Father would be proud to learn that his training truly paid off as Lucelia made a mental map of Marinisle's territory all right under the Celano's nose.
After a series of twists and turns they finally made it to what Lucelia assumed to be the main hall. The halls were mostly vacant save for the two souls hurriedly whispering to each other stopping only momentarily as the four crossed paths, flashing Lucelia a false, strained smile.
Lucelia didn't know how long she had been out for, but based on her energy level she could accurately deduce it had been more than just a few days. She could easily take on Aisha if she absolutely needed to, but a whole country of Irae? That is out of the question. No, if Lucelia wanted to make it out alive she needed to play the part of the docile woman. Yet, a single question burned in the back of her mind. It is innocent enough, but did she want to paint herself as a curious person so soon?
"So Lord Tiago," Lucelia began, "he is the one who saved my life?" she cautiously asked.
"Yes. I would have been there also had Healer Zolani not needed my services at the healer's wing," Aisha responded, briefly glancing in Lucelia's direction before making a left turn down another hall.
Lucelia kept her face indifferent as she mulled over the information.
Interesting. But why me of all people?
"Is it not true that all asylum seekers must step foot into Marinisle themselves to qualify for asylum?" Lucelia innocently questioned.
"It is true. However, Lord Tiago uses his discernment of the law when called for, especially during times of war," Aisha answered matter-of-factly.
So the Lord patrols the border. A devilish grin spread across Lucelia's face at this piece of information. Thankfully Aisha was busy navigating the strange halls and missed the strange look that crossed Lucelia's face. Oh, Lucelia could not wait to be the one to tell Father! She considered prying for more information about the young Lord, but that would signal danger in Aisha's mind and she certainly could not risk that.
"Are you a refugee of the war," Lucelia opted for changing the subject.
"A curious one aren't you?" Aisha stopped and turned around to fully face Lucelia. So much for not wanting to come off as invasive. Lucelia flashed Aisha a small smile and shrugged her shoulders. Luckily for Lucelia, the small gesture seemed to ease any concerns Aisha had.
"I am," Aisha said continuing down the hallway with Lucelia in tow, "I'm originally from Selaroai, but I have been displaced since the start of the war. And you?"
"My home is in Terra del Cielo. I was on my way to reunite with my Father before all of this happened." It was not a blatant lie, but rather a half truth. Lucelia is from Terra del Cielo and she was on her way to reunite with Father.
Wait—since the start of the war? Lucelia's heart ached for Aisha as she realized they had both been displaced from their home countries.
But the war is necessary.
If only she knew what the Irae did to the late Queen Elara. How ruthless they were when they held a dagger to her neck and slit her throat. That they made the late King watch with his hands and legs bound. That Father witnessed it all happen hidden from inside the armoire—innocent, young, and unable to scream for help for fear of being next. But Lucelia knew and that was enough.
"Here we are. I must return to the Healer's wing, but I'll have one of the guards walk you to Lady Celano's office before supper. Rest well." Aisha handed Lucelia the key to the room and left without another word.
Stepping inside the room Lucelia was unimpressed with the contents or sheer size of the room. Simple is what it was. It had a small bed off to the right of the room, a small table next to the bed, and a window. What more could she possibly ask for? Lucelia scoffed at herself for thinking she'd get anything bigger than a horse's stall.
Father had me spoiled, Lucelia thought to herself.
Just as Lucelia was about to step into the drawn bath, two unfamiliar voices stopped directly outside the door leading into her private room.
"Did you hear who Lady Alora's guest is?" One of the voices asked.
"No" the second voice answered, drawing out the word, "Spill it, Sanna."
"Lord Chiara," Sanna squealed.
Lucelia carefully sauntered closer to the door, placing her ear on the door trying to listen in on their conversation. This was not Lucelia's proudest moment, but not a lot is known about Selaroai and much less the Lord. All that was known of Lord Chiara were simply rumors that ranged from him being an unforgiving leader who exiles those in disagreement with his way of ruling to a loving leader who personally visits the poor and ailing to pray for their health. If what the majority of these rumors say is true about the Lord it appears to Lucelia that he is a person of decent character. At this point in the war, that is all one wishes their leader is, a decent person.
Nonetheless, Lucelia didn't bother herself with these rumors, at least not publicly. Lucelia will admit that she did indulge in gossip every now and then with Yvonne and Rain, but it was vital in keeping the Trinity and Father in the know. After all that is how wars are won.
Hearing about Lord Chiara's presence in Marinisle alarmed Lucelia, but above all she was hungry to learn more about the mysterious Selaroai and report back to Father.
"The Lord Chiara? What could he possibly be doing here?"
Sanna lowered her voice and Lucelia had to strain her ears to hear what she said next.
"Rumor has it, he's here to ask the Lady and Lord to fight alongside Selaroai," Sanna whispered loudly.
"What?" the first voice shrieked, hurting Lucelia's delicate ears. "Marinisle has remained neutral since the start of the war! Who does Lord Chiara think he is coming here to beg the Lady and Lord to plunge Marinisle into war?"
As soon as those words left Shanna's lips Lucelia's hand accidentally slipped and jiggled the door knob.
Perfect. Just perfect, Lucelia.
"What was that?"
"I don't know. Let's get out of here."
Stupid.
Foolish.
Careless.
Ever since Edwin's death Lucelia hasn't been herself. And if she wanted to survive in enemy territory she had to control herself or Father won't be so pleased. When will an opportunity like this present itself again?
Lucelia stripped naked and entered the bath. Hopefully the warm water and sweet smelling soap will be enough to ease her mind as she mentally prepared herself to meet face to face with the Celanos.
Enemy to Imitha.
