Kros Voyeh Ch. 30

Lislora tried to stifle a yawn, covering her mouth with her free hand and blinking furiously. It seemed the King noticed, however, and he gave her a wry smile before speaking to his daughters, "Aunt Lislora is doing well, and you've told her of her surprise. I think she may need to rest again."

"I should be returning to the palace soon, perhaps you can visit me then. I may be able to stay awake more easily when I have a sofa to sit on instead of a bed." She gave the Princesses a warm smile and they both returned it.

"I've had Lord Krouth put into his own rooms for propriety's sake. No member of the Torgan nobility should be sharing a servant's chamber. I'll have an extra maid sent to take his place."

Inclining her head, she hoped her expression was grateful, or at least not as annoyed as she felt. "I thank you, your Majesty."

"I'll help you find a pretty dress and pick the prettiest jewelry for your painting, Aunt Lislora!" Kas was beaming as she and her sister were escorted out by their father.

Once Gharol had closed the door, Krouth's face changed from pleasant to furious in an instant and he spoke in a hushed, angry tone, "I will be spending every possible moment in your chambers, your Grace. I had heard the rumors but..."

"What rumors?" Lisora looked at him in bafflement, "I'm a little annoyed that he had you moved out of the suite, but he isn't wrong to do it. You're a Lord now and should be treated like one. No matter how much I rely on you and trust you with my health and affairs..."

The man's face softened, "I thank you for that, your Grace. That isn't what concerns me. There are rumors that his Majesty envies Prince Draeseth." He gave her a meaningful look but she couldn't grasp what he was getting at. With a sigh he continued, "You're a handsome and robust Torgan woman, carrying a son. The Princesses adore you and you're both kind to them and fond enough of them to risk your life defending them." Krouth paused and arched a brow, "Your husband is performing a dangerous and perhaps life-threatening task on the King's command..."

Pieces started to fall into place. "No. Draeseth is his brother and loyal! He would give his life for his King." Her mouth went dry as she looked to the door in horror. "He wouldn't."

"I doubt he has plans to have his brother murdered but from the way he spoke to you and looked at you, your Grace, I believe he's considering things he should not be considering. Taking you home to the Kroscur should be done as soon as possible and you should linger here at the Temple if possible."

"Make the arrangements as soon as I can travel." She gave him a firm nod. "I don't want Draeseth to be upset or distracted by any rumors, especially when he has nothing to be concerned for. I want you to tell him I'll meet him at home. He knows I dislike it here, tell him I plan to go as soon as possible."

Krouth inclined his head and resumed his place with the letter. After a moment she realized she was still commanding the man as if he were a servant. "I thank you for your help, Lord Krouth. You are indispensable."

Glancing up from the letter the slim man smiled with what looked like genuine pleasure, "I consider you and his Highness dear friends, your Grace. I'm pleased to offer you my assistance."

She gave him a relieved smile and tried to settle back into the pillows listening to him write. Despite the soothing sound, she felt nervous and couldn't rest. As she tried to turn herself to get more comfortable, Gharol came from her place by the window and started to fuss with the pillows.

"Come sit and talk to me, Gharol. I feel too nervous to sleep. What other rumors have I not heard?"

The maid glanced over at Krouth and then fetched a chair. "There has been so much, your Grace, I'm not certain where to start."

"Princess Ror seemed very unhappy."

The Karisian woman drew in a deep breath, "His Majesty doesn't want people to discuss that matter but... Prince Arrun, part of what he was saying in Phaethian, was that Princess Ror was untainted by Torgan blood and she would be returning to Phaethia with him. King Rogath has been very clear that Princess Ror is his daughter."

"He said he knew the moment he first held her," Krouth interjected solemnly. "She isn't in danger of taking the throne so there's no reason to press the issue. Only a son can rule. If his Majesty has no sons one of his brother's sons will take the crown."

Lislora turned her gaze up to the plain stone of the ceiling. The girl didn't look Torgan but there were moments she resembled her father and grandfather. "I would expect the King to know.

"What else?"

"It was said that Isonei suggested limiting Aran Arrangements only to those who marry Arans. The priesthood wants that to be enacted. They cannot ban them entirely," Krouth sounded as if he were trying to be cautious, "not since King Orgath allowed them, but limitations to protect Torgan customs seem reasonable."

