“I’ll get dinner started,” Trella said. “Don’t stay too late,” she added, looking at Ren. She retrieved her basket and carried Meladee back to their home.
“I’m going to miss having your help around here,” Ren said. “You do fine work.”
Yori smiled nervously and nodded. Ren rarely gave compliments, but his words were always sincere. He wondered if his uncle ever thought of him as a son rather than just an apprentice. Having never known his real father, Ren was the closest thing he had to one.
Tonight would be his last night among his human family. If he managed to find his father’s clan, he hoped they would accept him. There were many questions they could answer for him regarding his father. Yori knew next to nothing about him and wondered what kind of person he had been. Perhaps they even had a few things in common. With luck, he might survive the Wildlands long enough to find out.
Chapter 15
Lisalla stood on her balcony gazing at the Wrathful Mountains. This spectacular view had greeted her every day since she was born, and now she was preparing to leave it behind. The mountains stood tall and proud in the distance as she peered at the mist that hid the white caps from view and wondered what life on a mountaintop must be like. A sense of freedom came over her as she pictured herself high in the mountains, looking down upon the clouds. Closing her eyes, she tried to embed the image to her memory in case she was never able to return.
Soon, Lisalla would be leaving to meet her husband. Prince Aelryk of Na’zora was described as strikingly handsome as well as good-natured. Her excitement over her upcoming marriage was marred only by the fact that she had to leave her home. In her dreams, a prince had always traveled to Ra’jhou to marry her and take over her father’s throne. In reality, she would have to travel to a land she had never even visited and someday become their queen.
“My lady,” Danna said as she walked out onto the balcony. “You still haven’t decided on a wedding gown. Most of your things are packed, and we really should bring wedding clothes with us. Your father says the ceremony will take place immediately.”
Lisalla smiled at her maid and asked, “Are your things prepared as well?”
“Yes, ma’am,” the young woman replied. “It’s you I’m concerned about.”
“I’ll choose something,” Lisalla said with a sigh. “I just don’t understand why we have to be married so quickly. I want some time to know my husband before we wed.”
“I’m afraid that isn’t how things work for royalty,” Danna said sympathetically.
“Maybe we can have more fun finding you a husband,” Lisalla said, playfully tugging at Danna’s long dark hair.
Danna blushed and pushed her hair back over her shoulders. “I think that’s going to have to wait a while,” she said.
“Come and sit with me,” Lisalla said, pulling on Danna’s arm. The two sat together at the intricate metal table near the balcony’s railing. Lisalla closed her eyes and turned her face to the wind, her blonde ringlets dancing lazily on the breeze. Taking in a deep breath, the crisp mountain air filled her lungs. The days were growing shorter and the air cooler, but winter would not dampen her spirits. Her life was changing, and she was determined that it be for the better.
“Tell me about Na’zora, Danna. Have you ever been there?”
“No, my lady,” Danna said. “I hear it is a very nice kingdom, and the palace overlooks the sea. The weather is a bit warmer there, and it doesn’t snow as frequently as it does here. The summers can be very hot and humid, though.” Danna thought for a few seconds and added, “I hear the food is very good.”
Lisalla laughed. “Who can think of eating when wedding nerves set in?” she asked. “My main concern is whether this prince will like me.”
“He will love you from the moment he sees you,” Danna replied. “He is said to be very handsome, and you will have beautiful children together.”
“Let’s go and look at those gowns shall we?” Lisalla stood, followed by Danna. They passed through Lisalla’s spacious bedroom and out into the palace corridor. Their footsteps echoed along the brightly polished marble floors. Descending the stairs, Lisalla took her maid’s arm and leaned in close. Whispering, she said, “What color do you think the prince would like?”
“I’m afraid I don’t know, my lady,” Danna replied.
They continued walking arm in arm until they reached the dressmaker’s quarters. Lisalla’s mother was extremely passionate about her wardrobe and insisted a royal dressmaker be kept on staff at all times. She was given elaborate quarters next to the queen’s own chambers and was on call at all hours. Four sewing assistants were also housed in servant quarters adjoining the royal dressmaker’s rooms. When the queen demanded a gown, she did not like to wait long for its completion.