To Play the Lady

by Naomi Lane

  “I’m not so sure about that,” replied Peter, attempting to help Sebastian out. “I’ve observed his magic training. No one has ever laid a finger on him, even powerful fire mages.”

  “Even so, it is the responsibility of every knight—”

  “Oh come off it, Eamon,” said Sebastian. “Your lecture is the last thing I need.” Jenna grew even more concerned when she sensed just how angry Sebastian had become.

  “You may not want to hear it, but someone has to tell you. And if your instructors won’t say anything against you because of your position, then it is left to me. Do you want to be a proper knight, Sebastian? Because right now—”

  “No, actually, Brother, I really don’t.” Jenna sensed Sebastian’s anger had increased to an extreme. His response shocked all of them. “No one ever asked me what I wanted, or gave me any options whatsoever, but the answer is no. I don’t want to be a knight.”

  “Huh.” Eamon seemed almost too stunned for words. He shook his head. “So what will you do instead, be a layabout—”

  “I am considering joining Harcourt Tower.” Jenna closed her eyes. She had sensed it was coming, but the other two were completely taken aback, especially Eamon.

  “What? Sebastian, I… that’s ridiculous. Father will never allow it.”

  “It isn’t his decision to make.”

  Eamon seemed as if he had more to say but glared over at Jenna, who was standing next to Peter. She grabbed her brother’s arm, and they headed off into the woods to give the others some privacy.

  Once at an adequate distance, Peter paused. “Well that was unexpected.”

  “Sebastian never told you?”

  “No. You knew?” Peter looked quite shocked.

  “Yeah. He thought I might be able to help give him some advice. I’m there often enough.”

  “It’s not true then is it?”

  “What? That Sebastian wants to enter a Tower?”

  Peter shook his head. “No, that you will.”

  “Oh.” Jenna crossed her arms over her chest, starting to get angry herself.

  “Look. A rumor has been going around ever since you were attacked by that mage. They say a mind mage as powerful as you are will have to stay in a Tower and that you will probably be sent there soon for your own safety.”

  “It isn’t true,” Jenna replied defiantly. “I spoke to Lord Harcourt about it. Yes, there are some among the Sevalian nobility that want to see me inside a Tower, but ultimately the decision rests with the Tower Lord, and he won’t force me or anyone else to do it. However, the Tower is open to me if I wish.”

  “Jenna, don’t be silly. You wouldn’t voluntarily enter any Tower.”

  She glared at him. “Well, Peter, I’m not sure. Considering I have strong mind magic, and joining the Tower is the only way to really use it, then why not?”

  He almost laughed. “That’s ridiculous. Father won’t let you.”

  Then it was Jenna’s turn to laugh. “You sound exactly like Eamon!”

  Peter blushed. “But, Jenna, it’s true.”

  “No, it isn’t.” Jenna faced Peter directly, staring right into his eyes. “Our father may be a low-level mind mage, but he is no match for Lord Harcourt.” Peter’s jaw clenched. She was hoping her goading would make him crack, but he said nothing. “Come on, Peter. You know the real reason I can’t enter a Tower. Admit it.”

  “No,” said Peter. “I told you I will never discuss that.”

  “But it’s true. The real reason is that I have Rahtani magic. Why won’t you just tell me about it? I’m already starting to train. Uncle will be here in the summer. Why delay the inevitable?”

  “Uncle?”

  Jenna huffed. She hadn’t told him about that yet and was a bit upset at herself for letting it slip. “It was in Mama’s letter. Uncle Rafid will be coming to train me.”

  Peter’s jaw dropped open. “Rafid! Oh gods.” He turned and began to walk away quickly.

  “Where are you going?”

  “To go write to Father. He has to be warned.”

  “Warned? Warned about what? This is crazy. Someone needs to tell me what’s going on, damn it!”

  “Oh really? I thought you said you’d find out soon enough.”

