Kros Voyeh Ch. 18

Looking at her with a speculative smile, Mes spoke hesitantly, "You seem, perhaps, slightly more cheerful than usual, my Lady?"

Blushing, Lislora inclined her head, "I think I can understand why Isonei only refuses him when she's angry with him. I don't have a great deal of experience but he must do that," she made a rolling gesture with her hand, "very well."

The maid dimpled and nodded. "Her Grace has experience and seems to agree. The midwives were appalled when they heard he likes to have sex two or three times a day and she does as well."

"It's not a hardship." Lislora flushed and laughed shaking her head. "I may have to ask her how she keeps up with him."

The still smiling Munian gave her the box. "It gets easier. The more you do it the more stamina for it you have."

Holding the box, Lislora looked down at it for a moment, "If... if things don't go as I've hoped, having you stay as a maid would be pleasant."

"Thank you, my Lady." Mes bobbed a curtsy.

Taking a seat in the main room to wait for breakfast, Lislora couldn't help but be curious about the outing Isonei had gone on. "The Duchess enjoyed the Temple this morning?"

"She seemed to. I think she likes the sound of the prayers even though she doesn't understand them."

"What were they today?"

"That we be rewarded for kindness, charity, generosity, and unselfishness. That Ganas will provide what is needed. That we may know we are all equal and receive his love in equal measure."

"I always enjoy those." Lislora smiled wryly.

"Everyone wanted to speak to her Grace after the dismissal. We were late and had to kneel in the middle."

Lislora covered her mouth, "Behind the rest of the nobles?"

"Her Grace didn't seem to mind. She was very gracious."

"Of course she was." Sighing, she rubbed her temples.

"But she did chide the Kamrus." Mes rocked on her toes trying to look nonchalant.

"No!" Leaning forward, Lislora beckoned for her to speak.

"Daedi was cold and thin. When the Kamrus said the Temple takes care of orphans she told him it does a poor job."

Closing her eyes, Lislora leaned back, pressing her lips together and covering her mouth again.

"It turned into a discussion of Aran Gods in the middle of the Temple, but..."

Lislora opened her eyes and gestured again for the maid to continue.

"But," Krouth spoke coolly as he laid a tray on the table and gestured for the maids who'd followed him to do the same, "when people heard her Grace say that the Aran gods are not always nice and will cause famines out of unhappiness, the consensus was that the Arans are fools for worshipping them."

"He allowed her to speak of false gods in the Temple?"

"She spoke no names," Krouth made a dismissive gesture, "and she spoke honestly, though it portrayed her religion in a poor light. Had she rhapsodized about the Aran gods it would have been different. Kamrus Gillaugrim came out the winner in the discussion and everyone present saw him.

"I think they may pity the Duchess somewhat for having been raised to believe in such horrible gods." He smiled smugly as he took his place next to Mes. "I heard some speaking of how fortunate they were to have been raised in Torga under Ganas' protective hand."

"Their gods cause famines?" Lislora shook her head. "Not being nice is one thing, murderous is another."

"I think I remember that story." Mes dimpled looking into the distance, "Their God of fields or harvests got into an argument over a woman with another God... the God of death! They both stopped doing what they were supposed to do."

"How can the god of death stop?" Lislora gave her a baffled smile.

"He stopped letting them in, into wherever they go. The dead were getting up and walking around. It's why they burn them now, so that he has to take them."

It took effort to shut her mouth.

Krouth inclined his head, "Perhaps that's why they don't find the Dagas so disturbing. They think the dead linger if they aren't burned as a matter of course."

"The dead linger in Leria?" Mes gave him a horrified look.

"We can discuss the demon Dagas in private."

"Please, otherwise my rooms will need to be purified." Lislora shuddered. "How long do you think-"

The door slammed open and Draeseth stormed in wearing a furious scowl. "I spoke to the Kamrus and when I had finished Isonei was in the nave speaking to Hesh-Caeridith!"

"Where was Rimathe?" Krouth stepped forward matching his scowl.

"Attending to," he made an expansive gesture, "something, no doubt, and not my Duchess. I put her in her rooms to wait for him."

"I'll go and when he arrives, I'll tell him yet again, the Duchess is not to be left alone."

"See to it he listens this time." Draeseth took a breath once Krouth had stalked out and Lislora rose to stroke his arm. "It was no jest when I said a restful woman is like cool water after a bout." He pulled her into an embrace.

