Page 57 of A Queen’s Game (Aithyr Uprising #1)

Chapter Thirty-Five

Elyse

E lyse stifled a yawn as she nodded to the two guards outside the library that she didn’t recognize.

Since moving to her own suite, it was easier to wake early and head to the library without raising her father’s suspicion.

Though the sun just crested above the horizon, Elyse looked the part of a court lady with her hair tied into a half knot and black lining her eyes.

One freedom of living on her own was the choice of clothing.

The dress she wore was chiffon of pale gray that cinched at her waist, the neckline dipping low.

The tulip skirt appeared as if she had a normal slit until she walked, the fabric falling to the sides and revealing more of her legs.

It was a style that would have been too odd for her father.

Elyse would be thankful during her afternoon walk in the gardens for less cloth on her body. Plus, she liked the way her leather slippers and legs peeked out as she walked through the palace and to the library.

When Elyse arrived, her mind was still sluggish, with only having had one cup of tea. She jumped when she opened the door, finding the King in the office looking at her notes and a new stack of books on the desk.

“Elyse, I didn’t realize you came in so early.” King Wyltam set down her notes and placed his hands into his pocket, his eyes heavy with sleep and marred by dark underneath.

“Good morning, King Wyltam,” she said with a curtsy. “I spend my mornings reading and the afternoon practicing.” Ever since the experience with Mage’s Eye, Elyse practiced feeling for aithyr and other techniques from Fulbryk’s.

He nodded, looking down at her papers. “These notes are intriguing. Usually, those who study magic write line after line of text from the book. You drew diagrams and pictures instead.”

Elyse bit the inside of her cheek. “Drawing helps me memorize the visual details.”

“Clever. Were you good at your basic studies as a child?”

“My scores were less than average,” Elyse said, the admittance not burning as much as she thought it would. “I struggled to memorize text. When I tried to draw out my notes, the tutors would scold me.”

King Wyltam raised a brow, one side of his mouth lifting. “Typical. Funny how tutors know so much but also so little. Some, like yourself, cannot learn from text alone and I found in my teachings that visual aids go a long way. To figure that out on your own shows great promise.”

“You speak too kindly, Your Grace.”

“I don’t. I speak the truth.” The King’s hand spread her notes across the desk to read. The uncharacteristically slight smile remained on his face as he retrieved from his pocket a metal tin. “Ink is often unforgiving and slow to dry. I can see your smudges—and your frustrations.”

Gods, he saw the angry scribbles where she made mistakes, hashing them out hard enough to nearly tear the paper.

“I prefer charcoal, but being left-handed means it’ll smudge on my page; so, I had these made,” he said, shaking the tin, causing a rattling noise.

“They work well for taking notes. Charcoal wrapped in paper, enchanted not to smudge unless intentionally done with the paper end of the utensil.” King Wyltam set the tin on the desk next to her notes.

“Borrow my set for the time being. See how you like them. If you prefer them over ink, I’ll have some stocked in here for you. ”

Elyse bit back her shock at his observation and kind expression. “Now, you are too kind. Thank you, my King.”

He waved his hand, turning back to her notes. “Enough of the titles. When it’s just you and I, Wyltam will suffice. If you’re to work with me, I prefer less pageantry.”

Surprised, she couldn’t hide her reaction that time. “Of course, understood.”

Wyltam then placed his hand on the new stack of books on the desktop.

“I know you’re still focusing on Fulbryk’s principles, but work these texts into your studying.

Fulbryk is good for groundwork and theory, but the new material provides better physical instructions.

My goal for you is to have you training with magic by the end of next month. ”

“As in training with you? By the end of next month?” That wasn’t a lot of time.

“Me, or one of my mages. Or all of us,” he paused, staring at her a moment while he considered his words.

“The mages I trained do well in stealth but not so well in court life. Elyse, you have the perfect position in court as a lady born to a high-ranking noble but yet to marry. You possess the high capability to learn magic, and it is my belief that you will excel at it. You’re in a unique position to help me with court intrigue.

My goal is to have you be my eyes and ears in the other Syllogian city-states. ”

Her heart sunk. Of course, learning magic came with a price. She could visit the other city-states but only by the King’s hand. Foolish of her to think she’d gain true freedom. Even so, freedom at the end of a leash was better than a cage.

Wyltam came around the desk, leaning against its edge with his arms crossed. “If we can get your nerves under control and improve your proficiency with magic, then you may become one of the greatest allies of my kingship.”

“So I would travel to the other city-states at your request?” she asked, her heart swelling. She imagined the castle of Kyaeri nestled in the Ekrixi Mountains flanked by waterfalls that feed the Halia River. The travel and adventure she wished for could be in her near future.

“You would, and you would play the dazzling, young courtier as you have with the Chorys Dasians.”

Elyse closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as embarrassment flooded her. “I’m so sorry again—”

“That’s enough,” he said, cutting her off. His expression softened. “None of it was your fault. The incident brought much to my attention that I had been ignorant to, and for that, I’m thankful.”

Elyse only nodded, unsure of what to say.

“You have much potential, Elyse,” Wyltam said, pushing off the desk and heading towards the door. “But with that potential comes the opportunity for disappointment. Only you decide the outcome.”

