Bk 2: Chapter Six (17)

In Juhntt, days had passed since the envoys from Khul had arrived. King Adrian had agreed to have an embassy in Khul and word had passed to other territories. The rebellion brewing in the former Northern Lan over their new owners encouraged by Southern Lan had died down so quickly one could not speak. It was now known that the Grand Empress Dowager of Khul had died. But many were still weary to move. After all, there was still to be a word about Lady Vion. Khul still had one more Thraine backing them and with the deal between Thraines handing the Khul Empire to Lady Wickshire, it was sure that the lady's influence did not leave Thriergor with her. Word was, she had found a way to leave Thriergor after her enemies in the lower realms. If Juhntt's position was fragile before, it was not anymore.

Many thought Juhntt would use this time to ask for allegiance, but that did not happen. Word of the Ligrel clan and Vigron killing off an Ostie clan branch to change leadership started to spread. The three ancients have come together in a pact.

While this news spread too fast for one to comprehend, Lord Gunt had rode with his entourage to the Thaile border to visit the price of Thaile. Inside the carriage, Lady Hu and her maids sat and stared out towards the foreign land.

"There, my lady, we are crossing the salt crack. It really is filled with white salt!" a maid exclaimed, but Lady Hu looked away and turned her eyes towards the carriage in front.

"Is that woman really in his carriage?" she asked and the maid paused.

"No, she is in the carriage behind us,"

"Behind us? A concubine?" she scuffed.

"There is no way the lord would make her a concubine without asking you, my lady," the maid said.

"There is. My mother just took power and is looking for a tribute for the Krain family," she said.

"Does the tribute matter, my lady?"

"No one is saying so, but it is assumed that the placing of power will be determined by how pleased the lady is. There is no way she is just giving places to those who will advance outside Thriergor with her; there must be more to it. She is probably amassing power to take with her. A follow, right hands, call it what one may, it comes down to one thing, favour. Being in her favour equals more chances outside. In this kind of situation, it is better to be used much often when we follow her. Being used means more opportunities," she said as the carriage rolled through large iron gates. They rode all the way towards the large castle sitting on elevated grounds before they stopped. They stepped out to a welcome entourage. Leading them was a darkly dressed man. He stepped forward the moment Lord Gunt stepped out of his carriage and the lord bowed deeply.

"Lord Gunt," He said and the man revealed a rare smile in reply.

"I came to congratulate you on your coronation," Lord Gunt laughed amiably and the man in dark garbs felt a chill down his spine but accepted those words with gratitude, "Thank you, Lord Gunt,"

Lady Hu stepped out of the carriage to this sight and resisted the frown that formed on her face.

"This is Lady Hu of Ostie," Lord Gunt said amiably and despite the confusion in her heart, she stepped forward with a smile.

"Lady Hu, I am humbled by your presence. Please, allow me to show you in," the man said with a slight smile and led them in. As they walked in Lady Hu did not forget to look back at the woman following with her own entourage behind them.

They were settled after a while. Lady Hu and Lord Gunt retired early faulting the long Journey. The entertainment had been full of laughter between Lord Gunt and King of Thaile. They had talked of a great many things seaming like old friends to all who watched. Even Lady Hu had held a soft smile as she watched them converse, with deep confusion in her heart. But the moment they were behind closed doors, she could not help but say, "You are a bad actor,"

"Why do you presume so?" he asked coldly. The smile had long left his face the moment the doors closed.

"You would not act like that even to your friends. One might be suspicious of your intention," she said.

"One has to have seen me with friends to be suspicious of my intentions,"

"Why? You did not feel to me as though you knew the man," he asked.

"This is my clan's tribute to the Juhntt queen. So small yet very wanted," he said and started to take off his clothes.

"Does wife intend to stay and watch this husband undress?" he asked.

"Why yes. Or would you prefer the lady next door to mine?" she asked and he glanced at her.

"You were never one to dare touch dishes flavoured with vinegar," he said and she smiled coldly.

"Even if the world turns, this lady will avoid anything sour," she said.

"Leave!" he ordered and she bowed slightly and left without hesitation.