Page 53 of Warrior Princess
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After securing a carriage in Keldara, Ronan, Selene, Henry, and I journeyed back to the Grasslands after Mykal and his soldiers dropped us off at the border. The ride was long, and by the time we reached the outskirts of the village market, the sun was beginning its descent and long shadows stretched across the dusty paths. Silas was waiting for us just as we had arranged. With quick exchanges and brief hugs, we handed over Selene and little Henry to his care, ensuring they would be safe while we attended to more pressing matters.
Ronan and I made a beeline for the ritual hall, the center of all tribal meetings and decisions. The hall, a large structure marked by massive wooden beams and the thick, heavy cloth that served as a door, was immediately recognizable. We didn’t bother to announce our arrival, pushing past the heavy fabric and stepping into the dimly lit interior.
Inside, the air was pungent with the scent of burning incense, and the elders were seated in a semi-circle around a low burning fire. Chief Aryan and Shiro were engrossed in a discussion that halted abruptly as we entered.
Chief Aryan’s eyes narrowed and regarded us with a mixture of irritation and expectation. “Are you done gallivanting across Asteria and finally ready to contribute something worthwhile?” he challenged his son.
“We’ve been dealing with matters that affect the safety of our people,” Ronan retorted, his voice steady though obviously annoyed. “But that is beside the point. I’m assuming you’ve received the news about King Alwyn?”
Chief Aryan’s demeanor shifted slightly, a subtle acknowledgment of the gravity of the news. “Yes, the funeral is in six days in Eldwain, which will give us ample travel time to arrive. We’ve been invited.”
“Are you going?” Ronan asked.
His father rolled his eyes. “Yes, and I expect you to accompany me, Ronan…onlyyou,” he stated firmly, his gaze sliding to me for the first time, his expression less than welcoming.
“Apologies, Chief Aryan, but I’ll have to inconvenience you once again. My family received an invitation, but I’m too far away to go to Valoria to travel with them. Please allow me to accompany you and your party.” I smirked, enjoying his obvious discomfort. “It would bemuchappreciated.”
Chief Aryan grunted, a sound that conveyed reluctant acceptance. “If you must.” His eyes briefly flickered to Ronan and then back to me.
“She must,” Ronan responded.
Shiro, who had been quietly observing the exchange, spoke up. “I would also like to attend. It would do well to show a united front, and I could use a change of scenery.”
Chief Aryan only nodded, knowing he couldn’t reject the demon fox. While the chief considered himself royalty, Shiro was the true king of the Grasslands. “Prepare yourselves. We leave at dawn tomorrow. Be ready, or be left behind,” ChiefAryan declared before he and the elders exited, leaving us alone with Shiro.
The demon fox approached us, his curiosity piqued. “How was your trip to the border?”
“Not good.” Ronan sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “As we suspected, King Malik is being poisoned. He’s not well.”
“Damn it,” Shiro cursed and glanced at me. “What are you going to do?”
I gnawed at my bottom lip. “I gave my brother a prescription that should ease the symptoms for a bit, as well as a vial of my blood. Hopefully my blood will heal him. If not, then I’ll need to learn what he’s been poisoned with to make an antidote.”
“Does your blood not always heal?” Shiro asked with furrowed brows.
I shook my head. “No, not always.” I recalled Tessa’s gruesome death. That poison took her quickly. Even though I forced my blood into her mouth, she died within minutes.
“Interesting,” Shiro hummed. “What else did you learn on your trip to the Central Plains? I expected to talk to you before you left for Keldara, but we didn’t have an opportunity.”
Ronan ran a hand through his long hair again. “Yes, our trip to Keldara was sudden, but our trip to the Central Plains was informative. We met with Caelan’s sister, Princess Avery, who told us King Malik was being poisoned.”
“She also told us something strange that we hoped to learn more about in Keldara, but unfortunately, we didn’t get any information,” I added.
“What was it?” Shiro asked.
“She claimed my mother had another child before me.” I was uncomfortable with the idea that another sibling – one I’d never heard of – was out there. “Supposedly it was stillborn, or at least that was what my mother claimed. But according to Avery,everyone involved in the birth was mysteriously killed… all but one. A midwife.”
Shiro’s brows rose. “That’s fairly… scandalous. Were you searching for the midwife?”
I nodded. “But someone from Eldwain beat us to it. They came to Keldara five years ago and took her away.”
Shiro tapped his chin and considered the fantastical tale. “Are we not going to Eldwain for the king’s funeral? It’s the perfect time to make some inquiries.”
My mouth fell open. “By the goddess, you’re right!”
“We have to be careful,” Ronan cautioned. “In foreign lands, we must abide by their customs.”
