TWHoC: Chapter 5 - She'd Paid a Life

“She’s obviously insane.”

“Brother, you can’t say that.”  Beks sat back on the sofa in Laurence’s office as he paced in front of his desk, scowling.  Beside her, Lady Eleanor had a comforting arm around her and was gently stroking the side of her head, as if worried that the new oracle’s words had upset Beks.

“How can she just point at you and contradict the prediction of her predecessor,” Laurence said with a scowl.  “I’ve never heard of any oracle doing such an audacious thing!  Have you?”

“I am not familiar with the histories of oracles of the Great Temple. I’ll have to look into it,” Beks answered, almost a bit helpless.  “I didn’t expect her to claim that I wasn’t the prophesied child.”

“She pointed directly at you and said such a thing in front of her entire entourage and the royal family!” Laurence seethed.  “There was no protocol, no ritual to the prophecy at all.  I can’t believe I canceled the morning court to greet such a reckless person.”

“It wasn’t so much a prophecy as it was a clarification,” Beks said.  “Oracle prophecies are never extremely detailed and there is no way to verify them until the prophecies came true.  I just so happened to fit the criteria given by the late Great Oracle.”

Lady Eleanor frowned.  “Don’t tell me you believe that woman’s words?”

Beks sighed and shrugged.  “I have always been ready for the chance that there could’ve been a mistake.  Perhaps there was another child who met the criteria, but elsewhere and was not identified.  After all, after I was found, the search ended without the possibility of me being the wrong prophesied child being questioned.  Even the late Queen addressed that this was a possibility.”

She looked at Laurence with a helpless, but resigned expression.  Laurence’s displeasure was still apparent on his face and didn’t fade.  “A possibility, though a highly unlikely one,” he said.  “Where else is there such a landscape where a birth would happen, resulting in a female baby with your hair?”

He motioned to the strip of braided orange hair the left side of her head.  The strip of orange hair clashed against the rest of her black hair, becoming her signature identifying marker.  There had been times where she wanted to dye it, as she felt it was too eye-catching, and made her self-conscious, but she was forbidden from doing so.

The girl with dawn in her hair needed to stand out and show off her identifying marker at all times.  Headpieces and scarves to hide the orange strip became integral parts of her wardrobe and when she sneaked out of the castle grounds, she’d do so with a headscarf that covered all her hair.

“The chances are small, but never none,” Beks replied.  In fact, she’d tried to research other places where the criteria for location, where the earth split, could’ve been during parts of her youth where she did not want to be a prophesied child.  From what she found, aside from Sagittate, there was one other place that was similar, but it was on another continent.

So, there was a chance they’d identified the wrong girl, making her more the convenient child of prophecy.

“Beks, they did not make a mistake when they found you,” Lady Eleanor said with some defensiveness in her voice.  Her embrace tightened to reassure the younger woman.

“Even if you were misidentified, you’re already part of his family,” Laurence added in a firm voice.  “You will always be Mother’s foster daughter.”

“If not her favorite child.” Lady Eleanor gave Beks a grin and a squeeze.  Warmed by their thoughtfulness, Beks did crack a small smile.

“And you are my sister.”  Laurence knelt down beside the chair.  “That can never be taken away.”

Beks nodded her head once.  It was also too late to return all her education and accumulated knowledge.  She was raised as a valuable resource and anyone who understood that wouldn’t carelessly dismiss her.

“That aside, the last Great Oracle would not reveal a prophetic vision or dream without being asked,” Lady Eleanor said, her brows furrowing.  “Supposedly, when the prospective oracles are young, they are encouraged to note down significant events around the world every so often for verification, but once they’ve been identified, they usually have some restraint and are picky with who their prophecies are revealed to.”

Beks nodded once more.  That was why oracles were often wooed by nations and powerful individuals with gifts, and welcomed with open arms wherever they traveled in order to gain the favor of prophecy.

Great wars on the continent had happened in ancient times due to powers fighting over an oracle, but historical records said that oracles began to give false prophecies to those who wronged them, thus winning favor became more useful.

The oracles themselves were part of the Temple and ultimately, the Temple had their allegiance.

Beks took a deep breath and frowned a bit.  Her first meeting with the new oracle didn’t go very well and she could almost sense some animosity coming from Oracle Elpidah.  Perhaps the oracle was just upset that the ‘wrong’ person had been found and felt that Beks was occupying a position that shouldn’t be hers.

