Hidden Fire (The FIRE series Book 1)

by Rosemarie Cawkwell

  “Of course, of course. Is there any news about young Gos, Forier? I knew his parents, we went to school together, you know. His father and I were at the university as well.” Conort seemed quite upset by the loss of his Assistant Ambassador.

  “Not yet sir, but our investigations are getting closer.” Forier looked at Lizzy, who nodded after a second.

  “I'm sure now the Duke's sons are here it'll go faster. They are from the Office aren't they, Your Highness?”

  “Did the Duke not communicate with you?”

  “Oh, yes, yes, oh, I shouldn't have said anything.”

  “It's quite alright Ambassador.” It wasn't but the old man seemed quite distressed by his lapse. If anyone was involved in espionage at the Embassy, it wasn't him. Forier was perhaps the Duke's real contact in the Embassy now that Gos had disappeared. Either him or Redfern.

  As they walked the sounds of music floated down each winding corridor, getting louder with each turn. Lizzy's brow wrinkled as the map of their movements that she built in her mind resolved itself.

  “Lady De Narvel,” she called quietly, “Is the palace built like a labyrinth?”

  “Of course not, didn't you see in from the bay? It's a perfect square.”

  “I see.” Lizzy mused to herself.

  The music became louder as they made the final turn into the great hall at the centre, known as the Heart of the Palace. Lizzy stood rooted to the spot in amazement. The walls were panelled in mirrors thirty feet high that reflected the thousands of candles burning in the many chandeliers that hung overhead, while the ceiling was painted with a riotous scene from Belenosian mythology. While these were enough to stun, what dazed her was the scene before her eyes. On long low couches the scions of the Empires most powerful families lazed, consuming food and drinks from the burdened tables around them. At first she thought the revellers naked and blushed to see so much flesh on display, but realised that the material they wore was so fine as to be almost transparent.

  “Gosh, I know it's warm but really?” Charley leaned back to whisper to Lizzy.

  “I know. It's quite.” She had no way to finish her sentence, still struck by the sight, “Ambassador, how did your wife react?”

  “My former wife refused to come to the Court after our introduction. Myself I stay in the outer courts; my heart can't take such pressures.”

  “First time I've been this far in; can't say I disapprove.”

  “Forier, any more inappropriate comments and I'll send you back to the outer courts.”

  “Sorry Ambassador, won't happen again.”

  “Well, now what?”

  “Grandmama has to take us up to the Empress. Lizzy straighten yourself up.”

  “It was that carriage, it's too small and bumpy.”

  “Can I offer you my vehicle for your visit, Highness, I had it imported from home. It's the latest model. These Belenosians haven't taken up springs yet.”

  “I noticed. And I'd very much appreciate it, at least if I come here again. My spine does not like those cobbles.”

  Lady De Narvel had left them at the doorway and now scurried back to their little group.

  “I've had a word with the First Minister, he's a cousin you know, and he's going to inform the Empress of your arrival. Charlotta and I will lead, if you gentlemen will follow behind. The Princess should walk through alone. Please try to be regal dear, I promised your father that this would go well.”

  “Oh dear, has he roped you in as well?”

  “Into what dear Princess?”

  “The great get-Lizzy-married venture?”

  “No, that was the Duke. Your father is just concerned about you making a good impression.”

  “Thanks. Come on, let’s get this over with and go back to your villa, I'm too hot.”

  “Oh but you must stay a while or the Empress will be insulted.”

  “She won't even notice.”

  “The Empress sees everything, dear.”

  A tall, ascetic looking man in a dark, pleated kilt hurried towards them, and bowed to Charley's grandmother.

  “My Lady, if you would please follow me, the Empress will receive you now.”

