The Orphan Queen

by Jodi Meadows

  He was on his feet, too, all panther grace as he stalked toward me. “I’m bringing Aecor back the way your parents left it. Or don’t you care about their legacy anymore?”

  “Of course I care about their legacy, but I don’t know what plans they had for the wraithland. I don’t know how they expected to keep the country safe when wraith came pouring in. Maybe they thought it wouldn’t happen. Maybe they believed there was another way. But maybe they were wrong.” My ears rang in the deafening quiet and I whispered, “Maybe resurrecting Aecor the way they ran it . . . maybe that is wrong.”

  Patrick slapped me.

  I staggered back, clutching my cheek. He stared at his hand, his mouth hanging open and horror written across his features.

  For a heartbeat, he’d become his father.

  “Wil—”

  “Don’t.” I held my palms toward him, and he pulled back until he bumped the desk. I grabbed my pack and shoved my things inside it.

  “I didn’t mean to.” His tone had softened, and he still clutched his hand like it was some kind of foreign thing. “I don’t know what happened.”

  “I know.” I hitched my pack over my shoulders and headed for the window. When I glanced back, he hadn’t moved. “Be a better man than your father.”

  Then I left.

  TWENTY-FIVE

  THE SUN STILL burned high. I couldn’t just walk into the palace in my current condition—trousers and messy hair and ten layers of grime all over me—so I roamed the Flags and let my mind wander.

  Everywhere I went, I found knives carved into fences or painted onto walls. Some were merely in support of the vigilante, while others had pleading messages underneath them:

  HELP ME FIND MY BROTHER. HE DISAPPEARED FROM UNDERMARKET STREET.

  THE NIGHTMARE GANG IS EVERYWHERE. PLEASE HELP.

  SOMEONE ON REDWINE STREET IS USING MAGIC. IT SMELLS LIKE PEE ALL THE TIME.

  STOP. NO ONE WANTS YOU HERE.

  YOU SAVED MY LIFE. THANK YOU.

  PLEASE STOP THE WRAITH. EVERYONE SAYS YOU’LL DO IT. I BELIEVE IN YOU.

  I walked past more drawings, messages, and bounty posters with hastily sketched silhouettes of a man in a mask. Some notes were familiar, now worn away under wind and rain, while others were fresh. Down several alleys, I caught children playing Black Knife; they battled one another with sticks or pipes or wooden swords.

  What would happen when I saw him again? He’d come after me when I’d left Skyvale, and not even to arrest me. What did that mean?

  The clock tower chimed every hour, louder as I made my way toward Thornton, where carriages emblazoned with crests flitted from shop to shop. I kept my face turned away in case anyone recognized me. Unlikely, given my current state, but I didn’t want to be too cavalier; coming into Thornton was already a risk.

  Evening descended, announced by the peal of cathedral bells in Hawksbill. Smaller bells chimed in the market district, and a small army of homeless people from the Flags wandered through, shouting.

  “The heir to four houses will end the wraith!”

  “Wraith is coming! The end approaches!”

  It wasn’t long before police swarmed in and began making arrests.

  Wanting to avoid the eyes of authority, I scrubbed my face on my sleeve, then ducked into a bakery where I could watch the commotion from the open door with a cup of hot tea, though the proprietor didn’t look overly happy about serving me.

  Midway through the evening, a thunder of carriages with dragon sigils and Pierce crests drove by.

  At last, night fell. When the bakery closed, I waited for the clock tower to strike midnight, and then I climbed over the wall and into Hawksbill. The fading perfume of flowers and roasted chicken and autumn foliage welcomed me as I crept through the courtyards and gardens. Laughter chimed like bells from mansions, and horses whickered in their stables. This district was deceptively peaceful.

  Weary, I sneaked through the shadows of the King’s Seat and climbed up to my window. My fingers touched the handle just as Melanie pushed open the door, and we stared at each other for a long minute.

  “Wil,” she breathed, and threw her arms around me. “Oh, Wil. I’m so glad you made it.”

  I hugged her back, and a knot of fear loosened inside of me. She didn’t hate me for going. We were still friends.

