The Forsaken Crown (The Desolate Empire Book 0)

by Christina Ochs

  “Ask the footman to show you to the cellar,” the duchess told them. “There are a number of rooms in which you can lock her for now.”

  “Thank you for keeping her here,” Kendryk said to the duchess. “I hated to hear all that, but I suppose it’s better to know. Are you willing to swear loyalty to me? If so, I’d like to leave you in charge here.”

  “I’d be happy to offer my support,” the duchess said. “Truly, it’s what all of us should have done to begin with.”

  Birkenhof Palace

  Arvus knocked, then poked his head inside Kendryk’s study. “It’s time, Your Grace,” he said.

  Kendryk put away his writing things. His letter to Prince Gauvain, begging for help, had never been sent, so he had to get his friend caught up on events from the time of his captivity onward. Before leaving the room, he asked, “How do I look?”

  “Nearly perfect.” Arvus flicked away an invisible speck of dust on Kendryk’s shoulder. He’d finally gotten his wish and had called in the fashionable tailor from Heidenhof.

  Kendryk worried the dark blue brocade and silver lace of his suit was too much, but Arvus and the tailor had assured him it was most princely. He just wasn’t used to wearing anything fancy.

  He met his mother in the corridor and she took his arm.

  “You look beautiful.” He kissed her cheek.

  It was true. Princess Renata had recovered her health, and already looked ten years younger. Her cheeks were rosy, her blue eyes sparkled, and her gray-streaked hair was dressed in stylish masses of curls.

  Together they made their way to Birkenhof’s great reception hall, where everyone had gathered for the ceremony. It had been three weeks since Kendryk and his allies defeated Duke Desmond, but it had taken that long for Georg to recover enough to make the journey back from Ebenstein. Kendryk wanted his friend here for this.

  The dull winter weather had changed for the occasion, and dazzling sunshine beamed through the hall’s massive windows. Kendryk and his mother made their way through the crowds of well-wishers.

  Funny how Terragand nobles who only a month before had turned Kendryk out of their houses were now eager to pay their compliments. Well, at least he knew who he could rely on.

  That much smaller group waited at one end of the hall, where two chairs stood on a dais. Here were Julia Maxima, Mother Luysa, Captain Becker and Fritz Hayder; Count Faris, Sonya and Captain Danko, and a few officers who’d supported them in their fight against the duke.

  Georg stood here too, his arm still in a sling, but otherwise looking the same as always. It took Kendryk a moment to recognize Irena Tchernak, wearing a pretty pink dress, her wild curls tamed into ringlets.

  Kendryk smiled at all of them as he and his mother took their places. The chatter in the room died down and it was time for Kendryk to say his piece. Aside from slightly clammy palms and his heart beating faster than usual, Kendryk was finding it much easier to speak in public. He’d even decided he didn’t need to prepare a formal speech for this occasion, since the words would come easily enough.

  “People of Terragand,” he began, his voice carrying across the room. “There’s no need to recount the troubles of these past months. All of you by now know well the crimes Duke Desmond Balkunus committed against me, the Princess Regent, and the kingdom itself. You are here today because you’ve sworn loyalty to me, and I appreciate it. I will forget any allegiance you might have shown Duke Desmond, since I understand better than anyone his treacherous nature.

  “But a few here today who stood with me from the beginning, when my cause had little hope of success. They offered me aid because it was the right thing to do, often at great personal risk to themselves. These people deserve all the honor I can bestow upon them, and I ask you to honor them as well.”

  He started with Julia, since next to him, she was the most powerful person in the kingdom. He still found her a bit frightening, but today she was all smiles, especially when Kendryk announced an extravagant donation to the temple.

  Next came Count Faris.

  “This friend of my father’s couldn’t come to my aid at once, but he sent someone to help me instead. He followed as soon as he could, and there’s no question he made it possible for me to defeat Desmond and his followers. He’s also given me excellent advice, and I plan to follow it.”

