To Play the Lady

by Naomi Lane

  “Your Royal Highness, I apologize.”

  “What is it, Barrett?”

  “It’s Durand and Lord Nigen.” Dominic groaned. “Durand is asking for your assistance.” Both of the voices trailed off as the men left to discuss other matters.

  Once Jenna sensed it was safe, she breathed a sigh of relief and rested her forehead on Sebastian’s chest. “They’re gone.”

  Sebastian adjusted his body into a more comfortable position. “That was close.”

  “I know.”

  He gave her a kiss on the cheek, and they stood up. “I’d love to stay here with you, Jenna, but we both have somewhere else to be.”

  She nodded. “I just hope Durand is all right.”

  “Oh, don’t worry. Durand is one of few people Dominic actually gets along with. Dominic will take his side. No one likes Nigen anyway.” Jenna smiled. “Come on,” the Prince continued. “I’ll help you with Kedar’s saddle.”

  They both got the saddle off as quickly as possible, and Sebastian soon had to leave to avoid receiving lashes for being late. Jenna finished securing Kedar in his stall, but knew if she changed clothes as she usually did, she would be extremely late to her magic lesson. She decided wearing a riding habit to the Tower was better than being late, so she headed straight there from the stables. It might get her in trouble with the proctors, but she would rather face their wrath than Lord Harcourt’s.

  When Jenna entered the Tower base, she found the high mage in front of the magical mirror once again. “You’re late,” he said. “And what is that… outfit you’re wearing?”

  Jenna sighed. “I apologize, My Lord. I didn’t have time to change clothing after my riding lesson.”

  “I thought your riding lesson was after ours?”

  “It is. This was a special extra lesson.”

  “I see. Very well. I will ask that you attempt to leave enough time to be properly attired in the future, but we will still have our session this morning.” Jenna breathed a sigh of relief. “In fact, I have a task for you.”

  Jenna looked at the mirror. “Do you need to clarify something about the memory of the conversation I overheard?”

  “No, though I showed it to the King. He and I agree it is somewhat suspicious, but there is nothing there to actually act upon. We will keep our eyes and ears open for anything that might shed light on it, though, or lend more evidence of dealings against the Crown.”

  Jenna nodded. “Then what’s the mirror for?”

  “Scrying.”

  “The target?”

  “The man you call the Dark Mage.”

  “Oh.” That snapped Jenna’s attention away from concerns over Durand.

  The high mage sighed. “I had hoped never to ask you again, but he remains at large, and the court is unwilling to do anything about it. The cold weather makes the mountains impassable in any case, but with the political situation I have little doubt nothing will be done once the thaw arrives.”

  “So what can I do?” Jenna was confused. It seemed like a hopeless business.

  “I want more evidence of his origins and intentions. If we can provide proof he is a threat to Sevalia, with any luck we can convince the Crown to act, assuming he is a danger, that is.”

  “You believe he is a threat?”

  Harcourt pursed his lips. “I believe he is powerful, but if he is only a healing mage for hire, hardly a huge threat. I would just prefer to see him with my own sight before letting it go.”

  “You haven’t been able to reach him yourself?”

  “I have tried several times, but I cannot get past the wards around the mountain.”

  “You think I can?”

  “Possibly. The man has shown an interest in you, Miss Mallory.” He looked away from her and then back again. “I cannot order you to do this. It is not without risk, but I have limited options.”

  Jenna nodded. Since she, too, was concerned about the Dark Mage and wished the Crown to act, she agreed to scry for him once again.

  “We will travel together in mind-link for the second time,” explained the high mage. “Once we reach the castle, we will attempt to slip through the wards together. If that fails, then I will attempt to hide my presence while you attempt to get the man’s attention. My belief is that he will let you past the wards.”

  “Doesn’t that mean we won’t be able to observe him unnoticed?”

  “Yes, in that case, we will briefly link to his mind. I should be able to pick up his intentions from a brief contact. We won’t be long, a minute at the most. Then we return. Are you ready?”

