To Play the Lady

by Naomi Lane

  “No, Miss Mallory. As the Queen said, what you did was not proper, but hardly deserving of a head injury. I am still of a mind to go talk to the Crown Prince. With your ability to heal you will be fine, but if it had been just a stable boy on a lark, he could have been laid out for several days.”

  “I understand, but would discourage you from doing so.”

  The high mage sighed. “If it is what you wish, I won’t say anything.”

  Jenna nodded and poured herself another cup of tea. “Did you want to discuss the mage I saw?”

  “Yes. I am concerned by what you said.”

  Jenna described the experience in more detail, explaining how he questioned her and that she admitted to being a Queen’s Lady. “Is he a mind mage? Wouldn’t he have to be one if he could compel me to his presence and hear me out-of-body?”

  “It is not… impossible. It would have been thought so a few years ago, but given that you are here and I am here, perhaps not. Except a Master-level mage could also be able to achieve this, and we should not make too many assumptions.”

  “Master-level though?” Jenna had not thought he would be that powerful.

  “Yes.” Lord Harcourt’s expression grew distant.

  “And you said unregistered. What exactly does that mean?”

  “It means he operates illegally outside the authority of the guilds. Mages, especially powerful ones, are known to do this on occasion for the money.”

  Jenna nodded. It made sense, but something still bothered her. “Something seemed wrong about his voice.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “He spoke Sevalian, but it was off. Not blatantly so, but now that I think about it some more, I’d say he had a Khazaran accent. He couldn’t possibly—”

  “Be the ‘Black Magister’? No, Jenna. He is long dead. How old does this mage look?”

  “Young, maybe twenty-five.”

  “You see. He is most likely just from the foothills and discovered an old hideout from the wars.”

  “But the Khazars had mind mages too. Couldn’t it be possible there are mind mages there still, left from the Black Magister’s followers?”

  “The mage hunters were quite confident they had gotten to all of the survivors. If some remained, Khazaran has not admitted to this.”

  “Perhaps you need to ask the ambassador.”

  “Perhaps, but it would need to be dealt with delicately.”

  “Do you still want to scry for this mage with me?”

  “Yes, but after you have fully healed and in the Tower with proper controls.”

  Jenna nodded and yawned slightly.

  Lord Harcourt smiled. “You should probably head to bed. I have added wards to your dormitory as well, so you may sleep there now.”

  Jenna kept nodding, and they both left the study. As they did so, they stepped into the path of Prince Sebastian. “Your Highness,” said Jenna. She curtsied.

  “Lord Harcourt. Miss Mallory.” He bowed to her. “It is good to see you up and about after your accident. I was just on my way back to the West Wing.”

  “I see,” replied the high mage. The Prince paused in his walk and looked at Jenna. She thought he was acting somewhat oddly. He rubbed his hand through his hair, and then Jenna recognized her brother’s old signal. He wanted to meet with her. She winked to let him know she understood.

  “Well, then, best be getting back,” he said.

  “Yes, have a pleasant evening, Prince Sebastian,” Lord Harcourt replied, looking somewhat puzzled. As the Prince ran down the stairs, the high mage continued to escort Jenna to her dormitory.

  “My Lord,” said Jenna, “this isn’t really necessary. I am perfectly capable of making it to the dormitory on my own. It isn’t far.”

  The high mage paused by the staircase. “As long as you feel well enough.”

  “Of course.” Jenna smiled.

  He nodded and began to walk down the stairs. She continued in the direction of the dormitory, but paused in the hallway for a few minutes. When she felt assured Lord Harcourt was well on his way to the Tower, she quietly made her way down the stairs herself. She looked around, but there was no sign of the Prince. She ventured outside and spotted him waiting by one of the fountains alone. She smiled and went over.

  “Happy Birthday,” he said with a shrug.

  Jenna sighed. “Not much of one, I’m afraid.”

  “What happened to your face?”

