by Boone Brux
The first layer was a soft, lightweight chemise. Over that fell a floor-length apron that covered the near transparent shift, settling Jade’s modesty to a comfortable level. Last was a heavier brocade coat two shades darker than the green of the apron. Large, velvet cuffs turned up at her wrists and two velvet loops hooked around metal toggles at her waist to allow the apron beneath to show through. The gown was more beautiful than anything Jade had ever worn.
Penny led her to a carved bench and pulled a wooden comb from her hip pocket. With short strokes, she tugged at the knots in Jade’s hair, relentlessly working each snarl until the narrow teeth ran smoothly from crown to tip. After that, she deftly braided the mass in a flurry of hand motions.
Her quick actions reminded Jade of the shell man in the market. He displayed three cups, placing the small shell under one of them. With sleight of hand, he would rapidly switch the position of the cups, swirling them across the makeshift tabletop. Each time she had been certain she knew where the shell lay, but each time she was wrong. Though she’d never seen him cheat, nobody was that good and his hands were too swift to be sure.
When finished, Penny moved to stand in front of Jade and folded her hands. “All finished, my lady.”
Jade stood and walked to the looking glass. The image before her was nearly unrecognizable. Gone were all traces of the street rat or sailor. In their place stood a woman, someone who was part of something bigger than a life spent scraping by.
Her words were simple, but certainly heartfelt. “Thank you, Penny.”
“You’re welcome, my lady.” The servant curtsied and walked to the door. “I’ll inform Lady Ravyn you’ll be down shortly.”
Jade turned toward the woman, but she was already gone. “Efficient.”
Unable to resist, she examined herself in the mirror again. The green of the gown accentuated her eyes, giving them a vibrant glow. She tugged at the edges of the coat, but the material didn’t give. She’d put on weight since joining the Bringers. Though only a pound or two, it did a lot to fill in the hollows below her cheeks. Or maybe that’s what happened when you came to full power. Whatever the cause, she had to admit, she looked healthier and felt better than she could remember.
It took careful steps and planned movements to maneuver down the winding staircase. The layers of material wound around her legs and slid under her feet. She glanced around, and seeing the area empty, grabbed a handful of fabric and hoisted it above her ankles. With quick steps she descended the steps before anybody saw her less-than-ladylike behavior. At the bottom she dropped the material and smoothed the front of her gown.
Everyone was in attendance in the great room. Jacob reclined in an ornately carved chair at one end of the table and the rest of the members spilled along both sides in various degrees of repose.
She couldn’t help notice how Luc sat straighter when she entered, his eyes following her progress across the room. All heads turned toward her, the conversation stopping.
“Good morning.” She forced her gaze around the table, making sure not to linger on Luc. “Sorry if I kept you waiting.” The men rose from their chairs. She stopped, confused by their action. “Damn, did I miss breakfast? Are we leaving already?”
Ravyn laughed. “No, you’re right on time. The men are practicing their manners.”
Jade scrunched up her face. “Well, stop. It makes me nervous.”
“You’ll have to get used to it,” Jacob said. “Manners are of the utmost importance at Illuma Grand.”
Luc stood and pulled out the chair next to him, indicating she should sit. She hesitated for a second and then accepted his offer. “Thank you.”
His hair hung damp around his shoulders and the clean smell of rainwater and soap tickled her nose. Clad in a dark blue doublet and black pants, he looked like a proper lord of the manor.
A wave of surrealism washed over her. Not a week ago, she was sleeping in a deserted chapel and plotting his death. Now, not only were they living under the same roof, but the feelings she had for Luc were at complete odds with the past thirteen years of her life. It was almost too much to take in.
Last night she’d been accepting of his plan. It had made sense. No matter how difficult it would be, it was necessary and she had put down her foot, demanding to go with him. But in the light of day, the idea of releasing Rell seemed stark and ruthless. It was hard to know what was right and wrong, especially when he looked at her the way he was. The intensity of his stare muddled her reasoning.
