***** Hey all you lovely readers! I normally don't do this, but don't forget to vote if you enjoy this story. =) This one is a little shorter than the last one. But you guys will live.*****
Reiner danced with Jade twice more before the King stood at the front of the room and demanded the attention of the crowd. Reiner stood by his father and Jade stood off to the side with Louisa and Charles. The king made a small speech, he thanked the guests that had come, he talked about the tournament, and then he turned his attention toward Reiner. "This celebration comes at my son's birthday. Prince Reiner has grown to a man and in his honor and with my trust I am giving him status of Ambassador of Felkor. With his vision I believe he will bring us great honor and change!" His father held up a ring for the crowd to see and then slipped it onto his son's hand.
Cheers erupted throughout the ball room and Jade smiled and clapped her hands with the rest of the crowd. Jade watched as Reiner was kissed and hugged by his family members and people came to shake his hand and congratulate him. Jade stood off to the side and watched. The queen came and stood next to Jade while the crowd thickened around Reiner, "You will do your best to protect him won't you?" she asked quietly.
Jade glanced at the queen from the corner of her vision. "I will your majesty, even if it means giving up my own life."
The queen looked at Jade and then bowed her head slightly, "Then as a mother I am indebted to you." Jade was shocked as the queen slipped away. She had thought the queen might have disliked Jade but she had shown her great respect and honor by bowing and speaking in such a way. It warmed Jade's chest to see a mothers love and affection run so deep. It pained Jade, knowing that she didn't have her own mother to love and cherish.
Jade followed Reiner around the ball room as crowd congratulated him. Everyone wanted their chance go see and talk to the young prince that had been given such a responsibility. Jade stood off to the side as people flourished and moved around them. Jade kept a smile on her face as a few highborn spoke to her, trying to guess at her identity and her role in Reiner's life. Jade played dumb and kept them at bay until they became bored or frustrated and left her alone.
Jade was standing back from Reiner when Jade's blood stirred. A cold shiver ran up her spine and the hairs on the back of her neck lifted and pricked. The ball room blurred as Jade's eyes glanced around the room. Sound muted and the room swam as if in a fog. Jade could hear nothing but the sound of her rising heartbeat in her own ears. What is this? Jade felt as though she had been standing in snow, her skin was ice.
Jade's legs were as stiff as steal, a cold terror erupted from her stomach and she felt as if she couldn't breathe, the corset wasn't helping. Jade looked around, panicked, searching for source of her distress. In the far distance of Jades mind she felt Phantom howling, but she couldn't focus, couldn't solidify the connection between them, everything around her felt like fraying tendrils of thread. She felt that her very soul was being tugged out of her body. Then, as if by magic, her eyes locked on a figure across the room.
He stood against a wall between the shadows of two pillars. He was a shadow, clothed in black the darkness seemed to cling to him, it seemed emanate from him. His eyes locked with Jade and she stopped breathing all together. Air trapped in her chest, her head spun and Jade couldn't bring herself to break away from his gaze. The memory flashed in her mind as if she was standing in her father's library all over again. It was him, the man from the night her parents were murdered. His face was covered with a mask, only his dark eyes were visible, but she sensed it down to her very core that it was him. Their murderer, he's here in this room, it's him. An eternity passed as their eyes remained locked.
A group of highborn passed in front of Jade, breaking the trance. Jade gasped for a breath and when she looked back, the man was gone. Jade's legs unlocked and she turned and fled from the room as fast as her feet would carry her. Run. Her father had told her to run all those years ago, and now she was finally obeying. Jade heard her name being shouting far in the distance. Run. Run. Run. Jade ran and burst into the common room of Reiner's quarters. Phantom was there, waiting for her.
She dropped to her knees and threw her arms around his neck. He pushed his head against her and stood firm while Jade clung to him. She sobbed and shook like a small terrified child. No matter how hard Jade breathed there wasn't enough air, she felt as if she were slowly suffocating, choking on everything and nothing. It was then Jade noticed the stabbing pains in her stomach. She hadn't felt them before or had ignored them, too terrified to feel the pain. Slowly the familiar metallic taste of blood grew in the back of her throat. I'm dying. Everything was collapsing around and inside her. She couldn't breathe, I need air. I can't... Phantom threw his head back and howled low and long while Jade clung to him and waited for death.
