Thesson trailed behind Amethyst and Jonen as they boarded the ship. The crew waited patiently as he walked to the captain’s quarters. Jonen felt every eye watch him cross the deck. The burly orcs sneered down at him unhappily as he followed the woman. Amethyst opened the door and he stepped into the room. Mira laid on top of a bed with a book in her hands.
“You’re actually here,” He couldn’t contain the happiness in his voice.
She tossed the book aside when she recognized him, “Jonen!”
Mira flew across the room to hug him. Her arms wrapped around his neck and squeezed her against him. He laughed and spun her at the happy reunion. She stared into his sapphire eyes until she relaxed in his arms. He pulled her into a tight embrace. Neither wanted to let go.
“Goddess, I’m glad you’re safe,” He whispered, “Are you okay?”
“Yes,” She looked up to him, “But, Pallik –”
“I know,” His hand combed through her auburn curls to comfort her, “If it’s anything like I’ve seen –”
Jonen’s hand tucked a curl behind her ear. Staring into her eyes, knights be damned he wanted to kiss her again. She smiled at him until he saw a shadow over her face. He felt a strong hand rip him away from her. He turned to see another green orc staring at him with a look of disgust.
“Is there a problem?” Bobabano asked, “Are you usually that friendly the women you intend to imprison?”
“Bo,” Mira stood between them, “He’s my friend.”
The orc scratched at the newly branded mark on his chest, “Are you sure?”
“Jonen, please tell them that it is me,” Mira placed a hand on his arm, “Bobabano wants us to be announced before I am taken into custody.”
“Will I see you again?” He missed her hand softly, “I missed you.”
She spoke softly, “Will you be allowed to see me?”
“I don’t know,” Jonen scratched the back of his head, “They are suspicious of me when it comes to you.”
“Amethyst,” Mira snapped and said something in orcan before she turned back to him, “We will get it sorted out. Jonen, I am so happy you are safe.”
Watching her cold demeanor thaw for the half-elf infuriated Bo. He wanted to punch the stupid grin off of the man’s face. This man didn’t deserve the time of day from his queen.
“Jonen, was it?”
“Yes,” He placed a hand on his own chest and bowed, “Jonen Lafayette de Sfagroth. Second rank knight in the Travel Knights.”
“Captain Bobabano,” He reached for a handshake, “Son of the late Queen Quillia. Nephew of Queen Yteva. Captain of Agrowl’s navy.”
Jonen noticed the hostile glance and overly strong grip of his hand, “It’s an honor.”
“Yes, it is,” Bo wrapped his arm around Mira protectively, “And how do you know my woman?”
“Bo –” She narrowed her eyes.
“No, I want to hear,” He furrowed his brow, “Tell me, halfling.”
“You will not interrupt me again,” She yanked his arm off her and said something to him in orcan that Jonen couldn’t understand.
The man huffed and walked off without another word.
“Did… did he mean –”
“He is a stubborn brute,” Mira sighed, “It seems he now wants to be protective.”
“Bobabano wants only the best for our lady,” Amethyst grinned, “Jonen, they might be suspicious if you stay much longer. Shall we go?”
He looked into the honey-colored eyes and reached to grab her hand. He squeezed it lightly before he stepped from her cabin. Mira was safe, he told himself. She was alive.
Mira was with him again.
Jonen followed Amethyst along the deck. The imposing Bobabano stalked behind them. The two orcs heatedly argued when they reached the edge of the ship.
“What’s he saying?” Jonen asked Amethyst.
“Nothing to worry about, Sir Jonen,” She winked, “Though he wants to speak to your commander.”
“I’m sure that would be alright,” He nodded, “Captain Bobabano, please, join us.”
He grunted in response and followed them back to Reiner. The older man looked between the three and shook his head.
“Sir Jonen, I don’t believe I asked you to –”
“I do not want any of you on my ship again,” Bo cut him off, “Not until you stop this nonsense. My cousin and I have not been properly introduced to this city. If you are going to treat us all like criminals, then I will return to Agrowl and speak to your queen about this.”
