A Dream of Ebony and White: A Retelling of Snow White (Beyond the Four Kingdoms Book 4)

by Melanie Cellier

  He gestured toward Bronson who lingered at the back of our group with Tarver, although the other two members of our rescue party had disappeared. “My most recent servants are not the only castle refugees in my employ. I started to notice an increase in guards seeking positions eighteen months ago. It took a fair amount of digging, but by the time word of your father’s death reached me, I had a fairly good idea of what sort of situation I would find here. Naturally I lost no time in making my way to the capital to pay my respects.”

  The wry twist to the way he said respect made me tense, unsure if the sentiment were meant for my father or stepmother. I ran another hand across my forehead. I suspected some deeper point lurked behind his mention of the guards, but I needed more sleep before I faced off with my grandfather.

  I surged to my feet.

  “I’m retiring to my room for some sleep,” I said. “We will speak further when I wake up.”

  All five men bowed to me immediately, and I swept out of the room. If they intended to make me queen, I needed to remember that from now on, they answered to me and not the other way around.

  Chapter 18

  Despite the exhaustion, I didn’t sleep as late into the afternoon as I had the day before. My mind and heart were both too full. My mind with wondering what steps we needed to take next, and my heart with Alexander. I needed to see him again and be sure he was really well. And I wanted to know what exactly had happened.

  Mrs. Preston failed to appear this time, so I abandoned my wardrobe of fancy new gowns for one of my old ones that I could slip into unaided. When I poked my head out of my room, I spotted a footman at the far end of the corridor, so I pulled back inside and waited until his footsteps had faded before venturing back out.

  Of course I didn’t actually know where to go, but ended up deciding on the small sitting room I had used previously. My instincts proved right when I thrust open the door and found Alexander and my grandfather in quiet conversation.

  They broke off abruptly at the sound of the opening door, both springing to their feet at the sight of me. When they started to bow, I waved a hand and sighed.

  “Enough of that. Please. Not when it’s just us.”

  “Very well,” said my grandfather, but they both still waited for me to be seated before resuming their own places.

  “So, what have I missed?” I looked expectantly between them. Part of me resented the fact that they hadn’t called for me earlier, but I pushed the feeling aside, recognizing it as a child’s petulance. I had ordered them to let me sleep, I could hardly now be upset with them for respecting my wishes.

  Neither of them seemed quite sure where to start, and I used the pause to drink in the sight of Alexander. He looked a little paler than usual, perhaps, and the bruise on his face looked more prominent in the bright light of day. But its yellows and greens suggested it wasn’t new, and he wore a fresh shirt, this one without rips and with a bulge beneath the sleeve that suggested he now wore a bandage on his arm.

  “You start.” I gestured at him. “What happened?”

  He grimaced. “Nothing worth reporting. I was keeping up with my usual tasks while liaising with the duke on the side and planning my return trip to you when I was woken one night by two guards standing over my bed, their swords at my throat.” He shrugged uncomfortably. “There was little I could do, and I’ve been in the dungeons ever since.”

  My eyes lingered on his bruised face, and he shrugged uncomfortably. “Oh, Randolph visited and muscled me around a little, asking a few questions, but he hardly seemed dedicated to the task. I think Alida ordered me locked up because she knew I would never be loyal to her, but I don’t think she really believed I knew your whereabouts. I think she’s just growing increasingly nervous and desperate to act.”

  “Interesting that she doesn’t believe you’re working with Snow,” said the duke, his eyes flitting between us. There was something in his eyes I couldn’t read, something that made me shift uncomfortably in my seat.

  Apparently Alexander shared my unease, his hand tapping against his leg in an uncharacteristic way. He looked over toward me but dropped his eyes before I could meet his gaze.

  “I think…” He cleared his throat. “That is, I believe Alida thinks that if I had been responsible for Snow’s escape I would never have returned.”

