“Excellent. I’ll leave you to get dressed.”
He surprised them both by catching her hand to stop her, and he leaned forward and brushed a kiss over her cheek. When he pulled back, he could have sworn there was a blush on her cheeks, but on closer inspection it was gone, and he decided it must have been a trick of the light.
“Thank you, really. I love it. I’ll wear it always.” To prove the truth of his words, he slid the band on his right hand.
“I’m glad you like it,” she said, smiling and looking pleased. “I’ll see you at dinner.”
“See you then.” As she closed the door behind her, he realized that, for the first time in days, his head didn’t hurt at all.
Chapter 8
Jess and Tanvir rode patrol for two days to no avail. While they were gone, their parents had managed to convince the other monarchs to accompany them to Estoria, and everyone was packing for the journey to Rillas. Jess couldn’t bear the thought of leaving Lyrane when Dev might still be there, and her frustration mounted with each failure to find any evidence of where he might have been taken. They’d just spent a fruitless day scouring the quarries to the north of the palace, and Jess’s mind worked overtime, trying to decide where they should search next.
“We need to gather more information about the goings on in Moritan,” Tanvir said, breaking into her thoughts.
“Yes, it would seem we know much less than we thought, wouldn’t it?”
“Complete secrecy isn’t possible. There must be rumors.”
“What would you suggest?”
“That our spymasters move their focus beyond the court. We will need ears there, of course, but we’d be wise to move out into the countryside, into the estates of the nobles. And we must sift through every bit of evidence we obtain—no more assuming that what we hear is just the harmless grumblings of dissatisfied nobles.”
Jess nodded. “That makes sense. Perhaps this long era of peace has left us too complacent.”
“Perhaps.” Tanvir sighed.
“But perhaps we’re also on the wrong track. We’ve assumed the assailant is a subject of Mallaric’s, but what if he or she comes from a different Realm and is simply using mercenaries from Moritan?”
His face thoughtful, Tanvir considered her words for a moment. “That’s a fair point as well. It wouldn’t hurt to gather information from Deshira and Corland while we’re at it. What’s your take on the current situation in the other Realms?”
“Mallaric grumbles about our trade policies and believes we should pay more for his iron, but he’s very fond of our platinum. Toran and Mahlia share an uneasy truce, which makes it hard for me to see why they might want to do something as rash as kidnap Dev. From what Medhan has heard, the two have nearly come to blows several times, so I wouldn’t think either Realm would want to make an enemy of ours.”
“It would be to Mahlia’s advantage to make it appear as though Toran has taken action against us,” Tanvir pointed out. “If we were to declare war against Corland, it would relieve some of the pressure on Deshira.”
Chewing her lower lip, Jess thought about this. It seemed a terribly elaborate plan but, then, so did Dev’s kidnapping. Letting out a frustrated noise, she unconsciously tugged on the reins, causing her horse to toss her head. “There are too many variables, too many pieces of the puzzle missing.”
“I agree. I know you would rather be out looking for Dev right now—and I feel as you do. But we need to confer with our parents before they leave, devise a plan of action. It makes no sense for our spies and yours to be looking in the same places.”
“No, it doesn’t. But if we hear of any leads, I will pursue them.”
“And I want to accompany you. I’m asking you to make a pact with me, Jess.”
Turning her head, she met his intense gaze. “I won’t leave you behind, Tanvir,” she said softly. “My commitment is to your entire family. You may not be my brother-in-law but you are my brother.”
“I know you can handle yourself, but Dev would never forgive me if any harm were to befall you.”
“Yes, well, I imagine he’d be none too pleased with me if something bad happened to his baby brother.”
Tanvir pulled a face. “Not you too.”
“I am your older sister.”
“Indeed, but I’ve always found you more tolerable than Dev.”
She laughed in spite of herself. “I’m not certain that’s a compliment,” she said, eliciting a smile from him.
“So we’re in this together?”
“Yes, we are.”
