The chaos after Gregor’s accident and the results of Lorelei’s research slowly died down in the following couple of days. This, however, didn’t mean any less work on Noah’s part. He made sure to task some of the Shadows together with his regular informants with combing through all apothecaries, black markets, and vendors from Port Leon to the icy shores of Baron Firmon. He even went as far as to send people to the mainland to snoop around for clues about a silver-masked alchemist. If the ‘Angel’s tears’ had spread throughout Norden, he had every intention to root them out and stifle the flame before it turned into a blaze. And if he could get his hands on that damn alchemist in the process, all the better.
At the same time, the executions and punishments of the traffickers took place. Noah was present at each and every one of them. For many of the gathered onlookers, seeing the Beast of the North towering above the squirming and crying convicts was a solid confirmation of his blood-thirsty nature. He might have not swung the sword himself but all the same, to them he was the one who killed and maimed those people. On his side, Noah couldn’t care less. What he did was a statement to any Red Hands that remained at large. If some hearts were filled with fear and foreboding seeing a tall black figure standing beside the bloody execution grounds, it was all for the better. Maybe that and the pieces of human remains masterfully placed at the gates of Yalda would relay the right message to the right people – no one was allowed to break the laws in his lands and hurt his people, unless they were prepared to pay the price. The Red Hands had awoken a sleeping beast.
Despite his busy schedule, Noah didn’t forget about Lorelei. He tried to visit her as often as possible and paid attention to anything strange in her demeanor or behavior of which, to his relief, there was none. If anything, she had started regaining her calm and even brightened up a bit. This lessened Noah’s anguish to some extent but he still remained vigilant. When his wife started to have lessons with Rish and Saya in preparation for the Grand Council, he allowed himself to relax a bit more. The young Binshi was more than capable to guard Lorelei against any human or spirit attacks, and both she and Saya had their ways to immediately connect to Gerash the moment anything suspicious occurred. There was no need to delve deeper into the matter of her strange powers, at least for the time being.
With this part of his worries reduced, Noah finally found time to tend to another sore spot.
One bright sunny morning, castle Ildemar stood witness to the lord strolling through the hallways with a servant bending behind him from the weight of several large parcels. Their final destination was a tall white door with intricate carvings.
Standing before Shana’s room, Noah suddenly felt hesitant. He had barely spoken to her in almost two weeks, mostly coming to visit her for a few minutes when she was asleep. Rasha and Karusa were giving him daily reports on her condition and had also agreed to let Anuk be her playmate to alleviate the sorrow of being confined to her room, but this did not change the fact that he had shunned and basically imprisoned his little girl for so long. Noah’s heart felt heavy. The way she had acted towards Lorelei could not be ignored. But did he punish her too harshly? Was there still a way to mend their relationship? Or maybe he had burned all bridges that connected them?
‘Why is it all so damn complicated?!’ cursed Noah and rubbed his neck. Be it old or young, women were such hard to comprehend creatures. When Gerash and Jess had been her age, it had been so easy. Were they to have a tantrum, he would simply send them to the training grounds or personally spar with them until they sweated off their frustration and stubbornness and were ready to have a reasonable talk. But such a ‘tough love’ approach was impossible with someone as frail as Shana, right? Besides, weren’t girls supposed to be more mellow and timid than boys? Even the twins, who had grown up swinging blades ever since they could stand properly, were easier to reason with. Was Shana’s irrational behavior lately connected to her untimely awakening? Or to the fact that, despite coming into her powers, she still hadn’t made her prophecy? Noah knew that the elders were worried too, although they were trying to hide it. There was no precedent in Binshi history of anything like that. But what frightened him above all else was that he had no idea how long his little girl had to live. Noah knew very well the price a Star-gazer had to pay for their gift, and before Shana made her prophecy and shared it with the world, her fate still remained unsure. It was possible that these were his last weeks with his daughter and Noah had no desire to spend them quarreling.
With such resolve in his heart, the Duke of Norden stood before the white door and hesitated until his pride would no longer allow him to procrastinate. He knocked politely and almost immediately a familiar person opened the door to let him in.
“Rasha!” Noah was taken aback by the young woman’s pale face and deep eye shadows. “Is everything alright? Did something happen?”
“Don’t worry, my lord, everything is fine. I am just having trouble sleeping these days,” replied the Binshi, suppressing a yawn, but then immediately tensed up. “B-but this doesn’t affect my ability to protect the lady in the slightest!”