“I won’t let you down, my—Wyltam.”

“Be careful to not make promises you can’t keep,” he said. “And if you ever need me, I’ve enchanted the room to alert me if you call out my name or if anyone without permission enters. Just call for me, and I will come.”

As he made for the exit, one lingering question made her speak up. “Not that I’m in a position to question,” she said, fidgeting with her hands, “but why? Was it just because of my position at court?”

Wyltam paused in the doorway, his eyes landing on Elyse.

“When I was younger than you are now, I started to study magic and its possibilities. On my own, I could only learn so much. It took a mentor for me to reach my full potential.” He sighed, his expression softening to a sadness Elyse never had seen on him.

“Your mother was my mentor and she made the biggest impact on my life. The least I could do was help the daughter she adored.”

It was as if the air was knocked out of her. “You knew her that well?”

He nodded his head, giving a sad smile. “She was like a mother to me. Between you and me, I’m happy you’re free from your father. Gyrsh used to be a good male,” he paused, shaking his head, “but that was a very long time ago.”

Elyse nodded, unsure what to do with the information.

“It’s funny,” he added, “for how much you look like Gyrsh, it was always your mother I saw.” And with that, Wyltam stepped out of the room, the door clasping behind him.

Elyse walked around the desk and slumped into the chair.

He thought she was like her mother—he could see her mother in her.

That alone brought a smile to her face. Wyltam believed in her, believed that she could be a spy.

To travel to the other city-states as a noble lady by day and his secret mage by night was something out of a book, a life she could only dream of.

Her imagination ran wild, imagining all the scenarios she would be in, the places she would see. Elyse would get what she wanted, to leave Satiros, but only if she learned to control her nerves.

The late afternoon sun filtered through the curtains, a gentle breeze carrying the fresh early summer air.

Elyse’s new suite was smaller than the one she shared with her father, but comfortable with a combined living and dining room, bedroom, bathroom, and office.

The previous occupants left behind the threadbare furnishings.

Across from Elyse sat Queen Valeriya on the faded golden yellow couch.

Steam rolled off the cup of tea she sipped from, her posture pin-straight, and her eyes watching Elyse.

She did her best to keep her chin up. “I’m glad to see you’re all settled into your new suite,” she said, her tone warm.

“Does the independent life treat you well?”

“It does, Your Grace,” she said with a smile.

“I heard the details of your father’s behavior, and I have to apologize for not knowing. Are you sure you’re alright?”

The Queen felt the need to coddle her again. “I assure you I’m alright.”

“Even about Brynden?”

Elyse’s gaze dropped at the mention.

“He’s like a caged bull. Even if there are barriers keeping him in place, he still thrashes against the sides.” The Queen set down her tea, clasping her hands in her lap. “There will be other chances for marriage, don’t you worry.”

“If I choose to marry at all.” She bit her lip, regretting the words. How would the Queen react to such an idea?

A smile lined her lips as she huffed a laugh. “A modern female you are. I’m sure there will always be a position at court for you, regardless of your relationship with Gyrsh. That being said, I’m more than happy to have you continue joining us in the Queen’s Court.”

Dread filled Elyse. She’d still have to go to tea time and face all the ladies. “That is kind of you.”

“I find you very intriguing, Elyse. You are quiet and unassuming, yet you have had two betrothals to two prominent males before you’ve reached your third decade.”

She winced at the truth.

“I don’t mean that as an insult.” The Queen brought her hand to her chin. “You are so young and full of potential. Even if court life is overwhelming for you know, you’ll have decades to adjust. I can’t wait to see what kind of female it makes you.”

Elyse smiled and swallowed hard. “It’ll be interesting to say the least.”

“Give yourself credit. In my time as a royal, I have never seen a lady in such a position at as young of an age as you. Why do you think Grytaine attacks you the way she does?”

“I’ll be better about standing up for myself,” Elyse said as she closed her eyes.

“You’ll get there one day, I’m sure.” The Queen picked up her tea. “You threaten Grytaine.”

“That makes little sense.”

“She’s young, like you, and she was the youngest lady in my court until you came along. She didn’t grow up as a noble, so she has to fight her way to gain connections. Even without your father’s estate, you still have connections. You have a history with my ladies.”

Grytaine likely had a difficult time gaining favor among the nobles where Elyse never had to work for it. Such relationships were always given to her. That didn’t excuse her attitude, however.

“As for Brynden,” the Queen continued, “perhaps it wasn’t the best match right now, but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t work out in the future. You are not the final version of yourself yet. Future you might be able to wrangle a bull.”

Elyse smiled and nodded at her words. Perhaps future her would be better suited, but Elyse wasn’t worried about that.

What left her on edge was her position with Queen Valeriya and King Wyltam.

The Queen would keep her on her court, and now, she worked for the King.

Never had she heard of a lady in her position—or even a lord.

She would become close with both royals.

The thought should excite her, should mean that she had a bright future; but she was apprehensive.

Having friends in powerful places drew attention, something she never wanted.

Even then, attention was not the same as status. It wasn’t the same as a noble’s wealth. Elyse traded both those things for freedom, and that was worth more than any boon her father gave or any male’s attention.

Even Brynden’s.