The Forsaken Throne (Kingfountain #6)(87)

“Good morning, Lady Trynne,” he greeted, bowing respectfully.

There was something in his eye, the quiver of a smile on his mouth.

“Is everything well?” she asked him. She was bone weary from the long day, the emotional farewell. It was so odd to see the bright sunlight shining through the hall curtains beyond, to hear the hurried steps of servants preparing for the new day.

“Indeed, my lady.” He bowed again and the two guardsmen regarded her silently as she passed.

She was exhausted and probably reading too much into it. As she walked down the corridor, she kneaded the muscles at her shoulder. The smells of the palace were so different from what she’d grown accustomed to in the months since she had departed. She had returned occasionally to provide reports and seek counsel, but she’d pushed herself to her limits trying to help Gahalatine save his people, all the while tending to him as his health was ravaged by the debilitating sickness that would eventually end his life. She had used her magic to stave off the symptoms for as long as she could. But the fatal kiss was indeed that in the end.

She looked forward to returning to Averanche. It had been a long time since she had stayed in the quiet castle. What she needed, after a long rest, was a chance to spar with Captain Staeli.

But no—she caught herself, feeling a wince of pain.

He was a captain no longer. Had the ceremony already happened investing him with his dukedom? He would continue training the Oath Maidens, of course, but probably in his own domain. She was happy for him. He deserved the reward and recognition. But she would miss him deeply.

Her mind fluttered with a variety of thoughts as she approached the queen’s chambers. Her first visits were always to Genny. She longed to see her friend, missed their long talks and the confidences they shared. At least she would catch up on the latest news before she went to see her parents. Her mother, she knew, had been working on carving new Leerings at the beach to replace the boundaries destroyed by Morwenna. The effort would require some time, but they would be able to stand for another thousand years when they were done.

One of the queen’s handmaids opened the door before she arrived. The girl turned back and announced her arrival. Trynne thanked the girl as she crossed the threshold.

There were Genny and Mariette, speaking in low tones.

Mariette looked stricken, her eyes rimmed with red.

“Is all well?” Trynne asked with concern.

Mariette blinked quickly, brushing away the fresh tears. She nodded, her voice too thick to speak. Genny patted Mariette’s shoulder, giving her a comforting hug. Genny was always the source of relief. She had such a compassionate heart. The events of the past had affected the queen deeply, yet she was still attuned to the needs of others.

“It will be well,” Genny said, patting Mariette again. “All will be well.”

“I know. I just . . . I know.” She straightened and came to Trynne, brushing a kiss to her cheek. The tall warrior maiden had to stoop low to do so, but she was loyal and fiercely true. Trynne watched her go and then arched her eyebrows at the queen after she’d left.

“Troubles with Lord Amrein?” Trynne asked.

Genny smiled at the comment. “Not this time. Although I do think she’s growing weary of waiting for him to ask to marry her. But that’s not what’s troubling her. It’s so good to see you again, Trynne.”

The queen embraced her, and there was such warmth and friendship there. The queen had a sweet fragrance in her hair. The dusky smell of star jasmine.

“I’d forgotten it was morning here,” Trynne said, pulling away.

“I’m exhausted.”

Genny squeezed her hands. “You do look tired. But you won’t hasten away? I’d like you to stay a little while.”

“Very well,” Trynne said. “What news?”

“Tell me your news first.”

Trynne nodded and started to pace, but Genny hooked her arm.

“Let’s walk as we talk. It’ll help refresh you.”

Trynne accepted the invitation, even though she had been active all day. A servant came to say that breakfast was about to be served in the audience hall, but Genny waved the girl away after inquiring if Trynne was hungry.

She was not. She wasn’t sure she ever would be again.

“It is finished, Genny. We saved as many people as we could.

The ships were launched from their various harbors. According to my mother’s vision, we evacuated the most impacted realms first. In the end, Gahalatine was too weak to travel. He stayed at the zenana after his palace burned down. The Dochte Mandar and the Wizrs had fled, along with any hetaera. Sunilik helped drive their influence out. He’s going back to the oasis, where he will rule once again. It will not flood in the desert, thankfully.”

“That is good news,” Genny said, steering her along the corridors. The sunlight shone on the queen’s hair. “Reya will be happy, and she and her husband will enjoy visiting there.”

“So Reya and Elwis were married at last?” Trynne asked.

Genny smiled pleasantly. “Indeed. So much has happened.”

“I want to hear about all of it,” Trynne insisted.

“Your news first. Tell me more about Gahalatine. His death must have been very difficult for you.”

Trynne nodded, feeling the sorrow well inside her. “It was difficult watching someone so hale fail so quickly. He shrank before my eyes. But he was determined. He spoke vigorously about the corruption within Chandigarl, the focus on wealth and riches above all. He defeated the rumors about us and told the truth about what had happened. Most believed him. Many did not—they refused to accept that the flood was coming. They made any number of excuses for why it would not. But it all came down to the fact that they didn’t believe it would happen. He sorrowed because of it, especially since there were so many trappings of belief—the fountains, the prayers, the symbols—throughout the realm. Yet many saw them merely as decorations. They wore their beliefs on the outside, not the inside.”