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King Ifahyd’s rooms seemed to be not more nor less than any of the suites Laun had seen in the large Estate. Except that there were guards along the corridor and his rooms were the only ones occupied opening up to the courtyard. Word had been sent and, as Laun was escorted to Ifahyd’s room, slowly and with many pauses to let her catch her breath or just not look at anyone, a well appointed meal was laid out in the main room.
There had also been time to have Edgar called to attend his Lady Wife. He had others of the Peaches with him, quick signs and words telling some of what happened. Edgar looked around and did not see Gem and was told she was with the people who had been in charge of the Baroness’ lands.
“Lord Edgar, please.” King Ifahyd motioned to the low couch next to where Laun was already sitting. A glass of lightly flavored water was handed to him and Ifahyd took a glass himself.
Laun was seeing those around her, hearing those around her. She just was not reacting much. She sipped on the drink in her hand, a measured amount as she had learned when being around the Clapperless Bells as they were the ones most likely to poison, and be poisoned. Verat saw her being cautious and stood behind her, quiet, but attentive.
Ifahyd took something from the platter and sat back. It was a signal that others could eat and many did. Edgar took several things and tried to give some to Laun, but she did not accept it.
It was not her normal thinking stare. It was not what she looked like when her darkness would come up and turn her mind against her. She just was within herself. She did not want to react, interact or exist beyond herself right then. That would mean accepting what had happened, and she couldn’t. »Read More