Chapter 105: Have You Gained Weight? (1) (2/2)

The storm that Ishakan had raised in her calmed. Cerdina’s shadow loomed over her, and, feeling as if she were trapped in a nightmare, Leah answered.

“I’m coming out,” she said, stepping out of the tent.

***

Cerdina had finished her preparations and was already feeding her hawk. The bird dug its claws into her thick gloves as it ate the one piece of meat she offered. Cerdina only gave it one bite because the hawk wouldn’t hunt as effectively if it was full.

“Welcome, Leah.”

Leah pulled on a pair of leather gloves that covered her forearms and opened the cage containing her own falcon. Releasing the rope that bound its leg, she let it fly, and the hunters hurried to follow. The hawk wore a rattle that made it easy to follow.

Though they had begun at the same time, Cerdina’s hawk was already considerably beyond Leah’s. Leah bit her lip as she watched her hawk in the air.

Cerdina looked at Leah and smiled to herself. “Shall we go too?”

Leading the other ladies, Cerdina moved ahead and Leah followed close behind. If they walked slowly enough, the hunters would find the hawks and their prey on their own and return. The forest was filled with the sound of birdsong, despite the cold.

Adjusting the hem of her dress, Leah watched Cerdina intently. Since Cerdina was a Gypsy, could she use sorcery? Leah had heard that very few Gypsies could, but Ishakan wouldn’t have brought a Kurkan capable of casting spells if he hadn’t had good reason. It could make the situation even more complicated, but Leah had managed to overcome most of the challenges so far…

She shifted her attention to the ladies with Cerdina. They were from noble families of high society, and they followed the queen like expressionless shadows.

Leah guessed that Cerdina had not been blessed with a tight circle of friends. The ladies would stay by her side to some extent, but Cerdina must have discovered their weaknesses somehow. Leah had searched tirelessly for a weakness in Cerdina herself, but unfortunately discovered none. The queen must have formidable skills to conceal them so well. But if there was sorcery involved…

Things Leah had wondered about began to click together. The stubborn King of Estia had declined greatly after crowning Cerdina his queen. Was it really old age that clouded his judgment?

Leah was lost in thought when Cerdina stopped walking and turned her gaze on Leah, smiling in the sweetest way…