Kros Voyeh Ch. 27

"I'm sorry to have caused you trouble, Draeseth. I want only the best for you and Lislora, a life of joy and contentment."

The earnestness of the woman's tone tugged at Lislora's heartstrings and she heard Draeseth make a sound that might have been clearing a lump from his throat before he spoke.

"I wish that for you, I wish I could have given it to you."

"If things had been different... Lislora is good for you though. She brings out the best in you and she can give you what you need. I never could."

The sound of the door opening and servants bustling in sent her hurrying away from the door and she began pulling her clothing on as quickly as she could. The sounds of Ximesra and Isonei speaking were faint but Draeseth's voice carried.

"His robe burned instead of the book. The demonic protection on it is stronger than he expected. The Kamrus tried to order Isonei's death when she removed the book from the fire. If you choose to travel with her you should be aware that he may attempt to have her harmed again."

The maid spoke and then Lislora thought she heard the door again.

"I do not know what a Munian maid can do, but I trust her, and her brother, to keep your food clean at the least." He paused. "Are you hungry?"

Whatever the Aran answered, Lislora was looking in the mirror and smoothing her hair pinning the cloth back into place hurriedly.

"I will consider it. The food at Court is always better, knowing it is made by good-hearted people would only improve the flavor."

Coming out of the bedroom as he spoke, she asked with a frown, "Draeseth? Did you say that the book caused the Kamrus' robes to burn?"

"Yes, he cast it into the fire and his robes burned instead of the book. The demonic protections are stronger than he expected. It will need to be destroyed in Gogmenos." He approached her and began rubbing her arms as he spoke.

"Should she be touching it? Should it even be this close to us in our rooms?"

"My Kros Voyeh, Krouth will bring a blessed cloth to wrap it in and it will be safer for all of us. It has been in our bedchamber and we suffered no ill effects. Kamrus Gillaugrim believes the demonic energy is directed at Isonei. The Lerian demons want her returned."

"That poor woman." She wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face in his shoulder, holding him tightly and taking comfort in his embrace.

When she lifted her head and turned to speak to Isonei, the Aran's face was turned away and her shoulders were slightly slumped. Before she could speak Krouth arrived ahead of several more servants and chests. He gave a look and nod to Draeseth before speaking.

"This is the last of it. I had taken the liberty of bringing some already," the slim servant hesitated, "Lady Isonei."

"Thank you, Master Krouth."

The change in title didn't seem to pain her and Lislora couldn't help but feel a little relieved.

Krouth laid a white cloth on the table, "So that you do not have to touch it."

The pale woman offered him a small smile as she rose and obediently walked toward him with the book. "It's not dangerous. The only reason I would cover it is for your peace of mind."

Draeseth ran his hand down her back as they watched, pulling her close as the cloth began to singe and turn brown from the demonic power of the book.

Isonei pulled it from the cloth and inspected it as if afraid it had come to harm, looking to Krouth with a concerned frown.

"It was a blessed cloth, your-Lady Isonei."

As the woman sighed and rubbed her temples, Lislora realized how exhausted Isonei looked and the Aran's voice was soft as she inquired, "Perhaps one of my chemises could be made into a bag?"

"I will fetch a seamstress." Krouth eyed the book warily. "Please, put the book down, my Lady." Turning to them he spoke in Torgan, "Your Highness should try to get the book out of her hands. She's looking unwell and the influence may make her ill as it did before."

Draeseth made a displeased sound. "I will do what I can. Fetch a priest she trusts to discuss the matter."

"Lay the book on the table, Isonei, no one will touch it. Lislora can fetch the lavendela oil for your headache."

Isonei placed the book on the table and sat nearer to it than Lislora would have liked. At her husband's nod, she fetched the oil from the chest that had held all of the woman's gifts. Eying the book unhappily, she approached the Aran from behind and massaged a little of the oil into her temples.

The pale woman began to relax, closing her eyes, and looking down at her, Lislora could see the exhaustion written across her delicate features. Rubbing the woman's head through the mourning rags covering her hair was less than ideal but if people would be coming in it would be embarrassing for the tiny woman to be seen without it.