"Jade!" Reiner's voice erupted into the room. No, he can't watch me die. Not like this. Don't look at me. Jade's world spun dizzily and blackness ebbed at the corners of her vision. Reiner grabbed her shoulders and shook her. "Jade!" He was yelling but Jade couldn't focus on him. All she knew was that she was choking, suffocating. There was so much blood and no air. "Damn it." A knife appeared in Reiner's hand. Jade was helpless as he brought it down upon her. But she felt no pain, no bite of steal as her vision darkened further.
Jade gasped as the corset snapped free, her lungs expanded and she bent over as she spewed blood onto her dress, Phantoms fur, and the floor. She was still suffocating. Her body was choking and fighting between dispelling the blood and grasping for air. Jade's vision went black and she dropped into the darkness with open arms.
It was Phantom she felt first. As she slowly ascended into consciousness she felt his presence grow within her mind before she even felt her own body. She lay there for a few minutes with her eyes closed and took time to focus on him without interruption. Are you alright? She could feel his concern everywhere. They soaked in each other's presence and safety a few minutes before Jade opened her eyes.
She knew immediately that she was not in her own bed, or anywhere that she was familiar with. A small window was open to let in the fresh air and sunlight shone through and onto the stone floor beside the bed. Phantom was on the bed with her, he was pressed against the length of her body above the covers. She reached out and wove her fingers in his thick black fur and he pressed his muzzle to her arm and looked at her silently, his blue eyes bright. There was a small table and a chair next to her bed but the room was otherwise empty and undecorated. It felt more like a closet than anything else.
Jade tried to sit up but gritted her teeth as the room spun and her stomach protested with sharp pains. Jade frowned and took a deep breath of air, the attack had passed but she was still in pain. This is new. Jade pressed her head back against the pillow and closed her eyes, determined not to break down, determined not to admit defeat. She had always known it was possible that her sickness would evolve and grow worse, but after all those years she had allowed herself to hope that perhaps it would simply remain what it was.
Jade tried to recall the details of the attack. It was hazy in her mind as though a morning mist clung to the memories. She remembered the ball, remembered Anastasia and dancing. Her heart raced but she couldn't figure out why. There's something I'm missing. I remember shadows. I remember the cold bitter sting of fear taking hold of my body. Jade recalled when she ran from the ball and clung to Phantom. She remembered choking and waiting for death, but Reiner had followed.
Reiner. She opened her eyes, panicked. He had seen her...seen the blood, seen everything. What does he think of me now? She knew she couldn't hide this from him anymore. She knew he had every right to be told the truth but she dreaded the moment. It had been a week, only one simple short week and already she had failed. Guilt ate at her, she had promised to stay by his side for the time to come, but now Jade knew that would be impossible. He would dismiss her for lying to him and Jade would be forced out to the streets once more. She would not, could not, blame him.
Maybe I should return to Felkor. Phantom whined lightly and licked Jade's warm skin. He sensed her distress. She looked at his blue eyes and felt an odd calm pass over her. You cannot change the past, she imagined him say. What happens will happen and Jade would accept it and push on, as she always had. I will not let this disease or whatever it is rule my life.
Jade lay on the bed silently and rested with Phantom. She spoke quietly to him and listened to his responses. Jade felt as connected to him as ever, there was more than emotion between them now, more than animal instinct and reaction. She felt as if they were truly beginning to understand one another in their own language.
The door opened some time later after Jade had dozed off, it was Hamlin. Jade tried to sit up again, but she felt weak and the pain was still a dull throb that had settled low in her gut. "No need to get up. Lay down and rest, you've been through a lot." Hamlin placed a gentle hand on her shoulder and pushed her back against her pillow.
"I'd like to sit up," Jade told him. "I've been lying here all day."