  Jenna nearly growled at her brother’s tone of voice. “Fine!” she said. “Go to hell for all I care!” She stopped following him, but he never so much as turned his head to look at her. He just headed off to find Rune and ride back to the palace. In the meantime, Jenna paced around, wanting to go find Bree herself, except she stopped when she remembered she hadn’t spoken privately to Sebastian yet. She sighed. Could this day be any worse?

  Sebastian? she called over the mind-link.

  Finally! he responded.

  Are you still with Eamon? she asked, almost hoping he was, so she could delay a little longer.

  No. He went back to the palace after we talked. He thinks I’m just taking some time to think things over. Are you alone then?

  Yes. Peter went back to the palace, too. He had some business to take care of. Using their mind-link, it didn’t take long to finally meet face-to-face. When she saw him, he seemed rather relieved to talk to her. His anger was still there though, simmering in the background. It didn’t prevent him from grabbing her hand. He pulled her into a hug, but when he leaned down to kiss her, she tensed.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked. “Why have you been ignoring my attempts to mind-link?”

  “Sebastian, I…” Jenna didn’t know where to begin. She had rehearsed what needed to be said within her mind, but standing there, staring into Sebastian’s eyes, she almost felt compelled not to hurt him. She wanted to ignore all the warnings and kiss him instead. “How am I going to do this?”

  He knew instantly something was wrong. “You want to break it off.”

  “I…” She sighed, then nodded. “I’m so sorry.”

  He turned from her in anger. A tear rolled down Jenna’s face. “May I ask why?” he asked, his back still toward her.

  “It’s… complicated.” She felt more tears start to fall.

  “Complicated how? Complicated you prefer someone else or—”

  “What! No! Sebastian, gods, how can you even think that?”

  “You think I don’t notice how you stare at Eamon?” He turned back around, but didn’t meet her eyes.

  Jenna was so shocked she could barely respond. “No, it’s not that.”

  “Whatever.” He started to walk off.

  This was a total disaster. Jenna panicked. “Sebastian, don’t leave. I have to explain.”

  “Explain that you don’t want me. I get it.”

  “No. I don’t think you get it.” She ran around to face him directly. She noticed even his eyes were tearing up by then. “Look! After the last time we were together, I had a dream about you. It was nice, very nice, until the Dark Mage showed up.”

  Sebastian’s anger instantly turned to confusion. “What does he have to do with this?”

  She continued to explain, attempting to be as honest as possible. It came out in a bit of a rush, but she managed to tell him everything she needed to. After sharing what happened in the first dream, she relayed how she stole the book and was disturbed by its contents. Then she recalled how her headache forced her to try to rest, but instead of sleeping comfortably, she had confronted the Dark Mage in the second dream. She talked about needing the high mage’s help and then mentioned the charm and how it led to her vision, which still wasn’t explained. But mostly she emphasized that they could not take the risk of brain damage by pursuing the relationship. He was briefly upset when she told him that Lord Harcourt knew about it all. He didn’t believe her when she said he would never tell his parents. She gently reminded him that he hadn’t so far, and wasn’t that proof enough? She also explained how she was grateful for Harcourt’s willingness to give her the shield on her mind-link to avoid staying in the Tower.

  “I guess you really do trust the high mage,” said Sebastian.


  Jenna nodded. “It’s true; I do. At first, he came across as cold, but I know him better now. He has never gone back on his word, and he listens.”

  “I’m still supposed to meet with him later today.”

  Jenna had forgotten that, but she nodded. “He’s looking forward to it. I don’t think he gets many new recruits, and someone with your magic—I can understand his enthusiasm.”

  “Then I’ll go meet with him, despite what Eamon says.”

  “He still thinks it’s a ridiculous idea?”

  Sebastian shook his head slightly. “I don’t know. I shouldn’t have brought it up, but I got so angry at his didactic tone.”

  “Maybe it’s a good thing. You can convince Eamon first and then move on to your parents, or your father really. I’m sure Queen Mirella will support you.”

  Sebastian sighed. “Maybe. But that’s not important right now. What I want to know is what happens to us.” He took her hand.

  “Sebastian, we, we have to end the private meetings. Though, I’d really hate to lose our friendship too.”

