Page 84 of Fate of Echoes and Embers
With a nod, the guard opened Marek’s door. I stepped through, thanking Aeolis.
At first, I didn’t see them. Realizing Marek and the queen sat on the balcony, similar to the one in my chamber, I made my way to it, stopping at my first glimpse of Nerys. She sat on a wrought-iron chair in a gown of teal and silver, sheer in parts and as beautiful as the woman herself. Mesmerized as she looked up at me, I nearly forgot that she wasn’t alone until Marek came into view.
He looked… magnificent. Official, much as he had in Aetheria.
Marek stood as I made my way to the door. A small shiver ran up me at his appreciative perusal, from my head down to my toes.
“Lady Isolde,” Nerys said before also standing and holding her arms open to me. I was about to curtsy when the queen pulled me into an embrace.
“Thank you,” she said, squeezing me. “From the very bottom of my heart and soul, thank you for what you’ve done for my friend and for Elydor. It was so very brave.”
It was like being embraced by a long-lost friend and not royalty.
When Nerys let go, smiling at me, she indicated I should sit between them. Though Marek’s chamber was smaller than the one I’d been given, his expansive balcony was positioned at the corner of the palace with views of both the sea, to our left, and the palace grounds to our right. I wanted to obey the queen, but was drawn to the balcony railing.
“It is so… beautiful.”
“Marek, ever demanding, chose this view for himself. But if I accept his resignation, I am unsure I can justify reserving this chamber for him.”
Resignation?I spun toward Marek, whose steady gaze confirmed the queen’s words.
Sitting, I addressed the queen. “Forgive me, your?—”
“Oh no, there are no formalities between us. Nerys, if you please.”
“Forgive me, Nerys, but I was not aware of a… resignation.”
“Marek?” Her reproachful tone made me smile.
I pushed my own chair back so that I may see both Marek to my left and Nerys to my right. Inhaling deeply, the salt air as calming as the distant sound of gulls over the water, I waited impatiently. Why had he not mentioned this to me?
“I would serve Nerys in a less official capacity,” he said. “As Navarch of the Tidebreaker Fleet, I am often required on long missions and many days at sea.”
“I see.” Though I didn’t. Beyond the hammering of my heart, I couldn’t think straight.
“You two have much to discuss,” Nerys said, standing once again as I made to do the same. “Sit. I will see myself out. Lady Isolde?—”
“Issa,” I said, offering her the same informality as she did to me.
“Issa, it has been a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I know you are anxious to return to Hawthorne Manor, but I would request you break your fast with us in the morn so that I might introduce you to Rowan, who is away from the palace right now.”
“Of course. It would be my honor.”
“Thank you again for keeping my friend alive. Despite myself, I am quite fond of him. As it seems you are too.”
How much had he told her?
“At times,” I responded, to which Nerys laughed, making her way back inside.
“Oh.” She turned back toward us. “I am sending a fleet along with you to Hawthorne. Though I have confidence King Galfrid’s men can secure your home against the usurper, Lord Draven, they are Aetherian, after all, and all of Elydor knows Thalassari warriors are superior.”
“That is very gracious of you.”
“It is the least that I can do. Issa. Marek.” With that, she sauntered back inside, the very height of elegance and grace.
“There is a meal inside for you,” she called back. “When you are ready.”
My stomach responded to her words. We’d eaten very little of substance these past few days. But I was interested in something more than food at that moment.
