Chapter 9 - Idynn

Mirea came to me the night before the wedding.

I was in her room while she was shuttered away in the far end of the castle. It had been a week since King Odern proposed the marriage, and in those seven days, she and a few of her tutors taught me everything they could about the countries, their histories, their etiquette and customs, and more.

I tried, but I knew it was not and would never be enough. A few pitiful days of education would not make me a princess.

I still couldn't get used to the softness and warmth of her bed. It was a far cry from my own quarters; my old straw-stuffed mattress itched and never felt warm enough. But hers was so comfortable that I sank into it every night, though my anxiety still kept me up.

I was lying in it, buried deep in my own thoughts, when I heard Frey meow and claw at the door. He was staying with me, and the King was convinced that if I brought him along to Sonera, it would help my disguise.

It was ridiculous. The cat hated me.

Then I heard a knock at the door.

'Who's there?' I clambered out of bed and went to the door. It was late and the castle was dark and quiet.

'Me, Idynn. Hurry and open the door, it's freezing!'

I fumbled with the lock with stiff fingers and the door swung open. Mirea rushed inside, carrying a box in her arms. Frey trotted up to her, winding between her legs.

'You shouldn't be here!' I said urgently. 'His Majesty doesn't want you anywhere near me while the Prince is still in the castle.'

Mirea waved my concerns aside and plopped onto the rug next to my—well, her—fireplace and warmed her hands. She lifted Frey onto her lap, where he started purring. 'Father doesn't know, it's okay. I'll leave as soon as I give you this.'

'This' turned out to be the box. It was made of dark, sturdy wood, and a metal clasp and lock kept it sealed. Mirea took a tiny key from her pocket, flashed it at me in the flickering light, and unlocked the box.

Curious, I peered in.

There, on a bed of silk, lay Mirea's treasures. A plain brass comb, a purple hair ribbon, a simple silver band, and an ornate golden necklace.

She tilted her head at the box, encouraging me to pick up the items. I reached for the ribbon first. It was as smooth to the touch as a cool river, clearly made of expensive silk imported from Yihe and nothing like the grey one that kept my hair up. The comb was nondescript, but I ran my fingers along its body and teeth. Old but sturdy.

The necklace was the greatest treasure, cast in gold with many shimmering sapphires along its length. I was almost afraid to touch it.

Mirea leaned closer to me. I felt her breath on my cheek and was glad for the darkness, that it hid my blush.

She explained that most of them were family heirlooms. The brass that the comb was made of would never tarnish—brush my hair with it, and it would stay sleek and shiny for days. The ribbon did what my hair ribbon also accomplished, just more effectively. When she demonstrated on her own hair, it instantly tamed itself.

As for the necklace... she was not sure. These were all from the treasury, but she only picked the pieces she knew her father would miss.

Then, there was the ring. Her hands were warm as she cupped mine and placed the silver ring in my palms. The metal was cold. I saw a tiny Navhëlm crest stamped into the silver, and my skin tingled.

'This ring detects poisons.' She closed my fingers over it. Her blue eyes were dark with worry and her voice grew serious. 'Idynn, I know you will be careful. I just... I just want to keep you safe. Put this on and dip your finger in anything you think might be poisoned. If the dose is strong enough to kill you, the crest turns black. It takes a day for it to return to normal.'

I shivered. For seven days I'd successfully managed to avoid the notion that I would be spending the rest of my days in a foreign land, but somehow, staring at the ring, seven day's worth of dread began to set in. My throat was dry.

I could actually be in danger in Sonera.

Mirea, sensing that my anxiety was growing, moved Frey from her lap and pulled me into a hug. She put the treasures back in the box, shut it in the wardrobe, and took my hand and walked me to the bed.

It had been years since we shared the same bed. When we were children and I served as her attendant and playmate, I often snuck into her room at night. Mirea used to be afraid of the dark, so I would light candles and the two of us talked and giggled until we fell asleep. I'd wake before the sun and Mirea rose and return to the servant's quarters, confident the King would never discover us.

Now, it was her turn to comfort me.

'You should go,' I said hoarsely. 'His Majesty will—'

She lifted the blanket and slid under the covers. Frey jumped up between us and flopped over, still purring.

'No. I'm not going anywhere and that is an order from your Princess. I want to stay with my friend for as long as I can before I have to say goodbye.'

My nose prickled and a lump grew in my throat. I didn't want to leave but what choice did I have? Come tomorrow, I would be married to the Winter Prince of Sonera and follow him to his home.

Mirea wiped a tear from my eye. 'I wish it could be different, Idynn. I'm sorry for this.'

If I... Your Highness, if you could change places with me…

It was too bold a question to ask. I was not of her rank, so I could not speak to her as an equal. I swallowed it.

I was a servant and Mirea was a princess. If I ever held any love in my heart for her, I'd protect her with everything I had. King Odern's words rang through me, telling me to keep her safe. Which meant keeping all of Navhëlm safe.

So instead, I shifted closer to her body, closed my eyes, and fell asleep.

When I woke the next morning, the place by my side was cold and empty.