Chapter 6: Duty, blood and family
Had Elize been a less sensible lady her despair would have shown across her face, reflecting her internal exchanges of alternating self-doubt and exhilaration about her first kiss. Since that night, her sense eventually took over and the inappropriate and imprudent choice of partner weighed like lead in her chest. But her poker face was taught by a master, none other than Alvin Vint Svent while actually playing the game with him, and her calm facade spread over her like a blanket as she took her tea with Rowen with a serene smile.
Thankfully Gaius was nowhere in sight and so there were no reminders of his shocked expression, or the feeling of him leaning in, followed by a grumbling utterance that almost sounded like a curse accompanied by the sound of shuffling feet and strong arms in the dark that pushed her into her chamber and closed the door between them without another word exchanged since.
"I am told you have found a survivor. Is this enough for your research?" asked Rowen calmly, though his eyes showed deep concern.
"I've sent what data I could gather to Jude and Talim Medical School has been tasked to refine the medication I've designed. The good news is that I get some of the profit from the sales. The bad new is it might not be enough to find a cure."
"I see more of Alvin's influence has rubbed off than previously thought," smiled her mentor. "But you're certain you can return to work?"
She folded the lavender scented handkerchief neatly in her lap. "I can only wait and believe that things will get better. In the meantime, I won't dwell on it. As Gaius always says, we must move onward."
Rowen wondered what she was hiding behind her demure smile as she sipped her tea but since she was looking much better, he too wanted to believe she would be cured. Otherwise, nothing was amiss.
Nothing but the king of course, who did not show himself except in the Audience Hall and at staff meetings. Gaius' expression was noticeably strained, as if he was concealing something from his prime minister and he was purposefully avoiding Elize.
Perhaps I am over thinking it, Rowen thought to himself.
She slid a formally sealed scrolled parchment across the table. "I've written a proposition that the area in the Silent Caves be preserved for princessia cultivation. It's a valuable asset to Auj Oule that should be protected."
"You can't simply ask him yourself?" Rowen asked nonchalantly.
"He's the king, Rowen," she said meaningfully. "I shouldn't pester him so much."
She had apologized over and over to him in her head.
The entourage from Sharilton arrived shortly thereafter and Elize was already miles away when the king finally retired to his chambers again, rolling his fatigue off his shoulders and taking a glass of wine to his favorite chair.
His sigh was more like a low growl and he drank the remainder of the wine in one toss. Though he was doing his best to try not to think of what transpired between them he had been failing miserably at the task. Now that she had long since departed the cold climate of Kanbalar for the warmer atmosphere of Rashugal, he wondered if he would finally have peace. The king was patiently waiting for the time when he would no longer feel guilty in Rowen's presence or ruminate on how the lady had stolen...what exactly had she stolen?
Nothing he would admit to anyone out loud.
Without any ability to shake the feeling, he distinctly felt that something was now missing. With a grunt of self loathing he thought perhaps this is what they meant when they called someone a "late bloomer."
"I am too old for this," he lamented as he sank deeper into his chair and closed his eyes to sleep.
-000-
As Elize traveled to Sharilton more often than not her thoughts traveled back to Gaius. She could not shake the feeling that she found him considerably changed. His demeanor drew her in. The persona of "Gaius" stepped aside for Erston to resurface, even if unintentionally. Now, he was kinder and more eager to empathize and make human connections, or perhaps, Elize supposed, he was always this way underneath that cold exterior.
Elize on the other hand had grown more thoughtful and serious, more so now with her illness. Yet underneath she could feel another her emerging in his presence where formalities were dropped, smiles were shared and the connections between them more distinct than she previously realized.
She felt something akin to yearning, for something, but for what exactly Elize couldn't be certain. This uncharted territory, a desire to share something with one person who was special beyond measure, was a novel and frightening feeling. Elize had never felt it until now.
She groaned inwardly at her own impudence yet her hand involuntarily touched her lips where that tenderness lingered, like the scent of lavender. The feeling was real. Elize held onto it like something precious and decided she did not regret it.
As soon as she crossed the threshold of Sharil Manor and shed her cloak, her undersecretary started talking nonstop about the day's schedule. A letter had arrived from House Travis that no representative would be coming to the Summit. Ever since their illegitimate daughter, Agria, had burned down the manor and conspired to have her half brothers killed, that House had been upended. These were the political nuances Elize had to navigate for Driselle and there was still more to do. She sighed and rolled up her sleeves.