  “Come inside.” She grabbed my hand and dragged me in, kicking the door shut behind us. The sitting room was warm, thanks to the small fire burning. Vases of flowers filled the end tables and bookshelves, and dozens of envelopes waited in a basket on the table.

  “What’s all this?” I dropped my bag on the floor, doing my best not to wilt back into my friend’s arms.

  “You’ve been very ill for over three weeks.” Melanie motioned at the closed door to my bedroom. “Too ill for visitors. There was some improvement and people were looking forward to seeing you again, but your recovery wasn’t as swift as I’d hoped.”

  “Oh. Right.” I moved through the room, glancing at the notes pinned under vases. From King Terrell. From Crown Prince Tobiah. From Meredith. Three from Lady Chey, of all people.

  The letters were just as numerous, but I’d look at those later. I almost felt guilty that people had been so worried for my health, and I hadn’t even been sick.

  “Are you going to tell me what happened?” Melanie asked. “You’re late. And I was so worried. I thought about you every moment.”

  I managed a smile. “You sent Patrick after me.”

  She went pale. “I—he knew. Somehow he knew that you weren’t here. I didn’t tell him anything.”

  “I believe you.” Patrick had a talent for that, knowing things without being told. He could just see the truth in people’s eyes, and hear it in their breath. “It’s fine. I’m back.”

  “So.” Her voice dropped. “You went into the wraithland.”

  “I did. And it was—” I shook my head and considered giving her my notebook to let her read everything. But I wasn’t sure I wanted to confess all of my secrets. Not yet.

  My knees buckled and I collapsed onto one of the sofas. I bent over my legs and cradled my head in my forearms.

  “Oh, Wil.” Melanie dropped next to me and draped her arm over my shoulders. “Let’s just get you cleaned up. We can talk later about what happened.”

  I didn’t think I’d be ready later, either, but I let her guide me to the washroom, where I ran the bath as hot as possible. While I scrubbed and rinsed and scrubbed some more, Melanie went to my room. From the tub, I could hear the whoomph of sheets as she remade my bed, and the screech of hangers in the wardrobe.

  “Here.” She came back in bearing a warm nightgown as I wrapped a dressing gown over myself. “Oh, your cheek. What happened?”

  I hesitated, but if she was going to be with Patrick, she needed to know. “Patrick.”

  The nightgown fluttered to the floor. “He wouldn’t.”

  “We were arguing. He lost control.”

  Melanie closed her eyes, reeling, but I didn’t have the energy to comfort her.

  I finished dressing while Melanie ordered a crock of soup, and we discussed the wraithland as we ate. I told her everything—everything except what I’d done, commanding the wind with my magic, and then the voice that had chased me.

  But I knew what it was. I couldn’t deny it any longer.

  Somehow, with that single command, I’d brought the wraith to life.

  And it knew my name.

  TWENTY-SIX

  MY PRESENCE WAS required at King Terrell’s birthday ball. Two invitations had arrived in our apartments the day I’d left for the wraithland, and a letter from the king himself had appeared shortly after; in it, he all but pleaded for my return to health and attendance.

  I’d just made it in time for the celebration. I slept through the night and most of the morning, but it wasn’t enough. When Melanie woke me to prepare for the ball, dancing was the last thing I wanted to do, but declining such an invitation would have been a
terrible insult—likely, we’d have been shunned from palace society.

  In anticipation of my return, Melanie had ordered a pair of gowns made for us. Hers was a pale pink creation with pink sapphires sewn into the neckline and high waist. She looked beautiful in it; she’d look beautiful in anything.

  The gown she’d chosen for me glimmered when the maid brought it out. Silver silk rippled and shone in the firelight, like scales, while diamonds and silver embroidery graced the bodice in a flowing, intricate pattern. They weren’t random patterns, though. When I looked closer, I caught ospreys taking flight, swords and daggers dangling from their talons.

  I lifted an eyebrow at Melanie. “You ordered this?”

  She peered at the gown. “Not exactly that. I ordered ospreys. Well . . . it’s all too stylized to see at a glance, at least. No one will notice.”

