DarkSkull Hall Read online

  Her father laughed aloud at that, and his formidable expression softened. “I’m glad you think so. Now, that’s enough talk about kissing for today. Go and get ready for dinner. We need to leave soon.”

  “Yes, Papa.” She reached up and kissed him on the cheek, then ran off to get ready.

  “Alyx?” His voice stopped her.

  “Yes?” When she looked back at him, the disapproving frown had been replaced by a look she thought might be sadness.

  “You may be years away from marriageable age, but you are of courting age now. That means it is inappropriate for you to spend significant amounts of time alone with a young man, best friend or otherwise, especially in his bedroom,” he said. “You know that I am right.”

  “I do,” she said reluctantly.

  “So no more sneaking in through his bedroom window?”

  “Papa...”

  “I’m serious about this, Alyx. If you won’t follow my rules, I will consider forbidding you to see him.”

  “All right.” She stifled the annoyed sigh that wanted to escape, knowing it would only make him angrier. “I won’t sneak in anymore.”

  He sighed. “All right, get along with you.”

  Alyx’s rooms were spacious and airy. Three high, arched windows along the northern wall provided a lovely view out towards the palace and its beautiful gardens.

  Cayr’s face floated into Alyx’s mind as her maid busied herself buttoning up her pastel-green dinner gown and a flush warmed her face as Dashan’s teasing words floated back to her. She had noticed how handsome he was, and despite her protestations to her father, deep down she knew things were changing.

  “Make sure you get my hair right, Dana,” she said to the maid. She wanted to look good tonight. Obligingly, Dana finished buttoning her dress before seating Alyx before the mirror.

  Her hair was nice enough, she supposed, though dark brown wasn’t an exciting colour, and sometimes it was so straight that it looked like it had no life. Her face was narrow, but not horribly so, and the freckles dotting her nose and cheeks weren’t awful. Her eyes were probably her best feature; dark green with flecks of gold, they stood out prettily against the fairness of her complexion.

  It took an hour for the maid to do her hair into an elaborate braid. By the time she’d finished, Alyx was happy to escape the fussing and fled the room to meet her father.

  Her father stood in the foyer, looking tall and dashing in a silk black coat and breeches. He was frowning down at the cuffs on his shirt, so absorbed in his thoughts he hadn’t noticed her appearance. Worry flickered in her.

  “What’s wrong, Papa?”

  He turned at her voice, a warm smile eclipsing the look of worry. “You look beautiful. I can’t believe my little girl is already growing into a young woman.”

  “You were frowning,” she said, not willing to drop the matter. “Is everything all right?”

  “It’s nothing you need worry your pretty little head about.” He offered his arm, and they walked outside to the waiting coach. “You know I have many responsibilities in my position. Some of them weigh more heavily at times, that’s all.”

  “You could have told me about Astor,” she grumbled.

  “He told you then? I’m sorry, but I didn’t want to upset you.”

  “Have you met the new lord-mage?”

  “Briefly. I think he will be of great value to the king. You’ll meet him tonight, in fact. He’s been invited to dinner.”

  “Why does Rionn even need a stronger lord-mage? That’s what Astor said when I asked him why he was retiring.”

  The frown from earlier reappeared. “It’s always good for a country to have a strong lord-mage. Astor is getting old, after all, and he deserves retirement.”

  “If that’s true, why does Rionn just have one mage?”

  “Well, that’s not technically true. Mages often travel through Rionn, and sometimes they’ll lend a hand when our crops are struggling in a particular region, or if there’s an outbreak of sickness. The Mage Council even sent a couple of warrior mages when we had that issue with pirates a few years ago,” he said. “It’s just that Rionn only has one mage sworn to the king’s service.”

  “Why?”

  “We used to have more, but that was many years ago, when I was a young man and everyone still remembered the time of war,” Garan said. “But as peacetime took hold, Astor did such a good job the king didn’t feel he needed more mages. Where are all these questions coming from, anyway?”

  “Astor has been the lord-mage my whole life, and now without warning he’s leaving,” Alyx said. “He seemed uncomfortable this afternoon too, even though he told me this was what he wanted. It was odd.”