In a way, it could be seen as disrespectful to the oracle’s predecessor, so Beks didn’t take it as a massive insult.

After all, she’d always been prepared for the off chance that she had been misidentified.

When Oracle Elpidah had pointed at Beks outside, Beks didn’t react past a small tilt of her head.  It was more out of confusion than anything else.  Before Beks had been able to reply, Laurence stepped forward and extended his arm in front of Beks to move her to the side.

“We have always been prepared for such an error, but Lady Rebecca has proven herself a valuable member of our family in terms of ability and knowledge.  Even if she were misidentified, she will still be of great benefit to Kadmus.”  Laurence had hidden his irritation and disdain expertly and didn’t reveal his frustration until after the meal, and Oracle Elpidah and her entourage were sent to the Hall of Eloquence.

His defense of Beks and his mother’s search had seemed to dismiss the tension brought on by the new oracle’s dramatic scream and fall to her knees.  Beks could still see Oracle Elpidah’s horrified eyes grow wide with surprise, as if she had never expected that they’d consider such a possibility.

However, once Laurence acknowledged it, and that Beks was useful even if she weren’t the prophesied child, what more could be done?  The new oracle didn’t seem to know what to say before Luther helped her up.  Attendants had helped her brush off the dust from her robes.

Oracle Elpidah had muttered a barely coherent sentence of acknowledgement before the Third Consort broke the awkward moment and suggested they go inside.

The meal had been uneventful and was dominated by small talk and casual greetings welcoming the new oracle to the kingdom.  The earlier scene had been forgotten.  Luther had been seated next to Beks and seemed to put serious effort into being attentive to her.  She couldn’t help but be suspicious, as that was unlike him.

“Excuse my suspicion, but I can’t help but think that today’s outburst had to do with the Third Consort,” Lady Eleanor said with a slight scowl.  “He invited the new oracle here and must have his reasons.”

“He’s always been very vain and values power and reputation.”  Laurence let out a heavy sigh and rubbed his forehead.  Years of having to deal with the Third Consort exhausted him.  “You know how he is.  Any slight threat to his position or tarnish on his reputation and he’ll act out, but he’s never gone too far.  He knows his limits.”

Lady Eleanor and Beks both frowned.

“Does he?” Beks asked, looking towards her foster brother with some doubt.  “He has become...more active since the Queen passed.”

“Grief affects everyone differently, Beks,” Laurence replied.  “He’s reacting to an uncertain future without his biggest supporter.  And he has Luther to think of.  It’s not a secret that during transitions of power, some royal family members disappear.”

“Brother, you would not do that.”  Beks sat up straight and met his eyes.  Laurence’s character was outstanding.  He was fair and just, which was why the late Queen solidified his position early and didn’t educate her other sons as intensely as she did Laurence. Much more had always been expected of him.

Laurence always stayed in touch with the Second and Third Prince, and even advocated for Luther to be more involved with various royal household duties.  He felt secure in his position, so he didn’t feel threatened by having three younger brothers, including one who was set to marry a prophesied woman.

His face softened as he looked at her.  “I know you trust me, Beks, but the Third Consort has always resented me.”

Beks lowered her eyes.  She knew that, too.

In the late Queen’s letters, Queen Letizia admitted that she married the Second Consort to stabilize her power over marrying Petrus Hesser, the later Third Consort, out of love, despite having promised him when they were younger that he would be her Husband of Choice.  The Second Consort had been chosen because Laurence’s father, the King, suggested him.

It would be almost ten years until the Third Consort got his coveted position as the Queen’s husband, and it was only after the King died.  It must’ve been a joyous day for the Third Consort, but a horrible one for Laurence, who’d lost his loving father.

The late Queen knew her decision angered her childhood love, which was why out of all the royal consorts, the Third Consort was far more indulged.  To this day, he acted like it, and Beks wouldn’t admit it aloud, but she blamed the late Queen.

“He resents all of us,” Beks said as she took a deep breath.  “But he’s never crossed the line in the past.  That could change.”

“He isn’t the type,” Laurence replied.  “He’ll cause trouble, but he isn’t too daring.  The risk is too great.”

“Never mind him.  There is nothing we can do to change him and as per protocol, he’s still a member of the royal family and is entitled to live out his old age on royal grounds,” Lady Eleanor told them.

