Another of the Steering the Craft exercises... Mellisande sat in the arbour of the castle’s rose garden, pretending to work on a delicate piece of embroidery. In truth, she was watching her guard. Why she was under the direct protection of one of the castle commander’s most trusted deputies was a question she dearly wanted …
This story has ground to a complete halt now. I might revisit the whole thing in a year or two and re-write with a bit more forethought and intent. Also, the home page image has nothing to do with the content of this post, there's not enough content to work with for a relevant and …
Alec prowled across the room to the window on the far side, drumming his fingers on his leg. An inner door opened and Janet came through with a couple of members of the kitchen staff, each bearing a laden tray. They arranged the contents on a side table, then Janet's two helpers bobbed quick curtseys …
As they entered the city, Alec dropped back to ride beside the coach. Mellisande opened the window next to her and narrowed her eyes at him. "You've done it again haven't you?" "What?" "Changed into a guard captain." Alec frowned and looked down at himself. "It wasn't intentional. It just seems a better way to …
The group retreated into their own thoughts until Mellisande broke the silence. "Tell me, is the Princess housed in the same apartment suite as the ambassador?" Lucas answered. "More accurately, the ambassador has moved into the Princess's suite. He would normally be at the Embassy in the City." Mellisande nodded thoughtfully. "And does the 'Stromsmere …
"How many others know who he is?" Lucas asked. "As in his likely rank?" "Yes." Alec replied. "Aunt Aurelia probably has a fair inkling but won't mention it. Nathan knows he's not a run-of-the-mill Stromsmere child and is determinedly refusing to know any more. Mellisande and Nora obviously know his likely country of origin but …
The firework display went off without a hitch, and Astrid found herself being coerced into visiting the capital to organise a similar display for upcoming festivals. She refused to promise anything though, not being terribly fond of the fuss and bustle of the royal court. The King only spent three days at Lilyfeld and, as …
The following six weeks flowed by with surprising speed and ease. Kid, after his initial reticence was overcome, took to his magic instruction like a duck to water, even going so far as to not need one of his Wolfgrove 'guardians' in support at the classes after a couple of weeks. Within three, the lessons …
By the time the three potential magic tutors arrived, Kid was still tucked in his sofa nook but appeared to have regained most of his usual ebullience. His light-spirited debate with Nathan over the relative merits of two different ways of playing a game they'd each grown up with (and which again pointed to a …
Mellisande hurried ahead, opening the door to their suite and clearing a path to the wide, comfortable day bed tucked against the far wall of the sitting room. Alec threw her a grateful look as he went to put Kid down. Small hands clung desperately as the flailing turned to grabbing. "Please, I'll be good, …
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