  “I’m sure he does feel odd about it. As you say, he’s been the lord-mage a long time.”

  “There was something more,” she insisted.

  “Well, I suppose I prefer these questions over you asking about whether Lissa’s dress at the last ball was better than Karina’s,” Garan teased.

  “I wonder what they’ll be wearing tonight.” Alyx sat up straighter. “I bet neither of them will look as nice as I do.”

  “Probably because neither of their fathers spent as much on their dresses as I did on yours,” Garan said dryly.

  Alyx smiled and squeezed his arm. “I love you, Papa.”

  “And I you, Aly-girl.”

  The remainder of the carriage ride along the short road up to the palace was spent mostly in silence. The frown re-appeared as the silence lengthened, and Alyx eventually asked him a silly question about the beads in her hair so she could see his affectionate smile return. She worried about her father, wondering if his lack of an heir weighed on him heavily.

  At least, Alyx assumed that’s what the problem was. There wasn’t anything else happening in the quiet, peaceful kingdom of Rionn that could upset him this much.

  Elaborately dressed footmen discreetly but efficiently helped Alyx and her father down from the carriage as they arrived at the gleaming palace. It was sunset, and an orange glow suffused the sandstone walls. A senior footman hastened to greet one of the evening’s most important guests and usher them through into the royal family’s wing. After a short walk, they were shown into the plush reception parlour adjoining the king’s dining room.

  Alyx reached up to kiss her father on the cheek, then slipped off to find Cayr. Many of the evening’s guests had already arrived, standing in small groups around the room, and Alyx’s progress slowed as she stopped briefly to speak to those she knew. Her father had impressed upon her since she was a small child how important it was to be polite and friendly to everyone at court. Her behaviour always reflected on him, and through him, the king.

  “Lady Sparkish.” Alyx curtseyed to the wife of the king’s most senior general. “It’s lovely to see you this evening.”

  “And you, Alyx. Your manners are impeccable, as always.” She laid a hand on Alyx’s arm. “You’re a credit to your father.”

  “Thank you, Lady Sparkish.”

  Eventually she’d greeted everyone she recognised and approached Cayr where he stood by the fireplace with his father and two others. The two were strangers to Alyx, sparking her curiosity. Cayr spotted her seconds later and smiled a greeting.

  “Your Highness,” Alyx said, bowing her head to the king as she curtseyed more deeply than she had for Lady Sparkish.

  “Alyx.” The king smiled a welcome. “It’s good to see you, as always.”

  The King of Rionn was a handsome older man who had his son’s white-blond hair and faded blue eyes. She’d never forget how he’d welcomed her into his home and his son’s life as if she were his own daughter. “Thank you, your highness.”

  Having greeted the king properly, Alyx turned her attention to Cayr and the two others standing with him. One was an unfamiliar girl Alyx’s own age. She wasn’t as tall as Alyx, but had stunning golden hair and looks to match. Alyx abruptly felt like an ungainly clod in comparison.

  “A
lyx, meet Lady Jenna Casovar,” Cayr said enthusiastically. “She and her father have just arrived at court. Lady Jenna’s father, Lord Casovar, is my father’s new lord-mage.”

  Alyx tore her eyes from the young woman, interested by Cayr’s introduction. Ever since her conversation with Astor that afternoon, she’d been wondering whom Cayr’s father had chosen as Astor’s replacement.

  Lord-Mage Casovar was tall and lean, with fair skin that looked almost sickly, like he didn’t get enough sunlight. His dark hair was short and neat, his clothes simple but expensive and well-tailored. He smiled politely as Cayr introduced Alyx, but the smile didn’t quite reach his grey eyes.

  “You are Lord Egalion’s daughter, I understand?” His voice was quiet, smooth. “His Highness speaks of your father with a great deal of respect and affection.”

  “Yes, Lord-Mage Casovar,” she replied just as politely as she allowed him to kiss her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.”

  “And you, Lady Egalion.” His eyes fastened on hers. Something in them, in their intensity, made her uneasy.

