The Wielder and the Source

Chapter 12

"Alright. I'll see what Eriani wants." She also needed to ask Eriani's permission to make an announcement at dinner. The Queen could very well say no, just to spite her for what happened to Kemah. But Kitaya was hoping she wouldn't be so petty, especially since he was doing better.

The walk to the Queen's office was a quiet one, save for the constant drone of the rain from outside. She missed the quiet days in the castle, when she was just a little girl. Not worrying about her future, not worrying about leaving her mark on the world, not constantly butting heads with everyone. The Queen was nicer to her back then too, allowing her to make mistakes, not being so critical of everything she did. Eriani would make time to play with her in the garden, or tell her stories at night.

Kitaya couldn't remember when or how their relationship became so contentious, but she was sure there was no going back to the good days. And it made her all the more bitter towards her altori.

Kitaya was so caught up in her thoughts that she almost walked by Eriani's office. The door was ajar, but she still knocked before stepping inside.

Eriani was seated behind her desk as usual, tucking away various things into various drawers and shelves. As the Queen's gaze raked over her, Kitaya made a face. No doubt she looked raggedy. Her hair was probably a mess, and she was still drenched to the bone, leaking water everywhere.

Kifalme, the Crown's Mount was taking up the entire southern side of the office, spread out on a thick, hand-woven rug. He yawned and stretched, tongue curling and paws spreading as he fluffed his wings.

"You wanted to see me?" Kitaya asked, folding her arms across her bosom and staring at the ground.

"Kemah has been asking for you all day."

"And? You won't let me see him so what does it matter?" Her tone was a little more defensive than she'd intended. In some way, she didn't blame Eriani for cutting her off. She would've done the same in the Queen's position.

Eriani leaned back in her seat and folded one leg over the other. "Dinner is in an hour, and we have a guest. Please get yourself in order."

"About that... I have an announcement to make at dinner. If it's possible," she tacked on, when Eriani gave her a disapproving stare.

"Very well, but no nonsense out of you. I mean it."

"Of course." Kitaya gave a small bow before retreating from the office and making the long trek to her room. By the time she got there, she was shivering in her wet clothes. The warmth of the room was a welcomed relief.

Ade was already up there waiting. He was sprawled in front of the lit hearth, lazily tossing her spear up. "You know, I could make you one better than this. With the right materials of course."

"I may just take you up on that offer, but dinner is in an hour and there are going to be guests." She took a throw pillow from her bed and tossed it at him. "Go get ready."

"Alright, mother," he said.

Kitaya scowled and went to throw another pillow at him, but he was already out the door.

Ade stayed around the castle so much that he had his own official unassigned room. And the castle's outfitters kept clothes around for him. Kemah always joked that soon he'd be in the portraits on the walls too.

Kitaya wasted no time getting herself clean and proper. The most she could do with her hair was pull it back in a tight bun and hope it behaved. As she stared at her reflection in the mirror, she took a deep breath, "You can do this. I can do this."

She smoothed her skirt, the gold bangles on her wrists clinking together, and headed out. As she walked the familiar halls of the castle her mind shifted to her plan. At the center of said plan was Mellidius, but she wasn't too worried about him. Her training with Kemah had prepared her for this moment. Finally she'd be able to put everything she'd learned to proper use.