Book 2 Chapter 9

“Likewise, Priestess…” Claire said returning the young woman’s smile and covering for a confused Tirr. “I believe we saw you yesterday during our welcome…” She started, giving a side-eyed glance towards the king, “But everything moved so quickly there wasn’t a chance to properly greet you…”

The king frowned at the veiled insult and started to speak, but was forced back as Nerida responded first, “Yes I believe his Majesty was quite worried about how tired you must have been after such long trip. Honestly, though I believe he was just afraid I might just talk you to death…”

She let out a giggle, shooting a smile at the still frowning king. She turned back towards Claire, glancing down at her dress, “I mean even now I just want to ignore all this peace treaty talk and ask where you got your dress from, it looks so good on you! Though I would bet most of it is from your natural beauty…”

Disconcerted at having her jab outmaneuvered so easily, Claire couldn’t help but blush at the compliment. She coughed lightly, “Thank you, but I know I must look a mess, we weren’t expecting such simple quarters and it’s affected all of us slightly…” She gave the king another sly look, trying to stir up the combative atmosphere from just moments ago.

“Simple quarters?” Nerida asked confused, before her face paled suddenly. She stood up immediately, bowing so low that her head actually hit the table. Everyone stood up in surprise and worry as she held her head rubbing the spot she had hit.

“Are you okay?” Claire asked concerned, Maria was already starting to move around to check on the young woman.

“No...” Nerida said, her eyes watery as she looked at their group while still rubbing her head. “I’m so sorry, I must beg for your forgiveness. To think you went through such an experience because of me…”

“Because of you?” Claire asked confused, not even noticing the frown on Agir’s face deepen...

“Yes,” Nerida replied her expression terrible as Maria checked her over. “You see, you were originally supposed to have stayed in the Water Temple, but because I wanted to set up some extra preparations, I requested for the palace to accommodate you for a night. I didn’t think at all how my last-minute request might have affected things. I can’t apologize enough…”

Looking at the young priestess apologizing so sincerely Claire could not help but feel embarrassed, “Truly it wasn’t so bad…” She said trying to console the tearful girl. “Right?” She asked turning to Maria and Tirr who both agreed quickly, unable to stand the beautiful young woman’s tears.

“Thank the spirit,” Nerida said letting out another small smile as she wiped at her eyes and assured maria that she was fine, waving her back to her seat. “Of course, the rooms are ready for you now, I have people waiting on your return to help you move your things over. I’m sure you’ll enjoy your new rooms much more, I put a lot of work into making them as comfortable as possible.”

“I’m sure they’ll be great.” Claire confirmed as they sat once again.

“Well,” Nerida started, looking over towards Agir, “This is exactly why he didn’t want me here, I always make things such a mess. I believe the first item on the agenda today was a discussion of the land rights along the border?”

“Yes...” Claire said in surprise, looking over towards the King who was already letting out a defeated sigh. She glanced back at the young woman who sat across from her, already instructing the servants to hand out the applicable documents for everyone to view.

Ever since this woman had arrived the tension at the table had melted away as if it had never been there… Did she do it on purpose? Claire found herself wondering, this woman might be scary…

Soon though, as the talks began and moved along at terrifying speed, she was too focused on the discussion to think on the matter. Nerida led the talks, deftly going over each piece of contention and gently offering compromises that were difficult for both royals to dismiss easily. As a result, they seemed to move through what may have been days of material in almost no time.

As the talks went on, Tirr and Maria were unable to follow along and soon turned to the food, enjoying the feast after the fare they had been given earlier. Even Garm enjoyed himself, though the servants tended to give him a wide berth as they brought out new plates.

Two hours passed in the blink of an eye and Nerida recommended they pause the discussion for now so that everyone could get a proper night’s rest. Claire and Agir agreed eagerly, both feeling as if they and been strategically dragged through the talks like some newborns being taught to walk.

As their group prepared to leave, while Agir gave them a quick and somewhat surly goodbye, Nerida came and said goodnight to each of them personally, stopping at Tirr to mention that she looked forward to talking to him more in the future.

Seeing the bright and energetic woman smile at him so kindly, Tirr blushed, agreeing before following the others out after the servants led the way. Soon only the King and priestess remained in the dining hall standing in place as they watched them leave.

“I can handle myself Nerida,” Agir grunted toward the woman as he sat back in his chair with a sigh.

“Of course,” She said, still smiling as she looked at the King, “But I don’t like the way you would have handled it.” She looked back towards the door that the young child had just walked through as if waiting for him to appear once again.

“Well you got what you wanted, they won’t be able to escape your eyes in the temple. But what are you going to do if they really are as horrible as I think they are?”

“Is that even a question?” She asked, looking back at him again.

As she turned the king could not help but shiver as he saw the cold look in her eyes. Her expression seemed to freeze his heart as he felt a chill run up his back.

“If they aren’t worthy enough to stand next to him, then I’ll get rid of them.” She turned back towards the door whispering to herself as she closed her hands in prayer, “I will be the water that washes away the filth from my lord…”