  His eyes flicked to Lizzy but he did not acknowledge her. In Belenos, Lizzy recalled, unless a visitor to court had been recognised by the Empress none of the court officials would acknowledge the stranger. Lizzy found it a trifle impolite, but kept a pleasant smile on her face and her eyes blank and innocent. The man, Lizzy assumed one of the Empress's advisors led the way down the centre of the hall, diners on either side. Lizzy endeavoured to look straight ahead, but noticed one or two looking at their party with interest. When they recognised Lady De Narvel or Ambassador Conort they turned away in disinterest. As they got closer to the throne, one group of diners seemed to keep their eyes on the party. Lizzy quickly glanced at them and then glanced away. With the ambassador so far behind and Lady De Narvel so far in front she was alone and couldn't ask either to identify her watchers. The group was exclusively male and all had similar features. Their couch was closest to the throne and they seemed to be in conversation with the Empress until she sat up straight to welcome her visitors.

  Lizzy's first glimpse of the Empress shocked her almost as much as the room in which she found herself. She was a girl, no more than fourteen or fifteen. But how? Lizzy had heard the offer of marriage had come from her adult son.

  Lizzy almost walked into the back of her friend; the group had stopped while she was musing on this oddity. She stumbled backwards and felt a hand steady her. Lizzy looked round into a pair of warm brown eyes.

  “Thank you.”

  “A pleasure Your Highness; it is a greater pleasure to meet you at last.”

  A shrill voice interrupted them before the young man could introduce himself.

  “Cthinn-Erthy, take your seat.” The child Empress had spoken.

  So, this was her suitor; Lizzy looked him over as he bowed and returned to his couch. Not bad. Long, strong legs, lovely hands, and such a sweet smile. She sighed, he was probably an awful bore; the prettiest ones always were in her experience.

  “Great Empress, True Heart of the World, may I introduce you to my Granddaughter and heir, Charlotta De Narvel.”

  Lady De Narvel and Charley had prostrated themselves before the Empress, who merely nodded. The two women crawled backwards, allowing the Ambassador and his assistant to step in front of Lizzy. They bowed deeply but did not crawl.

  “Ah, Ambassador Conort, it is a pleasure to see you again. Any news of the lovely Lord Val?”

  “As ever, Gracious Empress, I'm honoured to be in your presence. Unfortunately, we have no fresh news.”

  “How awful, I'm sure some word must come soon. And, so, this is Princess Elizabeth Alboni?”

  Lizzy nodded slightly; no more or less than equals should.

  “Indeed and you are the Empress of Belenos.”

  “I am. Please, join me.” The girl indicated a seat beside her, “I'm sure we have much to discuss.”

  “It will be a pleasure.” Lizzy smiled and mounted the three steps to join the young Empress at her table.

  “Excellent, we weren't sure when to expect you, I know it's been a long voyage, your little island is so far away.” The Empress smiled through her mask of make-up and picked at the meat on her plate. She waved to the slaves behind her who filled a plate for Lizzy, “Try the chicken, it's delightfully spiced.”

  Lizzy tried a small piece of what she hoped was the chicken and tasted it, before agreeing with the Empress.

  “It is; have you never visited the Isles?”

  “Oh no, I couldn't possibly leave the city for so long. Besides what is there in the Isles to interest me?”

  “I suppose when the world will come to you, then you have no need to travel to see the rest of the world.”

  “Indeed. Have you travelled much?”

  “Not really, my father has had so much need of me in the last six years there hasn't been time.”


  “It's so often the way; before my dear late husband the Emperor returned to the Ancestors I had more time, but you know, youngest wives usually do. Now, with all the former senior wives in religious orders I'm left with the burden of ruling.”

  “Did not one of the Emperor's sons want to help with the burden?”

  “Oh, yes, but they are so immature I couldn't possibly allow it.”

  Lizzy almost snorted, the chit wanted her to marry one of her stepsons but wouldn't trust them to hold a throne herself.

  “You've met my son Cthinn-Erthy?”

  “Briefly.” Lizzy laughed quietly, “Though he didn't introduce himself.”

  “Later, or tomorrow I'll have him visit you. You're staying with Lady De Narvel?”

  “I am.”

  “Excellent. He's a sensible young man, but too sweet tempered. I'm sure you'd rather not marry for politics, but I hear that your little island may soon need all the allies it can get. For one of our daughters we would be prepared to send two legions and one of our fleets.”

