Shadow Dancer

by Macie Cage

  “I can’t.” Her voice was a faint whisper.

  “What was that?” he asked, though he could hear her perfectly.

  “I can’t!” She slammed her fist into the ground, her head bowed and body quivering with the knowledge that she was now trapped.

  Evander hummed and went back to his chair. “Melanie Vladimir, you stand on the charge of murder and treason. How do you plead?”

  She glared, her lips curling into a snarl. Every bit the assassin he knew. “I should have killed you myself.”

  “I have a proposition for you. Your crimes warrant hanging.” He paused, letting the weight of her position settle. “However, if you confess, if you take an oath of truth and provide a full account of the events leading up to the coup, including everyone involved, I will stay your execution.”

  She ground her teeth, glared around herself, then finally settled her gaze on him. “Full immunity.”

  “I will not kill you,” he countered.

  “No torture?”

  “Not unless it is necessary. Which, given the notions of this deal, is doubtful.”

  “I will be given comforts?”

  “You will receive items and such upon giving relevant information.”

  “After which I will be released.”

  “After which you will be called forward for retrial where it will be decided.”

  “Fine.”

  Evander let out a slight sigh of relief, inaudible to most though he could tell a few of the Clan members saw it. By the end of the interrogations, he had managed to pardon all other members from the charges of murder and treason.

  “Councilmen, allow me to ask a question.”

  “Of course, Your Highness.”

  “Why is magic illegal?”

  “It was made so after magic was used to try and overthrow your ancestors over a hundred years ago. It was for the safety of the Kingdom.”

  “Yet magic that is beneficial to us is allowed? For example, Pastor Maddox’s?”

  “Yes.”

  “So, a magic user who controls fire?”

  “Will be executed.”

  “What if they use it to light candles? Or make sure a fire does not spread in a burning building?”

  “E-excuse me?”

  “There are many benefits to having a person who can control an element. Or in having someone who can shield their allies. And, might I add, there is quite a use for an ability to manipulate fabric. She could make uniforms at a mere fraction of the usual costs.”

  “W-well, you have a point, Your Highness. However, traditionally—”

  “Our laws are there to protect the people. Any citizen who breaks these laws will be subject to punishment, correct? So what is the point in having a law forbidding something so potentially beneficial?”

  “Your Highness, are you suggesting…?”

  “I would like to abolish the law forbidding the use of magic in the Kingdom of Kallenport.” There was a great clash of noise from everyone around him.

  “Order! Order!” One of the council members stood and pounded his fist against the table. “Your Highness, with all due respect, in order to do such a thing, you must have the Council’s approval or you must be crowned King. Your coronation has yet to happen, so you must abide by our ruling on this matter.”

  “And your ruling is?”

  “Absolutely not, Your Highness. It poses too great a risk to the people.”

  “Is that so?”

  “Yes.”

  “Fine. Then I will be putting off their judgment until after the coronation.” He rose from his seat.

  “Your Highness!” The Councilmen were all shouting their disapproval until he turned his gaze onto them.

  “Did you say something, Councilmen? I believe I said I was holding off their judgement. Unless you would rather yours be held instead?”

  “We beg your pardon?”

  “You all were present throughout the coup and all agreed to allow Ansom as regent despite the evidence against him. Why is that, I wonder?” Evander glared at them for a moment before walking towards the doors. “You are all dismissed. Guards, escort the prisoners back to their cells, cease all interrogations, and insure their comfort.”

  He let out the breath he’d been holding as the doors closed behind him. He could only hope it would work. The Council was quickly forcing his hand. He hadn’t really considered which of them was the traitor who conspired with Ansom, but he supposed it wouldn’t hurt to just replace all of them.

  He shook his head and started walking. No, he couldn’t do that. They had too much experience to just be thrown away.

  His control of Caiden’s body was good enough now that there was very little delay between his intentions and his actions. He flexed his fingers and only then realized that he was still holding his dagger. He sheathed the weapon, nearing the end of the hall.

  “Your Highness?”

  He turned to see the Secretary’s retainer trying to catch up to him. He was a young man with callused, ink stained fingers.

  Interesting. Evander observed the man as he drew closer. He was light on his feet, not out of breath in the slightest as he came to a stop in front of him.

  “Yes?” he asked, pausing.

  “Do you truly intend to legalize magic?” the man asked.

  “I do. It was a law that was passed in paranoia. It has no real place in our codes. Honestly, it does more harm than good.”

  “I see. Then I apologize, Your Highness.”

  Evander saw the flash of metal and instinctively pulled at the shadows around him, only to find that they were completely unresponsive to his call. He dodged, taking a quick step back.

  The man looked shocked, but he sank into a battle-ready stance. Evander looked past him, down the empty corridor, and strained his ears to listen for anyone coming from behind him. Finding no one, he let himself relax.

  The would-be assassin frowned, clearly put off by his sudden change in demeanor. Evander wondered if he would be better off leaving the man alive for questioning.

  The assassin slashed at him and he stepped to the side, disappearing into the shadow on the wall. He appeared behind the man and, without fanfare, grabbed him by the head and slammed him into the stone.