  “I hope not. It’s a little odd for a duchess of Liadia to wear ospreys. Lions would have been more appropriate.” Nevertheless, I put on the gown, strangely relieved to wear something so fine again. “I wonder what His Majesty thought when he saw the bill for these gowns.”

  “He probably thought about marrying you to someone very quickly. Then someone else can provide for your expensive tastes.”

  I smoothed the silk and wool over my ribs, down my hips, then sat for the maid to conceal the yellowing bruise on my cheek. She didn’t comment on it, of course. As far as she knew, I’d been ill; my gaunt appearance only added to the illusion.

  Melanie pulled a tiny strand of my hair, freeing it to curl down from the elaborate coils and braids. “Perfect.”

  What she meant was that the tendril of hair would distract from any bruise that showed through the cosmetics.

  “Mel,” I whispered when the maid stepped away. “We weren’t on the best of terms before I left. . . .”

  She shook her head. “We are now, though. I’ve had a lot of time to think, and to miss you, and to see the Ospreys how you must. It’s over between Patrick and me.”

  I held my fingers just over my bruised cheek. “Does he know?”

  “Not yet. But he probably suspects.” She dropped her eyes.

  I wanted to ask if she still loved him, but the maid returned with a small dinner and the promise of a generous buffet in the grand ballroom later. Shortly after the clock chimed the hour, a footman came to escort us. Light spilled through the wide double doors, and music twinkled in a delicate melody.

  The herald took our names, guided us to our positions, and then announced us. “Duchess of Liadia, Lady Julianna Whitman, and her companion, Lady Melanie Cole.”

  I stepped into the immense ballroom and was dazzled by the lights. Melanie touched my elbow to steady me.

  Iron dragons twisted around the grand chandelier that hung above. Mirrors and faceted gemstones glittered in the light of the gas lamps, throwing rainbows across the room. Candles sat on every surface and in sconces along the walls. There was even an illuminated dragon statue, with a candle set into its lower jaw. The beast stared a challenge into the large crowd assembling on the dance floor.

  A few faces turned up at our announcement, and I caught the king’s frail smile from a high-backed throne at the far end of the room. He gestured for us to approach.

  The throne area was a crowded place. Princes Herman and Colin stood beside their brother and the queen, chests all puffed out as they surveyed the ballroom.

  I hoped Herman wouldn’t recognize me from West Pass Watch.

  On the other side of the throne, Crown Prince Tobiah, Lady Meredith, and Lieutenant Rayner stood tall. The prince wore a jet-black tailcoat and trousers with deep blue stripes down the sides, and his cousin displayed his formal Indigo Order uniform, medals pinned on his chest and a sword hung at his waist. While the prince hardly seemed to notice my approach, his bodyguard flashed a smile and minuscule nod.

  “My lady.” King Terrell reached for my hand as I curtsied. “I’m so glad you’ve recovered. I was quite worried when I learned of your illness.”

  “I’m much better, Your Majesty.” I forced my voice even. “And I wouldn’t have missed your birthday celebration for anything.”

  The king smiled again. “I believe you’ve met my wife, Queen Francesca, House of the Sun.”

  I curtsied again. “Of course, Your Majesty. I’ve had the honor, and I’m glad to have it again.”

  The queen sat tall and lean, like her son and nephew, with pointed features and a sharp look in her eyes. But she smiled and dipped her head.

  “And you’ve met my brother Prince Colin Pierce, I believe. He is Overlord of Aecor Territory.”

  It took every drop of my self-control not to clench my jaw and fists as I curtsied. Overlord of my kingdom.

  “And my youngest brother, Prince Herman Pierce, Lord of West Pass Watch.”

  This time, I made sure to keep my posture open and feminine, but if the prince recognized me, he gave no indication. People saw what they expected to see.

  We moved on to greet Tobiah and Meredith, and the latter offered a warm smile.

  She was resplendent in her peacock blue gown. Gold-embroidered unicorns paraded across a band of silk around her ribs in an exquisite display of her wealth, and her seamstress’s skill. Sapphires and other gemstones glittered as she curtsied and offered a warm smile. “We’re both so happy you’ve recovered, Julianna.”

