A Grand Affair

[Colette Moreau]

"Nicole Candraed”

As soon the Asha’man entered, the ripples of his presence flowed across the room. Asha’man were not so numerous as the Aes Sedai, and while their appearances were more common in Caemlyn than other capitals, this one in particular cast quite a disturbance. Nicole subtly shied away, seeking solace along the edges of the room, and in doing so, remained near Lilis in order to avoid crossing Auden’s path. She did not truly think he would recognize her, but avoiding people she once interacted with regularly was a good habit.

The remainder of the ball passed without significant event. Oh, intrigue and politics were aplenty, and Nicole made sure to monitor it all quietly and from afar.

---

As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, the camp was already bustling with activity. The decision to move the army at daybreak had been made swiftly, and now, soldiers and servants alike scrambled to dismantle tents, pack provisions, and ready the horses. The air was crisp, the kind that hinted at the lingering grasp of winter, and breath rose in white puffs from every mouth.

Nicole pulled her cloak tighter around her shoulders, casting a wary eye at the leaders issuing orders from the inside of her hood. They had been on the road for weeks, and this departure was no different from any other. So far, nobody commented on the fact that she left the General’s tent on each of those dawns, but it felt like this public secret was allowed because rules of propriety were tossed to the wayside on the road.

As the sun rose higher, casting golden light across the rolling hills, the army began its march, soldiers moving with practiced efficiency. The clatter of hooves and the creak of wagon wheels filled the air, accompanied by the occasional bark of a commander’s orders. Nicole and Lilis remained with the procession among the other nobles, of which were few, but enough to stand out as distinct from the soldiers and support caravans.

The day wore on, the landscape changing from gentle hills to dense forest. She could not shake the feeling that she was being watched, though whether by friend or foe, she could not say. With every league, her thoughts strayed to Leodon—his touch, his voice, and the forbidden nature of their connection—his presence at the lead of such an impressive army filled her with pride. For herself, for him, and for their family.

By the time they made camp again, everyone was weary and the light was fading fast. Fires sprang to life in hundreds of places, casting flickering light on tired faces.

As the camp settled into the stillness of evening meal, Nicole's eyes found Leodon across the campfire-lit expanse. He was deep in conversation with his officers, his expression stern but attentive. She knew he carried the weight of command with a steadfast resolve, yet she also knew the softer side of him that few ever saw. The side that whispered her name in her ear, that held her close as if to shield her from sharing her with the world.