Chapter 6: Ladies in Waiting

The hall was as silent as a tomb, as the King had long since dismissed the revelries. It was in these few hours where the court and King was abed, that Kailani missed the royal family the most. It was also in these hours where the true work of the castle was truly done. Her steps were silent on the porcelain floor as she made her way to the south garden. The midnight flowers were still abloom, enveloping the garden in a sickly-sweet fragrance. The only illumination in the garden was the fireflies that flitted around from place to place.

Within the garden under the King’s very own widow stood a solitary creature her velvet hood raised over a cascade of violet curls that was still bound in an elaborate updo. Kailani melted into the shadows as she made her way to stand at her side. Kailani had no doubt that the ‘King’ was asleep by now. It had been hours since she had been in his quarters, but she had not lasted all these years without caution.

“Lady Aelia,” Kailani greeted.

“Kailani,” Aelia murmured dragging Kailani’s name out as if she were tasting the word on her lips. “How does it fare, as the King’s second?”

“The Envoys from the North will be here soon.” Kailani murmured.

“The North,” Aelia muttered with distaste. “They despised Kavan but have no problem with this faux King.”

“People choose who they wish to believe in.” Kailani murmured. “Perhaps the Northerners will surprise us.”

“That would be a surprise.”

“The Northerners are not traveling alone. Lord Einer is with them.” Kailani replied.

Aelia’s eyes widened a fraction as she glanced at her companion “And did he come alone?” Aelia asked.

Kailani’s answering smile could only be described as devious. “He travels with a party of Nine.”

Aelia looked up at the full moon, which shimmered blue in the dark sky. “All hail the Queen.”

Kailani smiled. “The Nine have not been seen for many a year. It will be great to have them returned.”

Aelia glanced at Kailani. “It is as the King’s sister has foretold.” Aelia murmured. “The players approach the board, their Queen appearing if only to check the King.”

“And what a day that will be, should it come to pass,” Kailani murmured, her eyes narrowing towards Aelia’s face, “But we do not make a move without Zaya and Zara. The Crown and Kingdom belongs to a Queen, and it is to a Queen it shall go.”

“And so, we wait…”

Xoxoxoxo

The room was dimly lit by the time that Kailani returned to her quarters. She began her nightly task of undoing the leather vest, taking a pained breath as the air blew over her newly exposed skin. In the moonlight her scar stood out ugly.

The scar of rebounding magic.

Shazir did not remember Kailani, for in the days of the royals she had always been a step behind the would-be Queen and her sister. She had meant to be their shadow.

Their protector.

So, when Shazir had ripped into their father, a similar scar had befallen Kailani forever banishing her from her sisters.

The Nine.

An ancient order of both Assassin and bodyguard. A secret order, that none knew, but everyone whispered about. Within the ancient tales of Royal families that had come before. Kailani crashed on her bed, weary from the day, but knowing she only had a few short hours to sleep.

To dream of better tomorrows.