Katryna stood tall, shoulders back, and crossed her hands behind her back like she was taught as a young girl. She wanted to make her presence known and come across stronger than she was feeling.
Deep down, she hated addressing strangers. What do they think of me? What if I offend them? Katryna shook the thoughts aside, focusing on the issue. No, I need to figure out what is going on. These men could be responsible for the poisonings of my parents. Be strong, Kat.
Katryna inhaled a deep, strong breath, her chest expanded and released the air. It filled her with confidence and eased her heartrate.
“Please, have a seat, my lords,” Katryna said firmly, gesturing over to the stone slabs sitting on the grass in the overlook.
The two diplomats sat beside one another, and Katryna sat on an adjacent stone seat. She kept her legs together and placed her hands elegantly in her lap.
“I’m afraid that I am here regarding some rather dire matters,” Katryna stated.
“Oh?” J’rillo N’va responded in a surprised tone. “Well, Ember is a good friend to Camridia. We will help in any way we can.”
“The High Sword, Ser Arthus Medonia, questioned you both several weeks ago regarding your meeting with the king and queen, and the dinner you shared with them? Is that correct?”
“This is indeed true. I am at a loss as to why we have been asked to remain in Castle Bower all these weeks later.”
“I apologise for any inconvenience that may have caused,” Katryna said.
“Worry not, my lady. We have made the most of our…extended stay here in Ravenrock.”
“Enjoying your wines and gardens has been a delight,” Siah R’no added.
“That is good to hear,” Katryna said. “So, what details did the Ser Arthus share with you?”
J’rillo N’va rubbed his chin beneath his mask, deep in thought. “He was scarce on the specifics of his inquiries, I fear. Asked about our intentions in Camridia, our interaction with the king and queen, what we ate at our private supper, I think.”
“We believe the queen was assassinated, and someone attempted to kill the king as well,” Katryna said, a little too bluntly.
Both diplomats audibly gasped and looked at each other. Their elaborate masks hid their true expressions.
“By the Blue Flame, how can this be?”
“My father is on his deathbed as we speak, suffering with very similar symptoms as my mother right before she died. By the Creator’s grace, he still fights on.”
“Surely this cannot be true, my lady.” J’rillo N’va appeared to be somewhat distressed, based on his hand gestures.
“I am at a loss,” Siah R’no added.
“Castle Bower is impregnable,” said J’rillo N’va, “and your king was loved by all-”
“Please, my lord. Enough of the sweet talk. This is not the time for flattery. My father is dying, my family is in danger, and I need answers. While I appreciate your formalities and attempts at compliments, this is neither the time nor the place. I am here for answers,” Katryna said.
J’rillo N’va and Siah R’no leant back from the princess, seemingly shocked by her outburst.
J’rillo N’va snickered behind his mask. “You Camridians have always confused me.”
“And why is that?” Katryna huffed.
“Nothing to hide your true intentions behind,” J’rillo gestured towards his mask, before tilting his head, “yet you still attempt to deceive.”
“There is no deception to be had, my lords,” Katryna said. “I am simply trying to figure out what is going on in my castle.”
“Your castle?”
Katryna was beginning to feel frustrated. “The night you arrived in Ravenrock, you met with the king and queen for a private supper?”
“Correct me if I’m wrong, but Prince Rowan is the next in line, am I right?” J’rillo N’va stated.
“I do believe so,” Siah R’no replied.
Katryna ignored their remarks. “What did you eat and drink on the night you dined with the king and queen?”
“Are you accusing us of some plot to assassinate the Camridian monarchs?”
“Just answer the question, my lords.”
The two Emberians paused and looked at each other. Katryna could only guess what expressions were hidden behind their decorative masks.
How was she to deal with these two men when she could not even see their basic reactions?
Katryna repeated the question. “You dined with my mother and father on the night you arrived in the city. Do you recall?”
“I most certainly do recall, it was a fine meal, fit for a cleric of the Blue Flame,” J’rillo N’va said.
Siah R’no added, “We had freshly-slaughtered lamb, juicy and hot and covered in some strongly-flavoured gravy. There was also a selection of vegetables, fruits, bread, if I remember correctly.” His tone sounded slightly hostile.
“The potatoes and beans were exquisite,” J’rillo N’va said.
Katryna nodded. “And the drink?”
“A tangy red wine from the Midlands. An old bottle from Castle Bower’s wine cellar, picked by the king himself.”
“And the king and queen shared the same food and drink?”
“I believe so, my lady.”
If the meal or the wine was poisoned, the ambassadors and food tasters would have suffered as mother did. Nonetheless, we must check every avenue.
“Now, if you don’t mind, my lady, we have a fine breakfast waiting for us in our quarters,” J’rillo N’va said. The two diplomats immediately stood up and brushed off their robes.
“What was your purpose in visiting Ravenrock?” Katryna asked, ignoring their attempt to end the discussion.
J’rillo N’va cleared his throat before speaking. “Queen Virala sent Siah R’no and I as representatives-”
“Not the watered-down version,” Katryna interrupted. “I want specifics, my lord. Why did you meet with the king and queen?”
“We are not at liberty to discuss such private matters with you, my lady,” said Siah R’no.
