“I will make sure you won’t suffer any losses from this.”
“I am already in poor favor with the duke because of my alliance with Anatol,” the earl grumbled. “Some of the merchants have already given me preposterous excuses to cut business with me when the real reason is obvious. Did you have to stir the hornets’ nest knowing how tenacious the duke is?”
Riftan scowled. “It was warranted.”
“I’m askingwhy.What possessed you to do such a thing when you’ve been putting up with him so well thus far? You confound me.”
The earl clasped his hands behind his back as he continued to berate Riftan.
“And what of my significant investments into Anatol’s business ventures? If you are exiled, what use would that new road be? I am sure you do not want to lose the lands you’ve spent a decade trying to develop. If you fail to appease the duke during this mediation, you and I will both suffer immeasurable losses.”
Maxi’s face fell at the bleakness of his predictions.Noticing the change in her expression, Riftan wrapped his arm around her shoulders and glared coldly at the earl.
“We braved this frigid weather to come all the way here. How long do you intend to keep us standing?”
The earl furrowed his brow followed by a shake of his head. “How impatient of me. I’ve prepared your rooms. You should get some rest.”
He flicked his wrist, and the servants waiting behind came forward.
“A formidable battle of wills awaits us tomorrow. You should prepare yourself. I will do what I can to help you since we’re already in the same boat, but I’m afraid it still won’t be enough. I pray that you have a solution up your sleeve.”
With that grim warning, the earl turned and marched up the stairs. Maxi watched his receding figure with mixed feelings swirling in her chest. Though unsettled by his words, she was still glad that he planned on taking Riftan’s side.
The Earl of Loverne was one of the most influential noblemen in these southern parts. He was not as powerful as the Duke of Croyso, but his support would still be of considerable help. After following the servants into an opulent guest room, Maxi turned to Riftan with a tentative smile.
“The earl…m-might appear ill tempered, but he seems to be concerned for you.”
“That man is worried about his interests, not my well-being,” Riftan snorted as he removed his armor and set it on the stand. “He made significant investments into the road construction. He’s probably worried sick that his trade plans will fall apart. After all, it’s only because of the Remdragon Knights’ reputation that so many merchants are willing tobrave the Anatolium Mountains to come to the southern port.”
This meant that many of the southern nobles would be obliged to take Riftan’s side. Even if the mediation were to fail and they had to stand before the royal tribunal, the trial might not be entirely rigged to the duke’s advantage. Maxi felt a sliver of hope.
After changing out of his traveling clothes, Riftan left to deliberate with the earl about the imminent mediation. Meanwhile, Maxi took a bath using hot water brought by the castle’s maidservants. When she was done, she unpacked her mountain of clothes and contemplated the next day’s outfit.
Tomorrow might be her opportunity to speak in front of the king; she could not be too underdressed, nor too lavish. She wanted to appear elegant, sincere, and credible.
That’s all I can do for Riftan….
After much deliberation, she decided on a dark blue dress. It made her face look paler and more somber.
She carefully assessed her reflection in the mirror and began to go over her speech. Though her tongue refused to cooperate more than usual because of her nerves, the words came easier the longer she persisted. After practicing over and over, she found herself able to state her case clearly, albeit a little awkwardly. It gave her some measure of confidence.
The very next day, all her hard work came undone the moment she spotted the Duke of Croyso’s carriage entering the castle grounds. Maxi instantly felt like a powerless child once more.
She stood at the window as her father climbed the stairs leading to the great hall. He appeared to have brought atleast a hundred knights with him. His men dazzled in shining armor as they trailed behind him, followed by a large group of hierarchs and mages. It was impossible to tell if he was here for mediation or for war.
Surely he’s not planning on attacking Riftan while pretending to obey the king, ishe?
Maxi narrowed her eyes at the Croyso delegation, but her suspicions evaporated when she noticed the duke’s wary demeanor. He had brought all these men solely for his own safety. The beating he had received from Riftan must have shaken him.
The duke hurried into the great hall like a man being pursued. Maxi grabbed her robe and stepped out of the room. Elliot, who had been standing guard at the door, promptly blocked her path.
“Is anything the matter, my lady?”
“I-I think my father has arrived. I-I thought…I’d talk to him before…”
“We are prohibited from interacting with the duke before the king’s arrival,” said Elliot, resolutely shaking his head. “A confrontation before the mediation would only serve to heighten animosities and make the situation worse. We must wait for the king.”
It was a sound point. Even the Duke of Croyso would have to watch his words in the king’s presence, and Riftan would have to repress his murderous hostility. That was what troubled her the most—that the duke’s venomous tongue might send Riftan over the edge, initiating a fight to the death. Just imagining it filled her with dread.
