The Path Now Turned (The Three Realms Book 2) by Colleen Connally

Author:Colleen Connally [Connally, Colleen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-05-07T16:00:00+00:00

Path Before Her

Ashisma’s kindness had been unfailing. Her kitchen companions had welcomed her into their fold. Karl had taken a fancy to Kela, taking care of the heaviest of chores. Zaria taught Kela how to peel an apple with one cut.

Maria shared the court’s gossip, more so than work. Kela had no issue with her talking of the day’s events.

Kela found it of great interest, especially the intricacies of lords and ladies. She was not surprised to discover that King Edulf was well loved. It was those whom he loved that was startling.

“Pernci said that Naemi was livid. The whole of the chamber was in shambles. Broken vases, her gowns ripped into shreds, chairs upturned. The woman lay on her bed, weeping,” Maria whispered to Kela as the two scrubbed the kitchen floor.

“What was wrong with her?”

Maria leaned over closer to Kela. “King Edulf has not come to her apartment in over two weeks. It is rumored he has replaced his favorite paramour with another.”

“What of the queen? Why would she accept such?”

“Queen Beatrix?” Maria chortled. “She would never call attention to her husband’s whores!”

Kela fell silent. How naïve I am! I know nothing of this world! She could never be married to one who sought the warm embrace of another. How sad to be trapped in a loveless marriage.

“It is the way of royal life,” Ashisma said. “Few marriages are made for love. It means little to the men. It is the women who have to accept the life they are given. Queen Beatrix has done her duty and produced heirs. She is greatly admired by her people. Not all can find what Princess Amicia has been given.”

“That would be?”

“Child, you have been well hidden away,” Ashisma went on. “Rumors are flying Princess Amicia will soon be attached to the Lord Commander, the mightiest of our Sordarin warriors. It is not often that a princess be given as a reward for service, but it is rumored that he is bonded to the prophesized Euchoun. He himself may even be the one. Already the children sing of his exploits. Poems have been written. Our beloved princess and our adored warrior!”

“You believe it to be a love match?” Her voice faltered, lost on the belief that Amicia held what was hers.

“How could it not be? You need only to see the young princess look at her warrior and his eyes on hers. Yea, Princess Amicia is fortunate.”

Kela silenced on her words.

She wanted to shout that Cono loved her and only her. In truth, it would be a senseless gesture. She touched the necklace Cono had given her.

Try as she might, she could not deny doubts of his love had crept within her being. She clutched the medallion tighter as the memory of Amicia’s eyes upon her warrior was relived. Amicia loves Cono.

Cono, where are you? I need you to tell me of my foolishness. For she felt lost and ever so alone.

* * * *

The castle kitchen lay with a central hearth and several fireplaces, all to cook meat.

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