A Summit in Shadow

by Sarah E. Burr

  “Is she new to the post? I don’t remember seeing her at the Duchess’s side before,” Jax asked once her giggles subsided.

  George nodded. “She’s only been in her service for a few months. The previous lady-in-waiting married a Tandorian Earl and moved to his estate. Lady Gwen’s father is a close family friend of the Duchess. I guess she’d been preparing for the position for quite some time.”

  Jax regarded the woman’s retreating figure. “Well, she’s not half bad looking, George. I’d excuse you for the night if you’re interested.”

  George rolled his eyes as Jax and Perry dissolved into fits of laughter once more. “Come on, you two. Let’s find a guard to take us to the library.” He didn’t even deem their joke worthy of a response.

  After encountering a guard who protested that guests should return to their rooms, Captain Solomon was able to persuade him that the Duchess simply wanted some reading material and hadn’t packed any. A few moments later, the group arrived at two huge metal doors, illuminated by enormous torches.

  “Would you like me to wait to escort you back to your rooms?” The guard must have noticed their designated courtier was not present.

  “No need,” George said without further explanation.

  Giving them another inquisitive glance, the guard took his leave and disappeared down the hall.

  “I hope he’s not running right to Lysandeir to tell him where we are,” Jax said, looking apprehensive as the guardsman retreated. “He’ll know something is up if we’re reported skirting around the archives, and I don’t want Roust being found out. He’s in a dangerous position.”

  “Well, let’s hope the information he has is worth the trouble.” With a grunt, Perry pushed open the heavy doors to the library, George jumping into help.

  Despite the late hour, the cavernous room glowed with warmth, several fireplaces lining the walls. The endless rows of shelves seemed to reach the ceiling, ladders perched against the hardwood to allow patrons access to the high-placed volumes. The smell of books filled their noses as they entered the vault of knowledge.

  Jax saw a few scholars still scribbling away furiously, the candles at their worktables nearly melted down to stubs. “Let’s find Roust.”

  The rotund, bleary-eyed courtier was tucked away in a section labeled Prose. “Thank the Virtues you made it. I was beginning to worry you might not come.” He ushered them to a small table, away from prying eyes. “Don’t worry, no one will ever suspect me of hiding out among works of fiction.” He tittered at his own joke.

  “Enough small talk. Is there a threat to the Duchess’s life that you know about?” George demanded, his patience for the evening at its end.

  Roust wiped a bead of sweat off his balding head. “No, no, I suspect nothing of that. But I do believe the duchies have been lured here under false pretenses.” He looked at Jax, then at Perry, and then back at George. “I prepared a few of the invitations that were sent to the leaders. Their wording made it seem that Cetachi was the one forcing the realm’s hand to accept it as a state. But from the whisperings I’ve overheard, the Duke is the one behind the charge.”

  While Perry and George looked surprised at this revelation, for Jax it merely affirmed what Maegus and her grandfather had shared earlier. “So, it is true then. Lysandeir was the one who approached Darian to legitimize his newly formed government,” she said in dark wonder.

  “I think he did more than just approach.” Roust raised his eyebrows.

  “Did he threaten Darian?” Jax found it hard to believe someone as idealistic as the Governor appeared to be could be so easily swayed.

  Roust shook his head. “This is where I need your help, Duchess. I don’t have any proof that Lysandeir is strong-arming Cetachi. But there have been too many gossiping whispers floating about the castle since these peace talks were announced for there not to be something more cunning afoot.”

  “What else have you heard to make you think so?” Perry asked, confusion written all over his face.

  “Lysandeir has made many trips to Cetachi over the past few weeks. He’s hardly back two days before he sets out again. But when he finally greeted Darian after the young man’s arrival, Darian said, and I quote, ‘It’s good to see you, Lucien. It’s been a few months since our paths crossed.’” Roust paused for dramatic effect, allowing the information to seep in.