"She did. Once Draeseth has returned and given me the Torgan marriage he agreed to in the Arrangement, I'll give them my support on the matter."

Gharol began to chatter about court matters, who was no longer in the Queen's retinue, which of the ladies had been sent to convents for safekeeping due to disloyalty and Lislora's mind began to wander to the return home.

°°°°°°°°°°

Lislora woke with a start as someone took hold of her hand. She started to pull it away and then realized it was Hodrim.

"You startled me." Squeezing his hand, she gave him a wry smile. "I was listening to Gharol tell me about Court matters and I must have fallen asleep."

The boy gave her a wan smile, "I didn't mean to startle you, I just... I wanted..."

"You're allowed to wake me." Studying his face, she tried to find a topic to fill the sudden silence. "Lord Krouth tells me you promised the ring-" she stopped as his lip trembled. "Talk to me, dear one. There's no need to cry."

He nodded and rubbed roughly at his face with his sleeve, "I'm afraid she'll be angry. It was important to her and I..."

"She would cuddle you and kiss you and tell you she was proud that you cared so much for her and for me that you would give it in thanks." Her smile seemed to reassure him. "Her love for you isn't tied to the ring, it was just her way of trying to show you how much she loves you. Keep the note and think of her when you see anything red or silver like the ring."

The boy's eyes dampened and she tried to sit up to console him. He helped her and Gharol was there in an instant as well. Once she was sitting up she pulled the child into a one-armed embrace and he sniffled into her good shoulder.

"Gharol, have something to eat brought, I don't know what the Kamrus is feeding him but-"

Hodrim made a sound and for a moment she thought he'd started to sob, but when he lifted his head he was smiling. "Krouth told me that you may not allow me to call you 'Mother' but you treat me like your own."

"You're allowed to call me 'Mother', Hodrim. According to the Arrangement, you're mine now and I'll keep to the agreement. I'll put something away for you to inherit."

He embraced her again and buried his face in her shoulder, this time there was no doubt the child was sobbing. She rubbed his back and made soothing sounds, giving Gharol a confused look.

The Karisian woman came over and stroked his head and murmured, "She isn't in any danger of giving you an inheritance yet, Master Hodrim."

A knock came at the door and Lislora gave the woman a nod to go answer it. Kamrus Rimathe and Kamrus Gillaugrim came in looking cheerful.

"Duchess Lislora... Hodrim?" Rimathe's smile faded and he came over to place a hand on the child.

"I know he's fortunate and proud to be your attendant, Kamrus, but..." Lislora squeezed the boy and frowned, "I suspect he may be too young to be away from his family so much. The boys in the Temple school return home for a few weeks during the year, as I remember, and I want Hodrim to come home to me."

The boy's weeping quieted and he held her tightly.

"You're welcome to accompany him and enjoy our hospitality as it pleases you, as well as the rest of your attendants."

The green-eyed Torgan smiled and sighed softly. "I think that would be best. After so much upset I'm very pleased to hear you offer it."

"I need to make the adoption official. When my husband returns, I hope we can do that along with a proper marriage as was written into the Arrangement."

Gillaugrim looked pleased with himself as he stepped into her line of sight. "His Majesty gave us the edict we had hoped for. Only those who marry an Aran may make an Aran Arrangement. Because Prince Draeseth was married to Duchess Isonei at the time, yours still stands but it does need to have the terms fulfilled.

"Lord Krouth addressed the matter on your behalf, giving us your support while making it clear that your Arrangement was valid."

"My husband couldn't have found a more competent steward. I'm not certain when Prince Draeseth will return from his tasks, but I may have returned to the Kroscur by then. It won't complicate matters if we marry there?"

"Not at all." Gillaugrim inclined his head. "But the adoption should be done before you leave."

"I will be glad to do it as soon as possible." She squeezed the child still holding her. "Hodrim? If you'll be staying with me for a short while, you might need to gather your things. Gharol, will you help him? Have his things put into my closet."

The boy disentangled himself and gave her a shy smile and then a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you, Mother."

Hearing him use the word felt warm and right. She caressed his face. "And have something to eat. The Kamrus must be starving you."

He laughed and nodded before following Gharol out. Both of the Kamruses looked at her curiously.

