Horizon of War Series

Chapter 46

Cecile, Cup-Bearer to the Lord of Korelia

The burgeoning romance between Lord Lansius and Captain Audrey soon became the castle’s chief topic of conversation. The tale of a noble falling for someone of humble birth never failed to captivate the people’s hearts. As a cup-bearer, Cecile was privy to the unfolding saga. Initially skeptical, she eventually grew to admire the couple.

Cecile understood that the staff’s fascination with the love story stemmed largely from Audrey’s humble beginnings, a reflection of their own. Most of the staff hailed from esquire families, contrasting with Cecile, whose father was a knight.

Esquires, descending from squires or knights, held a distinct social position—not quite nobility, but more than mere commoners. This status of lower nobility was not hereditary and expired with the individual’s passing.

Many of the younger staff members were absorbed in this love story that transcended social boundaries. The skald, a soldier bard named Sigmund, clandestinely fueled their fascination with epic songs of forbidden love on the battlefield.

To them, Audrey symbolized their hopes and dreams. However, the older staff members, fearing a tragic end, disapproved of such a union.

Cecile’s initial impression of Audrey was far from favorable. The intensity of the Lady Captain’s gaze had been disconcerting. Even Cecile’s knight father had never displayed such ferocity during training sessions.

However, beneath her intimidating façade, Audrey proved to be warm and helpful. Cecile discovered that her powerful gaze came naturally, even when Audrey attempted to suppress it.

In time, Cecile and Audrey formed a bond. As the highest-ranking women, they became the defenders of the female staff, with Audrey assuming the role of matriarch and Cecile serving as her second. Any complaints of harassment were directed to them for resolution.

Thankfully, such incidents were infrequent in Lord Lansius’s household, where discipline was strictly upheld. The Korelian troops, unlike those in other baronies, received regular payments and supplies, which created a small but efficient force.

The peaceful environment was also a testament to Lord Lansius, who refrained from womanizing and treated his female staff respectfully.

Likewise, Lady Audrey, despite her rank and intimate relationship with the castle’s lord, integrated effortlessly with the staff. Although occasionally brusque, her behavior was likely influenced by her squire upbringing. Cecile would remind herself that Audrey was not raised to be a lady-in-waiting; she was a fighter at heart.

Once, Cecile inquired about Audrey’s decision to become a squire. Audrey recounted how her knight master, Isolte, had made that choice for her.

As a child sold off by her family, Audrey served in a baronet’s household. When a bear threatened their lands, the baronet hired Isolte, a renowned huntress, to deal with it. Unable to provide sufficient payment, the baronet offered Audrey to Isolte instead.

This practice was not unheard of. Baronets, essentially wealthier knights, often struggled financially, a fact Cecile knew well from her own family’s experiences.

Despite her hardships, Cecile found herself envying Audrey. As captain, Audrey demonstrated exceptional swordsmanship and horsemanship, outshining many of her male counterparts.

While Cecile took pride in her own equestrian skills, Audrey was in a class of her own. A few more feats would earn Audrey knighthood. Furthermore, with the lord’s affection, her future seemed secure.

However, life seldom unfolds as expected, as Cecile would later discover.

During the harsh winter months, the female staff slept together in a large, well-heated chamber, while the male staff, squires, and troops occupied the great hall. Given that Korelia was a small castle, only the lord’s chamber and the guest room possessed decent fireplaces.

One night, while they were huddled together, Audrey casually revealed her vendetta to the curious servants, a story that even Cecile hadn’t heard before.

Audrey confessed that her ultimate goal was to vanquish the beast that had slain her knight master and the rest of her group. The survivors of that disaster, mostly from the younger generation, had vowed to reunite when they came of age to hunt down the beast.

When a servant inquired about the beast’s strength, Audrey admitted that it was more than formidable; it was a monstrosity.

She also confessed her doubt about their chances of success. Audrey felt she didn’t hold a candle to her master, an extraordinary Mage Knight and a member of the Hunter Guild.

Ultimately, Audrey knew their chances of victory were slim, but she was resolute in her determination to try. Revenge or death, those were her objectives.

Cecile felt a mix of pity and envy for this female warrior. She understood that Audrey’s status as a squire and her oath stood in the way of reciprocating Lord Lansius’s advances. If Audrey were to marry him and bear his child, it would complicate the pursuit of her oath.

When Cecile asked if Lord Lansius knew, Audrey confirmed he did. As the older staff had forewarned, such relationships rarely concluded well. Their prophetic words rang true.

Winter finally gave way to spring, marked by the melting snow on the roof.

Cecile cleared her thoughts and knocked softly, twice. “Excuse me, my lord. It’s Cecile, your cup-bearer.”

“Come in,” came the response from within.

As she pushed open the sturdy wooden door, Cecile saw the lord in his blue doublet, absorbed in his work at the desk.

“Just a moment,” he said without lifting his gaze.

Cecile, understanding he was deep in thought, replied politely, “Yes, my lord.” Unprompted, she replaced the water jug on the table, readied a clean cup, and filled it with water. She then waited patiently.

Cecile had adjusted quickly to her new role. Her upbringing as a lady-in-waiting had prepared her well. She knew how to appear engaged while waiting, to avoid prying, and to keep her opinions to herself unless asked.

Her tutor had also cautioned her against being overly sociable, to recognize her status, and to prioritize her master above all. However, Cecile had never anticipated becoming a cup-bearer, a position of considerable influence.

A cup-bearer was a trusted confidant who not only attended to the lord but also accompanied him throughout the day. The lord valued her insight and commentary. The role signified complete trust, as a lord would only drink from a cup served by the cup-bearer.

