The Great Hunt (Eurona Duology, #1)(7)

“Sean ran straight home. My son-in-law feared repercussion against his family, so he packed up the lot of us and moved us during the night, abandoning his high position. When King Leon learned what had happened, he let us be. He couldn’t afford to be seen as a Lashed sympathizer. But when your grandfather died and your father became king, he sought us out. By that time the general was past his prime and could no longer work for the navy. And Sean, poor Sean, had taken his own life. When your father asked if I was Lashed, I decided to be honest. Out of honor to his childhood friend who’d saved his life, King Charles asked me to work for him as the royal Lashed healer and I agreed.”

The three of them were quiet for a respectful moment.

“I don’t understand why people think Lashed are evil just because of one man,” Vixie said.

“Like regular folk, most of us are not evil. But you can be sure, young princess, there are evil Lashed Ones. More than one. History has taught us as much. Greed and magical power are a potent combination.”

Vixie frowned and crossed her arms. “It’s still not fair.”

Mrs. Rathbrook let out a sigh.

Since Rocato’s attempt to take over Kalor more than a century ago, magic use had been outlawed everywhere in Eurona, with the exception of a few trusted Lashed who worked for the royalty in all five kingdoms, for their personal healing. All Lashed were required to be registered as soon as their capabilities became known, usually around the age of seven. Periodically the royal guard would do rounds, and any Lashed found with the markings were hung without question.

It saddened Aerity to think of the lost potential, those tortured for their talents, and she especially abhorred stories of people bullying children who’d just discovered their magical capabilities. Magic was inherited, but it was rare. There seemed to be no pattern, simply random chance.

Now, the Lashed were seen as worse than criminals or diseased. They were outcasts.

Mrs. Rathbrook spoke quietly. “Your father the king is only upholding the laws that have been passed down to him for the safety of the kingdom. He cannot afford to allow that kind of power to threaten us again. And it’s not his fault that his people act out of ignorance and fear. Perhaps someday our kind will be better understood.” Her voice carried an undercurrent of both sadness and hope.

Still, it pained Aerity to think that the innocent Lashed throughout the kingdom were being suspected of this recent madness.

“There’s no way a Lashed One created this monster,” Aerity said.

Mrs. Rathbrook shook her head. “I cannot think of how our power could be used in such a way, but there are many far more powerful than me.”

An icy sting ratcheted up Aerity’s spine. The Lashed could not wave their hands and create a monster from nothing. Their magic didn’t work that way. She refused to believe the Lashed had anything to do with the great beast.

Mrs. Rathbrook appeared tired after so much talking.

“Can I get you anything?” Aerity asked her.

“No, no, dear. My maid takes good care of me. In a few moments I’ll walk the roof gardens with Officer Vest.”

“Is Mr. Vest your lover lad?” Vixie asked, blinking her wide eyes.

Aerity nearly choked on her own tongue. “High seas, Vixie! That’s none of your concern!” Aerity had always wondered herself if there was romance between them, but she’d never dare ask.

Vixie’s cheeks reddened and she muttered an apology. Aerity realized her sister had probably repeated something she’d heard, not even realizing how improper it was.

Aerity was still in a state of mortification when Mrs. Rathbrook began cackling with laughter.

“Don’t hold your tongue on my account,” the woman said. “Officer Vest is very dear to me. I trust him with my life each day.” She gave the girls a wink and made to stand. Aerity helped her, though the woman seemed quite capable.

“Thank you so very much for visiting. Please come again soon.” Mrs Rathbrook put a hand on Aerity’s arm, and the princess bent to kiss her cheek.

“It was my pleasure. I promise to return.”

Vixie was still blushing when she leaned forward to kiss the woman’s cheek, and then rushed from the chambers, nearly tripping on her skirts.



They’d barely made it to the bottom of the steps when Vixie whispered, “What’s wrong with lover lad?”

“Vixie . . .” Aerity shook her head and silently cursed their mother for not talking with the girls about important things. They learned far too much from the lips of maids. “When someone has a lover it means they have . . . a romantic relationship. Like married people.”

Aerity headed in the direction of the High Hall.

“You mean kissing and the like?” Vixie asked.

“Yes, Vix. And it’s impolite to ask people about such private matters. Understand?”

“Have you ever kissed anyone? Or is that too private for me to ask, even of my sister?”

Aerity sighed. She wanted to shush her sister, but Vixie didn’t have the blessing of a cousin her age or a friend to speak of such things with. Her best friend was her horse.

“I’ve kissed one lad.” On several occasions. She felt Vixie’s big eyes on her.

“Is he your lover, then?”

“No! Stop saying that word.”

“Who was the lad?”