"I can fetch a few pillows to prop you up, but that's the best I can do." Hamlin left, leaving the door cracked and then returned with an extra two pillows. He helped Jade to a sitting position and situated the pillows behind her. The dizziness slowly faded from her vision and she felt a little more alive and human.
"Thank you," she said as Hamlin took the chair next to her bed and sat down.
"You're very welcome. How are you feeling?" he asked.
Jade shrugged, "Alright." Hamlin took her wrist between a few on his fingers and counted silently to himself. He rested a hand on Jade's forehead and then, with Jade's permission, pressed a few fingers against her stomach. His touch didn't seem to make the pain worse.
Hamlin looked at her with sharp eyes and ran a hand thoughtfully down his beard. "So would you like to tell me what happened last night?"
She shrugged, "I don't know." It's not a lie. I've never understood anything about this sickness or the attacks.
"Yet you seem oddly calm, and you're asking me very few questions. Forgive me, but truly I believe if someone randomly started coughing up blood they would be a little more panicked. This isn't the first time it's happened is it?" Hamlin asked folding his fingers together on his lap. He refused to look away from Jade. She swallowed; you have to be true to yourself now. You can't lie about this anymore.
Jade held onto Phantom's fur for strength. "No," she said softly. "It's not the first time." Immediately Jade felt the weight of her greatest secret lift from her shoulders.
"When did this first happen?" Hamlin asked gently.
Jade couldn't hold the truth back now. I don't want to hide this anymore. She was tired and worn down. She had been through too much. There was no strength left in her to carry it alone. "When I was eight years old." Hamlin's eyes widened and he leaned in closer but Jade continued. She was resolved now to giving away her greatest secret. It was even greater than the secret of who she was, for no one but her old physician knew of what plagued her. "I've fought and hidden it for over ten years," Jade said to him. "My first attack happened when I was eight and I can remember that day clear in my mind. Every scent, every sound, every pain is branded in my mind. Since then, the attacks continued throughout my life. They always take me by surprise, they come without warning and then they disappear with a trace. For a time I thought that they might have been getting better, but then...recently they've increased in their frequency."
"You never sought help? Never looked for a solution?" Hamline asked curiously. He was shaking his head incredulously.
"You are only the second person I've told about this. An old physician in Felkor knew about me. I lived in fear entire life of what would happen if my people found out. He was sworn to secrecy so I could continue my training. I had always believed myself stronger than the sickness but now I'm not so convinced."
"And your old physician, he could find no cure? No source or solution?" Hamlin was paying close attention to every word that Jade spoke.
"No," Jades voice was barely above a whisper.
"Are you still in pain now?" Hamlin asked.
"My gut hurts, not like the pain during an attack. It's similar but not as sharp and prominent. That's new too, I've never passed out from an attack and when it's over I'm tired but I've never still been in pain. I'm worried that it's getting worse." Admitting it out loud was worse than Jade had imagined. It only seemed to make it more real. It is real. Jade had to remind herself, this is real.
Hamlin leaned back against the chair. "When I examined you I could find nothing wrong. I listened to your heart and lungs and checked your body. I'll admit this intrigues me and that's not a good thing. However, I will search my scrolls and meet with a few other close physicians whom I respect to see if I can't find something. I'm sure your physician in Felkor was well practiced, but I do have access to more records here in the Capital. I might be able to find a hint." Hamlin stood to leave and Jade reached out and grabbed his hand. Her fingers tightened around three of his fingers. He paused and looked at her curiously.
"Please," Jade said and choked on her words. What right do I have to ask anything now? Hamlin placed his other hand over Jade's reassuringly.
"Don't worry, I don't spread secrets," he promised,
"What about Reiner?" Jade asked softly. "Has he said anything?" Behind Hamlin the door swung open quietly on its hinges. Reiner was there, his face grim. He stood in the shadow of the doorway and didn't look at Jade. Jade felt herself pale, he was listening this whole time. Hamlin looked at Reiner and then excused himself with a bow. Reiner watched as Hamlin closed the door and then pulled the chair back and sat down. Then he looked up at Jade as if he had never seen her before.
Jade swallowed. "Reiner-" her voice came out small.