  There was an odd note in her voice. Suspicion? Amusement? She and Chey had both sent lots of flowers and well-wishes. More than made sense, considering our short acquaintance.

  “Thank you.” I pushed a little, to study her reaction. “I’m so looking forward to spending more time with you and Lady Chey in the solar. I’ve missed our talks.”

  Her expression was nothing but politeness.

  Tobiah cast an uninterested glance and turned to murmur something to James. The lieutenant grinned, first at his prince, then at me.

  Meredith and I exchanged a few more pleasantries, and then Melanie and I were dismissed.

  Several more lords and ladies and prominent merchants wealthy enough to keep the king’s attention were announced, and the ballroom grew stiflingly hot.

  Melanie leaned toward me, her voice low. “Meredith seemed delighted to see you.”

  “An act, I’m sure. She’s probably annoyed that when I join her in the solar, she and her ladies will have to stop gossiping about me. I wonder what they say. Did you go while I was ill?”

  “I’m not important enough to go without you. But we could bribe some of the guards to repeat conversations. No one ever notices them, let alone important ladies.” She wore a pleasant smile as she gazed around the room. “Oh, the prince is watching you.”

  I glanced over my shoulder, catching the prince’s eye before he leaned toward James again.

  “Careful, there.” Melanie gave a low chuckle. “Meredith seems nice, but if she thinks you’re interested in him, I bet she’ll find a way to remove your head.”

  I nodded with exaggerated seriousness. “She’s fiercely good with a needle. I wouldn’t want to anger her.”

  Melanie grinned.

  We mingled with the other guests until the music began, then took our partners in the lines of dancers. I still didn’t feel as confident in my dancing as I’d have liked, but this time I knew more of the steps and kept up with my partner, a count from another region of the kingdom.

  He rambled on about his control of sheep farmers and wheat mills, and I responded where appropriate, but my mind kept wandering. A tree, maybe, or a rooftop. Somewhere dark and dangerous. In my mind, my partner was a boy in all black, and our music was the clashing of blades. Our dance was leaping and cutting and pulling the other back to their feet.

  After the first dance ended, Tobiah helped his mother and father stand and the room fell quiet.

  “Thank you all for joining me tonight.” Terrell’s voice wasn’t quite feeble, but he was certainly struggling to make himself heard. Several people in the back of the room shifted forward, and others be
gan repeating his speech for those who couldn’t hear. “There are so many people to be grateful to: firstly, my wife, Francesca, and my son, Tobiah. I wish I could say they are my life, but as a king, that hasn’t always been true. There have been so many times when my wife and son have come second, or third, or worse. Nevertheless, they’ve stood by me, and now my son prepares for his marriage and eventual reign as king. As a father—and as a king—I couldn’t be prouder.”

  Francesca and Tobiah gave Terrell warm smiles, and the audience clapped politely. The applause didn’t last long; the king continued, and everyone had to strain to hear again, if they were interested at all.

  I spent the remainder of his speech observing the guests. There were many I didn’t recognize. Perhaps I’d be able to pry James from Tobiah’s side and receive a bit more of his gossip.

  The speeches went on. Tobiah and his mother each spoke, droning about how much they loved and appreciated Terrell, what a great king he was, and how hard he worked to serve the people of the Indigo Kingdom.

  The crowd grew restless and, from across the room, I caught James’s eye. He quirked a smile and subtly scratched his ear with his smallest finger. At the rude implication, I hid a chuckle under a fake cough. The bodyguard’s smile widened.

  Melanie elbowed me. “Stop it.”

  I signaled for James to dance with me once the speeches were over. His eyebrows lifted, but he nodded.

  From beside his father, Prince Tobiah frowned in my direction.

  At last the speeches were finished and the music began. I tried to catch James’s eye again as dancers began pairing off, but Tobiah had him cornered. Melanie had already accepted someone’s invitation to dance, so I wandered alone toward the terrace. The glass doors were closed against the night chill, and it was too bright inside to see anything outside, but I pretended I was studying the stars, while really watching the reflections of dancers behind me.