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 clasped 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.