Chapter 7
The days passed and I turned my attention toward preparations for the yearly event I had named Fun Camp. It was first held on the occasion of my eleventh birthday, a gift from my dear parents. When they asked what I wished for that year, I told them simply that I wanted the children to laugh. I believed it would be a one-time joy, but to my astonishment, they declared it would continue each year henceforth.
My heart swelled at the memory. Bless their generous souls and if I may confess without vanity, bless the success of their trade as well, for without it, there would be no means to fund such a gift.
The camp took place in the forest just beyond the town's edge and lasted a full seven days. Each year, hundreds of Ombrithar's servants guided the orphans of the town to the glade, where they enjoyed games, stories, and prizes. Father Sorin, Sister Alethea, Sister Juliara, and I served as the principal organizers.
The four of us were gathered round our modest table, parchment and quills set neatly before us, with an inkwell between. I folded my hands tightly in my lap to still their trembling.
"Has everyone had time to consider the suggestion I made yesterday?" I asked, I could feel the anxious flutter of my pulse.
Father Sorin sighed. "It is a fine notion, child, but I fear we have not the funds to bring it to life."
"Oh, but I believe we do," Sister Alethea said with a cheerful nudge to my side.
"My father sent three thousand gold this year," I added quickly. "That is two thousand more than what we received in previous years. Sister Alethea and I counted the coins together last night. Twice."
Father Sorin's brow furrowed. "And why did you not tell us this yesterday? I spent the whole night worrying over figures."
"I am so sorry," I said softly, bowing my head. The truth was, my thoughts had been wholly occupied. It had been days since I last saw Princess Yseldra, and her absence had settled upon me.
"And why did you not say anything either, Sister Alethea?" Sister Juliara asked, narrowing her eyes. "I lost sleep as well."
Sister Alethea only shrugged. "It was not my place to speak. The coins belong to this little lady," she said proudly, scooting her chair closer and giving my waist a light squeeze that warmed me. "I would not speak until she chose to."
I blushed, touched by her kindness.
"Then it is possible," Father Sorin said, leaning in thoughtfully. "We have the means. One obstacle overcome. But another remains. I am uncertain how the noble families will respond to such a proposal."
"I must agree," added Sister Juliara. "They may not take kindly to it."
"W-we could speak to them directly," I suggested. "My father once told me that when seeking agreement, a conversation held face to face is far more persuasive than any letter."
Sister Alethea gave a firm nod. "I am fond of that plan. We must ensure we guilt them into agreement."
"Sister Alethea," I said softly, offering her a gentle look of disapproval, "we must not rely on guilt. We must speak truthfully and from the heart."
"Yes, yes, through guilt," Sister Juliara agreed, her quill gliding swiftly over parchment.
"Ordinarily I might object to such a method," Father Sorin added, "but in this case, I find myself inclined to agree. Think of the slaves, child."
I bit my lower lip. They were not wrong. The need was too great.
"Sister Juliara," Father Sorin continued, "have you any thoughts as to whom we might enlist? We shall require no fewer than forty."
"I am already writing out the names," she replied without pause, her quill moving with purpose.
"I wish to be paired with Sister Naevia," Sister Alethea declared at once, seizing one of my arms and holding it close.
"You may not choose your partners," Sister Juliara said with a glance. "I must pair everyone according to their strengths and shortcomings."
"I am the strength," Sister Alethea replied, pulling me closer still.
"I… I am the shortcoming," I murmured, my cheeks turning warm.
Sister Juliara studied us both for a brief moment. "Very well. You two shall remain together."
And so the day came when we were to call upon the nobility. Our duty was clear. We were to visit five households. Sister Alethea and I looked down at the list in her hand.
"Two Viscounts, two Barons, and a Knight," she read aloud.
"Let us begin with the Knight," I said as we stepped into the crowded street. My heart was already fluttering with unease.
"Why? I think we ought to begin with the Viscounts. Start with the most difficult, then ease down," she said matter-of-factly.
"Please, Sister Alethea," I said with quiet urgency, "I must be certain I can manage the Knight before speaking to anyone of greater rank."
She sighed. "You must cease fretting over everything. Breathe, Naevia."
"I am trying," I whispered. "But your desire to begin with the Viscount is making it rather difficult."
"Fine, fine," she relented at last. "We shall visit Sir Cedan first. Are you satisfied?"
I nodded. "Very."