  “I shall think on it; I should ask my father though.”

  “We have communicated with your father; he has accepted if you are willing.”

  “I see; as I said, I shall think on it. It is a great honour.”

  “A pleasure my dear Princess Elizabeth. I hope soon that you will join me here as my daughter rather than an honoured guest.”

  “How truly kind of you, Empress. It would be a great honour, but you know, I couldn't make such a decision without knowing the man I may be spending my life with.” Lizzy smiled though her heart raced. She had to get out of this somehow. Nice as he probably was, and as useful as two legions and a fleet would be, she didn't fancy marrying Cthinn-Erthy or spending even a few years in Belenos before she politely divorced him and ran home to King's Ford.

  Lizzy sat in silence picking at her food until another visitor arrived and she was ushered away to join Lady De Narvel and the ambassador at a guest couch.

  “Thank goodness for that. Can we leave now?”

  “Lizzy.”

  “Yes Charley?”

  “Who is that speaking with the Empress now?”

  “Oh I don't know, a new envoy from somewhere.”

  “I know who it is, that's Lord Hakon Tarjan; you know, the new Lord Holmgard's son.”

  “How do you know that Justin?” Charley nudged him, “You can't have seen him before.”

  “I know how to do my job, they arrived late last night after you'd docked your ship. I hear he's come to offer his sister as a bride for one of the Empress's sons.”

  “So they're after the two legions and a fleet too?”

  “What?”

  “That's what she offered if I married Cthinn-Erthy.”

  “I wonder; my Lady, it's possible the Empress is playing us off against each other. If you'll excuse me, I have to speak with some people.” Justin stood, bowed in the direction of the Empress and to his party and left the room.

  “What on earth was that about?”

  “Nothing to worry about Lady De Narvel, nothing to worry about. Your Highness, while you were dining with the Empress, Forier reminded me to invite you to tea at the Embassy tomorrow, and all your companions of course. We will be picnicking in the gardens, about five after noon?”

  “How delightful, I do love a fete!”

  “Indeed, Lady De Narvel you must join us then.”

  “Why, Ambassador Conort how kind of you.”

  “I shall send my carriage in good time to collect you all.”

  “Excellent, and now I think we may leave the Heart, don't you girls?”

  They stood, all but Lizzy bowing to the Empress, who wasn't taking any notice anyway, and left. They didn't find Justin Forier in either of the lesser halls. As they waited for carriages the ambassador muttered to himself.

  “The boy must have gone off somewhere.”

  “He'll be back at the embassy eventually.”

  “That's what we thought about young Val and we haven't seen him since.”

  With that cheerful thought the carriages arrived and the party broke up.

  Chapter 30

  “Well, dears, that went well. The Empress never spends so long talking to visitors.” Lady De Narvel patted Lizzy's thigh, the heavy skirt crinkling further under her hand.

  “Business deals always take time.”

  “Don't be so cynical, it isn't attractive.”

  “I don't care to be attractive.”

  “Lizzy, are you quite well?”

  “Just tired.”

  “I see.”

  The carriage turned into the grounds of the De Narvel villa at last. Lizzy sighed with relief. She needed to get out of this corset and discover the results of the rescue mission. Lady De Narvel's secretary was waiting for them as the three ladies entered the house. He handed a note to his mistress then bowed out. Lady De Narvel slowed to let the younger women past, and stopped in her tracks as she read the letter.

  “Girls! Come back at once. Mello, go wake up Miss Charlotta and the Princess's maids. Have them pack. Quickly.”

  “Master FitzAlboni instructed us to pack our visitor's belongings when he brought the note my Lady. The wagon is ready as soon as the ladies are.”

  “Thank you Mello.” Lady De Narvel reached out to grip his arm as she swayed. “Help me to a chair, please.”

  Mello silently assented as Lizzy and Charley returned, confused.

  “What is the matter grandmother, why are our bags packed?”

