Throne of Threats (Ducal Detective Mysteries Book 5)

by Sarah E. Burr

  Throne of Threats

  A Ducal Detective Mystery

  Sarah E. Burr

  This book is a work of fiction. Any similarity between the characters and situations within its pages and places or persons, living or dead, is unintentional and coincidental.

  Copyright © 2018 by Sarah Burr

  All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof

  may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever

  without the express written permission of the publisher

  except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  First Printing, 2018

  www.saraheburr.com

  Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Epilogue

  Acknowledgements

  Dedications

  The Ducal Detective Mysteries:

  The Ducal Detective

  A Feast Most Foul

  A Voyage of Vengeance

  A Summit in Shadow

  Throne of Threats

  Chapter One

  “Do you think we’re making a mistake?”

  The glint in Perry’s lavender eyes revealed he was suppressing a wry smile. “What, by getting married?”

  Jax tossed her arms up in feigned exasperation before collapsing into a fit of giggles. “Of course not. By choosing to get married at sunset. Won’t the lighting be off?” She turned around to survey the grand room, sunlight seeping in through the glass ceiling, bathing the stone floor in gold. Picturing it lined with dark wood pews and bouquets of orchids and irises, she couldn’t help but smile.

  Perry rested a hand on her shoulder, pulling her close to his chiseled chest. “Why don’t we take a stroll through here this evening and see for ourselves?”

  “Just the two of us?” Jax raised her amethyst eyes, meeting his intense stare.

  “Just us,” he said, sealing the promise with a kiss on her forehead. “But for now, why don’t we tell these lovely ladies where you’d like your guests to sit.” Perry motioned to the eight assembled women who were staring at them both with envy.

  For a moment, Jax had forgotten her army of wedding planners were there. Perry tended to have that effect on her. Trying to distract the group from her blushing cheeks, she cleared her throat. “I think it makes sense to sit Tandora and Beautraud on Perry’s side of the aisle.” She looked at her fiancé to clarify. “Since your father recently visited both duchies, it might be nice to have their representation on the Pettraudian side.”

  Perry nodded in agreement, happy to let her do the heavy lifting when it came to figuring out where to put each duchy’s delegation.

  “And I think I’ll give you Crepsta as well,” Jax said with a slight scowl. “The Duke might see it as a bit of a slight. No offense, but I just can’t find it in my heart to have his nation in my pews.” Shuddering, the ghost of betrayal tapped her shoulder. While Duke Crepsta had not been directly involved with the deaths of her beloved parents nearly two years ago, the role his family had played in the murderous plot still overshadowed their once strong relationship.

  “I think that’s a splendid idea,” Perry whispered, wrapping his arm around her slender waist. “Father and the Duke recently participated in some type of hunting trip together, so I’m sure they won’t see any offense in it at all.”

  “Wonderful.” Jax clasped her hands, pleased that everything seemed to be falling into place. “Then we’ll put the other leaders on my side.”

  “What about the guests not with a royal delegation, Your Grace?” one of the women spoke up, her tone laden with reverence.

  Jax thought fondly of the friends she would be hosting in just a few hours’ time. She had selectively invited some of her closest acquaintances, asking them to arrive a few days earlier than the realm’s leaders she was required to invite out of respect. “I think they’ll know which side to sit on.” She grinned at Perry, knowing he, too, was looking forward to the arrival of some of his close friends from Pettraud, none of whom Jax had never met.

  The wedding planners looked cautiously at each other, and she wondered if they were secretly planning to make assignments anyways. After all, they were tasked with making sure every detail of her wedding day was perfect.

  The creaking of a side door rang throughout the chapel. “Your Grace?” Uma’s delicate voice emerged from the shadows before her petite figure did. “It appears a few of your guests have just arrived. Shall I show them to their rooms, or would you like to greet them personally?”

  Jax waved the throng of wedding planners back to work, crossing the length of the room to reach Uma’s side. “I’ll greet them in person, of course. Anything to be free of these asinine questions.” She examined the bashful face of her lady-in-waiting. “I thought you were going to be the one in charge of planning this whole celebration?” she teased.

  Uma smoothed back her mousey brunette hair, her lovely brown eyes resting directly on the Duchess. “Even though I’ve been by your side for far too long, I’m not a mind reader. You do need to tell those women a few details.”

  Jax opened her mouth to spout a snappy retort, but Uma held up a hand to silence her. “This is the last thing I need your opinion on. I may be more well-versed with the political goings on of the realm than I was a few months ago, but I figured you are the best one to determine who sits where.”

  Jax had to give Uma credit for knowing her strengths. The young woman, who had come into Jax’s life as her lady’s maid over a decade ago, was now one of her closest friends and her trusted lady-in-waiting. Yet, she was still learning the ropes of the position normally held by a noblewoman. Uma was the first common-born person in the Realm of Virtues to be appointed to such a prestigious role, as Jax had done away with tradition and bestowed the position to someone who truly deserved it. It was one of the radical changes that had come about in the realm after a particularly tumultuous peace summit last winter.

