Page 91 of A Queen's Game
“As in training with you? By the end of next month?” That wasn’t a lot of time.
“Me, or one of my mages. Or all of us,” he paused, staring at her a moment while he considered his words. “The mages I trained do well in stealth but not so well in court life. Elyse, you have the perfect position in court as a lady born to a high-ranking noble but yet to marry. You possess the high capability to learn magic, and it is my belief that you will excel at it. You’re in a unique position to help me with court intrigue. My goal is to have you be my eyes and ears in the other Syllogian city-states.”
Her heart sunk. Of course, learning magic came with a price. She could visit the other city-states but only by the King’s hand. Foolish of her to think she’d gain true freedom. Even so, freedom at the end of a leash was better than a cage.
Wyltam came around the desk, leaning against its edge with his arms crossed. “If we can get your nerves under control and improve your proficiency with magic, then you may become one of the greatest allies of my kingship.”
“So I would travel to the other city-states at your request?” she asked, her heart swelling. She imagined the castle of Kyaeri nestled in the Ekrixi Mountains flanked by waterfalls that feed the Halia River. The travel and adventure she wished for could be in her near future.
“You would, and you would play the dazzling, young courtier as you have with the Chorys Dasians.”
Elyse closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as embarrassment flooded her. “I’m so sorry again—”
“That’s enough,” he said, cutting her off. His expression softened. “None of it was your fault. The incident brought much to my attention that I had been ignorant to, and for that, I’m thankful.”
Elyse only nodded, unsure of what to say.
“You have much potential, Elyse,” Wyltam said, pushing off the desk and heading towards the door. “But with that potential comes the opportunity for disappointment. Only you decide the outcome.”
“I won’t let you down, my—Wyltam.”
“Be careful to not make promises you can’t keep,” he said. “And if you ever need me, I’ve enchanted the room to alert me if you call out my name or if anyone without permission enters. Just call for me, and I will come.”
As he made for the exit, one lingering question made her speak up. “Not that I’m in a position to question,” she said, fidgeting with her hands, “but why? Was it just because of my position at court?”
Wyltam paused in the doorway, his eyes landing on Elyse. “When I was younger than you are now, I started to study magicand its possibilities. On my own, I could only learn so much. It took a mentor for me to reach my full potential.” He sighed, his expression softening to a sadness Elyse never had seen on him. “Your mother was my mentor and she made the biggest impact on my life. The least I could do was help the daughter she adored.”
It was as if the air was knocked out of her. “You knew her that well?”
He nodded his head, giving a sad smile. “She was like a mother to me. Between you and me, I’m happy you’re free from your father. Gyrsh used to be a good male,” he paused, shaking his head, “but that was a very long time ago.”
Elyse nodded, unsure what to do with the information.
“It’s funny,” he added, “for how much you look like Gyrsh, it was always your mother I saw.” And with that, Wyltam stepped out of the room, the door clasping behind him.
Elyse walked around the desk and slumped into the chair. He thought she was like her mother—he could see her mother in her. That alone brought a smile to her face. Wyltam believed in her, believed that she could be a spy. To travel to the other city-states as a noble lady by day and his secret mage by night was something out of a book, a life she could only dream of.
Her imagination ran wild, imagining all the scenarios she would be in, the places she would see. Elyse would get what she wanted, to leave Satiros, but only if she learned to control her nerves.
The late afternoon sun filtered through the curtains, a gentle breeze carrying the fresh early summer air. Elyse’s new suite was smaller than the one she shared with her father, but comfortablewith a combined living and dining room, bedroom, bathroom, and office. The previous occupants left behind the threadbare furnishings.
Across from Elyse sat Queen Valeriya on the faded golden yellow couch. Steam rolled off the cup of tea she sipped from, her posture pin-straight, and her eyes watching Elyse. She did her best to keep her chin up. “I’m glad to see you’re all settled into your new suite,” she said, her tone warm. “Does the independent life treat you well?”
“It does, Your Grace,” she said with a smile.
“I heard the details of your father’s behavior, and I have to apologize for not knowing. Are you sure you’re alright?”
The Queen felt the need to coddle her again. “I assure you I’m alright.”
“Even about Brynden?”
Elyse’s gaze dropped at the mention.
“He’s like a caged bull. Even if there are barriers keeping him in place, he still thrashes against the sides.” The Queen set down her tea, clasping her hands in her lap. “There will be other chances for marriage, don’t you worry.”
“If I choose to marry at all.” She bit her lip, regretting the words. How would the Queen react to such an idea?
A smile lined her lips as she huffed a laugh. “A modern female you are. I’m sure there will always be a position at court for you, regardless of your relationship with Gyrsh. That being said, I’m more than happy to have you continue joining us in the Queen’s Court.”
