Page 31 of Tides of Shadows

10

The next morning, I made my way toward the training room, a few minutes late. Was this truly a good idea? For many reasons, certainly not. But for me a handshake was binding. Besides… I needed those trade deals.

Once I secured the signed document from Cavareth, I would send word to my father. Then our ships would sail again, and the Family Veymaris would breathe once more.

I stopped before the heavy doors of the training hall. My palms were slightly damp, so I wiped them against the dark blue leather of my uniform. Drawing in a deep breath, I stepped inside.

The room was empty, save for Aidenar, who stood beside a table lined with training weapons. As always, he was impeccably dressed, lounging against the edge with that easy arrogance of his and a faint smile that promised trouble.

“I was beginning to think you wouldn’t come,” he said at once.

“For a moment, I thought the same,” I admitted.

A foolish part of me wanted to ask how his night was but I silenced it before the thought escaped.

“Come,” he said simply.

I frowned, “Where exactly?”

“You asked for discretion. This is hardly the place for it.”

Without waiting for an answer, he turned and walked out. I sighed and followed.

We passed through long corridors that led deeper into the forgotten parts of the palace. The walls grew darker here, the stone etched with age, the tapestries faded to ghosts of color. At last, he opened a pair of heavy doors and ushered me inside.

The chamber was vast, lit by tall windows overlooking the gardens. Sunlight filtered through in soft ribbons. Statues lined the walls, and ancient portraits watched from above. On the other side stood shelves of books. The room was filled with history and old relics.

“This used to be one of the old galleries,” he said. “Now it’s more a storeroom than a hall of art. But it’s perfect. No one ever comes here. Two entrances: one from the palace, the other from the gardens.”

I gave the place a slow glance, then couldn’t help but ask, “Is this where you bring your… Ladies?”

Aidenar’s lips curved into a grin. “No. You’re the first ‘Lady’ I’ve brought here. But don’t worry, I have other places for that. Far more comfortable ones.”

I snorted, “If I must endure this, then spare me your flirtations.”

“What flirtations?” he asked, feigning innocence.

“Your endless tales of conquest. Sleep with whomever you wish, it’s none of my concern. But I have no desire to hear about it.”

“Still jealous?” he teased, though I caught the glint in his eyes, sharp and searching. I wasn’t sure which licentious situation he was mentioning. There were too many…

“No,” I said coolly. “Merely wondering, if you possess any personality beyond being the court’s favored rake.”

That hit its mark. His smile faltered, and briefly he looked almost unsure of himself. Satisfying.

“Let’s begin,” I said crisply. “Take off every Elementar you’re wearing.”

He shot me a suspicious look but obeyed, slipping off his diamond signet ring, the diamond necklace, and the jeweled bracelet, tossing them into a pouch.

“Better?” he muttered.

“Much. Now tell me. What can you do?”

He hesitated, “Honestly? Nothing.”

I blinked, “Nothing? You’ve never tried?”

He shrugged, “Only when it happens on its own. Sometimes I knock things over… stir the leaves on a tree.”