  This caused a reshuffling of Jax’s thoughts. “And you’re sure the Duke has been going to Cetachi during these visits? He’s not just covering up a romantic tryst that he wants kept secret or something like that?” she inquired, knowing that Dukes and Duchesses alike often arranged alternative plans to cover up their indiscretions.

  “I’ve recently befriended one of the Duke’s personal guardsmen,” Roust replied. “He has verified the Duke’s visits to Cetachi. He says they always go to a small outpost near our eastern borders. The Duke holds a few closed-door meetings, then returns.” As if anticipating Jax’s next question, he added, “My contact has never seen who the Duke meets with. Lysandeir orders his men to wait outside the encampment.”

  George’s eyes widened in disbelief. “And the Captain of the Ducal Guard allowed this?”

  Roust nodded. “My friend said the last Captain was discharged because he protested too much. This new one seems to know better than to disobey Lysandeir’s orders.”

  Jax exchanged glances with her captain. She knew George would fight tooth and nail should she ever demand to go into an enemy encampment alone. “So, all we know for certain is that Lysandeir is having secret meetings with someone in Cetachi. How long has this been going on?”

  Roust thought for a few moments. “I guess I never really took notice until seeing the invitations a little more than two months ago. But by then, Lysandeir had already been to Cetachi a handful of times and continued the frequent visits.”

  “Would your guard friend be willing to testify as to Lysandeir’s trips to Cetachi?” Jax asked. “I’m sure this would be enough for the summit to put the Accord on hold, especially if he’s not meeting with Darian.”

  Roust shook his head. “I’m afraid the young man is too fearful of what the Duke might do to him or his family should he speak up.”

  Jax gritted her teeth in frustration. “I’ll have to see if I can trick it out of Lucien during the peace talks tomorrow.”

  “What about what Roust overheard in the tower, about chaos being unleashed?” Perry pointed out another piece of the puzzle. “I asked around, and both the Tandora and Crepsta delegations are staying in the north tower.”

  “Tandora is voting for the Accord. Perhaps the Duchess is a part of Lysandeir’s plot. Could she be the one you overheard, Roust?” Jax looked intently at the stout man.

  More sweat appeared above his brow. “I really don’t know, Duchess. The voices were so muffled, I couldn’t tell if they were coming from men or women.”

  “It could also be someone plotting against Lysandeir,” Perry mused. “Do you think Crepsta would take matters into his own hands without telling us?”

  “After what his nephew did to my parents, there is nothing Crepsta does that I don’t know about,” Jax said with vehemence. “He’s not someone we have to worry about.”

  “What about Duke Pettraud?” George posed the question they all had been thinking. “Can we trust him not to act irrationally against Lysandeir?”

  Jax reluctantly looked into Perry’s worried eyes. “I want to trust him, I do,” she said, speaking from her heart. “But he is well aware of the deal that Zaltor made with Lucien. If he thinks Beautraud might also defect, he might be willing to take some risks, especially with his son about to marry the Saphire throne.” Her cheeks reddened as her words trailed off, embarrassed how easily the scenario formed in her mind.

  “I could try to talk to him, see what he knows,” Perry suggested. “Since I’m the disappointment-turned-prodigal son, he might be willing to share a few secrets with me.”

  Jax saw a fountain of hesitation tric
kling behind his eyes. She smiled and squeezed his hand. “Good idea. I’ll send Jaquobie tomorrow morning to set something up. In the meantime, all we know is that someone is planning something, which is not a lot to go on, to say the least.” Her expression grim, she added, “Everyone, be alert and traverse the castle with care. You, especially, Roust.” Her gaze focused on the trembling man. “I’d like you to stay in the Saphire apartments where my guards can watch your back. If anyone asks why, just tell them I want you at my beck and call. That sounds like something I’d demand.” She resisted a wry smile. “George, can you make sure he has a bed?”

  “There’s a spare cot in my room.” George nodded. “You’re welcome to it, Roust. Do you need to fetch anything from your quarters?”

  The courtier looked as if he might burst into tears. Clearly, the intensity of the situation was becoming too much for him. “I do have a few things I’d like to bring along, if you don’t mind.”

