Casket of Souls

queen’s quarters, rooms that had once belonged to Phoria. Her mother’s were next to hers on the other side, and Korathan’s suite lay just across the hallway, although the prince also had his own villa in the Noble Quarter and spent the majority of his free time there.
    Seregil was familiar with Korathan’s rooms, but not Elani’s, as he hadn’t spent much time with Phoria in her youth.
    Footmen bowed to them and opened the polished double doors to admit them into a large, already crowded drawing room. The walls were decorated with murals of countrysidescenes, and the sumptuous furnishings were done up in gold brocade. Bookcases lined the back of the room from floor to ceiling, framing an ornately gilded door. The bookcases were filled with leather-bound volumes on history, warfare, statecraft, and other topics suitable for a future ruler; the warm smell of them mingled with the scent of the wax tapers and the perfumes of the various courtiers in attendance, forming an almost incense-like aroma that was very pleasant and cozy on such a stormy day. A large marble hearth took up the center of the right-hand wall. No fire burned there, as the day was warm in spite of the rain. The tall windows overlooking a smaller garden stood open to the damp breeze.
    The usual courtiers and servants were there, including Reltheus, who clearly still occupied a place of honor among the assembly, and the unsociable Marquis Kyrin, Seregil noted with interest. Neither of them appeared to be worried about anything.
    “Here you are!” Archduchess Alaya greeted them, kissing both of them lightly on each cheek. Then, lowering her voice, she confided, “You two have become quite the favorites, my dears, at least with the princess. Her mother is less enthusiastic. You’ll do well to stay out of her way.”
    “Thank you for the warning,” Seregil murmured with a smile.
    “Elani needs some friends outside of the court. Lord Alec, you’ve been a breath of fresh air for her.”
    Alec bowed, coloring a little at the unexpected praise.
    “And I’m so sorry about your friend, Lady Kylith.”
    “Thank you, dear lady. The pain lingers on, but she’s vibrant in memory,” Seregil replied with genuine feeling.
    Alaya flitted on, teasing Earl Stenmir about something. Seregil looked around at the crowd, then brushed Alec’s hand with his own and inclined his head in the direction of Elani across the room. She was laughing with General Sarien.
    “Interesting that such a busy fellow has time for court pleasantries,” Seregil murmured. The thought that the general might well be planning harm to the girl he was now charming was chilling. “Though it’s hardly surprising that hehas access to her, both for his rank and position. He’s an archduke.”
    Apart from General Sarien, everyone was gorgeously attired and bejeweled today. Elani was resplendent in a crimson gown and ruby-studded neckband and girdle; her hair was dressed with jeweled pins. Catching sight of them, she came over to greet them with warm delight.
    “Thank you so much for attending,” she said, extending her hand to them in turn.
    “The pleasure of your company is always a ray of sunshine, Highness,” Seregil said, gesturing at the rain-lashed windows overlooking the queen’s garden. “And what better day for sunshine?”
    Elani laughed. “I hope you’ll allow me to try my bakshi skills against yours again. I have been practicing.”
    “I’m at your disposal. Alec is a good hand at the gaming table, as well.”
    “Then I’ll test your mettle at the stones, too, Lord Alec.”
    Just then her mother called out for the princess and Elani let out a small sigh, muttering, “Oh, what now?”
    Seregil smothered a grin; for a moment she was just an ordinary young girl, chafing at her mother’s demands.
    “If you’ll excuse me?” she said. “And don’t forget, I want a game with both of you!”
    Seregil and Alec bowed and she went to join her mother. As Seregil watched, Aralain introduced her daughter to a Lord Orin—the handsome son of Marquis Roleus—whom Seregil had gambled against a few times when the young lord was out carousing with his friends. He was also a member of Sarien’s regiment, and wore his uniform and commander’s gorget with style.
    “Danos may have more serious competition than you, Alec.” Seregil chuckled softly, watching Elani blushing under the young man’s attentions. “I wonder if this signals a chilling of affection for