Tempest Rise (revised edition 10/2013) (Treborel) (17 page)

Roth had successfully hidden his fury after
being informed that Katar had spent the entire night in Lysette’s quarters. He had no reason to doubt his sources. Lt. Onlot had been accurate since the conflict began. Calming himself, he knew the impact of Enda would be even more severe, now that Lysette had become intimate with the mountain barbarian. Roth wasn’t truly convinced that Enda’s claim was valid, neither did he care. He knew Lysette would break off all contact with Katar, and never give him the chance to explain.

Hopefully
, Katar would never know why Lysette had suddenly decided to stop seeing him. In her heartbroken state, she would be vulnerable, vulnerable to him.  Roth would convince Lysette to marry him. She’d be much happier in Lavose with her family and friends nearby, instead of stranded in the wilderness as her medical knowledge was ignored.

It was far past the dinner hour when Lysette arrived at the suite that
had been arranged specifically for Roth. It was nearly three times the size of her small room with a large sofa, high back chairs and brightly colored curtains. Lysette was surprised to find that Roth was not alone. The beautiful blonde sitting on the sofa across from her was smiling brightly as Roth introduced them. Lysette was encouraged by her presence, perhaps Roth had moved on.

Roth played the perfect host during the meal. Roth kept the conversation light and casual until the appropriate time. It was clear that Lysette
was intrigued by Enda’s presence. Roth hoped she was jealous, but doubted it was true. Moving to open another bottle of the exquisite port Roth frowned at Enda, concerned at the quantity she was consuming. He vowed to throttle the wench if she became too intoxicated to complete her task.

“Lady Waytals, I am acquainted with most of the Lon Tesse court. Your name isn’t familiar to me. Is your home in Ragal?” Lysette asked, pulling her glass away as Roth attempted to refill it again.

“Oh no, my dear.” Enda smiled, enjoying the anticipation, the time was at hand. “I’m from Treborel. I came here to locate my fiancé.”

“Lady Waytals was at the capital today,” Roth interrupted, not wanting Katar’s name to
be mentioned too quickly. “She was speaking with your uncle with I arrived. When I heard that Lady Waytals hadn’t been in contact with her betrothed since the conflict began, I offered my assistance.” Roth smiled brightly at Lysette, and then changed the subject. “Lady Waytals were you aware that Lady Nolan is a surgeon here at the hospital? I understand she’s been working closely with the Empathic healers of Treborel.”

“How interesting,” Enda turned her attention back to Lysette, with an intense gaze and said, “So young and beautiful
, to be spending so much time inside a man’s body instead of next to one.” Studying the young surgeon, Enda wondered if she was truly capable of wrenching Katar away from this beauty.  The young Prince had better pray his plan was a success. She would let nothing stand in her way. It would be a pity for Roth to lose his only love, forever.  “Perhaps you could help me in my search. I understand that my fiancé was involved in a helijet crash near here last night.” Enda finished, smiling at how easy it would be to have someone killed in the middle of a war.

“Lady Waytals, I did speak with the
Commander. Our information must have been faulty, he is not here.” Roth interrupted, quietly pretending to soothe Enda.

“It’s quite alright, Roth.” Lysette
was touched by the woman's dedication to her lover. “I operated on a Treborelan Officer that was involved in the crash.”

“Oh no!”
Enda rose wailing, “Your uncle told me he was only slightly injured.” She pulled Roth up from the sofa, desperately grabbing onto his uniform lapel. “He’s dead and you just couldn’t find the words to tell me!”

“No! Lady Waytals.” Lysette rose and took hold of her hands. “He is going to be fine; I’ll take you to him right now.”

Enda stared into Lysette’s calm, smiling face with astonishment and relief.  Gasping for breath she replied, “Oh my love, my Katar! Thank you so much, Dr. Nolan, I would very much like to see him now.”

The look of surprise and confusion on Lysette’s face thrilled Roth. He hid his pleasure at how smoothly Enda had given the secret away.

“I’m sorry, did you say Katar?” Lysette asked, her voice uncertain.

