Gifted Stone by Kelly Walker

 
    The Day of The Three
     
    Emariya’s hand lingered in the air, just above the latch to the tower door.
    Castle Ahlen didn’t have a dovecote. Instead, the royal pigeons were housed in the top of an otherwise unused tower. The heavy door leading to the spiral staircase did a fair job of keeping the smell of the birds contained.
    Although, it wasn’t the thought of the overwhelming odor of the birds that made Emariya pause. What good would it do to go into the pigeon tower if she still didn’t know what to put in her letter?
    Her brother had not yet answered the letter she had sent the week before after learning through Khane of her brother’s betrayal. What could she say that she hadn’t already said?
    In a week, it would be The Day Of The Three. For the first time, Emariya would be spending it away from her entire family. After their father’s disappearance, she and Reeve had made it a point to continue their traditions. Each of them made two gifts. A gift for each other, and one for their father. Then, on the morning of The Day Of The Three, they’d solemnly open each other’s gifts, and then take their father’s into his chamber. It comforted her, knowing that when he eventually returned, he would know that his children hadn’t forgotten him.
    Soon, she’d be able to tell him that herself. At the king’s bidding, Emariya and Torian had agreed to hold a feast for the entire land to announce their betrothal. In two weeks time, as soon as the feast was over, she and Torian would make their way to Sheas to rescue her father.
    Emariya began to turn away. She’d head back to her chambers to confer with Jessa. She might not know what to say to her brother, but she did have an idea of something she could do for Garith and Rink.
    The door creaked open behind her. Startled, Emariya gasped and spun around. She greeted Torian with a shaky smile, but instead of calming now that she knew who opened the door, her heart sped up at the sight of him.
    “My Lady.” Torian returned her smile and offered her his arm. “Were you looking for me?”
    “No. I was thinking of sending another letter to Reeve…but I really don’t know what to say.” She paused for a moment and then asked, “Were there any new letters?” She turned her head slightly, lifting her chin as her eyes scanned his, waiting with foolish hope for his response.
    “Only another noble family, affirming that they are coming for the proclamation,” Torian said, his tone gentle.
    Emariya forced a smile. It was good that the nobles were making the journey, but she wasn’t sure how she felt about them coming to see her.
    Torian cocked his head to the side. “Are you nervous?”
    Blushing, she nodded.
    Very lightly, he trailed his fingers along her jawline, warming more than just her cheek beneath his touch. “Don’t be.” He leaned down and ever so softly brushed his lips against hers. “They will adore you.”
    Emariya sucked in a deep breath as her head swam and her heart fluttered. Torian seemed to regain his composure before she did.
    “May I escort you somewhere, My Lady?” he asked. “And where are your guards? I’ve told you, you must always have protection.” A slight frown wrinkled his brow.
    With a frown of her own, Emariya glanced down the long corridor of the castle toward her own chambers. “I slipped past them.” She offered an apologetic smile. “It was the same guard who was assigned outside my chambers the day of the fire. I’m really not fond of his company.”
    “Then I’ll see to it that he isn’t assigned to you any longer, but please…I couldn’t bear it if something happened to you. No more slipping your guards, all right?”
    “All right.” There was no point in arguing, and she understood his reasoning. How was she supposed to explain to Torian that constantly being followed by a pair of guards made her feel even more caged than she already did?
    “I mean it, Emariya.” His voice made it clear he was not