Saying Farewell
“And remember, there will be those who seek to use their higher status as a snub against you in the capital. Or against the princess for having such low-status ladies-in-waiting, you are to be the voice and hand of royalty. The princess has no siblings, which means she is a Crown Princess, even if her nation does not place such titles on an heir. Do not forget.
When the Crown Prince eventually calls to meet her, your liege will be joining him as equal in status, if not in influence. Additionally…”
Nora sighed internally and mentally tuned out from her mother’s lecture. It was not anything that she hadn’t heard before. While she knew her mother meant the best for her, it could be such a bore to be repeatedly instructed on the duties she had trained so long for.
“...still cannot believe that Her Highness has not chosen you as her principal lady-in-waiting, yet. I have spoken to Ser Siveril and expressed my–”
“Mother. It is no concern. Gwyn–Princess Gwyneth, simply does not ascribe to such a practice. If there ever becomes a need, I suspect she will do so, but as of now, we do not have enough tasks as it is. Her Highness is still young, as is Lady Lorrena.”
Her mother narrowed her eyes. “How well is Lady Lorrena performing? Is she still struggling with what is required of her to attend the Royal Academy with Her Highness?”
Nora grimaced. Lorrena was struggling, but everyone had taken their time to help her. The girl needed to attend with Her Highness as the princess needed to have a retainer there. The only other option was to find one amongst those already attending, and no one had to tell Nora how poorly that would look.
“She is a most studious young lady,” she replied diplomatically.
“I will send word ahead to the capital, while we do not have much in the way of influence there, I do have a few contacts that we can lean on. Perhaps–”
“Mother. Please, we will handle it. Ser Siveril and Taenya have everything well in hand,” she said with exasperation.
Her mother sighed. “Very well. Ah, Aleanora, it seems to have slipped my mind, but I was speaking to Ser Siveril and he mentioned you were working to attend the Academy yourself in two years when you turn sixteen. I simply do not recall us discussing that, previously. Will Lady Ilyana be attending this upcoming year?”
Aleanora Olacyne groaned.
I cannot wait until we leave.
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The Trenlore family was made up of nine children, a family of three girls and six boys. Even now, Ilyana Trenlore sat at her customary seat far down the long table from her mother and father. She had come to spend one last dinner with the family and tell everyone goodbye. Instead, as the youngest girl, and the third youngest overall, Ilyana was invisible.
Her two younger siblings were twins and completely ignored her as they spoke excitedly back and forth.
Meanwhile, her next older brother was a complete loner who would rather sit in his room and play with his little wooden statues of knights and soldiers. Now, he sat just staring at his food and ignoring everything around him.
Ilyana had been cursed. Being chosen to join Gwyn was the best day of my life.
She drummed her fingers on her leg as she sat, waiting for dinner. Her siblings were all chatting away, but she just felt… bored. She wanted to go back to the House and work on her studies or read, even spend time with… Nora.
In her new House, she had people who appreciated her, and even if she wanted privacy to read her… stories, no one in House Reinhart would bother her or begrudge her for wanting to be alone.
Instead, she was here listening to… she glanced up the table for the current topic.
“...Laura, we must absolutely discuss the entertainment for your wedding feast! I saw the most adorable fool the other day, and he was simply delightful. I do believe I could introduce you,” one of her older brothers asked.
“Oh? That sounds just wonderful. I have a troupe coming overmorrow to let me view their performance. Perhaps I could meet your fool then?” her older sister asked, giggling behind her hand. The woman was twenty-two and only just now engaged. It was a bit of an embarrassment.
Their mother tutted. “Laura, you know I am handling everything for your wedding. I already have entertainment handled.”
Probably because you know you couldn’t afford anything else.
Just like the way her siblings spoke. Which was as if they all were these high-class nobles with powerful demesnes. Instead, House Trenlore was a small barony relegated to a minor area not far from Strathmore. A barony that consisted of a town that was barely more than a village, two actual villages, and one hamlet.
She ignored the responses and conversation between her siblings until, finally, she’d had enough. She glanced down at her mother and father, seeing them deep in conversation. They hadn’t even spoken to her once.
She decided it was time to leave, unfortunately, that simple act was as convoluted as her siblings' attempts at being more than the poor country nobles they were.
Ilyana gestured and a servant stepped forward. “My Lady?”
“Could you please convey my wishes to the lord and lady?”
The man nodded. “Of course, My Lady. What would you like me to pass along?”