The door opened and Krouth entered with a nervous-looking seamstress and a Halloc.

"Is she sleeping?"

Lislora shook her head with a frown and looked pointedly at the book.

"We may not need to trouble the seamstress. I'll take it away." The Halloc put his hand on the book and then inhaled sharply and cried out in pain, yanking it back.

The Aran's head came up and her eyes opened in confusion.

"I was told it could be touched."

"Please don't." Isonei drew the book closer and LIslora stepped back. "Thank you for rubbing my head, Lislora. But I don't think my headache will go away until the book is left in peace."

The priest looked at her hand with a concerned expression, "It will need to be thick cloth. And I want it sewn shut once the book is inside it. It isn't safe for her to be touching it."

Krouth led the woman into the study where Isonei's chests were.

"Cloth from some of your clothing will be used to make a bag. It would be best if your bare hands were not on it. If a priest cannot touch it, you will be required to carry it to Gogmenos. The Brothers of the shrine will be able to lift your headache and free you from the demonic influence attached to the book."

Isonei inclined her head meekly. "I'm feeling too tired to argue, Halloc Hroth."

The Halloc offered a faint smile. "Rest, Lady. You have a long journey ahead of you in the morning."

°°°°°°°°°°

As they rinsed before bed, Lislora studied her husband's tired face. The grim lines of his face, his pained eyes, she knew he was regretting having released Isonei from the Arrangement. As they pulled their robes on she stopped him and wrapped her arms around his waist.

"My Prince... I want to make this easier on you but I need you to tell me what you-"

He tilted her face up and kissed her before pressing his face to hers. "I want to go with her to the gate tomorrow. I need to make certain she'll be looked after."

"The Munians are loyal, they'll do the best they can, and I'll go with you to the gate to keep her company." She did her best to offer him a reassuring smile and watched his face soften. "I'll have Krouth bring an early breakfast for us."

Draeseth made a pleased sound and kissed her forehead. "I think that would please her." He exhaled and held her tightly for a moment, "The Munians are loyal. I dislike the familiarity that Xago shows her but he was neither asked nor paid to bring her dinner and he still made certain she had clean food. They'll make certain she has food to eat and whatever comforts they can arrange. I worry for her safety. They're as slight as Arans."

"She'll have Taugh and the guards you've hired for that. She'll be safe and well looked after." Her words seemed to help and she spoke quietly to Krouth as they came out of the washing room, "Have an early breakfast brought. We'll rise with Isonei."

The slim servant glanced toward where the woman was already laying on the sofa, "I was told the Kamrus wishes to leave after the prayers, before the city wakes. He wanted to have her brought to the Temple for them but I declined. She'll need her rest."

"Have the breakfast waiting." Draeseth frowned. "But have her eat first if you can, my breakfast could wait until my return if he presses, but she will need her strength."

"I told Xagorath to come as early as he could with provisions for breakfast and for at least a day's travel."

Scowling for a moment, Draeseth made a displeased noise, "A free man should have a knife. If he knows what to do with one..."

"As your Highness pleases." Krouth bowed with a look of relief. "I had considered offering him one of mine for Lady Isonei's protection."

"It might be more likely to get him killed!" Lislora interrupted them. "He's not a large man."

"Nor am I, your Grace." The slim servant smoothed the front of his tunic, "Speed and knowing where to strike can help make up for size."

"More so when your opponent is off guard." Draeseth smiled faintly. "I will replace any knife you give him."

It still didn't seem like a good idea but Lislora kept her opinion to herself. If it eased his mind that was the important thing. They climbed into bed and he buried his face in her breasts, kissing them and holding her tightly but somehow it wasn't the same playful, pleasurable kissing as it had been in the morning.

She began to massage his head and he sighed, falling asleep with his face pressed into her. It took time for her to fall asleep. Thoughts kept rearing their heads, what if Isonei took ill on the journey? What if the Kamrus tried to have her harmed? Could the Munians truly do anything? Would the guards interfere if the Kamrus gave commands?

Closing her eyes she prayed silently that Ganas would put things on their proper path, Ganas had spared the woman's life from her poisoning surely he had a purpose for her. He wouldn't allow her to come to harm. She tried to find comfort in the thought.