-000-
When the first day of the Science Summit came, Elize made sure everything was in place. She was determined to make the week succeed for Driselle's sake. As her sister turned on the charm of the Sharils with elite guests in the parlor, Elize moved quietly in the background, answering questions and maintaining the schedule.
Her undersecretary greeted the guests as they entered and the servants ushered people to the Hall, where Jude's noon symposium would soon take place. Elize was frantically looking for him since she could hardly send him up on the podium looking like a disheveled scientist, though, in truth, he really was.
When the prime minister and the king entered the manor they could feel the energy in the air. It was a bustling atmosphere with nobles, reporters and servants chatting and moving, hobnobbing and discussing everything from the lunch menu, the latest fashions, to business and politics. It was exactly what Lady Driselle had intended to happen between the two nations when she proposed the Science Summit to the king.
Chancellor Marcia approached them first. "My, Your Highness, Rowen, you are both looking dapper today. I must say this is quite the gathering. I congratulated Lady Driselle on its success but I daresay much of it has to do with my dear friend, Elize," she smiled proudly.
"I agree wholeheartedly. Might I interest you both in some refreshment?" asked Rowen.
"Are you regressing to your inner butler?" asked Gaius dryly, eyebrow raised.
"I can't help it. I served House Sharil for many years. Coming here is like coming home," the old man chuckled. "I've an urge to start polishing the silver."
"Then allow me to assist you," smiled the Chancellor. "I'm quite handy in the kitchen. But I don't think we have time to polish the silver."
The king didn't bother interrupting the two when they got into a mood and sat himself down in a fluffy sofa in the empty sitting room. Closing his eyes he told himself to relax. He hated crowds really, but things like this were a necessity as king. The lack of sleep seemed to be catching up with him; he heard her voice in his head chiding him for it.
"Elize! There you are," said a cheerful, familiar voice. The king's eyes flew open and he remained still behind the high backed sofa. It was unbecoming to hide behind furniture but he was at a loss as to an alternative.
Elize apologized. "I know I promised to talk to you before everything began but I was hunting for a comb. Jude's hair is a bird's nest."
Leia giggled at the thought. "I just wanted to thank you for trusting me with the material you sent."
"I think you're the perfect choice to write the article on Labari, Leia," smiled Elize. She quoted from the draft, "'Human curiosity is limitless but there is a fine line between science and morality we must not forget. With technology on the rise the importance of past blunders should never be forgotten.' It's just like something Milla would say."
"That's nothing. On top of everything else you're doing, you still have time to think of others. I'm so proud of you!" said Leia passionately, squeezing her friend tight. "How are you feeling by the way?" she asked with genuine concern. Before Elize could answer a commotion at the front door interrupted them.
A commanding voice ordered a servant to fetch him a glass of water at that moment and Elize and Leia turned to see an older, portly gentleman standing in the doorway. Her undersecretary acted courteously and ushered his group into the study suggesting refreshment before joining the symposium.
"That's a pleasant fellow," said Leia sarcastically. "I don't envy you having to navigate your way through the nobility and their egos."
"That's the Baron of the Chevalle family. For the record, he is always that unpleasant. They've been trying to raise their status since House Travis lost influence."
"I've heard of him. His family made a fortune doing business but they aren't really noble stock," shrugged Leia.
"Sadly, he's also my maternal grandfather," sighed Elize.
"What?!" exclaimed Leia, but Elize pressed a hand to her friend's mouth.
"He does business with House Sharil. I accidentally found out when I investigated his background. Apparently he had wanted my mother to marry into one of the Six Houses but she disobeyed and was disowned. We're connected by blood but he's no longer my family."
"My, do I smell another scoop? A tale of heroism, romance and intrigue?"
As her friend's eyes started to glimmer, Elize shook her head and laughed as she flicked Leia's forehead affectionately.
"You're a dangerous friend to keep," she smiled. "I don't care about bloodlines. I'm lucky to have you and Jude and everyone else as my new family," she shrugged.
"Awww, shucks," blushed Leia, wrapping the younger woman in a bear hug that Elize had pry and peel herself out of.
Thinking she was alone again, Elize checked her reflection in the mirror. Make-up was hiding the circles under her eyes and her gaunt completion. She pulled a pill box from her pocket and took her medication. "Just survive this week," she encouraged herself in the mirror with a fist of determination. "Then you can sleep as much as you want. You can do this." Just as she was about to go into the main hall, her vision blurred and she stumbled forward. But for a pair of sturdy arms holding her up, her face would have collided with the floor in a very unflattering manner.