Trystan followed Malik and Emrys into a courtyard, not big enough for grand tournaments but rather enough for a small gathering of guests. Bay hedges, ivy, columbine, roses, and holly grew throughout the garden. Multiple narrow pathways, paved in white brick, wound their way around their lush surroundings. A handful of water lilies floated in a shallow pool of water surrounding a beautiful stone fountain in the center of the garden. Ivy cascaded up wooden trellises behind turf seats. The entire garden courtyard felt very private and serene, offering a peaceful respite from the world outside. It smelled better too.
Emrys stopped chatting with Malik and paused until Trystan joined him at his side, allowing Malik to take the lead. They followed a path around a slight curve to the other side of the courtyard where Malik led them down a short staircase of stone, through an arched doorway, and down an open-air hallway flanked on each side by several wooden doors. At the end of the hallway, a few steps rose up to an ornately carved wooden door that stood out from among the rest.
Malik stopped two doors from the end.
“Lord Wyllt,” he said, opening the door. “Here are your quarters. I trust this will meet your needs.”
Malik allowed Emrys to step inside first then followed him. Trystan waited outside. As Emrys inspected it, Trystan peeked in the door to get a glimpse. Candles lit the plainly styled room. A modest bed and simple desk were the only furniture in the room, not including the stone fireplace.
“This will do nicely,” Emrys stated after his brief inspection. “My thanks to Queen Endelyn.”
“Master Trystan, allow me to show you to your room,” Malik said as he turned.
“Please, just Trystan.” Trystan stepped back and out of the way, allowing Malik to exit the room. Back out in the breezeway, Malik walked down to the next door, only one door away from the end. As he opened the door for him, Trystan stopped him.
“Malik, may I inquire as to whose door that is?” Trystan asked, gesturing to the one door that stood out from the others.
“That is the door to the Queen’s chambers. She was quite specific that you both be lodged close to her own rooms. Please,” he said, gesturing back to the door he had just opened. “Here is your room, Trystan.”
Trystan entered the room. Nothing about the space seemed any different from Emrys’ room, until his gaze landed on the desk. His eyes lit up.
Two books rested on the surface. Someone obviously knew of his passion for Arthurian history. Trystan picked up the books and read the titles.
Excalibur: Sword of Kings
The Guardian Ruler of Camelot
Trystan couldn’t help his first genuine smile of the day. “It is perfect, Malik. Thank you.”
“The Queen has heard much about you through Lord Wyllt, whom she holds in the highest regard. The books are a gift from Her Grace. She insisted you have them. She also insisted that you both be lodged very close to her chambers.”
“Yes, you said that already.”
“Did I? Well then, it must be quite important if I am repeating myself.” Malik waited another moment as Trystan glanced around the room. “Will this room suit your needs, Trystan?”
“Absolutely, of course. Please thank Her Grace for her generous hospitality.”
“I certainly will.” Malik stepped out of the room. “Also, I might add, you have both been invited to the Great Hall this evening. The King and Queen are having a small feast to honor their visit here. There will be music and dancing. Until then, you are welcome to roam about the grounds if you’d like. Please call on me if there is anything you need.”
“Thank you, Malik,” Emrys said.
Malik nodded to them both and retreated down the hall from whence they had come. Emrys closed the door. His penetrating gaze landed on Trystan.
“Trystan, about yesterday.”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
“I lied to you.”
Trystan stared at him.
“I have long known what it is like to be in love.”
“Then why—”
“You deserve the truth, Trystan.” Emrys breathed a heavy sigh. “In time, I will tell you everything, but until then, you can’t love me, Trystan. Trust that you were meant for another.”
“Then why does my heart reach for yours?”
