Concealed Special Edition

by Christina Bauer

  “Certainly,” said Philippe. “Women rank about the same level as furniture in the Vicomte’s world. Royal women even less so. If you’re perfumed and dressed up like a little doll, he’ll never recognize you.”

  “See?” Amelia gripped my arm even tighter. “You have to join me.”

  I didn’t like this. However, if my presence calmed Amelia, it was probably for the best. A worried Amelia could say or do anything. “I will.”

  She sighed. “Thank you.”

  “I’ll be there as well, of course.” Philippe forced a grin. The motion had none of his normal enthusiasm. “Until we meet in the reception room.” He trudged out the door.

  Once we were alone once more, Amelia rounded on me. “I’m more concerned about rumors. You don’t think the Vicomte heard about everything that’s happened?”

  I knew what she meant, and it wasn’t a short list of happenings, either. A dead Fantome. Gallery burned to the ground. Spells cast all over the Montagne estate. I straightened my shoulders and fixed Amelia with a determined gaze. “Honestly? I do think he’s here about your marriage.” Perhaps.

  “Marriage I can handle.” Amelia gave me a sad smile. “The idea is foul, but there have been whispers for years. Yet if he suspects something larger, then he’ll send a Fantome to live with me, like he did with the Marchioness.” She shivered. “Are they really as terrible as they say?”

  Worse.

  “I can take care of them. That’s all that matters.” I took her hands in mine. “Whatever takes place, we’ll find a way. Believe it.”

  “Yes, Elea. We can do this.” As Amelia bustled off in search of Clothilde and my evening gown, her words echoed through my mind.

  We can do this.

  It was two of us against the Vicomte and all his Fantomes. We could certainly do this. However, I feared we had a better chance to find a single grain of sand on a beach than to locate our Necromancer friends in time.

  14

  Amelia, Philippe, and I stepped into her small reception room. The place looked hastily set up. Although all the tarps had been pulled off all the chairs, the floor was covered in dust, cobwebs hung from the ceiling, and the plaster walls were bare. Not that the Vicomte seemed to notice. His lanky form paced along the back wall, an angular figure in a garish pink coat with tall black boots. Multiple watches hung from his pockets. The bright colors of his clothes made for an odd contrast to the man himself. The Vicomte’s hair, eyes, and skin were all a dull shade of gray.

  He hadn’t changed a bit.

  I worked hard to keep my face level. The last time I’d seen the Vicomte, we were at the Midnight Cloister. That was when I’d sent his old master, the Tsar, into exile. At the time, I was bloodied and wearing fitted Caster leathers. Amelia said the Vicomte wouldn’t notice me in the Royal garb. And in truth, it was amazing how quickly she and her servants had transformed my appearance. I now wore an elaborate blue gown with my hair piled high atop my head.

  Please let this disguise be enough.

  The Vicomte stopped his manic pacing. His gaze locked on Amelia. So far, so good. “Where have you been, daughter?”

  Amelia curtsied. “Hello, Daddy Dearest.”

  Philippe bowed slightly at the waist. “Your Eminence.”

  Amelia gently nudged me in the ribs with her elbow, breaking me out of my memories of the Midnight Cloister and fighting there with Rowan.

  Oh, yes. I’m supposed to greet the Vicomte as well.

  I curtsied low. “It’s an honor to meet you, Your—”

  “You made me wait far too long, daughter.” The Vicomte didn’t so much as glance in my direction before he marched directly over to Amelia. My shoulders slumped with relief. Amelia was right. Gaspard didn’t pay much attention to anyone.

  The Vicomte paused before Amelia, his gray eyes narrowing into slits. “I suspect that you’ve been up to no good.”

  Amelia met his gaze straight on. Brave girl. “I don’t know what you mean.”

  “Don’t I? We’ll see.” The Vicomte’s glare shifted between Philippe and me. My heart sank.

  This is it. He knows everything.

  Philippe lifted his chin. “You have something to say?”

  “You’ll speak when I tell you to.” The Vicomte rounded on Amelia, looking her over from head to toe. It reminded me of the inspection one might give a horse before deciding whether it was suitable for sale. “And you, daughter, will do as you’re told for once.”

