The falcon's daughters

Chapter 59

The stars twinkled in the dark night sky. A couple of clouds passed the twin moons and hid the silvery light. In a dimly lit room, the silence was broken by a roar. A man was thrown across the room and landed on the rickety bookshelf that collapsed with a crash. The body twitched slightly and his eyes looked blank in the air. The other two men saw the terror of the furious man in front of them.

- How could you miss such a thing!

- F-F-F-Forgive us, my lord. We didn’t think it was important.

- It’s not up to you to decide what’s important. You're just telling me what's going on over there. Not only did the incompetent soldiers fail to get rid of Cadenor and the girl. Now you're telling me that Y'zora left Laniro two weeks ago. And no one knows where she has gone.

- Yes, my lord.

- Get out of my sight, your useless insects. And find Azero!

He shouted after the two men who frightened ran out of the room. He looked up at the sky and with a snort he tore for a rough cloth in front of the window and shut out the light from the stars.

- Where are you going Y'zora and why did you disappear without telling anyone where you were going? What are you looking for?

He scratched his cheek in disbelief where three deep scars were and looked into the flaming flames that were burning in the fireplace.

- It really does not matter. When Leerian marries the seer, she and her wretched sister will die. As they should have done a long time ago.

His cold laughter suddenly fell silent and he swore loudly when it came to him where Y’zora might have gone to. A slick voice was heard behind him but he didn't bother with turning around.

- Is something wrong my lord?

- I have an assignment for you Azero.

- I'm at your service, my lord.

- Lady Y'zora left Laniro two weeks ago. She's probably on her way to Faldirak and the Akie Desert. Find her and kill her.

- As you wish, my lord.

He threw a small stuffed leather purse to the man. Azero's eyes widened and a greedy gleam lit up in them as the dim light twinkled on the gold coins in his scrotum.

- It should cover your expenses. Do not fail me! And take that with you when you go.

He waved his hand towards the dead man. Azero bowed deeply and grabbed the man's feet and dragged him out of the room.

- I should have understood that you would try to find her Y'zora. But you will fail and it will lead to your death. And when I have taken care of the two girls and those flea-bitten cats, everything will be as I want. She will see that my revenge will be sweet and painful. Sweet for me.

The raw laughter filled the room as the night gave way and the sun slowly rose from the horizon.

Tamarin’s king was shown into Laniro’s throne room and Chira happily greeted him.

- Tyrall, how wonderful to see you.

He took her outstretched hands and gave her a small kiss on the cheek.

- Chira, you’re as beautiful as ever.

- A charmer as always Tyrall.

- So your husband was very secretive in his letter. You don’t know what it's all about?

- I think it's for the best that Worgan talks to you himself about it.

- It's not like you to be evasive Chira. Now I'm really curious but that can wait. We have some things to discuss. You and I.

- Really?

She raised an eyebrow and Tyrall let out a hearty chuckle.

- Well of course, my dear. The very important question of your son's betrothal and wedding ceremony. After all, he is my heir.

- You are quite right. What are you thinking?

- According to Tamarin's law, Leerian will be crowned king on the same day he marries. The coronation ceremony must take place in Adirat's throne room.

- Then Tyrall, we must hold the wedding in Adirat.

- And the betrothal here. There is a lot that needs to be planned for this wedding. But I think we can make it in...about fifteen months.

Chira nodded happily.

- A summer wedding. How wonderful that will be. We will not be able to hold the engagement ceremony until six months from now.

- Why so late?

- Sol has one last assignment from the seer’s council that she must do. She's leaving next week and will not be back until then. We could have it in a few days but Cadenor and Kit have not returned yet and they would like to have their siblings with them.

- I have understood that the sister is Sol's only family, so it is only natural that she wants her with her.

- I have the same thought. I've never met Kit but Sol has such a warmth in her voice when she talks about her.

- What is it that you two are cooking together?

Lee's amused voice was heard from the door as he and Sol entered the room. Chira smiled mildly at them.

- Leerian, Sol. We discussed a few things before your wedding.

- Isn 't it a little early for that Mother?

- Absolutely not my boy. You are royalty and my heir. Your wedding must meet certain ... requirements, we might say.

- And arranging a royal wedding takes time, my son.

- Do I even dare to ask how long? 

Chira and Tyrall looked at each other and nodded before Tyrall spoke.

- We have come to the conclusion that the wedding can take place in fifteen months.

- Fifteen months!

- It's a perfectly reasonable time, Leerian.

- But mother…

- Sol, can I exchange a few words with you?

- Of course your majesty.

She followed Tyrall, who went to the large windows that almost covered one of the walls of the throne room. He looked out at the sparkling garden before looking at her.

- As you know, Leerian would have married my youngest daughter if she had been allowed to live.

- Yes, your majesty.

- I want you to know that I am very pleased with his choice of wife.

- Thank you, your majesty.

- I have one thing I want to ask you. Well two things actually. Firstly no more of this your majesty. You are about to be family. Call me Tyrall. And as the bride's father, I would have taken my daughter to her future husband. I know you have no father so I hope you will let me have the honor of taking you to Leerian on your wedding day. After all, you will be the future queen of my kingdom and no queen should have to go to her husband alone on her wedding day.

- I would feel honored, your majesty...Tyrall.

Tyrall smiled and took her hand. He pressed his lips lightly against her hand.

- Thank you, my dear. You bring joy to an old man's heart.

He was interrupted by Lee's tired voice.

- Mother, it must be enough to start planning the wedding after the engagement.

- Leerian! A royal wedding is not something you throw together or neglect. There are many things that need to be planned and guests to be invited. You know very well that some of our relatives have a very long journey both here and to Adirat.

- I think maybe my future husband should not be involved in the wedding planning.

Sol and Tyrall joined in a laugh and they returnd to the arguing mother-son duo.

- You already think like a queen. Avoiding conflicts is good, especially when they are in the family. We'll probably have to take and end this.

They approached and Sol put his arm under Lees.

- Do not quarrel with your mother Lee.

- But Sol …

- I'm sure she and King Tyrall can take care of everything. They've been through this before, you know. And I'm sure it's going to be wonderful.

Lee's mouth opened and closed a few times before he sighed.

- You're right, my love. Mother forgive me.

- That’s alright, my son. I had major discussions with your father when we were getting married. Sun before you leave, I would like to talk to you about your dress.

- Is there something wrong with it, your majesty?

She looked down at the white dress and Chira couldn’t help but to laugh..

- Not that dress my darling. The ones you will be wearing for the engagement ceremony and the wedding.

Tyrall placed a hand on Leerian’s shoulder and leaned in to speak lowly in his ear.

- Leerian, let me give you some advice. When a woman, and especially your mother, starts talking about dresses then it's time for us to go. I suggest we go and look for your father. He wanted my help with something.

- I think he's in the archive.

- Then that’s where we’ll go.

- As you want uncle.

Leerian gave Sol a quick kiss on her cheek before whispering to her.

- I’ll see you later, my love.