Palace Intrigue (Medieval Tale Book 3)

by Lina J. Potter

  “Is this your confession?”

  His barb hit the mark. “Just send it,” Jess bristled. “I don’t intend to listen to morality lessons from you.”

  “When I was your age, I knew how to behave responsibly. None of this—”

  Jess interrupted him. “I need to see Richard.” He turned to open the door, but old Falion—moving like a true shark—slipped around him and barred the door.

  “I’m afraid you’ll have to listen, whether you like it or not. Your father was more of a gentleman than you will ever be…”

  Two hours later, Jess finally broke through the door, red-faced and sweaty. Falion had raked him over the coals mercilessly.

  What a monster! It’s hard to believe his sons are decent men with a father like that.

  Jess had met the older son several times and knew him to be a fun-loving rogue after the earl’s own heart. He had an eye for women, as well.

  Strange.

  ***

  Falion smiled as Jess left. He derived no pleasure from lecturing young people, even when they richly deserved it, but he had known Jerrison Earton since he was a boy, and he had heard more about him in recent years from his son. The Earl of Earton was smart enough, but he was too impulsive and at risk of becoming a good-for-nothing unless someone stepped in. Jyce had given him his own way too often, and the result was obvious.

  I certainly never made that mistake with my own boys.

  Jess needed to be reeled in, especially on an important delegation to Wellster, where he was representing his king. Falion sighed and sat down to continue his letter to His Majesty. The duke had no fear that Jess would be punished too severely. Edward was a fair king, and his response would be just.

  Your Majesty…

  ***

  Anna of Wellster stared at Adele with poorly concealed hate in her eyes.

  When will that cow ever leave?

  None of the Ativernese would leave her alone with Richard, not even for a second. The prince was always watched over by Jerrison Earton or another of the courtiers. More often than not, it was Adele who sat by his bed. Unfortunately for Anna, she and Adele were more or less the same type of woman; both had thick, dark hair; olive skin; bright eyes; and generous breasts. Anna wasn’t worried about losing the prince to this oddly devoted Ativernese woman, but she was concerned that Richard, in his fever, would confuse the two of them.

  The role of a nurse did not come naturally to her, either, and the Ativernese kept her from doing anything of significance for the prince. She had hoped for a chance to brush against him with her breasts as she leaned over with a cup of water or a clean rag for his brow, but all they let her do was sit on the other side of the room. Adele had explained that it wasn’t fitting for a princess to do the work of a nurse and that Richard was in no shape to be seen by anyone, much less her royal highness. With a tight little smile, Adele reminded the young girl that she was already a widow and therefore allowed to bathe the prince and take out his chamber pot.

  Anna was furious, but she restrained her temper until she got back to her room each night. In front of people, she was charming, gentle and ever so slightly sad. Inside, however, she was boiling over with anger.

  I would kill that Adele if I thought it would do any good! But I can’t kill the entire delegation, and they are plotting to keep me away from the prince.

  In all honesty, though—and Anna was always honest with herself—she knew that she meant nothing to Richard. No matter what she did or how gracefully she did it, he was not interested.

  She shuddered. I’ll have to go talk to the jester.

  She needed to go back to the old witch for more of the potion; the jester would understand. And there was something else she needed, too…

  ***

  “Step forward, turn, turn again…” Lons repeated the steps aloud, but he didn’t need to. He could tell the countess had already memorized them, and the children were happy to copy her. At first, Lons had thought it was nonsense for the Virman children to take dancing lessons. However, when Ingrid returned to the castle for the rainy season, she explained why her people wanted their children to learn the local ways.

  “People think we are barbarians, but they hire our men to serve as bodyguards and soldiers in some of the best houses in the country,” she had explained with a smile. “Virma is a poor island, but that doesn’t mean we are stupid or that we don’t want to learn. We just haven’t had the opportunity. I would like to learn to dance. Perhaps when Leif returns…” her voice trailed off.