  “As I’ll ever be.” Jenna did not relish the idea of a direct confrontation, but liked the idea of the Dark Mage at large even less.

  As she had before, Jenna linked her mind to the high mage and the mirror. She then left her body as quickly as possible and flew over to the mountains. This time was a little different because the clouds and snow obscured the view. Jenna could easily see what Lord Harcourt had meant when he called the mountains impassable. With the snowfall, it took Jenna a little longer to find the strange dwelling that was cut into the rock face, but eventually she did. It was identifiable because it was black to Jenna’s sight from the magical wards, which threw her back quite forcefully.

  What do we do? Jenna asked.

  We attempt to pierce the ward as before, but you must not sever the link at all costs.

  Understood. Jenna sharpened her focus to a sharp point and attempted to pierce the ward, but she was easily rebuffed. It’s definitely stronger than the last one.

  We can try using our combined strength.

  Jenna felt her focus sharpen further as the high mage joined his magic to hers. She attempted to pierce the ward again, but barely made a dent. After several tries, she began to tire. Do we keep trying?

  No. It doesn’t seem to be working. We’ll switch to the other tactic.

  How do you want me to announce myself?

  Wait until I shield myself within your mind, then on my signal, shimmer the ward.

  Shimmer? Jenna had never heard that word before.

  It is a magical technique to announce your presence at a warded place. Instead of trying to break the ward, you merely let your magic ripple along it. Its effect should be unmistakable to the ward’s creator. I am hoping the Dark Mage will recognize your magic and let you through.

  All right. After receiving the signal from Lord Harcourt, Jenna let her mind magic approach the ward’s surface, but instead of at a point let it flow outward over it. She couldn’t see a change, but felt a shiver as her magic rippled along the ward. How do we know it worked? As if on cue, an opening appeared in the ward near where Jenna had shimmered it. Oh, I see.

  Remember, warned the high mage, we move in and move out as quickly as possible.

  Lord Harcourt remained concealed in her mind as she entered the castle. The mage was waiting for her again inside the main sitting room with the large fire. “Little Mage, how good of you to drop by. It’s been awhile.”

  Hello. Jenna knew it was best to say as little as possible.

  The mage switched to a mind-link. I am surprised you are here, actually. They have kept you locked away from me since autumn.

  I wish to know more about you. Jenna attempted to assume as innocent a mental state as possible.

  The man physically laughed. Would you now? He seemed intrigued, and for a brief moment Jenna hoped he would actually reveal something directly, but then his expression changed, his gaze hardening. I do not appreciate unannounced visitors.

  Jenna began to panic and moved to return to her body in the Tower, but before she could, her link to Lord Harcourt and the mirror was jarringly severed. Spots appeared in Jenna’s vision. Before she could recover enough to make another attempt to return, the Dark Mage closed his eyes and deepened the link to Jenna’s mind. Her sight went dark.

  Who was in the link with us? Jenna did not respond, but she also did not know how to break such a strong mind-link. If you do not tel
l me, I will be forced to extract the information. Jenna continued to refuse to answer. Very well.

  Jenna then felt the icy tendrils of his magic ooze into her mind and without knowing how, her memories began to replay in reverse. Jenna watched in horror as her attempt to break the mountain castle wards and then her mental journey to the site was shown to the Dark Mage. Finally, he saw Lord Harcourt and paused at the memory of her scrying instruction. The high mage himself? And he is also a mind mage. Jenna wanted to cry. She wanted to flee. She wanted to do something, but she was stuck in the mind-link. What is his true name?

  I don’t know. Jenna could honestly answer that question.

  Very well. Let’s find out what yours is. He replayed the end of the conversation she had with Lord Harcourt and there it was. “‘The man has shown an interest in you, Miss Mallory,’” said the high mage in Jenna’s memory. Miss Mallory. Miss Jenna Mallory. Is that your name? Jenna couldn’t respond, but she felt despair take over as she was at the man’s mercy. I’ll take that as a yes.