“Captain Bobabano,” Reiner bowed to him and grit his teeth, “I apologize for our actions, but if you are harboring a dangerous criminal, then we must be wary of your intentions.”
“Your queen asked ours if she would send the best warriors for this tournament,” He narrowed his eyes at the man, “Is that invitation revoked because of my companion?”
“Sir Jonen,” Reiner ignored the question, “Did you complete your mission?”
“Yessir,” He paused, “She is the woman I met.”
“Then,” He turned back to the orc, “When you give us the criminal, we will introduce you properly.”
“You will not ask me to give up my woman so easily,” Bo gritted his teeth, “She’s a lady of tribe Cauldronbone and deserves to be treated as such.”
Jonen blinked at his words. He said it again. His woman? As the two argued about the politics of the situation, he couldn’t pay attention. Is that why Bobabano pulled him away from Mira? She never mentioned any relationship to him. Would she have written about it? Was he overstepping boundaries? He felt guilty for thinking Mira felt the same way he did.
“Captain Bobabano,” Amethyst smacked a hand against his chest, “Why don’t you return to the ship and allow me to negotiate on behalf of our lady?”
He grunted and complied. Before he walked away from the group, he leaned to whisper to Jonen.
“I’m not sure who you are,” He sneered, “But don’t act so friendly with her again.”
“I don’t think that’s up to you,” Jonen replied softly before he could stop himself, “But I will consider your words the next time I see her.”
Bobabano shoved him as he walked past. Amethyst patted his back proudly and hooked her arm around his neck as she talked to Reiner.
“They deserve a proper introduction,” She pointed at the crowd that formed around them, “The more people you allow to spectate this, the worse it will be for your queen.”
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“Then how exactly do you propose we both get what we want?” Reiner narrowed his eyes.
“Allow us to introduce our ambassadors,” She nodded, “Then, you can ask my lady to go in for questioning.”
“Ask?” He scoffed, “And you think she will just volunteer?”
“My lady is more agreeable than you might think. She should be presumed innocent until proven guilty. That is your way, no?” She grinned, “I will request that you bring mages to greet her as well. She is injured. You have truth seers, correct?”
“Yes,” He narrowed his eyes, “Obviously.”
“Then I have no problem with it,” She shrugged.
Reiner scrunched his nose and looked back to the ship. He hated the orcs’ interference with catching the criminal. The last report he had from Thesson said they were in Berkshire and did not mention any third party.
“What exactly is your position, might I ask?”
“Lady Mira is a ward of a person that employed me with her safety,” Amethyst nodded, “I intend to keep my word.”
“Who is this person?”
“That is between Lady Mira and her guardian,” She shrugged, “Though, I’m sure when you ask her, she will tell you.”
“Send word to the queen,” Reiner looked over to another man on horseback, “If we are to announce them to the city, we need a representative of the crown. I would prefer it not be the queen or prince.”
The man galloped off without a response. Amethyst stared at Jonen curiously and he uncomfortably shuffled between his feet.
“You are not what I imagined,” She chuckled.
“What exactly did you imagine?” His eyebrow raised.
“More muscle. More powerful magic,” She shook her head, “You seem like a fine warrior, though.”
“Sir Jonen is a Travel Knight,” Reiner interrupted, “Not a barbarian.”
“You act as if this tournament is not about finding ruthless warriors,” Amethyst waved the insult away, “We both know the truth. Queen Azalea did not invite the other crowns personally. She wants someone ready for bloodshed.”
“Whatever our queen has planned is not up to me,” Reiner pursed his lips, “I am still allowed my opinions.”
“I will keep that in mind,” She smirked childishly, “How can I seek Skymara?”
“Our high sorceress is busy in her studies. I’m sure one of her assistants can find time for you,” A royal guard replied, “She does not make time for many, though.”
“Skymara will make time for an old friend,” She grunted, “I’ll find the time.”