  Perry sauntered up to Uma. “Any of these early arrivals here to see me?” he asked with boyish glee.

  “Unfortunately, your horde has not yet arrived,” she replied with wry bemusement.

  He laughed at the remark, then addressed Jax. “All right, then. I’ll let you catch up with your friends before I crash the party, my dear. I’ll be out in the gardens with my easel.” With a quick kiss, he dismissed himself, and Jax watched him amble away, appreciating the sight.

  “How are you feeling?” Uma asked for what felt like the hundredth time that day.

  “The same as I felt twenty minutes ago when you deposited me here with these women.”

  Uma rolled her eyes, used to the flippant way her Duchess addressed her innermost feelings. “You will let me know if it all becomes too much, won’t you?”

  Sensing her friend's true concern, Jax squeezed her arm. “I won’t say I don’t feel my parents’ absence, but I truly am looking forward to the festivities, dear one.” She prayed to the Virtues that her parents, the late Duke and Duchess of Saphire, were watching down on her so that she could share her special day with them.

  Satisfied, Uma took her by the arm
and led her down a long hallway, through which they weaved their way to the castle entrance. “Lady Carriena has arrived with a few others in tow.”

  Jax clasped her hands in delight. It had been nearly a year since she’d last seen her friend, the Crown Princess of Isla DeLacqua, and she was eager to catch up with her. “Wonderful! I’m so glad she was able to get here before all the boring people flood our halls.”

  “Boring people? I hope you don’t mean me?” A smooth voice chuckled from behind a pillar.

  “Darian? Goodness, you gave me a fright!” Jax laughed breathlessly before scooping up the strapping young man in a fierce hug. “When did you get in?” she asked, shooting a questioning look to a red-faced Uma.

  “Don’t blame poor Uma for not telling you. Annette and I were planning to surprise you at dinner this evening. Your aunt told me not to go traipsing about the castle because I’d no doubt run into you.” Darian, the newly crowned Duke of Cetachi, ran a calloused hand through his wavy brown hair. “And I’ve done just that. Don’t ever tell her I said this, but that woman is rarely wrong.”

  Jax smiled, thinking how much her aunt would enjoy hearing just that. “Well, I’m so glad you made it here early. How was the journey?” Cetachi was one of the northernmost territories in the realm and a land of mystery to her. Before Darian’s ascension to the throne, Cetachi had been a lawless place with tribes adrift all over the region. Over the past six months or so, Darian had been working to unite his people under one banner.

  With a playful shrug, he beamed. “It was uneventful. A nice relief from my day-to-day life.”

  For the first time, she noticed how incredibly tired her friend looked. “I’ve heard you’ve been making good progress these past few months.” Her questioning eyes sought confirmation.

  “Yes, progress has been made. I’m still struggling with a few coastal hordes of wild men that seem intent on making life unpleasant for my people.” Darian paused for a moment, his common-born brown eyes seeming to be hundreds of miles away. “Annette has arranged for some military assistance from Mensina, but I’m hopeful that it won’t be needed. There’s a nasty fever ripping through the wilds, and I’ve offered medicine in exchange for their cooperation.”

  This news surprised Jax in more ways than she cared to admit. “Mensina? Why wouldn’t you come to us for aid?” Mensina lay to the east, ruled by her grandfather, from whom she had been estranged until recent years.

  “We didn’t want to bother you, dear, or sour your wedding preparations by sending away troops.”

  His earnest expression revealed his words to be the truth, but Jax couldn’t help feeling a slight sting. After all, her duchy was the strongest, the largest, and by far the most influential throughout the Realm of Virtues. An upstart nation like Cetachi should have reached out to her for help. “I appreciate your concern, but personal feelings aside, you may need the strength of Saphire to see this matter through. I ask in the future, dear Darian, that you always remember Saphire is your greatest ally.” She hoped she didn’t sound too reprimanding, but it was imperative that he understand her power within the realm.

  He gave her a graceful bow. “Forgive me, Jax. I am still new to this messy arena, and I fear sometimes Annette’s love for you clouds her judgment. Saphire has nothing but Cetachi’s deepest respect.”

  Jax commended him for admitting his mistake, as few people ever had the courage to do so. It represented yet another one of the admirable traits that made him such a good leader for his people. Regardless, she found Annette’s decision concerning. Was it some secret ploy to empower Mensina as the realm’s new savior? She pushed the dark thoughts out of her head for the moment, chastising herself for being so quick to mistrust her aunt’s intentions. “All is forgiven. Now, when will I be able to call you ‘Dear Uncle’?” she asked with a teasing grin.

  Darian’s pale skin flushed as he stumbled to find his words. It was no secret that Annette and the new Duke had grown incredibly fond of one another over the past few months. Annette had been serving as Darian’s royal advisor in Cetachi, helping him navigate the political waters of the realm. “I’m hopeful it will be soon. Your grandfather, though, might have other plans in mind.”

  Jax couldn’t contain a snort. “I’m sure he does. Don’t be offended by it, though. My guess is that he’s waiting for my wedding to wrap up so he can shine the spotlight on Mensina’s daughter.” Even though Duke Mensina loved and respected his granddaughter, he still had a duchy of his own to run.

