Free The Silvering of Loran by G.B. WREN Page A

further towards the curved stairs that lead up to the family chambers.
    “What is happening?” Loran yelled out in desperation, now trailing just a few steps behind her mother.
    When Leanna reached the inner sanctum of her chamber, she finally turned to Loran—who had arrived mere moments behind her. Loran stood confused and waited for her mother’s explanation.
    “There is something that has occurred here that is very wrong,” Leanna declared, greatly concern.
    “Why was Gervest chosen over Rolam?” asked Loran. “There is no reason to—”
    “That was just the final confirmation of a lengthy suspicion I have held over many years,” interrupted Leanna.
    “What suspicion?”
    “That there is something here we have not seen since the great castle war.” Leanna spoke with a determined will, shadowed with alarm. “I fear for us all if what I suspect is true.”
    Loran considered her mother’s words with care as she observed her slow rhythmic pacing in the room. Loran stepped to Leanna and gripped her hands.
    “I do not scare easily, another trait I received from you, for which I am immensely grateful, but I now see in your eyes reason I should embrace fear,” said Loran.
    Leanna smiled and brought her fingers to her daughter’s face.
    “Do not discount the qualities your father passed on. Gilvius’s bravery is renowned in our history. It was through that trait that I fell in love with him.”
    Loran had heard her mother speak affectionately of her father before. Throughout the provinces, Leanna’s love and loyalty was reflected in her every deed and was admired with great regard, but she had never heard her speak of Gilvius’s bravery. It was only when she felt a tear flowing across her cheek did she realize how much she treasured her mother’s revelation—especially in the face of her father’s increased frailty.
    “Tell me what you suspect,” urged Loran.
    “This isn’t the time,” Leanna declared and peered around Loran at the open entry to her chamber. “Meet me in the library tonight after all the others have retired . . . I hope I have not waited too—” Leanna stopped herself. “Just meet me tonight,” she confirmed, as she squeezed Loran’s hands once more.
    * * *
    L oran paced in her chamber, anxious for the night to capture everyone so she could join her mother. She walked to the balcony and assessed the activity below; it was still, with no guard in her view. When she could delay herself no longer, she made a direct path to her door and snatched her wrap from her bed on the way.
    Loran had just descended the chamber staircase when she met Gervest in the main hall.
    “You’re skulking about late this evening,” snarled Gervest.
    “I’m a little hungry,” said Loran. “The dinner meal didn’t sit comfortably, so I thought some bread and jam might settle me.” While her statements were true on their own merit, Loran had become more cognizant of how easily she relied on deception.
    “I did notice an abundance of food was left untouched. Perhaps the excitement of our father’s announcement quelled your appetite.”
    “Perhaps,” Loran replied, unflustered as she turned to leave.
    “Loran!” Gervest called out, delaying her exit.
    Loran halted and breathed a quick sigh before she rotated to face Gervest.
    “I sense you do not approve,” said Gervest.
    “I didn’t realize my approval carried such potency.”
    Gervest could not remember a time when verbally sparring with his sister left him unscathed, but then again, he wasn’t going to be the sovereign in six months in those previous skirmishes.
    “I trust you realize my approval as sovereign, does.”
    “And, your meaning?”
    “For one, I think you have avoided marrying for far too long, don’t you agree?”
    “Shall I assume this will be an immediate agenda when you ascend?”
    “It will.”
    “And you have someone in mind . . . from the Kileson province?”
    “A joining with Michael, and the children from