“I’m glad. I had feared you might not allow me to help, that you might decide this was your personal crusade.”
Smiling ruefully, Jess shook her head. “How well you know me already, brother.”
“I’ve grown up with you, remember?”
“How could I ever forget?”
“Even if you were not marrying my brother, I would still stand by your side as your friend.”
“Thank you. That means a great deal to me. I’m glad to have you, and not just because of your head for detail.”
Tapping his head, Tanvir smirked. “The brains have always belonged to me.” Jess snorted and nudged her horse forward, riding through the gate before Tanvir. Omar and Adar were waiting for them in the bailey.
“Have you any news?” Omar asked his daughter.
Shaking her head, she dismounted, feeling a sudden heavy weariness descend upon her. “Wherever they are, they’ve gone to ground.”
Omar’s expression hardened. “Then we shall have to ferret them out.”
“Jess and I have some things we wish to discuss with you,” Tanvir told the two kings.
“While you were out searching, we were conferring, sharing information,” Adar said.
Beckoning them to follow, Omar headed out of the bailey and into the castle, leading them to his council chamber. Medhan and the two queens were the only people within.
“I’ve dismissed my councillors for now. I’m afraid I will have to investigate them, so it is best if we are judicious with the information we share with them for the time being,” Omar said.
Surprised, Jess stared at her father. “Do you truly think one of them could have been involved?”
His mouth tightened and his eyes grew stormy. “We have no way of knowing as of now. I never imagined it possible that someone could penetrate my castle’s defenses and walk out with a prince either.”
Nishana’s face settled into a stony expression, but Adar put a hand on Omar’s shoulder. “It’s not your fault, my friend. We’ve discussed this. I know you love Dev like a son, and his abductors would have found a way regardless of where the ceremony took place. This act was meant to sow the seeds of tension and mistrust, and I will not allow that to happen. Whoever did this has my son. I will not allow them to divide us as well.”
“That’s wise,” Tanvir said. “Shattering the peace of our Realms and dividing us may very well have been part of the plan.”
Jess rubbed a weary hand over her eyes. “What will you tell the councillors, Papa? Surely you cannot come right out and accuse them of collusion.”
“No, I cannot,” he conceded. “We met with them earlier today and heard their opinions, so we have put up the appearance of normalcy. They will not think secret meetings amongst us amiss.”
“I will investigate my councillors as well. They were instrumental in assisting with the planning of the celebration,” Adar said.
Though it was a relief that Dev’s father was taking things so well, Jess wasn’t certain his mother felt the same. When Nishana looked at Omar, there was something like accusation in her gaze.
“Jess and I talked as we rode home,” Tanvir said. “Neither of us knows of any trouble in Mallaric’s Realm. I can’t imagine that either Toran or Mahlia would want to strike at us directly, but it’s possible Mahlia might want to cause trouble with Toran, given their tense relationship.”
“Mahlia is subtle, but such underha
nded tactics seem as if they would be more trouble than they are worth,” Farah pointed out.
“If we cannot think of a monarch who might have a reason to take Dev, then it must be a noble,” Nishana said.
“The Moritanian accent and the seal of Mallaric’s house are no real proof,” Jess said. “Yes, they point to Mallaric, but that could have been deliberate, to throw us off the trail.”
“Or it could have been deliberate because perhaps whoever took Dev wanted to leave us a message,” Tanvir said.
“I don’t like the theory that it was all an accident, though we cannot dismiss it entirely. But whoever did this was bold, fearless. I think they intended to make a statement,” Adar said.
“And perhaps they also intended to humiliate Mallaric,” Tanvir mused.
“The king is the butt of many a joke in his kingdom,” Medhan agreed. “I have not heard anything of great substance, but there have been rumblings of discord.”
“We need more information, and it would make the most sense for us to pool our resources, spread them out throughout the Realms. We should consider moving beyond the court and casting a wider net in Moritan as well,” Tanvir said.
