by Rin Chupeco
“But the book speaks of a way to save Lady Mykaela’s life.”
“Saving one woman alone is not worth the dangers.” The elder’s voice was harsh. “It would be foolish to imperil the kingdoms to sustain a life already on the verge of flickering out. It would be idiocy to go against Odalian’s decree. We already risk much by accepting your claims of sanctuary and do so only at Princess Inessa’s insistence. We will not trespass into Odalian affairs. I expected more from Mykaela, though Polaire had always been an eavesdropping little busybody.”
They knew. A contingent of asha had ridden to meet us outside Kion before we had announced our arrival, though my azi fled quickly and escaped notice. Fox traded an Odalian prison for an Ankyon one, whisked away even before we had reached the Willows, and Princess Inessa was sent back to the empress’s palace over her protests. I had no chance to see how the others fared, for I was soon brought to the association hall to stand before the tribune.
The asha-ka association wished to remain in Odalia’s good graces. But they knew I was too powerful a tool to be sent back, even to cement an alliance.
“Rumors fly on swift wings,” one of the elders said. “They say you and Mykaela poisoned the crown prince. That this is a Kion plot, carried out by the princess at her mother’s command, has spread. What say you in your defense?”
“What is the true ending to Blade that Soars and Dancing Wind’s story?”
They stared at me, statues dressed in expensive dresses and elaborate coiffures. “I beg your pardon?” one of them asked.
“Is that too difficult a question?” I had escaped from the wolves only to find myself in the lion’s den. Propriety was the last thing on my mind. “It must be, for instead of doing everything you can in your power to save Prince Kance, you are here, building fairy castles against a threat that does not exist to pacify an actual threat from Odalia. Here is another question then: Where have you hidden Lady Mykaela’s heartsglass?”
That earned more than a few gasps. Mistress Hestia looked ready to strike me down where I stood. “While we sift and root out facts from accusations, you are to remain at the palace dungeons until we—”
Someone coughed, and heads turned toward the sound.
I had never met the reclusive Empress Alyx of Kion in person, but she commanded full attention wherever she went. She wore gowns so sheer that it would be more respectful to look away than to look at her, and gemstones of every size ringed her neck and arms. Her smile was impish, making her look younger than her forty years. Like the asha, she too wore intricate zivars in her hair for show and for protection.
With her was Mistress Parmina, looking severe in her black-and-golden hua, and Councilor Ludvig of Istera.
“Did I arrive in time?” Cheerful sounds like Empress Alyx’s voice were rare within the great hall. “I thought of cobbling together an army of guards to make our arrival more impressive, but I decided haste would be better than pomp. These few should suffice.” She indicated the row of soldiers on either side of her.
“This is a private meeting, Your Majesty!” Mistress Clayve sputtered.
“This hall was built from the royal coffers. That gives me some say as to what goes on inside it.” Empress Alyx laid a friendly hand on my shoulder. “My daughter has been telling me wonderful stories about this young lady, and I just had to see her for myself.”
“We are in the middle of an official interrogation!”
“Not without my presence.” Mistress Parmina had never been on good terms with the Mistress of House Imperial, and her thin voice had syrupy overtones. “By law, the association must inform me of tribunes where any of my charges stand accused. I received no missives.”
“There are questions that must be addressed!”
“Even I know the answers, Elder,” Councilor Ludvig scoffed. “Was the prince poisoned? Absolutely. Did this girl poison him? Absolutely not. The Duke of Holsrath wishes to distract us from the real issues, including his long-desired ascension to the throne at the expense of his nephew. Is Lady Mykaela guilty? No, for the same reasons. Shall you punish them? No, despite your threats and tantrums. If they are innocent of poisoning the prince, then why should they be held?”
“She has in her possession a book—”
“Oh, posh.” Empress Alyx laughed. “Books are only dangerous to those who keep their flock uneducated, Elder. I shall be taking charge of this girl now.”
A subdued and angry silence followed as the empress led us out of the hall, the guards close behind.