  Well, at least my ability hasn't abandoned me completely. He examined his hands as though he could see the magic.

  “Your Highness!” Sir Hayden was running towards him, his steps slowing down as he saw the man at his feet.

  Evander stepped away from the body. “Apologies, Sir Hayden.”

  “Are you alright, Your Highness?” the Knight asked, eyeing the assassin.

  “I’m fine, though it would seem there’s yet another conspiracy.”

  Sir Hayden turned his gaze to him and Evander found himself being scrutinized. “What shall I do, Your Highness?”

  Evander tilted his head. “Have a few men keep an eye on the Council members. Do not report this.” He gestured to the body. “One of them will slip up. Once you find one, it is only a matter of time before you can root out the others.”

  Hayden stared at him a moment longer before giving him a bow. “As you wish, Your Highness.”

  “As for the body, I’ll leave it to you.” He had barely finished the sentence before Hayden had stooped down to grab the man and promptly dropped him out the window.

  “Now, I believe I have an incident report to burn. If you’ll excuse me, Your Highness.” The Knight bowed again before heading down the hall.

  Evander found himself grinning. The man may prove to be a problem eventually, but Caiden had always been fond of him and now Evander could see why.

  “There you are, Your Highness. Please come this way for your fitting.” A servant found him as he turned the corner.

  Fourteen

  Month of the Dragon 27, 421 HE

  “Your Highness, it is nearly time.” The call was muffled through the door.

  Evander blew out a shaky breath. He hadn’t been able to eat, his stom
ach flipping and turning itself into knots. He felt vaguely ill. He chuckled at himself, looking up at the mirror.

  Caiden’s face was still pale, the dark red of his hair brushing against his brow. He was still not used to seeing the Prince’s face when he looked at his reflection. He dipped his fingers into the small tin of oil, slicking back the unruly strands so his face was clearly visible.

  He would have been so pleased with himself, making Caiden look so regal. Then again, Caiden would never have sat still long enough for him to accomplish this. His clothing was well-made, high quality, comfortable, and simple in design. There was a black tunic embroidered with silver thread and a deep burgundy undershirt that was mostly hidden, but it matched the color of the long, thin cape that was pinned at his shoulder which was made of a gauzy fabric that would flow behind him as he walked.

  He’d had to stand still, parade about, get pricked and poked and measured and prodded, manhandled as the tailor did his work, for the better part of a week. He would have loved to see Caiden in it. Caiden would have loved it. He was never one for parties, for sitting and playing nice, but he’d always enjoyed dressing up for them. He’d once said that he felt like a different person, that he could just pretend that he was in costume and playing a role. Evander hadn’t corrected him. He hadn’t cared so long as the Prince didn’t embarrass himself.

  “Your Highness?” His door slowly creaked open, a retainer poking his head in nervously. “Would you like any help with the preparations, Your Highness?”

  “No. I’ve finished.” He rose from his seat and turned, causing the boy to quickly move aside.

  There was a small group of people waiting for him outside his door. All were younger servants, one of whom held a sheaf of parchment. The teenager shuffled through the papers, stuttering a list of instructions from Maddox. Evander was only half listening to the briefing as they walked.

  The castle was quiet. Everyone was outside, waiting. It was a simple procedure. By now, the nobility, the ambassadors, and the visiting royalty would have all taken their seats, and he heard the trumpets blare to announce the beginning of his journey to where he would be crowned.

  The Prince had to walk alone from the castle doors, only accompanied by his ever-loyal servant, the symbolic representation of the original pair that had built the Kingdom, their trials and struggles, until arriving at the other end of the city where the last battle for the Kingdom had taken place. Where King Kailyn himself was crowned by his brother, witnessed and recognized by the other monarchs of the time.

  The castle doors opened to a small fanfare and the Kingdom’s anthem could be heard as the citizens were all cued to sing. It was a disconcerting feeling, eerie. He stepped out onto the path, head held high, and he walked.

  He would have walked just behind Caiden on his journey. The Council had been adamant that he find someone to replace him, for tradition’s sake. Evander had refused. Perhaps it was selfish, but he knew Caiden would have done the same. It was a time meant to honor their bond. The bond that had been fake, a cruel lie, twisted and bastardized for so many years.

  It wasn’t a long walk, the chill of autumn making it pleasant, the sound of hundreds of people singing the anthem over and over again to the point where Evander only heard it as noise. Caiden would have been jittery with excitement despite his trepidation. He could see the grass, the hill that overlooked the city where pavilions had been set up along with chairs, daises, and at the very crest, a throne.

  The attending monarchs remained seated, as was their right, while all others stood upon his arrival. Maddox stood beside the throne and he stepped down as Evander approached.

  To be crowned by another monarch or noble would show him to be subservient to them, so the Priest had volunteered to become a neutral party and perform the ceremony instead. Maddox had already undergone his pledge to denounce his relation to any and all other powers for this ceremony.

