look that soft when he was talking with Caius or King Orrian, or even Queen Seveena.

A question suddenly popped into my mind. "Katya, is Saevel the child of Queen Seveena?"

I was drinking during my morning tea in the garden, enjoying the view. Rihaan was currently out, busy attending with his personal matters so I couldn't ask him to come. If I know any better, I'd say he was avoiding me. Well, I'll just have to wait for him to come to me. It does no good for a woman to chase a man in her life.

So I asked for Moryen instead, yet she seemed busy, too. After two painful rejected invitations, I ended up alone during tea time. Katya wasn't allowed to sit with me since we were in public so I felt much lonelier than usual.

She looked surprised at my question, and for a moment, I saw fear in her eyes. She went close towards me and leaned to whisper. "Your Highness, you should never talk about that when we're in public. Talking about it is banned in the palace."

"Why?"

She gritted her teeth. "You see, Prince Saevel's mother was the first concubine of the king and also a traitor to the nation. She was a prisoner of war and was given to the king by his father as a concubine. She was a princess of a small kingdom, Calitheos, but it no longer exists today since all the small kingdoms in the North formed a new empire, Valenris."

We haven't got much information about the Veltigar Royal Family because all the other historical records were burnt purposely by an anonymous group, and the scholars, who tried to recover the lost history, were killed mercilessly. The king decided to leave the matter alone since they didn't know who they were dealing with.

Now that I think about it, if a war broke out between the Tellurians and the Empyreans, then it'll be clear that we have an advantage since we can use magic.

So what makes Valenris a huge threat if they do not possess any magic?

"Isn't Valenris occupied by Tellurians? Why do Ravalor and Caerlon view them as a threat?"

She seemed more uncomfortable than before. She seemed restless, unsure if answering my question would benefit us both or not. "I'm not really sure, Your Highness, but since the former concubine was executed by beheading, the North became more hostile towards our kingdom."

I bit my nails unconsciously. It became a habit whenever I am thinking hard. But it helped me sort my thoughts out. Though, all my nails had to live in poor states all their lives.

"What was her crime?"

She replied, "attempted assassination against you."

My mouth gaped open. I accidentally hit the table, which made the teacup in front of me wobbled and spilled on my skirt. The tea was hot but fortunately, the thick layers of cloth protected my skin from having any burns. Rather than that, what I pieced together makes my spine shivers.