"-don't," he shook his head. "Why?" he asked Jade. No explanation, just why. Jade didn't need one though, she knew what he wanted.
"I never lied," Jade swallowed hard and fought against the shame. Tears were quickly building and burning in her eyes.
Reiner shook his head. "You may as well have," he said angrily. His hands were balled into fists in front of him.
"I'm an exile of Felkor. I left my homeland without permission because a Guardian wouldn't bond to me. I didn't tell you because my sickness has always been seen as a weakness. All I have ever wanted is to be seen for who I am. Nothing more," Jade told him. "I never told anyone Reiner, not a soul outside of my old physician because I was eight years old. I was frightened and confused. My parents had been murdered before my eyes and my people already saw me as an orphan, something to be pitied and handled delicately. I thought I could grow strong, that over time I could show myself and world what I was truly capable of achieving if I just worked hard enough. But the wolves were never fooled. They saw me for what I was. Every time I walked into that damned forest they saw the truth of me." Tears slipped down her cheeks but she made no move to wipe them away. "What do you want me to tell you Reiner? That I'm sorry?" Jade shook her head. "I am sorry. Sorry that I was never good enough. I'm sorry that I'm not perfect. I'm sorry I've become such a failure. I'm sorry that I bring nothing but shame to anything and anyone I touch. But most of all, I'm sorry I was afraid of telling you." Jade choked on her words and looked away.
"This is who I am Reiner. I've lied to myself. I was convinced of a truth that was never mine to have. I told myself that I was strong enough to protect someone else's life, that I don't need anyone's help; not a wolf's, not my people's, not anyone's. I've been lying to myself that I am not afraid and that I'm strong. But I'm not Reiner. I'm not strong and the truth is I'm terrified. I lied to you, the nightmares don't get easier they just consume you until you don't realize you're shaking and surrounded by shadows." Reiner pushed himself out of his chair and placed himself on the edge of her mattress. He took Jade's face in his hands and leaned close, forcing her to look at him.
"Don't say that," he said firmly.
"Why? It's the truth," Jade tried to pull her face away but Reiner held her firmly between his hands. She couldn't help but notice how his callouses felt against the soft skin flesh of her face.
"It's not, maybe it used to be and maybe you did lie to yourself. But I know what I know. I know what I've seen. The truth is that a wolf did bond to you; the truth is you've protected me more in one week than anyone has in a life time. I'm mad you at you Jade, not because of this sickness, but for the same reason you were made at me about that damned ball. I'm mad because you thought you couldn't tell me." One of Reiner's thumbs moved across Jade's wet cheek, wiping away the tears.
"Maybe people are right; maybe I am a fool to have hired someone like you so quickly. Maybe I'm a fool for believing you and placing hope in you, but I don't care. I don't want you to go anywhere, Jade. Call me selfish but I want you to stay around. My instincts are telling me I'm right so I'm sticking by them." Reiner's hands dropped to Jade's shoulders. "You say you're not fit to protect someone's life? Fine, become my personal advisor and leave my safety for someone else to deal with."
Jade didn't understand any of it, Reiner wasn't reacting how she had expected, quite the opposite. "Why?" she asked. "I lied to you. Why don't you distrust me? Why not send me away? There are a hundred Protectors who would gladly take the honor to become your sworn. You've known me a week Reiner, a week."
Reiner dropped his hands and chuckled. "I know," he admitted. "I don't know how I can explain it to you Jade. I really don't, because I don't get it either but..." Reiner took a breath and looked away, as if he could find the words floating around the room. He shook his head.
"What?" Jade pressed.
"You're going to think I'm crazy," he warned her.
"Spit it out Reiner."
He sighed. "Maybe I am crazy but I have this feeling about you and Phantom." He looked at her cautiously. "Ever since the attack on my life I've been holed up here at the Capital, jumping at every shadow and suspicious of every person I met. Then you showed up out of nowhere; a woman with a wolf, a Felkorian who's not Felkorian, a Protector who's not a Protector, mystery within a mystery. You're placed directly into my path on the cusp of me preparing to become ambassador of Felkor. I don't feel reserved and I hire you without second thought. I bring you to my home and family and trust you to have my back. Maybe I'm reading into it too much, but I feel like you and I were supposed to team up, Jade. How else do you explain ease of it all?"