  “I fell out—”

  “Oh no. Not that line that Eamon was spouting. I know he wasn’t telling the truth despite Sir Gerard’s admission.”

  Jenna bit her lip. “You promise not to tell, not even Peter.”

  “Of course, if that’s what you want.”

  “I fell asleep.” She paused.

  “And?”

  “Your brother, Prince Dominic, found Kedar, and when I went to tell him that he was my horse, he took exception and slapped me.”

  “What!”

  “He thought I was a stable boy.” While Sebastian looked horrified, she continued to tell the story of how Eamon found her and helped her and also of how she felt Eamon suspected she was lying about the tree cover story.

  Sebastian stood stunned for a few seconds and then burst out laughing.

  Jenna was shocked. “This isn’t funny, Sebastian!”

  “I understand you must be angry, but it’s just that my brothers – this is so typical.”

  “Typical?”

  “Yes, Dominic, completely oblivious and incapable of talking to girls, whereas the handsome Eamon charms them all.”

  “Oh,” said Jenna. “I guess I didn’t realize.”

  “I just wish I could have seen his face when he realized you were a girl.”

  Jenna began to smile. “He did turn quite pink.”

  Sebastian laughed again, and this time Jenna joined in.

  “I wish we could talk some more,” he said, “but I do need to return to the West Wing. I did want to give you something for your birthday though. Here.” He handed her a silver charm with an unusual pattern design. “It’s magical; I made it. It’s supposed to protect the wearer from flying arrows.”

  Jenna really had no use for such a thing, but admired his craftsmanship.

  “I know you will probably never need one—”

  “No, Sebastian, this is so thoughtful of you. I love it!” Without even really thinking about it, she kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you.”

  Sebastian blushed a little. “You’re very welcome. See you next Sevday.” He smiled and headed off toward the West Wing.

  Jenna, in a bit of daze, finally made her way to her dormitory. Many other girls were there already, though she was spared from Crystelle and Yolanda because they had moved into the dormitory across the hall. It hardly seemed to matter, however, because the girls were not gossiping about her, but about the Princes’ arrival and the scandal about Lord Raymond, who had been disinherited. She didn’t really pay them any attention. Instead, she put her new charm on a silver chain from her jewelry box and slipped it around her neck. It felt good to wear it, as if the magic liked her. She also noticed a package was there. That was odd. She had already received some earrings from her mother. She opened it and found a note from her aunt. Her father’s sister, Elizabeth, had always had a soft spot for Jenna.

  Dearest Niece,

  Enclosed is a new style of riding outfit. It is based on a northern design and allows a lady to ride astride with more modesty. They are all the rage among the girls at the Salara riding school, and I knew you would want one.

  Lady Vermillion was in town the other day, and she also purchased one for herself and her daughter, whom I know you are acquainted with. I hope all the Ladies at court will one day get the chance to enjoy riding properly.

  Happy Birthday!

  Love,

  Aunt Bets

  Her aunt ran her own dress shop and often made gowns for her nieces, but this was something new. The outfit was in several pieces. It had
breeches, but they were not exactly like her brother’s. They were designed to accommodate a woman’s curves. There was also a corset and chemise, but the most important thing was the outer coat. It was designed to fit tightly around her torso and covered up to her neck with a slightly upturned collar and then long sleeves. The coat buttoned down the waist and continued to the floor with a slit in the back and front. The slit could also be buttoned closed from the inside with an extra piece of fabric to imitate a dress.

  Jenna held up the coat to assess the fit. As usual, her Aunt seemed to get the size right, and she was anxious to try it on, but given her discussion with the Queen that day, she thought it best to wait awhile.

  “Jenna.” It was Aurelia who spoke. “I see you also have a new riding habit.”

  “Yes,” Jenna replied. “It just arrived today.”

  “I plan to ask Durand tomorrow if he would be willing to give me instruction in riding astride since my parents will allow it.”

  “I see. I hope he agrees.” Jenna smiled. She decided she would let Aurelia take the lead on this issue after her censure for her ride that morning. With a little luck, the Queen could be persuaded that the new riding outfits protected her Ladies’ modesty.