"I do wonder how Father Sorin is faring," Sister Alethea remarked as we continued along the path.
"I heard he was sent to the Duke's estate," I replied. "And Sister Juliara went to the Duchess's residence."
A sudden pang stirred in my chest. Was Princess Yseldra presently with Duchess Rowena? Might Sister Juliara encounter them? For a fleeting moment, I wished I had received her list instead of ours. But then again… Sister Juliara always planned wisely. She knew our strengths and our limits. She had given us what she believed we could bear.
"Here we are," Sister Alethea said, halting before a tall, wrought-iron gate. The estate beyond was not vast, yet carried a dignified presence. Modest in scale, but proud and well-kept. A fitting abode for a knight.
"Welcome, Sisters," the gatekeeper said, inclining his head with courteous grace.
"May Ombrithar's light shine upon you, good sir," Sister Alethea returned with a warm smile, while I struggled to still the trembling in my hands.
"Thank you kindly, Sister," he replied. "Might I ask the purpose of your visit?"
"We seek audience with Sir Cedan. Might he be at home?" Sister Alethea asked.
"He is, though presently engaged with a guest. I can deliver a message, if you wish."
"We are content to wait," I said quickly.
"If you do not mind the wait, then all is well," the gatekeeper said, stepping aside. A footboy came at once.
"Would you escort the Sisters to an unoccupied drawing room," the gatekeeper instructed, "and inform Butler Wynnmere that they are here for Sir Cedan?"
"Certainly," the boy said with a bright smile.
We were led quietly into the mansion, and to my astonishment, we came upon Princess Yseldra herself, walking in stride with Sir Cedan. Nerissea followed a pace behind, flanked by four royal guards. From the look of it, they had been preparing to depart.
My heart fluttered so terribly… I have come to realize that I have missed her.
"Good morning, Your Highness. Sir Cedan," Sister Alethea greeted with perfect composure. "I am Sister Alethea, and this is my companion, Sister Naevia."
A smile touched Her Highness's lips as she stepped nearer. "What a delightful surprise to see you here, Sister Naevia."
"H-hi," I murmured, my voice soft and foolish. I could feel the color rush to my cheeks. That was no way to greet a princess.
"Good morning, Sisters," Sir Cedan said, inclining his head. His expression remained unreadable. Though he was retired and well into his sixties, his frame remained powerful, his stature towering. He stood as tall as the royal guards themselves.
I forgot every word I had rehearsed. My speech crumbled into dust. And with Her Highness present… I feared she might laugh. What if she found my proposal ridiculous? What if I appeared utterly foolish?
"I presume you have business with me?" Sir Cedan asked calmly.
"Yes, if you might grant us a moment of your time," Sister Alethea answered with grace.
"Certainly. Allow me to see the Princess off first."
"Actually," Sister Alethea turned to Her Highness, "if you are not urgently bound elsewhere, would Your Highness care to remain with us?"
I wished to disappear. My heart was thundering in my chest. My fingers fidgeted inside my sleeves, twisting the fabric with helpless nerves.
Her Highness smiled, bright and terribly radiant. "How could I possibly decline?"
Thus we were brought into a drawing room, where four long sofas had been arranged into a square about a low table in the center. Sir Cedan gestured politely for us all to take our seats.
With quiet nerves, I sat upon one of the sofas. Sister Alethea moved to sit beside me, but just then, Her Highness settled beside me with ease, one leg draped elegantly over the other as she reclined with a manner both graceful and languid. My heart leapt.
Sister Alethea paused, then took a seat on another sofa. Sir Cedan sat across from us, composed and upright. Nerissea stood in silence near Her Highness, her posture still, her gaze respectfully lowered. The royal guards remained outside.
"Thank you, Your Highness, and Sir Cedan, for sparing us a moment of your valuable time," Sister Alethea began. "The time for the annual event known as Fun Camp draws near. This year we hope to expand the festivities slightly."
"I had heard that event is generously funded by the Ashcroft family," Her Highness remarked, her eyes turning to me with a playful gleam. "Sister Naevia, you have been awfully quiet. Why do you not speak instead?"
I swallowed hard. I felt the weight of every gaze. I looked to Sister Alethea, who gave me a small, encouraging nod. Then briefly to Nerissea, whose eyes remained fixed upon the floor. I could not look at Her Highness. I turned instead to Sir Cedan.
