The beauty of the meeting room was in clear view. The table was large and made of beautifully carved wood. The legs were shaped like those of a horse. The walls were painted in a mix of white, blue, and black trims. The chairs were cushioned with hard foam wrapped in green velvet on wooden frames.
Emon had been gone for three days, and with him, Daemon's sense of calm. The head of the Clovis family was filled with confusion, shame, and concern for his heir, who had been abducted.
Present in this meeting were Sabella, the Empress; Lenourth, the Lord-Prince of Central Velecor; Talia, Emon's wife; and Candor Culayn, an advisor to the Emperor.
Daemon banged the table before saying, "Any news on that fool?" Candor let out a weary sigh. "No news as of yet. For now, we only know that he was captured," Candor replied.
Talia shook her head sadly. "I'm sorry," Talia said. "For what, girl?" Talia cast a quick glance at Sabella before answering the Emperor. "He was somewhat outgoing with King Leolyn. At first, I thought he had just made a new friend and he was showing him around. But one day, I walked into our room and saw two men tied up. When Emon returned, I questioned him, and he told me everything." She looked down toward her legs. "What did he tell you?" Daemon asked quickly. "That he was following a grave robber." Talia stopped talking; it was clear she was holding something back. "Speak, girl!" Daemon shouted.
The room grew colder as Sabella's anger at Daemon became apparent. "It is also our fault for not closely monitoring Emon. Don't throw your anger at Talia. I'm sure everyone here is at fault, one way or another," she said as she cast a knowing glance at Lenourth and Candor.
"He stole an imbued tool, the Dual Mirrors of Magerie," Daemon's anger faded into a proud smile until Sabella gave him an angry look. "Emon proved his resourcefulness, despite his recklessness. Continue, Talia."
"He infiltrated the Cemetery and asked questions. Then he made his way to the Golden Wall to see the Lord-Prince," Talia said, her gaze averting Lenourth, who smiled upon hearing of his involvement.
Lenourth cleared his throat and looked at Daemon intently. "I did give him a clue that the grave robber steals hearts to somehow transfer or sell divine traits. He would have found out on his own, but that is no excuse. I'm sorry, Brother, Empress, Talia." He said as he gave a small bow.
Candor called for a guard from outside, who brought what looked like two saddlebags. "These were found on the horses," Candor said as he gently placed them on the table.
Lenourth emptied both bags; the only things inside were pouches of coins and peasant clothes. "Leolyn gone, the grave robber gone. I'll send for Lord Marus. He will explain how Helstyr allowed the enemy into the heartland," Lenourth remarked angrily.
Daemon looked at him with bewilderment, as though disgusted that Lenourth wanted to shift the blame. "You spurred my son to action. And now, you intend to push the blame onto a good servant of the Empire?" Daemon challenged angrily. Flames danced in his hand.
"You proposed sending Caster to Negrichor. Now, your words made Emon curious. Do you want your son on the throne even if he must climb through the bones of my sons?" Daemon, now standing, burned with fury.
Lenourth's short-lived calm broke, and his flames burned almost as hot as his brother's. "I have served this House faithfully and honourably. Don't you dare accuse me of killing boys I love as much as my own sons," the room finally saw a bit of calm as Lenourth continued. "Father died only six years ago. Jhafear is dead, for all I know. I stepped up and took control of the heartland while you lived in peace as Emperor. What do Emperors do? I often asked myself. Even with what I've done, I know that when Caster comes of age, I'll have to live in obscurity."
Daemon cleaned a bead of sweat from his forehead. "If only you had told me about Emon's visit. You've won. Bring Jerystyr here before the week ends. I must act on the belief that both my boys are dead," Daemon said sadly.
Lenourth gasped before replying, "No, brother. And for the last time, I love them as much as I love Jerys. When they were younger, they would follow me everywhere. You know this. You know I'm right. But I understand if you want to blame someone."
The room became silent.
A knock at the door drew their attention. Daemon frowned at the sound. "Come in, Lanart." A young knight, a man in his early twenties, came through the door. "A letter, Most High. It is from Vestelle."
Daemon rushed toward the black-haired man and grabbed the letter. He read its contents with curiosity shining in his eyes. His eyes widened, then he ignited a flame from his finger and burned the letter.
