Novels by Callele Lyvance

"This is Kiran, a new attendant-in-training under my care," Saia said, introducing Kiran to the owner of an accessory shop they visited in the Merchants' District. "She's from the West and she's not well-acquainted with the District yet so I'm giving her a tour during a much needed break from her lessons.""Nice to meet you, young lady," the woman who Paulienne whispered was an acclaimed artisan in Lahnthea said, with a warm smile on her lips. "You're lucky to join the palace with the Lahnthean Aria in our midst.""So I heard," Kiran said, trying to smile at the comment. She was the Lahnthean Aria after all, but she wouldn't admit it to the kind woman. Saia suggested they visit the District as ordinary people - or as ordinary as Saia's public identity could allow.Despite how much a spectacle Kiran's arrival in the palace was, not many were able to remember her face especially when she was half-running to catch up with Noorh the entire time. Even when informatio

Kiran looked out the window of the crystal-powered carriage she rode to the Merchant's District with Saia, her attendant named Rueinna, and Paulienne.The vehicle, which reminded her more of Cinderella's carriage without the horses, had a driver at an external seat in front while two guards in casual noble clothes perched on external seats at the back. They drove toward one side of the citadel and crossed a bridge that led to the small island where the Merchant's District was located. The bridge gave Kiran a view of the village across the lake that surrounded the citadel: brick houses and buildings where common folk lived.There were two official routes to the Merchant's District. First was by land, which crossed the citadel. Common folk were generally prohibited from entering the citadel, unless they received special passes from its authorities that allowed them to do so. The passes were often granted to common folk who were under the employment of nobles as attendant

Khas was an excellent communicator. That was the only wholesome explanation that Kiran could think of when she realized how long she had been talking to him.Kiran wasn't particularly talkative unless she was with close friends, which were a handful of people at most who she had known long enough to act as herself around them. Khas was someone she had known for a short while so he couldn't be part of that group, but she was still able to behave in a carefree manner around him.After exchanging the usual pleasantries, Khas guided her out of the building and began their conversation by asking about the food she ate for dinner.Dinners in the palace were different from what Kiran saw on TV shows that featured royalty. Residents didn't always have their meals in the dining hall. In fact, Khas explained that the dining hall was mostly a place where formal banquets were held. Residents of the palace rarely dined there. They instead had their meals in the confines of t

Diel's lessons thankfully ended without leaving Kiran another life-threatening homework. He even retracted the assignment he gave her in the morning after she showed him the book that Noorh gave her at lunch. Diel also cancelled their lessons for the next day, which would have been something she would have celebrated if it wasn't given after a slightly tensed conversation she had with him when they wrapped up the day.Kiran walked down the garden path to her quarters with a frown on her face. Her mind kept repeating the incident in the classroom."That ends today's session," Diel announced, closing the book on his desk as he stood in front of Kiran. "Questions?"Kiran's conversation with Saia made her realize that she had to know exactly why Diel wasn't teaching her magic. Saia's explanation made sense, but it left her wondering why Diel didn't just outright explain it to her. She knew she wouldn't be able to sleep that night if she just brooded over it so she threw all caution to the

Noorh stood frozen under the arch that served as the entrance to Diel's outdoor garden; his eyes wide at the sight of the two women who plagued his thoughts that morning. Noorh was sure that there wasn't anything particularly wrong with his visit. He even received Diel's permission. But he couldn't help feel uneasy at being there with Saia after hearing Arha's and Ethyal's explanation about Kiran's behavior in the library.Why was Saia even there? Did she hear about the incident in the library from someone? Did it upset her? Did she meet Kiran to confront her about it?"Your highness," Saia greeted, before Noorh could decide on whether he should immediately explain what happened or wait for her to ask him questions.Kiran anxiously studied the calm expression on Saia's face. Was she suspicious about Noorh's sudden appearance? Why was Noorh even there to begin with?! She turned her sights back to Noorh and noticed the book he held in one hand. "Oh! Are you here t

Lady Saia was just as elegant and beautiful as Kiran remembered from the banquet, if not more. Every movement she made as done with an air of sophistication and grace, complimenting her stunning features. Kiran couldn't help but think that Saia undoubtedly deserved to be crowned as queen."I'm sorry," Saia began. "I didn't mean to rudely interrupt your lunch. I've always wanted to meet you personally after the banquet, but I heard that this is the only time you were available.""Oh no, please, it's alright," Kiran quickly said, rising to her seat. "I'm happy to meet you here. I've also been looking forward to talking with you more. You can take this seat if you like," she said, offering the chair across from her. "Diel-I mean totem Siit won't be joining me for lunch today.""Thank you, that's very kind of you, your grace," Saia said before gracefully taking the seat."Please call me 'Kiran,'" Kiran replied, taking a seat herself. "I’m not really into being addressed like that."Saia s