Kros Voyeh Ch. 28

"No. Your mother is an Imperial Princess, even when the King gives the command a lesser man might hesitate. Your Uncle, Prince Draeseth, will see it done quickly and cleanly. Your mother won't suffer and it suits her station to be executed by the Victor of the Melee." She spoke the words carefully as Krouth had instructed her for this unfortunate eventuality.

Ror nodded slowly. "Why-"

The older girl stopped and rubbed roughly at her eyes but before she could finish her sister wailed, "We-we didn't get to say goodbye!"

"Not everyone gets to." Lislora laid her hand on the weeping girl's back swallowing the lump in her own throat. "I didn't get to say goodbye to mine either. Ganas will tell her for you. That was what my father told me. We prayed and I told him everything I wanted him to tell my mother. I believe he did."

Kas lifted her head, her breath coming in wet juddering bursts as she looked at her sister. Suddenly, both girls bolted toward the door. Following, Lislora thought they might be going toward the Temple but instead, they headed toward their father's rooms. When they burst through a door well before the King's apartments she was baffled.

Inside, the girls were clambering onto a wide window bench with peculiar gilded carvings of grinning beasts with immense heads and bodies that looked made up of several other creatures. As she watched the girls began whispering earnestly to the carvings.

"Your Grace?" Gharol peered in the door with a furrowed brow.

Lislora turned and left the girls where they were and spoke to the maid outside of the chamber, "I don't know what they're doing. When I told them about praying to have their mother told goodbye and anything else they wanted her to know by Ganas they ran here."

"Princess Kresh didn't believe in Ganas, your Grace. She told them often that the Mephri protected the Imperial family and when they died they would be taken by the Mephri to a paradise where all of the past Emperors and their kin waited to celebrate with them for eternity."

Glancing back to the girls, she didn't have the heart to discourage them even if she thought it was foolishness. "Ask if Kamrus Rimathe would send someone gentle to speak with them. I'll stay here."

After the maid hurried away. Lislora stood just inside the doorway and watched with her hands clasped. It wasn't right to let them pray to false gods or their idols carved into a window but was it really so terrible to let the little ones take some small comfort in it? It was what their mother had told them she believed... The matter felt like some sort of unsolvable riddle.

She wasn't certain how long she stood wrestling with it in silence until she felt a hand on her back. Kamrus Rimathe beckoned for her to come outside where Hodrim was waiting before he sent the boy in.

"I was surprised you sent for me. So was Gillaugrim." The green-eyed man smiled faintly.

"Master Krouth says you're known for being gentle in reclaiming the Lerians in the Dalcur. I... I know we haven't always gotten along well but the Princesses are delicate today. They were upset at-"

"The maid told me. They wanted to say goodbye to their mother and you suggested they pray as you had done, so that Ganas could relay the message. Instead, they ran to the Mephri."

"I know it's wrong to let them but if it brings them comfort... It's... they've gone through so much."

"It's a dilemma, yes. To be harsh with them now or to tell them they may not ask the Mephri to carry their words to their mother would be cruel, but they must be redirected. Hodrim will speak to them and, hopefully, they'll agree to ask Ganas for comfort as well. At the moment that's the best that can be hoped for. Ganas is patient and always willing to welcome us no matter how long it takes us to find our way, and so must we be to reclaim those who do not yet understand."

His words made her feel immensely relieved. "Hodrim is fortunate that you chose him to be an attendant."

"He was permitted to choose, your Grace." The Kamrus smiled and glanced at the door. "Lady Isonei made it very clear to Hodrim that she felt he should choose kindness over ambition when deciding who to attend."

At the mention of the Aran, Lislora nodded and inquired, "Has Prince Burgath brought her back yet? My husband has been worried... truthfully, so have I. She needs to be separated from that book and reclaimed but it needs to be done gently."

Kamrus Rimathe glanced down the hall as his face grew solemn. "His Highness found Kamrus Olauth and sent him back to the Temple. He's only just arrived. The Lady was not with him."

He looked as if he would say more but Hodrim spoke from the doorway, "Kamrus? The Princesses want to go to the Temple. They've finished telling the..."

