To Play the Lady

by Naomi Lane

  “Miss Mallory, what in Heaven’s name…” said the drawing instructor. Jenna snapped out of her reverie and looked at her drawing in shock. The apple she thought she had been working on was gone, and instead there was a stunning portrait of the Dark Mage. Jenna quickly dropped her charcoal onto the floor.

  The drawing showed far more skill than Jenna consciously had. He was cloaked in black, and the resemblance was unmistakable. She had somehow captured the darkness she always sensed about him. He seemed menacing, and in his right hand he was gripping some object. It appeared to be a crystal like the one he had shown her in one of her dreams.

  The instructor’s surprised reaction caused all the other Ladies to gather around and look at Jenna’s drawing. They shared her shock.

  “He looks handsome,” said Aurelia. “I thought you disliked drawing, Jenna?”

  Jenna didn’t even have the wherewithal to respond to Aurelia’s remark.

  “He looks rather dour, though,” said Constance. “Look at his hand there. It’s almost like a claw. And what is he gripping? A talisman?”

  Jenna just shook her head. She wasn’t sure she was happy or dismayed to hear the door open. When she looked over to see who it was, the Queen walked in. “What is going on here?” she asked. The other Ladies scurried back to their own easels, but the Queen approached Jenna and her teacher directly.

  “Miss Mallory has unexpectedly decided to draw a portrait this morning,” explained her instructor. When the Queen finally took a look at the drawing for herself, she was immediately as stunned as the rest of the group.

  “I see.” She looked to Jenna, concerned. “Is this something Lord Harcourt should see, Miss Mallory?” she asked.

  Jenna just nodded, still trying to understand what happened. She and the high mage both had confidence in the wards and shields they had erected.

  “Why don’t you go take this to Lord Harcourt right now,” the Queen continued. “I believe he is in the King’s audience chamber. Just tell an aide there you must see him and that I sent you. All right?”

  “Yes, Majesty.” Jenna finally found her voice. With the help of the instructor, she rolled the portrait up and headed to the Central Tower.

  Jenna had never been to the audience chamber before, and she was slightly confused at which direction to go, but using her link to Lord Harcourt she could get a sense of where he was and followed it. Eventually, she happened upon an open doorway and saw people clustered inside a large room, including the King himself, who was seated at the far end of the chamber. She saw the high mage standing behind and slightly to the side of the King. Surprisingly, he didn’t notice her presence, but he was busy using his magic, establishing links to the minds of the claimants. She could only speculate as to the purpose, but guessed it was to sense the truth of their assertions.

  An aide did see her enter, however. “May I help you, Miss?” he asked.

  “Yes, I must speak to Lord Harcourt. The Queen sent me.”

  “I see.” The man was surprised, but said, “Please wait here.” He bowed to her and then made his way to the far end of the room in order to whisper in Lord Harcourt’s ear. The high mage nodded to him to acknowledge he had heard, but Jenna had to wait a couple more minutes until the claimants were finished. Harcourt then whispered a few words to the King before looking straight at her, his brow furrowed.

  He walked over. “Miss Mallory, we just had our lesson this morning. What’s wrong?”

  “I have something to show you. May we go someplace private?”

  “Of course. We can go to my office.” He led the way down the corridor and quietly shut the door behind them as they entered the room. “Now, please explain why you needed to see me so urgently?”

  “Somehow I created this during my drawing class.” Her hand shook slightly as she handed him the drawing. “Don’t ask me how. I have absolutely no talent for drawing and was trying to draw a fruit bowl at the time.”

  Jenna knew the high mage could hear her words, but when he caught sight of the portrait, he focused on nothing else. He stood in silence for several moments, while Jenna paced.

  “He formed another mind-link with you.” It wasn’t a question.

  “How? I didn’t feel a thing. My mind wandered and then when my instructor saw the drawing she brought me out of it. It was… eerie.”

  “I don’t know how, but obviously he did.”