“Royal protocol makes an exception if they remarry outside or commit a crime against the family,” Beks said.

“He was obsessed with Mother.  I doubt he’ll remarry any time soon.”  Laurence almost snorted with distaste.

Lady Eleanor’s eyes crinkled up with a mischievous glint. “Then, should we frame him for a crime?”

Laurence looked at his fiancée and raised a brow.  “Is that the way a marquis’ daughter should be speaking?”

Lady Eleanor smirked and threw him an amorous look.  “Why?  You don’t like it when I speak so crudely?  You always tell me you do.”

Suddenly, Beks did not want to be, literally, between her foster brother and future foster-sister-in-law.  The two had locked eyes and Beks looked towards the door, making an immediate escape plan.

“I need to go over some things for tomorrow’s welcome ball.  Please excuse me.”  Her words were rushed.  She shot up from her seat and Lady Eleanor’s arm fell from her shoulder.  Beks avoided looking at their faces as she bowed her head and turned to make a beeline to the door.  She could almost feel a tension in the air and wanted out at once.

As soon as she stepped outside, she shut the door, not wanting to think about what would happen inside her foster brother’s office now that she was gone.

Beks turned all her focus to the welcome ball the next night.  Final preparations had already begun and would also take up the next day.  She went to find Luther to tell him that she could not attend the next court session with him to observe, as she would need to be present overseeing the ball preparations.

Finding her fiancé didn’t take long, as she was informed that he’d gone to the Hall of Eloquence.  A small voice in the back of her head told her that of course he’d go there.  Why wouldn’t he?

She considered going after him, but decided to go and write a note to be delivered to him instead.  She was stopped multiple times by servants and aides regarding everything from the welcome ball and meal plans to military supply organization.

She didn’t make it back to the Old Tower to write a note.

Bek reached the portico between the Old Tower and the Gilded Palace when she saw a young man approaching.  Her eyes flickered to the sky; it had been at least a few hours since she saw him at lunch.

Could he not make his relationship with the new oracle a bit more discrete?  At least leave me a little face so the staff doesn’t look at me with pity.

She stopped and waited for him to reach her.

“Luther, about tomorrow’s court-”
 “Oh, Beks, I’m glad I ran into you,” Luther said with a wide smile.  “I won’t be able to attend the morning session tomorrow.”

Beks stopped where she was and narrowed her eyes just a bit.  Her lips tightened into a line.  “Luther, I know that court can be very boring, but it is necessary for you to gain insight and experience governance through them.”  He was the de facto heir.  Kadmus could not afford ignorant royal family members.

Ignorance and lack of discipline was what led to the corruption and debauchery that the late Queen fought so hard to correct.

Luther shrank back and his eyes darted to the side.  She recognized that as a sign of embarrassment and shame.  Her stomach began to twist as the possible reason.

“I know,” he said, his eyes still not meeting hers.  “But it is the first full day that the oracle is in Kadmium and I want to take her sight-seeing in town.”

For a moment, Beks stared at him with dull eyes and couldn’t stop her disappointment.  How could she support Luther as the Fourth Prince if he didn’t at least try to be involved?  She could only represent him for so many things.

“We are in a transition period and need to maintain the solidarity of the royal family.  A host has been prepared to guide the new oracle through the city on our behalf,” Beks told him.  She’d even personally planned the route they’d take to show off significant shrines and development in the city.

Luther shifted awkwardly in front of her.  “She’s unfamiliar with a host.  She’d feel more comfortable with someone she knows.”

Her jaw clenched.  She wanted to reprimand him.  As the new king’s younger brother, he had certain duties expected of him.  His two older brothers were currently missing, and even if they weren’t, until Laurence was married, the royal household should’ve been overseen by another immediate family member present.  Beks was still carrying the load.  It was acceptable when the late Queen was alive, but it should’ve been reassigned to Luther, if only to familiarize him with the planning and protocol of the royal household.

“His Majesty has assigned you work at the Ministry of Public Works.  Have you finished your review of existing projects assigned?” Beks asked. The Ministry of Public Works had some of the most straightforward projects and were on-going, and thus pre-approved with little oversight required for existing projects.  Beks had started there when she was thirteen and still occasionally was called on for reference.

