Chapter 265: DEAL III
Serena quickly caught herself in her musing and nodded quickly. "I can do that... if I had an idea where she was," Serena admitted.
She caught the way that Livia’s brow raised, she waited for a few beats of silence before she continued. "I will however look for her and let you know her every move."
Serena almost winced from the way she sounded, that was barely a good deal. Livia might as well send her own people to track Charlotte down. She squeezed her hands together bracing for the impact of rejection and then Livia cleared her throat and pushed her hair out of her face.
"I believe we have a deal," Livia said solemnly.
"Oh- that’s wonderful."
Livia nodded and looked at her laps and then sighed. "How soon are we to ride out?"
"We would have to meet Ryker."
Serena watched as Livia’s gaze trailed briefly toward the window before silence began to take hold between them once again. The air felt heavy, and the faint sound of the hearth seemed to echo far too loudly in the space. The tension had returned, Serena pressed her palms together, feeling the faint tackiness of nervous sweat on her skin.
Livia had grown still, her expression unreadable as she stared down at her lap. It was difficult to tell what she was thinking, though Serena could sense she was troubled by something deeper than the discussion they’d just concluded. Perhaps the entire ordeal with Dawnbreak that weighed upon her. Perhaps it was something else entirely.
The silence stretched too long, too uncomfortable. Serena rose to her feet abruptly, the wooden chair scraping softly against the stone floor. Livia looked up at her then, faint surprise flickering across her face.
"I shall be in the courtyard, waiting for you," Serena said finally, her voice softer than she intended.
Livia gave a small, polite nod. "Very well."
That was all. No further comment, no warmth.
Serena inclined her head and turned for the door. The quiet behind her felt almost oppressive as she stepped into the corridor, the air cooler and easier to breathe. Her boots clicked against the stone floor as she walked toward her chambers. Each step gave her more distance, though not necessarily peace.
Inside her room, she leaned against the closed door, releasing a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. For a few moments, she simply stood there, eyes closed, waiting for her racing pulse to calm.
She crossed the small room, her hands brushing along the desk where her notes, quills, and a half-finished embroidery sat. The quiet of her space was a comfort. Serena busied herself by fetching a small leather satchel from under her bed. Inside she placed a few odds and ends, a spool of thread, a folded kerchief, nothing of significance. Merely something to occupy her restless hands during the ride.
Once she was ready, she straightened her gown and glanced at her reflection. Her expression was composed again, though faint traces of unease lingered in her eyes. She pushed them aside and stepped out.
The corridors were mostly empty at this hour. She descended the main stairway and stepped into the courtyard. The chill of the air greeted her instantly, biting gently at her cheeks. The courtyard was quiet, save for the sound of a distant blacksmith’s hammer and the faint chatter of servants at work somewhere beyond the stables.
She was grateful for the solitude. It allowed her a moment to breathe.
The sunlight spilled pale across the cobblestones, glinting against the banners that hung from the high walls. She brushed her fingers against one of the pillars and let her thoughts drift. She had agreed to this errand, yes, but part of her wondered if she was truly the right person to accompany Livia. Diplomacy, after all, was far cleaner in words than in deed.
Her mind wandered until the soft crunch of boots behind her startled her from her thoughts.
"Is it time yet?" came Livia’s voice, calm and composed.
Serena turned, surprised she had not heard her approach. "It should be," she answered, finding her own voice steadier than she felt.
Livia nodded faintly. "Very well. I must fetch something from my quarters. I will meet you at the stables shortly."
Serena inclined her head in understanding, though she wasn’t certain what Livia needed. "Of course," she said, watching as the other woman turned and disappeared back toward the inner hall.
Alone again, Serena exhaled slowly and made her way toward the stables. The familiar smell of hay and earth greeted her before she even reached the open doors. The stable hands were busy brushing down horses and checking harnesses, nodding respectfully when they noticed her.
It was then that she caught sight of Ryker.
He was standing beside a chestnut stallion, his hand moving absently through its mane. When he looked up and saw her, his face immediately soured. He made no effort to greet her.
"Ryker," Serena said, inclining her head politely.
He didn’t reply, merely continued rubbing the horse’s head as though she weren’t there.
After a moment, he said flatly, "Didn’t think you’d actually show up. Thought you’d have changed your mind, or your clothes By now."
Serena blinked, then gave a small shrug. "I respect Cedar enough to show up," she replied lightly. "Besides, I wanted to see more of Ironshade. It seems a shame to stay within walls all day."
Ryker’s expression tightened at that. He looked as though he might argue, but something in her tone, steady, even amused made him pause. He muttered something under his breath that she didn’t quite catch and turned his attention back to the horse.
Serena, unwilling to give him the satisfaction of discomfort, turned her gaze elsewhere. The stables were busy enough; servants moved with quiet efficiency, preparing the mounts for departure. She caught sight of a familiar cloak of pale gold fabric moving through the doorway.
Livia entered with a calm stride, her face unreadable but her posture impeccable as always.
Ryker straightened, visibly surprised. "You’re coming?" he asked, disbelief coloring his tone.
Livia’s eyes flicked toward him briefly, her expression unchanging. "Did you imagine I would send others to do my work?" she said dryly.
Ryker blinked and then gave a low whistle. "I did not expect that, you did decline Cedar’s request."
Livia did not grace him with an answer. Instead, she turned to Serena and gave a faint nod, as though to say she was ready. Serena returned it, adjusting the strap of her satchel on her shoulder.
The horses were brought forward, their hooves clinking against the cobblestone. Serena’s mount was smaller and lighter than Livia’s but well-bred and steady. She brushed her hand against its neck before mounting.
As the small group gathered, Ryker finally swung onto his own horse, still wearing that half-skeptical, half-grudging expression. Livia’s calm authority seemed to settle the tension, though she said very little.
When they began to ride out through the main gate, the wind carried the faint scent of rain and pine. Serena glanced toward Livia once as they passed beneath the iron archway, wondering what she was thinking, what she truly made of this strange arrangement between them all.
Whatever it was, the ride ahead promised more than mere travel.