Enemy to King Cyrus.
Enemy to me, Lucelia chanted to herself as she began lathering her hair with the soap.
Just as Aisha promised, Ishmael arrived just before supper and escorted Lucelia to what she assumed to be the war room where she was currently being interrogated by the Celanos.
"The following interrogation will be recorded and kept in our records. I strongly urge you to relay the truth and nothing but the truth, young girl," Lady Alora Celano said from behind the round table and gestured to the scribe to begin recording. Lord Levin Celano himself observed Lucelia, towering next to Lady Celano.
"As you are aware Lord Tiago Celano," Lady Alora proudly gestured in the young Lord's direction who offered Lucelia a small smile without looking in her direction, "was patrolling our borders when you were spotted floating in the river. The Lord selflessly jumped in after you and saved your life. Your unconscious body was recovered from the river and taken to the healer's wing where Healer Zolani healed your injuries."
Pausing mid-speech, Lady Alora rose from her seat and began walking in Lucelia's direction. "It will do you well to recall that Marinisle has remained neutral since the war commenced and will remain so. While it is true that we have opened our borders to those who had to flee their homes and welcomed them into our home, we are not doing this blindly. Each refugee and potential asylum seeker is given the opportunity to plead their case to us personally before being granted asylum."
Lucelia observed the Tidetamers in front of her as Lady Alora's speech dragged on. Whereas Lady Celano's coal hair was striking against her skin the color of the sea—pale and gilded in direct sunlight—Lord Celano's black hair complimented his kelp green skin tone.
Lucelia couldn't help but notice that the Lord and Lady complimented one another so well.
Celestine and verdant.
Tempest and serene.
Lord Tiago was a perfect blend of the two. At first glance he appeared composed yet Lucelia could see beyond this front. The way his eyes quickly darted between Lucelia and his parents yet fell just short of making eye contact with either of them disclosed his sagacious nature.
He will be a good leader, a strong leader. As long as he rallies behind Father, Lucelia thought to herself.
"You may begin," Lady Alora said as she sat back down in her seat and grasped her hands in front her in anticipation.
Lucelia gathered her thoughts for a moment, making sure to take a deep, shuddering breath. "He mistook me for someone else, I assume. He accused me of horrid, horrid things. I defended myself as best I could, but he was too strong for me," Lucelia sniffled as she gently grazed her bruised face with her fingertips. "His coarse hands on my neck, drowning me was the last thing I remember," tears pricked Lucelia's eyes and she acquired a sorrowful gaze. "My Lord, I owe you my life and I will never be able to repay this debt. Not in this lifetime or the next, but I do not belong here. My father awaits my return and I—" Lucelia hesitated for dramatic effect, "I dare ask for a warm place to wait out the storm and enough bread to last me my journey to Visarta."
"And the scars?" Lord Levin Celano dared inquire.
Lucelia whipped her head in the direction of Lord Celano, nostrils slightly flaring as his eyes bore into hers—challenging her. Healer Zolani had to have seen her naked body to find and heal her injuries and took note of her scars. It was necessary. It was unnecessary, however, to tattle her findings to the Lady and Lord.
"Many winters ago, my village was raided. I was taken, beaten, and left for dead," Lucelia responded coldly.
"But you are still here," Lord Levin Celano pointed out the obvious.
"I am still here," Lucelia met his gaze.
"Is your father your only remaining family?"
Lucelia was surprised Lord Tiago Celano dared ask her a question considering he has kept his comments to himself since the interrogation began.
Keep it short and simple, Lucelia reminded herself. "He is."
"Will you two remain in Visarta for the rest of the winter?" Lord Levin Celano inquired.
"Yes."
"Just 'yes'?"
"The winter time is harsh in Terra del Cielo, my Lord. We have no other family or home in Astoria beside each other," Lucelia responded as a matter-of-fact.
Lord Levin Celano nodded in understanding, satisfied with Lucelia's answer.
"Tiago, I believe it is time for you to decide whether Celia is welcome to stay in Marinisle," Lady Alora Celano interjected.
Lucelia's breath hitched. As much as she itched to run back to Father and tell him all of the information she uncovered. She knew the longer she could stay in Marinisle, the more sensitive information she could uncover.
Uncovering when and where the Celano's had breakfast and supper meant Rain could mimic a trusted ally and poison the family.
Uncovering where their chambers were located meant Yvonne could generate an earthquake strong enough to topple the wing. And right now—oh right now! Lucelia could drain all three of their life force and eliminate the threat Marinisle posed once and for all.
But that didn't happen. Instead Lucelia stayed seated and patiently waited for Lord Tiago Celano to begin speaking.
The young lord stood up and turned to face his parents and Lucelia, fidgeting with the sleeves of his tunic as he gathered his thoughts.
Lucelia frowned. She felt bad for the young lord who couldn't have been older than fourteen cycles and here he was deciding Lucelia's fate.
"Us Tidetamers believe the water chooses who lives and drowns. Celia entered the river unconscious and was guided by the water spirits to Marinisle for reasons yet unknown to us. It would be foolish to turn away someone the water spirits so carefully ensured their survival."
"Celia, you will be granted food and a warm place to stay until you are ready to make the trek to Visarta. You may find it is in your best interest to pack up your belongings and return to Marinisle to petition for asylum for yourself and your father. "
Lady Alora motioned for Ishmael to approach the group and ordered him to escort Lucelia to her chambers. Lucelia could not stop the giddy feeling she felt the entire walk back to her room.
Rumors say that King Cyrus is losing the war. Losing allies. Losing armies and hundreds of men with every passing day. Losing entire acres of territory by the day. But rumors are exactly what they are. The Trinity has been and will make sure of it.