The boy glanced behind him and one of the girls whispered loudly, "Mephri. The guardians. They'll tell Mother what we said when they take her to paradise." The door opened wider and Ror looked out at them with a stern, solemn expression on her grey face. "We didn't get to say goodbye to Grandfather either. Ganas looks after Torgans, Grandmother's priests always say so. We want to go to the Temple to tell him goodbye."

The Kamrus smiled faintly and bowed, "If it's permitted to take you out of the palace, I would be honored to take you to pray at the Temple, your Highness."

"Is... Is Grandfather still..." Kas peered around her sister.

"He will be taken into the royal crypts in a ceremony at the evening prayers, your Highness."

Kas hid her face and whispered something Lislora didn't catch. Ror nodded slowly. "We'll wait until then. Father said if we saw him we might remember him that way instead of remembering him alive. We don't want to..."

"I understand. You don't have to be at the Temple to pray. Ganas can hear you wherever you choose to speak to him."

Ror frowned pensively for a moment, "Could we speak to him in the garden?"

"Did your grandmother's priests tell you the story of Saint Erenough's garden?" Kamrus Rimathe gave the Princess a warm smile and gestured for her to come with him.

°°°°°°°°°°

Lislora walked into the Temple through the King's entrance with the nervous Princesses and was relieved to see that King Orgath had already been covered with a white cloth. King Rogath stood near his father's body speaking to Kamrus Gillaugrim as they approached.

On seeing Lislora the Kamrus excused himself and Rogath beckoned for them to come closer.

He smiled faintly down at the Princesses in their mourning clothes and cloaks. "I was told you were praying with Aunt Lislora in the garden?"

"Hodrim was there too." Ror nodded. "Kamrus Rimathe said we could pray for Grandfather and we wanted to tell him goodbye."

"He knows a lot of stories but they aren't as good as Aunt Isonei's." Kas took hold of her father's hand, "They're better than Uncle Adareth's, though."

"I'll tell him he should learn a few from the Kamrus." The King's smile became more genuine. "Did your Aunt tell you what to expect?"

"Yes, Father," both girls answered.

"Good. Stay with her for the ceremony."

The Temple was soon crowded, with the nobility choosing their places among the kneelers with care and others filling every other available space, standing when all of the kneelers were taken. The priests barely had room to walk with the incense before the prayers.

Lislora knelt with the Princesses on a pulled forward and shortened first row, along with the Queen and her sons. Draeseth knelt on the row behind them with King Orgath's brothers. She risked a glance behind and he gave her an amused look.

The prayers this evening were for King Orgath, his good deeds were spoken of, Kamrus Gillaugrim waxed poetic about the freeing of the slaves and how the King had obeyed Ganas and put Torga back on the proper path. A few times she had to reach out and gently touch one or both of the Princesses to keep them awake and upright.

At the end, all nine of the Kamruses offered blessings and pleas for Ganas to see to the King's soul and the body was taken to be put in the royal crypts. King Rogath, who had been kneeling alone in what was usually the center aisle next to their row, received a benediction from each Kamrus and was publicly blessed and acknowledged by the priesthood as the King of Torga.

There was the usual hum of conversation as the dismissal was given and Lislora rose with the Princesses. "You both did well," she murmured to the sleepy girls, "Your father will be proud."

She turned to speak to Draeseth but his eyes were fixed on Kamrus Olauth who seemed to be trying to leave.

The large Prince moved toward the man without a word. The skin on the back of Lislora's neck prickled and the hairs rose. She grabbed the nearest person, Prince Ougath, and hissed at him, "Draeseth is going to confront Kamrus Olauth, the Princesses shouldn't be here for this! Can you take them? I need to-"

"I'll go speak to my brother you-"

"I will not wait to speak on the matter!" Draeseth's furious words echoed in the Temple and conversations quieted. "What has been done with Isonei? My first Duchess is a delicate woman and she needs to be treated gently!"

Whatever Kamrus Olauth replied was drowned out by Draeseth. "The seven hells will open and Mezaldir himself will take you!"

There was a sound like a blow being struck and Lislora was grateful so many people were between them and whatever was going on. She tried to lead the Princesses out of the stunned crowd all straining to hear, toward the King's entrance.

"You may not strike a priest of Ganas!" That was Gillaugrim's booming voice.

"I should have entrusted her to the demon Dagas instead of allowing her to be put in your care! I love that woman! No creature is more gentle and you-you allow her to be murdered?"

