The blood in her body froze and she felt her strength abandoning her as the screams froze and there was no noise at all anymore.
She felt herself lifted up. Strong arms holding her as they moved quickly. Her head fell back and she saw the peaceful face of Falea, Goddess of Fortune, looking over her from one of the stained-glass windows.
Chapter25
Amira
The bath was comfortably warm and the smell of crushed rose petals made her forget about the insidious scent of blood sticking to her body. When Nalani had helped her remove her dress, she had voluntarily omitted to comment on the dark red liquid sticking to the pleats of the silk-like fabric. The sight reminded her of the severed head. Another memory to add to her nightmares.
When she had regained control of her body, Amira had found herself in a carriage next to Rhay. He had been the one to carry her to the tunnel, Layken covering his back. Karwyn had already left in a different carriage.
Amira couldn’t help replaying the whole day in her head. Leaving Amryne, she had expected to be far away from violence and madness. From all she had heard from her father and then her brother, Turosian was a very rich and stable kingdom. Nothing else could be expected from the home of the high king. But now it appeared that since Harten’s death a couple months ago, things were starting to turn sour in Turosian. Amira wondered if her brother knew.
And what about the contest? If talks of a riot were to reach the other royal advisors’ ears, Karwyn’s chances at being selected for the High King Contest would fall. Rhay had called it civil unrest and had muttered something about his father handling it, but Amira wasn’t convinced. What she had seen in the plaza indicated some kind of deep-rooted issue. And it could very well cancel the wedding if the right people got wind of it. A part of her would love to not marry such a cold-hearted man. But if she didn’t, she would just have to go back to a man with no heart at all.
Amira was incredibly tired and for a second she considered falling asleep in the now lukewarm water. But instead she climbed out of the bath, her body glistening with the pale pink water, and wrapped herself in a soft towel.
Someone knocked on the antechamber door just as she finished dressing herself.
Expecting Nalani, Amira said, “Come in.” She turned to see Rhay standing in the antechamber, a big smile on his face and a colourful book in his hands. She joined him by the door. Her gaze flickered across the hallway, making sure no one was there watching them. The last thing she needed was to increase Karwyn’s suspicion.
“I have a gift for you. I think you deserve some distraction after what happened today.” Rhay offered her the colourful book. On the cover was a beautiful young woman wearing intricate golden armour. The title was intriguing but unknown to Amira. A bit puzzled, she looked at Rhay.
“It’s a human book, but they write about fae,” he said.
“Oh, is it an historical essay?” Her father had made her read a few of them during her studies but they were, of course, written by fae. Amira wasn’t particularly fond of them.
“No, no, it’s completely fictional. The author has never set foot in Liraen. They’re using their imagination and it’s absolutely hilarious to see how they picture us.” He paused for a few seconds. “It’s also pretty scandalous, so I obviously love it, but maybe it will be too much for you.” He pretended to take back the novel but Amira held on to it. She was definitely intrigued by the premise.
“I’m sure I can handle it. After all, I’m able to deal with you,” she playfully replied. It felt nice to have a pleasant conversation for a change.
The sound of voices echoed through the hallway. Amira immediately tensed. It was best if no one saw Rhay at her door.
“Thank you for your gift, Rhay. It really means a lot. I should get ready for tonight,” she said, knowing she still had to endure the dinner in Falea’s honour.
“I offer you a present and you’re kicking me out?” He feigned pain, putting a hand to his heart.
She couldn’t bring herself to close the door. “What were you expecting in return?” Amira asked, half joking, half serious.
Rhay’s mind seemed to wander as a grin formed on his face. “I was only joking.” He did a pretend curtsy to relieve the tension. “I’ll see you tonight, princess.”
* * *
Amira spent what was left of the afternoon writing to her mother. Once again, Amira conveniently forgot to write about all the things that troubled her.
Amira hoped that her mother would soon write back to her. She had already sent a couple of letters and was still waiting for a reply. Worry took over her mind until Nalani opened the door, a long dress in her arms.
Amira showed the letter to her maid. “Would you be able to post it tonight? It’s for my mother.”
“Of course, my lady. I’ll take care of it as soon as you are ready for the feast.”
Amira sighed but she let Nalani undress her and put her in a new dress. The skirt was of tight, dark blue velvet. Hundreds of little turquoise stones were embroidered with silver thread.
Nalani reapplied Amira’s makeup and looked proudly at her work. “Perfect. Now you need to choose something to burn for tonight, princess.”
Amira shuddered at the thought of fire. Flames flashed before her eyes. A familiar scream echoed in her head. Amira shut her eyes tightly, blocking the memory. “Why do I need to burn something?” she managed to ask.
“It’s a tradition for good luck and protection. You have to choose something precious that reminds you of a person you want to protect. Burning it in the sacred fire assures Falea’s protection over the person.”