Luther froze for a moment.  “No, I haven’t completed the review yet, but I have reviewed the majority of the projects.”  He’d been assigned road expansion near two plazas and the extension of an old hospital.  Three projects.

“The court has not taken a rest yet, Your Highness,” Beks reminded him as she lifted her chin.  “Everyone is working.  Is it fair for you, the king’s brother, to accompany a guest when there are pending assignments?”

“But the assignments are for on-going projects.  Can’t I just approve them?  Must I review them again after you’ve already reviewed them?” he asked.  He looked at her eagerly.  “You’re much better at this than me, Beks!  If you already reviewed them, they must be approved for implementation.”

The corner of her eye almost twitched.  She reviewed them and found several issues that needed to be dealt with, as there were price differences in supplies from the previous years and additional budget needed to be allocated, as well as the timeline extended and affected parties notified.   She hadn’t made any changes because she wanted Luther to find them for himself.

“You are the Fourth Prince of Kadmus,” Beks said as she turned her head away.  “You should know by now what you should prioritize.”  She stepped around him, but knew he was going to tour the city with the new oracle tomorrow.

“Beks, Oracle Elpidah is a valuable resource for us!  She may tell us a prophecy that will benefit Kadmus during Brother Laurence’s reign; I can’t fall out of favor with her,” Luther said as he turned around to watch her walk away.  “Think of the benefits!”
 Unless she’s building those roads or renovating that hospital, I don’t care.  She turned around to face him.  “I carry no official rank here, Your Highness.  Do as you wish.”  I can’t stop you from being a disappointment.

“Beks, it is purely for the sake of the kingdom and my brother,” Luther called out behind her.  “Beks!”

Out of all the princes, why did I have to be engaged to that one?  Beks closed her eyes and took a deep breath.  She turned around and headed back to the Old Tower.  She still had work to do.

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“Welcome The Virtuous House of Durmott: Duke Durmott, Duchess Durmott, and their children: Lady Tatiana, Lady Bethany, and Lord Vance.”

Beks turned around from where she was giving seating orders to a steward and looked towards the first of the Five Houses to arrive.  The Duchy of Durmott and the Duchy of Latana were located less than a day’s travel outside of Kadmium, on opposite sides of the city.  They were the oldest duchies and descended from old branches of the royal family.

Beks gave the steward a small nod and began to walk towards the family of five.  The Duke and Duchess were in their late thirties and both were well kept for their ages, still appearing five years younger.  Their daughters were just a bit younger than Beks at 20 and 18, but their youngest child and heir, Vance, was six.

They were dressed in the family’s signature greens and blues, meant to symbolize Durmott’s rolling green hills and blue skies.

“Your Grace, my ladies, and young lord.” Beks reached them and gave the ducal couple a bow.  Her rank was the same as their children, so she did not need to bow to them.

“Good evening, Lady Rebecca.” Duchess Durmott gave her a warm smile as her husband made a curt nod.

“Lady Rebecca.”  The three children also greeted her politely.  Despite being the closest young ladies to her of similar rank, Beks didn’t have much interaction with the Durmott daughters outside of balls at the palace.  It was mainly because due to Beks’ special status, she was prohibited from leaving for other social gatherings with people her age.

Thus, other noble children in the region were distant.

“Lady Rebecca, my daughter will have her engagement ball in a few months,” Duchess Durmott told her.  “May we send you an invitation?”

“Yes, please do,” Beks said.  This was her chance to socialize with peers; Laurence would let her go.  She turned to Lady Tatiana, a pretty young lady with curly brown hair and warm green eyes.  “Congratulations on your engagement, Lady Tatiana.”

The young woman’s face flushed and she lowered her eyes, shy.  “Thank you, my lady.”

Just as Beks was about to ask if Lady Bethany was also getting engaged soon, another announcement was made.

“Welcome The Benevolent House of Latana.”

Beks saw the look of irritation on the Durmotts and held back a small laugh.  The closer the neighbor, the bigger the rivalry.  Those two houses had been competing against each other for as long as Beks could remember.

She looked towards the entrance and saw another family of five, except Duchess Latana had three sons: Adam, Brennan, and Crispin.  Unlike the other three houses, the Virtuous and the Benevolent Houses prioritized boys for heirs.  It was only when there were no legitimate sons, that daughters could inherit the estate and title.

Rumor had it that the Durmotts were jealous of the Latanas because they had three sons.

