Page 23 of Iris of the Crowned Flame

“Lyla, it’s fortunate that only I am your audience. We will have to teach you how to control your facial expressions better so that you won’t be so easy to read during council meetings.”

My cheeks heated with embarrassment.

“Please, Juniper, I need to keep this contained. Are you able to help me? Or do you know how I may meet with the Oracles of the Gelid without drawing attention to it?”

I looked her in the eyes and allowed my fear showing through, hoping that the honesty of emotions helped to encourage her to choose to help.

“I can offer you what information I know, but I’m afraid that we need to either leave within a few days to visit or wait until spring. Visiting them during the late fall or winter is deadly. The weather and mountains are too treacherous for most.”

“I will hope that you can offer the information needed, then. We do not have the luxury to leave now, and I should like to have this resolved before the spring.”

“What information are you seeking?”

I sucked in a deep breath. “Have you ever heard of someone seeing hazes around a person, like a cloud that reflects their energy and even their emotions?”

I studied her face. She didn’t speak immediately; I could tell she’s deciding how much to share. After what felt like an entire lifetime passed, I started debating if I should leave. Finally, she answered.

“You are right; the Oracles of the Gelid are best positioned to help with this issue. It’s not you, though, is it?”

I looked down. “It’s not, but I promised I wouldn’t share who it is. Their mother had a similar gift and told them only enough to know that talking to people about it is not wise.” I hoped she didn’t press me on who it was.

“Their mother is wise. May I ask, why did they share with you, then?”

“They have worry about me. Someone else has a weird, disconcerting haze. The omen they felt from the haze recently seemed to intensify rapidly, and we realized we needed to know more about what they were seeing.

“Well, I can tell you this much. What you have shared this far tells me that your friend likely needs to spend time with our Oracles. Are they able to leave in the next week?”

My mind spun as I paused to consider this. I shook my head, my shoulders sagging in disappointment. Spencer needed to be here for this tournament. “Is that the only hope of learning more about this haze?”

Juniper thought for a bit. “Let me propose this. I will write to the Oracles to send someone here and send the message offtoday. I sense this situation will grow if we don’t get their help. In the meantime, can your friend come meet with me? I can begin with the unshared history.”

“What history have people not shared?”

“Oh, my sweet Princess, history is written by the victor, and the Oracles of the Gelid were not victorious in their efforts. There is much for you to learn. When can you let me know if this friend can meet with me?”

“I will have your answer tomorrow. Thank you, Juniper.” I stood to leave.

“My dear Princess, if my suspicions ring true, it will be me who owes you all the gratitude.”

She bowed to me. “I will tell only the Oracles of this, and I recommend you keep this secret limited as well, especially in discussions outside this room. The walls have ears, and your friend can’t afford to have the gift known in this castle.”

“Yes, of course. I will see you tomorrow.”

CHAPTER 17

That evening, it was Frederick’s turn to dine with me and Ethan. Rather than my dining room, which felt a little awkward to use today, I chose a dinner outside on the balcony. Dining with him felt rather dull most evenings, and I hoped that the change of scenery might improve the company. I could tell his small talk training was for large audiences, but one-on-one, I found him impossible to get to know. He avoided sharing any opinions until he knew mine, and he seemed to be with no personality, trying to just mold himself to the date he thought I wanted.

Tonight, I hoped for much of the same, and for a while it did reflect that. Around the halfway point, I gave him a question that he couldn’t hide from.

“As I’ve gotten to know you, I realize that you are a very different person from Lord Luther. He is an experienced politician, and I’ve never known him to make a move that didn’t have some level of benefit for himself. With how different you are from him in actions and beliefs, I am curious, why did he choose you?”

It’s an interesting question. One that doesn’t relay my distaste for the councilor that sponsored his entry into the race and also needs Frederick to tell me something about himself without knowing how I’d stand on it.

I studied him, as he thoughtfully chewed his food, waiting patiently for his answer. Finally, he says, “I’m afraid the answer isn’t as intriguing as you may have hoped. He’s my mother’s cousin, and I’m certain he just wanted to elevate the family’s connection to the crown.”

I nod, that makes sense, why Frederick is so kind and genuine, even a bit of a pushover, compared to Lord Luther’s brash way of operating. “Did you grow up knowing him, or is this really the first time you’ve been around him?”

Frederick glanced towards Ethan, then me. “I hadn’t met him before coming here for the ball. And, if I may confess, I find him to be an utter jerk. I’m so sorry, and I hope you don’t hold his manners and beliefs against me.”

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