  Kendryk paused and licked his lips. He wasn’t sure how this next bit would be received. “Due to the troubles I had with my regent, I’ve decided to rule without one. I will still consult with my mother, and with Duke Evard when he returns from abroad. But from now on, I will make all of the important decisions in Terragand.” He paused as a shocked murmur washed over the room.

  Most people stared at him, surprised, while others shook their heads disapprovingly, but he reminded himself that what they thought didn’t matter. Who would stop him? Count Faris’s army still stood at the ready, and no force in Terragand could oppose him.

  Kendryk continued, hoping his next words might allay some fears. “I realize many of you think I’m too young to take on this responsibility.” He smiled. “And maybe I am. But I must learn to rule, the sooner the better. Fortunately, I will have not only the advice of my mother and uncle, but of Count Faris himself. We’ve already discussed it and he’s agreed to become my chief adviser.”

  That created a stir, and a smattering of applause, especially from those close to Kendryk.

  Once Count Faris stepped aside, Kendryk turned to Georg.

  “Georg Kasler is one of my oldest friends, and was loyal when I had lost all hope. Even more, he took the shot meant for me. That’s a debt I can’t repay, though I will try. He will become my chief secretary and legal adviser. I’ll also create a council position for him.”

  A spot on the council always came with lands and title, and Georg stared at Kendryk, stunned.

  But Kendryk wasn’t through with him yet. “I would also like to offer a position in my palace guard to Ensign Irena Tchernak, if she’d like that.”

  Irena grinned up at Kendryk nodding, even as she squeezed Georg’s hand.

  “And now,” Kendryk said. “I must thank the person who risked her own safety over and over again while helping me.”

  He caught Sonya’s eye. She looked fetching, and very much herself in a pretty brown doublet trimmed with gold.

  “Most of all,” Kendryk continued, “she took on an impossible commission without hesitation, and carried it out. It’s because of her that Duke Desmond will never trouble us again.”

  He took a deep breath. “I owe her more than just thanks. If she wishes it, I offer her a position at the head of my palace guard.” That was on top of a rather heavy purse Kendryk had already forced upon her.

  The offer of employment was a surprise, and Sonya smiled at him, but then a shadow moved over her eyes. Kendryk wondered if he’d somehow upset her.

  Honors then went to Captain Danko, who’d helped kill the duke, Captain Becker, who’d also saved Kendryk’s life, Sergeant Hayder, Sonya’s steadfast companion, Mother Luysa, and officers and soldiers who’d distinguished themselves in the battle against the duke.

  The few nobles who’d offered support in troops and money to Kendryk when he asked were recognized as well. By the time he’d gotten through all of them, his voice was hoarse and he was starving.

  After the ceremony, a great feast carried on well into the night. Kendryk was tired by the time it was over, but he wanted to talk to Sonya before he slept.

  Once he’d said goodnight to the assembly, he sent for her to come to his study.

  “I won’t keep you long,” he said, “but I wanted to tell you that you needn’t take the commission if you don’t want it.”

  Sonya smiled and shook her head. “It’s a wonderful offer and I’m so honored. It was the sort of thing I’d always wanted. But now I’m not so sure.” She looked down at her lap. “After everything that’s happened, I want to spend time with my family. And with Andrei,” she added, a tiny dimple Kendryk had
never noticed before appearing in her cheek.

  “Of course,” Kendryk said, only a little disappointed. Becker would make an excellent guard captain in the meantime. Kendryk was sure he could lure him away from Julia. “The position is yours whenever you want it. Take all the time you need.”

  “Thank you, Your Grace,” Sonya said. “I’m very glad everything worked out for you. For all of us.”

  “So am I.” Kendryk couldn’t keep from smiling. “I’m hopeful they will keep working out. I’ll certainly do my best.”

  Sonya returned his smile. “I know you will.”

  The Torner Farm

  Sonya’s family still drove her crazy; that much hadn’t changed. For the first few days after the palace ceremony—her family had been in the audience—they treated her like a princess, deferring to her every wish and opinion. That didn’t last, and before long she was the black sheep of the family again.