Morning arrived too early and Krouth spoke quietly, facing the closed door, as they rose and began to dress.

"Lady Isonei didn't sleep well. I've never seen her sleep so lightly. Ximesra has been warned not to allow anyone to wake her on the journey should she fall asleep in the carriage and I made certain the woman knows how much merciful breath can be given if it should be required.

"Xagorath knows how to use a blade and he was grateful to take one of mine. He brought provisions, dried fish, bread and cheese, batter cakes, and spices to use to prepare food as they travel.

"I instructed the Lady to eat before dressing. She finished and is washing now."

"Good." Draeseth was almost scowling as he said it and Lislora stopped fastening her dress to lay a hand on his shoulder.

"Cousin?"

"When she's unhappy she needs to be held close. She slept poorly because no one held her." His eyes looked damp and Lislora pulled him into an embrace.

"As fond as I am of her, inviting her to sleep in our bed would not have been appropriate, my Prince."

He made a soft sound and then laughed in his throat before he lifted his head. "No. I could not have slept as well if I had to compete with her for your embrace."

Lislora narrowed her eyes at him as he began to grin. It was a struggle not to return it. "She clings like a vine, she'd have found a way to cling to both of us and I don't want to share either."

He barked a laugh and rose to kiss her. "Dress, my Duchess." Pulling on his tunics he tied the belt and gave Krouth a glance before leaving the bedroom.

"Help me with my hair." She moved to the vanity while finishing the last few fasteners.

"Gharol said you invited her to return to the Kroscur with us?" The slim servant looked almost smug as he readied the cloth and waited for her to finish her hurried braiding.

"I did."

From the vanity, she could hear that there was a conversation in the next room and that it didn't sound cheerful. Pinning the braids in place, she realized Krouth was waiting for more.

"She's a good maid, Krouth, she's kind and competent."

He pinned the cloth in place. "She is. The Phaethian Emperor saw to it that Princess Kresh was sent with the best servants possible."

She nearly argued that Ximesra wasn't a good maid but she wanted to know what was going on as soon as possible. As she left the room, she realized that if Kresh had been a good mistress the Munian woman would have been as loyal to her as she was to Isonei. That more than made up for any other shortcomings.

"My second Duchess will receive your apologies and you will send someone to the kitchens for anything she lacks."

The Kamrus bowed in apology as she took Draeseth's arm and the rest of the priests bowed as well. Her husband walked with her around the table to inspect it. They'd nearly finished the lamb kidneys and eggs but there was still quite a bit of bread and an assortment of cheeses and cold sliced meats, as well as the sliced fried blood sausage and the brown spread. It almost looked as if they'd been expecting company.

"If we're having company we should have extra of everything, certainly more of what they've nearly finished, and if there's leftover hare as well that sounds appealing."

Draeseth made a pleased sound and looked at the Kamrus coolly. Two priests she didn't think she'd seen before, bowed again before leaving the room.

Holding Draeseth's arm, Lislora offered Isonei a smile, "Master Krouth said you had already eaten?" It should be true but if the woman was still hungry she should be encouraged to eat.

"I have, thank you. I apologize for not waiting to eat with you. I hadn't realized breakfast would be served so early today."

The Aran's smile was warm and she looked well for a woman who'd barely slept. Before she could say so the Kamrus interrupted them in a frigid tone, "Lingering over breakfast was not my intention."

"If my Duchesses wish to speak, it will be allowed."

At Draeseth's glower, Kamrus Olauth's mouth curved slightly. "You have only one Duchess."

Lislora fixed the coldest expression she could on her face as she felt her husband's arm tense as if he wished to strike the man. "She may no longer be the Duchess of Kroscur, but she will always be his first Duchess." She paused for a brief moment, "And she is a friend." The Aran had always been kind.

"I should have paid more attention in the winter garden." Isonei's bright smile looked slightly mischievous, "I hadn't realized Kros Voyeh had thorns!"

Draeseth barked a laugh and relaxed slightly as he answered her jest, "It is lovely and appears defenseless but it has its own bite. Most blossoms can be eaten, even the Soldier's Wife, but not Kros Voyeh, Isonei."