  “I hope you’re right. I’m worried he’s found a better match for Annette.”

  “My aunt would never allow it. Her heart lies with you,” Jax said, her words ringing with heartfelt sincerity.

  Darian gave her an enthusiastic grin before clearing his throat. “Well, if you wouldn’t mind, pretend you haven’t seen me, Duchess. My royal advisor doesn’t need to know about this little run in.”

  Chuckling, she agreed. “I’ll see you during our long-awaited reunion at dinner.”

  With a nod of farewell to Uma, Darian Fangard sauntered down the hall.

  Jax had nearly forgotten the presence of her lady-in-waiting, who’d been practically invisible during their conversation. “You’re far too good at being a fly on the wall, dear one.”

  Uma smiled, swelling with pride at the observation. “Jaquobie says it is a vital skill to maintain if I’m to serve you well, Duchess.”

  “Of course he would say that.” Jax couldn’t resist a theatrical eye roll at the advice her High Courtier had given Uma. As her highest ranking royal advisor, he would value anyone who had the ability to obtain information without being detected.

  “Shall we?” Uma motioned down the hall.

  “Only if you promise not to keep visitors within my castle walls a secret,” Jax said lightly, not wanting to rebuke her friend too severely. “I know it might seem all fun and games, especially with Annette being my aunt, but a sovereign can never be too careful.”

  Uma’s face paled. “Goodness, Jax, I didn’t even think of it that way.” She shook her head as her shoulders sagged. “Doesn’t it wear you down, having to think in such dark terms all the time?”

  “Seems like second nature to me now,” Jax mused. She had experienced more betrayal and deceit than she’d ever expected and had learned her lesson when it came to blindly putting her trust in people. “Come now, we both know Lady Carriena does not like to be kept waiting, especially when making an entrance.”

  Chapter Two

  The playful chatter in the entryway floated up the remaining length of the hall, and a smile grew steadily wider on Jax’s face. It was impossible to mistake Carriena’s vibrant voice as it drowned out those of her traveling companions.

  Walking past the archway and into a pool of light that steamed in through the open doors, Jax felt arms wrap around her before her eyes had time to adjust.

  “Jacqueline!” Carriena shrieked, forgetting all sense of decorum. “You look beautiful, darling. Oh, it’s been too long.” Her words rapidly tumbled out of her mouth.

  Jax pulled back from the strong grip to assess her friend properly. Carriena’s short blond hair had been bleached nearly white by the sun, no doubt from spending her days on the beaches of Isla DeLacqua, the realm’s only island nation. Her blue traveling gown was simple, but made from the finest materials gold could buy, accenting her pale lavender eyes perfectly. “You look lovely as well, dearest. It appears you’ve been able to escape the confines of your father’s court and enjoy the sun.”

  Carriena nodded, delicately fanning herself. “It has been unseasonably warm this spring, especially in the isles. I’m glad you’re getting married now, because we’ll all be sweltering in our dresses in a few weeks’ time.”

  Jax caught a glimpse of two more figures entering the hall and her eyes brightened even more. “Oh, I am so glad you two were able to arrive early.”

  Before speaking, Charles Montivarius dropped to one knee in a deep bow. “We were delighted that
Lady Carriena was able to make travel arrangements for us all.”

  From his side, his younger sister curtsied. “Yes, it was easy enough for Charles, as he is still doing his residency under Duke DeLacqua’s court physician. Lady Carriena went above and beyond, though, coming to Hestes to collect me before heading north.” Lady Giovanna gave her traveling companion a grateful smile. “I would have offered to meet them at the Tandora port, but I had to contend with the final performance of Father’s latest production.”

  Charles and Giovanna were the offspring of the renowned playwright, Michelangelo Montivarius. While Charles’s calling had led him to become a court physician, Giovanna was a gifted actress and often the star of her father’s shows.

  Carriena leaned in and whispered to Jax in a devilish tone, “I really just wanted the chance to collect a barrel of Hestes’s spring wine.”

  Suppressing the urge to snort, Jax reached out a hand and gave Giovanna’s arm a fond squeeze. “I’m so glad the timing worked out. It’s been too long since I’ve seen you all. Your father will join us for the ceremony, yes?”

  Charles nodded, running a hand over his close-cut ashen hair. “Indeed. I imagine he’ll be looking for inspiration for his next production while he’s here.”

  Jax blushed, knowing her exploits had been the subject of one of Michelangelo’s most successful plays to date. “Well, considering he’s here for a simple wedding, I doubt he’ll have much drama to observe.”

  “Simple wedding? I hope not,” Carriena said, feigning shock before greeting Uma with a hug. “I was promised a grand affair, was I not?”

  Uma chuckled at the royal’s candidness. “Jax has been trying to convince herself for weeks that all this isn’t a big deal. You know how she gets.”

  Carriena’s lavender eyes, the mark of a ducal bloodline, narrowed, her attention honing in on Jax. “You’re allowed to celebrate, you know that, right? This is a monumental occasion. You don’t get married every day.”