Page 85 of Tides of Shadows

I avoided every conversation about him. My days were spent with Father in the library, poring over maps, tracing forgotten routes and temple records. Sometimes I trained with the brothers until my hands ached from the swords. Anything, anything to stop thinking about Aidenar Cavareth.

That afternoon, as I stepped out of my chambers and crossed the Inner Court, I saw the Regent’s guard approaching. Peter led them, flanked by two men in the silver and gold colors of Family Cavareth.

They stopped before me. Peter, ever courteous, bowed.

“Lady Veymaris. I bring an official invitation from Lord Cavareth.”

“Official?” I repeated, raising a brow.

“Yes, my Lady.” Peter’s voice carried across the courtyard. “His Lordship requests the honor of your company for dinner this evening in his private chambers.”

I froze. I could feel the eyes of courtiers and servants who had stopped under the arcades, pretending not to listen. Of course Peter was speaking louder than necessary.

“Shall I return for your answer later?” he asked with feigned innocence.

I pressed my lips together, frowning, trying to discern what this was. Another of Aidenar’s games?

“That won’t be necessary,” I said coolly. “Tell him I will come.”

Peter inclined his head, amusement glinting in his eyes.

“Excellent. I shall fetch you at sunset.”

He didn’t need to. I already knew the way to Aidenar’s chambers better than I should. But I said nothing.

When he left, the whispers began at once, weaving through the courtyard like wind through leaves.

When I returned to my chambers before dinner, a large box rested upon my bed. I was immediately suspicious. Was this some kind of trap?

“Mirabel?” I called softly.

She appeared from the living room.

“The guards brought it,” she said. “The Cavareths’ ones.”

I furrowed my brow in suspicion. I stepped closer and lifted the lid with care, as though the box might bite. Crimson silk spilled forth, rich and heavy. A gown. The very same I had seen displayed in the tailor’s window, the one I had lingered over too long that day we visited the strange witch.

How did he know? He wasn’t even standing next to me then…

I drew the gown over my head and let the fabric settle against my skin. The mirror returned a woman to me. Not a girl. Not a daughter lingering in shadow, but a woman shaped by silk and desire. Maybe there was nothing wrong with that. Maybe there was nothing wrong with wanting to look beautiful. For him. Because of him.

By sunset I was ready. Our shared chambers smelled faintly of wine and parchment. Father had taken the adjoining room, and part of the household staff had moved into the side quarters since his arrival.

When he saw me, he nearly choked on his wine.

“Nerissa…” he sputtered. “I have never seen you like this.” I rolled my eyes.

“So it’s true then,” he went on. “I heard a rumor that the Young Regent invited you to dinner.”

“Is there anything in this palace that can stay a secret?”

Father laughed. “Not a thing. And believe me, I know. I was young here too. It was even worse then. Ladies used to slip dead rats into each other’s chambers, and the men brawled in the courtyards for the simplest offence.”

I recalled the rotten fish in my room. Apparently not much has changed.

“Ah, good times,” he said fondly. “But back to you… I don’t know what Aidenar Cavareth’s intentions are, but I know what his mother’s are,” I remembered their conversation. “Don’t worry about her. Cassandra lives off old grudges and her own paranoia. As for Aidenar himself. Well, I have heard many stories about him, but that does not mean a man cannot change.”

“Father, please, I do not want to talk about this.” My stomach tightened.