A knock came at the door and Mes rushed to open it.

"We were told you were having a late breakfast with your second Duchess, brother." Rogath and Burgath stepped in, glancing around curiously.

"I had to fetch Isonei from the Temple." He reluctantly stepped back and nodded toward Mes, "Fetch enough for my brothers."

"We've eaten, but we'll sit with you and talk." Burgath took a seat with an intent frown on his face. "Did you speak with her last night?"

"I did. I told her to give father what he wants but she insists she wouldn't repay his kindness with harm and neither will she repay the Dagas with betrayal. The woman is loyal." He grimaced. "I think."

Burgath looked at him curiously. "What do you mean?"

"She was speaking to Hesh-Caeridith at the Temple. I think she may have been..."

"Trying to find a way home?" Rogath glanced to the door with a furrowed brow. "Kresh said..." He sighed, "She thinks Isonei intends to bring Andnaeuth and have him take her home."

"We spoke of it." Draeseth nodded and earned incredulous looks from his brothers. "I told her that she may try to arrange for him to come but I have no intention of letting him leave with her. If he attends the bouts I'll either kill him or hear him promise never to look at my wife again."

Rogath snorted and nodded appreciatively but Burgath looked sour.

"Do you know the benefits that would come from having your silver Duchess dragging the next Crown Prince of Ara to Torga for half of every year? One of our nieces might end up as Queen!

"And the favorable trade agreements! Brother!"

A vicious grin split Draeseth's face. "I should have known she'd enlist your help."

"I adore the woman, she's like mother in so many ways."

Rogath and Draeseth both looked at him as if he'd gone mad and he grinned, "If mother were more concerned with seeming gracious and were more affectionate. They both have sharp minds and a fondness for long games. They don't argue, they just do what they want and work on you subtly until, when they've finished, you're not angry and you can see their points."

The elder Prince looked thoughtful for a moment, "You may be right."

"I am." He gestured toward the food. "Eat, brother. Father is going to want to discuss your silver Duchess at length."

Draeseth made an unpleasant sound and moved to the table to fill a plate. "She won't give in, the woman is as stubborn as I am."

"I can speak to her." Rogath took a seat as well. "Or have Kresh regale her with tales of father's displeasure."

Burgath laughed a short ugly laugh, "It would do no good. You won't get something she doesn't want to give. No... I'll try to arrange a meeting with Maraphina. She wants to marry Daga Lothlaerith and the only way to do that is to have Isonei made into a traitor. I'll get a name from her. Isonei spent years visiting the girl's father. If she can't get Liadith's name from her sister, she can give me her father's name. I'm almost certain Isonei knows it."

Slowly filling her own plate, Lislora interrupted their discussion. "How can you be sure?"

The smaller Prince gave her a sly smile, "The woman pays attention. She doesn't say a word about what she knows until she needs to. I suspect she's learned to at least understand a little Torgan. She makes comments at times with that wide-eyed, innocent expression."

"I suspect the same at times. You think she knows about the reward." Draeseth took a bite from his plate and chewed it angrily.

"I think you're a fool if you expect her not to." Burgath tilted his head, "Have Krouth give her more merciful breath. She won't be able to make plans, much less leave, if she's asleep. What were they discussing?"

Draeseth swallowed a mouthful and gave a curt nod. "She was asking about Hesh's family when I approached, and she said it was a pleasure to see him."

"Didn't he hold a knife to her?" Rogath gave his brother a dubious look.

"She wants to go home." Draeseth scowled at his plate, "I have a suspicion that she'll go for half a year with Andnaeuth or permanently with Hesh. She's determined."

"Then give the woman Andnaeuth!" Burgath gave him an annoyed look. "We would all gain from that. She could see her family and we would have-"

"I will not share my wife with a godforsaken jester!" He came to his feet and looked as if he wanted to toss the plate across the room.

Mes timidly approached to take it from him.

"Father won't be inclined to give you the maid if your wife doesn't do as he asks." Rogath rose from his seat as well. "You might see if that moves her."

"I'll ask for her as a wedding gift as well." Lislora saw the grateful look the maid gave her before hurrying away with the plate.

"My wife said the woman was worthless as a maid." The elder Prince gave her an odd look.

"She needs some training, yes, but she has a pleasant temperament."

"With Krouth instructing her she'll be a fine maid in time." Draeseth inclined his head. "He says she's worth the effort."