  Even having Andrei there didn’t help, once the novelty of his presence wore off. Adryena babied him, and always took his side, no matter how unreasonable. Sonya loved having him with her every day, but didn’t like being ganged up on when he teased her.

  Dominyk at least was easy-going as ever, and Sonya also appreciated his sweet, quiet wife.

  Her father remained difficult though, and seemed determined to turn Andrei into a farmer.

  “You should at least stay through planting season,” Konrad said at supper one evening. “You’ll realize how easy it is. Just pop a few bits of this and that into the ground, and do a little weeding. In a few months you’ll see the most beautiful potatoes this side of the Velta.”

  “I’m sure that’s true.” Andrei refused to meet Sonya’s eye. When they were alone, he laughed at the prospect of becoming a farmer, but was too polite to do it in front of her father. “I’m just not sure I have the knack.”

  “Of course you do,” Konrad said. “At least you will, once that bum leg of yours gets better.”

  “It’s nearly good as new, thanks to Adryena’s excellent care.” Andrei turned the full force of his smile on Adryena, who almost melted.

  Sonya might have been jealous, except Andrei was squeezing her knee under the table.

  “Farming is the most natural thing in the world,” Konrad held forth. Once he was on his second mug of ale, he really got going. “You only need a little know-how, and the gods do the rest.”

  “It sounds nice,” Andrei said, “but I doubt Sonya will want to stay here much longer.”

  “I suppose you’ll want to take that position at the palace.” Dominyk sounded eager. More than anyone, he’d been excited at that prospect for Sonya.

  “I might,” Sonya said. “I’m not sure.” That was the truth. She didn’t know what to do with herself. She and Andrei talked of the future, but there was little work for them outside the empire right now.

  With truces in Zeelund and Sanova, her only prospect might be to take the guard position. But she also knew Andrei wasn’t interested in that kind of work.

  Fortunately, Andrei didn’t seem to be in a big hurry to leave, and seemed to enjoy her family, overbearing as they were. Maybe if they waited long enough, war would break out somewhere convenient.

  Sonya and Andrei went riding every morning so he might build up his strength again and to give their horses much-needed exercise.

  They would ride across the fields, enjoying the sharp chill of the air. It was nice to have somewhere warm to return to, and the activity kept them from getting too restless.

  She and Andrei had ridden to the main road one morning and were preparing to head back to the farm when she spotted another rider in the distance. Far away as he was, she was certain this was no farmer on some nag. That was without question a military mount, ridden by someone with military bearing.

  “Might be a messenger from the palace,” Andrei said, so they rode toward him, but Sonya stopped short when he came into view.

  “You!” Fear washed over her. “What are you doing here?” She fumbled for a weapon, but she wasn’t carrying one.

  “You could greet me more politely, since I’ve come all this way to see you.” Igor Kolnikov smiled and swept off his hat in greeting.

  “To see me? I don’t understand.” Sonya made sure Zeki moved no closer.

  Kolnikov pretended not to hear and turned to Andrei. “You must be the famous Captain Danko, wrestler of renegade regents.”

  “You’re right,” Andrei said, grinning. “Who are you, and what do you want with Captain Vidmar?”

  “Major Igor Kolnikov, of the Imperial Brianski Army.”

  “You told me about him,” Andrei said. “Didn’t you kidnap him once?”

  Sonya stared at each of them, unsure of what to say.

  “She did.” Kolnikov chuckled. “My fellow officers never let me hear the end of it. But now you’re even more famous. The story of Prince Kendryk’s victory is being told everywhere. When I mentioned to my general I was personally acquainted with Captain Vidmar, he insisted I recruit you to our cause.”

  “I’m not interested in your cause,” Sonya said. “How did you find me?”

  “I paid a call on Prince Kendryk. A very nice boy; I’m not surprised you wanted to help him. He said he’d be sorry to lose you, but thought you might be more interested in a foreign war.”

  “Which foreign war?” Andrei asked. “Those are thin on the ground right now.”

  “This one hasn’t started yet, but will by spring. Now that the Olvisyan emperor has extended his truce with Zastwar, the sultan has turned his attention to Briansk. His raiders already menace our border villages. My emperor is planning a major offensive and needs the best officers he can find. He is willing to pay a premium.”