"I know he's promised the rubina ring Isonei gave him to the priesthood in thanks, will you be selling it and using the money or goods for Temple needs?" Lislora tilted her chin up as she asked and Rimathe grinned broadly.

"Gillaugrim? That falls under your purview."

"I had intended to have it sold."

"Allow me to buy it from you. In the Arrangement, I had promised to put away an inheritance for him since Draeseth is insistent Hodrim won't inherit land. That ring would mean a great deal and I can do something kind for the priesthood by being generous with the payment."

"Done." Kamrus Gillaugrim offered a shallow bow.

"I'll speak to Lord Krouth and let him know the matter has been decided and that he should come to you to finalize the payment." It might be overstepping slightly, and, Ganas forfend, she might be overspending, but buying the ring back and holding it for the child seemed like the right thing to do.

"Lord Krouth assured me that he's personally overseen the preparations for your rooms." Gillaugrim glanced at the door. "He didn't seem pleased by the maid that his Majesty sent."

"I don't need another maid, Gharol is very competent, but it does give me a reason to allow Hodrim to share the bed with me." At the disapproving look the Kamruses gave her she sat up straighter, "It won't hurt him to coddle him just a little."

"I suppose it won't." Rimathe smiled ruefully and shook his head. "I'll accompany you to the Kroscur if you wish. Young Hodrim could be coddled while my Hallocs have a few lessons in herbs from Lord Krouth."

"I want the man to stay and teach." Gillaugrim looked a little sour, "He has a gift for herbs and tinctures."

"Perhaps he can offer occasional lessons at the healing house?" Lislora couldn't help but feel proud on the man's behalf. "Or a few lessons could be arranged at the Keep if he can't be away from his duties. I want to heal any rifts my husband's behavior may have caused and I can think of no more pleasant way to do so than to host priests at the Keep while they have some lessons with Lord Krouth."

"Ganas has blessed the Kroscur with a Duchess who supports his priests firmly. I will make arrangements." The Kamruses looked pleased as they left her alone in the room and she settled back into the pillows.

She might be putting too much onto Krouth's shoulders but the man was possibly the most capable servant she'd ever seen and as a Lord, she had no doubt he would do just as impressively. Idly she rubbed at the fabric covering her bound arm. The priesthood and the royal family were often at odds; supporting the priests wasn't disloyal but it might put her out of the King's favor somewhat. That might even be a good thing if he was looking at her with too much interest.

Lislora was almost ready to congratulate herself on her cleverness when Krouth came in until the man closed the door and put his back against it, rubbing his temples.

"Is something-"

"I would ask your Grace, humbly, to consult with me before making plans while I'm serving as your steward."

"I thought I had done well..." She almost wanted to laugh as he sighed and pressed his fingers to the sides of his head. "Did I overstep on spending?"

"Buying back the ring will be expensive but it could be overlooked. The Kamruses pressed the King for the edict in their favor. He felt he needed to grant it after Prince Burgath had a discussion with him about presenting a unified front, showing the desire to protect Torgan traditions, to the people. You've given them someone to compare the other nobility to, the Duchess of the Kroscur has warmly invited priests to stay in her home and has donated two houses, one a convent and the other a healing house, she spends generously in their support..." He sighed again. "It's admirable but some restraint would be wise."

"If his Majesty is displeased with me, perhaps-"

Krouth held up his hand."Please allow me to guide you in Court matters, your Grace. I'm familiar with the gossip and the maneuvering required."

"I loathe being at Court." Lislora inclined her head, "I'll listen to your advice and try to follow it."

"If his Majesty inquires why you've supported the priesthood so firmly, tell him that. Plead ignorance of Court matters and gratitude for all they've done. You may also reassure him you had not intended to cause him distress or inconvenience."

"That seems wise." She nodded her agreement as he helped her sit up. "I wanted to look over the letter you wrote-"

"I sent the letter, your Grace. I thought it best to give his Highness a reply as quickly as possible and there was a courier leaving for his position earlier in the day." He helped her stand and began to dress her, unbinding her arm and being very careful as he put it into the first sleeve. "I made inquiries about how many Lords were disloyal to the King, the numbers were few but they were of his own family and in strategic positions. The former slaves have done more to aid his Highness than anyone had expected. They've impeded and isolated the traitors at every opportunity and I've heard they've even held the border city of Tsurhdalos despite the orders given by Duke Dugrith. There is no longer any doubt that freeing the slaves was of immense benefit to Torga."