“Don’t fret, I’m not questioning your fitness. But don’t overexert yourself. Go to elder Marishka for some calming tea and take the day off. I will talk to Karusa to find a substitute guard.”
“But…” Rasha seemed hesitant. “Lady Shana will be sad. I promised to teach her and Anuk a new song today…”
“I am sure that Shana would find your health more important than a song.” Noah put his hand on the young warrior’s shoulder. “I need you all in the best shape possible with the Grand Council around the corner. You know what an influx of foreign shamans in the castle entails.”
“I know, my lord.” Rasha lowered her head. “I am sorry.”
“Go then. And if elder Marishka’s brew doesn’t help, ask the duchess for some of her concoctions.”
Noah looked at the young Binshi as she dragged her feet away and sighed. It would be good if it was something simple like overexertion and fatigue, but with all the strange occurrences lately, he wanted to be on the safe side. He had to talk to Rish about it later. The twins shared a special type of connection so if it was some sort of a spiritual problem, her sister would be able to sense it.
Pushing aside his worries, Noah made a sign to the servant to follow him and crossed the two anterooms leading to Shana’s chambers. As he came closer, a bubbly chatter and laughter reached his ears. Tiptoeing to the cracked door, he dared to peek inside and what he saw brought a quiet smile on his face.
The spacious room was filled with sunshine from the two open windows and colorful cushions were strewn all over the floor. Atop this feathery, velvety nest sat two little girls in the company of an old dark-skinned woman and two Binshi maids hovered on the side. All five of them were laughing, especially the old woman, who was teaching the younger girl how to braid hair in a typical Marzbani style.
“Ouch, ouch! Ani, don’t pull so much! Grandma, help!” the older girl raised her voice but her bright grin still remained on her face.
“Sorry, Shani! Sorry!” the younger girl looked around in panick but the old woman just smirked.
“Beauty demands sacrifice, my child. Patience and beauty are the virtues of a lady.”
“Then I don’t want to be a lady! I’ll cut my hair like big sister Rasha!”
“You could do that,” the old Marzbanati replied nonchalantly, “but then you won’t be able to wear the hair needles I brought from the Capital. Maybe I should take back my gift since it won’t be of any use to you.”
“No! I really, really love them! That’s so mean, grandma. Right, Ani?”
“I don’t want Shani to cut her hair,” answered the younger child, her fingers gently twisting the long white strands. “It is soft and sparkles like snow-silk in the sun. It is so beautiful… not like my mud head.”
“Who called you mud head?” Hearing the sadness in her friend’s voice, Shana perked and squinted her eyes.
“Some of the boys that train with big brother,” mumbled Anuk and stared at the braid in her hands with a sad, longing expression.
“Don’t worry, when I get out of here, I’ll show them. I’ll talk to grandpa Duncan and uncle Gerash and make those boys run laps around the training grounds until they drop. And after that, they should bow and apologize to you. This is not how a knight treats a damsel, right grandma? Besides, what is even wrong with your hair color?”
“They said that it looks like dirty snow.”
“They are idiots! If anything, your hair looks like the silver blades uncle Gerash and big sisters Rish and Rasha use. It is such a noble color. Even papa’s eyes are the same color!”
Shana’s last words made Noah tremble, his heart jumping from happiness. She still called him papa, despite everything. Feeling forgotten warmth spreading in his chest, he pushed the door open and entered the room. His arrival resulted in a delighted gasp on Anuk’s side.
If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.
“Highness!”
She jumped up and ran to hug him. Noah smiled and patted her head but his eyes looked only at one little girl. Their gazes met. Shana flinched and her face flushed as she fidgeted in place for a second. Seeing her fighting the urge to follow Anuk’s example made Noah both chuckle and hurt a bit. Very slowly, his daughter stood up and performed an impeccable curtsy.
“Greetings to the Duke of Norden.”
Her words were like a dagger in his heart.
“Starlet,” he whispered, separating from the confused Anuk and stepping forward, “why so formal?”
“Didn’t father want me to learn respect by locking me up?”
Another blow to the heart. Noah felt guilt and anger twisting in the pit of his stomach. He took a deep breath and suppressed these feelings. If he erupted now, he would lose his daughter forever. Stepping closer, he helped Shana up. One of her many braids hung beside her face so he brushed it back behind her ear.
