“I’m so sorry I wasn’t ready to receive you, Duchess. Sometimes I just get so caught up in my work, I hardly notice time passing.” Perry mumbled his apologies as he sat down on the bench beside her, their knees barely touching.
“I know the feeling, but then again, I don’t think I find my work quite as enjoyable as you do,” Jax commented through a mouthful of tangy cheese.
Perry gave her a half-sided grin, looking into her eyes. “It might feel that way sometimes, but I can tell that you truly love dealing with matters of state. I can see a gleam in your eyes, like you’re coming off a high. It’s well passed lunch time for the both of us,” he sounded almost smug, like he had caught her in a lie. He didn’t allow for her to refute his claim, for he launched into talking about the work he’d accomplished. “It’s amazing,” he bit into an apple slice, “how much you can get done when you aren’t furtively looking over your shoulder, hoping someone won’t catch you in the act.”
Jax was stunned. “You are really that afraid of your father’s disapproval?”
Perry laughed darkly, shaking his head. “Goodness, no. I was afraid of the physical brutality he showed to my person, but more importantly, my work. I’ve had so many paintings destroyed by his hand, all because he as ashamed that I enjoyed the art.”
“Oh, Perry,” Jax reached out, placing her hand comfortingly over his. “That’s terrible. I’m so sorry.”
He shrugged, smiling at her softly. “Well, thanks to you, I am now free of that man. At least until you get tired of me.”
Looking at him, sitting beside her, his face turned to the sun, caressing his handsome features, she felt a twinge in her heart. “I don’t think I’ll be getting tired of you, Perry.” Her voice was soft, but sincere. She felt him squeeze her hand in answer, unable to put words to his feelings.
“Your Grace,” Arnie’s voice timidly interrupted their private moment, “I apologize for the intrusion, but Master Vyanti has returned to the palace with news of a plague that is spreading in the outlying towns of the duchy. He wishes to speak with you at once in your study.”
Her heart jolting with renewed purpose, Jax excused herself hurriedly from a concerned Perry, leaving Arnie in her wake. Her steps were quick and determined, not at all out of line for a duchess who’d just received word of a plague. Barging past the ducal guards lining the hallways, she dismissed all who were in earshot of her workspace, ensuring she was alone when she opened the door.
Master Vyanti was sitting by the fireplace, looking disheveled from his travels. He calmly sipped tea while Jax situated herself opposite him. “Please tell me that your announcement about a plague was a ruse.” She pleaded rather grimly.
The old physician nodded slyly, setting his cup down. “Hopefully it will give the staff something else to gossip about for a bit.”
Releasing the bit of fear that the plague was real, Jax leaned forward, her eyes eager. “I’m taking it that you have news?”
Vyanti looked towards the fireplace, taking a deep breath. “Indeed. I met with our Cetachi merchant friend this morning. He confirmed for me that he sold bloodsleaf to a young woman a little more than a week before your parents passed.”
She felt like the wind had been knocked out of her. “A young woman? Could he tell you more about her?”
At this, the physician frowned. “He said she’s visited him a few times in the past, always wearing a heavy cloak that obscured most of her features.”
Jax pounded her armchair in frustration. “He didn’t see the color of her hair, her skin, her eyes?”
“He said her hair was always pulled back, masked under her hood, and her eyes were always downcast. He did note that her skin was tanned and her hands were not calloused.” Vyanti relayed.
Jax was about to scream in defeat, when she realized what this meant. “Not calloused? Vyanti, that could mean she’s of noble birth. Not having to do a day’s hard work in her life,” she pondered, letting her thoughts run with this additional information. “Perhaps one of the noble families is tired of my ducal line and looking to usher in new blood. But why would they send a noble lady to buy the poison?”
“Remember, the merchant said she’s come to him before. Perhaps she’s stocking up on bloodsleaf for a bigger plot.” Vyanti reminded her.
Jax stroked her cheek thoughtfully. “Could she have purchased it for any other reason? What else is bloodsleaf used for?”
The physician looked deep in concentration. “Its toxic properties prevent it from being used much. I think some less desirable folks use it as a stimulant.”
Jax stood up and went back to her desk, unlocking the bottom drawer to pull out the monarch silk scrap. Bringing it to Master Vyanti, she told him about the events that had transpired during her ride and with the tailor.
“Only cultivated in Tandora, Crepsta, and Cetachi?” He studied the fabric by pulling out a monocle.
“Yes, and with bloodsleaf hailing from Cetachi, I was certain I’d found the connection, but now?” Jax stared helplessly into the fire. “There are no ladies of noble birth in Cetachi. And to find out she’s been buying this right in our own market for months.” She sat there, incredulous of it all. They were no closer to finding the culprit than when they began.
“What are you thinking, Your Grace?” Vyanti suddenly looked incredibly old and weary.
She was silent for a few moments before answering. “Let us have a private burial tomorrow for my parents. After, I am going to speak with Captain Solomon about what we have uncovered. I know it is risky, but we currently have no other means for getting to the bottom of this. I need to be concerned for my own safety, now.”
Master Vyanti seemed to want to protest, but as he listened to her, he thought better of it. “Yes, I agree with that course of action. But only Captain Solomon.”