“Ah!” the empress sighed. “Talking to those old women is like having your teeth pulled by a herd of tortoises. I hope you don’t mind, Lady Tea, but I instructed the guards to free your brother. It’s about time the association stopped using my dungeons for their personal whims.” The trek to the palace was eliciting stares, but the guards surrounded the empress, matching her stride.
“Empress Alyx…words can’t even begin to express—”
“Then don’t. My daughter is as much embroiled in this mess as you are and just as innocent.” She paused. “You should be blaming me, not thanking me. I agreed to the betrothal over Inessa’s objections. She still hasn’t forgiven me for that either.”
“But why would you arrange for an engagement, Your Majesty?”
“Tea!” Mistress Parmina snapped. “You do not talk to the empress that way!”
“That’s all right, Parmina. She asks a valid question.” The pretty woman grinned. “When Telemaine first proposed the idea, I wondered. Odalian nobles rarely married outside their own kingdom, excluding the occasional treaty with Arhen-Kosho. But I suppose politics there are not as stable as one might think, and Kance is a good man and would make an able son-in-law. Besides, I was curious to see how Inessa would react.”
“Less talking, more walking, Your Majesty,” Councilor Ludvig interrupted. “There are eyes around us.” He patted me on the shoulder. “Although I am glad to see you safe, Tea. It seems you’ve had quite an escape.”
“I am glad to be here, milord.”
The guards saluted smartly as we entered the palace, and the empress led me past the magnificent throne room and into a smaller hallway, toward the royal chambers. Princess Inessa was already there, staring moodily out the window. So was Fox, at the opposite corner of the room. Kalen stood between them, an apple in one hand from a banquet spread out on the table before him: fresh flatbread with hummus, feta cheese drizzled in honey, lamb stew and carrots, and rows of fruit and sliced vegetables dipped in yogurt. Kalen refused to look at me, anger still simmering in his heartsglass. Khalad perched nervously on the arm of a long couch, nibbling on a piece of carrot.
“Did they give you any trouble?”
Fox asked the question, but it was the empress who answered. “They were about to exile your sister into perpetuity if I hadn’t threatened them. I’m sure they’re obstinate enough to try again.”
“Where are Mykaela and Polaire?” I asked.
“Resting comfortably. Altaecia is watching over them.” She turned to her daughter. “Well?”
Looking irritated, the princess reached into her dress and pulled out both Prince Kance’s and her own heartsglass.
Empress Alyx grabbed at Kance’s without warning. There was a brilliant flash, and the older woman reeled back.
Princess Inessa rose to her feet, mouth agape. “Mother! You know you can’t take his heartsglass without permission!”
“I had to try.” The empress frowned. “It’s too dangerous for you to have it right now.”
“I can handle it.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Fox said harshly. “There are people who can better protect his heartsglass.”
“Try to take it then,” the princess said stubbornly. “You know how heartsglass work. Kance gave it to me. I’ll guard his heart with my life if necessary.”
Their stares cla
shed. Fox was the first to look away.
“I hope neither of you were too uncomfortable,” the empress said cheerfully to the other boys.
“It’s no problem at all, Your Majesty,” Khalad said meekly.
The woman smiled. “I remember how you used to play with Inessa, Kance, and Kalen when you were children, Khalad. I’d always hoped that you would stop by the palace when you and your master visit, though you never do.”
“My master doesn’t like the nobility, I’m afraid.”
“I’m not surprised. He’s had to deal with the worst of our lot in his trade, and that would wear down anyone. He holds Odalian nobles in greater contempt though. I’m surprised he took you in.”
“I stopped being a noble the day I agreed to be his apprentice, Your Majesty,” Khalad answered.
“Why did you bring us here?” Kalen spoke up. “It feels like we’ve been freed from the control of one kingdom only to be taken over by another.”
“Kalen!” Khalad exclaimed, shocked by his rudeness.