Phantom was watching Reiner curiously and Jade swallowed, "You mean like...destiny?" The word left a bad taste in her mouth.
Reiner threw up his hands with a shrug. "I don't know," he admitted. "It sounds insane, but I don't mistrust you. How do you explain that? I step back and look at this rationally and I know I must be out of my mind but then you go and talk about nightmares and shadows and I feel like you're in my head, reading my very thoughts. It's unnerving and assuring all at the same time."
"I've always hated that word," Jade told him. "Destiny. The Elders used it as a rope to bind people with. Either you were destined or you weren't, can't argue with a higher power so you stay in your place and don't argue. I don't know if we were meant to find each other Reiner or work together but I do know I respect you."
"So you'll stay?" he asked.
"If you truly want me to, then yes, I'll stay but on one condition. If you want me as you advisor fine but I still want to protect you. I just can't do it on my own."
"So what would you suggest?"
"No what...who," Jade corrected him.
Jade remained in bed for another day to rest, according to Reiner she had lost quite a bit of blood. The pain in her gut remained a dull ache and Phantom hardly left her side except to be taken out to use the bathroom and to be fed. Reiner had stayed with Jade for another hour and talked. Jade explained the attacks and the sickness to him as best as she could. They agreed that they would keep it among themselves and Hamlin, no one else needed to know unless it was necessary.
Not what...who.
It was a crazy idea, but when Jade had explained her thoughts to Reiner he listening intently and considered every word. "It could work," he had said. "I'd need to see for myself though first and of course I'll need my father's permission before we make plans."
He had left then to attend some meetings. On his way out he had mumbled about paperwork and Jade had caught Louisa's name somewhere but he had left and Jade was left alone for most of the day and into the evening. She did not see Hamlin again and assumed he was busy with other things. As the room grew darker Jade stroked Phantom's fur.
"I'm going to need your help," she told him. "I don't know what is going to happen now, with me or Reiner or anything. I know you can protect him and keep him safe." Phantom whined and she looked at him. As the light failed and night grew his eyes seemed to glow brighter.
I protect you above all.
"He's more important than me," she told him.
I'm your Guardian, not his.
It was easy for Jade to forget that while Protector and Guardian worked as a team, Guardians first served their bonded. It was Jade's duty to protect Reiner without worries of her own back because it was Phantom's calling to protect hers. She stroked him behind the ears, "I'm sorry. Your right, I won't ask you to do what you cannot."
Phantom seemed content and settled his head down on her lap to sleep. It was very late when the door to Jade's room cracked open. Phantom let out a warning rumble in his chest and Jade shook off sleep. Jade watched as a figure appeared in the room and the candle by her bed flickered from the draft. "May I enter?"
"Your majesty," Jade tried to rise but the queen shut the door behind her and held out her hand to stop her.
"Don't rise," she pulled back the hood of her long cloak to reveal her silver hair. It hung loosely around her shoulders. It was brushed and neat, but Jade noticed she wasn't dressed in court fashion. Quite the opposite, the queen was wearing a sleeping gown under her dark cloak. The queen sat down in the chair. Jade sat up and pushed the pillow behind her so she could prop herself up.
"He's very beautiful," the queen said motioning to Phantom.
"Thank you my queen." How did she know I was here? Why is she here?
"I saw you run from the ball," the queen said looking at Jade. "Then this evening Reiner asked his father if he could have permission to take an assigned guard with him when he leaved the Capital. I connected the dots quickly and knew something was wrong when I noticed your absence. When I asked Reiner about you I knew he was lying when he answered. Tell me Jade, why would my son feel the need to lie to his mother?" The queens' manor was hard as ice, not angry, but precise and demanding.