“Indeed.”
Chapter Ten
The duchess stood in black at the mouth of the catacombs, watching as eight ducal guards carried the wrapped bodies of her parents into the flickering darkness. Vyanti and the captain stood beside her, the only two allowed to attend to her during this time. Arnie had been considerably hurt that she wasn’t allowed to stand by Jax as her godparents were laid to rest, but she understood that it was an incredibly private moment for the duchess. The burial only lasted mere minutes, but to Jax, it felt like she watched the procession for hours. When the tomb sealed, she let out a long-held breath, relieved that it was over.
“Captain, before you return to your post, Master Vyanti and I have something we need to discuss with you,” Jax clutched George’s arm, her eyes heavy with regret and fear. He noticed immediately and ushered them into a small, secure room. There, they divulged their findings over the past few days, interrupted frequently by the captain’s outbursts at Jax for being so naive to think she was safe handling this on her own. She did not berate him for his insubordination, for as she told the story, she found herself feeling increasingly foolish. Her actions had been irresponsible and reckless. Every minute she did not share this plot with her guardsmen, she risked her life being cut short. Upon conclusion of their tale, Captain Solomon was silent for a time, finally asking the physician to allow him to speak to the duchess alone. Acquiescing, Vyanti slipped out of the room, the door snapping shut with finality.
“Jax, how could you not tell me this was going on? Did you truly think I was involved in this?” The emotion in the captain’s voice surprised her, and she realized that a ducal guard was not asking the question; her friend was.
Her eyes pooled with the wave of relief and sorrow wracking through her chest. “I was afraid to, George. I was so afraid,” was all she could whimper before she dissolved to tears into his strong chest. They stood like that until Jax was finally able to speak once more. “We thought that if we involved too many people, the culprit might get wind that we uncovered the murder and escape. Or worse, try again.”
The captain sighed, his face full of pain. “I don’t agree with the actions you took,
but I understand your reasoning. May I ask what changed your mind that you could trust me?”
Jax shirked away, biting a lip. “To be honest, I’m not entirely sure I can, as much as I want to. But I will be honest with you. We’ve run out of leads, and I don’t know what to do. You’ve had plenty of chances to kill me before now, so I can only assume you’re not a part of this.”
Her honesty hit him hard, but he maintained a stoic expression. “You need an expert opinion.” It was not a question. “From what you’ve told me, you and Vyanti did incredibly well at finding what little clues have been left. I’m going to take a group of my most trusted men with me to the scene of the ambush and revisit it.” At her shaken look, he held up a calming hand. “I do not plan to tell them why we are there. It will be a simple training exercise. An assessment of their skills in detection.”
“What if one of them had something to do with it?” Jax whispered, worried this was spiraling out of control already.
“All four men I’m taking were with me the day of the accident. None of us left the palace until we received word about your parent’s carriage being flipped over,” George assured her, looking ever the captain in command. “I’m not asking you to trust me, Jax, but know I took an oath to protect the ducal line. An oath on my own life. I have never broken a promise in all the years I’ve known you, have I?”
Jax reflected on their many meetings over the past sixteen years since he’d arrived at the palace. “No, you have never gone back on your word, George.” She wanted to apologize for keeping this from him, but couldn’t find the strength to do so.
“I’m going to double your daily security until we get to the bottom of this. Arnie informed me this afternoon that the Earl of Crepsta will be visiting in a few days’ time. Are you sure that’s wise?” The captain of the guard scrutinized her expressive eyes, trying to see what she was thinking.
“I think it’s best if we go about life as if nothing is wrong. If we are lucky, our murderer still does not know we suspect foul play.” Jax calmly announced, straightening her black dress absentmindedly. “Besides, for all we know, the silk came from Crepsta. I will have to think about how I present myself to the Earl.” She let her head fall back, staring up at the ceiling. “Is there anything else, Captain? I think I need to retire to my rooms for the rest of the day. I’m suddenly not feeling very well.”
George came to her side, offering his arm in support. “Is it something serious?”
“No, just overwhelmed, that’s all. Nothing that a sleeping draft from Vyanti won’t fix. Would you have him attend to me personally?” Jax longed for the days when she had everything go through Uma, but in that moment, her faith in the loyalty of her staff faltered.
“Of course. I will report to you directly if we find anything of note, Your Grace.” Captain Solomon formally bowed, and left the room to prepare his men for their journey.
Jax took a few moments to herself before she left the recesses of the castle, the catacombs echoing behind her. Vyanti was already in her sitting room with a steaming sleep draft when she arrived. He watched her drink it, giving her an uncharacteristic squeeze on the shoulder before leaving. She knew that she should reach out to Arnie before crawling back into bed; she’d promised her friend they’d have lunch together, just the two of them, but she imagined Captain Solomon had already informed her lady-in-waiting that she was not to be disturbed for the remainder of the day. Vacantly, she undressed, removed her funeral clothes and jewelry, and collapsed into bed, the sleeping draft taking a strong hold.
She wasn’t sure if it was the pounding at the door or Uma’s voice that woke her up first. Blinking heavily, Jax looked around her room, taking in the streaming sunlight from the far east windows. It was already morning.