The empress only laughed. “If you’re clever enough to realize that, Kalen, then you’re clever enough to understand why. We have a problem. My daughter’s betrothed has taken ill under suspicious circumstances. My daughter also has his heartsglass, which does not portray her in a good light, and this is all exacerbated further by her fleeing Odalia with a handful of other suspects. What, then, are we to do?”
“I can leave Kion,” I offered quietly. “Tell them I compelled her to leave with me. If you think it will help protect Prince Kance—if anything happened to him because of me…”
“You care for him?”
The empress, I feared, was a keenly perceptive woman. I forced myself to look in her eyes. “I care for him as one of his most loyal subjects,” I said steadily, surprised by how the words came easily. “I will not see him harmed. I’ve done enough damage.”
Empress Alyx cocked her head to one side. “Damage? It is the duke who has caused this turmoil, not you, child. You are not to blame.”
“But…” Except I had. I had compromised Prince Kance. And I’d compelled Kalen, forced him to leave…
And broke his trust.
I stood still, realization breaking through. Kalen might not have wanted to be my friend, but he had trusted me in spite of it. He would not have trained me if he hadn’t. He would not have talked to me about his father and of his childhood or shared his fears. And it was the thought of losing that trust that had frightened me. I could have borne his criticisms and his hostility but not this. Knowing that I had made me want to cry.
Empress Alyx continued on, following her own train of thought as I stood there, blinking rapidly and trying not to look in Kalen’s direction. “Your exile won’t stop the duke. The best option, I think, would be to clear all your names. And for that, we’ll have to cure the prince. Perhaps the Faceless’s book will be of some use.” She grinned at our astonished expressions. “Althy has kept me abreast of developments. And of course, regarding matters of the heart, a heartforger is required. Your master is missing, Khalad, which makes you the next best choice.”
Khalad startled. “He’s missing?”
“We do our best to keep tabs on the both of you, even when you wander off to other kingdoms. You and your master are rarer than Dark asha. My spies lost sight of the Heartforger after he entered Santiang.”
“Then he might know something about Prince Kance’s illness, which is similar to the Daanorian princess’s,” Councilor Ludvig said, finally speaking up, having been silent through most of the discussion. “Locating him is our priority. Fortunately, the Daanorian emperor is notoriously fond of asha, even despite his occasional animosity. A contingent of asha on a diplomatic mission might be viewed with greater favor.”
“Why can’t we sneak into Daanoris instead of announcing ourselves to the emperor and his officials?” Kalen interrupted. I still couldn’t look at him.
“None of us look Daanorian. It’s only been some years since Daanoris opened its borders to the rest of the kingdoms, and we would stick out.”
“We can wear disguises.”
“Not all the time and not if the princess is with you.”
“I am going,” Inessa said stubbornly.
“Do you think that’s the best option, milord?” I asked Councilor Ludvig.
“We have little choice. Tresea and my own Istera are too far away, Drycht cares little for the world outside its borders, and Arhen-Kosho has historically sided with Odalia. The Yadosha city-states might intervene but only if the cause threatens their own territories. War must be averted. Diplomacy should incur the least amount of casualties.”
The empress clapped her hands. “Tea, Fox, and Kalen, you are to accompany Khalad to Daanoris and reestablish contact with the old Heartforger. Tea, bring four or five other asha along. The emperor is enamored of dragons and, as a result, of azi. Perhaps we can introduce you as its keeper.”
“The elders won’t like that.”
“The elders don’t know. Althy and I took great pains to keep your new bond with the azi a secret. Hiding a book is easier to defend than hiding an azi, which I’m sure you would have told us sooner or later.”
“I don’t think I would have,” I admitted quietly, choosing honesty for once rather than more subterfuge.
Empress Alyx patted my arm. “I’m not accusing you of anything. You’re in a position no one else has been in, and that requires making a lot of hard choices.”
“I’m going with them,” the princess said sharply.
“No.” I didn’t think Fox wanted to voice that thought aloud, but it was too late.
Princess Inessa spun to face him.
“And why not?”