She pasted on a tight smile and addressed the group. “Sleep well?”
“Not really.” Luc’s tone caressed her.
Neither had she. After he had left her at the door, it had taken an hour before she had felt ready to climb in bed and another hour after that before she had fallen asleep. Images of their kiss had left her fidgety and a little conflicted.
“I think most of us had a restless night,” Jacob said.
Luc continued to appraise her like a tasty piece of mutton. She shifted uncomfortably, wishing he’d be a little more subtle about his interest in her. When he smiled at her, feelings she shouldn’t be having stirred, giving her crazy ideas about a future too tenuous to contemplate. Guilt immediately extinguished any further forbidden thoughts.
Unable to stand it, she turned to glare at him and whispered, “Why are you staring at me?”
“You look beautiful.” He’d spoken the words quietly, but not so much so that the others didn’t hear.
“I agree.” Ravyn leaned on her elbows and rested her chin on her fists. “The second I saw that gown, I knew it was perfect for you.”
Finding it safer to ignore Luc, she turned her attention to Ravyn and ran her hand along the brocade sleeve. “I prefer pants, but if I must dress like a lady, this makes the effort worth it.”
“I’m glad it pleases you. I think the Bringers at Illuma Grand will be more accepting of us if we cause less of a stir among the women.”
Ravyn wore a similar ensemble in deep purple. Instead of wide cuffs, her sleeves were fitted and trimmed in short, black fur, which was echoed at her collar. She donned gowns and jewels as naturally as she sported leathers and daggers, seemingly comfortable in any situation.
Penny set a trencher of eggs and crisp bacon in front of Jade and then filled a goblet with weak wine. It seemed the woman was meant to serve her in every capacity.
“Thank you,” Jade said, not sure she’d ever get used to having her needs anticipated.
Penny bobbed once and bustled out of the hall.
“So we leave for Illuma today?” Jade shoved a spoonful of eggs in her mouth. Bless the Sainted Ones, she was hungry. When had she eaten last?
“We hope to leave for Illuma within the hour.” Rhys leaned forward and folded his hands in front of him. A single braid at his temple fell forward and brushed the table. “We’ve gotten word that the Order of the Saints will be leaving tomorrow. Paying respects to them seems like a plausible reason for our arrival.”
Jade took a bite of bacon and slowly chewed, her attention wandering. Bless the Sainted Ones, Rhys was a beautiful specimen of a man. As he continued with his instruction about their travel plans, she scrutinized his high cheekbones, sculpted brows, and long silky strands of black hair that spilled around his shoulders. The unbidden question of what it must be like to have somebody look at her the way Rhys looked at Ravyn floated through her mind.
She picked up her goblet and drank. The tart bite of wine slid across her tongue. She continued her appraisal of him, enjoying the wine and image.
“Luc, Jacob, and I will divert Fromme’s attention, while Ravyn and Jade search the Council chamber,” Rhys said.
Jade set her goblet on the table and picked up the slice of bacon, taking another healthy bite.
“Fromme Bagita is always distrustful when I’m around, so we need to be about our business quickly,” Rhys continued.
“Plus, any attempts I’ve made to find out more about the missing Bringers has been
met with stony silence.”
“But wouldn’t they want to find their missing people?” Jade asked.
“You would think as much.” Jacob drummed his fingers on the table. “Another red flag that all is not as it seems.”
“If he doesn’t already, Fromme will have his eyes and ears out once he hears we’ve arrived.”
“How long will we be staying?” Luc asked.
“One, maybe two nights. The Order of the Saints superiors are slated to leave tomorrow. It makes sense that we would come to pay our respects, even if only out of curiosity. If we stay much longer, Fromme will become suspicious of our motives.” He leaned back in his chair. “I’d like to keep him guessing as to our intentions.”
“This will be an excellent chance for Luc to assert his authority as my son.” Jacob tapped his finger against the base of his chalice. “It is assumed that he will eventually take over my position at Illuma, so there should be no questions about his intentions.” He smiled at his son. “Be vague and noncommittal.”
