Page 54 of Kingdom of Embers and Ruin

“Maude, you look… there are no words for how extraordinary you look.”

His ears turned a bit pink at the tips, and Maude couldn’t help but feel a slight blush cross her features. She gave him a small smile and thanked him for the compliment.

It was true that while she had enjoyed her lifestyle that allowed for pants every day and low maintenance, she did enjoy occasionally getting to dress for an event if it was private, like suppers with just her mother and sister.

When they were younger, they would all dress grandly for their suppers without the King and laugh through the night. Maude had always loved the beautiful gowns and colors that shone like jewels against her skin but had forcefully smothered these loves when she had run away rather than mourn her small moments of happiness with her sister and mother.

Once Maude and Bryn’s training had begun, they no longer felt it was important enough to enjoy those moments together. Balls and formal suppers with nobles had become a chore for Maude, and she had started to resent the gowns and all the grooming. Then she had a moment of clarityand decided to Hel with the gods and her fate, making the most selfish decision she could. She left her sister and mother behind and ran.

Maude hadn’t known then what would happen, didn’t know their days were numbered. Herrick extended an arm toward her with his annoyingly charming smile back in full force. Maude reached for him and told herself that she could enjoy tonight, take his compliment in her stride, and embrace their night of pretend civility.

Even if it could never last.

Maude and Herrick made their way down the long corridor that led to her room and out to the main staircase of the palace, her hand tucked into the crook of his arm. When they had arrived, Herrick had brought them through a side entrance that led straight to his rooms, and then she had been escorted down another corridor parallel to Herrick’s, where she would be staying.

Maude was curious as to what the rest of the palace looked like, not that she would ever admit it.

The grand staircase granted access to four floors of the palace; they had exited the western wing and were making their way to the eastern side, where the Queen resided on the fourth floor.

The two of them strolled through the corridors toward the stairs that would take them one floor up as Herrick recounted a few childhood memories of him, Gunnar, and Hakon causing trouble in the halls, sliding down banisters, and pranking the innocent staff working in the palace. Maude felt herself relax a bit as they both fell back into the rhythm that had become natural between them.

“Gods, you all sounded like terrors as children,” Maude huffed, hiding her smile.

“We were awful. It's a miracle they’re allowing Hakon to become King one day,” hechuckled.

They both fell awkwardly silent at the mention of their royalty, reminding them of all that had come to light that day. Maude scrambled for something to say when she noticed the axe on his hip again.

“Why do you get to carry a weapon and I don’t?” The question came out as more of a statement, but she was irritated at the inequality.

“You’re telling me you don’t have a weapon on you right now? I find that hard to believe,” Herrick scoffed.

“I didn’t say that. I just meant that when I commented on fighting off an attacker to my handmaidens, you would’ve thought that I had suggested I attend supper in only my skin.”

Herrick stumbled over his feet for a second before quickly smoothing out his gait and turning to eye Maude’s gown. Seeing only the smooth fabric that clung to her body, she watched him work out exactly where she might be hiding a weapon.

“Your knife must be somewhere interesting if you say you’re hiding a weapon in that dress,” Herrick said as his eyes lingered a bit too long on her curves.

When his eyes finally made it back to her face, she winked at him. He stared at the uncommon sight, eyes flaring in surprise.

“Wouldn’t you like to know,” she said, tugging on his arm a bit with a sly smile.

Herrick only laughed, the sound full and melodic, as he steered her toward the white-marbled stairs that led to the Queen's quarters. Grasping her skirts in one hand, she allowed Herrick to lead her toward his mother’s private dining room.

Her one complaint with gowns was that she had to hold the skirts this way for any extraneous movements, which required support from another.

As they made it to the stairs, she saw Hakon storming out of the western wing of the fourth floor, presumably the King’s quarters. Fury painted across his features and caramel hair disheveled, he almost didn't notice that his brother and Maude were standing there until he nearly crashed into them. Herrick released Maude’s hand to stop Hakon as he walked by.

“What’s happened, brother?”

“Nothing important,” Hakon responded shortly. “I have to go. Did Maude settle in well?” His eyes were on the third floor, searching for something. Or someone.

“Er— I settled in fine, thanks,” Maude said awkwardly.

Hakon’s eyes shot to her and widened a fraction before he recovered.

“Gods above, Maude, I didn’t even recognize you. You look beautiful; please excuse my behavior,” Hakon exclaimed, inclining his head.

“That’s not necessary; you seem distracted,” Maude replied, noticing how distressed Hakon was and waving off the formality of his words.

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