“Yes, Prince Katar of Treborel. Please take me to him.” Enda moved toward the door, pretending not to notice Lysette’s hesitation.

Time suddenly seemed to slow, as the impact of Enda’s words took hold of Lysette. There must be some mistake. Lysette heard herself clarifying the situation, “The officer I operated on was Commander Caplin Taylor.”

“What?” Enda turned back to stare at Lysette in surprise and added with a laugh, “Cap Taylor? I thought Katar was flying the helijet?” She stopped smiling and threw a look of disappointment at Lysette saying, “Are you telling me that Katar isn’t here after all?”

“Prince Katar was a passenger in the helijet and he was here last night. He sustained only minor injuries.” Lysette forced herself to continue, matching Enda’s gaze. She was indeed a beautiful woman, Lysette could see why any man would be attracted to her.

“Then he is here and he’s alright?” Enda searched Lysette’s face for an answer.

Once again Lysette heard her voice reply, “He’s fine but he’s no longer here.”  Lysette couldn’t believe what was happening. She was so certain Katar’s feelings were real. Suddenly her head cleared, and she looked upon Enda with new eyes and asked, “Are you telling me that Prince Katar is your Fiancé?”

Roth sat back on the sofa in anticipation of the following discussion, impressed with Enda’s aloof calmness.

“Yes, we were engaged shortly before he left for the Alliance Summit.  Unfortunately we were unable to plan an announcement because he was unable to return to Borel.” Satisfied Katar was nowhere near, Enda felt free to repeat her story. Moving back to the sofa to sit next to Roth, she smiled brilliantly at the amused Prince, the instant her back was to Lysette. Biting the inside of his cheek as a smile threatened, Roth swore to bed the seductive wench before she returned to Treborel.

Shifting his gaze to Lysette, Roth was startled at her stricken face. Fighting back the guilt that threatened to surface
, Roth reminded himself this was for her own good. He was the only one that could truly make her happy. Yes, he would do his best; at the very least he would be discrete with his future dalliances.

Enda began describing what appeared to be a story of several years of romance between herself and Katar. The more detailed Lady Waytals description became, the more Lysette began to doubt her sincerity.

“Just exactly how did Prince Katar propose?” She asked, wondering if the noblewoman was refined enough to distinguish a seduction from a proposal of marriage. Perhaps she had mistaken a brief affair for a long lasting relationship.

Satisfied that her story was being absorbed, Enda relaxed against the back of the sofa as she replied. “Katar isn’t one for long speeches or sweet words. He simply asked.”

“Lady Waytals, I find your story quite unbelievable.” Lysette was convinced the poor woman had been deceiving herself.

“Dr. Nolan I don’t know what to say!”
Enda bolted upright with calm surprise. “But frankly, it isn’t important to me whether you believe me or not.  You are of no consequence to me or my fiancé.”

“I am sorry you feel that way, Lady Waytals. But I am of importance to Prince Katar.” Lysette sat back down in her chair. “Katar and I are seriously involved and he has never mentioned you. I think perhaps you’ve mistaken a brief liaison for something much, much more.” Lysette reached out compassionately and touched Enda’s hand.

Jerking back, Enda glanced quickly at Roth, shock filled her face. Rising quickly Roth moved to Enda’s side, taking her hand in support. Turning to Lysette, Enda calmly defended herself, “I cannot mistake a man's intentions, when he blatantly asks me to bare his child.” Turning to Roth, Enda buried her head in his shoulder.

Focusing on Lysette, Roth spoke with great regret. “Lysette, I had no idea you and Prince Katar were involved. I never would have brought Lady Waytals here if I had known.” Roth helped Enda to the small chair by the window. “Perhaps
we should end this conversation, for tonight and discuss this in the morning when we are all less emotional.”