  “I’ll leave you and Father to discuss kingdom business, Lord-Mage Casovar.” Cayr’s voice distracted Alyx, and she looked away from contemplating the new Lord-Mage to see him turn to the man’s beautiful daughter. “Lady Jenna, would you like to come with Alyx and I?” Cayr smiled politely.

  “Please, Prince Cayr, you can both call me Jenna.” She turned to Alyx, offering her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Egalion.”

  Alyx shook the hand, taking an instant dislike to the knowing look in Jenna’s eyes as she glanced at Cayr. Smarting with sudden jealousy, Alyx quite deliberately didn’t return the favour of allowing Jenna to address her by her first name.

  “You too, Lady Casovar. Welcome to Rionn.”

  Dinner was announced shortly after, saving Alyx from having to spend too much time with Jenna. The king had considerately placed Alyx beside Cayr at the long, formal table, and she enjoyed conversing with him and the lords nearest them as they worked their way through several courses of perfectly prepared food.

  Once the final course had been served, the king rose and offered to entertain his guests more comfortably back in the parlour with spirits and cigars for those who smoked.

  Cayr touched Alyx’s arm as the guests began filing out. “Shall we take a walk instead?”

  Outside, the evening was balmy, with a gentle sea breeze that gently ruffled Alyx’s hair. They strolled side-by-side along one of the garden paths. At regular intervals, softly glowing lamps lit the way. For a long time they were silent, content to be together enjoying the lovely evening.

  “What do you think of your father’s new lord-mage?” Alyx asked.

  “I was a bit surprised to hear about the appointment actually. I’ve never seen him at court before. I have no idea how my father met him, or why he was chosen. His daughter seems nice, though.”

  “I suppose. I didn’t like his eyes,” Alyx mused. “I was surprised too. Astor only told me today he was retiring.”

  “You didn’t like his eyes? He seemed perfectly pleasant to me,” Cayr said with a smile, and then it faded. “But you’re right. It’s odd that your father, or mine, didn’t tell us about him. Come to think of it, I’m surprised Astor didn’t tell either of us earlier. Surely this decision was made months ago?”

  “My father’s been preoccupied lately.” Alyx frowned.

  “With his sudden concern for you and I consorting?” Cayr teased.

  “He doesn’t seem to find it as amusing as we do. He’s quite serious about his concerns, in fact. I told him about Jaran kissing Lissa by the rock pools, and he seemed even more worried until I told him I thought Jaran was ugly.”

  “I heard about Jaran and Lissa too. Then when I was talking to Dash this afternoon, he was telling me about some of the girls he’s been with.” Cayr grinned. “He called me an innocent.”

  “Well, a king’s son can’t simply run around with any woman he wants like a simple Bluecoat can,” Alyx said sharply.

  “See, that’s the thing.” Cayr stopped walking. “There’s only one girl that I want to kiss.”

  Alyx couldn’t help the smile that spread across her face, even as her gaze dropped shyly towards her shoes. For some time now, part of her had been hoping that Cayr would say something like this.

  “Alyx? Have I upset you?”

  “No.” She forced herself to return his gaze. The look in his steadfast blue eyes made her heart melt. “Quite the opposite, in fact.”

  “Are you sure?” Cayr said seriously. “I would never damage your honour or reputation, Alyx, you know that. I love you too much, you’re my dearest friend.”

  “I know.”

  “But since everybody else seems to be doing this kissing thing, I really wouldn’t want to miss out.” He stepped closer, reaching out to take hold of her hands.

  “You have a point.”

  “And who else to try new things with except my oldest and best friend, who just happens to be a girl?”

  Alyx’s heart drummed in her chest, his closeness filling her with a heady mix of anticipation and anxiety. What if she was bad at this? What if he never wanted to kiss her again?

  “Stop thinking so much,” he murmured.

  She squeezed his hands, silently giving him permission.

  Cayr leaned down, his eyes awash with blue warmth and affection, and very slowly, their lips touched. A tingle rushed through Alyx’s body all the way down to her toes. Cayr’s lips were warm and soft, and when they parted after a moment, he looked slightly mesmerized.

  “That wasn’t too bad,” she murmured.

