Birdsong - Chapter 2

Julia walked slowly past the doors to the council chambers. She heard angry voices arguing but could not make out the words. However, it was a good sign. She continued walking as if she was like every other noble lady in the castle. Her long dress flowing behind her.

Back in her room, behind locked doors, she took pen and paper and started to write. As the letter became longer her facial expression changed. The former smile was gone, taken over by a calm seriousness. When done she lit a purple candle, walked over to the window and shut the curtains. A smell that brought your thoughts to winter chill and howl of wolves filled the room.

Julia picked up the letter with both hands and held it high over her head. Her long hair falling down her back. She closed her eyes.

"Oh, you great beast of the north
Hear my question
I beg of you to bring my word
Over the lands
Through forests and over seas
Hear my question
Oh, you great beast of the north."

Her eyes shut open. A purple fire burning in them. Shadows seemed to spread out all around the room, shadows of wolves. She put the letter in the candle flame. It immediately caught fire. She let go of the letter and backed away. Eyes glowing. The letter hung in the air above the candle as it burned. The shadow wolves drew closer. When the last corner of paper was gone they let out a hollow howl that was more felt than heard and dived at the candle. Everything stood still.

Julia was left in darkness. She couldn't move, not yet. The magic slowly left her body, leaving her cold and tired. When the final thread of magic was gone she let out her breath, shivered and hurried to draw the curtains from the windows. The sun shone bright. Such a contrast to the dark. Smiling she started to hide away everything that might give a hint about what she'd done.

Knock knock.

She twirled around, almost knocking an ink bottle of the table. "Lord of the seven hells" she cursed.

"Yes?" Her voice neutral.

"My Lady, young lord Devan has asked for you to join him for dinner." Julia recognised the voice. It was Ella, her personal maid. "Your door is locked, my Lady."

"Yes, sorry."

Ella gave her a curious look as she opened the door but said nothing. A locked door meant secrets. And if you didn't know the secret, you couldn't betray it.

~

The sun had started to set when Julia, led by Devan, made her way through the castle. The servants had started to light torches along the corridors. She lifted her skirts to be able to walk up a few steps and then they made it out on one of the big terraces. A table was set and candles burned. Servants stood ready halfway in the shadows.

"I hope you're hungry, my Lady", Devan said.

"Starving, my Lord."

He showed her to her chair and then sat down himself. The servants immediately begun to work. Wine was poured and starters presented.

Julia did what was expected, sitting still and smiling lovely. Underneath the surface her mind worked on high speed. Why has he asked me to dine with him? Does Matthew know? Of course he does. Is this his plan? They can't possibly know who I am... Thought after thought came and went. When the servants were done she had four escape roads and five possible (and two not so possible) murder attempts on her and nine on Devan, in her head.

"You look lovely tonight." Devan smiled at her.

"Thank you, my Lord."

"Please skip the 'Lord' talk. Tonight I'm just Devan."

"There is nothing 'just' about being you." She gave him a shy smile. What are you up to?

He burst out laughing. "You're to kind."

After that the conversation became less formal and Julia relaxed a bit. The main course tasted like it was cooked by angels and when it was finished she found herself studying his face. There were no scars on his 17-year-old face. He blinked as a blond lock of hair fell into his eyes. Casually removing it with his hand. He turned his head demanding more wine. His nose was straight and a little to long. When he turned back his deep blue eyes met hers.

"Enjoying what you see?" he teased her. Winking at her with one eye.

She felt how she flushed. "You have a beautiful face..."

The desert was brought forward. It looked delicious. Chocolate cake with strawberries. They ate under silence.

What the hell am I doing? Yes, he was attractive but that didn't excuse her words. Sometimes she fell to deep into her role as a lady of the north. She had to be careful. There was to much at risk for mistakes.

"You are an extraordinary woman, Julia."

Surprised Julia looked up at Devan. His face was serious.

"I have often thought I finally understand you, but then you do something unexpected. I've lived here all my life and still you seem to know more about this place than I. You're smarter than most." He rose from his chair. "You're stronger than any ordinary woman." He walked over to her. Julia sat still, keeping her face a mask, but underneath the surface she prepared. If Devan hadn't looked her so deeply in her eyes he would've seen the muscles in her arms tense. "I've never met anyone like you." She felt his hand under her chin. He tilted her face upwards. "Let me have you, Julia", he breathed as his face came closer.

That's when she slapped him. Possibly a little harder than necessary.

"Sorry my Lord." Her voice filled with poison. "I've got to return to the quiet of my chambers."

Then she stood up, gave him a last look, and turned her back. She heard him curse silently behind her.

Back in her room she let her anger free. When she finally cooled down the room was a mess.That thick headed pig without brains. She looked around. The servants would clean up everything tomorrow.

Sitting on the bed she went through the evenings events. She might be in trouble. Not officially, but Devan was like his father. Neither him or Matthew forgot or forgave easily.