18 Tea Party

"This tea is delicious." Elya took another sip and sighed in contentment. The combination of the warm fruity drink with the beautiful porcelain cup was a rare treat.

"I didn't expect you to be such a connoisseur." The Baroness smiled softly and snapped her fan shut. The garden's small area coupled with the scent of numerous flowers made it an idyllic spot and Elya could see herself coming here in the future for rest or just to enjoy the surroundings. This atmosphere was the reason she threw herself into the military.

Her few appearances at Court had been stifling, an outcast among the young girls because of her training as a Suzdal and avoided by the boys because she didn't behave like a girl. She'd joined the Order as a way to see the world after her disappointments among her peers, enjoying the outdoors more than being cooped up inside carrying out approved 'ladylike' activities.

"I was introduced to a number of teas during a stint I served in the East." Elya placed her cup down, caressing the rim and grinning at the memories. "There was an old woman who kept buying stock from the Senroan merchants and she would treat us to cups in return for company."

"She lacked company?"

"Her husband passed away in a border skirmish and her children died during the outbreak of scarlet fever that spread across the Eastern provinces thirty years ago." Elya closed her eyes to recall the sad face of that woman. Someone who refused to share her name but instead distributed cups of fragrant tea.

"That was a sad time. I remember the blockades and quarantines. So many families destroyed." Eva Morales was a perfect noblewoman as far as Elya could tell. Gentle, educated and well versed in the feminine arts. The floral arrangements were a testament to that. "Still, it's nice to have someone to share my passion of tea with. Niki is a boor, interested only in his magic and books and his father refuses to get close to anything from Senro. You would think that the bad blood between our nations would have settled, but his suspicion remains."

"That was a difficult time for the Empire Milady."

"You don't have to defend him Elya and I told you to call me mother." The Baroness chided her, eyes glittering with affection. The impression Elya got from her was one of eminent satisfaction with the engagement. Whether it was because of her pedigree or her nature was difficult to determine.

"It still feels awkward to call you that… mother. Nikolai and I aren't married yet."

"It's just a matter of time Elya and he seems smitten with you."

"Really?" Elya wanted to remain calm, but that comment made her happy. Whatever she may say to Alexis about the value of the marriage, she was intrigued by Nikolai. It certainly wasn't love, but there was definitely a spark of something. In a way, the fact that she was saying 'it wasn't love' so much these days was putting all sorts of doubts into her mind but this wasn't the time to think about it, there might be people trying to assassinate her after all.

"He talks about you quite a bit from what Jarek tells me." Every time Elya had run into her future mother-in-law she carried a new fan. Today the fan had a golden Dragon emblazoned on a black background and in the light it shimmered like it was alive.

"That's good to know." It was, but how could Elya say anything to her.

"Yes, I'm sure it would be." Eva gave her a look filled with amusement. She wouldn't be distracted by a vague response. "Are you getting used to Konstanz?"

"It's a pleasant town and the people are very nice."

"Yes, the influence of the Dragon Lords here is great, so the people are very relaxed."

"You mean disrespectful." Eva chortled and raised a hand to forestall her interruption. "It's not a bad thing. Much of the Nobility has forgotten their purpose, and it takes a hardy populace to remind them of it."

"Are you a Progressive?" If Eva was, it could be a problem. The Progressive movement was gaining traction among the lowest ranks of the Aristocracy but despite their overtures of enlightenment and peaceful development, there was a darker side to the group that had lit warning signals in the Ministry of the Interior.

"With a Count as a son?" Eva roared with laughter and Elya blinked in surprise. This was as far removed from her regular appearance as Elya had ever seen. "Oh Elya, what a humorous thing to say. I may be a merchant's daughter, but I enjoy my life as a Noble. Artem however has always been a man of duty and he explained the Duties to Nikolai at a very young age."

"Sorry."

"It's not a problem dear." Still chortling at the thought, Eva poured more tea for herself. "It's a shame your mother couldn't make it in time. I've read some of her work and it would be fascinating to pick her brain."

"I'm sure she'll be here in time for the wedding."

"Of course, she will. Now, come help me with my garden."

They puttered around the plants, weeding and chatting. Elya found the company enjoyable even if it was an activity she generally avoided. Eva went out of her way to find topics that were of mutual interest like history or the state of Volhiniya. Elya was astounded by the depth of knowledge and skill the Baroness showed. It was obvious where Nikolai received his passion for information from.

"How goes the training plan for your Knights?" Eva clipped some thorns from a stem and plucked the plant to place on the dinner table. It had been a surprise to discover that the flowers kept on the dining table for meals always came from Eva's own hands.

"They've integrated well with the local guard and Alexis tells me the security of the port is increasing with their presence. Very few thefts have been reported in the area." Elya replied as she struggled with a strange weed that had coiled around a flower.

"That's wonderful. And have you discovered who's been trying to kill you?" That sentence came out so smoothly that Elya didn't register the question for a moment.

"What?"

"I'm not senile yet dear and while your Knights may be excellent troops for the battlefield, they're not quite as capable at remaining covert."

Responses flashed through Elya's mind but seeing the deep, enigmatic eyes gauging her, she settled for the truth.

"No. We've narrowed it down to a few minor Houses, but they have no real motive. We suspect they are just proxies for the Great Houses, but the connections are a quagmire to sift through and that's in the event the Great Houses didn't just provide money in return for the attempt."

Eva's lips quirked, and she nodded in approval. Elya got the sense that she had just passed some sort of test. That was proven when the Baroness removed her gloves and handed a slip of paper that she retrieved from within her sleeve.

"You've done well, but it's time for you to learn the trade properly. Your teachers were woefully inadequate."

"What trade?"

"Visit the address on that slip. Don't take anyone except your friend the Barsi and you'll find out. Thank you for the company dear." Without waiting, Eva left the garden, leaving behind a daughter-in-law that foolishly held a slip of paper.