“Me?” Aurelia’s eyes widen in fear.
“You’re not in trouble,” I reassure her, taking a bite of food. “It’s a good thing.”
“Quickly now, I need her to prepare for the upcoming banquet,” Bryn cuts in.
“What banquet?” I ask, curiosity filling me.
She wipes the sweat from her brow. “The dukes are returning to their kingdoms after Noctalis. It’s the final sendoff.”
“Thank you, Bryn. I won’t take any more of your time,” I reply before walking out the door and into the hall.
Aurelia follows, her hands folded in front of her. “Is everything all right?” she asks softly. “From the ball…?”
“Yes, everything is fine. Don’t worry.” I smile reassuringly at her. “Are you familiar with Stanik?”
She nods. “From the king's army?”
“The very same.”
“I’ve done something to displease him?” Worry crosses her expression.
“The opposite!” I place my hand over hers to calm her. “You’ve captured his eye. He wants to court you. He told me he’s tried approaching you before, but you didn’t speak with him.”
“That’s because his rank is far higher than mine.” She sniffs. “I was following the rules.”
“And you’re doing an incredible job.” I pat her hand before leaning back. “I told him I would ask you, but the decision is yours. Stanik knows that you and Violet cannot be separated, and he agreed.”
Aurelia thinks carefully about my words. I can see the wheels turning in her mind as she considers the offer. “I’ll do it!” she says.
“Really?” I say in disbelief.
She nods fervently. “Perhaps I can get Violet an apprenticeship somewhere with his rank. He has a salary much higher than mine, which means we can leave the hostel we are staying at.”
“You should let him court you first. There’s no need to rush into anything,” I tell her.
Aurelia surges forward, hugging me close. “Oh, thank you, Raelys! You’ve done so much for me. Now I get to marry the lieutenant of the royal guard?”
I laugh softly, my hand rubbing her back. “It’s nothing.”
She releases me, excitement twinkling in her eyes. “I must return before Bryn is displeased with me.”
“Of course.” I nod. “Do you know where the Duke of Salasyr is?”
Aurelia frowns. “I do not, I’m sorry.”
“No need to worry,” I reply. “We’ll chat again soon.”
“Of course.” Aurelia smiles as she opens the door and returns to work.
Taking my food back to my room, I promptly eat, sling my cloak over my shoulders, and freshen up before exiting the castle with purpose. I weave through busy streets, heading right for the royal army’s training camp.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
It takessome time to walk to the castle barracks, where I hope I may find Stanik. I walk to the outer bailey, approaching a large stable. Some Elvarran soldiers sneer at me as I pass. Strangely, I don’t feel like I’m in danger. Wrath—Casimir—will end any man who lays a hand on me. The knowledge sends a strange confidence surging through me.
“Raelys?” A deep voice calls out.
I stop and see Marek sparring with another soldier nearby. His brunette hair is messy from training, his face smudged with sweat and dirt. He sheathes his longsword into its scabbard as he approaches me.