  “Depends on what you wish.” Amelia’s voice came out strong. Even so, I couldn’t miss the slight wobble of her chin.

  “I have plans for your future,” said the Vicomte slowly.

  Some of the tension left my body. He didn’t know that we were rescuing the lost Necromancers.

  This is about the marriage.

  “Excuse me.” Philippe stepped protectively between the Vicomte and his sister. “If you have a situation in mind for my sister, then it should first be discussed with me. I am her elder brother, after all.”

  “And to me, you’re nothing. I adopted your sister and kept you along as her pet. So, when I want to hear your voice, boy, I’ll ask for it.” The Vicomte pulled out one of the many watches from his pockets and examined the face. “And I don’t have time for this nonsense.”

  I leaned forward, trying for a better glimpse of the watch. Was this the one with the totem ring inside it? How lovely would that be? I could simply grab the vortex watch and run.

  My desire became overwhelming. Without even realizing it, I stepped closer to the Vicomte.

  By the Sire. How could I be so foolish? My body froze with fear.

  Amelia crossed the floor to stand between the Vicomte and me. In one smooth movement, she took over the Vicomte’s attention while gently ushering me out of view. Clever girl.

  “What plans do you have for me, Father?”

  “You’re to marry Genesis Rex, the ruler of the Creation Casters. He’s a brute and a thug, so don’t plan for an easy life.”

  “Am I to meet him before the wedding?” asked Amelia coolly.

  “Yes, as a matter of fact. You’ll meet him tonight at the play and be grateful for it.” The Vicomte fiddled with some dials on his watch. “Barbarian fools. Tiptoeing through the shadows with their body doubles and long helms.”

  Philippe wrapped his arm around his sister’s shoulder. “I’m afraid none of us knows what you mean.”

  “I mean that Rex will find my wayward daughter when he’s good and ready.” The Vicomte glared at Amelia. “It’s a garden party, so I expect he’ll pull you into a promising shrubbery and have his way with you.”

  “I see.” Amelia’s calm broke as a flush crawled up her neck. Suddenly, I wished I’d killed the Vicomte back at the Midnight Cloister.

  “Thank you for that elegant description.” Philippe bowed again. “Now, if you’ll excuse us.”

  “Not until you’re dismissed.” The Vicomte snapped his watch face shut and jammed the device back into his overlarge pocket. “I have something else to say to you two.”

  Two? I stepped back farther into the shadows. Indeed, the Vicomte wasn’t even counting me as a person in the room. Perfect.

  The Vicomte eyed at Philippe and Amelia in turn. “I said before that I suspect you’ve been up to no good, and I intend to get to the truth of the matter.”

  Philippe put on his most suave smile. “Whatever do you mean?”

  “The gallery at the Havilland estate just burned down. Know anything about it?” the Vicomte’s beady eyes narrowed. “No?”

  None of us said a word. My legs felt boneless beneath me.

  Here it is. We’re caught.

  “I thought as much,” said the Vicomte. “My spies tell me that my useless daughter and her rogue brother were in visiting the Havilland mansion. After that, a fire broke out. Damned odd coincidence, I’d say.”

  With her red ringlets, wide blue eyes, and bow-shaped mouth, Amelia’s face became a doll-like image of innocence. “You can’t
possibly think—”

  “Quiet, you.” The Vicomte’s gray complexion seemed to darken with anger. “The Montagne estate is guarded by a troop of Fantomes. They’ll attend every celebration. If any of you are guilty of sneaking around behind my back, then they’ll find it out. If I find you’ve betrayed me, then I’ve given orders for them to peel Philippe like a pear.” He pointed at Amelia. “And as for you, my dear daughter, they have instructions to turn your brain into mush. Since your womb would still function, I’m sure a brute like Rex will never notice.”

  “You can’t hurt me.” Amelia’s voice was almost a whisper. “Mother Superior at the orphanage cast spells. Philippe and I are protected from you.”

  “My Fantomes tell me they can break those spells. Don’t test me, daughter. I will destroy you both.”