“Your Grace, is everything all right? You’ve been asleep since yesterday afternoon,” Uma scurried to her side, her brow furrowed with worry.
“Yes, Uma, I took a draft to get some much-needed rest,” the Duchess answered groggily. “Who on earth is pounding on the door?”
“Your Excellence, it is Captain Solomon,” her guard’s muffled, strong voice penetrated the heavy door. “I must request an audience with you.”
Jax sat up quickly, her attention coming into full focus. “Uma, please tell the captain I shall meet him in my study in ten minutes. Have you laid out my clothes already?”
Uma pointed at the lavender silk dress resting across a sofa before hustling over to speak with Captain Solomon through closed doors. Jax quickly threw on the gown without assistance and secured her jewelry, the last being the key she wore around her neck. She noticed Uma had brought her up a tray for breakfast, and silently thanked the virtues that her maid was so good at her job. Eating the warm eggs and bacon in a most un-ladylike manner, Jax waited while Uma set to work on twisting her hair up into something elegant, but simple.
“Your Grace, are you sure everything is all right? These past few days, well, you’ve been,” Uma struggled with her words, trying to gracefully not step over the line of impropriety.
“Been what?” Jax quizzed through a full mouth.
“Well, been a bit odd, I guess.” Her maid’s face went beet red at the comment.
Looking at the girl sternly, Jax placed her napkin on the small side table. “The duchy is going through a period of transition, Uma. Things are changing all around us, but I can assure you, I am more dedicated to Saphire than I have ever been.”
Blushing, the young woman stammered, “I did not mean to imply that the duchy was at risk, Your Grace. I merely wanted to make sure you were doing okay, emotionally and such.”
Jax’s heart softened, knowing her long-time servant did have her best interests at heart. “I thank you for your concern, dear one, but I am fine.” She wanted to divulge more, let this woman in on all the secrets she had been hiding like she had done in her years after the Academy. But now that she was Duchess, things had to be different between them. “Breakfast was wonderful. You are excused until this evening.”
As soon as a bashful Uma exited the room, Jax followed right after, winding her way to her study to meet with George. He, no doubt, had a report for her regarding the site of the ambush. Had his men found something she’d missed? She was torn, her pride wishing that they hadn’t and her curiosity hoping they found something to further their investigation.
She arrived moments later, shutting the study door with a commanding snap. Captain Solomon was the only one in the room, his face firm. “Did you find anything new, George?” She rushed to his side.
Nodding, he motioned for her to sit. “Footprints. We could determine how many were involved in the conspiracy from it. Beside yours, we found five other sets of footprints.”
“Five people?”
“Five men. The shape and gait of each print suggests it was a band of men that ambushed the targeted carriage. Most telling were the soles of their shoes. Each boot hardly had any tread on it.” Captain George explained.
Jax drummed her fingers on her desk. “No tread? That doesn’t seem very sensible for rummaging through the woods.”
George shook his head. “No, it doesn’t. Which leaves me to believe that our culprits used what they owned: dress shoes.”
Jax felt her face lose a bit of color. “That confirms it then. Dress shoes and monarch silk? We are indeed dealing with a rebel noble house, or even another ducal line.”
The captain approached her. “Might I look at the fabric scrap you found? I might recognize the pattern from a knight’s garb or something along the lines.”
“Of course,” turning away from George, she secretly pulled out her key and unlocked the bottom drawer of her desk. “Oh no,” she whispered in horror, “it’s not here anymore!”
The captain was at her side in an instant. “Are you sure you put it back here?”
“Yes, I am quite certain, George,” Jax’s voice edged to the brink of hysterics. “This is impossible. No one knows where I keep the key to the bottom drawer
hidden, and there’s no chance they could have picked the lock. It was especially designed for my grandfather by a blacksmith who made it unbreakable. They would have needed the key, and I always have it with me.”
George grabbed her shaking hand, calming her down. “Jax, you must not panic. Please, you say you always have the key with you, even when you sleep?”
Jax’s eyes widened, tears threatening to fall. “I do take it off at night and put it on my vanity in my room before going to bed.”
“And there’s no other copy?”
“No,” Jax’s reply was barely audible.
George cursed, his rage getting the better of him. “Virtues’ sake, someone came into your room last night and took it, Jax. They know about the scrap of fabric, which means it is highly probable they know that we’re investigating the murders of your parents.”
Jax began to shiver, despite the heat. “How could someone have gotten into my room, George? You’ve doubled the guards patrolling it.” She didn’t mean to sound accusatory, but her tone conveyed sharpness.
“There are people that have clearance to enter your room, Duchess,” George reminded her, his eyes darkening.
“Uma?” Jax looked at him in confusion. “No, she would never do anything like this. She’s been with me since I went off to the Academy.”
George didn’t respond, letting her think through his implications. “She would never betray me like this. She is too loyal a servant.”
“Not to be rude, Your Grace, but the fact that you still call her a servant after nine years of service would not exactly foster a loving relationship on her end.” The captain stated pointedly.
The Ducal Detective (Ducal Detective Mysteries Book 1) Page 8