  Jenna then had some vague hope he would let her go but no such luck. He kept examining her memories and paused when she saw an image of herself in the large magic mirror. And there you are. Most interesting. You are a Queen’s Lady, with a common Sevalian name, yet look quite foreign. And that is quite the unconventional dress you have on. You become more interesting all the time, dear Jenna. Let’s keep going shall we. Jenna’s despair had thoroughly set in as the man continued replaying her memories until he reached the time when she was inside the main palace stables. He paused when he saw Jenna’s kiss. Oh my.

  NO! Jenna’s anger now started to flare.

  And who is the young lad?

  That’s none of your business. Jenna finally gathered the strength to start to fight the mage. She sharpened her mental focus and then pushed, hard. Her sight changed, and she saw the mage again sitting in his armchair. He opened his eyes and spoke.

  “Impressive, Little Mage. Perhaps you are more powerful than I thought.”

  You bastard.

  “I hardly see how my parents being unmarried is relevant to this situation.”

  If Jenna had still had her body, she would have growled. Instead, she tried to find her center to get the hell out of there. Jenna? That was Lord Harcourt. She grabbed hold of his mental link.

  “Damn it, not again!” The Dark Mage’s anger spiked as Jenna was able to finally leave the mountains and snap back into her body in the Tower. As she tried to take a breath, she felt her lungs gasping, and she coughed several times. When she came to her senses, she was shocked not to see Harcourt’s violet eyes, but her brother’s concerned face instead.

  “Peter?” she whispered. “What?”

  “It’s okay. You’re safe now.” He pulled her into a hug. Jenna still had no idea why her brother was there, but she did sense others around them, including the high mage. She didn’t have a chance to figure out what happened though because as she closed her eyes against Peter’s chest, dizziness overtook her, and she blacked out.

  When she woke, she was in an unfamiliar bed, in what appeared to be the infirmary in the West Wing. Her brother was there next to her, asleep in a chair. She considered waking him, but laid back on her pillow instead. Her head still swam, but she had calmed down from her horrifying experience with the Dark Mage. In fact, she was somewhat upset with herself for giving him so much information but gaining so little in return.

  After resting a few minutes, she unexpectedly felt a slight tug inside her mind. It couldn’t have been Lord Harcourt. He was never that tentative. Hello? she asked.

  Jenna, it’s Sebastian. Can you hear me?

  Yes. She felt relieved to hear the Prince’s mental voice. How is it you can speak to me this way?

  I only discovered we had a link when it was severed by that horrible mage. Peter and I ended up with splitting headaches. Kedar went crazy, which alerted Durand and Dominic that something was wrong. Dominic went to check on you in the Tower with Peter. How are you feeling?

  Much better. Jenna was still trying to process the fact that she had standing mind-links and also that the Crown Prince had come to her aid. I didn’t know about the standing link.

  Lord Harcourt explained it commonly happens with strong mind mages. I’m thankful for it now because it gives me the chance to talk to you without…

  Jenna knew the Prince’s concern. He didn’t want anyone to know about his feelings for her. I’m glad too.

  She heard footsteps outside the door and knew who was coming to see her. I’d better go, she said.

  I’ll see you later then. Rest well. Jenna felt one last feeling of affection from the Prince’s mind before the link went silent.

  The door opened swiftly, and in walked the high mage, his violet mage robe billowing from him. Jenna got the sense of mixed emotions from his mind. There was anger, concern, possibly even fear. When the door slammed shut, it woke Peter up.

  “Wha… huh?” said Peter, as he rapidly blinked his eyes. “My Lord!” He bowed his head and then looked toward Jenna. “How are you feeling?”

  “Better,” she replied. “But still confused over everything that happened.”

  “Mr. Mallory was alerted that something was wrong when your mind-links to him, your horse, and Prince Sebastian were suddenly severed,” explained the high mage. They continued to tell the same story that Sebastian had already relayed. She didn’t want to tell them about her earlier mind conversation with the Prince so pretended to be interested.

