Page 27 of Weaving Winter

“I’ve never seen anything so grand,” I said. “Not even down in Lake Shore, south of the Leanderial Line.” The sky was clouding over. Snow was coming in again. “We’re close to the upper mountains, aren’t we?”

“Yes, the Eiralpine Line is only a few leagues north. The ice giants are too close for comfort, but the castle is sturdy and we’ve withstood their attacks before.” She paused, looking around. We were alone, with no one near. “You asked what I think about the prince. Watch him. He can be charming—terribly charming. But he’s shrewd and he likes power. He keeps Bran away from the castle on purpose.”

“Why?”

“I believe that if Karehl could do away with Bran and not get caught, he would. He wants to cement his position to the throne and will do anything he can in order to make it happen. Since he won’t become king until the stars align, he’s taking no chances. The moment he took the throne, he ordered Bran to head up the Lorani. That’s when I volunteered.”

“Does Karehl dislike you, too?” I had thought something like this was going on.

“Not exactly. I have a long ways to go to reach the throne, so I’m not a threat, at least in that manner. In fact, before he was married, Karehl liked me too much. He was always jealous of Bran’s and my friendship, even when we were children and played together.”

I began to catch her meaning. “You ran away from a man, too, didn’t you?”

She nodded. “Yes, I did. Karehl began to talk about how we could cement the family line fully if someone like me married him. I knew that supposition could too easily turn into action, and I wasn’t about to let him get hold of me. So I signed up for the Lorani before Karehl could stop me, and once I gave my oath to the protect the throne, I was safe. The oath supersedes anyone—even the prince or king—forcing someone into a different trade. It’s for life.”

I let out a long sigh. “You say he married?”

“He did, but he’s not happy with her. She hasn’t given him a child yet, and it’s been several years. He needs an heir. He also likes his women. Charla is jealous, but there’s nothing she can do but accept his straying eye. If she complained, she’d quickly become the ‘late’ princess.”

“So walk softly around him? I mean, I’m not one of the Wolf People, so I’m not worried about him focusing on me?—”

“Don’t be so sure. Also, should Bran show too much familiarity with you, it might trigger Karehl’s paranoia. True, you’re not from the Wolf People. But Karehl is paranoid about Bran bringing in outside connections who might back him up if he made a play for the throne. Don’t expect the prince to be logical. There have been too many events lately that prove otherwise.”

That made sense. “Okay, I’ll watch my step and keep myself a bit distant from Bran so he won’t get in trouble.” Pausing, I asked, “Since he invited me to join your people, can I sign up for the Lorani? I don’t think I like this place.”

Fenling laughed. “Following my lead?”

“Making sure that I’m comfortable. I felt right at home with the Lorani, but since we entered the castle walls, I’ve felt uneasy. I don’t belong here. I feel like I’m just waiting for something to happen.” The snow started again, falling in thick flakes. My breath froze in front of me, and I shivered.

Fenling sighed. “I know. I used to love this place, but now it makes me long for the open road again.” She turned back toward the keep. “We should get back. I’m hungry and dinner will be announced soon. We need to dress.”

“Dress for dinner?” That seemed odd to me. I’d never heard of anybody dressing up for dinner.

“It’s standard here. At least, among the nobility. And Bran and I are nobility. So come, we’ll find you a dress that will suit you, and my maid can do your hair.”

The idea that Fenling had an actual maid seemed to conflict with what I knew about her. “What does she do when you’re in the field?”

“She takes care of my room. I specifically forbade the prince to assign her other work. Tonyah’s had a hard life and I want her to be comfortable.”

Fenling led me back to the staircase and we headed to her room. While she dressed, I bathed in a real tub with hot water. Then, her maid laced me into a long blue gown with an empire waistline and a low bust. She brushed my hair back, fixing it with a crystal headband, then slicked my lips with a balm, and used kohl on my eyelids. I barely recognized myself when I looked in the mirror. The pale ice blue contrasted with my copper hair, and for the first time in my life, I truly felt beautiful.

“Thank you,” I said.

“You’re welcome, Miss.” Tonyah dipped slightly in an abridged curtsey, then gathered my things. “I’ll have these cleaned and returned to your room. If Mistress Fenling will let me know when you’re ready for bed, I’ll help you undress.”

“Of course,” Fenling said. “Tomorrow, can you find someone suitable to look after Asajia?”

“Certainly, Mistress.” As Tonyah exited the room with my clothes, a gong rang.

“Dinner time. Are you ready?”

“I think so. What do I call him? And do I curtsey?” I suddenly thought of a thousand questions. I’d never met a prince before, and knowing this one wasn’t all that pleasant left me unnerved.

“You’ll call him Your Majesty unless he tells you otherwise, and yes, when you are introduced, curtsey. When he stands to leave the dining room, we all stand and you’ll curtsey again. I think that’s about it. Shall we go?”

With that, Fenling led the way and I followed, wondering what the hell dinner was going to be like, and whether Bran had found out why his brother had summoned him back to the castle.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

---