“I can explain,” I said.
I could see the rage half hidden beneath his seemingly calm gaze. “I think it best that you did.”
“I am with child. She will be a diviner, one of great power, I have been told.” I touched my stomach where my daughter grew within my flesh. She had yet to quicken in the womb, but I could feel her life force there nonetheless, a glowing fire inside me.
“I see.” He kept his hands limp at his side.
His reaction scared me. Will my pregnancy ruin this farce we play? If he realizes she’s Johai’s child, how will he react?
“I feared to tell you. I would have saved myself for you, but...” I left the rest to his imagination. I would rather him think I was taken by force by some brigand than know it was Johai’s child that had begun to grow within me.
He smiled and brought me into his embrace. He smoothed the hair on my head. “I do not blame you. Women can be weak to the temptations of the flesh. Your daughter will be given a place of honor at court, I promise.” It’s too easy. There must be some trap here that I cannot see.
I upturned my face to his. “I want you, but I cannot with good conscience give myself to you with another man’s child within me.” I kissed him again, a chaste touching of lips. He suffered my kiss, and I could feel the tension in his body.
“Of course, I would not expect you to risk the child. A child of such importance must be protected.” He kissed my brow. “There will be time for us, later...” He let the word hang upon the air. I was safe for now but not for much longer.
“What about Beau?” I pressed. I have to secure his safety. He risked too much for me not to do this much at least.
Adair sighed. “I do not know why we must continue to speak of this.” He shook his head. “I will consider his freedom if he swears allegiance to me. He must promise his sword in my defense.”
I kissed him once more, this time on the cheek. He pulled me tight and took a deep lingering kiss, his hand venturing over my breast, which he squeezed. I shouted in surprise. When Adair pulled away, my lips felt bruised and I was panting for breath.
He smirked. “I have prepared a dinner in your honor. You may see a few familiar faces among those that are invited. My dukes and war leaders are gathering. I want them to see you, to know that Danhad is stronger now that we have the greatest prize.” There will be members of the Order of the Oak there. It would be a good time to count Adair’s allies.
I forced a smile. “I look forward to it.”
I went to the tower the next day to convince Beau to bend his knee to Adair. Everywhere I went in the palace, the whispers followed. The courtiers did not trust me. No matter what Adair decreed, they thought me a traitor. Now words like sorceress floated through the air when I entered a room. I had been keeping to myself mostly, but I needed to leave. Elenna came with me, and her clearly foreign appearance only seemed to add flames to the fire of speculation. Today she wore a Biski gown of stone gray with a black border. The hem had dogs, rabbits, foxes and deer gamboling about. She let the whispers roll off her. I tried to do the same, but it hurt to have my countrymen spurn me. Even Sabine refused to return any message I sent to her. I held my head up and ignored them. They did not matter. Winning Beau’s freedom was paramount. The gaoler was waiting for us at the base of the tower. Adair had given me permission to visit Beau. Once I produced a royal document, we were ushered inside and led up the stairs to Beau’s cell.
My breathing came hard by the time we reached his landing. I leaned against the wall for support as I gulped air. I was not sure when I had gotten so easily fatigued. Elenna told me the child was strong and she sapped my energy. She must have been powerful indeed for the amount of energy I expended just climbing a bit of stairs. As I was standing on the landing, I recalled a vision I had once seen, but the details were fuzzy now. All I could remember was a hand and a door at the end of a long tunnel.
The prison guard let us through to where Beau was being kept. Metal clinked as he extracted the correct key and inserted it into the lock. We were given a short amount of time to speak with Beau. The door swung open with a creak. Elenna and I stepped into the dimly lit chamber. It was not as well furnished as my own cell had been. But there was a table and a fireplace.
When the door closed behind us, the slam echoed off the stone walls of Beau’s cell. Beau was sitting beneath the single slit window, his back against the wall and his head tilted backwards so light fell on his face. The light coming through was hazy. Outside it was a cloudy day that threatened rain. He glanced over at me.
“You look well,” he said.
I could not say the same for him. His beard had grown out thick and black. His hair was in tangles, and his clothes appeared stained. “Adair has told me that if you are willing to bend your knee, he will let you go free. He wants you to swear your life and your sword to him. If you do, he will spare your life.”
He stared at me in silence for a very long time. “To what end?”
His question was unexpected. I thought he would be pleased to know I had found a way to free him. “What do you mean? To live!”
He turned to look away from me, and his face was cast in shadow. “I have nothing left to live for.”
“What do you mean?” I took a step closer, but he held up his hand to stop me.
“Read.” He pointed at a piece of parchment on the table.
I walked over to it and picked up the pages from the table. I recognized the handwriting. I skimmed over the pages, and my scowl grew with each line. “This cannot be true.”
“It is. She has denied me. She writes that I should never have returned for her. She reminds me that she is a woman married and queen. It is all there in her hand. I have read it enough times to know it for the truth.”
I shook my head. “Sabine loves you!”
“She loved me. She is married now and bears his child. I am nothing but a fantasy, a hope for a future that could never have been. Don’t you see that? She has moved on.”