  “Sounds like just the thing for us,” Andrei said. “What do you say?” he turned toward Sonya.

  “No,” she said, “Never.” She turned Zeki around, galloping back to the farm. She was amazed Andrei would think she’d ever go to Briansk, not after what she’d been through there. She’d told him about her captivity, though she’d tried to make it not sound too awful.

  Sonya returned to the barn, put Zeki away, then slumped to the floor of the stall.

  This was it then. Andrei was ready to go do something interesting and it wasn’t fair of her to hold him back.

  She dropped her head into her hands, though she refused to cry. Being here with him had been so nice, but for all of their talk, they hadn’t worked out a future together. Now he would have to build one without her.

  She sat on the floor, unable to move. After a time, she heard Andrei’s voice, Kolnikov’s reply, and a bit of thumping as they put their horses into stalls.

  Sonya didn’t move a muscle. In a moment they’d go to the house and make their plans. Better if she wasn’t there for that.

  Zeki nickered, and the door to his stall opened.

  “There you are,” Andrei said, dropping to the floor beside her. “I sent the major to the house to be warmed and fed.”

  “Will you be leaving with him?” Sonya had to force the words out.

  “Only if you are.” He put an arm around her, pulling her close.

  “I’m not sure I can,” she whispered. “Not Briansk. I swore I’d never go back there.”

  “I know it will be hard for you,” Andrei said, “but they’re not all like the people who held you prisoner. The Mikulas were so kind, and this Kolnikov seems a decent fellow.”

  “Of all places,” Sonya murmured, then sighed. “I can’t hold you back if you want to go.”

  “I can’t believe you, Vidmar.” Andrei tilted her chin up, and kissed her on the lips. “I can’t believe you’d think I’d go anywhere without you. Didn’t we talk about the future, some of the places we might go together?”

  “Yes we did,” Sonya admitted. “But now I’m an inconvenience.”

  Andrei chuckled. “Only to yourself. Stop being ridiculous. I won’t go to Briansk without you, though we really should discuss it further. Since, in spite
of everything, you don’t seem to believe I like you very much, I want to stop that line of thinking right now.”

  “How do you plan to do that?” Sonya was feeling better already. Perhaps he wouldn’t leave her behind.

  “I plan to marry you, if you’ll have me.” Andrei still held her close, but had pulled back a little, looking into her eyes. “I’d meant to wait until my leg wasn’t so stiff anymore and I could get down on one knee.”

  “You were never,” Sonya said with a laugh.

  “I was,” Andrei insisted. “I’m very traditional.”

  “All right, I believe you.” Sonya leaned forward to kiss him.

  “Is that a yes, then?”

  “It is.” She kissed him again, then jumped to her feet, pulling him up beside her.

  She took a deep breath, feeling she could leave the past behind, at least enough to give the future a chance. “And I’ll come to Briansk with you, if you want.”

  “You’ve just made me very happy,” Andrei said. “Now let’s go talk to Kolnikov and see if he’ll offer a bonus for a couple of particularly excellent married officers.”

  **********

  Want more of Sonya and Kendryk’s world? Keep reading for a free sample of Rise of the Storm, Book One in The Desolate Empire series, then find out how to get the whole book for free.

  Kendryk

  Runewald, Terragand

  Kendryk had come this far without being recognized; he hoped his luck would hold. Since he didn’t know how long he might be in town, he’d taken his horse to the stable of an inn he’d heard of but never visited. By the time he returned to the street, it was deserted; dark cobbles shining between the tall half-timbered houses. It appeared everyone had gone to the temple square.

  Kendryk was too late to find a good spot, so he stood where the street ended at the square’s edge. From the top of a small rise, he could see the temple’s front. He smiled at three boys jostling for position on an upturned barrel in front of a tavern, then joined a small knot of men standing on the street; local merchants from the looks of them. In his black hat and coat with its modest white collar, Kendryk thought he fit in well enough.