“Lady Rebecca, it is good to see you again,” Duchess Latana glided over, poised and smirking as she cast a glance at Duchess Durmott.  “And Duke and Duchess Durmott...I almost didn’t see you there.”

Duke Durmott sneered at the woman in bright yellow and blue.  “Well, you were quite difficult to miss wearing that.”

Duchess Latana immediately scowled and Beks stepped in to try to ease the situation.  “It’s also good to see you again.  This time for a much more joyous occasion,” she said with a pleasant smile.  “Good evening to you all, Your Grace and young lords.”  She gave the Duchess’ husband and three sons a nod.

The sons were born in succession with the second son her age.  The two eldest had seemed to have a rivalry with the two Durmott daughters and before they could start snapping at each other, Beks pointed out drinks and other cliques that had formed in order to distract them.

Young nobles often competed and clashed and she’d seen a few arguments break out at royal events before.  Beks didn’t need any of that.

As soon as the two duchies had been split up, Beks continued her rounds, greeting guests and acting like the dutiful hostess.

“Third Consort Hesser!” Beks didn’t bother turning around.

“His Highness Fourth Prince Luther.”  Beks almost froze.  No one had told her he had arrived.  If they had, she’d quietly leave the ballroom, get back to the hall, and enter with him.  “Oracle Iris Elpidah.”

Beks wanted to groan, already knowing what she’d see before she turned around.  As expected, Luther stepped into the ballroom with a bright smile, holding the arm of the new oracle.

You irresponsible idiot. Beks retained her passive, peaceful smile as she watched them walk in and greet those they passed.  The oracle was in ceremonial robes with more gold ropes draped across her than the day before and an elegant circlet resting atop of her orange hair.  She had a gentle smile as she gave guests small nods of her head and occasionally raised her free hand to give a blessing over a young guest.

Luther was in dark gray formal robes accented with royal orange and white.

Beks could feel the eyes of guests turn towards her and settle.  Tonight’s dress was meant to match Luther’s: orange with white and dark gray trims and accents.  She would’ve been embarrassed with the situation if she weren’t frustrated that he did not listen to the instructions given.

“His Majesty King Laurence and Lady Eleanor von Glasser!”

Beks let out a low breath, silently thankful of Laurence and Lady Eleanor’s timely arrival as it took some attention off her.  As the couple entered and began greeting their guests, she saw both of them look at Luther, where he remained standing and holding the arm of the oracle.  Glints of displeasure were quickly covered by untouched, regal expressions as they continued the greetings without pause.

Do it for royal solidarity.  If there is any sign of friction between the two, nobles will begin to pick sides.  Beks reaffirmed both her duty and her position before making her way towards Luther.

It was well known that she was on very good terms with Laurence; that he doted on her as his sister and valued her as a courtier.  If she distanced herself from Luther, she would be seen as siding with Laurence over her own fiancé and that had its own set of negative implications.

It was unfortunate that her fiancé didn’t realize the full extent of the effects of his actions.

“Your Highness.”  Beks reached Luther and gave him a small nod.

At once, he lowered his arm, pulling away from the oracle as he smiled at her.  “Beks!  You look beautiful tonight.”

Yes, I know.  Her parents were both attractive and her father was a well-known pretty boy in his youth.  Both her and her older brother inherited good looks, but she had more important things to focus on.  As long as she was presentable to the audience she was meeting, she didn’t spend too much time on her appearance.  “Thank you, Your Highness,” she replied instead.

Luther looked her up and down, his face brightening as he stood beside her.  “The royal tailors did an excellent job this time.”  He leaned towards her and whispered an apology.  “I’m sorry, Beks; she was nervous and afraid to go in by herself.”

Beks gave him a small, understanding nod.  She looked towards Oracle Elpidah, who was smiling, though the smile didn’t reach her eyes.  “Your Eminence, how has your stay at the Hall of Eloquence been so far?  If you are lacking in any way, please let me know.”

“No, my lady.  The Hall of Eloquence is beautiful and the staff present treat me very well.”

“Then I hope you are enjoying your stay here.”

“I have.  Today, His Highness took me around the city.  It’s very beautiful.”  Oracle Elpidah’s eyes looked towards Luther with fondness.  Plenty of people were in love with royal family members; power and wealth were a big factor in that, but the lack of restraint was frustrating.