  He glanced at me again, the slightest flush on his face. Oh. I sat back, my own cheeks heating. She thought that if I had fled with Alexander we would have simply run off together and never looked back. Were my feelings so obvious? Did the whole court know of them? Or just my stepmother?

  My grandfather looked between us with a raised eyebrow, but I couldn’t bring myself to hold his gaze, staring down at my clasped hands instead.

  Alexander cleared his throat again. “I suspect she thinks you rescued Snow, Your Grace. She’s furious about it, but not yet confident to challenge you directly.”

  The duke drummed his fingers thoughtfully against the arm of his chair. “Yes, I can imagine she might suspect such a thing.” His eyes flitted briefly back to me. “And naturally I would have done so if I had realized the need or seen the opportunity.” He looked back at Alexander. “And, of course, there is no known connection between the two of us. It seems to me the situation could have been a lot worse.”

  I wanted to disagree, my eyes caught on the bulge beneath Alexander’s sleeve, but I had to admit my grandfather was right. I myself had imagined many worse possibilities. I forced my mind away from them, reminding myself that none of them had come to pass.

  “So how did I go last night?” I asked instead, turning to the duke.

  He raised both eyebrows. “Tarver gave you an excellent report. Seems to feel they would have been in trouble without you.”

  A small smile played around Alexander’s lips and a warm look filled his eyes.

  I blinked in surprise. “That’s very kind of him, but I didn’t mean the rescue. I meant the party.”

  “Oh.” This time it was my grandfather who looked startled, although he quickly pivoted, clearly turning his mind to the earlier event of the night before. I doubted he was ever thrown for long, the duke of Lestern.

  “Party?” Alexander looked between us.

  I hurried to explain, not wanting him to think I had been socializing while he was locked away for my sake.

  “My grandfather threw a last-minute social event for a select few loyal members of court. So they could all have the chance to eyeball me and make their assessment.” I turned to the duke. “So, how did I do? Will they support me?”

  “You did very well.” My grandfather looked at me with warm approval, and I hated how much I liked it. I still hadn’t decided if I wanted his good opinion.

  “Of course she did,” said Alexander, quick to my defense as always.

  I rolled my eyes at him. “They’ll support me then? Are there any we need to be concerned about?”

  The duke shook his head slowly, but my heart sank anyway. There was something more, I could tell.

  “So why don’t you look more pleased?” I asked.

  He sighed. “They support your rule. Especially since they know I stand behind it.”

  I nodded slowly. As much as I resented it, I could also understand it. My grandfather had shown himself to be knowledgeable in the ways of court despite his long absence. I could hardly be surprised that he would inspire more confidence than a sixteen-year-old girl on her own. It struck me suddenly that if I did succeed in gaining the throne, he would be the logical choice of regent.

  I regarded him with new suspicion. Was that what this was all about? Was I supposed to exchange one false parental figure who wished to use me as a pawn in their quest for power for another?

  But another moment’s reflection brought calm. Sixteen years holed up in his coastal estate didn’t exactly suggest a power-hungry figure eager to take control of the court. If that had been his intention, he would have done better never to leave the court at all. If he had been a pre
sent grandparent, loving from the start, I would have eagerly run to him over Alida at my father’s death. No, something else motivated him.

  “They want more troops,” said Alexander, his grim voice reminding me of the actual topic under conversation.

  The duke nodded. “They support you, but they’re concerned about the guards. Alida has shown herself to be just ruthless enough that they’re afraid of what she’ll do if she sees the court openly turn against her. And I can’t really blame them. She just might be fool enough to respond with violence and attempt to impose martial law or some such idiocy.”

  I slumped back into my seat. “So we need to build an army of our own?” I rubbed a hand across my eyes. “How long is that going to take?” And how many people would die if it came to civil war?

  “Not as long as you might think.”

  I looked up quickly to catch the dangerous gleam in my grandfather’s eye.

  “Lestern,” I said, the word more of a breath.