  “I admit I am surprised about the standing links,” said Jenna. “But what I don’t understand is how they were severed.”

  Lord Harcourt sighed. “It is a feat only a high-level mind mage could accomplish.”

  “So the Dark Mage does have mind powers?”

  “Yes. There is no mistaking it now.” The high mage frowned. “Just how he came to have such power and where he has been up until now remain mysteries. What I need to know from you, Miss Mallory, is what happened after he severed our link.”

  Jenna sighed and explained how he drew her into his mind and examined her memories. She was honest about revealing certain information, including that he learned her full name, but left out that he had seen her kiss. “I feel bad. I let him have access to so much information, but gained almost none about him.” Jenna shook her head, and Peter squeezed her hand.

  “No, Miss Mallory, this is not your fault. If anyone is to blame it is I. I grossly underestimated the threat this man poses, especially to you. I am sorry.” He looked into her eyes, and Jenna did not doubt his sincerity.

  “Well, I knew he was a threat,” Jenna continued. “I just wanted something more to be done.”

  “Yes,” added Peter. “My Lord, may I ask what is to be done? I don’t want to see my sister in danger.”

  “I have already rechecked the wards around her dormitory and plan to increase the wards around the castle. The King has also agreed something needs to be done about the mage himself. That is where you may be of service, Mr. Mallory.”

  “Me?”

  “Yes, because you are on better terms with the Khazaran ambassador than anyone else here.”

  “Oh,” said Peter. “But what does Khazaran have to do with this?”

  “The mage speaks with a slight Khazaran accent,” explained Lord Harcourt. “When questioned about him, the ambassador grew interested. Because the mage’s mountain hideout resides on the east side of the mountains, Khazaran now claims he is in their territory.”

  “Ah,” said Peter. “Well, I’m not sure what I can do, but if it helps Jenna, I will do everything I can.”

  The high mage nodded and looked back at her. “Miss Mallory, I know you said you felt unable to gain any information from this man, but we have learned some things. We know from his ability to sever our link, and his ability to see your memories that he is a high-level mind mage, at least level six. We know he may be Khazaran. I believe it likely, but it is to be confirmed. Although I know no details
of what he is planning, I felt enough anger from his mind in our brief contact to know he is a potential threat to Sevalia. Is there anything else at all that you remember?”

  Jenna took a deep breath, trying to go over the entire experience. “He did say one thing.” She bit her lip. “Uh, he said his parents weren’t married.”

  At seeing the expression on her face, Peter smiled. “Don’t worry, Sister. I would have called him far worse.”

  Lord Harcourt’s reaction was less amused. He seemed lost in thought. “A product of an illicit liaison. I’m not sure how useful that information will be, but it is something.”

  She just shrugged.

  There was a slight knock on the door, and Jenna was slightly surprised to see the Queen walk in. Both her brother and the high mage bowed to her.

  The Queen waved her hand to indicate they should relax. “It’s all right. I just wanted to make sure Miss Mallory was feeling better.”

  Jenna managed to smile. “I am much better. Thank you, Majesty.”

  The Queen still approached her and placed her hand on Jenna’s forehead. “Yes. You do seem better, almost surprisingly so. Your healing magic makes you quite resilient.” The Queen smiled at her.

  “If you are feeling well enough, Miss Mallory, I would prefer you rest in the dormitory now that its wards are stronger,” said Lord Harcourt.

  Jenna nodded. “That’s fine. I’m sure I can make it back.”

  “I’ll escort you,” said Peter.

  Jenna slowly stood up and took her brother’s arm. The Queen told her she could take as much time as she needed before returning to classes and gave her a tonic for any further headaches. Jenna felt she would be back to normal by the next morning and thanked the Queen and the high mage once again for their help and concern as she left with Peter, headed toward the East Wing.

  “I’m sorry for yet another scandal,” she said.