“That shouldn’t be difficult,” Luc said. “There is a festival planned for tonight in honor of the Orders’ departure. I find tongues loosen when the wine begins to flow.” He smiled at Jade and Ravyn. “And female wiles are the best weapon to pry forth guarded secrets.”
Jade slapped a hand over her mouth, preventing the wine from spewing everywhere. She swallowed hard and beat on her chest with a fist, forcing the liquid to go down. A fit of coughing racked her body.
“Was it something I said?” Luc pounded her on the back, but she waved him away.
Little by little she sucked in gulps of much-needed air. After a few deep breaths she said, “I am the least skilled person when it comes to flirtation.”
Luc considered her for a few seconds. “That is true.” He rubbed the back of his skull. “I know from experience.”
She’d knocked him over the head with a shovel when the Bane sirens had attempted to lure all the sailors on Rhys’s ship to their watery graves. “To be fair, I did save your life.”
“Yes, remind me to thank you for that one day.”
His words sent a prickle of uneasiness through her.
“Jade’s right,” Ravyn said. “Neither of us have much experience with the opposite sex. I don’t think that plan will work.”
“What about the women at Illuma Grand?” Jade asked.
“Well, I’ll certainly do my part.” Luc wiggled his eyebrows.
“I’m sure you will.” She graced him with a look of utter disgust. “But that’s not what I meant.” She turned to Ravyn. “Didn’t you say you caused a stir with your leathers?”
“Yes, the women were quite intrigued.”
“As I see it, those women will probably seek you out. We strike up a conversation, get them trusting us and extract information from them.”
“Sounds easy, but how do we do that?” Ravyn asked.
“I find the only thing most people love more than talking about themselves is having somebody listen to them talk about themselves. Trust me. It will take little effort to get those repressed women to spill their secrets.” Jade popped the last bite of bacon in her mouth and sat back.
“Diabolical,” Luc said.
She gave him an evil smile.
“And brilliant,” he added.
A twinge of satisfaction passed over her. Some of the best plans were the simplest.
“The female mind.” Jacob gave a heavy sigh and shook his head. “That is one opponent no man can conquer.”
“So now that we have our immediate plans decided, I’d like to discuss the Bane.” Luc looked at Jade. “Namely Esmeralda, Jade’s sister.”
Jacob steepled his fingers under his lower lip. “I know that look. You’ve got some plan in the works.”
“I do, Father.” He took a swig of wine and then shifted in his chair to lean forward, setting his goblet on the table. “Rhys had mentioned going into the Shadow World to engage Vile.”
Jacob’s gaze snapped to Rhys. “That’s madness, man.”
“We need to stop him before he opens the Abyss of Souls.” Rhys’s voice remained steady but the firm tone brooked no argument. “The best way to do that is to take him unaware.”
“Before you attempt this, Luc and I would like the chance to go into the Shadow World.” Jade took a deep breath, forcing the next words out. “To release my sister’s soul with one of the daggers.”
Jacob’s mouth dropped open. “Have you all been struck stupid? To charge into the Shadow World is death—or worse. Then where would the Bringers be?”
“That is why I wish to go in first,” Luc said.
Jade faced him. “We wish to go in.”
“That is why I wish to go in first, and Jade has demanded to join me,” Luc amended.
Rhys eyed him. “If we take Vile out first, the rest of the Bane will be easier to manage. You can have your chance then.”
“And what if you can’t vanquish him and don’t return? What if you are turned like Esmeralda or he uses you to open the Abyss?” Luc tapped his index finger against the table. “The tides of war will shift in the Bane’s favor. Who among the remaining Bringers will be strong enough to vanquish not only Vile, but Icarus, you, and Ravyn?”
Silence filled the room. Luc’s words filled Jade with dread. Though she’d understood the risks for Rhys and Ravyn, she hadn’t completely thought it through. For them to enter the Shadow World was unthinkable.
