Page 38 of Shadows and Roses

A faint flicker of disdain passed in the guard’s eyes, then he turned on his heel and walked out of the Escorts’ hall. Castien smirked and followed.

Jerome spoke as they exited the hall, "The Escorts’ hall contains our personal rooms and a small bathing chamber at the end. Please do not enter a private room without permission."

That should go without saying, but Castien was getting the sense that this man didn’t trust him. Or perhaps anyone.

They approached an open area, the crisp morning air shivering pleasantly over his skin. A morning jog would be wonderful. He hadn’t had a chance to stretch his legs for a moon.

Captain Jerome tilted his chin. "In agreeable weather, breakfast may be arrayed in the courtyard."

A few tables laden with food were set up against some bushes. The guard nodded at two people Castien didn’t recognize, both wearing a single bracer. The wing must need servants and other skilled workers such as the Minister Priya.That female child, however—he hadn’t seen another child wandering around yet.

"Otherwise, there is a sitting room across the way." Jerome indicated an area past the fountain as he headed down a different hall.

Castien swiped a bread roll.

Jerome halted. "Apologies. You haven’t eaten yet."

Swallowing quickly, Castien shrugged. "This is fine. Lead on." Better than dining with the nobles. His standards were suffering.

A brusque nod and they continued. None of the halls were decorated as he’d expected of the Queen's Wing. The Great Hall’s abundance of tapestries, paintings, carvings, and trophies shouted luxury and wealth. Even the tables there were made of beautifully carved hardwood, rapidly replaced if they showed too many stains or signs of damage. In contrast, this wing resembled a fort or the castle walls—practicality, not ostentatiousness. The courtyard was so far the most aesthetic area, with plain but neatly trimmed bushes, a basic three-tiered fountain, and a few variations of flowering plants. Honestly, the courtyard in front of his House was far better arranged.

They stopped outside a hall with the records’ and tailors’ rooms, where Jerome also listed a few other functionary areas—closets, laundering, and a small library. The Escort who had bandaged his hand, Madeline, stepped out of a linen closet, holding several folded sheets. Bright curiosity lit her eyes as she approached.

"Welcome! I don’t know if you remember. I’m Madeline, the Queen’s handmaiden. How’s your hand?" She bowed her head slightly, smiling. The woman was as charming and warm as a hearth fire in midwinter;he couldn’t help smiling back.

"A pleasure, Lady Madeline." He bowed, noting the captain’s sudden stiffness beside him. Castien flexed his lightly bandaged hand. "Just fine, thank you again."

"Captain." She acknowledged his guide with a nod.

"My lady."

The woman blushed.

They walked on, the captain still a bit stiff. Castien glanced back at the handmaiden.

"She’s beautiful."

"She is." Brusque. He should probably leave that alone, but imagining this statue of a man having affection for anyone was too tempting.

"Are you and she…?"

"No."

That sounded like the last word Jerome was going to say about the topic. He’d have to keep an eye on them.

But for now, Castien said, "This wing feels very different from the rest of the palace." Refreshing. Clean and bright, like that woman. How she fit in as an Escort confused him. Perhaps the Queen made allowances for those close to her, like favored children. Even the stern guard’s edges seemed softer here.

Captain Jerome didn’t respond immediately. They approached the courtyard again, on the opposite side.

"Everyone you see is part of the Inner Circle—people we trust. The Escorts and the Queen unanimously approve every new person, including servants and guards. They would all be Escorts, but the… rest of the palace would not approve."

Disapproval was clear in that last statement.

All Escorts? He had seen at least a dozen people—the tailors, servants, guards—and she trusted them all? Were they truly loyal, or simply terrified?

More halls passed: a meeting room, guest rooms, a combat training area, and the Queen’s hall with her private garden.

Jerome paused at this last hall, a faint smile appearing on his lips. "Let's go meet the Queen."

---