"Sir Cedan," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "This year, we hope to welcome not only orphans but also the slaves of noble households. We wish to ask, with deepest respect, that you consider permitting your household's slaves to attend. The children and slaves alike will be invited to partake in games, receive prizes, and enjoy whatever amusements they choose…"
But before I could finish, Sir Cedan's expression darkened.
I fell silent at once. My voice abandoned me. My courage, too.
Sir Cedan then let out a quiet sigh. "Sister, you understand that slaves are purchased for the sake of labor."
"That is precisely why the temple has resolved to grant them this brief reprieve," Sister Alethea replied earnestly. She looked between Sir Cedan and Princess Yseldra. "A single week of merriment and ease-"
"Whose idea was this?" Princess Yseldra interrupted.
"It was mine, Your Highness," I said at once, unwilling to let even a shadow of blame fall upon Sister Alethea.
"Ohhh," she drawled with interest. "Then tell me, Sister Naevia, why you believe this is a wise proposal." Her golden gaze lingered on me. I could not discern if there was teasing in her eyes or true curiosity.
I dropped my eyes to my hands folded tightly in my lap. "I believe, Your Highness, that every soul deserves to feel joy, however fleeting. For those slaves who are content in their stations, I am sincerely glad. But there are others… others who suffer in silence, who must endure what they dare not speak. The longer that pain festers, the deeper resentment grows. And resentment, when left unchecked, can one day turn to violence."
I paused, scarcely believing the words coming from my own lips.
"There have been cases, Your Highness… rare but real. Slaves who turned upon their masters. If even a single week of freedom and delight can soften that bitterness, then both master and slave stand to gain. A moment of kindness may alter much."
My chest rose and fell with the quiet of my breath. I had not planned to speak in such a way. We were meant to approach this with gentle guilt and appeal, but under Princess Yseldra's gaze, I could not do so. I could only speak what I truly felt. And deep down, I feared that if I failed to convince her… she might not only dismiss my idea, but punish me for daring to offer it at all.
"It could very well backfire," Sir Cedan said plainly. "You grant them even a sliver of liberty, and they may use it to your disadvantage. The key lies in keeping the leash drawn tight."
"Slaves are not livestock," I murmured. "And if we are to speak of leashes… their contracts already bind them. To tighten it further serves no purpose but cruelty."
Princess Yseldra folded her arms. "Let us suppose some nobles do grant their slaves permission to attend. What of those who refuse?"
"We can only make the attempt, Your Highness," I answered. "I understand that not all will agree. Some will deny their slaves the chance. But even a few willing hearts may make a difference."
At that, Princess Yseldra suddenly laughed, startling me. I looked to her, uncertain what had amused her so.
Once her laughter subsided, she spoke with a warm smile. "Everyone leave Sister Naevia and me. Except for Nerissea."
Sir Cedan inclined his head and departed without question. Sister Alethea rose slowly, casting a puzzled glance in my direction before following.
"Nerissea," Princess Yseldra said, toying idly with the edge of my veil, "would you be a dear and explain to Sister Naevia? Nerissea is quite clever. Do listen well."
Nerissea stepped forward with quiet grace, her gaze still lowered. "Sister Naevia," she said softly, "your intention is to ease the resentment some slaves may harbor toward their masters. Yet you are also mindful that many masters may forbid their slaves from attending. There lies the difficulty. Those permitted to go shall feel joy… but those denied may grow even more embittered, having seen others granted what they themselves are refused."
I stilled. She was right. Entirely right. Why had I not thought of this?
"Go on, solve the matter for her," Her Highness said with amusement, resting her chin upon my shoulder. I blushed deeply. She was far too close. Her presence flustered me already, and now she chose to act so intimately with another still present.
Nerissea continued, "if I am not mistaken, you were able to propose such an expansion because the temple received greater funds this year?"
I nodded while Her Highness exhaled near my face. Her breath was terribly warm, and she was doing it on purpose.
"I would suggest this," Nerissea said. "Let the temple declare that half of the event's funds were gifted personally by Princess Yseldra, and that she has granted permission for me, her own slave, to attend. When the nobles hear this, they will be compelled to follow suit. Whether out of sincerity or mere pretense, they will not wish to appear lesser. Most shall even offer additional donations to preserve their reputations."
It was as if a curtain had been drawn back and the world appeared brighter. Her words echoed through my thoughts. For a moment, I forgot even that the Princess was pressed so near to me. Nerissea's solution had taken hold of my mind entirely.