“I believe it is time for me to depart. I must retire for the night. I have a long day of traveling ahead of me, tomorrow.”
The servant tilted his head in confusion. “May I tell them where you are going, My Lady?”
Ilyana froze. I must have misunderstood. “Could you please repeat yourself?”
He must have realized he had erred because the servant also froze as he attempted to reconcile his thoughts.
“I… I will tell them, My Lady.”
She watched as the man strode down to her parents and bowed. Ilyana observed as they spoke almost tiredly before the servant bowed again and hurried to her. She sat a bit straighter as she expected her parents to call upon her.
“Lord and Lady Trenlore express their desire for you to represent House Trenlore well and will see you soon as they eagerly await a dinner with your new liege. They suggest next week will be an appropriate time for your lady to be available to attend the manor for a repast.”
She instantly seethed with rage. They. Forgot.
“It is Her Highness. You will utilize her proper title or you will not speak in my presence, again. Is that understood?”
The man’s eyes widened in terror at her icy tone. He quickly bowed and started backing away, muttering apologies and begging for forgiveness as he did.
Ilyana dropped him from her mind as she stood up and stomped down toward her parents. The entire room quieted and she would have relished the blessed silence from her siblings if she weren’t SO ANGRY.
She came to a halt near the head of the table, just behind her oldest sibling and brother, Ewan. If glares could cause harm, her parents would have instantly frozen as solid as Gwyn’s ice magic.
“You forgot?”
Her father’s face started to turn red as his own anger rose at her disregard for the House etiquette. Relena, damn his etiquette.
“Ilyana, dear. What has you so out of sorts?” her mother asked.
Ilyana turned her glare on her mother. “Out of sorts? Did you forget I am a lady-in-waiting to a princess? Or are you just daft?”
Her father started to rise from his chair. “Now you–”
“No, Baron, you knew I was coming to dinner because I leave for the capital tomorrow and will not return for years. However, now? I believe I may not want to return at all. And, as a reminder, Baron, you pledged this House’s fealty to my liege, and I have her ear.”
“You are leaving?” her oldest sister asked from where she sat next to her mother.
Ilyana looked at all of her siblings with wide eyes. “Did anyone even realize I was gone? I am going to attend the Royal Academy! The first in this family, and ALL OF YOU JUST FORGOT?”
She felt tears start to form, but she forced her emotions down, such was the effect of her fury.
“You forget your place, daughter. How dare you speak to your family in this way? You will return to your room, and we will determine your punishment in due time,” her father chastised.
"Did you simply throw me away at the first House you could in an attempt to gain influence? Did you, mother?"
"Ilyana, you are speaking nonsense. Of course, not. You are being silly. Now, sit down. You are embarrassing yourself. Our House simply used its good name to assist a small House of no name."
"This House is an embarrassment," she sneered.
"Enough! You will leave this instant, or I will have you removed." her father yelled, banging a fist on the table with a thud.
“Are you daft, father? I am leaving. That is entire point and why I am standing here! Are you going to try and dictating my breathing as well? ‘Or else!’” Her voice started to waver with her racing heart. Her confidence, however, soared.
The man turned to one of the servants and started ordering them to escort her away. It all blurred together as her rage started to overflow.
She was being ignored. Again. Ilyana’s vision started to whiten until she snapped. A rush filled her as she slammed her fist down onto the table in a Fierce Strike. The solid wood table, an heirloom that had lasted the family generations, cracked from side to side, and through the leg closest to her. With a resounding crash, the entire thing toppled onto its now legless corner and then collapsed to the floor. The shattering of eleven place settings worth of tableware filled the dining hall.
Ilyana nearly froze, but to do so would invite further calamity, instead she rounded on her father. “You will hear from House Reinhart on your obligations to your liege, Baron Trenlore.”
Her father dared scoff. “You are no longer a daughter of mine. You will be nothing without us.”
Laughter erupted from her as she listened to a man with no influence and no power. A man who had ignored her. She resolved to not be the one ignored again.
Instead, she ignored the gasps and clamoring as her siblings fought for her attention as she moved with a fluid poise toward the manor’s entrance.
Her newfound confidence filled her lithe steps with a deadly grace. Despite her smaller stature, her demeanor forced even the servants and guards to wisely remove themselves from her presence. She smirked when noticing more than one look of alarm in their eyes. They are nothing compared to House Reinhart's guards. Now, those are men and women of strength.
The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
As Ilyana stepped onto the path that carried her away from House Trenlore and toward the carriage that awaited her. She smiled, feeling as if she could glide and dance all the way to her new home.
