Chapter 2:

Courtly Conspiracies

Dear Diary,

You'll never guess who I met at court today. Ambassador Dannyl himself! (Alright, it wasn't such a shock for me, since the only reason I went at all is because I heard Dannyl would be attending.)

But you won't believe who he was talking to – none other than Dem Agerralin! I was so surprised; but I thought it'd be rude to interrupt their conversation. Then I thought better of it, and managed to politely scare Agerralin off. There was no doubt in my mind that he had cornered Dannyl in order to discover if he truly was a lad or not. The poor magician looked acutely embarrassed at his personal life being so openly discussed. He was positively relieved at my appearance and I found myself assuring him that Agerralin was only being curious, and didn't mean any offence.

I didn't add that Aggy was probably trying to recruit Dannyl into his little club. I remember him doing the same to me when the court started gossiping that I was a lad. At the time it seemed like a good idea to join. I didn't realise that most of the members seemed to be only interested in one thing – and it certainly wasn't sumi parties.

Irand wasn't overly pleased during the odd times when groups of such friends unexpectedly came to visit me in the Library. I had to throw them all into a study room with a steady supply of wine to keep them occupied. I'll never forget how mortified I felt at what Irand must have thought of my choice of friends. But he seemed to find my embarrassment amusing, and told me I could invite my associates around to the Library so long as it didn't happen too often. He didn't add anything else, but the look he gave me made it clear he didn't want anything scandalous going on in the Library either.

Anyway, back to the present and Lord Dannyl. He thankfully wasn't angry with Agerralin's probing, but was surprised the Elyne court knew so much about him. I refrained from enlightening him on other Guild rumors that have circulated in Capia. I don't know if he'd find some of the speculation regarding the High Lord and the Administrator at all amusing!

I find myself curious about the Ambassador, and if he really is a lad. There's usually some truth to a rumour, but am I foolish to suspect Lord Dannyl of being attracted to men? At the very least he seems more tolerant than most Kyralians, and doesn't condemn lads as perverse. But that doesn't mean he is a lad himself of course.

However, if I am to see more of Dannyl, I'm glad he does not disapprove of what I am. Because he's bound to find out about me sooner or later…

Yours thoughtfully,

Tayend


Thanks so much for your enthusiastic response to the start of this series :D I hope you continue to enjoy it!