"Rimathe, however..." Lislora grimaced. "He's a terrible servant. I still don't know why you allowed Krouth to hire him."

Draeseth made an amused sound and Rogath headed for the door without a word. She wondered if she'd said something wrong.

Rising from his seat, Burgath offered a faint smile and a hint of a bow. "If you walk the gardens today, Lady Lislora, there are bruise blossoms blooming year-round in the winter garden."

"They smell lovely and I thank you for those you sent to brighten my rooms." She did her best to put on a gracious smile.

"You need a Duchess of your own." Draeseth gave his brother a hard look.

"I may find two if we can reopen trade with Ara. I never thought I'd be envious of you for anything." His slightly sour tone put a smile back on Draeseth's face.

"You write to Isonei's family, send for-" The door closed on his words and Lislora pressed her lips together.

"He may never put her aside. I think he's enjoying being envied."

"We may need to consider things more carefully." The maid nodded with a frown.

"We can do it later. After I finish breakfast I'd like to go walking in the gardens," Lislora hesitated, "You do have duties to attend to?"

"Yes, Lady."

"I'll leave you to them." Lislora finished her meal in silence, sopping up the sauce from the lamb kidneys with bread before having more eggs and fried sausages.

Nothing seemed quite as disappointing with a full plate and it seemed easier to contemplate how things might be if Isonei came back to the Kroscur with them after all while she was eating. Perhaps they could do something with her house... They could trade halves of the year there. Draeseth would need to have some of his garrison kept there or the woman might end up whisked away back to Ara. Though, that wouldn't be the worst outcome.

When she'd finished eating she washed her hands and left the rooms, allowing Mes to tidy up. Who would keep the maid would be a harder question. The woman was beginning to grow on her.

°°°°°°°°°°

The weather was so pleasant Lislora was contemplating asking to have her lunch outside as she walked back into the palace. The maid would probably be in the kitchens speaking to Xago by this point and it would be easier to catch her there to see about it.

As she entered she spied Master Krouth looking furious engaged in a conversation with a woman dressed as a maid.

"Krouth?"

"Lady Lislora." He turned and bowed, the woman dropped a curtsy. "Her Imperial Highness has sent a maid to order me to attend her. I have refused but the woman is insisting."

"You serve Prince Draeseth. If her Highness wishes to speak with you she may ask to arrange something with my cousin, otherwise, you have duties to see to and she will have to endure the disappointment." Lislora gave the woman a cool look and she dropped into another low curtsy before rushing away.

"I thank you. Is there something you require?"

"I think I'd like to eat-"

"Master Krouth!" Rimathe's shout made her jump. "I was commanded to make certain you were safe. Princess Kresh was telling her Grace that you wouldn't be returning to her service. The woman has implied she wants you dead."

Krouth stared at him for a moment and then asked carefully, "Who did you leave with her?"

"I-she said the Princess wouldn't harm her, she's protected-"

The slim servant slapped him and took off at a dead run. Rimathe flushed and then chased after him.

Lislora hesitated and then followed them. Mes stepped out of one of the kitchen doorways.

"Lady Lislora! Wh-" The Munian stopped speaking as Lislora grabbed her arm and pulled her along.

"Something's wrong. Rimathe left Isonei alone with Princess Kresh."

The woman picked up her pace and Lislora matched it as she spoke, "Krouth slapped him and ran."

"Good. I doubt she'd do real harm to the Duchess but if she's angry and her Grace is out of the King's favor she might strike her."

"That nonsense with the fork..." Lislora sighed.

"Princess Kresh had a knife, the Duchess defended herself with a fork." Mes gave her a meaningful look and they both tried to walk faster.

As they approached the rooms Rimathe stood outside looking ill. He immediately began walking toward them with his hands raised.

"Don't go in."

Mes bolted past him.

"She's-she's..."

"She's still alive! Ganas be thanked, fetch the Hallocs!" Krouth sounded frantic.

The Lerian tried to stop her again as Lislora moved toward the door and she turned a gelid glare on the man, "Fetch the Hallocs and pray for the Duchess or I will have my cousin bring the tsethartdet to bear on you for disobedience instead of merely allowing you to resign your position in disgrace."

He swallowed and darted down the hall.

