Page 14 of Tide of Waves and Secrets

I knew it well.

Better than he could possibly imagine.

7

ROWAN

Two days, and still no summons from the queen.

Each morning had started out the same. Being escorted to the palace hall to break my fast, a tour of the palace, and then a respite that Nerys knew I did not need, but gave me anyway to tend to other responsibilities. To end each day, the evening meal.

Spending my days, and nights, with Nerys was nothing to complain about. Although we’d avoided further talk of politics, at each opportunity, I asked Nerys more about her upbringing and shared, as much as I was able, my own. It was the first time I truly understood my grandfather’s warning when I had begun to question why so many of the Keepers went unmarried.

“It is a rare man, or woman, who will give themselves fully to a Keeper knowing, or at least suspecting, they keep secrets.”

We took many vows, but none were as important as our vow of secrecy. The rule was a simple one. Only those with Harrow blood, or married to one with Harrow blood, knew of our existence. Scattered throughout the kingdom, some Keepers were nobles, others in less-esteemed roles, but all existed, at least partially, in the shadows.

Never once had I been tempted to share these secrets with anyone outside my family.

Until now.

When the knock came, I was resolved to have Nerys send a message to the queen, but her appearance erased thoughts of the Tidal Pearl and my mission. I’d seen her elegantly dressed, the gowns she wore to supper each evening taking my breath away. But today, the simplicity of her attire was somehow even more striking. Once again, I was forced to calm a quickened pulse I seemed unable to easily control since arriving at the palace.

Nerys wore a tunic the color of fresh seaweed, paired with fitted trousers in a soft, sandy beige that allowed ease of movement. A silver belt cinched her waist, with a small pouch at her side. Her boots were simple but well-made, and Nerys’s typically loose hair was tied back, strands framing her face, a soft glow of determination lingering in her eyes.

With the quiet confidence of a woman accustomed to navigating the world with poise, her attire suggested a readiness to act when needed.

“I thought perhaps you might wish to visit the training yard.”

I had not seen my weapons since arriving, and would indeed be glad for a training session.

“There has been no word from the queen?”

Nerys admitted she saw the queen infrequently as she typically interacted most often with her inner circle, of which Nerys was not a part, and took her meals in a private chamber.

“None. I sent a message this morn, reminding her of your presence.”

“Thank you,” I said, closing the door behind me as we walked into the corridor. “I was planning to ask if you might do as much today.”

“I am certain she will not keep you waiting much longer. She already knows it concerns the princess. I would think Queen Lirael would be most anxious to learn the truth of her return.”

The queen would not know of my ties to King Galfrid, nor of the true nature of my visit. Before I could respond, Nerys paused and spoke to a servant, asking him to fetch my sword and bring it to the training yard.

“Do you wish to break your fast first?” she asked.

“Not unless you do.” Nerys had already admitted to me it was her least favorite meal of the day. She said, when not assigned to me, she skipped it most mornings in favor of a walk along the sea.

Without responding, she headed in a direction of the palace we’d not ventured through yet. After a multitude of twists and turns, passing countless shallow pools, fountains and waterfalls, we appeared to be leaving the palace building and heading downward. When we finally emerged, the shores of the Marevean Sea were before us.

Here, Thalassarian warriors were already engaged in training, though none used swords. Instead, it consisted of arm and hand movements as they manipulated the ocean waters. I’d seen water magic performed before, but never by so many at once.

“Are there not rules against me being here?”

Nerys seemed surprised by my question.

“Should there be?”

I watched as a man created a tunnel of water, like a mini-cyclone, and dragged it over the sand. He seemed surprised when it fell apart and landed at his feet.

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