"You majesty I-"
"Enough with the 'majesties', Jade. Speak to me plainly. I have a short temper. I do not like sneaking around my own home in the middle of the night and I do not like being lied to. You may be sworn to Reiner but I am still the queen. I will have you killed if I believe you have put my son in any danger or mean him harm. I am here for answers, so give them to me or I will not hesitate to break you apart, slowly." Jade had never felt more threatened in her life. The queen was not an enemy to Jade, nor was a she an opponent whom she could simply fight with a sword and win.
"I would never harm your son," Jade said sincerely.
"Then answer my questions," the queen sat like a tree, her hands folded tightly in her lap. She was every bit the queen, nightgown or no.
Jade shivered. "The truth is that I am not well. It's an illness I have carried since I was eight years old." Jade told the queen about her attacks, for the second time that day she explain all she could about it. She told the queen the honest truth about her doubts of keeping Reiner safe on her own and explained the plan she had suggested to Reiner. "I have only the best intentions toward your son, but I would ask that you keep this a secret from the court. If everyone knew..."
"I will not expose you Jade. By exposing you I fear I would expose my own son and I will not allow that to happen. You know, you are the first person who has been able to convince my son to take on a regiment to guard him since the attempt on his life. You told me at the ball that you would do your best to protect him and so far I have seen nothing that would convince me otherwise. Protectors have too much pride in my experience. A lone man and a lone wolf cannot protect someone like Reiner adequately, it's just too much. . It takes much more than pride to admit your weakness and doubts. It shows strength and leadership. You have gained a measure of respect in my eyes Jade."
"You honor me greatly," Jade told her. She was deeply touched by her words.
"A very small measure," the queen adjusted with the smallest of smiles.
"Still a measure more than I ever expected to receive," Jade gave a similar smile in return.
The queen looked at Phantom and back to Jade, evaluating them silently for a few moments. "There is something that still tugs at my mind," the queen admitted. "I saw that you danced with Thatcher for the first dance at the ball. He's a highborn of your people is he not? I suspected he knew who you were, so why would he dance with you or even touch you? What's more, I heard what happened with Ms. Belle. The girl was in tears and humiliated, rumor has it Reiner's mystery woman was quite a sight to behold. The court was buzzing about today. I had no less than five highborn ladies talk with me about it over tea." The queen tilted her head and it took everything in Jade's power not to look away. Her mouth suddenly felt very dry. "I've seen Protectors in court and trained as you all may be with the rules and lifestyle there is a fine line between those who are trained and those who are sharpened. You didn't just wear that dress and mask, you owned them. So tell me, who are you really, Jade?"
The queen missed nothing, Jade realized. Maybe that's why she's queen you idiot. She's not dumb; she's been playing the games of the court for a lifetime. You are a fool to think she cannot see through you. "I cannot answer that," Jade told her.
"Can't or won't?" The queen asked carefully, sensing Jade's hesitation.
Jade chewed on her cheek, choosing her answer carefully. "Both," she said with a small nod.
The queen tapped her fingers against her knee thoughtfully. "Both, responds the Felkorian exile to the queen." The queen smiled fully when Jade blushed. "Allow me to use you to brush up on my Felkorian knowledge. You're people are born and bred with tradition, you breath and live it as though it is the very God that created you." Jade nodded, she wasn't far from the truth. "Even to the point at which anyone who is not a Protector and leaves is forbidden to return home. Now even as queen I have only heard of two Felkorian exiles and you are one of those two, the other I doubt is still alive or would be very old now indeed. Knowing what I do about your people I would assume they are very much against secrets being leaked about their methods and traditions. My guess is that exiles are rare because they don't just let people go, yes?"
Jade nodded.
The smile stayed on the queen's face and her eyes were bright with interest. Jade wondered how often she got to have a mystery to pick apart and Jade was certainly considered a mystery. "So an exile manages to escape and the Felkorian's are forced to let them go if they make it past their borders without being caught. Perhaps there's an actual oath or perhaps it's a simple case of survival and understanding. Exiles don't speak about Felkor or who they are and they won't be hunted down or killed."