“Beks, I took her to that pastry shop you like,” Luther said as he put his hand over hers and placed it on top of his arm.  He moved closer, their arms touching as he stroked her hand.  “The berry cream cake was available and I got you one.  I had it sent to the Old Tower for you.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”  Beks looked back at the oracle.  “I was told this is your first ball.  Would you like us to go around with you and keep you company?”

There was an unreadable expression in the oracle’s eyes, but she nodded and seemed to force a smile.  “Yes, thank you, my lady.”

“It’s not a problem.”  Beks gave her a reassuring smile and turned, still holding on to Luther’s hand, and motioned for her to come along.  “Come this way and I’ll introduce you to two of the Five Houses.”

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Highly intelligent, diligent, calm and collected, but a bit distant.  Luther always described Lady Rebecca as such, and wore a faint look of respect and awe in his eyes when he spoke of her.  But the important question was did he love her?

Iris had managed to imply that he did once, silently hoping that he’d correct her, but his answer was not definitive.

He’d smile fondly and say that he respected ‘Beks’, appreciated her, and cared for her, but never used the term ‘love’.  Love was not a necessary requirement for marriage in the royal family.

Iris spent so long at the Great Temple meeting pilgrims from all levels of society; some at their peaks and some at their worst.  She knew that behind the financial freedom of the wealthy nobles, they were often constrained; unable to do what they wanted or be with who they loved because in return for privilege, they had to pay a price.

She thought Luther was the same way.

He didn’t love Lady Rebecca, but was bound to marry her because it was a royal order from his late mother.  Engagements from childhood weren’t uncommon for people like him.  The two had known about the engagement for years and they cooperated with each other.

Though Luther may not have loved Lady Rebecca, she was important to him, and that was disappointing.

It was disappointing then and disappointing now.

Lady Rebecca hadn’t changed from what Iris remembered of her.  The tall, stately woman with the storm gray eyes that seemed to both pierce through one’s soul to find their secrets and at the same time, hide her own reactions, was civil, but almost cold.  She still wore modest clothing despite her status, which hid her cunning.

Even at Iris’ welcome ball, there were plenty of other young noble women dressed more elaborate than the fiancée of the Fourth Prince.  If Lady Rebecca was not his fiancée or the purported child with dawn in her hair, no one would’ve noticed her.

When Iris walked into the room with Luther, she expected some reaction from Lady Rebecca.  Surprise, distrust, or even a little anger.  Who wanted to see their fiancé so close to another person?  Iris knew that Luther was supposed to escort Lady Rebecca and had to plead with him to go with her instead because she was nervous.

Luther, kind and trusting as always, agreed.

Joy had filled her when she noticed the questioning and sympathizing gazes turn to Lady Rebecca when Iris entered on Luther’s arm.  Most people would’ve been humiliated or at the very least, unnerved.

Lady Rebecca hadn’t flinched.  She had glided across the room, her head up and her shoulders back, as if she were better than everyone, to reach them.  Iris’ subtle action was ignored and Lady Rebecca had asked if they could accompany her.

Iris had almost wanted to laugh.  Who would want to be accompanied by the man she loved and the woman that man was engaged to?  Was Lady Rebecca showing off?  Declaring sovereignty over Luther?

She wouldn’t have him for long.

When Luther was with Lady Rebecca, he always seemed to be trying to placate her by apologizing, making excuses, or giving her gifts.  He was afraid of disappointing her, of upsetting her and his brother.  He smiled, but he didn’t laugh the way he did when he was with Iris.  The Luther she knew talked for hours about growing up in Kadmus and what he hoped to accomplish.  Did Lady Rebecca know about his dreams?

To the very end, Lady Rebecca had looked at them as if they were fools unfit to be in the same room as her.

Iris didn’t want to see those demeaning eyes ever again.

Her hands lowered to her stomach, feeling an emptiness that lingered from another time.  Right now, she and Luther hadn’t yet crossed that line because he was still foolishly showing his respect to Lady Rebecca and pulling away from Iris.

The carriage taking her and her two attendants from the Gilded Palace back to the Hall of Eloquence slowed to a stop in front of the hall’s entrance.  The footman climbed down and opened the door, offering his hand to let the attendants and then Iris down.  She thanked them and headed inside the beautiful building with its embellished stone doorways and patterned tile floor.