Jonen stood awkwardly between the pair as the older woman batted away snide comments and insults without a second glance. The more she referred to Mira as a lady of the Cauldronbone tribe, the more infuriated Reiner got.
Two men approached on horseback. The crowd forming around them cheered as the older dwarf waved happily to them. Reiner sighed in relief as they approached. Jonen knew this man as the uncle of the queen and one of her few advisors.
“Duke Welftin,” He nodded, “I am happy you are able to join us.”
“Please, Reiner,” He chuckled, “It’s not every day I am asked to receive honored guests. The situation was explained to me. The quicker we get on with the events, the better.”
The dwarf dismounted his horse. He had the same thick brown hair as the queen and prince, with metal braids twirled within it. Jonen understood that meant the man belonged to the royal family in some way, but not enough to have a valid claim to the throne. He waved eagerly to the crowd around them.
“Good morning, citizens,” His voice boomed, “We are here to greet honored guests of our queen. Please, help us welcome them to our wonderful city!”
The crowd roared in appreciation. Amethyst walked towards the man and nodded curtly. Jonen watched as a party gathered at the end of the dock. Tall men surrounded central members and he couldn’t see where Mira was.
“Introducing Lady Ravenna Cauldronbone,” Amethyst announced, “First and only daughter of Queen Yteva Cauldronbone of Agrowl.”
The crowd of men parted, and a pink orc stepped from them. Her arm wrapped around Tiero’s, her escort. The woman wore a dazzling black dress the same color as her long, wavy hair. Various cuts of fabric showed a large amount of the woman’s skin. Jonen knew that was a style in Agrowl, but next to the dwarven, modest fashion, it seemed particularly shocking. As Ravenna and Tiero approached their announcers, the duke knelt and grabbed her hand.
“Greetings, Lady Ravenna,” He kissed her hand, “It is an honor to have such an esteemed member of your tribe with us.”
Jonen couldn’t catch the woman’s soft voice, but he saw the deep red blush on her pink face. She pushed her large glasses up her nose and spoke with the duke freely. The yellow orc that accompanied her turned to the group of men at the end of the dock and motioned for them to step forward.
“Um,” Ravenna stumbled over her words, “Thank you for the introduction. Mother – I mean Queen Yteva and I wish to gift this to your people.”
A group of men carried a large chest to them. The loud thud as it stuck the stone streets below echoed through the crowd. When Duke Welftin opened it, gemstones glittered in the morning light.
“These were mined from our quarries. Please accept them as a token of friendship,” She pushed her glasses up her nose again and tried to hide her face behind a curtain of hair.
“On behalf of our queen, I will accept your generous gift,” The duke grinned.
Amethyst waited until the group parted again. Jonen gawked at Mira as she adjusted her dress. The silky blue fabric hugged her frame tightly. The low-cut front nearly reached her naval and accented the dark stone amulet that rested on her chest. Her fiery red curls bounced as she walked with Bobabano up the dock.
Jonen wanted to tell her how beautiful she looked but shook at his other thoughts that ran through his head. It had been so long since he saw her. He just wanted to hold her in his arms and make sure she was safe. The few seconds earlier were not enough.
“Introducing Captain Bobabano Cauldronbone. Naval captain of Agrowl. Son of late Queen Quillia Cauldronbone,” The man announced, “He escorts Lady Mira. Aquellan to the Cauldronbone tribe – and his bride.”
Before Jonen could react in any way, he saw Mira’s stoic face twitch in anger. She turned to the grinning orc and slapped him. The sound echoed in the equally stunned crowd. He bit his lip and bowed his head shamefully to Mira, but the smirk stayed on his face. She crossed her arms and glared at Amethyst. The woman beamed proudly at her in return. Bobabano and Mira bickered for a moment before she turned and continued the walk without him.
“His bride?” Reiner scoffed, “What in the Goddess’s name?”
Bo chased after Mira and grabbed her arm before turning to face the crowd. Jonen could see the honey-eyed woman glower at him. She pulled Amethyst aside and he could tell she was not pleased with the announcement. As her angry look faded, Duke Welftin grabbed Bo’s forearm and shook. Bo stepped forward and rubbed the mark on his face.