It was Enda
, rising from her chair, she crossed slowly to Lysette.  “No, I think it is best that we bring everything out.” Enda took Lysette’s hand and calmly led her to sit on the sofa beside her. “I’m sorry we both had to find out about each other this way.” This time Enda was rational and soothing.  “Every time this happens it hurts as much as the very first time.” Enda paused and sighed deeply, continuing, “Katar had promised me that this would never happen again. It was the only reason why I agreed to marry him. He has a weakness for beautiful women. I thought he had truly given up these convenient romances. I had hoped when he knew I was truly going to be his, it would all end.” Looking into Lysette’s pale face, Enda smiled sadly. “It is so difficult, being Heir to an Empire. I know there are so many women willing to do anything just to catch his eye. My only consolation is that he always returns to me.”

Lysette could no longer speak. She felt only numb disbelief fill her with hopelessness. Rising without a wor
d, Lysette walked slowly from the room oblivious to Roth’s words of consolation. Moving without thought toward her quarters, Lysette stopped in front of Joah’s door. The elderly Empath spoke constantly of Borel and the queen he had once served as a healer. Perhaps he could help her; perhaps he could tell her the truth. The truth she wanted to hear, that Lady Waytals was an imposter; that the man she was so deeply in love with wasn’t playing games with her heart.

‘Help me Joah.” Her mind pleaded as she stood before the door barely in control of her emotions. The door jerked open and Andrus face appeared.  Without a word, he took her hand and pulled her inside. His touch soothe
d her, gave her strength. As Joah rose from the end of his bed, she poured out her story.  Unaware of the anger that grew on Andru’s handsome face, Lysette concentrated on Joah, as he listened calmly.

Tears poured down Lysette’s face a
s she finished and said, “I need to know if she’s telling the truth. Were they involved?”

The kind smile that appeared before her
, did nothing to relieve her pain as Joah spoke, “Prince Katar has had many beautiful women by his side, as many powerful men do throughout their lives. Enda was one of his most recent companions.”

All her strength disappeared with his words. Andru moved forward to place his arm around her shoulder in comfort, as Joah continued. “I have never known Prince Katar to deceive anyone. Lady Waytals is indeed a close friend, but I cannot attest to any marital plans. This is something you must discuss with him.”

Rising, Lysette thanked Joah and headed for the door followed quickly by Andru. As they reached her quarters, the young Empath took her hand once more and said, “I wish I could take this pain away. You have no idea how hard it is to see you in pain.” Andru concealed his anger at the man who had thrown away the love he so desperately wanted. “I’m here if you need me, for anything.” He wanted to offer so much more. To tell her he would like to try to fill the void she felt. Yet he held back, knowing there would be time in the weeks to come for such words.

Smiling softly, Lysette kissed Andru’s cheek in tender appreciation, his dark brown eyes frowned as she spoke. “Thank you Andru. I’ll be fine.” Then she disappeared into her room. Collapsing on her bed, Lysette let the tears flow, until exhaustion led her into a dreamless sleep.

A lingering trace of light filtered in through the recovery room doors
, as Cap scanned the darkness of the large room. Everywhere laid the sleeping forms of his fellow soldiers. He recalled how each had received a lingering visit from Kendra at some point during the day. Everyone was given the pleasure of her attention. Whether she had read to them, or played some simple game to help them pass the time, everyone was given her smile. All except him, she had walked past him each time, without a single glance.

He hadn’t spoken since his conversation with Katar. It had made his throat ache. His voice ha
d been so rough, it sounded as if he had swallowed shards of broken glass; not that his voice had been soft or exceptionally sweet before. He simply couldn’t stand the idea of sounding like a whispering old man speaking his last words before death took him to oblivion.

Cap knew that Kendra wouldn’t return until he used his deformed voice to ask for her. In the darkness of the night, after the loneliness of the day, he decided to get a grip on his pride. He tried to speak her name. As if she had read his thoughts
, Kendra appeared through the windows in the doorway. From across the room, Cap could tell she was only delivering some instructions to the healer on call. She was not coming in his direction. Gathering his strength, Cap rose as his tired muscles cried out. Pulling himself up, he headed slowly toward the door. Passing the sleeping forms that filled the room, he reached the double door.  Kendra glanced up somehow knowing he was there. Frozen, she waited as he slowly opened the door and came to her. Her pulse quickened as she saw the look of determination on his unshaven face. Turning toward him, she waited as the excitement that only his presence could cause filled her.