Jade nodded. She wasn't breaking her oath, the queen was guessing it all, or perhaps she already knew and was testing to see if Jade would be truthful. "The thing that I don't get is that you are trained to be a Protector, Jade. You may not have a Great Wolf but you do have a wolf, a dire wolf. So why leave? It doesn't add up. Then there is Thatcher, a Protector of few words and a highborn, who seems to have taken a curious interest in you. You, the mystery girl who gained my sons trust in a week.
"So you can't tell me who you are, perhaps from an oath or for fear of your own life, perhaps even Thatcher himself has threatened you. You say 'both', that you can't and won't tell me so perhaps the real question I should be asking Jade, is what can you tell me?"
Jade laughed softly to release some of the tension and because the queen was clever. She looked away for a moment and shook her head. "Not much," she said honestly. "I will not deny what you have said about my people. I can't speak openly about many things, some because of what you have said and others because of my own oaths and pride. Foolish as it may sound, I worry more about the oaths I made myself than the oaths I made to my people." Jade thought of the blood she wiped on her parents stone. It gave her chills, or may I never return. She promised to bring them honor, had she done that? Would anything truly ever be enough?
"If I swore to you on a queen's honor to keep your secret, what could you tell me?" the queen asked.
"It means that much?" Jade asked surprised.
"I wish to know who my son surrounds him with and I am curious. So yes it means that much," she said simply.
"I can't tell you about my people or training, but if you swore to me that you will not tell another soul dead or living then I can tell you who I am." Jade said reluctantly. I've spilled so many secrets about myself today, will one more matter?
"Then you have my promise as your queen that I will never speak to anyone about this. No tricks or games or clever word play. I will keep your privacy to myself. It is for my own peace of mind I ask this and for Reiner's safety, not the court or anyone else's." Jade let out a breath and looked at Phantom. He turned away from the queen and caught Jade's gaze.
Can I really trust her? She asked to him.
Yes, she felt him reply.
Jade turned back to the queen, she placed the tips of her four fingers on her heart and bowed her head as best she could. "My true name is Jade Dryden of Felkor, daughter of Richard Dryden and Ann Dryden, the last of my family name and bloodline. It is an honor to meet you, your majesty."
The queen sucked in a breath and Jade dropped her hand and met her gaze. The queen was truly studying her face now. "Dryden, Jade Dryden," the queen repeated. "A highborn of Felkor, and not only that but a very well-known name even outside of Felkor. Your father in his time had communicated open and boldly to the crown on behalf of his people. It was a sad day indeed for everyone when news came of his death."
"Yes your majesty, but I have no claim to my name, my land, or my wealth. I am a true exile. I left that all behind in exchange for my freedom."
"A highborn," the queen shook her head. "I might have guessed, however unlikely, it was the only thing that truly made sense but I had to know without a doubt. So it was your mother who taught you about the court?"
Jade nodded. "Yes it was and my uncle. My mother protected the king's sister in her time at a Protector."
"I remember the story about that attack," the queen nodded. "Incredible that a Dryden has returned to protect a member of the royal family, it's fitting."
"Your son spoke to me about destiny today," Jade admitted.
"Does he know about you being a highborn?" the queen asked curiously.
"No, but he said things were too well timed and placed to be a coincidence."
"He might be right," the queen smiled. Jade fought a yawn, surprised that she felt as exhausted as she did after a day of lying in bed.
"You're tired, I'll leave so you may get some rest," the queen stood and took Jade's hand. "It was an honor to meet you Jade Dryden. I will not speak of what you have shared, as I promised. But I hope no, I pray, that you find the freedom and honor you so desperately search for. I am glad that you will be by Reiner in this next stage of his life." She gave Jade's hand a small squeeze and pulled the cloak over her head and slipped from the room.
Jade laid back down on the bed and watched the candle flicker from the disturbance in the air. The queen knows the whole truth now, all of it. She is the leader of this kingdom and she knows the truth about me. Never in her lifetime would Jade have imagined sharing or talking to the queen in such a way. A Dryden has returned to protect a member of the royal family. Jade wasn't sure she would ever truly believe in destiny but she also couldn't deny the prickling sensation of something greater at work in her life. When she closed her eyes, she dreamed of the stars.