“My lady and I have a gift for the people as well,” He ushered in the remaining group of orcs that carried pallets of bottles, “Please accept this supply of Agrowl’s finest wines and gins for the crown.”
“On behalf of our queen, I accept,” the duke grinned, “Queen Azalea has a particular fondness for Agrowl’s white wines. I’m sure she may have a bottle tonight.”
“And, my lady,” Bo cleared his throat and turned to Mira, “To accept my proposal, I hereby free all thralls from my ship. Each one will receive thirty-day rations, ten gold, and a letter of freedom.”
He knelt and reached for her hand. Mira pulled it away from him. The orc waited for her response eagerly.
“Goddess above,” Reiner whispered under his breath.
“What?” Jonen asked.
“The man just freed about thirty slaves and gave them enough money to live an entire year off of,” He looked to Jonen in bewilderment, “Is she that seductive?”
“We will discuss this at a later time,” Mira’s voice softly wafted through the crowd, “Thank you for freeing them, Bo. That was… surprisingly kind of you.”
“I thought about your words. I know how much it meant to you that they be treated fairly,” His face softened at her words, “I will become a man worthy of you. I will work every day until you accept me, my queen.”
Mira covered her annoyed look with her hand and the pair spoke quietly to each other again. Seeing the private conversation start and to avoid any more drama, the dwarves cheered. The Travel Knights broke through the crowd and headed to the dock as quickly as they could.
“Please welcome our esteemed guests to the city,” Duke Welftin announced to the crowd, “Should you see them in our lovely streets, treat them as you would the queen herself!”
The dwarf turned to the group.
“Our queen has reserved rooms at the royal estate for our guests,” He paused when he looked at Mira, “Though, I do not think she accounted for… one more. I apologize profusely.”
“I will stay wherever Tiero and Amethyst are,” She curtsied, “I am not offended.”
“Thank you, Lady Mira,” He bowed, “We have some rooms booked at our finest inns. They offer a range of rooms. You may have your pick.”
“Anything is fine, Duke Welftin. Thank you,” She smiled as friendly as possible before she turned to Amethyst, “As for you –”
Her eyes turned to the group that approached them.
“Lady Mira,” Reiner cleared his throat.
“Grand Knight Reiner,” Her cold, amber eyes stared blankly at him, “I know what you are going to ask.”
“Then, are you willing to join us for a conversation about your master?”
“Former,” Mira held up a finger, “Former master. I am no longer a thrall.”
Bobabano put an arm in front of her, “My lady does not –”
“Bo, that is enough,” She cut him off, “I will answer any questions you have. I have nothing to hide.”
“I insist on coming with you,” He interjected, “You are my guest in Hangral and my future wife. I’m responsible for you here.”
A twitch of anger crossed her face, “I never—”
“Then, if you would follow me,” Reiner interrupted and motioned to his horse, “I will lead you to our building.”
Annoyed from the constant interjections, she turned to the last person she wanted to speak with.
“Thesson,” Mira turned to the exhausted dwarf and placed a hand on his shoulder, “I wish your family happiness. If you do not get your promotion, please let me know. I will do what I can.”
“Please,” He bowed formally in front of the other guards, “You don’t owe me anything. You allowed me to escort you this far.”
Mira climbed on top of the decorated horse. Bo climbed up behind her and chuckled as he nestled his face in her curly hair. As Amethyst stepped forward, she narrowed her eyes.
“I do not need further escort. I’m sure these knights, guards, and Bobabano are enough if I am in danger,” She cut the air in front of her, “Put my things in my room and wait for me there.”
It was obvious to everyone around them that the young woman was flustered and angry about the sudden announcement. The orcs ignored her annoyed tone as much as they could.
Amethyst mumbled angrily under her breath and stepped back, “As you wish.”
“Sir Jonen, we will summon you when you are needed for the trial,” Reiner grunted, “Until then, I expect you to stay in your barracks and out of trouble.”