Maxi was deep in thought when the princess, who had been studying Maxi silently, asked in a cryptic tone, “Are you an adherent of the Reformed Church, Maximilian?”
“To my knowledge…the Duchy of Croyso…followed the Orthodox Church. Their doctrines…were always strictly observed in my father’s house,” Maxi replied. Then, not wanting the princess to misunderstand, quickly added, “But…that does not m-mean…that I consider magic…immoral. I consider magic…a talent…bestowed by God…. No different from swordsmanship…or cleverness.”
“How nice of you to say so,” the princess said with a gentle smile.
Telling Agnes of Maxi’s own magical studies would erase any doubt from the princess’s mind of Maxi’s views on magic, but Maxi chose to keep it to herself still. She was too embarrassed to call herself a mage in front of such a great sorceress. The mere thought of doing so made her blush. Clearing her throat, Maxi tapped the panel to signal the coachman to start moving.
“Where are we off to now?” Agnes asked, her eyes alight with excitement again.
“Back to the castle, Your Highness,” Sybil replied, trying to stretch his legs in the small cab. “We wasted so much time at the market that I’m afraid I am already exhausted and covered in dirt. I should like a nice bath and a good rest before the sun goes down.”
It was not just the attendant. All of the passengers, besides the princess, were exhausted. The sky blazed red from the setting sun as they left the outskirts of the village and made for the castle.
Disembarking from the carriage in front of Calypse Castle, Maxi looked up at the indigo clouds across an amber sky. She had been a bundle of nerves the whole trip, and now hershoulders and neck felt stiff. Wincing, she started toward the great hall, but felt an arm suddenly wrap around her waist, pulling her against a sturdy chest. Startled, she turned around as far as she could in the strong grip.
It was Riftan, in full armor, who had snuck up on her from behind. “You must have found it tiresome, being dragged around all day.”
The princess, stepping out of the carriage with Ursuline’s assistance, covered her mouth in mock indignation. “Heavens, what a mean thing to say. You make it sound as if I forced Maximilian to accompany me today.”
Ignoring the princess, Riftan looped an arm around Maxi’s shoulder and planted a kiss on the top of her head. It was the kind of affectionate gesture he had not shown in quite a while, and it made Maxi’s face flush. Although such public displays of intimacy still embarrassed her, her heart raced, and a tingling sensation made the fine hairs on her nape stand up. A shiver ran down her spine when he gently caressed her arm.
“Back so soon, Commander?” Hebaron asked, looking up from the luggage he was unloading from the carriage. “I thought the soil inspection for the road construction would take a while, so I assumed you would be returning late. I hope there were no problems.”
Riftan let out a sigh and released Maxi. “I’m afraid there were, which is why I’ve been waiting out here for you and Ursuline to return. Gather everyone in the council room. There’s something I wish to discuss.”
“God. At this hour?”
“Correct,” Riftan answered firmly.
Hebaron stuck his lip out like a duck. Maxi bit her lip as well, except in disappointment rather than irritation. It appeared she would spend the night alone again.
Oblivious to her discontent, Riftan turned to Maxi. “You must be tired. You should get some rest.” With that, he gently pushed her in the direction of the great hall.
Maxi reluctantly acquiesced, retreating slowly with Ludis trailing behind her. At the princess’s voice, she stopped in her tracks.
“Let me join you.”
However, when Maxi turned, she realized that Agnes had been speaking to the knights, not to her. The princess half-jogged to catch up to Riftan. “I do not know what this is about, but I will help if I can. You know, for old times’ sake.”
Riftan gave her a curt nod. “How kind of you.”
Maxi stared after them vacantly as they headed toward the knights’ quarters. Her chest felt tight, and an unpleasant feeling swelled in her stomach. Desperate to shake it off, Maxi hurried up the stairs.
—
Maxi dined alone inher chambers that night, whiling away the time by watching the kittens play. She wondered what deliberations were keeping the knights in the council room so late into the night. The servants told her that Riftan had asked for supper to be served there as well.
Despite her exhaustion, Maxi lit a candle and began reading an ancient text at the desk. She was determined to stay up until Riftan returned. After a while, she heard the door open, and Riftan quietly walked into the room.
“You are…back.”
Riftan froze in the middle of casting off his armor and turned to her. “I thought you would be asleep.” He threw off his robe and strode over. “Why are you awake? Today’s excursion must have tired you.”
“It was not…that tiring.”
Furrowing his brow, Riftan cupped her chin and brushed a callused thumb over the dark circle under her eye. “I know you have been busy with the garden and welcome preparations. You need not exert yourself so much.”
“I am…all right. It is you…who needs rest.”