  Lons had been shocked. He had never thought about it that way. Virmans had no teachers. Craftsmen took apprentices, soldiers taught boys to fight, and mothers taught girls to keep house, but there were no formal lessons and no teachers.

  When he had put this thought into words, Ingrid nodded her head vigorously. “I wish there were teachers on Virma. That would be a very fine thing.”

  Lons thought these things over as he danced with Lily. A plan was beginning to take shape.

  If I manage to free Anna from her father’s house, I can always find work on Virma.

  “Ouch!” the countess exclaimed.

  The dancing teacher had stepped on her foot. “Be careful with me, Leir Avels!”

  Lons begged her forgiveness, but the countess just waved her handkerchief and ordered the dancing to continue. There was no music, just Lons’ voice calling out the steps.

  “Step forward, turn, turn again…”

  Years of experience had taught Lons that most people learned to dance faster if they started without music. Once the feet knew the steps, it was time to hire a musician.

  “You’re turning into a wonderful dancer, My Lady.”

  Lily snorted. “I don’t enjoy it, but I guess I have to learn.”

  “Of course you do. You’ll be dancing at court.”

  “Maybe I will, maybe I won’t,” Lily shrugged. “I make no promises. But if I have to dance, I want to do it well.” A few steps later, she added, “I’ll need a partner, Leir Avels. Would you consider going with me to the capital?”

  “Of course, My Lady.” He smiled inwardly.

  You never know how the cards will land. I’ll dance with her all the way to the palace if she asks me to!

  ***

  Altres sat back in his chair and glanced over the letter he had just finished writing. He felt satisfied that he had done his best. It was a letter to King Edward, and the jester had walked a fine line between lying and telling the whole truth. He had also managed to slip in a whisper of doubt about Richard’s motives. Gardwig would have written it himself, but the ulcers on his legs were giving him trouble so he had taken a sleeping draught and gone to bed.

  My dear neighbor and respected friend,

  I hasten to inform you that we held a royal hunt a few days back. During the hunt, your son and my daughter rode away from the others. A wild animal attacked them, but, thanks to your Prince Richard’s bravery, my daughter is alive and unharmed. Unfortunately, your son was wounded. Our palace healers have ordered him to stay in bed to recover his strength. They expect him to make a full recovery. Anna is always at his side. In her eyes, he is a true hero. I hope you believe me on this. What happened was a tragic accident. I will certainly understand if you wish to recall your delegation, but I hope you will not do so. Neighbors should extend friendship and understanding to each other. For my part, I will follow your instructions regarding the safety of His Royal Highness. I hope that you are well.

  Gardwig, by the mercy of Aldonai King of Wellster

  The jester smiled. All that remained was to let Gardwig read over the letter before he sent it. He hoped the accident would not affect the outcome of the delegation. If it did, Altres would never forgive himself.

  He had always hated cats of all sorts.

  ***

  As a port city, Altver had seen many things. This, however, was something entirely new. The good people of Altver arrived at church for the dawn service as they always did. Everyon
e was there—Pastor Leider, Torius Avermal, and his wife… People gasped when they saw the baroness—she looked magnificent. Her hair was swept up into a knot on the back of her head, held in place by a lace comb, and there was something fantastic that started at her shoulders and draped elegantly down her back.

  What was it? A pink cloud of lace?

  Whispers began to circulate. Everyone—men and women alike—kept their eyes on the baroness as she glided down the aisle on her husband’s arm. The whispers grew louder when she reached up to adjust her lace shawl and revealed a gorgeous brooch made of blood-red amber. All the women wondered where she got it, and the men wondered how much it cost.

  That morning, the service went on as usual but Aldonai received less than his usual share of the attention. Baroness Avermal took up the rest. The questions started as soon as the service was over. Torius was tight-lipped and restricted himself to telling people they could order similar items through him. When asked, he named a sky-high price for the fabulous brooch. His wife smiled and adjusted her shawl. Once everyone was looking, she took out a small mirror and studied her reflection in it. Before he knew what was happening, the baron had enough orders to keep Lily’s craftsmen busy for a year. Every man there had a wife, daughter, mother, or mistress who could turn his life into a living hell unless she got her hands on the latest fashions.