  He nodded. “It’s probably best we don’t speak at all for the next few weeks then, let things calm down. Afterward… we can see. I can’t guarantee a friendship will work out, but—” He shrugged. “I’d hate never to talk to you again. And when your magic power is fully trained, who knows?”

  She hugged him. “Thank you, for understanding.”

  He kissed her lightly on the head. “I’ll miss you.”

  “I’ll miss you, too.”

  “Lord Harcourt better know what he’s doing. If that mage comes after you again, I will go after him myself.”

  Jenna knew it sounded as if he was just boasting, but she could tell he was serious. “Sebastian! You can’t.”

  “Why not?”

  “I don’t know. He’s a Master-level mage—”

  “So what? So am I.”

  “You are?”

  “All defense mages are.”

  “Oh.” Thinking about it, this made a lot of sense. “You could become a Tower Lord then.”

  Sebastian blushed a bit. “Well, that is the idea. I mean, it’s not a guarantee, but it has crossed my mind that I could serve my brother Dominic as the next Lord Harcourt.”

  Jenna just smiled and nodded. They took their time walking back to the horses, still holding hands. He gave her one last quick hug before they each prepared to ride.

  “Good-bye, Jenna,” he said.

  “I’ll see you later.” She rolled her eyes. “Much later, but good luck today.”

  He nodded, and they each rode off in separate directions.

  Chapter 27

  Both Jenna and Sebastian stayed true to their word and avoided each other for several weeks. Sebastian skipped the combat training, saying to Peter that he was using the time to explore the option of joining Harcourt Tower. Jenna silently wished him well, but was almost glad he wasn’t there anymore. It was easier to focus on the training with just Eamon and her brother, but her relations with her brother had not improved. They barely spoke, and Jenna was still in the dark about her foreign magic.

  As time passed, the weather provided one more snow storm that interrupted her lessons, but Aurelia assured the other Ladies that it would be the last. Finally, spring arrived at the palace, and Jenna admired the pink blossoms on the trees as she rode out to her combat training early one morning.

  When she arrived, she found herself alone. Since it was warm she stripped to her corset and breeches and started to exercise. She began with some stretches just to warm up. She wanted to practice some footwork, but on a whim first thought she should test her own flexibility. As a young child, when she practiced acrobatics with her brother Alex, she was quite limber. She found she could still get into a split position and hold a handstand for thirty seconds. She was doing back-flips when Peter and Eamon appeared.

  “Lady Jenna!” said Eamon. “Most impressive.”

  She smiled, then shrugged. “I used to be better. Too much time spent riding, not enough practicing acrobatics I’m afraid.”

  “Perhaps it’s time to start practicing it again,” the Prince added.

  “I don’t know. I hardly get enough time to practice the footwork you’re always after me about.”

  He chuckled while Peter rolled his eyes. Eamon tossed her a training weapon, and soon she was practicing swordplay. Eamon instructed both her and Peter to warm up with some footwork. Then they began a bout. While facing off against her brother, she mainly focused on attempting the moves she had been learning with Eamon. It felt good, and the moves were coming more naturally, but Peter still won the bout. He even smiled when he got his winning hit. Jenna huffed, but she respected her brother’s talent and knew she was improving.

  She looked over at Eamon for further instruction, not sure if he wanted to continue. The Prince seemed lost in thought. “Let’s do one more bout, just one hit,” he said. “No holds barred.” This surprised both Peter and Jenna. “I want you both to feel free to use all your training. It is only fitting since if this were real, you wouldn’t be restricted to just what I’ve been teaching you the past few weeks.”

  Both Jenna and Peter pondered his words for a few seconds before they each assumed the guard position. Jenna felt her focus sharpen as Peter stepped to the side. She countered, still facing him, then remembered she had seen this move of Peter’s before and expected him to attack. He moved, and she responded, intending to parry left, but it was a feint. He moved around her blade and closed in with the lunge. Jenna cursed to herself, but still had enough focus to move. She broke her rigid stance and jumped to the side, just missing Peter’s training blade.