  Evander turned to face the assembled crowd and knelt. Maddox began to speak, reading from a script. Evander was sure that he was replying, as he had practice, recited, and read. It had been hammered into his head, because it was supposed to have been him reading that script for Caiden. It made his heart twist painfully at the thought. He wished that Malik was here, using his ability so that he could show it to the Prince when he returned. If he returned.

  “Please raise your head.” Maddox’s voice brought him out of his thoughts and he realized that the Priest had already recited his vows and moved behind him.

  The moment of truth then. He had already thought of any escape, any excuse he could make if the Priest couldn’t fake the Identification spell. There was none. Not a single path that he could use to get out. His heart was pounding so hard it was a wonder that no one heard it.

  Evander lifted his head and held his breath as the Priest gently slid the crown into place. A warm, tingling sensation swept through him for a moment before a burst of beautiful golden-white light swept over the assembled people. He rose to his feet, barely registering Maddox stumbling back.

  He watched the nobles bow at the sight of the ‘Divine Light’ and he could hear the citizens’ cries rising up from the city and from the area around the hill. He took a breath and began to speak. He was too relieved, too shaken to truly remember the inspirational words that he’d helped Caiden memorize so long ago.

  He turned and ascended to the throne, taking his seat and letting his voice ring out over the gathering, announcing the start of the festivities.

  --†--

  “Your Majesty.” Evander turned to look at the King of Terravinter, escorting his second daughter, Eudora.

  “Your Majesty,” he responded in kind.

  “Congratulations on your coronation. It was magnificent. Your father, no doubt, would have been proud.”

  “Thank you.”

  “May I present my daughter, Princess Eudora. I believe you have not formally met. That awful occurrence delayed your meeting.”

  Evander watched as the girl swept a graceful curtsey, her eyes respectfully downcast. “A pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty.”

  Her voice was soft and sweet, her pale skin was of a honeyed hue, and her long dark hair was swept up in an artful yet simplistic style. She struck him as a mindless doll. Her movements were smooth and practiced, her words carefully annunciated. She seemed articulate for a fourteen-year-old, but she was following the steps set before her by others.

  He dipped his head in greeting. “The pleasure is mine, Your Highness. I must say, I am rather glad you were delayed. It would have been disastrous had you been present during the coup.”

  “I can take care of myself, Your Majesty.” Her gaze flicked up to meet his own and he saw a spark of life in her that was quickly hidden away as her father’s grip tightened on her arm.

  “I beg your pardon, Sir. She is not yet used to social functions.”

  “It is quite all right. It was a rather traumatizing event, I’m sure. I apologize for reminding you of it.” The girl muttered something under her breath that he couldn’t catch. He resisted the urge to laugh. His first impression of the girl was quickly changing.

  “On that note, what is your official statement on the event? We only heard what was told to us by our ambassadors.” The King watched him with carefully contained suspicion.

  And your spies, I’m sure. “My father’s advisor betrayed him. Mine almost lost his life to save me.”

  “And where is your servant? I’d heard that he was responsible, yet the report we currently have dismissed that theory.” The suspicion was gone now, replaced by curiosity.

  “Yes, it had been fabricated. Currently, he is missing. I had been injured and I’m afraid I don’t know what happened before I woke.”

  “I am glad to see you have recovered then. It is a shame. Your family’s reign has always been known for its servants, among your other accomplishments.”

  “Thank you, Sir.”

  He watched the King escort his daughter away. Interest
ing. He’d approved of the union for the benefits to the Kingdom, but it looked like Eudora would be a decent match for the Prince. After a few years, of course.

  By the time he excused himself from the festivities and obligatory introductions, dancing, drinks, and feasting, he was exhausted. He spotted Maddox waiting patiently by the doors, and he nodded his head to the Priest.

  “Pastor.” He glanced around, assured that no one was listening. “Thank you.”

  Maddox eyed him up and down, a strange expression painted over his face. “You have nothing to thank me for, Your Majesty. I did nothing. Absolutely nothing.”

  Evander tilted his head to the side, slowly putting meaning to those words. “But…”

  “It would seem that Vladimir was not so celibate after all.” The Priest bowed and left before he could respond.

  Fifteen

  Month of the Crab 29, 423 HE

  Evander sat at his desk, the large study too quiet as he shifted through trade agreements and local reports.

  It had been two years. The first had flown by in a blur between his recovery, his coronation, and enforcing the new laws protecting magic users. He’d had to increase the number of soldiers assigned to each of the provinces. The abolishing of the anti-magic law had sparked a witch-hunt.

  Many ability users who revealed themselves were killed, and others began openly wreaking havoc with their magic. The soldiers were ordered to uphold the laws of the kingdom and Evander was pleased that they seemed to be holding true to that ideal. Those who openly murdered the ability users were apprehended on charges of murder. Those ability users who were causing harm with their magic were brought up on appropriate charges as well.

  It was stressful and chaotic, but he stuck to his view, adapting his approach as necessary, and it had paid off. The tension had calmed after a year and a half of constant enforcement. He sighed and rubbed a hand over his face. He was tired. His gaze slid to the ornate music box that sat on the corner of the desk.