Page 21 of Tides of Shadows

I drew a deep breath and let my muscles ease. He felt the change, gave me the smallest nod, and let go of me.

Then, before I could speak, he turned and drove his fist into the squire’s face with all his might. The crack of it rang in the room. The lad crashed to the stones, choking on blood.

“Speak so of a Lady from a Family again, and this will be your last day at court. Do you understand?” His voice was as cold as winter.

The squire lay on his side, wiping his mouth, and nodded his head frantically. The rest stood frozen in silence.

Aidenar turned to me. “I apologize for that. You will not hear such talk again.”

I stared at him as though he were a complete idiot. I was impressed, yes, he had punched his own man for my sake. Yet the earlier whispers rang on. Did he not play in their depraved contest of bedding the court ladies?

“You are still a pig. Congratulations on your lead.” I said and left. I had no more will for training. Kael and Brenn followed without a word.

The next day brought another Gathering meeting, one more in a weary chain, some long and some short, all dull in the same fashion.

I dressed as I always did for formality, leather trousers, a shirt, and a short coat, all in our deep blue with the Family arms. I pinned my hair at the sides and let the length fall. Most ladies wore gowns. For me, dresses were too impractical and costly to change daily.

Before we took our places, while the palace arcades filled with voices and the rustle of silk, Aidenar came to me. He stood as he always did, sure and easy, yet in his gaze there was a plainness that did not belong to his usual demeanor.

“I wish to apologize again for yesterday. It was unacceptable,” he said quietly.

For a moment, I wanted to believe Aidenar thought differently, but let’s be honest. He was the main character of amorous excesses.

“Your men speak the thoughts you keep. Spare me,” I said.

A sly smile touched his lips. “Oh, I think of far more pleasant things,” he murmured, and his look was full of sinful joy.

I nearly laughed outright. “You are impossible. Leave me be, or I will treat you as I did Magnus.” When I said it, I saw his face twist.

“He behaved disgracefully. I am glad he didn’t hurt you.”

Then Velena appeared, the bright needle of the palace, ever perfect, ever at the center of gossip. She dipped her head with feigned kindness. “Oh, are you hunting another Lord? I doubt your rough methods will serve.” She took Aidenar’s arm and drew him toward the benches. “It is time to begin, Lord Cavareth.”

He slipped free with grace and set her aside. “I will join shortly. Leave us.”

Velena cut me with a murderous look and sailed off with her chin high.

Out of equal parts boredom and curiosity, I asked him outright, “Do you keep wagers with the other Lords on who lies with whom?” I was tired of backstage plays.

He had not expected a blow so direct. “Yes… no… not exactly,” he stammered. “It is more of a harmless contest. Magnus, it seems, cannot lose gracefully, nor court properly.”

“You are repulsive,” I said, and as I was turning to leave his hand closed gently yet firmly on my arm.

His voice came low and warm, unlike the one he wore for company. “Had he harmed you, he would not be sitting here with us now. And despite my banter, you don’t need to fear anything more. My father does not run such a court. We do not tolerate it. Unless…” he added, with a wicked smile. “You come to me of your own will. Then it is another matter.”

“Release me, or I will smack your face,” I said, and went to my seat.

Aidenar sat beside his mother, Cassandra Cavareth, who had already taken her place, stern and unbending, her gaze sweeping the hall with the ease of command. His silver eyes sought me still, following as I sat upon the stone bench. His stare made my skin uneasy, and I did all I could to ignore it, letting my eyes climb the vaulting, the columns, the rows of lords, anywhere but those silver eyes.

The council dragged on. They chewed the old bones of administration, levies, and quarrels of trade. The Regent did not appear. Rumors, growing ever grimmer, now spoken openly: “He lies in deep slumber.” It did not help Cassandra to gain support for the Election.

In the midst of Cassandra’s lofty address, something fell with a crack upon the marble between us. A raven. It croaked in misery, twisted, as if the bones of its wings were bent at unholy angles. Before we could so much as flinch, another plummeted and burst upon the floor, staining the white stone with blood.

Consternation erupted.

From overhead came a rising cacophony of caws. We looked up. Above us advanced a black mass. At first it seemed like a storm cloud, but soon it proved neither mist nor smoke. It was thousands of birds. A vast flock of ravens, flying straight for the palace.

The first dove downward. They struck heads, tangled in hair, pecked at faces and hands. Screams arose. Lords who moments before had argued over taxes now fled in panic, seeking cover under the arcades. Guards tried to beat them off with swords, only heightening the chaos.