“I agree,” Omar responded. “Adar, Nishana, what would you have us do?”
“I know your excellent spymaster has ears deep in Mallaric’s territory,” Adar said with a nod at Medhan, who graced him with a demure bow. “I would suggest she see if she can find a few more ears. In the meantime, I will direct my spymaster to focus his efforts on Corland and Deshira.”
“Your Majesties, given the delicacy of this operation, I should like to oversee it in person,” Medhan said. “I request your permission to travel to Moritan.”
“Granted,” Farah said.
“You have our permission to cross our borders freely,” Nishana added. “We will give you a proclamation with the royal seal.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty. If I may be excused, I would like to see to preparations for my departure.” She sank into a low bow, and Omar dismissed her.
“I request permission to continue searching for Dev. He may still be in Lyrane, and I can rejoin you in Rillas in a few days’ time. Tanvir has asked to accompany me,” Jess told their parents.
“Very well,” Omar said, though neither he nor Farah looked very pleased. He looked at Adar, who sighed and nodded his permission as well.
“We need to face the possibility that Dev may be taken from our borders,” Tanvir said, looking at his mother as he spoke. She paled at his words. “If we find that Dev’s abductors were indeed from Moritan, we should seek to ally ourselves with Corland and Deshira.”
Farah raised her eyebrows. “That’s easier said than done.”
“I will do whatever it takes to get my son back,” Nishana said, her eyes still on Tanvir.
“As will we,” Omar said. “We’ll see what we can learn from Mahlia, Toran, and Beland while you and Jess continue your search.”
“Be ready to ride south at daybreak,” Jess told Tanvir. She turned to her parents, embracing them and kissing their cheeks. “Gods be with you. If you hear anything, you must—”
“You will be the first to know,” Farah assured her daughter, kissing Jess’s forehead.
Chapter 9
Dev had no idea how long they stayed in the cave. His cough continued to plague him, and he swam in a sea of sickness and drug, his mind filled with wild, vivid pictures. It was impossible to discern what was reality and what was a fiction of his feverish mind, and he soon gave up trying. As his fever raged, so did his anger. He wanted his life back. He wanted everything he was meant to have had: marriage with Jess, a chance to share a life with her, to raise children together, and he was not going to allow Ellaria to steal it all from him.
“So you’ve decided to join us at last,” she said, as he struggled to open his eyes. Despite her attempt to make the words sound taunting, Dev heard a note of worry in them, and he realized just how essential he was to her plan. No matter how much she might try to downplay it, she needed him.
“Where am I?” he rasped. The floor lurched beneath him and the ceiling spun. His fingers twitched for the first time since they’d left the castle, and he realized he hadn’t been drugged.
“You’re too weak to be much of a bother now,” Ellaria said, observing him. “But if you prove to be unmanageable again, I’ll have no choice but to drug you once more.”
“Are you asking me to promise you that I’ll behave?” Dev snarled, his voice jagged. His throat was so raw that every inhalation made him feel as though thorns were scraping their way down into his lungs.
“Who knows, my dear prince. You might even find that you like being a good little pet.” The corners of her mouth turned up into a seductive smile, and his stomach churned.
“I need water, unless you’d prefer I die of thirst. But something tells me that might hamper your plans a bit.”
Ellaria’s smile evaporated, leaving her with a cold expression in her eyes. Dev wasn’t sure he should have tipped his hand already, but he was too tired and too weak to dissemble.
“Water,” Ellaria growled, snapping her fingers.
A man appeared, picking Dev’s head up and holding it in a semi-upright position as he placed a cup between Dev’s lips. Dev drank so greedily he inhaled some of the water, causing a fit of racking coughs that left his ribs aching. His breath came in short, wheezing gasps that stabbed at his lungs. When the spell was finally over, he lay on his side, spent. Clawing at the floorboards beneath him, he felt a sharp pain as a sliver pierced his skin.
A ship! We’re on a ship!