Steeling herself, she stepped into the doorway and saw the crumpled Duchess on the floor. The rug was soaked and she looked as corpse-like as she had in the Kroscur except this time she had faint bruises on her cheeks. Krouth was kneeling next to her, with a hand on her side and Mes was trembling, stroking the woman's face kneeling at her head.

A teapot was on its side not far away.

"Did the Princess try to drown her with tea?"

"Poisoned," Mes whispered, "She'll have used poison."

Lislora took a deep breath, "What can be done? Should we-should we make her vomit?"

"The Hallocs will know. Some poisons... His Highness should be told."

She nodded and turned on her heel. "I'll find him."

As it had in the Kroscur, everything felt surreal. Her mind spun as she tried to think where her cousin might be and then she remembered he and his brothers were going to speak with the King. She turned toward the chamber where the King took his private audiences.

The two guards on the door looked at her curiously as she approached. "Is Prince Draeseth inside?"

"Yes, but-"

She lurched forward shoving the door open. The two Lords waiting in the antechamber lurched to their feet in startlement and one of the guards grabbed her by the arm.

"You may not-"

"Unhand me now! There was an attempt on the life of Duchess Isonei and by Ganas and Mezaldir you will allow me to carry word to his Highness." She wasn't certain if it was her words or the look on her face but the man released her and moved to open the far door for her.

Lislora didn't hesitate, marching through without pausing to ask for permission.

The Princes were sat comfortably on sofas in the audience room with their father, sipping from tiny glasses.

"Baroness, what is the meaning-" His Majesty rose to his feet with a look of incredulous fury on his face.

"There was an attempt on Isonei's life!"

The fury drained away in an instant and the Princes rose to their feet. She turned to look at Draeseth, "Isonei was still alive when I came to fetch you. But she's-I sent Rimathe to fetch the Hallocs."

"What happened?" Burgath came forward and took hold of her arms. "Be calm and tell us everything at once, not in dribs and drabs."

Lislora took a deep breath, "Rimathe left her alone with Princess Kresh, the Duchess ordered it because the Princess threatened Krouth's life. He was sent to make certain Krouth was safe.

"They rushed back but she was alone and crumpled on the floor-"

The King exhaled with annoyance. "You don't know that it was an attempt on her life."

"Her face is bruised, your Majesty! And it looks as if the Princess had her held in place while she poured the contents of the entire teapot down her throat.

"Isonei looks as if there isn't a drop of blood left in her. If there wasn't poison in the tea as the servants believe then the Princess tried to drown her!"

"I will choke the life from that Phaethian bitch." Draeseth's hands were clenched as he moved toward the open door.

"You will wait to do anything until we know for certain what happened." The King gestured for the guards to stop him at the door. "Rogath, I want your wife under guard. She does nothing and goes nowhere without at least four at all times."

"Yes, father." Rogath slipped out through another door.

"Let us see the Duchess." King Orgath made a gesture.

Lislora led the way flanked by Burgath. Ougath walked with Draeseth and their father followed quietly giving orders that she paid no attention to.

Outside the rooms was a cluster of Hallocs and priests when they arrived. Halloc Aurim looked shaken and as he spotted the approaching Princes he attempted to halt them, holding up his hands and coming toward them.

"Get out of my way." Draeseth's growled command made the man take a step back.

"They removed her dress to see if there were other bruises and to get the poison away from her skin."

"It is poison?" The King stepped forward looking stunned.

"A taste of it made Brother Beraigh begin to vomit, your Majesty." The Halloc turned a pained look on Draeseth, "She's bleeding heavily. We believe the child has been lost."

Lislora covered her mouth, feeling tears welling in her eyes.

"We don't know if the Duchess will live. They say it sounds as if the poisoned tea is in her lungs."

She swayed, feeling faint. She'd wanted Isonei to leave but not to die, and the child... the child's wellbeing hadn't even occurred to her. Burgath helped her to the wall and eased her down.

"Sit. I'll have a maid attend you."

"Draeseth," Ougath sounded concerned, "Go, see her and sit with her."

"I can't." His voice was a rasp and he looked as if he might fall over if a breeze blew down the hall. "My wife... my wife and child..."

"I'll have Kresh confined." The King shook his head still looking stunned. "That she would..."

"I want her dead." Draeseth lifted his head and clenched his fists. "She was jealous of my wife."

From down the corridor, a sharp angry voice seemed to get closer, "I will not go to my rooms, I will not be followed and spied on by Torgan guards, that Aran whore asked for tea. If she put something in it-"