  As she climbed into bed, she felt it was not such a bad birthday after all.

  Chapter 14

  Early the next morning, Jenna woke with a strange itch in the back of her head. It was a sensation she had begun to associate with Kedar. As she rode him more and more, they were developing a close bond, stronger than she had ever experienced, stronger even than with Bree. She did not know why he wanted to see her. Maybe he was still concerned about the incident with Prince Dominic. Whatever the reason, she decided to go visit him in the stables. She did not plan to ride him out of deference to the Queen, but she could at least calm him down.

  She quickly made her way across the palace grounds and entered the stables at the east end, where she heard familiar voices as soon as she entered.

  “Are you quite sure you wish to do this, Your Highness? It was your father’s wish.”

  “My father is a well-intentioned man, but when it comes to young women also a sentimental fool.”

  Jenna opened the door to where the Crown horses were kept and saw Prince Dominic speaking with Master Barrett. When Barrett was completely unable to meet her gaze, she knew something was wrong. “Good morning, Master Barrett. Your Highness.” Jenna gave them a curtsy. “Am I interrupting something?”

  “No, Miss Mallory,” said Barrett. “Please come in and join us. This news concerns you.”

  She cautiously approached the two men. “I just came to see Kedar.”

  “Yes, well,” began Barrett. “Prince Dominic has made a decision regarding the stallion.” He looked over at Dominic, who appeared somewhat flustered.

  “Yes, I have.” The Prince looked at Jenna. “Miss Mallory, I am afraid I have decided that my father, the King, made a rather hasty decision in giving you this horse.”

  Jenna’s face began to feel hot. She reached out for the door to Kedar’s stall for support.

  “I am indebted for what you have done to save Sebastian, as is everyone in my family, but I do not think it right for Kedar to be made into a Ladies’ horse as a consequence. He was bred for war. I have decided that since Sebastian will not take him, he should go to my cousin, Lord Martis.”

  “I see,” said Jenna. She looked over at Kedar, who was happy to see her, but somewhat confused about the scene in front of him. Jenna felt tears begin to well up behind her eyes and decided it best to leave. “Excuse me, Your Highness.” She quickly began to walk out of the stables, but she only made it a few feet outside the door before she heard the Prince’s voice behind her.

  “Miss Mallory, please wait.”

  She turned around somewhat reluctantly.

  He walked over to her, looking concerned. “I should also apologize for yesterday. What I did was completely inappropriate, and I can assure you if I had known who you were, it would never have happened, but it is still no reason to make Kedar into a Ladies’ horse.”

  Jenna stared down at the ground, and there was a pause in the conversation.

  “Look. He can keep his name. Everyone is familiar with it now.”

  Jenna nodded. “I understand, Your Highness. May I go now?”

  Dominic sighed. “Of course.”

  This time Jenna took off at a half run and made it all of the way to the East Wing stables. She went straight to Bree’s stall and threw her arms around the horse’s neck. Bree was happily surprised to see her and somewhat confused when tears started to flow down Jenna’s face, but she definitely didn’t mind when Jenna picked up a curry comb and began to rub her coat.

  “Miss Mallory, is that you?”

  Jenna turned around to find Master Durand staring at her with a concerned look on his face. She quickly tried to wipe the tears from her eyes.

  “Good Heavens, child. What’s the matter?”

  Jenna sighed. “I just had a conversation with the Crown Prince.”

  “Ah. And he told you Kedar should not be a Ladies’ horse?”

  “You knew?”

  “I guessed. I always suspected he would. Barrett thought otherwise, but…” He just shrugged.

  Jenna nodded.

  “Prince Dominic is very fond of Kedar,” Durand continued. “I knew he would not part with him easily. I don’t think the King understood. I’m sorry if it ended up hurting you.”

  Jenna sighed again. She turned back around and looked at Bree. “Prince Dominic is probably right. Kedar deserves more, and I’m just acting like a lovesick schoolgirl.”