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“Goodbye, Papa!” Lorrena called out as she readied to leave her family’s home again for a long time.
Her father laughed as he and her sisters walked up behind her. “Oh my silly Lorrena, this is not goodbye. We will come to visit you in the capital! We are so proud of you for all of your hard work, and you do credit to our House by attending the Royal Academy.”
Lorrena blushed at the unexpected praise. While she enjoyed spending time with Princess Gwyn, she would miss her family. She rushed over one more time and hugged her father, followed by her two sisters.
Her oldest sister bent over and whispered in her ear, “Mother would be so proud, Lore.”
She couldn’t help it, she cried. She missed her mother so much and knew she would miss her family when she was gone.
“I love you all so much!”
Her sisters and father laughed softly.
“We love you too, little Lore. Remember, you serve a princess, every action you take reflects upon our family. Continue to make us proud, my daughter.”
Lorrena trembled. The weight of expectation pressed down upon her as it always did.
Her family was everything, she didn’t want to disappoint them. She had worked so hard in her studies. Lorrena was feeling more and more confident that she would pass the exams to enter the school. An achievement that was exceedingly rare for a small baronial family such as hers, as Mr. Brannigan had said.
She had to get accepted. Ilyana would be in the other part of the Royal Academy and would not be near them often, if at all. Lorrena was the only one who could be at Her Highness’s side all the time. Princess Gwyn would need her.
As she walked toward the carriage with the guard from House Reinhart, she blinked away the tears.
I will become something that will never disappoint them. Just like mama would want.
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Gwyn was busy writing a letter.
For a while, she had simply gone with the flow and trusted those around her to help her determine the best way forward. They had done well, and everyone in her House was continually proving how lucky she was to have such amazing people that wanted to help her.
It was time she did something to give back. Back when Gwyn had been the center of attention at the duke's court with Count Telford, she had learned something. Even a duke would pay her if he felt obligated. Now, it helped that the duke seemed like a genuinely kind man, especially when she saw him interacting with Roslyn. She didn't want to take advantage of that. However, there came a time when you had to… in her mom's words, 'pony up or shut up'. Her House had been attacked and her people had been killed, in the duke's city. In a way that was far too blatant.
So Gwyn wrote a letter. One that wouldn't fix all of the wrongs, but one that would help one, and maybe after some time, help her.
A knock at her door sounded and she called out, to which one of Sabina's guards opened and stepped in.
Sabina hadn't been avoiding her, per se, but it was clear the attack had affected the woman. Gwyn may have forced her to go too far.
"Your Highness, Keston requests an audience," the wynver woman asked. One of the new ones. She closed her eyes briefly, the attack, and her people's lifeless stares as they lay in the halls, still haunted her dreams.
She opened her eyes and put on a smile. "Keston never needs to request an audience, please tell him to come on in."
The high elf entered and seemed almost hesitant for some reason. After the guard left the room, she tilted her head. "Keston, what's wrong?"
He shuffled from side to side. "Your Highness–"
"Gwyn."
Keston sighed. "I'm trying to be formal here, Gwyn."
She rolled her eyes and pointed to a chair.
"Sit. We don't do formal. You're my friend."
His shoulders dropped, and he slumped into the chair. "Fine. I have a request, oh, and I volunteered to inform you."
She raised her brow. "Volunteered? That makes it seem like no one wanted to do it."
He chuckled. "I didn't mean that, I just mean that I used it as an excuse to come talk to you. Onas and his daughter are here, but I wanted to request something of you, as my liege, because I know what he's here for."
That made her curious. "Okay, now I'm curious. Spit it out, Keston. What do you want?"
He took a deep breath. "Onas is here to say his farewells to you since you are leaving tomorrow. He is also here to talk about how his daughter is leaving to head to Westaren in search of those dwarves that made your ring," he said, pointing at the ring on her right index finger. "I would like to go with her."
Gwyn's eyes opened wide. "What? But what about your training? You're going to become a knight, isn't that what you wanted?"
He seemed conflicted. "Yes." Then he hastily added, "and I still do!"
Keston took another deep breath. "It's what Raafe would have wanted, but you are leaving, and so much has happened. Did you know that during the attack, I was with Ser Theran training? That's why we were gone. I wasn't here to protect you and luckily you didn't need it. Your current knights have everything well in hand, and I feel like I should be doing something right now.