"It's easy to see why you adore it." The pale woman inclined her head and the impishness of her smile made everything seem less tense.

"The woman can lighten the blackest mood. If her gentle manner has changed when I next see her I will hold you responsible." His tone was almost threatening and Lislora rubbed his arm.

"Her manner keeps her in your good graces. You would have me be moved by-"

"Her manner is her manner." Burgath snapped as he entered the room, making her wonder if he'd been waiting outside and listening for a break in the conversation to enter. "You should not waste charm on the Kamrus, Isonei."

"I wasn't, dear Burgath. I was trying to lighten the mood to make all of this less bitter." Isonei offered the smaller Prince a wry smile and rose, offering him the chair. "I had hoped to get to say goodbye."

"Sit, please. I doubt even your charm can make this less bitter, my sweet borrowed sister."

Perched on the arm of the Aran's chair facing his brother, Burgath looked both nonchalant and protective. Claiming her as a sister and allowing her to keep the seat made it clear that she should be shown respect. It made Lislora think slightly better of him.

"I would like to ride to the gate with her."

"I will be doing the same." Draeseth inclined his head.

"Perhaps the servants who will be attending the Lady might take her things to the carriage?" The Kamrus smoothed his robe.

"There is no need for them to rush." Burgath shrugged not bothering to look at the Kamrus, "Our other brothers wish to say their farewells as do the Princesses. You will not leave until they have done so."

Lislora tried not to smile at the incensed look on Kamrus Olauth's face. Perhaps next time he'd think better of stealing someone else's breakfast.

Isonei was clearly unconcerned by the man, she touched Burgath's arm and inquired softly, "What were the girls told? They've had so much upheaval..."

The woman was thinking of the children's well-being before her own. Lislora was struck by the realization that Halloc Aurim had been right, this was a woman who should be a Sister. The children at the convent in the Kroscur would benefit greatly from having her there if her life could be made comfortable enough.

"All they know is that you are going to visit the shrine. They have not been told you are no longer with their uncle."

"It would be too confusing for them." The Aran nodded her agreement earnestly.

"They will need to be told-"

Draeseth cut Kamrus Olauth off sharply, "It is a family matter and you will say nothing to the Princesses."

"A single word to them about the matter and you'll be waiting for the Lady outside the gate." Burgath seconded him coolly.

Isonei glanced at the men and seemed to try lightening the mood once more, "Is there anything in Gogmenos that might interest the girls? I may not be able to send anything back for them but..." She laughed delightedly, a silvery, cheerful sound, as Burgath offered her a small purse. "Thank you! What could I find there that might interest them?"

"Candies or dolls, perhaps. Ror was very taken with the puzzle box you gave Hodrim."

"He showed it to her?" Isonei sounded slightly baffled.

"Father insisted. The note was very sweet. The ring is inside the box and he has not yet learned to open it. He said it was a red stone set in silver?"

"It's rubuttite, the red is a little pinkish."

"Rubina?" Lislora mouthed at Draeseth.

He gave her a curt nod. A rich gift indeed. She tried not to frown. If Hodrim had been able to open the box his Majesty might have made him give the ring to one of the Princesses.

"A stone like that would be set in gold, here." Burgath smiled.

"Gold is rarely worn in Ara." Draeseth volunteered as the priests and several servants returned with more food.

She wasn't certain if he noticed the annoyed look Burgath shot him. The younger Prince was probably better acquainted with Aran customs.

Isonei headed off any sharp words. "The toymaker here made the puzzle box. Are they uncommon in Torga? In Ara, they're popular gifts for clever children."

"What are?" Prince Adareth came in the door that had been left standing open, followed by Prince Rogath, Prince Ougath, and the Princesses.

"We were discussing gifts for Ror and Kas," Burgath answered as both he and Isonei rose to greet them.

"It's so sweet of all of you to wake up so early and see me off." Isonei smiled warmly, crouching down as the girls pushed past their youngest uncle to embrace them.

"Why do you have to leave? It isn't fair!" The Princesses spoke in a jumbled rush and Lislora couldn't tell which of them said what. "You should stay! I demand you stay!"