  “Of course not,” Jax answered. “Captain Solomon will escort you to collect your things and bring them to the west wing. Lord Pettraud and I will find a guard to lead us back if we get lost.”

  George looked sternly at her. “I don’t think I should leave you unattended either, Duchess.”

  Perry nudged the Captain’s arm. “What am I? Another pretty face? I can see her safely up a few flights of stairs.” His tone was light and joking, but Jax detected a hint of annoyance.

  George must have noticed it, too, for he conceded. “I’ll let you know once the Courtier is safely ensconced in my room.” He motioned Roust to follow, and the two cautiously slinked out of the library.

  “Ah, finally. I thought they’d never leave,” Perry teased just before his lips pecked Jax on the cheek.

  “You’re incorrigible.” Jax laughed, pushing him away as he leaned in for another kiss. “Not here, you buffoon.” She gathered her skirts and started for the exit. As much as she was tempted to enjoy Perry’s company, she knew better than to fawn over him in view of a room full of foreign scholars. “Perhaps we can take a short, romantic detour during our walk back,” she cooed with a wink, waiting while her future Prince Consort struggled to open the metal door.

  A bit winded, Perry glanced behind them as they walked down the dark passage, hands entwined. “Doesn’t look like Lysandeir wants the library to be a place of easy access. I wonder what he’s hiding?”

  “Or maybe he’s trying to keep the scholars stuck inside to prevent them from poking around into other affairs of the castle,” Jax murmured, thinking about Roust and his claims. “I do hope my court keeps its secrets better than Lucien’s does.”

  “You do feel safe with me, don’t you, Jax? You know I will do anything to protect you.”

  Caught off guard by the question, she swiftly turned her head to meet his gaze, stunned by his bashful expression. “Of course, Perry.” She stroked his cheek with affection. “You know how dedicated George is. He was simply doing his job.”

  He sighed, looking rather defeated. “It’s just…I want to be so much more than an accessory on your arm. I want to help you. I want to help Saphire. I want our marriage to be a partnership, not something where I’m just sent to play in the corner and paint.”

  Jax studied him for a moment, wondering where all this was coming from. Had seeing his father again caused his insecurities to resurface? “I want that, too, Perry. That’s why you’ll be with me during the Accord tomorrow. I want us to present a united front…even if we do not necessarily agree with everything the other does.”

  Perry’s eyes narrowed. “Are you referring to the opinions Hendrie and I shared about allowing people to elect their own leaders?”

  She blushed. “Maybe.”

  “I said I would tow the Saphire line, Jax. Although, after the insanity we’ve seen from Lysandeir today, I’m not sure you have a leg to stand on.” As he spoke, anger at the Duke’s disregard for his position blossomed across his face.

  Jax had been steeling herself for that comment all day, but before she could mount her defense, something up ahead caught her attention. Gripping Perry’s arm, Jax forced him to focus on the looming staircase that would take them back to the west wing. “What’s that at the bottom of the steps, Perry?” Her voice came out as a strained whisper.

  Alone in the hallway, the pair inched closer, the flickering torchlight deceptively concealing what lay ahead on the stone floor. They were only a few feet away when Jax’s hand flew to her mouth in horror. “Annette?”

  Breaking away from Perry’s side, Jax dashed forward, kneeling beside the woman’s crumpled body. She quickly saw that the blond tresses were a few shades too light to be Annette’s, but her relief was short lived. Rolling the woman over in a frantic search for a pulse, Jax’s blood ran cold.

  The bulging eyes of Duchess Tandora’s lady-in-waiting stared at her lifelessly.

  Chapter Ten

  “Virtues sake, Jax, what do you think happened?” Perry was at her side a moment later, his skin tinged with an uneasy green hue. “Did she fall down the stairs?”

  Jax wished daylight streamed through the windows so she could search the surrounding area more thoroughly. “I highly doubt it.” She motioned for him to look at the woman’s broken neck. “Even in this light, I can see the beginnings of some bruising. I’d be willing to bet she was strangled, then pushed.”