The thought filled him with panic and he tried to sit up, but his limbs felt like they were made of jelly. Somehow Ellaria had manged to smuggle him out of Lyrane, and it felt as if something inside of him was shredding, leaving him bleeding.
“We’re sailing,” Dev managed to gasp.
“We are indeed,” Ellaria confirmed. She rose, seeming to tower over Dev, and he had to resist the urge to shield his head. “I have a delightful stronghold in my homeland. I’m sure you’ll love it. Your tower cell is quite scenic.”
“King Mallaric won’t stand for this. He can’t afford war with my father or with King Omar.”
“Mallaric won’t be a problem for much longer.” She infused so much venom into the way she spoke the king’s name that it chilled Dev to the bone.
“You kidnapped me to get back at Mallaric?” Dev asked, confused.
“Poor, dear Devaran,” Ellaria cooed. “There is some truth to the malicious gossip that you’re not even half as smart as your younger brother. At some point you’ll understand how you fit into my little plan, I’m sure of it, so don’t you fret. Now, get some rest, dear prince. I would so hate to see you have a relapse.”
Smiling coldly at him, Ellaria swept from the cabin. Dev managed to turn his head enough to see her and the water-bearing servant disappear through a door. The servant took the lamp, and the darkness in the cabin was almost complete as he closed the door behind himself and his mistress. Slowly, agonizingly, Dev managed to turn his head a bit more, discovering that the source of the faint ambient light was a small porthole high on the wall. He could just see a smear of inky sky and a few stars.
Weak and sick as he was, Dev found the ability to move his limbs—however little he could manage to budge them—an almost unbearably exquisite pleasure. He didn’t have the strength to sit up, but he was content to move his fingers restlessly about the rough plank floors. It was more freedom than he’d enjoyed in days.
How many days? he wondered. There was no way of knowing. Try as he might, he couldn’t remember much beyond that one period of lucidity in the cave, and he had no idea how many days had passed between his being taken from the castle and his waking in the cave. He could have been gone for weeks by now.
Giving up on trying to figure out how long he’d been missing, Dev turned his thoughts to his conversation with Ellaria. She had said Mallaric wouldn’t be a problem mu
ch longer, which told Dev she was planning to make a play for the throne. Was success an actual possibility? He knew there’d been some rumbling from Mallaric’s nobles, and that Mallaric was looked on with scorn by many of them, but he hadn’t heard of any credible threats, and he wondered if Ellaria had any allies. What little of her behavior he’d observed wasn’t enough to draw any conclusions about her sanity. For all he knew, Ellaria’s plan to overthrow Mallaric’s throne could be nothing more than the suicidal delusions of a madwoman.
Attempting to focus his mind, he racked his brain for more information about Ellaria’s family and their fall, but he couldn’t recall anything beyond what he had already remembered. Moritanian history had never much interested him, nor had the politics of the other Realms, and he’d never been able to bring himself to pay them much mind, to the exasperation of his tutors.
And that’s why I’d be such a bad king.
Not for the first time, he wondered what odd twist of fate had seen to it that he had been born before Tanvir. His brother would have been eminently more suited to the throne than Dev. As much as he loved Estoria, Dev chafed at the restrictions being heir to the throne placed on him, and whenever he measured himself against his father, he found himself wanting. Would he end up like Mallaric, laughed about behind closed doors?
If he ever got home, that was. It was only a matter of time before Jess realized it was Ellaria who had taken him, but the thought brought him nothing but misery. It was bad enough to think of her being in danger, but it was far worse to know there was nothing he could do to protect her.
Another coughing fit seized him, and when it ended he lay in a ball on the floor, the last of his strength trickling from him. Never before had he felt such a fierce longing for Jess, and he had known many sleepless nights because of her. Whenever they were apart, he felt a constant ache, but this pain was different, sharper. It was tinged with the fear that he might never see her again, but that thought was so horrible to contemplate that his brain rejected it.
[Fairytale 02] - Asleep (2013) Page 5