However, Cecile’s appointment was unusual. Usually, a lord would choose a longstanding friend or someone he trusted unconditionally. It was uncommon to select someone he had never met. Initially, Cecile felt unsure about this arrangement.

She was aware that she obtained this position due to her father’s shift in loyalty to Lord Lansius. Despite this, she refused to let it discourage her. She recognized the potential it offered her house and resolved to commit wholeheartedly.

It wasn’t long before the lord finished his work. “Apologies for the wait. Please, take a seat,” he invited, approaching the table and drinking from the cup.

He preferred water in the morning and a pale ale during lunch and supper, with his only stipulation being that the water must be boiled to ensure purity.

“Have you eaten?” he asked once Cecile was seated.

“Yes, my lord. Your servant had some porridge this morning.”

“Was it good?”

She nodded politely. “It was, my lord. It was warm and hearty.”

“Ah, that’s good to hear. Umm . . . I still have some fresh bread that Sterling brought this morning. Feel free to help yourself to a slice or two.”

“Thank you, my lord, but your servant must decline.”

The lord offered a smile and settled into his seat.

Raised among nobility where social grace was paramount, Cecile could easily tell that the lord wasn’t fond of small talk. Nevertheless, he made the effort, even for a subject like her. Having spent the entire winter in his company, Cecile recognized the lord’s genuine friendliness.

Unlike many nobles who sought to exert power and control, the Lord of Korelia was approachable. He treated his subjects fairly, as if they were family. The castle’s discipline was primarily maintained by Hugo, the marshal deputy and, to a lesser extent, by Audrey as the captain.

Cecile was uncertain about the arrangement’s effectiveness, but the castle staff appeared content and in high spirits.

“Today, let’s visit the workshops to check on working conditions. Let’s go incognito,” the lord announced from his seat.

“Understood, I will need to fetch my traveling cloak—”

“Yes, please do. No need to hurry. We have plenty of time,” he responded cheerfully.

“. . . but first, my lord.” Cecile paused.

The lord noticed. “Speak up. What’s on your mind?”

“Thank you, my lord. It’s about my father, Sir Callahan. Your letter when he visited Midlandia last fall ensured that he received the best treatment possible.”

The lord nodded. “Ah, think nothing of it. It’s my duty to look after my retainers. How is he? Is he recovering well?”

“Indeed, my lord. I received a letter this morning. Father’s injury has fully healed. Before, even the chill of the night caused him pain, but now he can bear the winter like everyone else.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” he replied with a smile. “You should visit him. After being confined to the castle all winter . . . Why not take a week or two off, starting tomorrow?”

Cecile was surprised by the unexpected offer.

“If the messenger managed to deliver the letter, the roads should be clear of snow by now . . . Oh, take a bag of salt, some fur, and freshly made meat products as gifts. I hope that’s enough,” the lord suggested casually as if these weren’t valuable items.

Overwhelmed, Cecile fell to her knees. “M-my lord, you’re too generous. How could we ever repay this?” She trembled. Deeply homesick, Cecile had never expected to see her home again after her appointment. Yet, she had been granted a visit last season and now another opportunity arose.

The lord was taken aback. “Please, Cecile, there’s no need for this. Stand up.”

“My lord, you arranged for a saint candidate in Midlandia to heal my father and paid for the treatment. My house and I are forever indebted to you. Please, at least let me pledge my loyalty.”

“But I already accepted your oath as cup-bearer, remember? Cecile, please stand up,” he urged her again, extending his hand, but Cecile remained kneeling.

She knew her family had never experienced such generosity. Despite the hair color and the knight status, her once-great house had fallen. Aside from her father’s horse and the armor set, they were no better than the average townsfolk in Midlandia.

The treatment by a saint candidate for her father was already a luxury, and now a considerable gift was promised. One that would easily secure her family’s livelihood for another year or two.

“I, Cecile, daughter of Sir Callahan, pledge my life in your service, my lord,” she declared solemnly.

“That’s too much, Cecile. It’s unwise,” Lansius warned her.

His disapproval surprised Cecile, who assumed her pledge had been refused.

Lansius sighed deeply. “Listen . . . we’re likely heading into war soon.”

“War, my lord?” Cecile asked, holding back tears.

“Yes, and probably against a larger force. I can’t guarantee victory, so I don’t want you to risk your life for me. Pledge it to someone you love dearly instead.”

His fatherly words deeply touched her. Lansius didn’t behave like a typical lord, eager to accept any loyalty pledge from his retainers. He genuinely cared for their well-being.

“My lord, forgive me, but even if you refuse, it’s my wish to serve you.”

The lord sighed again. “How old are you, Cecile?”

“I’m turning sixteen this year, my lord.”

“You’re too young to make such a weighty commitment. You have a long life ahead of you, and I don’t want you to have any regrets later on.”

“My lord, your words are too kind. I’m just a servant . . .”

Lansius extended his hand once more, and this time Cecile accepted. She stood up, her face flushed and eyes glistening with emotion.

“Cecile, you may rest for today. I’ll have Sterling accompany me.”

“There’s no need, my lord. I will fetch my cloak immediately.” She exited the chamber and sped to her room, her dull blonde hair trailing behind her as she ran.

In the lawless province of Lowlandia, where loyalty and mercy were rare virtues, Cecile discovered a lord who stood apart from the rest. Her heart swelled with pride after pledging herself to her lord’s cause. From now on, their fates would be intertwined.

His fall would be her downfall. Cecile was determined to serve a noble who truly deserved her unwavering allegiance.

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