“And what, you will wither away and die?” He cannot give up. Once Adair is dead... But even I could not lie to myself. Beau would still be a farmer’s son and Sabine the Queen of Danhad. They were never meant to be, but I had always hoped there could be a chance for them. I hope for them like I hope for me and Johai.
“I will not bend my knee to him. I will not swear my life only to watch her from afar, never touching, never having her acknowledge me—”
“You fool,” I shouted. Tears were pricking my eyes. I would not let them fall. I am stronger than this. “You would rather die than try to change her mind? You once told me that the least you could do was try for the one you loved. You said you’d rather not give up. What are you now but a hypocrite?”
“Do you know what my devotion won me?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. “This cell. You asked me once why I joined you on this Goddess-forsaken journey. Well, here’s the truth. Sabine wanted me to kill Adair. I failed to do that, so instead I joined Johai and you. In Sanore, Jon gave me a message from Sabine. She told me to bring you back here; she wanted you here.”
I did not know what to say, so I listened.
“I was nothing but a tool to her. I returned, and she has forsaken me. So I ask you, what do I have left to live for? Everything I did was for her, and she cannot spare me.”
“She is in danger! She refuses to see even me. I do not think she is so changed in two years that she will not even speak to those who care for her the most!” Sabine told him to bring me back here? Why? I would not believe that Sabine would shun Beau without a purpose, or me, for that matter. Adair is controlling her, or she fears we will learn too much if we get close. She is trying to protect us from something. I just wish I knew what.
He looked up at me, startled by my passionate words. Elenna touched my shoulder. I looked up at her. She nodded for me to continue. “Bend your knee.” I was panting from yelling. “Or die, it is your choice. But as for me, I am going to keep trying even if
the one I love does not return my feelings.”
I did not wait for his answer. I knocked on the door, and the prison guard came to let me and Elenna out. I hoped my words were enough to change his mind. Sabine needed him, as did I. I refused to believe she was using him. Beau and I would need each other if we wanted to make it out of this place alive.
My mind was in a tumult when we returned to my chambers. I swept in and headed for my bedchamber.
“I’m going to lie down,” I announced to Elenna.
“Shall I help you dress for bed? Or would you like some mint tea?”
I shook my head. “No, leave me be.”
She bowed her head and left me to my own devices. She went to her own small room that adjoined mine. Elenna meant well, but her constant hovering was wearing thin on my patience. I had grown accustomed to taking care of myself during my time among the Biski and during our travels. It felt strange to be doted upon as Elenna was want to do. She treats me as if I were a fragile flower. But these hands will only bring destruction, but they could also save the realm. I turned over my palms as I headed for the bed. A breeze picked up and prickled the hairs on the back of my neck. I turned to see the double doors leading to the garden beyond were open. The scent of the sea was carried on the breeze, along with it a growing feeling of dread. I know I closed these doors before we left. Did Adair come to steal into my bed despite my pregnancy? I placed a hand over my womb and spun around. The room was empty but for myself. I went to the doors to close them. They shut with a click as I threw the lock. Maybe I forgot to close them after all.
I was heading to the bed when I heard footsteps falling behind me. Someone is in here with me. My heart hammered in my chest. There was a pewter jug and bowl upon my nightstand. If I could walk over, it may be used as means to defend myself. I took a step, but before I could so much as brush the handle, I was pulled backwards.
Any scream I might have unleashed was squashed by a hand clamped over my mouth. I wriggled as my hands were pinned behind my back. I knew I had enemies here at court, few would forget that I had been accused of treason, but I had thought this deep in the palace, so close to the king, I would be safe. Unless this is Adair’s plot all along?
“Do not scream. We need to talk,” a familiar voice whispered in my ear. My eyes grew large. “Do you promise to keep quiet?”
I nodded my head in answer.
“Good.” My captor released me. I spun around to face Layton. His face was concealed in shadow, and the frown did not suit his face. “Pardon my rudeness. I dared not seek you out openly.”
My heart was still thumping from fear, but the panic was subsiding. “Why have you snuck into my chamber in the night like some thief?” I asked.
He ran his fingers through his hair. “I need to speak with you in private, and I dared not let anyone see. There are spies everywhere.”
“The Order?” I asked.
He leveled me with his gaze for a moment. “The king’s men and the queen’s.”
I thought of Sabine, and my chest constricted. She plotted to have her uncle killed and sent Jon to find Sarelle’s killer. Did I know the real Sabine? Was she using me for her own ends like everyone else? “What does Sabine have to do with this?”
“Everything. I thought you would know. You were close...” He let off when he realized I had no idea what he was talking about. “You don’t know? I assumed when you returned that you were part of this.”
“Part of what? Explain yourself.” I was growing impatient, and a pounding headache was threatening my skull.
“I dare not speak too much here. I only came to warn you. Adair plans to have Beau killed for treason.”
My stomach constricted. “He swore that if he bent his knee, he would let him go free.”