"You are liege to the Fenrens as well, but they are currently only sending their own guards with Kerala. I believe it would be beneficial for you to send someone as well. Also, you need someone who knows you with her because I can search for your… mom on the way. If I find her, I can give her information on how to find you."
He closed his eyes, the entire request seeming to affect him, before opening them and continuing, "Then, when I return, I can resume my training. That is if you still wish for it."
She stood up and walked over to him, giving him a quick hug before stepping back. "Of course, I still want it, Keston. Are you sure this is what you want?"
Keston had been one of the first people that she had met in the world. A long time had gone by since then, but he had always been nice to her. He’d always wanted to help her, especially after Raafe died. She wanted him to be happy.
She remembered conversations they had early on. When Raafe was still alive. Being a knight had been something he could only dream of reaching. A distant star that was unobtainable for one such as him. He had found a love of cooking, something to do while traveling. It was a fun thing they shared together.
Gwyn had to admit, the man was happiest when he was cooking and when he was protecting her. As if he were doing a service for his friend.
He gave her a sad smile. "It's what Raafe would have wanted, and for now, that's good enough for me, Gwyn."
Keston had been lost for so long after. It seemed that he still hadn’t found his way back, yet. Maybe this trip would help him. It made her sad.
She nodded. "Okay. In that case, make sure you get a full set of armor like Taenya's Drakyyds."
The former merchant guard turned House Guard seemed confused. "But I'm not one of them."
She smiled. "No, but it will be the easiest to add to because you'll need to add some wings to that little lizard they like."
He huffed a laugh. "Gwyn, you know those aren't little at all, right?"
She giggled. "If you saw how big dragons are, you'd think they were."
He smiled and shook his head, but then he stood and bowed."Thank you, Your Highness."
She nodded her head respectfully.
"Thank you, Keston. For being my friend. I hope your trip goes well."
"And yours, Gwyn."
She hesitated, making him pause mid-turn.
"Actually, I have one last job for you before you leave, Keston."
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Gwyn looked back one more time at the manor that had been her home for almost the entire time she'd been in this world. It had provided so much for her, and she would miss it. It would be a while before Gwyn returned to Strathmore.
It was for the best, the memory of Emma’s sacrifice was still too fresh. Her handmaiden had saved her, and now she was gone. Just like Raafe. Two people now had died so that she could live. It–It did not feel right.
Why was she here and they weren’t? All I want to do is find mom. Why does this sick world have to be like this? Why does everyone close to me have to keep getting hurt?
She felt her eyes well up.
Why did I live? Why did they think I was worth it? I’m just… me. Who else will die before this is all over?
Gwyn had nightmares every time she closed her eyes. Visions of Emma and Raafe dying over and over. Standing there, taunting her. Telling her that it should have been her.
She closed her eyes for a moment, using her Frozen Heart spell. Her spiraling thoughts ended.
Gwyn smiled at Sabina who looked down from her horse. The knight would ride alongside the carriage.
She gave her people standing outside another glance and wave before she turned and stepped into the carriage. The three girls inside gave her short greetings, before going quiet in the early morning.
As she sat, she eyed her three ladies-in-waiting. They all sat quietly, each seemingly deep in their thoughts, or perhaps just tired. She sang a small song to the mana around them and really looked at them. Searching for subtle clues.
Aleanora was happy as if going off on an adventure was all she wanted.
Ilyana seemed determined, with a bit of tension and anger. Something had changed about her, and Gwyn would have to talk to her more. She did know that the girl had spoken with Siveril for a while the night before.
Lorrena was sad but also determined, but her determination seemed different than Ilyana's.
Gwyn took a deep breath. "Okay, let's do this."
The crew all turned toward her, each giving her a nod, but every one of those nods said something different.
She knew one thing.
When Gwyn did return to Strathmore, Marquess Angwin would burn.
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Ser Siveril Norric, Majordomo of House Reinhart, headed to the parlor of Reinhart Manor, where his expected guest awaited. The princess, Sers Taenya and Sabina, and the royal's entourage had left that morning just before daybreak.
The first frost of winter had set in and the caravan needed as much daylight as possible to ensure they would make it to Drakensburg before travel became nigh impossible.
It was unfortunate that Lady Roslyn would not stop in Drakensburg herself.
Which had, indeed, been the original plan, however machinations by the Crown Prince had forced the duke to take other precautions.
The itinerary would remain the same, publicly at least. However, Siveril knew that the ducal heiress now intended to travel through Dirn Loduhr, the dwarven city within the Loduhr mountains. A city that historically had a strained relationship with the kingdom that surrounds it.