“Let us go.” Her voice broke the tension. “And if we return, we will help you. I’ve lived in the Shadow World and know of a way in that will not alert Vile.” She paused. “But first, we need to release Rell so that she does not become a tool for Icarus and possibly Vile.”
Rhys glanced at Ravyn, lifting his brows. She stared at him for a long time, unblinking.
Finally, Ravyn turned toward Jade and Luc. “I don’t like it. There’s nothing telling me you will be successful.”
“But there’s nothing telling you we won’t be, right?” Luc said.
“Usually I feel something, but with this there’s only—” She hesitated. “I don’t know how to explain it. As if destiny is holding its breath, waiting.”
“Let’s table the idea until after Illuma Grand.” Rhys stood, indicating the discussion was over.
“Perhaps we’ll uncover something at Illuma that will be of help.” Jacob also rose. “Then we’ll be able to reassess more effectively.”
Luc’s father looked like a man given a short stay of execution. It couldn’t be easy to watch your son gallop into danger.
Luc said nothing more, but pulled out Jade’s chair and offered her his hand. She took it and was surprised when his fingers threaded through hers and didn’t let go. His eyes lingered on her face, holding her gaze for a second before looking away. From his expression, this debate was not over.
She gave his hand a gentle squeeze in a show of silent support. Whatever he decided to do, she would follow. Setting her sister’s soul free was something they had to do before either of them could move on.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
They were on the road within the hour. Not used to riding, let alone sitting sidesaddle, it took a good mile before Jade felt confident in her seat. She ignored the ache in her back caused by the horse’s gait and concentrated on the beautiful day.
The crisp morning air bit at her nose and steam rolled from the horse’s nostrils. Sunlight illuminated the leaves, rimming them in yellow light. Wood smoke from the chimneys of the cottages filled the air, bringing with it a sense of home. All harbingers of the impending winter.
Conversation was light and the road uncommonly busy. Shortly after noon, they turned off the main road and passed beneath the iron arch of Illuma Grand.
Posh carriages, single riders and throngs of walking people clogged the roadway.
“What is going on?” Luc said.
“Damn fool.” Jacob pulled his horse to a stop. “Bagita has opened Illuma Grand to the masses.”
“Aren’t the Bringers to remain anonymous?” Ravyn asked.
“Yes.” He lowered his voice so only their small group could hear. “The Council voted against this proposal at the last meeting, but it appears Fromme doesn’t need Council permission any longer.”
“He grows bold indeed,” Rhys said. “But to what end? Is he vying for control of Illuma Grand?”
“I think it’s bigger than that.” Jacob glanced around them. “At first his actions were confined to the Council, then the Bringers who lived here.” He shifted in his saddle and leaned in. “I’ve heard rumors that Fromme has formed an alliance with the Order of the Saints.”
“Rumors?” Luc asked.
Jacob shrugged. “From a reliable source.” He lifted his head in the direction of the crowds. “Now he throws open the gates as if Illuma Grand were his own home. I can only assume the rumors are true.”
“It sounds like he’s positioning himself politically,” Luc said.
“But why?” Ravyn asked. “He’s not part of the Order and the royal seat has been empty for…”
Jade watched the quiet exchange between Jacob and Ravyn, comprehension dawning. Unable to resist, she whispered, “Do you think he means to be king? To claim the throne?”
She stared at Luc’s father until he slowly nodded his head. “Of course, he’s going to reinstate the crown.”
The caravan rolled forward a few feet and stopped again. Rhys sat straight in his saddle, his expression set hard. “The repercussions of his success would be disastrous.”
Jade only knew Fromme Bagita by reputation, but what she had heard was disturbing. Overbearing, ruthless determination and an elitist, somebody she had no wish of running into. The crown had been decommissioned by the Order of the Saints more than a hundred years ago. Most believed the Order did it to solidify their control. What did they gain by putting a puppet on the throne again?
As if reading her mind, Luc said, “What kind of deal could he have possibly struck that would be beneficial to the Order?”
“Certainly one that does not serve the people,” Jacob said.