“It seems that your manners have really improved from last time,” he said trying to sound not too stern. “Have you also thought over your actions and what you did wrong?”
“I have, father,” responded the girl and averted her eyes. “I was angry that uncle Gerash and Rish, and Rasha were hurt. That father was hurt. I behaved poorly. What I did was improper for a Star-gazer.”
“And?”
“And,” she licked her lips before continuing, “I will never again act towards that woman as I did.”
Hearing Shana calling Lorelei ‘that woman’ left a bitter taste in his mouth, but Noah decided not to push it. Better be happy with small improvements than to expect miracles. He opened his arms and the child gave him a hug. It was a bit on the stiff side, but it was still a beginning.
Noah reluctantly let her go and turned to the silent servant behind him.
“Since it will be your birthday soon, I think a bit of an early present is in order.”
Opening the first parcel, he carefully took out a dress and held it before Shana. Everyone in the room gasped but the most delightful reaction was seeing his daughter’s eyes becoming huge. That was what he had hoped for and Yalda’s seamstresses did not disappoint.
It was a short-sleeved dress the color of fresh grass. Embroidered golden vines with tiny golden flowers crawled along the fabric twisting in waves and spirals. The broad hem and the sleeves were encrusted with tiny green beads that formed the images of leaves and birds. Even the buttons of the collar were shaped like flower buds.
“Shani, it’s so beautiful!” whispered Anuk and carefully moved around to look at the dress from all sides.
“I-is this for me?” Shana stretched out her hand but stopped mid-motion unable to touch the golden-green surface.
“Of course,” chuckled Noah and gave a sign to one of the maids to take the dress. “But a garment like this would need an adequate under-dress, right?”
Without waiting for a response, he opened the second parcel and presented another wonder before the stunned girls. The color of the undergarment was deep blue like the summer sky, or at least it was supposed to be. But when the sun fell on the cloth, it turned iridescent blue-green. The long sleeves and the hem of the skirt also sparkled, adorned with hundreds of drop-shaped crystals and pearls.
This time Shana gathered enough courage and took the dress herself, pressing the soft fabric to her face.
“It almost feels like water!” she said, suppressing a giggle with some effort.
“The best silk from Shareeba, if my eyes are not deceiving me,” said Neli, her gaze darting between the child and Noah. “It is indeed a gift worthy of a princess.”
“Shani, you have to try them on!” Anuk clapped her hands and looked so delighted as if she was the one getting a present.
“M-may I, papa?” In her joy, she had forgotten her formal tone, which didn’t escape Noah.
“Of course,” his smile became wider. “They are yours after all. However, it seems that I have one package more than needed. Hmm, who might that be for? I heard that there is a little wild chichik visiting your room often. Do you know of such creature, Starlet?”
“Wha…?”
As Anuk gaped, it was Shana’s turn to clap in delight.
“You brought something for Ani! Let me see, papa!”
Happily obliging the order, Noah pulled out the third dress. Although it was a bit simpler than the first two, it was without a doubt a piece of art. It was dark-blue, its entire skirt adorned with spirals and geometric patterns that were shaped like dancing flames. The high collar and the cuffs of the sleeves were trimmed with white fur and on the back, an embroidered flaming flower opened its petals.
“I can’t take this!” Anuk stepped back, looking at the dress with reverence. “It’s too beautiful. It’s for a princess like Shani, not for me.”
“Well,” Noah pondered for a bit, “if you don’t take it, you won’t be able to accompany Shana and your brother at the ball during the Grand Council.”
“Come on, Ani, let’s try them on! Come!” Not giving her friend time to say a word, Shana dragged the other girl to the dressing room, followed by the maids who carried the clothes and giggled.
All of a sudden, Noah was left alone with Neli and the servant. At his sign, the man bowed and exited the room to wait by the door. Noah’s expression darkened a bit as he walked to one of the windows and leaned on the sill. Similarly silent, the old Marzbanati supported her back on the frame and breathed in the fresh air coming from the outside. The two stood like this for quite some time before Neli finally broke the silence.
“Are you still not talking to me?”
“Isn’t it obvious?”
“I did apologize.”
“But you didn’t mean it, mother.” Noah turned his head at her and his eyes were full of disappointment. “How could you do this to her in front of all these people and not feel even an ounce of remorse?”
“I did what was in your best interest,” said Neli with a sad smile. “I serve you, not her.”