Sabella stood to protest, but Daemon had already left through the door, making no effort to close it. "I'm sorry about my brother, Empress. Only he could understand the position he is in. House Clovis' grip on the Empire is tightening, and now there's the issue of his two sons," Lenourth said before sitting down.
Lenourth gazed at the ceiling. It was made of wood and had a spiral design. "If Emon needs rescuing, I'll go with my men to bring him back, I swear," Lenourth said assuringly. "I know," Sabella replied.
After a while, two sets of footsteps approached the room. A few seconds later, Daemon appeared with Geldryn, Dowager Queen of Dornwick, at his side.
Sabella wanted to speak; words of anger towards the Emperor might have fallen from her mouth. "What should we do with the mother of a traitor?" Daemon asked angrily as he firmly held her wrist.
Lenourth stood up to protest. Sabella and Candor followed suit. Talia only stood because she thought it was the right thing to do. She subsequently retreated beside the far wall. "She's the granddaughter of a King and the wife of a King. You shouldn't handle her like that," Sabella said, raising her voice.
Daemon's downcast eyes looked at everyone in the room. "Sit, we yet have much to discuss," Daemon said, then he released his grip on her hand.
"Emon was captured by Vestelle. They're demanding the return of Geldryn and Leolyn's two siblings in exchange for Emon," Daemon let the words sink in as he scanned their reactions. "Why, and what does this have to do with Leolyn?" Sabella asked with a confused look, while Talia seemed to be shedding tears of happiness.
Daemon pointed a finger at Geldryn. "Leolyn betrayed Emon. He has gained the power of his father, the return of his kingdom, and the Queen of Vestelle as his bride." They all looked surprised, especially Geldryn.
Daemon was sure they were all burdened with questions. Questions he himself had no answer to. "Vestelle has a Queen?" Lenourth remarked. "Dornwick has seceded then?" Candor asked. "When will the exchange be made?" Talia questioned.
All this while, Geldryn's face was wet with tears. "Leolyn, why? They sacked Dornwick, killed your brothers and my bed-sister. They drove us from our home to Damattis, where we've lived under the Emperor's goodness. Why?".
Daemon threw her a kerchief and said, "As someone burdened with leadership, I understand what he did. But alas, I can't forgive him. I might have to break my oath to Oswald. May the flame burn my guilt away," Daemon said calmly. It was the calmest he had been since the meeting started.
Daemon cast a pitying gaze at Geldryn's face. Leolyn clearly got his blue hair from her. She was pretty enough, though not as beautiful as Sabella or Talia. She was a slim woman, and her calmer countenance was a contrast to Sabella's commanding personage.
Daemon cast a pitying gaze at Geldryn's face. Leolyn clearly got his blue hair from her. She was pretty enough, though not as beautiful as Sabella or Talia. She was a slim woman, and her calmer countenance was a contrast to Sabella's commanding personage.
Daemon still looked concerned despite the new developments. "Why should we believe that what they say about Emon and Leolyn is true? However, we will honour their letter and send the Blarans to Vestelle." Daemon pursed his lips. He looked as though he was in thought. "What would Alaric do when he finds out that his sister is in the enemy's hands? Well played, I say," Daemon said. He went towards Sabella and whispered something in her ear.
The rest of them were deep in thought. They had not considered that sending Geldryn to Vestelle would sour relations with Varholt. "Candor, you will see to the exchange of hostages. Take at least two Knights of the Bones. I'll send word to Alaric. It would be better if we didn't act behind his back." When he was calm, Daemon was a good judge of situations. "You must leave at first light. May the winds carry you with haste," Daemon said, then left the room with Talia.
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Now walking through the corridors of the castle, Sabella wrestled her hand away from Daemon's hold. "I'm sorry for my conduct. But as you may know, I don't take lightly to any hurt befalling my family," Daemon said pleadingly.
Sabella looked at him with a hint of satisfaction. "They are my sons too, you know. But my conduct was better, even though I felt terrible inside." Talia said, then burst into tears.
Daemon took her into a hug, wiped away her tears, and consoled her. "You have to apologise to Lenourth. He played with the boys when you didn't know how to be a father. He would rather he and his children live peacefully than sit the Gyrspine in these times," she said softly. "I know," Daemon replied. "Talia kept Emon's secret the same way I would for you. She meant no harm," Sabella said as she put both her hands behind his neck.
Sabella tiptoed and Daemon slouched down. The chill night breeze, laced with sparse snow, blew against their clothes as their lips met.