  “I thought you said the shields would protect me?” Jenna was angry. She didn’t know exactly who or what she was angry with, but it just didn’t seem fair. She had been working hard to keep him away. They had both verified her older link with him was gone. How could it all come back now? She should be better trained for this.

  Harcourt set the drawing down. “I know I said that, and they should.”

  “But!”

  “I understand your frustration, Miss Mallory. If anything I feel the same way.”

  Jenna sighed. A tear began to roll down her face. “I just don’t want to deal with him anymore. What does he want with me?” She even knew the answer to that last question, or at least had a few ideas, none of them pleasant. She was a female mind mage, the only one in existence he could get his hands on.

  Harcourt actually came over to attempt to comfort her. He took her hand and put his arm around her shoulders. “Jenna, I have done everything in my power to protect you, but you must understand that this mage is resourceful and well-trained. How a powerful mind mage could be that well-trained, I have no idea. Our guess is that he is Khazaran, despite the lack of information the ambassador could provide. Somehow Khazaran has been hiding this from us, but even so, my guess is this mage owes allegiance to no one.” He paused before continuing. “What he did to create this drawing was a work of superb subtlety, a subtlety not even I have at such a distance. But there is good news in all of this. The expedition is ready. I will leave tomorrow to track this man down and lock him away so that he will never hurt you or anyone else again.”

  Jenna actually hugged Harcourt at that moment, which shocked him slightly, but he did not pull away. When she released him she felt better. “Do you know what he has in his hand?”

  “Not entirely. Mind mages have used crystal to focus their power for ages. I myself use it sometimes.”

  “Then what does it mean?”

  “A warning of some kind, I suppose.”

  “He still hunts me then?”

  “Of that, I am afraid, I have little doubt.”

  Harcourt then took some time to make sure she had no trace of any link to the Dark Mage’s mind that had slipped their earlier screens. He also double-checked her shielding, adding some power of his own so he should be able to sense if the Dark Mage tried anything again. “Is there anything else we should do?” Jenna knew he would probably sense her unasked question. Would she now need to enter the Tower for her own safety?

  “I think we are finished here. You may return to your studies with the Ladies. I, however, have work to do. I need to show this to the King, for one, and explain how I must leave soon. I also want to talk to Prince Sebastian.”

  “Sebastian?” That was a surprise to Jenna.

  “Yes, one of his skills is warding. It is his kind of magic that is responsible for the strong wards around the Tower. I will see what he can do to ward the castle grounds and your dormitory.”

  Jenna nodded. This actually made her feel much better. She had witnessed firsthand Sebastian’s unique power. If anyone could protect her besides the high mage it was him.

  “Thank you, My Lord. And thank Sebastian for me as well.”

  “I will.”

  “Will I see you again before you leave?”

  He nodded. “I can signal to you tomorrow so we can have a proper farewell. I may have some more instruction for you.”

  She nodded. “Until then?”

  “There is one more thing, Miss Mallory. Next time, if anything should happen like this, no matter when you realize it, call me through our link immediately.”


  “Of course,” she replied, realizing she had been silly not to do so earlier that day.

  “And I will tell the Queen about this,” he continued. “If you want some time away from the rest of your classes, I’m sure that would be fine.”

  She nodded and finally bade him good-bye so she could return to the East Wing.

  Jenna felt extremely agitated after her meeting with Lord Harcourt. She almost felt as if she should run back to him and demand he take her to Zidaria so she could help track down the Dark Mage, but she knew it was silly. They would never allow a ‘Lady’ to go. It seemed like such a pity. With her riding and magic skills she was sure she would be of value to the party. In fact, with the Dark Mage hunting her, she would even be excellent bait for a trap. Except that thought made her less enthusiastic about leaving the palace.

  At first she decided to take the high mage’s advice and skip her remaining classes, but she was just more agitated when alone with her thoughts, so she went to her needlework lesson to attempt to distract herself. The others looked at her askance as she walked into the room, but Aylin smiled and helped her focus on her knitting. Although the shawl she was working on was still full of holes, it did help distract her, and time passed more quickly. After supper, Jenna headed to the dormitory to attempt to use her mind-link to ask Lord Harcourt if there was any progress. Instead, Sebastian’s link activated.

