Dreamwalker's Bride - Chapter 120

Chapter 120: Empty time
Anaisa listlessly rested as she waited for Sapphira’s return. There was not much to keep her occupied. No one to talk with. She cleaned the chambers, but the lower maids had already done most of it. They usually slipped in and out as quietly as possible while the trio ate lunch, not sticking around. She had no embroidery or other handiworks to apply her efforts to.

She should ask for a book, perhaps. Or some… an idea occurred to her. She went to Sapphira’s stationary desk and drew out some paper and a writing implement. Sitting down, she chewed the inside of her cheek in thought.

She wrote out a list of what she knew about Trace’s blackmailer. He’d been sure it was Barnabas before, but now wouldn’t talk about it.

Anaisa frowned, drawing two lines down the center of the paper. The left side for things that she knew for certain. In the center, she wrote things that she had assumed or was reasonably confident about, and on the right, theories and guesses. At the bottom, little facts or information that didn’t fit anywhere.

The rough chart took shape, and she looked over it carefully. What she knew was obviously lacking. Trace had told her that the plot didn’t stop with the throne, but what could that mean?

And then… the tree, and the cave… it was all very confusing. She didn’t understand, and Trace couldn’t tell her.

Committing the visual representation of her knowledge to memory, she stood to toss it into the fireplace. Better to not have any record of what she knew available for someone to find later.

Hesitating, she turned the sheet over, and sat back down. Deftly, she drew out a map. Made a tally off to one side and formed a plan in her mind. This would serve her well. She calculated timing and potential problems, frowning when she ran into an issue that could prove costly.

When she finished, her eyes scanned the paper for any flaws. Noise in the hallway alerted her that she had little time before Sapphira and Trace’s return. Biting her lip, she flew to the fireplace and tossed the paper in just as they entered.

“How was it?” She whirled and stepped to the side for her skirts to hide the burning paper, but Sapphira’s eyes narrowed.

“What’s wrong?” The princess stepped forward and raised her eyebrows. Anaisa groaned internally. Apparently she’d done a terrible job acting nonchalant. “Paper! Burning paper? A love letter, perhaps? Annie, you’ve been meeting a lover while I was away?”

“No!” Anaisa reacted strongly to the accusation. “I was trying to pass the time by drawing.”

“And you decided your art was so offensive as to merit incineration?” Sapphira lifted her chin skeptically. “I’m sure it must be more than that, but I suppose we’ll let you keep your secrets, won’t we, Trace?”

Anaisa’s eyes flew to her husband. He held her gaze as he answered.

“I’m sure she wouldn’t intentionally keep important secrets.”

The words landed on Anaisa with heavy weight, reminding her that apparently his secrets were not intentional at this point. Trace swallowed as he looked at her, and she nodded slowly.

“Of course I wouldn’t.” She tried to smile. “So tell me, how did tea go? Did you get your favorite snacks?”

“Absolutely. Father wanted to make certain that I was in the best mood possible, most likely, to meet my first potential suitor.” Sapphira flopped down onto the sofa. “I knew choosing a husband would involve tedious conversation, but this was far worse than I imagined. Not an interesting thing to say the whole time!”

“Quite a complaint when I had to field conversations from all of your suitors for the entirety of last evening!” Anaisa shook her head.

“At least there was dancing to keep you awake. I thought for sure I would fall to sleep with how boring they were! And I have to do that every day for weeks!” Sapphira cringed, and Anaisa moved forward with alarm.

“Denholm’s coming every day for weeks?” That was a terrible sign.

“No, No, a different suitor every day.” Sapphira smiled. “Goodness, you made the prospect look appealing by comparison!”

“Oh. Well, that’s a good sign, isn’t it? You’ll get to choose your favorite, or at least have some say before anything is decided?” Anaisa asked hopefully.

“Perhaps, or Father’s just putting on a good show for all the nobles to make their sons and favorites feel valued and considered. I honestly don’t know and can’t bring myself to care all that much.” Sapphira pouted. “If I’d been allowed to dance at the ball, I could have formed my own opinions about a few of them already, and not have to waste time having tea with everyone over time. This is exhausting.”

“I’m sure,” Anaisa empathized.

“What did you do here while we were gone, other than receive some mysterious note that you burned?” Sapphira looked pointedly to the fire.

“I was passing the time,” Anaisa shrugged. “If you’re going to be doing this every day, I’ll need something to keep me occupied. Weeks of extended hours by myself without something productive to turn my hand to will drive me positively mad! Surely I may have some books or other entertainment while you are gone, especially if you are taking Trace with you.”

“Father commanded Trace to accompany me, for my safety,” Sapphira shrugged. “I see no need, but I wasn’t given a choice. I hope you’ll learn to love solitude, Annie. I’ll try and get you some books or something.”

“I suppose I’ll have to,” Anaisa looked down in consternation. “I’m sure it won’t be as bad as it could be. Plenty of people enjoy being alone.”

She never had. She’d always had Katia, and then Trace.

“In a palace this big, you’re never quite alone. If you ever want to cover your hair and sneak out with my token, I won’t tell anyone,” Sapphira encouraged.

“It may not be safe,” Trace interrupted. “You still look like the princess, and it would be terrible for you to get hurt, or for someone to think she was skipping the tea time that His Majesty commanded.”

“I would disguise myself, obviously, but I have no immediate plans to do such a thing,” Anaisa assured him. “I’ll let you know if that changes so you can be adequately worried about me.”

Trace did not seem amused by her joke, but he nodded nonetheless.