  Pastor Leider was the only exception, but when the baron offered him the gift of a handsome lace collar, he was highly gratified and stated loud enough for everyone to hear that the new fashions were not the work of Maldonaya. Afterward, he and the mayor moved off to a corner where they could talk in private. Baron Avermal promised to pay for a new roof on the church, and Pastor Leider made it clear that he would not stand in the way of the mayor’s profits. The pastor strongly suspected that the Countess of Earton was somehow involved in these strange new fashions, but he had no proof. He decided to keep his mouth shut and gain what he could.

  ***

  Anna’s second visit to the witch went better than the first. She was not as afraid, for one thing. The old woman gave her three small bottles—one potion to charm a man, one potion to reverse the first, and a bottle of a strong sleep remedy.

  The princess hoped they worked. She was desperate enough to try anything, but she did not plan to administer any of the portions to Richard. She could still hear his voice in the woods “I won’t hurt you. I promise.”

  Richard had no idea that Anna had played a role in their misadventure, but she knew he might find out. One thing comforted her; he was kind. She would never have to fear her husband, as long as she stayed within the bounds he set for her.

  What were those bounds? Gratitude? Perhaps. Anna didn’t really know, but she felt something warm when she thought about Richard. At the moment, that warm feeling was buried under fear for her life, cold calculation, and everyday distractions. But it was still there.

  ***

  Edward put down the letter and cursed aloud. Life was dangerous. It was all too easy for a man to end up without any heirs. Edmund’s face flitted through his mind. His older son had put off getting married, always for seemingly minor reasons—he didn’t feel well, or the bride wasn’t to his liking. Edward knew that he should have put his foot down, but he hadn’t, and the young man had died unmarried.

  There had been a three-year mourning period after the death of the crown prince, and it had taken longer than the king expected to collect information about potential brides. It was now most definitely time for Richard to marry.

  Edward sat with his thoughts for a few moments. Then he took out a sheet of parchment and a pen. He knew what to say; he would balance his anger and his desire for a close relationship with a neighbor. Gardwig would understand that Edward was displeased. If anything else goes wrong…

  ***

  Altres read the report from his agents in Ativerna. Not much had changed. Edward was on the throne and the princesses were growing up, soon to be looking for suitable husbands. The jester hoped they would look toward Wellster. The church did not approve of brides being older than their grooms, but he didn’t foresee any trouble. Pastors liked to live in comfort, after all.

  Trade was flourishing in Ativerna, the royal fleet was expanding, and there had been some small conflicts with Virman pirates. Altres wondered what that was about; he kept reading. His spies reported the king was very interested in the Countess of Earton. He looked up and scratched his head.

  What does that mean? Is Jerrison Earton falling out of favor? Do I know anything about his wife?

  He couldn’t recall ever hearing of her, except as Jess’ wife and the daughter of August Broklend, His Majesty’s favorite shipbuilder. Still, any new information concerning Jess Earton was of interest. He would file it away.

  The jester wrote Find out more. on top of the letter and set it aside. He had many other affairs to attend to.

  ***

  Time seemed to race away from Lily, so she set herself a schedule and stuck to it. She didn’t mind being busy. In her own world, she had worked hard as a medical student all day and then put in several hours as a janitor in the evenings to make extra money. Some days, she only got three hours of sleep. In her new world, she was getting a little bit more sleep, and she didn’t have to haul a mop around. A definite improvement! What else could a woman ask for? Lily laughed at the thought.

  One day in the life of her ladyship looked like this:

  Up at five o’clock for the church service downstairs in the chapel. The new church and the pastor’s new home were finished, but Pastor Vopler was in no hurry to leave the castle. Lily didn’t push him since she generally felt it was safer to have him where she could keep an eye on him. He could be the next Torquemada, for all she knew. So, Pastor Vopler continued to live at the castle, where he tried to engage the Virmans in little chats on religious topics. They ignored him most of the time, but he never took offense and continued his dark—or light, depending on your point of view—deeds. Lily was often amazed by his stubborn dedication and doubted he would ever be able to boast of a Virman convert, but there was no harm in trying.