While he was not privy to the particulars, he could only imagine the price of that transit.
As he walked into the parlor, he took in his visitor. The old man wore his usual attire that spoke of understated status and in the old Loreni's House colors of scarlet and gold. The man's two knights stepped away and nodded their heads respectfully to Siveril as they made their way out of the room. The unsaid message was clear; Siveril was favored and trusted explicitly.
"Your Grace, I did not expect you to come by today," Siveril said as he performed a perfect bow.
Duke Tiloral smiled as he stood.
"You did not expect me to visit ever, Siveril. Alas, circumstances and a certain letter require it."
Siveril did not raise his eyebrow as his princess loved to do, but he would have if his guest were anyone else. "A letter, Your Grace?"
The man chuckled. "We are alone, Siveril. You have earned my respect enough to know what that means."
Siveril sighed, propriety and a vast gulf in status clashing with the man's wishes. Still, he would oblige. "Of course, Dasovron. What business brings you by Reinhart Manor?"
The man's eyes crinkled as he silently reveled in his small victory. "One of your guards arrived with correspondence."
Who and why? Did Taenya… no, she would have informed me.
Siveril's confusion must have been apparent because it made the duke laugh. "She's more shrewd than you give her credit for, it seems. Your Princess penned the letter herself. She believes that I have been remiss in my duties," he said with a shake of his head and rueful chuckle.
His eyes widened. She… what?
"According to her, and I cannot say that I disagree, the blatant attack on your House could only occur if my guard failed in their duty to uphold the peace within the very city that holds the seat of my duchy. As such, I should be required to pay reparations to House Reinhart as compensation for her… family and the people that she lost. She goes on to state that her House will provide compensation as expected to the families of those who lost someone, but I should amend the 'strained relationship with the one I respect the most'."
Siveril's thoughts whirled in his head. On one hand, the princess was correct, yet on the other, they could not afford a strained relationship with the duchy. He warred with himself over how to respond, but he went with his gut and put his faith in the young girl that had impressed him, so.
He sighed. "I trust you have investigated the lack of a response by the City Guard?"
Duke Dasovron Tiloral's face grew predatory, and Siveril considered that he had made a mistake… for a moment.
"We have found the issue, and it seems my son has not been as strict in rooting out corruption as befits one of House Tiloral. While he did not do anything directly, his lack of holding those in the city accountable led to this. That has been rectified.
"I was awake late in the night considering how to approach this. The attack by Angwin was not within the customs of the Polite War, however, he is even more entrenched with the Crown Prince than I had imagined. I cannot overtly attack one who owes my duchy fealty, but I also cannot risk an escalation with the Crown by censuring him as his liege. I have found myself with my hands tied in a… frustrating way. Your princess, again, provided a clue on what path to follow. Do you know what she asked for?"
Siveril shook his head slowly. He could not fathom what she would have requested.
The duke nodded. "She stated that Ser Siveril Norric is an honorable man who should not be 'a mere knight.' It seems that Angwin has made quite the lasting impression on the young royal, and not a good one.
"So, I suspect you have heard that old Normen Varence recently died without an heir. As such his lands passed back into the hands of the duchy. I believe I have come to a decision."
Siveril's eyes shot open, but before he could respond, Duke Tiloral pulled out a scroll from a case that had been sitting on the floor next to the chair he stood at.
"I know you hate being in the center of attention if you are the subject. So we will keep this informal. The town of Galehaven is the seat of a small county, however, it lies on an important route into the Kingdom of Meris. I expect you to increase the prosperity of that county and build something that I can trust to defend the duchy, should I request your aid. In fact, due to increased tension along the borders, I may need to provide the county with soldiers who in turn must be beholden to the House that governs it. It is much too burdensome for me to manage that many separate armies.
"Do you believe your liege would approve of her majordomo becoming a Count? I personally think it is more fitting for one of royalty to have someone of higher station run her affairs. Angwin was not entirely incorrect in that regard. Where he erred, was disregarding the man, which to me is always a more important factor in the end. So, what do you say? Count Siveril Norric?"
Siveril held his breath. He had never dreamed of rising above his station, and all it took was believing in a young girl from another world. He straightened his back and gave the duke a deep bow of respect.
"I agree and accept, Duke Tiloral."
Count Siveril Norric knew exactly what his first act would be. It was time to right a wrong that had been committed against one of the other young ladies in his care. After that?
What came next would not be so polite.