Lislora stumbled and turned back in horror. "What?"

The Queen prodded her forward. "We leave now. This is nothing for the Princesses to hear."

Glancing down at the girls' terrified faces she nodded. "Come, your Highnesses. Your father will take care of things. No one defies the King of Torga."

Ror grabbed her sister's arm and pulled her along hurriedly toward the door they'd come in whispering in what was probably Phaethian.

Her stomach roiled and everything felt surreal and far too warm. She barely made it to the garden before her stomach rebelled and the food she'd had before the prayers came back up.

"I'll take the Princesses with me." Queen Deventha looked mildly annoyed. "Have someone take care of the mess you've made, Duchess Lislora."

"As your Majesty pleases." She couldn't help but dry heave again.

"Is Aunt Lislora ill?" Kas sounded concerned.

"It's nothing for you to be concerned with, come with me."

Lislora stayed by the door, trying to breathe and debating opening up her mourning cloak until Gharol came rushing out to her.

"Princess Kas insisted someone be sent to make certain you were well."

"I'm too warm-I..." she began to feel dizzy and tried to take a step toward the woman.

The next thing she knew, her face was being washed with cool water and Krouth was kneeling over her.

"Your Grace? Can you sit up?"

The throat of both her gown and mourning cloak had been opened and she clutched at them as the slim servant helped her sit. "I'm fine I... I felt too warm and... where is Draeseth?" Fear started to bubble up as she remembered what had happened in the Temple.

The man studied her face and nodded to someone behind her, "Help her Grace back to her rooms. She needs to rest." He helped her to her feet. "I will make inquiries, your Grace, and tell you all I know on my return."

Gharol walked behind her after Lislora waved off the woman's attempt to take her arm as if she were an invalid. It was embarrassing enough to have fainted but to need a servant to help her through the halls... She suddenly remembered, "Her Majesty-"

"I had the-the mess in the garden cleaned, your Grace."

Nodding, Lislora waited until they'd arrived at the rooms to speak again, "I'm going to lie down. Princess Kas should be told that there's nothing wrong with me."

"You collapsed, your Grace!" Gharol pinned her eyes to the floor and dropped into a curtsy as Lislora spun to scowl at the woman.

The maid hurried out and she went into the bedroom alone to take off the heavy cloak and dress. Her heart was pounding and she could feel her pulse in her temples. Crawling into bed in her chemise she thought about the girls who'd just lost their mother, as terrible as the woman was, and how they'd wept. She thought of the delicate Aran woman and how afraid she must be, and of her husband who... burying her face in the pillow she let the sobs rack her.

After a time she managed to compose herself and lay in bed quietly. She knew he loved the Aran, it had hurt to hear him say it publicly after... Exhaling heavily she sat up and rubbed at her eyes. If he truly had struck Kamrus Olauth there were more pressing things to worry about than her bruised pride and aching heart.

The Princesses had their father and family to help them through their heartache, they had Kamrus Rimathe, whom they'd seemed fond of... Isonei was now in Ganas' hands. No amount of worry would help the woman. Draeseth was her husband and whatever he'd done he needed her. She needed to know what was happening.

Rising from the bed and opening the bedroom door, Gharol was waiting nervously nearby.

"Your Grace?"

"Has Krouth returned? I need to know what..." She swallowed but before she could get more out a knock came at the door.

The maid hurried to answer it.

"My brother's servant said Lislora had collapsed?"

Closing the bedroom door, Lislora tried to get dressed as quickly as she could. The maid came in a moment later.

"King Rogath and Halloc Urroth wish to be certain you're well, your Grace."

"I'll-I'll get dressed and come out to them."

"The Halloc asked to examine you."

When she turned, the maid had dropped into a low curtsy. She sighed and rubbed her temples, "Send him in."

Gharol laid the clothes back neatly as Lislora got back into bed in her chemise. She chose to use the pillows to prop herself up in a more upright position, however.

The Halloc entered and looked at her with a frown, "You should be lying down, your Grace."

"I'd intended to get out of bed, there's nothing wrong with me. I'd just-" She stopped speaking as he stepped closer and scowled.

"Did you not vomit and collapse?"

"I did but-"

"Does that happen often?"