“And what would my benefit be if everyone thinks I am unable to protect my own wife’s chastity?” Noah snapped but remembered to lower his voice. “Did you think that I have lain with her despite my promise? Was this a way to drive her out even if she got my child?”
Neli remained silent. This infuriated him.
“Do you think so lowly of me? But tell me this, after accusing Lorelei, how did you plan to resolve everything? Were you planning to ask me to kick her out of the castle immediately just because of some insinuations?”
“I told you, all I did was protect your interests,” replied Neli calmly. “And your interests lie with Pandad. You might not believe me when I say this, but I do respect Lady Lorelei. If we didn’t have a deal with Pandad, if we didn’t need their support, I would have accepted her as the duchess with open arms. She is a brave young woman with a good head on her shoulders. She managed to pull the initiative out of my hands and solve the problem on her terms. Although, we both had the same solution in mind.”
“What?” Noah stared at her mortified. “You intended to make her drink that Bitter Water? Did you know about the consequences? That she might die or become barren?”
“The chances of her dying were non-existent. But yes, I knew. If it was known that there is no chance of her conceiving, Pandad might be more lenient and not break your betrothal to Marzbane Ilmaz.”
“Are you insane!?” Noah’s fist slammed on the window sill, making it crack. “You were prepared to destroy her future? Any chance she might have of a happy family after leaving this place?! How can you be such a monster?”
“I swore on your mother’s deathbed to protect you,” said Neli, her voice becoming sharp. “And I will do it, even if it means you hate me for it.”
The old woman’s hand slid on the front of her garment, stopping on her belly.
“Your wife is much stronger than you give her credit. Not having a child of her own won’t make her life meaningless as long as there is someone to inherit her will.”
“Mother…” Noah suddenly felt a wave of guilt sweeping away his anger.
“Although our situations can’t really be compared, I believe that she would have managed to push forward.” The old woman stared out of the window. “I know you love her. I know you don’t want a concubine because of what happened to your mother. But if it were a barren woman that can't give birth to a bastard, we could have managed to persuade Pandad to let Lorelei stay by your side. Your marriage to Marzbane Ilmaz is politics, no one expects you to love each other. You only need to give Ilmaz the title of Duchess Norden and make an heir with her. Like this, you can stay together with the one you love and not lose Pandad's support.”
“Enough, mother!” Noah clenched his teeth as the blood pulsated in his head. “This matter is finished now. I hope that you won’t make any other attempts to meddle between Lorelei and me. I will deal with everything my way. As for Pandad and my betrothal…”
“Papa, grandma, look at us?” A child’s voice interrupted him.
Noah turned around and saw Shana standing behind them with Anuk peeking from behind her back. His blood froze. How much had the girls heard? On the other side, Shana blinked innocently and gave him a shy smile.
“Does the dress look good on me, papa? And Ani? Isn’t she just so cute?”
“Both of you are just gorgeous!” Noah brushed away his dark suspicions, leaned down, and kissed his daughter’s forehead. “You look like two little fairies.”
“Thanks, Highness!” Anuk fidgeted, unable to keep still from excitement. “Highness, may I show the dress to dada?”
“Of course, little chichik.” Noah smiled and ruffled the child’s hair.
“Papa, may I go with her too?” Shana asked hesitantly, her big blue eyes pleading to him. “I want to finally meet uncle Andrash and big brother Kai.”
“Well, your punishment is over, so…”
“Thank you, papa!” Shana jumped at him, wrapping her arms around his neck, and gave him a kiss.
Like two colorful little birds, the girls ran out of the room followed by the worried maids and their shouts.
“My lady, don’t lift your skirt so high!”
“My lady, be careful, the hem!”
“Shani, race me! We’ll show dada, and Kai, and the whole castle our new dresses! Lady Shimshi will be so surprised.” Anuk’s giggling voice died down the hallway.
Her last words made Noah frown. Shana was not so stupid to try and have a confrontation with Lorelei the moment her punishment was over, right? With an uneasy heart, he nodded at Neli and was about to follow them when the panting Jessup entered the room.
“Master, I finally found you. An urgent messenger arrived from the eastern border. One of Dunai’s dikes broke due to the heavy rain and several villages are flooded.”
“What is the situation? Are there casualties?” Noah followed the boy and briskly walked out, silently praying to all Gods and Saints that Shana behaved at least this time.