"Why would the King's own uncles turn against him? Wasn't Duke Dugrith married to one of the King's cousins?" Lislora held still as he fastened her gown. It baffled her.

"As well as being Queen Deventha's cousin. They lost a great deal of wealth and property when King Orgath freed the slaves. I suspect that Duke Shoban hadn't returned home to see to his household. It's my suspicion that he began visiting his uncles and building support to have King Orgath overthrown and himself placed on the throne."

"His sister was trying to marry Prince Rogath..."

"Not out of affection, your Grace. The moment her brother was in a position to sit on the throne she would have discarded him."

"Ganas grant them mercy." She glanced at the coolly neutral expression on Krouth's face and added, "I don't believe my husband will."

The man's mouth twitched into a smile. "No, I don't believe so. Anyone who would harm his family has only Ganas to ask for mercy, that is true."

As he fetched her mourning cloak, Lislora frowned and raised her good hand to stop him. "What-"

"Her Majesty wished to visit to discuss your place in the retinue."

She stared at him for a moment, "You could have mentioned that."

"I would advise you not to speak of anyone who was once and is no longer in the retinue."

"If it's possible to say the wrong thing, I will, and I've been having more trouble than usual with names lately. This is going to be disastrous."

"I would remain but Kamrus Gillaugrim wished to speak with me about the lessons you've arranged for me to give in the Kroscur." He gave her a pointed look and she couldn't help but smile.

"He was commenting on how much he admired your skill and wanted you to stay. I didn't think it would be too much of a hardship for you to offer occasional lessons, either at the healing house or at the Keep when you had time. Perhaps I should have consulted with you about that as well, but I remember my father being volunteered for things by my great uncle when he served as the Duchess' steward. I did not intend for the lessons to infringe on your duties or on your intentions to establish a family."

Krouth smoothed his tunic and glanced to the door, his face was unreadable. "I may have a woman in mind. Before I suggest it to her, I would like to have the house in order and enough wealth to assure her I can see to the needs of a family."

She thought for a moment and inclined her head, "I said you would offer a few lessons, I never said they would be free. They would have no need to pay room or board, staying at the Keep, and your time is valuable. Perhaps they can offer you something to make the time spent teaching worthwhile?"

"I will inquire, your Grace." The slim man looked much more pleased as he adjusted her over cloak, fastening it over her bound arm. Helping her to a chair, he pinned the mourning cap into place carefully.

For a moment she thought he was going to make the bed, but he stopped short, looking it over instead before he went to the bell pull. When a young priest came through the door, he was directed to make the bed and have the room be made presentable for a visit from the Queen. With a bow, Krouth excused himself and left her to wait.

°°°°°°°°°°

The room had been put in order and Lislora had been left alone again sitting in the chair to wait for what felt like a very long time. Finally, she stood up and walked to the windows. They were only opened at night when the stench of the city died down somewhat and the evening breeze freshened the air but she was getting warm enough to start thinking about trying to pull one open and the sun had nearly set completely.

She tugged at the fasteners at her throat and made her way to the pull that would summon a priest to assist her. The door opened as she reached it.

"It's good to see you on your feet, Lislora," King Rogath's tone was cool but the sharp look on his face faded as she turned around.

"It's too warm, I was put in the cloak and-"

He started to curse under his breath and then snapped at the priest next to him, "Open the windows." With a scowl that reminded her strongly of Draeseth, he pointed at the bed. "Sit."

Obediently, she went to the bed and sat. Rogath began pulling the pins from her mourning cap and she looked up at him aghast, feeling her face flush. He ignored her expression.

"Draeseth will be returning soon. He said he has a list of names for me of men I should make lords, one he's insisting I need to make the Duke of the Vrudalcur. Burgath agrees that loyalty should be rewarded but he isn't certain it needs to be rewarded so enthusiastically."

The cap came off of her hair and he moved to sit in the chair she'd vacated. "Take off her mourning cloak. Mother will have to make allowances for the informality." He eyed her with a frown as the priest helped her out of the heavy cloak. "I can't help but notice you're rewarding the priesthood a great deal."