Chapter - 9
After breakfast, I left the dining room and wandered through the castle halls, getting myself acclimatised with my new home. As fragments of the prince's memories surfaced in my mind, I remembered a particular place that was worth a visit—the royal library.
When I reached it, I paused in the doorway, taking in the sight before me. The library was vast, a towering sanctuary of knowledge that seemed to stretch endlessly in every direction. Rows upon rows of towering shelves, laden with books, tomes, and ancient scrolls, formed aisles that led deeper into the dimly lit space. Sunlight filtered through tall, arched windows, casting light over the volumes that lined the walls.
I began to stroll down one of the aisles, running my fingers over the spines of books with titles embossed in gold and silver, most of them dealing with feythar, the art of taming, and ancient histories. I knew immediately that I needed resources here—texts that could help me understand the political landscape of Terramar better.
Lost in thought, I was surprised when an elderly man emerged from between two of the shelves. He had a stooped frame, but his eyes were sharp behind a pair of wire-rimmed glasses. He wore a deep blue robe that denoted his position as the royal librarian, and he gave a short bow when he saw me.
"My Prince," he said with a warm smile, his voice softened by age but full of affection. "It gladdens my heart to see you on your feet again. Truly, this is a joyous sight."
I returned his smile, a bit taken aback by his genuine joy at my presence. "Thank you… I'm grateful to be back in good health." After a pause, I added, "I was hoping to find some books. Specifically, on the practice of feythar and some records of history. Anything on our own kingdom, as well as the surrounding lands."
The old librarian's face brightened, and he nodded thoughtfully. "Of course, Your Highness. I know exactly what you need, and I will see to it personally. I'll have the volumes delivered to your room."
"Thank you," I replied. "There's no rush. Tomorrow morning would be perfect." Damon had a mind of spending the next morning immersed in books.
"Very well, Your Highness," the old man said, bowing once more before disappearing down the aisle, his footsteps muffled by the thick carpeting.
Content with my request, I left the library and made my way back to my chambers. When I reached my room, I stepped inside, and there, busy at work in the large wardrobe in one corner of the room, was Cassandra. She was sorting through clothes, neatly folding and arranging them. At the sound of the door, she turned, her expression warming as she spotted me.
"Master," she greeted, giving a respectful bow. "Do you require anything? I am at your service."
I moved toward the bed, taking a seat and patted the space beside me, indicating for her to sit. After a brief moment of hesitation, she joined me, settling down on the edge of the bed.
"You've been taking care of me for a long time, haven't you?" I asked, meeting her gaze.
She nodded, a faint smile gracing her lips. "Yes, Master. I have served you since you were a young child, a little above three years old. The Queen bound me and Nimera to her service about fifteen years ago. At the time, she was living with her family—the Eldrenn house."
Cassandra's gaze grew distant as she recalled those years. "Our tribe, the Moon Cats, had fallen into conflict with the Eldrenn family. It was a brutal, bitter time. The Eldrenns… they wiped out most of our people. They captured those of us who survived, and the men… they were slain." She swallowed, her voice heavy with old sorrow. "I lost my husband, my sons. Only my daughter Nimera and I were spared, enslaved for the Queen's household."
A slight, somber smile softened her face as she looked at me. "Queen Lirael, though… she treated us kindly, as she always has. She is a fair woman, and we were given more respect than I had ever expected, after we were binded to her. We moved here, to the royal palace, when King Atheldor passed, and she then appointed me to be your caretaker."
Her voice took on a hint of pride. "Our people, the Moon Cats, are known for their loyalty and dedication. I believe the Queen recognized that and saw that I would serve you well. Nimera… she was only a few years older than you. The Queen thought it would be good for you to have a companion close to your own age. Someone you could bond with."
She gave a soft sigh, her smile tinged with sadness. "It is a pity, truly, that you were so often ill. Nimera and I had always hoped to see you grow and flourish, to serve you as best as we could. We saw you grow into the adult you are through the years. But…" She trailed off, leaving the sentence unfinished.
I reached out, placing a reassuring hand on hers, giving her fingers a gentle squeeze. "Thank you, Cassandra. For everything. I may not remember much, but… it's clear that you've given me more care than I could ever repay."
She looked down, blinking quickly as though to keep her composure, before meeting my gaze. "It is my honor to serve you, Master. And I am beyond grateful to see you well again."