"No! I've started to become ill more often, but-"

"Some women have such difficulties." His face softened, "Before you were ill and collapsed, how did you feel?"

"I was worried about what was happening in the Temple, but getting the Princesses away from any... unpleasantness was more important than trying to..." She took a deep breath. "By the time we reached the doors, I'd started to feel ill and far too warm."

"You've been weeping since?" He reached out to turn her face.

"It's been an upsetting day."

Halloc Urroth smiled faintly, "It has." Glancing at the dress laid at the foot of the bed he moved down to run a hand over it. "This is a heavy gown."

"It is. The mourning cloak is heavy as well. The weather is too mild for them but black-"

"You might consider having a seamstress make a lighter gown out of this one. It's no longer in fashion."

"It belonged to Draeseth's mother, he cherishes her things, and while it may not be in fashion it is a lovely gown. I can save it for a colder winter and try not to leave the rooms-"

There was a soft amused sound from the doorway and she turned expecting her husband to be standing there. King Rogath leaned against the frame with a boyish smile, "My bastard brother... I need to ask him how he finds such thoughtful women. He's had two wives and both of them make me envious.

"I'll have a lighter black gown ordered for you, Lislora. My brother is going to need you to be able to leave your rooms without collapsing from being too warm."

"I believe," the Halloc frowned and gestured toward her, "her Grace's collapse may also have been from the stress of the day. She should rest and endure as little-"

The King waved his hand dismissively, "We will take her comfort and condition into account. She'll rest by order of the King and my brother's servant is very nearly a healer, he'll look after her well."

The priest bowed but didn't look satisfied at the answer. "As your Majesty pleases."

"I may ask Krouth for some merciful breath..." Lislora rubbed her face, "Or some veorola. It's calming."

"A weak tea made from veorola would be better than merciful breath." The Halloc looked a little happier. "I'll have your maid order some from the kitchen."

"I thank you." She inclined her head and the priest slipped past the King as the larger man stepped aside.

"You should rest and remain in your rooms until tomorrow morning. I'll allow someone to take you to visit Draeseth then." King Rogath looked as if he intended to leave but then came in to have a closer look at the gown. "I always liked the beaded dresses. Draeseth's mother would have looked lovely in it."

"She was a remarkably beautiful woman, your Majesty. My husband compared her to Isonei in temperament and from what I remember he was right. She was cheerful and charming, my father said no one could call it the Bitter Keep when Duchess Athelosa was there."

"Your father was..."

"Lord Lorim, her cousin, your Majesty."

He was silent for a long moment as he lightly ran his hand over the beadwork. "I found a journal Father kept from the time my brother and I were born... She had two names chosen and Father hated them both." Rogath glanced at her and offered a wry smile. "She wanted her son to have a Torgan name."

"What names had she chosen?"

"Lorathim and Malaugh."

"Lorathim is a good name." Lislora smiled and shook her head, "If Draeseth wasn't so adamant about an Aran name I might use it."

"Father wanted him to be named Drogath but Athelosa chose a name unlike any of the rest of ours. He was sour about it."

"Your mother wouldn't have tolerated him being at court with a name like Drogath, it's too close to your name, your Majesty."

"I suspect Mother had a word with her about what she was permitted to name her son."

"The maid will be back shortly with the tea." Halloc Urroth said carefully from the doorway.

King Rogath took a step toward the door. "Have you chosen names? I know Father suggested Thaedreth."

"That was one of the two names Isonei asked your brother to choose between. The grief on her face when I said King Orgath suggested it..." Lislora shook her head, "I was considering Loreth, or perhaps Draeleth..."

"Both are good names." He smiled and stopped in the doorway. "Choose a girl's name as well. My mother had to take the name my father suggested because she'd only chosen girl's names for me."

"Isonei said the same. They were so certain she was going to be a boy she didn't have a name for a week."

The King laughed and nodded, "If it would cheer you, I'll let my girls come and look in on you. I think Kas has grown fond of you."

"They're welcome to visit me, your Majesty. They're good girls and I enjoy spending time with them."

He looked pleased as he left. The Halloc lingered in the doorway for a moment, "I will speak with Master Krouth and inform him that you are to rest and what I suspect of your collapse, your Grace."

"I thank you, he probably suspects the same." She adjusted a few of her pillows and laid back a little more as she waited for the tea.