  Hello? said Jenna. Sebastian, is that you? It felt a bit strange to be speaking to the Prince again over the mind-link.

  Yes, he said. I just wanted to give you an update. Lord Harcourt said it would be okay.

  Jenna’s interest increased. What happened?

  I increased the wards around the castle grounds. It was rather fun, in a way. I found a bunch of holes no one else would notice. The only problem is I’m a little low on strength. I don’t have enough left to do the dormitory tonight. I’ll do it tomorrow, though.

  That’s okay, Jenna replied. I’m sure you did your best.

  Yes. Lord Harcourt says not to worry. There is no way anyone is getting onto the grounds without me or the Tower knowing, Master-level mage or no.

  Thank you, Sebastian.

  For you, Jenna, anything.

  They didn’t chat for too much longer. Jenna sensed the Prince was tired from his magical workings that day. But because of his reassurances, she rested well that night.

  Chapter 29

  Jenna slept so well after her conversation with Prince Sebastian that she awoke quite early. The sun had not yet risen and wouldn’t for more than an hour. She pondered going back to sleep, but was suddenly restless and so decided to get up and go riding. Since she would even have time to practice some of her other skills, she became more excited. As she dressed in her riding outfit, she considered taking her bow with her. It didn’t seem likely that practicing with non-living targets would be dangerous, but she ultimately kept her promise to Peter and left it alone. But then something gave her pause. Just as she left the dormitory, she felt an odd cry of protest from the magic inside the weapons. This seemed strange, but she eventually shrugged it off and continued to walk down the hall.

  She knew she should go seek out Mrs. Hawes to let her know she was going riding, but it just didn’t seem necessary, especially that early. She usually didn’t get in trouble as long as she checked in with the stables anyway, so she decided to go straight to the West Wing. To make it fun, she wanted to take a route through the secret passages. Although it didn’t seem entirely logical, she also knew it was a good way to avoid any attention from people who thought it strange to see her up that early.

  Her palm easily blazed with a comforting red light as she entered the passage through the library nearby. She walked carefully through the dark halls, using the knowledge Sebastian had given her. With her light, she guided herself easily to the Central Tower area. Since she wasn’t entirely sure of the route without going through the Arcanum chamber, and since she was still curious about the room and its glowing rota, she decided she may as well walk through it. Luckily, Sebastian hadn’t fully sealed the chamber when leaving it the last time, so she slipped past the wards and stepped inside.

  The room’s magic still hummed through the walls, and the rota blazed with an intense white light. She paused in the center of the room and decided it would be a good place to practice her magic and check on her shields. She slipped into a light trance, and easily found her magical barrier that felt like a sphere of protective glass. Overall, it was holding strong, but she reinforced a couple places that seemed a little weak. What was surprising was she also sensed a shielding coming from Sebastian’s charm. She remembered it was supposed to protect her from arrows. She smiled when she thought of the day he gave it to her. Then something odd happened. She sensed the room’s magic flow into her, giving the charm a boost. She gave the magic her thanks and left the chamber through the door opposite the one she had used to gain entry.

  Before long she was at the stables. She saw no one as she walked through them, seeking the Crown horses. That was somewhat unusual, but when she saw Kedar, she didn’t let the thought bother her too much. It was early, so even though Barrett was usually there, it didn’t necessarily mean anything significant. Kedar and the other horses certainly seemed pleased to see her. She gave the Crown horses some attention before saddling Kedar. She worked quickly, eager to start her ride.

  As she mounted Kedar and left the stables, she found it was still dark. This didn’t bother her much. The blue glow on the horizon told her that the sun would be rising soon, and the path through the woods to the meadow where she usually practiced combat was a familiar route. She took the path at a walk, humming to herself as she went, but then she slowed down. As the woods grew thicker, she began to grow uneasy. Despite her shields, she could still sense a human presence up ahead. This was most unexpected. She wondered if she should just head back to the palace, but she was curious as to who was wandering about at this hour.