  “You look beautiful tonight, Alyx.” He smiled again, and laced his fingers through hers. “Can I kiss you again?”

  Confidence growing at the look on his face, she nodded. “I’d like that.”

  He kissed her again, simultaneously awkward and eager. She chuckled when their noses bumped, then they both broke apart as footsteps approached on the gravel pathway.

  “Prince Cayr?” the Bluecoat saluted sharply. She wondered if he’d seen them kissing, if he’d tell anyone. “Lord Egalion asked me to let his daughter know that he planned to leave soon. Most of the other guests have gone.”

  “Of course, we’ll be right there.” Cayr glanced down at Alyx. “He really is concerned, isn’t he?”

  “Cayr...” she hesitated. “Now he has a reason to be.”

  He gave her a teasing look. “Does that mean I can kiss you again sometime?”

  “I hope you will,” she said, then flushed, suddenly awkward. “If you want to...I mean, I don’t know if—”

  “Alyx, I want to, I promise. But right now we should go before your father sends out a search party.”

  “You’re right.” She sighed.

  The pleasant tingling caused by kissing Cayr in the gardens was still bubbling inside Alyx’s chest as they made their way back to the parlour. Were all kisses as wonderful as what she’d just felt, or was it just because it was with Cayr, her best friend? As they grew closer to the parlour, her riotous thoughts about the kiss faded as the sound of raised voices floated down the hall towards them.

  “Garan, it’s time to admit your search has failed.”

  Alyx slowed as she recognised the voice of Dashan’s father—Lord-General Caverlock, head of the Blue Guard.

  “We need to keep trying. They have to be out there.”

  “Maybe they’re not. You need to concede the possibility that after the attack on ShadowFall Island eleven years ago, no more have been born.”

  “That’s impossible,” her father said flatly.

  “Alyx, this is rude,” Cayr murmured in her ear. “We shouldn’t be listening.”

  “Shush,” she said, hearing Casovar begin to speak.

  “Lord Egalion is right. Even so, your highness, I recommend you give my plan further consideration. Rionn’s safety is becoming precarious.”

  “I agree,” Caverlock said. “We need
solutions sooner than your fruitless searching for Taliath, Garan. Lord-Mage Casovar has already found two potentials in Alistriem.”

  “Three,” Casovar said.

  “No!” Alyx jumped at the sound of her father’s voice; she couldn’t remember the last time he’d sounded so angry.

  “Garan, I’m sorry,” the king spoke. “I’ve supported your quest to rebuild the Taliath order for years, but it’s time I take more decisive action. My primary responsibility is the safety and protection of Rionn.”

  “I know that, and I share your concerns, particularly where Shivasa is concerned, but—”

  “I believe your daughter has arrived, Lord Egalion,” Casovar said smoothly.

  Casting Alyx a chiding glance, Cayr knocked on the door and walked in. Alyx winced, expecting harsh words from her father once he learned they’d been eavesdropping, but Casovar did nothing but bow his head politely towards them both. How had he known they were there?

  “It’s time I took Alyx home.” Garan put his glass down and stood. “We can talk about this another time.”

  “I have to make a decision soon,” the king warned.

  “I know.”

  Her father was silent in the carriage on the way home, a grim silence that Alyx didn’t like to break. Still, what she’d overheard bothered her, so she broached it as they entered their home.

  “Papa, don’t be mad, but Cayr and I heard some of what you were talking about. You’ve been searching for Taliath? Is Rionn in trouble? Why did Lord-Mage Casovar’s plan make you so angry?”

  Garan chuckled wearily. “You heard a lot, young lady. It’s rude to eavesdrop.”

  “I know. I apologise.” She meant it.

  He gave her a long look, but capitulated. “To answer one of your questions, in recent years, the king and I have been working with Tregaya in attempting to re-establish the Taliath training school on ShadowFall Island. We’ve been working very closely with King Mastaran and his ambassador in Alistriem to do so,” he said. “The problem is, we haven’t been able to find any Taliath potentials.”

  Alyx frowned in confusion. She’d of course learnt about mages and Taliath in lessons as a child, but had been led to understand the Taliath order no longer existed in any functional form.