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(Page 2 of 6) Ivaris - Chapter 9 by Jennifer Raney
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Espionage is not my strong suit," she smiled sadly. Her son's betrayal was never far from her thoughts, it seemed.
"What can I do to help?" I asked. I admit I felt a bit useless.
"Oh my darling, you have already done more than I could ever ask of you. You have done Enora a great service already, I wouldn't dream of asking you to sacrifice more. For now I want you and Seroan to rest and get well," she looked at me with compassion and then smiled, "that's an order."
I laughed, "Yes, Highness," I said sarcastically. She was grand, I really liked her.
"But really, it sounds like the worst of the storm is still yet to come," I continued, "and I'm no great asset, I understand, but if there is any more I can do to help protect the Empire, please tell me."
She got up from her chair and came around to sit on the desk in front of me, "I appreciate that," she said earnestly, "and you are correct. If my son does have the Sky gems, he will be taking them to Shrinan as we speak. And the stones in the hands of a powerful sorcerer like Shrinan..."
"We're toast," I finished for her.
Sadly she nodded and stared past me, obviously deeply troubled by the intricate plot she faced. I decided this was a good time for me to leave her to her work.
"I don't want to keep you any longer," I said as I got up, "thank you for seeing me."
She hugged me when I stood, "Please make yourself at home here, Ivaris, you've earned my eternal gratitude. I'll be sure to keep you informed of what we're doing."
"It was my duty, Highness," I answered, "and I'd be happy to be of service if you need it." Cheesy, I know, but I meant it.
* * *
"We'll worry about your training later, Highness," Gerianne reassured Malynna, "you don't have to know everything now; you just have to be strong, and sharp, and be ready to make your stand when the time is right."
The princess nodded. She had been hounding her maid for the last two days with hypothetical questions about war, politics, and philosophy. She was frustrated with her lack of education, and was beginning to feel a deep doubt about her decision. "Well what can we do today? I can't stand it, sitting around knowing I have so much to learn."
"Patience," Gerianne chided, "we must wait for Jovraan to return to the Capitol. Then we can find out what he and your father are planning. Until then there is nothing we can do."
Malynna flopped back on her pillows, "Suppose you're right," she conceded.
Gerianne patted the princess's hand, and then had a thought, "Well, there is one thing I can teach you while we wait," from her ruffled bosom she drew two tiny silver daggers. "A lady of the Court is rarely openly armed, but it is not unwise to carry a few nasty surprises, just in case."
Malynna sat forward and took one of the daggers from her maid. It was thin and flexible, and razor sharp. "Show me," she said.
Gerianne stayed with the princess late into the night, showing her different ways to draw and strike with the daggers.
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