  Durand walked closer and smiled. “I don’t think so. For what it’s worth, I disagree with his decision. You and Kedar share a bond, and I would have been happy to train him with you. But you still have Bree.” He gave Jenna’s horse a pat. “But before your riding lesson you are expected at Harcourt Tower, are you not?”

  Jenna rolled her eyes slightly. Durand was right, and if she didn’t leave now, she would be late.

  “She’ll be waiting for you when you get back,” he said, still smiling.

  Jenna smiled in return. “I’ll see you later then.” Durand nodded as she put away the comb and made her way to the gravel walkway that led to the Tower. As she entered the workroom, Lord Harcourt was waiting for her. “Miss Mallory, please come over. I wish to show you this.” Standing next to him was a large upright mirror rimmed in steel.

  As Jenna walked closer to it, she could see indentations in the metal rim in the form of complex patterns. She thought one of them was similar to the one on the charm that Sebastian had given her. “What is this?” When she attempted to touch the pattern she felt a jolt of magic and quickly removed her hand. Lord Harcourt grabbed her wrist as she did so.

  “I don’t recommend touching it that way.”

  Jenna nodded as he released her.

  “This mirror is ancient and still powerful,” Harcourt continued. “It can record a mage’s sight if properly keyed.”

  “You wish to scry for the Dark Mage?”

  “Yes. This ‘Dark Mage,’ as you call him, is now thought to be a threat that should be dealt with as soon as possible. How is your head feeling? I notice your face is healed.”

  “My head is fine. There are no more headaches.”

  “Good.” Harcourt’s eyebrow rose as he stared at her. “Are you sure you’re all right?”

  Jenna sighed. The prospect of scrying had distracted her from thoughts of Kedar, but Dominic’s decision still stung. Jenna nodded. “Let’s just get this done, My Lord. You are far better for handling it than I am.”

  Harcourt’s eyebrow rose, but he appeared to accept Jenna’s statement. “We will scry together in mind-link. The mirror has two bars along the side that serve as handles. You will hold the mirror’s left side, and I will hold the right.”

  After they both grabbed hold of the mirror, Lord Harcourt took Jenna’s other hand, forming a circle.r />
  “Now, key the mirror as if you were forming a mind-link to it.”

  “A link to an object?”

  “Can’t you sense its magic?”

  Jenna felt a tingle in her hand. “Somewhat.”

  “Relax your shields gradually.”

  Jenna let her mental barrier dissolve slowly, allowing it to appear translucent in her mind. As she did, the tingle spread into her whole body.

  “Stop there. Meld your mind magic to it.”

  Jenna closed her eyes and let her body relax into a trance. She felt the magic centered in her head and willed it out to make contact with the mirror. The mirror’s magic seemed to accept this because Jenna felt the snap of the link form and suddenly heard a humming noise from the mirror. When she opened her eyes, she saw the patterns around the rim were glowing slightly with white light.

  “Excellent. How do you feel? Tired at all? Any pain?”

  “No.” Jenna stared in fascination at the mirror. She could no longer see herself reflected in it. When she turned her head, the reflection moved with it to show what she saw. “It’s like the water bowl.”

  “Yes. Except once the scrying is complete, the images can be replayed if the mage knows the proper activation sequence of the patterns in the rim. Are you ready?”

  Jenna nodded. She slipped back into a relaxed state and made a link to Harcourt’s mind. It had grown easier since the time she healed Sebastian, and when the link was formed she felt the same sense of calmness settle on her.

  She left her body. At first she merely floated above herself and the high mage until he gave her the mental signal to proceed out of the Tower. She had done this before, but it was never particularly pleasant. To get past the Tower wards, she had to ask its permission to leave. Since it recognized her, she was allowed to pass, but she always felt it search her as she did. Once outside, she quickly fled east as she had done the first time she had accidentally left her body.

  You are traveling at high speed. Does this bother you? asked the high mage through their link.