  He shrugged, although he couldn’t hide his satisfied smile. “Once I began to realize what was happening, I decided my treasury could wear a little extra burden for a while.”

  I sat up straight, scooting forward to the edge of my chair. “All those dismissed guards—the loyal ones?”

  “Not all, of course. But a great many. Once the word got out that the duke of Lestern offered fair wages and conditions, it was astonishing how many young men decided a life by the sea was just the life for them.” He grinned, and it showed all his teeth.

  A slow smile spread across Alexander’s face as well. “So all you need to do is call them?”

  The duke turned slowly to me, although Alexander had asked the question. His drumming fingers continued to tap.

  “I could, of course. But there’s no denying it will take time.” His brows lowered slightly. “And the longer you’re here, the more likely word of your presence will get out. So I’ve been thinking of another alternative.” He met my eyes, his own serious. “I would like it if you visited Lestern yourself.”

  “What?” I stared at him before looking across at Alexander. My friend looked thoughtful, his gaze traveling back and forth between me and my grandfather.

  “Think about it, Snow.” The duke leaned forward. “It will get you away from the capital and away from that woman. And it will give you a chance to see and meet my troops for yourself. You can travel back here with them. There isn’t a safer place you could be than in their midst. They’re a small army composed entirely of guards with no loyalty for Alida.”

  “You’ll be coming too?” I let my skepticism color my voice.

  He shook his head immediately. “We don’t want to raise Alida’s suspicions any further than they already are. And, anyway, it would be better for you if I wasn’t there.”

  “Oh?” I raised my eyebrows at him.

  “As I said, these men have reason to resent Alida. And they have reason to be loyal to me. This is your chance to show yourself among them—to give them a reason to be loyal to you.”

  I bit my lip, considering his words carefully. There was sense in them, from whichever angle I looked. And they backed up my earlier conclusion. Despite whatever had led him to shun me up until now, my grandfather had so far shown no sign of wishing to use me. He seemed to truly wish me to rule.

  I swallowed. If I couldn’t take the throne without an army, this seemed like the best chance I was going to get. I didn’t like the thought of running from the capital so soon after I’d arrived, but I would be foolish to turn down this chance.

  The threat of civil war still hung over me, though, clouding any hope I might feel. What was I thrusting my kingdom into?

  “What happens when we return?” I asked the duke. “How many are to die for my cause?”

  “None, I hope,” he said with perfect calm.

  I clasped my hands together, hoping desperately he wasn’t just saying what I wanted to hear.

  “You think the threat will be enough?” I asked.

  He nodded. “With our own army behind us, our supporters in the court will stand with you when you make your claim. And the rest of court will follow. Alida isn’t exactly beloved, and yours is the rightful claim, after all. Plus she’s paid off her guards, remember. They don’t follow her out of love or loyalty. They won’t fight when they see what stands against them—they won’t be interested in risking their lives for a hopeless cause.”

  For the first time since I entered the room, I smiled. His words made sense. Maybe we could actually do this. Maybe I could win back my throne and free my kingdom without any bloodshed at all.

  A sharp knock on the door had barely sounded before it was thrust open, and a man I didn’t recognize strode in. He looked only at the duke, giving a small half-bow.

  “Your Grace, I have an urgent report.” His eyes slid sideways onto me, and he faltered, stepping back. “Your…Your Highness! But how…?”

  His eyes slid back to my grandfather, so I stood to my feet, drawing his attention back to me.

  “Yes, it is me. What is your report?”

  He hesitated, gazing blankly between us all, and I narrowed my eyes.

  “You may safely deliver the report to me.” I looked over at my grandfather, my face requesting his endorsement of my pronouncement.

  He nodded, no trace of discomfort on his face. “Certainly you may deliver your report to Her Majesty.”

  The man swallowed and gave a full bow. “Indeed, I did not mean…I am merely astonished. My report was concerning you, Your Majesty.”

