11 An Evening Intrusion

"It'll take more than just myself to win against another summoner," Evelyn said. "Many spent years fighting in wars without a Battle Maiden and have already accumulated a sizable force of daeva. Even if you decide to go through and challenge another summoner, and they in some unlikely case accept, you've still got to deal with being numerically outnumbered."

Rouya sprawled on the bed, letting herself sink into its softness. The nobles, Markus and even Evelyn, it appeared, didn't believe in her standing a chance at defeating the traitors. If it were up to them, she'd spend the entire day cooped up in some secure location and only brought out on special occasions like a holiday ornament. It didn't change the situation for her, the other summoners would hardly be content for long knowing she was still alive and in possession of a relic. They'd come for her, eventually. Best if she took the fight to them early on. She rolled onto her stomach and crossed her legs. "I've never been into the Shadow Realm before."

The thought alone gave her the creeps now. The sensation she felt at the tip of her fingers when she reached into the realm. Still, it was the only way for her capture more daeva.

"Not after what you've just been through. We should give it a few days to let yourself settle down."

"A few days are't going to change anything but leave me in a more desperate situation. Who knows, I might not even have a court next week if I keep expecting other people to do everything for me."

A noise outside drew both of their attention to the door. A spy or assassin sent to finish her off by chance. Evelyn immediately shifted into her battle gear and stormed out.

Rouya gripped the bedsheets, anticipating any sudden changes.

"Don't hurt me."

Evelyn returned, carrying Helodion by the collar of his shirt. "An eavesdropper. What'll you have me do with him?"

A sense of unease crept into her as she studied his surprised expression and wailing. It wouldn't do him any good. He couldn't escape Evelyn. "Did Markus send you to spy on me?"

"No! Of course not," he said, wringing with the Maiden's grip. He wasn't wearing his uniform from earlier and from her casual glance, she didn't detect any weapons on him. At least he didn't plan on killing her in her sleep. "I was hoping to see you again before I left tomorrow morning."

"At this time of night," Evelyn pressed.

"It's okay. Let the captain go," Rouya said. "If he tries anything, I'll be sure to deal with it myself."

Evelyn hurled him to the ground and position herself at Rouya's side. She wouldn't need the glaive with him.

Helodion got on to all four and glanced up at the princess. "I overheard your conversation with Satrap Markus earlier."

"You don't have any sense for privacy do you?"

"By chance. I didn't mean to but when you said you wanted to fight the other summoners, I felt I needed to speak with you before I left. It might not be a good idea, I don't know the details but wanted to thank you for helping us." He stood up and ran his hand through his hair. "We're heading out into the Outer Realms tomorrow and I'm not sure any of us will be returning. Knowing you're putting yourself at risk to end the war as quickly as possible gave me some hope."

"Still doesn't explain why you'd visit a lady this late," Rouya said and waved her hand. "Very well, your welcome. Now be gone before I lock you up for inappropriate conduct and lack of etiquette."

"Actually…" Rouya raised a brow and studied him as he struggled to find words. "The astrologers said there'd be a meteor shower tonight and were preparing to interpret it as an omen to your reign."

"Great, more critiques before I've even officially begun."

"I wouldn't take it too seriously but it might still be nice for us to see."

"Captain," Rouya began in a serious tone. "Are you attempting to court me? Because I'll have you know that I'm in no mood for such nonsense."

Helodion shook his head and eased back. "No, I just thought you might like something nice for a change. They can be quite pretty… much like yourself."

Rouya narrowed her eyes. "You did it again."

"I'm hopeless, Your Highness. Please forgive me," Helodion said. "I'll excuse myself outside and wait for you in the gardens."

With those parting words the captain bowed and escaped out of Rouya's chambers before either of them could react. Rouya laid a hand to her chest and looked over to Evelyn for advice.

"It sounds like a trap. Crossbowmen, men lurking in the hedges. I wouldn't do it."

"Please, if it were up to you everything in life would be a trap. I won't become a competent ruler if I'm afraid to trust the people around me and am too frightened to step out of the palace." Rouya rose from the bed and pulled her blouse up over her head. "Help me find something appropriate to wear."