  “Poor girl.” Perry pressed a handkerchief to his mouth, not used to seeing death up this close. “What was she doing down here? The Tandora delegation is in the north wing.”

  “Perhaps she was on her way to visit a specific Saphirian captain for an impromptu night cap,” Jax theorized with grim humor.

  “George is going to be horrified that she was assaulted seeking him out.”

  “Run and find the guards, Perry. They’ll be able to alert Lysandeir and his court physician.” Jax waved him away. “I’ll be fine with her here. I think our culprit is long gone.”

  Perry hesitated, looking uncertain about leaving her alone, but ultimately did as she instructed. Watching his figure retreat down the hall for a moment, Jax turned her attention back to the deceased Lady Gwendolyn. Acting quickly, she jumped to her feet and pulled one of the torches from the wall, bringing the flame closer for proper examination.

  Indeed, there was bruising around the woman’s neck, the outline of hands becoming more prominent with each passing moment. Her skin wasn’t cool to the touch, but it wasn’t warm, either. Jax guessed she could have been lying out here since the feast ended. They’d been speaking with Roust for well over an hour, so the timeline added up.

  Her jewelry was still intact, so the deceased hadn’t been robbed. Looking at the signet on her finger that indicated her position as lady-in-waiting, Jax noticed the woman’s hand clasped a bit of paper. Carefully pulling the parchment away from stiff fingers, Jax opened the note.

  Meet me soon. G.S.

  Rage ripped through her. The handwriting on the note was nowhere near comparable to George’s own hand. This poor woman had been falsely lured out of her room and sent to her death.

  She heard shouts and shuffling emerge from down the hall, Perry no doubt having alerted the castle about the incident. As the first guards reached Jax and asked her to step away, all the Duchess could think about in the darkness was why the woman had been targeted.

  “I still think you should have shown the guards that note, Jax,” Perry reprimanded her—and not for the first time—as they finally reached the door to her suite. “They could see if they could match the handwriting to any of the palace guests.”

  Jax gave him a severe look. “Perry, you saw Lysandeir’s face. He’s going to try and cover this up, make it out to be an accident. If I gave his guards the note, I’m sure it would get tossed into the fire.” She paused, letting a sly smile slip across her lips. “And besides, I plan to be the one to match the handwriting.”

  Perry threw his arms up in the air. “We’ve got enough to worry about regarding Cetachi and Lysandeir. We don’
t need to add investigating that poor woman’s death to the pile.”

  Jax grasped Perry’s arm, beseeching him to see the entire picture as she pulled him into the privacy of her chambers. “Roust overheard that someone is planning to cause chaos during the summit. I can’t think of anything that would plunge a castle into chaos better than the murder of a young, attractive woman.”

  “But you said Lysandeir plans to cover this up as an accident,” Perry sputtered.

  Jax decided that the shock of stumbling upon Lady Gwendolyn’s twisted figure must have slowed down his mental faculties. “I don’t believe that Lysandeir was privy to what Roust overheard in the north tower,” she said aloud.

  “So, who do you suspect is behind it?”

  Jax’s shoulders felt heavy. “I don’t know at this moment. But I’m sure whoever authored this note will help shed some light on the matter.”

  A knock on her apartment door signaled the arrival of George and Roust, who entered the room, winded from their lengthy climb.

  “Duchess! We heard there’d been an accident,” George said between panting breaths, a shaken-looking Roust at his side. “We ran into a wall of guards at the bottom of the stairs, shooing us up to our rooms. What’s going on?”

  “You’d better sit down,” Jax commented dryly, inviting them to take a seat around the fireplace.

  Rushing from her adjoining chamber, Uma greeted them. “I was beginning to think you would be out all night.” Her eyes widened as the warm, cozy space filled up with guests. “What’s going on?”

  Jax gestured for her to take a seat as well before divulging what she and Perry had come across during their journey back to the west wing.

  George sat in his chair with his head in his hands as she read the note aloud, passing it around for the others to see. No one recognized the writing.