  She approached the clearing cautiously, using her link with Kedar to keep him especially quiet. She also directed the strength of her shields toward the clearing so that it was more likely she would not be seen. Still obscured by the woods, Jenna peered into the clearing and was instantly in shock as she laid eyes upon a small set of cloaked and hooded figures, all astride horses. The scene was familiar. She had seen the same thing in her earlier vision when inside the Tower clutching Sebastian’s charm. Fortunately, they did not see her, and she continued to observe.

  “Why is this taking so long?” said one of the group. Jenna recognized his voice from the conversation she overheard during the ball. Jenna’s heart began to pound harder.

  Another man lifted his hand to indicate his need for silence. Jenna suspected magic might be at play, but she didn’t sense anything. Figuring her shields were protecting her, she was unwilling to lessen them at all, even to gain more information. Eventually, the man who had raised his hand spoke. “I had a bit of trouble with the Ladies’ dormitory, but it is fine now. I have given the others the signal.” That voice made Jenna’s blood run cold. She would know that slight Khazaran accent anywhere.

  “The Ladies’ dormitory?” the other man replied, seemingly irritated.

  “It is most strongly warded, and also close to the Royal Suite. Best not to take any chances.”

  Jenna finally snapped out of fear long enough to act. This was obviously something sinister. She dropped her shields enough to use her standing links. While doing so, some of the Dark Mage’s power leaked through, and she got a sense of tiredness. She realized why she hadn’t seen anyone on her journey there. They were all under a spell of magic sleep. She couldn’t fathom how Harcourt Tower had failed to detect this. She instantly reached out to the high mage through her mind-link, pulling hard. Lord Harcourt? My Lord, are you there? The link was cold. This was peculiar. He always responded to her. She was beginning to lose hope and believed that the Dark Mage had managed to pierce the Tower wards. She tried one more time. Lord Harcou
rt? Damn it. LUCAS, WAKE UP!

  Jenna? She got the sense he had been in a deep sleep, but came to alertness quickly.

  Look! She sent him the image of what she saw.

  Is this actually happening?

  “What do we do now?” asked one of the men.

  “We wait,” replied the Dark Mage.

  Harcourt recognized that voice as well. Gods no!

  He keeps the palace asleep, replied Jenna frantically. I suspect an attack on the royal family.

  I will wake the Tower and attempt to counter his spell. Wake whomever you can! Suddenly her link with him faded, but Jenna took his advice.

  Sebastian! Peter! They awoke suddenly, startled to hear Jenna’s voice. Sebastian, your family is in danger.

  What!

  Get help! she pleaded.

  Can you wake my brothers? They’re closer to my parents.

  Jenna didn’t have a standing link to the other Princes, but wanted to at least try. Peter began waking up others in the West Wing, while Sebastian helped her reach out with her magic. He showed her the rooms they normally slept in. They were both inside the Royal Suite. She reached out with a link. Eamon! Dominic! Wake up! They roused confused. Assassins! she continued. It’s an attack against your family. I fear for the King.

  SNAP! Jenna’s attention came back to her physical body when an arrow flew past her head. She must not have realized how much she had to decrease her shields to make the mind-links. The men in the clearing were staring at her, but the only face she could see was the one she knew best. The Dark Mage had withdrawn his hood and was smiling at her.

  She instantly grabbed her reins and solidified her link to Kedar to help him keep calm as they turned around and rode off into the woods.

  “Stop staring and go after her!” That was the voice she thought was familiar but couldn’t quite place. His words were not comforting as Jenna urged Kedar into as fast a gait as possible as she made tight maneuvers through the woods. She could feel the Dark Mage’s spell affecting her, so she raised her shields back up to full force. Despite her efforts to outrun the other riders, she could still hear them at her back. A quick glance behind her showed her that there were two of them. As she reached a straight section of the path, another arrow headed toward her, but it too went wide. The sounds of frustration from the man made her wonder about Sebastian’s charm. She was very thankful for it then, but knew it couldn’t protect her forever.