Page 45 of The Oracle's Journey

Her chest heaved, and I rubbed her slender, bare arms, as if warming her.

“A b-bath,” she said. “And something to eat. And clothes.” Her first coherent words to me.

Starting to settle down, the nobles groused at one another and returned to their seats. Attendants scurried about, as if suddenly remembering their duties.

“I have a suite prepared for you,” I said, motioning for an attendant, an older woman that I would often call on to care for noblewomen visiting my household. “Tell Agnes what you need. She is the house matron and will see to your bath, some clothes, and have a hot meal brought to you.”

Nodding, Emma accepted the gentle gesture of the matron for her to follow, then paused.

“My guardians,” she said, looking up at me, her huge amber eyes pleading. “I want them in quarters nearby.”

“Of course,” I agreed, doing my best not to glance over at the trio waiting for her direction. The two elves were disconcerting, one of them quite grim, though I knew Emmelina cared about them. “There are rooms in that hall for such situations. I will come see you when I’ve concluded business here.” Such a wait pained me a great deal; I was not ready to be parted from her so soon.

Emmelina’s bottom lip trembled a little as she nodded and thanked me. She followed the matron, and her three mercenary guards followed out of the hall.

“Gentlemen,” I called the hall to order, my voice echoing around the room, “my bride has arrived after a long, difficult journey. When we conclude today’s discussion, I must ask you all to return to your homes. I will send word when we are ready to receive guests for the wedding.”

CHAPTER 18

Lobikno

Istood outside Emma’s door while maids, complete strangers, took care of her. Me and Lhoris had no idea what sort of tasks were expected of us, never having been in a palace before let alone served as house guards. So, we did what we thought was right. We made sure the room was safe for her: no assassins hiding under her bed or in the large wooden cabinet Emma had called a wardrobe. Oz didn’t have any criticism for anything we did, so I was satisfied. Then I volunteered to stand guard while Lhoris and Oz went to the bath house. When the maids arrived with clothes and the things required for Emma’s bath, I searched for anything that could hurt her. I did my best to not scowl at them. Lhoris said specifically to not try smiling, but to just not scowl. Even though I really wanted to. I guessed they were scared enough, and I didn’t want to ruin anything for Emma.

A human knight stood in the hall opposite my position, probably to guard me. He stared at me and tried to appear intimidating. He was tall, almost as tall as me, but broad the way that humans tend to be. The knight wore little armor, just some chainmail under his blue and white surcoat. His baby face and pristine appearance didn’t do much to intimidate me, standing there in my worn, scarred leathers.

“You don’t have to search everything that goes in the door,” the knight said warily.

I didn’t respond.

“Have you ever had this job before?” he asked.

Would Emma mind if I scared this guy? I showed my teeth and said, “Not for humans.”

He frowned at me. “You’re a suspicious sort, eh?”

“Suspicion’s kept her alive,” I answered, wondering where this guy was going with the questions.

“Just keep her alive?”

I assumed he was curious about the state Emma arrived in.

“I can’t protect her from her own damn magic. But I’d be a shit guard if I couldn’t at least keep her alive.” I sighed. “Is there a point to this or are you just bored?” I was tired. I was hungry. I was feeling very old.

“It’s my job to assess threats as well.”

Well, I could make that easy for him.

“I’m a big fuckin threat to anything that tries to hurt that girl.” I nodded at the door beside me. “Assessment complete.”

The knight blinked then laughed, a big laugh that echoed and made my ears ring. “You’re loyal, I get it. She came here in such strange circumstances. We just need to know what happened.”

“Ah,” I said. “That’s the lady’s tale to tell. I don’t even know all of it.”

Then the knight nodded and stopped asking questions.

“Is that it?” I asked, hoping the man would move on.

“I don’t think you’re a threat to the duke,” he shook his head.

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