  She moved to attack his back, but he moved fast and countered, locking blades with hers. Using superior strength, he attempted to control her blade and disarm her. Her first instinct was to fight him, but in a flash of inspiration, she let her blade go. This surprised Peter enough she got the upper hand briefly. She grabbed his sword arm and moved in close, kneeing him in the groin as she did so. He doubled over in pain, and she stepped to the side, knocking his footing out from under him. She then pounced on top of him, securing his sword arm and retrieving her own weapon from nearby. She easily made the hit to win the bout.

  Eamon actually clapped while she let her brother up. “Well done! You both did excellent work today,” he said. Jenna saluted her teacher, but Peter just seemed out of breath. “You all right, Peter?” Eamon asked.

  Peter nodded, but glared at Jenna. After all her trouble getting him to spill his secrets, she could hardly feel too sorry for him. “Same time next week?” she asked.

  “Certainly, but I’ve been thinking. Is Durand continuing your archery training?” said Eamon.

  “No, actually.” Jenna would miss it, but since the winter weather had broken he was returning to riding lessons full time for all the Ladies.

  “Would you like to learn archery from horseback?”

  Jenna’s eyes went wide. “Of course, Your Highness!”

  “Are you certain that is a wise idea, Prince Eamon?” Peter asked.

  Eamon shrugged. “No, but why not? I would like to see if Lady Jenna’s skill with the bow is as good as her other talents.”

  “I enjoy archery and riding both immensely,” she replied. “I would love to be able to combine the skills.”

  “Then ride Kedar over next time, and please bring your own bow. I hear it is something special.”

  She nodded excitedly. They headed over to where the horses waited, but Peter grabbed her wrist and faced her. “You know I don’t want you using that bow,” he told her using the Rahtani tongue. Eamon was in earshot, but gave them their space. Jenna just broke her wrist from his grip and walked off without saying a word. He sighed, but didn’t respond.

  She mounted Bree and wished Prince Eamon well, saying once again that she would eagerly await their next lesson. She remained upset with her brother, but did wonder why she hadn’t heard anything from their fathe
r, considering Peter said he would write to him. Perhaps her father was away. His business did take him away from Salara quite frequently, though less frequently in winter. Whatever had happened, she didn’t let it bother her too much throughout the rest of the day. She knew one way or another she would get the truth.

  The force with which the high mage’s magic slammed into Jenna’s mind was unexpected and caused her some physical pain, but she still remembered her training and threw up her shields. The magical onslaught subsided. “Good,” said Lord Harcourt. “Your shields are vastly improved I think.” Jenna nodded. The link with the Dark Mage had faded from her mind such that Lord Harcourt’s direct monitoring had ceased, but she had been training how to use her shields to block an intruder if anyone should attack her the same way again. “But is it good enough, My Lord?”

  “I think if the Dark Mage were to attack you through a mind-link again, you would be far better prepared to face him, but we will continue to practice this, and I will ensure the wards around the dormitory are kept to maximum strength.”

  Jenna nodded, knowing Lord Harcourt was convinced the Dark Mage could not make another mind-link to her while the wards guarded her and while she did not directly seek him out. “Is this all for today?”

  “I think so. I know you are always anxious to get to your riding lesson now that the weather is pleasant.”

  She smiled and went to grab her shawl, but paused. “Since the weather has turned, doesn’t this mean the Dark Mage will be vulnerable soon?”

  “Yes, and I can now assure you that preparations for an expedition to the mountain castle are well underway. Lord Zidaria is sponsoring it, and the Earth and Fire Guilds will assist.”

  “Aren’t you going?” Jenna asked.

  “Yes, most definitely. My guess is he will attempt to elude us, leaving me to track him.”

  “But doesn’t that mean you should be heading to Zidaria?”

  “I will, in a couple of weeks. The Towers have devices that allow me to travel instantaneously between them. We call it teleportation. While I’m gone, you’ll get a break from your lessons, but I want you to continue to practice your skills.”