Kros Voyeh Ch. 11

Lislora inclined her head and made her way into the study, looking around with a sinking feeling. It looked very temporary. She'd be going back to the Kroscur soon by herself to wait for the birth of a child she'd have to give away. The thought made her feel exhausted and depressed. Sinking onto the bed she lay back to rest for a short while.

It seemed like only a few moments later that Krouth came in to wake her gently. "His Highness has returned to dress and ready himself for the Aran dinner. I have your gown ready."

Blearily she rose and rubbed her face for a moment before dressing. Noticing as she did that some of her cousin's garments hung next to her own. Without a mirror she would need a maid to see to her hair. She brushed it out regardless, after dressing and laid out the pins. After a few long moments she began to think about asking Krouth to have someone sent for.

Mes bustled in with Draeseth, carrying boxes, before she could reach the door. "My wife wished to offer you her jewelry to wear, cousin."

The maid straightened the bed deftly and laid out the boxes the Prince was carrying.

"She's worn the longer of the two, but not this one." He opened the box that held a carcanet made to resemble leaves and flowers of blackened gold, with small, dark blue gems in the center of each flower. "The Phaethian bracelets were a little large when she wore them..." Draeseth opened another box with an elegantly linked, jeweled hand piece.

Looking at it she didn't need to try it on to judge the size. Her fingers wouldn't fit in the tiny rings. "That's lovely, cousin, but her hands are too small for me to be able to wear those. I'll wear the carcanet gratefully, however."

He made a pleased sound. "Pull your hair to the side."

Taking a seat in the one chair left in the study, Lislora wrapped her hair around her hand and bared her neck. Allowing him to put the carcanet on her felt somehow intimate but comfortable and right.

"I'll need someone to put my hair up."

"Mes will see to it."

"Her Grace will-"

"My Isonei will take a moment to ready herself. You will see to Lady Lislora's hair first."

The maid offered a silent curtsy.

"I will dress once you've finished." He stepped toward the door.

"In the study?" Lislora gave him a curious look as the maid moved into place to begin her hair.

"If I try to dress with Isonei it will take twice as long. Krouth has already prepared my clothes." Draeseth gestured toward the hanging black tunic.

"It shouldn't take long." Lislora watched him hesitate in the doorway, "How did Hodrim enjoy the Temple?"

"He seemed impressed. Kamrus Gillaugrim was occupied so I told Halloc Urroth that my wife had received the gift warmly. The man looked delighted." Draeseth's nose wrinkled slightly.

"Priests adore her."

He made an amused sound, "With the exception of Kamrus Gillaugrim, I would agree. The Halloc seems almost smitten with my wife."

"At least Halloc Aurim isn't-"

Her cousin gave her a chagrined look that made her stomach sink.

"He's here?"

"He's been visiting the Temple and looking in on my Duchess. I have no intentions of inviting him to visit our rooms again."

"How she can find the man pleasant baffles me, cousin."

"He's kind to her. My wife finds sternness charming as long as it's tempered by kindness." He rolled his shoulders back.

"Your sternness has always been reassuring, his is unnerving." Lislora gave him a pointed look and he smiled faintly.

"He treats her like a child. My father has pointed out more than once that my wife appreciates men who take a fatherly approach to her."

Mes began to pin up the braids silently.

"Is Hodrim-"

"He's waiting patiently in the main room."