For the first time in days, I have an afternoon to myself. However, everyone else is busy with something. I’m too restless to just sit around the south tower, so Sefu and I head out for a walk.
The palace gardens are pretty much dead for this year, although they do look pretty in the morning frost. But it’s sunny today and too warm for the frost to last. So Sefu and I go looking for a trail instead. We end up on one which winds through the forest behind the palace, and turns out to end closer to the front entrance than the rear. As Sefu and I approach the steps, two vehicles pull in. The first stops just long enough to disgorge three of the most vicious old gossips of the upper nobility. These three have taken an especial disliking to me and they’re very lucky Tory was able to cure me. They head up the steps as their vehicle leaves and the second parks in its place. Only one lady gets out... one I’m sure I’ve never seen before. She’s accompanied by two servants who immediately set to work unloading baggage while she pauses on the bottom step to survey the palace entrance. The three at the top of the steps turn to see who’s behind them and it’s instantly obvious that they don’t like the new arrival. “Were you not banished from court, Lady Ayson?” The woman’s voice is loud enough to carry to the street beyond the gates. All the guards in the vicinity turn to look and Sefu growls low in his throat. I haven’t stopped walking and now mount the first step. The four ladies notice me at the same time. “This isn’t your concern, girl...” I know better than to say a word to those three, but my eyes meet those of the speaker. Even at this distance, she flinches and looks away. Then she and her friends head into the palace. “Who might you be?” The lady on the bottom step sounds more curious than anything else. “Lady Nerita Chassaven.” She studies me carefully, “The same as is to marry the Crown Prince?” I nod. “I am High Lady Chelsea Deruna Ayson... although I don’t doubt you’ve heard something of me before now...” “Only briefly, during a discussion regarding the wedding guest list.” That clearly surprises Lady Ayson, “Would you walk with me? That is if your companion doesn’t object.” Sefu’s been studying her quietly, his expression almost sad. “If Sefu objected to you, I’d know already. So certainly.” “Thank you.” Lady Ayson starts up the steps and Sefu and I accompany her. She doesn’t speak again until we’re through the main entrance. “Perhaps I was never officially banished from court, but I’ve most certainly been out of favour a great many years,” Lady Ayson sighs, “I was a schoolmate of Victoria Martrency, who later became his majesty’s second wife, and once foolish enough to think her my friend.” I keep silent and wait for her to continue. “But a few unguarded words regarding a poorly arranged marriage,” Old pain flickers over Lady Ayson’s face, “Words which were deliberately and maliciously twisted... I’d always been half aware Victoria had a vicious... almost insane streak in her.” “Likely insane,” I observe dryly, “Given what Princess Carina has said of the woman. But continue.” Lady Ayson nods grimly. “Victoria delighted in the discomfort of others. Yet never did I dream such a small thing could be warped into such a terrible, foolish problem.” I nod to myself. “At least it seemed a small thing at first. Still, words said cannot be unsaid and mine were twisted and tangled beyond the influence of any to repair. I left court... buried myself away in my work and my children. But now,” She glances over me and Sefu, “Such tales as visitors and winds have been carrying... I had to see matters for myself. And then came the invitation to his highness’s wedding...” I nod again. “You aren't of the Chassaven family of Norsecount, are you?” “No, I’m the last of the Estorika line. High Lord Chassaven’s twice refused to acknowledge that, even though his majesty has.” “I take it you’re little liked by the upper nobility here?” “Those I’ve met so far.” “Few with power and influence like threats to that power and influence,” Lady Ayson observes, “’Tis those without such who welcome change.” “Or at least those discontent with the status quo.” She chuckles. “I would guess you to be a great deal older than you look.” “Somewhere between my appearance and my experience,” I shrug evasively, “I’m younger than Princess Carina.” “I suspect she ought not be a princess, given the pictures I’ve seen of her most closely resemble the late High Lady Adarion.” “His majesty thinks otherwise... even now.” “And never allows mention of Travis Adarion, I’m sure.” I shake my head. “His majesty believes Travis Adarion dead twenty years. Some people care little to speak of the dead.” That earns me a sharp look from Lady Ayson. “Yet is not death a common part of life?” “In places, too common.” She nods to herself and changes the subject, “How long have you lived at court?” “A month now.” “With a sponsor?” “With a friend and her father for the moment.” “A school friend?” Lady Ayson sounds wary. “More like a foster sister.” “Ah,” Lady Ayson stops at a half open door, “I really must thank you. I am, as I said earlier, somewhat unpopular here. And I am pleased to have met you.” I bow my head briefly. “You’re welcome, my lady.” She smiles before disappearing through the door. I remain in the corridor, trying to decide where to go. Sitting around the south tower still doesn’t appeal, but neither does another walk.
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AuthorAlexandra A. 'Lexa' Cheshire is the author of numerous novels and short stories published through Howling Wolf Books. Lexa is a wife, mother, cat owner, and music lover. Archives
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