  On occasion, the countess gave him clothes or other small gifts, which kept him happy. Mark, his son, was also enjoying his time at the castle. He and Mirrie were fast friends with all the young Virmans, and the boy excelled at his lessons and his study of manners.

  After the morning service, Lily had time for herself. She often spent the hours before breakfast in her laboratory. This precious time was generally divided between trying to complete an experiment and rushing to write down her store of knowledge before she forgot it. Her work with amber was going well. She had sent one of her best pieces to Avermal and continued to heat some of the new pieces in copper. Helke was continually amazed by what the countess showed him; no one in that world had ever tried such things.

  Her craftsmen were starting to make decent glass. They had a long way to go, but Lily was already planning to have them make fancy wine glasses.

  In other happy news, Earton was chock full of clay, and Lily was picking her memory for what she had once known about ceramics. She knew she could make a potter’s wheel and thought she would have the children work on making bowls.

  At eight in the morning, the countess went down for breakfast, where she allowed herself no more than half an hour to eat. After that, she attended lessons with the children. All the tutors were pleased with their pupils’ progress. Behavior problems were less frequent, especially after the day her ladyship explained to the children that a bullwhip can be an important learning tool. The children took the threat to heart and did their very best.

  Only Damis Reis got on Lily’s nerves. She attended his lessons because she felt that history and literature were important, but the man annoyed her to no end by staring at her with lovelorn eyes, paying her overblown compliments, or diving to kiss her hand at every turn. She almost wished he would overplay his hand so that she could fire him. As a result, Lily developed an intense dislike fo
r history and literature, which she had never loved, even in her own world.

  ***

  At noon, the children were free to roam the castle and Lily went to the stable, which was now admirably clean and dry. The Avarian stallion was getting used to his new owner. Lily didn’t risk riding him around the estate yet, but she rode in circles around a fenced-in area. She also made a point of feeding him by hand, talking to him softly and cleaning his coat. As the weeks went by, he grew to look forward to her visits. Miranda often went with her stepmother, dreaming of the day when she would have a horse of her own.

  Lily intended to keep her promise. As soon as Erik got back, she would ask him to find a good mare for the Avarian to cover. That way, Miranda would have a half-Avarian foal to raise.

  ***

  After the noon break, the countess ate lunch. When that was over, she worked with Lons. Some of that time was spent on the estate’s business—going over reports, issuing orders—and the rest was spent polishing her manners.

  ***

  In the late afternoon, Lily visited her craftsmen—the glassblowers; Helke; the pottery workshop; and the dressmakers, who were now lace-makers, as well. The pottery workshop wasn’t much to look at yet, staffed as it was with a pair of the former slaves Erik had given her, but it existed and turned out primitive pottery. The wheel was popular with the children, who ran in at odd hours to work on various projects for use at the castle. The potters had their finished work fired by the blacksmith. Lily also dreamed of firing bricks to repair the wall around the castle, but she was too busy to know where to start.

  ***

  In the evenings, she had dinner and a bath, then went straight to bed. Sometimes, she went to the sauna instead of taking a bath. Getting the sauna built had cost her a great deal of effort and trouble, and Pastor Vopler still had his doubts. “Why should a decent woman like the countess sit naked in a sauna with a bunch of Virman women?” he had asked. Lily explained the health benefits to him, and eventually, even Martha became a convert once she found that the heat helped with joint pain. Hoping to gain the pastor as an ally, Lily asked him to try the sauna just once. He hated it. The heat made him dizzy and nauseous, both symptoms of overheating. Afterward, Pastor Vopler decided that anything so unpleasant couldn’t possibly be immoral, so he left Lily alone about it…and never went back.