Page 24 of A Rose Among Snakes

“My mother almost died in childbirth—she had lost too much blood, I was told. She never fully recovered. Over time, she became weaker and weaker until one morning she didn’t wake up. The physicians could never figure out why she didn’t get better. I was only two, so I don’t remember, but that’s what Velian told me.” She paused for a moment in reflection. “I think my mother was the only person my father ever truly loved, and my birth was ultimately what killed her.”

“That’s awful. No one should be made to feel that way by a parent.”

Kezara shrugged. “It’s alright. Velian was more like a father than a brother. He is fourteen years older than me, after all, and our father was just as horrible to him– though I never understood why. He was a miserable drunk and Velian did everything in his power to shield me from him. He’s a good brother.”

The sound of blaring trumpets burst into the air outside the manor. Kezara and I looked at each other, puzzled. From the foot of the bed, Wolf lifted his head and let out a low growl.

“What is that?” I asked.

Kezara frowned. “I haven’t the faintest idea.”

I stood up and pulled the muslin curtain back to peek out the window, but I couldn’t see the front of the manor. “I’ll see if I can find out. I’ll be right back.”

Kezara nodded, nestling down further under the covers as she broke her promise to take it easy and poured herself another glass of wine.

Chapter Thirteen

Outside of Kezara’s room, I made my way to the balcony overlooking the foyer and leaned over. Mrs. Shulling was standing on the threshold of the open door accepting an envelope from a man garbed in a ridiculous ensemble. He wore a white tunic pinstriped with red and gold. Ruffles trimmed his sleeves and the bottom of the tunic, flaring out over the white breeches clinging to his legs. The toes of his boots were pointed and curled, and the red feather protruding from his hat waved as he turned and walked out of view.

Velian walked up behind Mrs. Shulling and took the envelope from her. I didn’t see the trumpeters, but all the fanfare pointed to royalty. I backed away on silent feet and went back to Kezara.

“What is it?” she asked as soon as I shut the door behind me.

“I’m not entirely sure, but I think a letter from the king was delivered. Mrs. Shulling answered the door and received an envelope from someone, and then handed it to your brother.”

Kezara’s face fell. “The ball.” A single tear slipped down her cheek. “I’m sure it’s an invitation to the ball announcing Leoran’s engagement.” Another tear fell, and she swiped it away. I had no words to comfort her, but a knock at the door broke the silence.

“Kez, may I come in?” Velian asked.

“Yes,” Kezara replied.

I backed away from her bed saying, “I will give you two privacy,” but Kezara grabbed my hand.

“No, please stay.”

I pressed my lips together but returned to my position as Velian entered the room. He hesitated a moment upon seeing me standing there, but he shifted his focus to his sister instead.

“Mihrra tells me you are not feeling well.” He stood at the foot of her bed with his hands behind his back, his face tight with concern.

“Only a headache, so there’s no need to worry.” Kezara flashed a brief grin.

Velian eyed the half-empty bottle of wine on her bedside table. “Yes, wine normally is the perfect cure for a headache.”

Kezara rolled her eyes. “So is your pestering,” she retorted. “I told you I’m fine, so if that’s all…” she gestured with a shooing motion.

“I have some information I thought might cheer you up.” He pulled his hands from behind his back and waved an envelope in the air. I glanced over at Kezara and saw her jaw clench momentarily, and then she raised her eyebrows.

“What is it?” she asked. Velian handed her the envelope. She turned it over and examined the royal seal. Her throat bobbed, but she opened it, pulling out an elegant invitation. Kezara kept her face blank while reading it, and then looked back at her brother. “Very intriguing. Do you want to go?”

“DoI?” Velian exclaimed, his brows shooting up his forehead. “Do you not want to? The invitation says we can stay at the castle, as well.”

I watched as Kezara took a steadying breath before exclaiming, “Of course, I do!” She shifted to me. “We’ll go dress shopping tomorrow, Mihrra! You’ll need a new dress, too, because you’re coming with me.”

I was not prepared for that. “I am?”

“She is?” Velian asked at the same time. My face heated as our eyes met. Why did he sound so opposed to it?

“Absolutely she is. I will not be taking any chances with the royal staff.” She raised her chin and sniffed. “Is there even a woman still living in the castle? I’m sure the staff are all out of practice. Mihrra has to come, no question about it.” She had a fair point. The queen of Terrune had passed away several years ago, and the king’s only child was a son, Leoran.

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