  My jaw locked. How dare he threaten Amelia? I wanted to crush this man while I had the chance. But I couldn’t risk it. Not until I found Ada and the other Necromancers. Until my Sisters were safe, murdering the Vicomte could mean their death as well. It was a risk I simply couldn’t take. With a great force of will, I stayed quiet in the shadows.

  Amelia’s mouth fell open. “Father, please.”

  “I’m far from finished. Listen to me closely, daughter. If you do anything to foil this marriage treaty, I will kill you so slowly and painfully, the gods themselves will weep for you.” His voice lowered to a hiss. “Do we understand each other?”

  “We do, Father.”

  My friend’s shoulders slumped with defeat. Clearly, the Vicomte had been haranguing her for years. I made a silent vow.

  I understand you too. And you will pay for what you’ve done to her.

  The Vicomte stared at Amelia for a long moment. “Excellent. Now, I have more intelligent people to visit.” He strode out the door, slammed it behind him, and was gone.

  The moment we were alone again, Amelia crumpled into her brother’s embrace. She was everything sweet, gentle, and bright. How could the Vicomte be so cruel?

  Philippe patted her back. “You did well, sister.”

  She stepped away from his embrace and patted away the tears from her cheeks. “I always vow that I won’t let him bother me, but he always does. And Fantomes will be testing us. How can we protect ourselves from them?”

  “It won’t be easy,” I said. “But it’s possible. I need you both to stay focused on why we’re really attending this silly play. We must find our friends.”

  “Yes.” Amelia straightened her shoulders. “And that we will do.”

  “I take it all back,” said Philippe. “This plan has merit.”

  I frowned. “What made you change your mind? You weren’t excited before in Amelia’s chamber.”

  Philippe flashed me a roguish smile. “One reason.” He lowered his voice to the barest whisper. “After your handiwork at the Havilland estate, tonight promises to be quite entertaining.”

  Philippe never took anything seriously. In this moment, I could have kissed him for it. I allowed myself a small grin in return. “Let’s get ready. We’ve a big night ahead of us.”

  15

  Amelia and I sat inside a boxy carriage, waiting our turn to be received at the Montagne mansion. I fidgeted in my fluffy gown and glared out the window. All I could see was the long line of bright-colored carriages before us.

  Leaning forward, I peeped out the window again. The cobblestone road led up to a low wall made of white rock. After that, there towered a pristine castle made of pearl-colored marble. The square structure stood three stories high and was decorated with far too many turrets for my taste. Then again, the Royals did everything to excess. I huffed out a breath.

  Amelia gave me a sympathetic grin. “This is the worst part, you know. Waiting.” She looked perfect in her pink gown. This edition was adorned with dainty lace and tiny pearls. I didn’t know how many versions she had of the same dress, but they were all unique and gorgeous on her. I yanked on the collar of my gray dress. It was far too large in the skirts for my liking. Even so, I was pleased with the color. Perhaps I could blend into the background.

  Philippe pulled his steed up to the window. The setting sun cast a golden halo behind his blond head. His gaze immediately fell on his sister. “It’s all right to be worried.”

  Amelia sighed. “It feels silly with so much more at stake.” She gave me another sweet smile. “You’re the one with the most to risk here.”

  I stared at her for a moment. What were they talking about? Then it hit me. Genesis Rex and her engagement. In all my obsessing about Ada and the others, I’d forgotten that Amelia was about to meet her future betrothed.

  Philippe kept his steed at a perfect pace with the window. “I’m sure you’ll find him a good man. When you meet him, that is.”

  “Oh, I have met Rex,” I said quickly. “Didn’t I tell you?” Suddenly, I felt like the worst friend in the realm.

  Amelia brightened a little. “No, you didn’t.”

  “He’s a very fine man, Amelia.” In truth, he was older and a bit flighty. I didn’t share that part. “I spoke with him a number of times.”

  There, that was putting it nicely. Still, Amelia and Philippe kept staring at me. Clearly, they wanted more detail on the positive side of Genesis Rex. It took a few moments, but I finally came up with something. “He was very well respected by his people.”

  “What were the Casters like? Would I be allowed any freedom?”

