“I wanted t-to see what k-kind of herbs are f-found around here,” explained Cessilia. “I’m c-curious if th-there are some I have never seen b-before...”

“Oh, surely,” Ishira smiled. “If the Princess is alright with it, I will happily show you myself.”

She turned to the man behind the counter, most likely the shop owner and a relative of hers, and nodded to him, exchanging a simple signal. The man nodded back and stepped behind a little curtain at the back, going to get something. Ishira turned back to the Princess, smiling to her politely.

“I’m sorry we didn’t get to talk much during the banquet,” she said. “I am more than honored to finally be able to meet the Princess privately, though. I believe we have a lot in common.”

“I b-believe so t-too.”

Unlike Bastat, Cessilia could feel that Ishira was a bit more reserved, and probably waiting to fully make up her mind about her, despite her words. The young woman was still extremely polite, though, and didn’t show any animosity. When the shop owner came back with a book, she took it and presented it to Cessilia herself.

“Princess, this is a copy of the Hashat Family’s almanac of herbs, plants, and medicines known in the Eastern Kingdom until today.”

“Th-this... Isn’t this something t-too p-precious t-to share with a foreigner?” Cessilia muttered.

The book looked heavy, and very well taken care of. The binding looked perfect, and the cover didn’t have any dust on it, despite the pages looking a bit worn. Ishira slowly shook her head.

“It is precious, indeed, but it is our core belief that knowledge is meant to be shared. The Hashat Family is dedicated to the study and research of plants and medicine, and even on this side of the continent we have heard about the Princess’ mother’s achievements in terms of medical knowledge and development. Please take this as a token of goodwill from the Hashat Family, and our hope that we will be able to exchange much more in the future.”

Cessilia smiled and took the heavy book, her heart excited to discover its secrets and learn something new.

“Is th-there anything th-the Hashat Family wants f-from me in exchange for th-this?” she asked bluntly.

Ishira smiled.

“Indeed, Princess. Our Family Leader is looking forward to meeting you.”

OceanofPDF.com

Chapter 13

“I really don’t like that they didn’t include Nana,” grumbled Tessandra.

The girls were walking back to the castle, a couple of hours later. Cessilia was still holding the heavy almanac of the Hashat Family, but she had already discussed plenty about plants and medicine with Ishira. As it turned out, the young women had a common passion for the study of plants and medicine, but also the same age and a real affinity. The only issue was that Ishira was clearly tied to her family and tribe, which had yet to make up their mind about Cessilia. She had kept her distance throughout and spoke politely to the Princess rather than trying to get familiar. Hence, the invitation to a dinner that same evening was formally addressed to Cessilia, and only allowed her to come with Tessandra. Although she had tried to be subtle, it was clear Ishira didn’t include Naptunie in this.

“It’s alright,” said Nana. “It can’t be helped, this is serious business between the clans. I also think it is better I don’t come, I don’t like being involved in these kinds of things too much, really.”

“The Hashat Family doesn’t seem as bad as the others, at least,” sighed Tessandra, “and this way, perhaps we will get to know more about our mothers...”

“Your mothers?” Nana repeated, curious. “What do you mean?”

“My m-mother and T-Tessandra’s were b-born into a t-tribe that d-disappeared long ago,” explained Cessilia. “It was c-called the Rain T-Tribe, and they mostly had white-skinned p-people. B-but their village was raided, p-people were k-killed or sold long b-before we were b-born, so only a few ind-dividuals remain...”

“The Eastern Kingdom was the main enemy,” sighed Tessandra, “but the truth is, the survivors were sold in both the Dragon Empire and the Eastern Kingdom... which is why Cessi and I were curious about people with lighter skin tones, like in that Hashat Family. We are probably related somehow...”

“Oh... I’m sorry, I didn’t know,” muttered Nana, lowering her head.

They were just entering the castle, but Cessilia shook her head.

“You c-couldn’t have known, Nana. It-t all happened long ago.”

“And as it turns out, no one likes to talk about slaves,” scoffed Tessandra.

After that, Naptunie didn’t dare bring up the subject anymore, and all three girls went into the castle. To Cessilia’s surprise, guards had been posted in front of her room, although they didn’t move a muscle upon seeing the trio. Tessandra frowned, but the girls walked into the bedroom in silence, only to find the triplets there. The three of them got down on their knees as soon as they saw Cessilia.

“Greetings, Princess,” said the oldest. “Our apologies for failing to protect the lady’s belongings. This won’t happen anymore.”

“I d-don’t t-trust you,” Cessilia retorted coldly.

“We will do our very best to earn the Princess’ trust again,” insisted the servants, lowering their heads even more.

Cessilia glared their way once more and then turned around to ignore the three of them. Looking around her room, she noticed the new pile of clothing they were busy putting into the wardrobe just a second ago, and the several boxes scattered on the floor too.

“What’s this?” asked Tessa.

“His Majesty offers these gifts to the Princess. Since the Princess’ belongings were... damaged, the King said it was his responsibility to replace them.”

“This wasn’t the King’s doing,” retorted Tessa. “The Yekara Clan almost openly admitted to it!”

“...His Majesty said he will make sure compensation will be received from the culprits in due time.”

“What a-about Lady V-Vena’s murder?” Cessilia asked.

“His Majesty has his suspicions, but we have yet to find the murderer. The investigation is still ongoing, and more people are still being interrogated. He asks for the Princess to be very careful until the real culprits are caught.”

“That’s easy for him to say,” scoffed Tessandra. “There hasn’t been a day without a burglary, a murder, or an ambush since we came here. Just wait until I get my hands on that damn vermin... I need something to release my nerves on.”

“...You th-three can leave,” said Cessilia. “I need t-to change.”

“We can assist–”

“G-get out.”

The triplets bowed, and quickly left, most likely to guard the room. Tessa pinched her lips. She wasn’t fond of the triplets, either, but she was a bit surprised by Cessilia’s cold attitude toward them. She crossed her arms and approached her cousin, who was still rummaging through the dresses.

“What is it, Cessi? We already established those three were spying on us for the King... is there something else?”

“They are t-trained for fighting,” said Cessilia, “b-but they aren’t g-good servants at all. They d-didn’t guard our room and b-burglars came in. They d-didn’t offer us anything to d-drink although we just c-came back and it’s hot outside, and the p-plants haven’t b-been watered either.”

Tessandra frowned and turned to the plants. Only her cousin would have noticed the leaves of the only two small plants by the balcony, slightly less green than when they had arrived. She looked around and realized Cessilia was telling the truth. It was all small details, but for someone who had lived in a palace, it was obvious. The bedsheets had small wrinkles, and there was a thin layer of dust on the columns of the room.

“Fine, perhaps they are bodyguards that have been trained to be servants, but–”

“I d-don’t think they are b-bodyguards, either. Somebody was f-following me yesterday when I was at the m-market with Lady B-Bastat.”

“Now that you mention it... I had a feeling we were being followed when we were with Sabael, but the place was so crowded, I couldn’t find who it was.”

“Ashen also knew K-Krai had taken us out,” Cessilia nodded. “D-do you remember how long it t-took us to get from the c-castle to the Outer G-Gates?”