“He lies.” Layton’s face was difficult to see in the gloom of the dark, but I saw the pain written there.
I thought they were friends. Damara had told me Adair trusted no one more than Layton. “Why?” I choked out. I cannot have more blood upon my hands. I brought him here. I told him to live for Sabine. Will all I have done to protect him come to naught? Will his service be paid back with death?
“Because the king needs to control his queen.”
There was a knock at the door. Elenna was coming to check on me; perhaps she had heard voices. Layton looked to the door. I went to open it, and as I did, I heard him slipping out the back. The wind rippled through my gown as he slipped out without another word. I met Elenna at the door. She was holding the tray of tea things.
“Is everything well? I thought I heard voices.” Elenna peered into the gloom of the chamber.
“Everything is well. I was singing to the babe,” I lied. I trusted Elenna, but Layton was right, there were ears and eyes everywhere, the less that knew, the better. The question remained, however; what was Sabine planning, and what did I have to do with it?
Chapter Eighteen
ADAIR CALLED THE COUNCIL together a few days later to hear Beau’s case. It was my first time sitting upon the council, and my stomach was a ball of knots. Unlike my own hearing, this meeting was to be within open court. I stood behind the double doors that led into the chamber room. Among the number were those others chosen to sit upon the council of twelve. I had replaced the spot on the council where House Slatone once sat. Among the number was Layton, who kept his distance, chatting with Duke Nanore. The others watched me, many not troubling themselves to hide their disdain. They hate me for my gender and my past alike. I did my best to ignore those who were hostile. A few had introduced themselves to me.
“Do not worry about the old codgers,” Duke Delonty said to me. He was a young man with blond hair and an easy smile. He was of an age with Adair. I recognized him from my early days at Keisan. He had been among Adair’s inner circle. “They cannot stand the new blood and the changes in the kingdom.”
Duke Quince, who was within earshot, snorted. “Those who have risen above their station are often knocked back to the gutter from whence they came,” he snarled.
Duke Delonty chuckled and turned his back to the old duke. “He thinks me less than him because I am not old blood. The truth is my father runs a successful trade in gems in the south. House Delonty died out during the war, and the king needed new blood to give it new life,” he explained to me.
“That seems wise, given that many of the old houses were weakened after the war,” I replied.
He grinned. “Yes, the war and the House Plague that befell so many of the nobles after our good king took the throne.”
I raised an eyebrow in question. “I was not aware of any pestilence.”
He nodded his head in a mockery of solemnity. The grin ruined it. “Many dukes died or were found out as traitors shortly after King Adair took the throne. It left many positions open on the council, positions the king had to fill.”
His eyes slid across the room to where a group of young men were chatting in a circle. They were all around Adair’s own age and finely dressed in brocades and silk. Adair killed those that opposed him and put his own loyal men on the council. That’s what he is telling me.
“That is most unfortunate,” I replied with a smile, but it left me sick to my stomach. Adair is a monster. I will be doing the kingdom better to dispose of him. I looked over the faces of the men assembled. These are the men I will have to sway to put Layton on the throne. Goddess, help me.
Duke Delonty was most obliging in pointing out those who were new to their position, though I needed little help in that regard. All told, six new dukes had taken their place on the council since I left Keisan. Five of which were appointed by Adair. Four of the appointments were merchants’ sons. Duke Delonty, Tantorell, Hilloth and the new Duke Sixton all claimed the same heritage. Duke Ilore was a distant cousin of Adair’s. When Adair gained the throne, he gave up the duchy. Duke Payton Magdale had gained his position when his father died. Including myself, a majority of the council members were Order members. He’s using their influence s
till.
“You’re the first to hold two titles,” Duke Delanty remarked to me. “You speak for both Diranel and Slatone.
I smiled and did not respond. Either he is a fool to speak thusly, or he thinks to curry favor with me. Adair entered the waiting room, and sounds died away. He was wearing the long blue cloak once more with the silver crown resting on his chestnut locks. He greeted the men in turn, then came to me.
“Your grace.” He bowed to me, much deeper than was necessary. I flushed knowing that all the eyes of the council were upon me.
“Your Majesty.” I bowed in return.
He came up smiling, and it made my stomach churn. Let Layton be wrong. Let Adair be merciful for once.
“Shall we?” Adair offered me his elbow, and I took it with some hesitance. The doors swung open, and the chattering of the crowd washed over us. The room was packed to the brim, and for a panicked moment I thought about running. I cannot stand beside him as if I were an equal. I cannot continue this lie any longer.
Adair tugged me forward, and I was forced to move. We walked to the council table arm in arm, and Adair showed me to my seat beside his. The other council members took their seats around us. Layton took his place on the other side of Adair. I dared not look in his direction. Beside me was my father. He found my hand under the table and gave it a squeeze. I gave him a quick smile. When the council members were assembled, Adair gave a nod to the guards at the back of the chamber. They opened the doors to let the prisoner through. Beau hobbled in, both ankles fettered. His beard was wild and untamed, and he looked to me for a moment like one of the Biski people.
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