  “Oh, dear, you'd better read the letter. Mello explain, please.” Lady De Narvel passed the letter to her secretary, who passed it to Charley.

  “My ladies, after you left for the palace, Sir Alex arrived in a dishevelled state looking for you. They found Lord Val already dead and the Sumoasti ambassador preparing to visit the Empress to make a counter offer of his sister. When the ambassador left they found a letter from Queen Jocinta to her cousin, confirming a plan to poison you in the Empress's court this evening.”

  “But he got their too late.”

  “So it would seem. Ma'am, your cousin wishes you to return to the ship and for you all to leave the empire immediately.”

  “Run away in the night, like we're afraid?”

  “It'll save your life.” Forier clattered into the entrance hall, panting and blowing. He found them in shock, staring at the crumpled note from Alex.

  “Sir, you can't barge in like that.” Mello tried to block the secretary's route.

  “Move man.”

  “Mello, we know him, let him through. Justin Forier, what are you talking about?”

  “Lady De Narvel, I apologise for barging in so late, but the Ambassador sends me with important news.”

  “More?”

  “Yes Your Highness.”

  “When I left you I went to speak to a friend at the Sumoast Embassy in the city. He confirmed that the Queen has been in communication with the Empress for months. He takes the copies of the letters for the Embassy records.”

  “Why? What can the Empress gain from all this?”

  “With a foothold in the Islands then the Empire could control the trade routes to Camar.”

  “And we'd never give them that.” Charley gasped.

  “No, but Tarjan would if the Empire helped in Jocinta's war. Jocinta wants revenge, she isn't bothered by what happens to Albon so long as father suffers for choosing me over her.”

  “I believe so.”

  “Do you have the letters?”

  Forier smiled crookedly, “Of course. My friend was easily persuaded to get them for me.”

  “I see; where are they now?”

  “I've woken my scribes up; copies will be made by morning. Come to the Embassy tomorrow as planned and I'll give you them then.”

  “We should make it a breakfast picnic.”

  “Yes, I'll tell Conort and the staff as soon as I get back.”

  “Mello, provide Forier with an escort and a fresh horse. He does not
leave your chosen man's sight until they present him to the Ambassador, do you understand?”

  Mello looked at his mistress who nodded, “Yes, Your Highness. Who shall I send to accompany you?”

  “I'm staying here.”

  “If Charley's staying, so am I.”

  “No you aren't Lizzy. I'm visiting Grandmamma, and half-Belenosian. If anything should happen to me the Empress is obliged to have an investigation. If anything happens to you it'll cause another war, and Albon cannot defeat the Empire. Go to the ship and our friends. We'll collect you in the morning in the Embassy coach.”

  Lizzy sighed, Charley could be quite annouyingly determined when she wanted. She stared at her before nodding in agreement.

  “And you need to maintain some appearance of being here. Mallo, have Charlotta's bags removed from the wagon. I want another guard to escort the baggage and the Princess to her ship.”

  “My lady, if I may make a suggestion?”

  Lady De Narvel nodded for Mello to continue, “I shall accompany the princess and our visitors' belongings to the ship and then proceed to the Embassy with Master Forier. This way I only need to split our household guards between here and the escort party.”

  “Of course, it'll make your journey longer though?”

  “It will, but I'd prefer to keep a greater force here under Dolmon, should our enemies attempt an attack.”

  “Of course. See to it would you?”

  The secretary left to arrange the escort and returned several minutes later. The ladies and Forier sat in silence, waiting for the word to leave. Slaves carried Charley's baggage back to her bedroom.

  “I have sent the wagon ahead, it's slower and won't attract much notice at this hour. The early morning market carts are heading to the city and the docks.”

  “Well done man.”

  “Your Highness, can you ride?”

  “Yes, but not in this.”

  “You will have to try; we have a horse waiting.”

  “Well then, we'd better be going, hadn't we?” Forier smiled.

  Lizzy set her teeth and nodded, standing. She hugged Charley and thanked Lady De Narvel for her truncated hospitality.

  “We'll see you in the morning, Lizzy, it's not the end of the world.”