A Crown of Souls by A. J. Ford

Author:A. J. Ford [Ford, A. J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-08-28T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

We had been at the Trevelyan palace for a week, and I had hardly seen the king. Khayna had scarcely left her chambers, but I felt comfortable and the palace staff had made me feel at home. I had sent word to my father that I had arrived safely and Ruane was always around, he had surprisingly made me feel at ease in this foreign place.

I tossed and turned in the luxurious bed as sleep evaded me, as I lay surrounded by thick fur throws and too many pillows to count. I couldn’t get my mind to switch off. Khaldon had told me to treat the palace like it was mine and I craved some sweet tea or chamomile milk, something that would soothe my mind.

My stomach twinged and grumbled slightly until, finally, I threw the covers off and made my way to the kitchen. I padded along the moonstone corridors, taking in its beauty. I heard a door click shut behind me as I descended the stairs and walked into the kitchen expecting no one to be there, but the cook was marinating a lamb presumably for tomorrow's dinner.

“That smells delicious,” I said as the scent of rosemary and honey drifted towards me.

The cook jolted and turned around to face me. “Princess, I didn’t see you there.”

I smiled at him, as he wiped his hands on his apron and walked towards me.

“What can I do for you?”

I looked into his warm brown eyes and instantly felt like I was in the company of a friend, his bushy eyebrows raised in anticipation of my request.

“I don’t want to be any trouble. I just wanted some sweet tea or chamomile milk, if you show me where to find it, I can brew some myself.”

“Don’t be ridiculous! You are our guest of honour. Please, take a seat.”

He pulled a high stool from under the counter, clearly offended that I had offered to make my own tea and motioned for me to sit.

I watched as he walked over to a pantry, stocked with glass jars full of herbs, teas and dried flowers.

“Having trouble sleeping?” He called from where his head was buried as he sifted through jars.

His question caught me off guard and a glint of steel caught my eye as it passed the doorway. Esmeray was outside the kitchen standing guard. She would always give me my freedom, but I would never be completely free.

I thought about what to say before responding. “A little, this is the furthest I've ever been from home. It’s unsettling me more than I anticipated.”

“Aha!” he called as he lifted two jars from the shelves. “Chamomile and lavender milk will put you straight to sleep.”

“That sounds great, thank you.”

“So, it’s your first time leaving Mercea?” he asked.

I watched as he busied himself warming up the milk on the stove. I was unsure of how much information to give in case I found myself trapped because of what I had revealed.

“Sorry, I’ve forgotten my manners. What is your name?”

“Phelan, Your Majesty.

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