  “Caster women are given a lot of leeway. Many are warriors and healers.”

  “But what about the Imperial family?”

  “Oh, that.” I worried my lower lip with my teeth. I’d promised Rowan never to reveal his true purpose here. Surely I could give Amelia a little information to ease her mind. “I’m close with someone who knows the Imperial family. If I see him tonight, I’ll find out all I can.”

  Amelia’s eyes widened. “Is your friend another mage like you?”

  “He is.” The less said on that account, the better.

  Philippe pulled his mount closer to the carriage window. “Only a few minutes more. Are my ladies presentable?”

  Amelia forced on a smile. “We’re ready.”

  “Excellent.” He guided his horse farther away from our carriage.

  Although night was falling, the temperature inside the wagon seemed to increase with every inch we moved closer to the castle. I leaned out the window, eager for a breath of fresh air and a better look at the estate.

  The cobblestone road ended at the castle’s outer wall. The heavy wooden doors had been flung open. We rode on to the castle’s front entrance. Our carriage paused before a flight of brilliant white steps that ended in a small landing. There, the Baron and Baroness de Montagne greeted visitors. Both of them were petite, pale, and slender. They had white-blonde hair and ice-blue eyes. Not like the kind of people you’d suspect would be imprisoning Necromancers under their home. Then again, I didn’t suspect my best friend of tricking me into a curse, so how well could I judge?

  I leaned back inside the carriage. “Not long now.”

  Amelia sat up and gripped my hands. “You don’t think they’re suffering, do you?”

  No question which “they” she was referring to. The Necromancers. Memories of my vision appeared. Little Ada being held down… The flash of blood and steel… And her pitiful cries for help. I still didn’t want to tell Amelia about it. What would that accomplish anyway?

  It was an effort to keep my features calm and even. “I think we need to focus on finding a way into the dungeons under the Montagne mansion. Tell me about them again.”

  Amelia frowned. “I already did.” We’d discussed them for a long time on the ride over. Amelia knew there were old dungeons under the castle. Most likely, those had been refurbished to make a magickal prison.

  “One last time.” Talking always calmed Amelia, and my friend seemed to be unraveling as we neared the front door.

  “Philippe and I came here as children. We’d always end up playing in
the garden. There’s a huge stretch of land behind the castle. The older boys would threaten to throw the girls into the old dungeon. There were these wells in the gardens, you see. If you pulled out the copper basins, then you’d find out that they are actually old airshafts for the dungeon below. One of the Montagne girls even fell in once by mistake. Broke her leg and everything.”

  I nodded slowly as if this was the first time Amelia told the story. We’d discussed the plan on the ride over. Even so, it felt good to say it one last time. “Once it becomes dark, we’ll split up and look for the different wells.”

  Amelia twisted the folds of her skirt with her fingers. “I still worry about the Fantomes.”

  “They’re holding the play in the gardens, right?” I didn’t wait for Amelia to answer. We both knew this to be true. “They’ll be hundreds of Royals walking about the garden paths and looking into the wells. All we need do tonight is find which well leads to the dungeons.” I planned to do more, if possible, but Amelia didn’t need to know that. “We still have until tomorrow at midnight to save everyone.”

  “You’re right. It’s just a quiet walk through the gardens. What could go wrong?” The wagon rolled to a stop. Amelia gave my hands a shaky squeeze. “We’re here.”

  The carriage’s half door swung open, and my heart leaped into my throat. This was it. Ada could be here.

  I steeled my features and peeped outside. Philippe stood at the base of the staircase, looking dapper in his purple velvet overcoat. He offered me his hand to help me down from the carriage. I didn’t need any assistance, but I also didn’t need to attract any attention. “Thank you.”

  I took Philippe’s hand and stepped down. Amelia followed along behind me, and together we all walked up the golden staircase to our hosts. The willowy Baroness and Baron greeted Amelia and Philippe with barely-there kisses on either cheek. When it came time for my greeting, they scrunched up their noses as if a small turd had been placed before them.

  I stifled the urge to roll my eyes. Point taken. I’m not Royal and don’t belong here.