The Hall of Eloquence was the most recently renovated of the guest manors, according to Luther.  He’d failed in convincing his brother to allow her to stay in the Gilded Palace, so he’d spent some time reassuring her that the Hall of Eloquence was just as good.  She didn’t care if it was just as good.

She wanted to be near him.

She crossed the foyer and up a grand set of curved, wooden stairs to the upper floor.  Her room was the first to the right and had a balcony that overlooked the drive, the moat, and the palace on the other side.

Her night before, she’d gazed across lost in memories.  She never stayed in the Hall of Eloquence.  When Luther first brought her, she’d stayed with him in the Gilded Palace.  She thought that this time, since she’d acted sooner, she’d return there.

She reached her door and she gave her two attendants a small, dismissing nod.  “I do not require assistance tonight.”

“Yes, Your Eminence.”  The two bowed their heads and stepped back, allowing Iris to enter her chambers alone.

She stepped into the antechamber.  The oil lamps had been lit and the servants assigned to the hall had prepared a warm bath and turned down her bed for the night.  Orange light cast across the wood paneled rooms and the elegant landscape paintings on the walls.  She removed her sandals and walked into the main chamber barefoot.

“I expected you to have his attention by now considering how much time I allowed him to be with you.”

Iris suppressed the shudder that swept through her at the man’s demanding voice.  Her eyes swept across the room, to the chair beside the small hearth.  The hearth hadn’t been lit, as it was too warm for that, but there were several oil lamps allowing for the man in burnt orange and black to flip through a book.

Whether he was actually reading or not was unknown.

He didn’t look up from the book on his lap, but she had stopped a few paces away.  “He accompanied me all day today in the city.”

“Yes, he even missed court this morning.”  The book snapped closed and the middle-aged man with the sharp eyes looked at her, unimpressed.  “I assumed that if he’d be willing to miss such an integral part of his education as the de facto heir for you, you’d have a better hold on his heart, but here you are.  Returning alone.”

Iris narrowed her eyes as she frowned.  “How can he come to me so soon?  And in such a setting?  I already had him escort me to the ball.  If he left with me, that would’ve been a sign of disrespect to Lady Rebecca.  As long as she is present, he is not willing to wrong her.”

The Third Consort shot up from the plush, velvet seat.  His eyes were burning, reflecting the harsh light from the oil lamps as he stormed towards her.  “Then make him willing.  And soon,” the man said in a low voice as he loomed over her.  Iris forced herself not to take a step back and show weakness, but couldn’t stop herself from leaning away from his imposing figure.  “In a few weeks, the First Prince will become the King of Kadmus, and the Second and Third Prince haven’t been located.”  He paused and his look darkened.  “Are you sure they’re dead?”

“The second ambush decimated the caravan and went after those who fled the scene.  It was confirmed that he was mortally wounded.  It’s likely that he bled to death somewhere, but his body hasn’t been found,” Iris replied.  “My attendants let it spread to the Second Prince that the Third Prince was missing and they were last seen entering the Forbidden Valley.  No one has ever escaped the valley alive. This is already very different from what happened originally.”

The Third Consort sneered and pulled back.  “Make sure your people find their bodies.  Their deaths must be confirmed.  If they come back, they are a threat to Luther’s position, and yours.”

Iris grit her teeth.  Her small hands clenched at her sides as she lowered her eyes.  “I’m aware that they are a threat.”

“It’s difficult enough to remove Laurence from the throne.”  The Third Consort stepped back and prepared to walk around her.  “Hurry up and coax my son.  Once Laurence is crowned, he will settle on a date to marry Luther to the Lady of Caroline, then we’ll be late.”  He paused as he stood by the threshold to the antechamber.  He looked over his shoulder, impatience across his face.  “You said this was our only chance to rewrite the future in our favor.  I trust you won’t squander it.”

She resisted the urge to yell at him.  She tried to keep on the mask of a dignified oracle.  “They are already suspicious of the reason I’m here.  You shouldn’t come here again.  What if someone sees you?”

“As long as I pay enough, I won’t be seen,” the Third Consort replied with a dismissive wave.  “Remember: you need only to bed Luther once.  I will take care of the rest.”

He turned his back to her and Iris couldn’t hold back her disgusted shudder.  She wrapped her arms around herself as the door slammed closed.

No one knew how important this chance was than her.

She’d paid a life for another chance.