“You’re useless,” he told her bluntly. “You can’t fight, you can’t defend yourself, and you can’t protect Prince Kance’s heartsglass.”
“Thank you for reminding me how thoroughly irrelevant I am to your objectives,” the princess snapped, “but Emperor Shifang has been trying to court me for the better part of three years. Daanoris is a suspicious nation. My presence ensures he will welcome us.”
“He’s right, Inessa.” Her mother shook her head. “It’s too dangerous.”
“I’m engaged to Kance, aren’t I?” The princess lifted her chin. “I promised to protect his heartsglass with my life if I have to. You might have forced me into the arrangement, but I do not go back on my word. Or do you break promises once they becomes inconvenient for you?”
The empress glared at her. “We shall talk about this later, Inessa.”
“And what if we can’t find him?” Kalen asked.
“There is one other Heartforger in the room.”
Khalad paled. “But I’m not skilled enough.”
The empress wagged a finger at him. “Old Narel has never been one to heap praise on a subordinate. But he would have released you from his apprenticeship long ago if he didn’t think you a worthy successor. He’s rejected half a dozen candidates before taking you in and twice more since then.”
Khalad looked shocked.
“We must be prepared for all eventualities, Khalad, whether you feel ready or not. A time may come when you shall need to prove your master right.” Empress Alyx turned to me. “I will have your hua and possessions transferred here within the day. My servants shall take you to your rooms to recuperate in the meantime. We’ll talk more about Daanoris later.”
“Is there anything you can do for Prince Kance?”
She shook her head. “Not at the moment. But I will do my best.”
“And of Polaire and Mykaela?”
“The same amnesty I give you.” Empress Alyx smiled sadly at me. “Althy is doing her best to support Mykaela. I understand that your mentor cannot leave Odalia at the cost of her life, but Polaire’s sacrifice buys us time. You must thank her when she wakes.”
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“Thank her?”
“The attempt on Grand Duke Besserly’s life—some of the Faceless’s followers who’d escaped vowed revenge, so Polaire claimed credit to shield you. They’ve all since been captured or killed by the Yadoshans.”
I swallowed hard. “Thank you for telling me this, Your Majesty.”
“Councilor Ludvig,” Khalad said, “I’d like to ask you more about your friend’s sleeping illness…”
Kalen was the first one out of the room, and I hurried after him, blocked his path. “Kalen! I didn’t have a chance to—”
“Then don’t.”
“Kalen, please. I want to apologize. I know I had no right to compel you, but I had no choice—”
“No choice? No choice? You compelled me against my will, but now you’re telling me you had no choice? And now you ally yourself with the azi? The daeva that had killed many of my friends?”
“I—I—”
I had no good answer to that. Kalen strode away, and I closed my eyes, desperately willing away tears.
There was a small cough from behind me before Althy spoke up. “Polaire is awake, Tea, and asking for you.”
I took a deep breath, trying not to show how much his anger affected me, surprised by the strength of my upset. “All right.”
• • •
One would have thought it was Polaire who had lost her heartsglass, that it was Polaire withering away all these years. The asha’s cheekbones were jagged peaks stretched across a barren landscape of skin; her eyes like faded twin moons. Mykaela slept on the bed beside hers, an unnatural glow about her serene face, and her heartsglass pulsed softly in tandem with the brunette’s.
“About time they brought you here.” Mykaela’s voice was the only thing familiar about her; it was subdued and weaker but still vibrant. I wanted to throw my arms around her and beg for forgiveness, but I was afraid of her frailty.
“I am sorry,” I sobbed, the tears running freely. “I should never have doubted you. I didn’t—”
Polaire shook a gaunt finger at my face. “How pathetic,” she said, coughing, “and how embarrassing. Little things have never tired me before. You have a poor understanding of your priorities, but I was young once and very much like you. Mykaela and I are fine, despite how we look. Our unwanted distance from Odalia has given us a heavier load to bear, but we will survive this.” Her eyes drooped. “The empress told me you are going to Daanoris to find the Heartforger.”