  “Me?”

  He shifted uncomfortably. “I am certain of my source, so your presence has caught me quite off guard.”

  “Deliver your report, if you please.” Iron sounded in the duke’s voice, and the man bobbed another half-bow.

  “Of course. I have just received word that the usurper queen has discovered the location of the true queen.” His amazed eyes turned to me again. “Somewhere deep in the forest. And she has sent some sort of weapon against her.”

  Chapter 19

  I gasped and stumbled back, sinking into my chair, my eyes flying to Alexander.

  “The children,” I whispered.

  My grandfather took one look at me and turned back to his agent. “What sort of weapon? Were you able to learn that much, at least?”

  The man frowned. “No. But there has been talk of a newcomer. A man from Eldon. He hasn’t mingled with anyone, but the queen has treated him with favor. And there are rumors around him. Rumors that he holds great power.”

  “Eldon?” Alexander cursed under his breath. “Sterling!”

  My grandfather looked from Alexander’s thunderous face to my pale one. Then back at the man.

  “Thank you for your report. You may go. Naturally you must speak of this to no one. Particularly about the queen’s presence here.”

  The man nodded and bowed, a half-bow to my grandfather and then a full one to me.

  “Of course, you can be assured of my silence—as always. Indeed, this report had filled me with some dread, so allow me to express my great relief at seeing Your Majesty safe.”

  I managed a weak smile and a nod, and the man bowed again before hurrying out of the room.

  My grandfather looked between Alexander and me. “One of you explain.”

  I stood up and paced once across the room, stopping by the empty fireplace before spinning back around. “I have been sheltering in the forest for some weeks. In a secluded cottage. A group of children live there, without defense of any kind. If my stepmother has sent a weapon against them…” My knees suddenly gave way, and I sank into the closest chair.

  My grandfather frowned. “Children? That is…less than desirable. I suppose we must…” His drumming fingers picked up their pace. “This talk of a weapon sounds strange to me, though. Why would she not send a contingent of guards? Or perhaps she has done so as well?”

  He seemed to be talking half to himself, but Alexander answered. “I think I might have t
he answer to that. But it isn’t one you’re going to like.” He sighed. “As you know, I was in Eldon myself until quite recently. I only returned when I was sent back with a message—a warning.”

  I vaguely remembered him mentioning this before, but his subsequent news about my stepmother’s murderous orders had driven it from my mind. To my grandfather it was new, however.

  “What sort of warning?” The duke leaned forward, his eagle eyes trained on Alexander. “I heard they had solved their difficulties there.”

  “Yes, they did. They defeated a woman who had amassed an arsenal of magical objects gifted across our lands in generations past by the godmothers. She was destroyed, but one of her henchmen escaped. A rather wily man who had spent years traveling the kingdoms collecting objects for her. He has previously caused trouble in both Marin and Palinar, apparently, assisting in prison breaks there.”

  “The Eldonians captured him, but he subsequently escaped, and the royals feared he had fled into Eliam. And that he might have had one or more godmother objects with him when he did so. Princess Celine believed he was just the type to have secreted some somewhere as emergency supplies. So she sent me to warn Eliam.”

  He grimaced. “But I’m afraid it sounds like he fled straight into Alida’s arms. I strongly suspect this ‘weapon’ they speak of is actually some sort of magical object. Bear in mind that Alida still needs it to look like Snow’s death was an accident, and one not of her doing.”

  The duke frowned. “This complicates matters. If only we knew what he had brought with him.”

  “There is no use wasting time on such wishes.” I leaped back to my feet. “We must leave immediately.”

  “You?”

  “Of course. And Alexander. We had just determined we were to leave, anyway, had we not? We will travel to Lestern, but we’ll go to the cottage first. If we hurry, we still have a chance of beating the queen’s messenger there—whoever he may be.” I just hoped it wasn’t Randolph and we didn’t end up meeting him in the forest on the way.