Daegar flew towards her and hovered above her head. “Just about all of it. By the way,” he began, yawning. “Those guards by the pillars are looking you over. Let me handle them.” he offered and went to 'sort' the men out.
Adelaide grabbed hold of him before he could make his move. “No. You're staying here. If you don't listen to me, I'll stuff you in my pillow case and sleep on it.” she threatened.
“What is that?” Berethos asked, in surprise or disgust; Adelaide couldn’t tell.
Daegar turned his attention to the assassin and scoffed. “I'm an imp, you idiot. Your Princess' imp now.” he turned his attention to the girl again. “Are you still going to see that man you were telling me about on the way up, what's his face - Nirademius.”
“Nicademius.” the Princess corrected him behind clenched teeth.
The imp just laughed and waved his hand. “Same thing. I'm coming with you; I haven't been on an adventure in a long time. Did you bring the book?”
Adelaide nodded and uncovered The Awakening, which she had wrapped inside her long sleeves, and opened it. “You are not coming with me. If you did, I'd probably leave you with Nicademius anyway, I'd rather not get lost in the Bordennian Castle with you.” she said.
“Oh, please. I'll cry again.” Daegar sang.
Adelaide smiled mischievously and closed the book. Tucking it under her arm, she stared at the imp. “Indeed you will, because I'll give you a reason to if you don't keep quiet.” at that, she turned and headed for her room, with the imp hovering after her. She was off to Bordennia soon, alone, more or less. Now was the time – the time to really show everyone that Adelaide knew exactly what she was doing to help win this war for her family.
*****
Word of Ahvi Broadblade’s arrival at the castle had both the Captain and Princess feeling sick to their stomachs. Adelaide even more so, seeing as it was her family which Ahvi was or was not about to pledge his allegiance to. She paced around her room as she waited. Going outside to greet the Ordathian Captain would have been too suspicious; despite Athon being in his office, hard at work doing whatever it was he claimed to do as Faradwyn’s King. Not to mention, the awkwardness of Adelaide’s last encounter with Dallius had not yet passed and simply being in the same room as him was causing the Princess to have what she was certain were heart palpitations. She had every right be nervous. If Ahvi refused her call for aid, her entire mission to Faradwyn would have been a waste and already she could not bear to think of how Viktor would react if she came home empty handed. Adelaide was not too sure who would be more disappointed in her – the recently crowned Emperor in dire need of allies, or herself?
“I don’t mean to make you any more nervous than you already are, simply by stepping into the room.” Ahvi said by way of greeting. He sounded cheery enough and both Adelaide and Dallius hoped that meant he came bearing good news. The Captain had come to a decision relatively quickly and it suggested he was well aware of the urgency of his own answer. “I feel I have arrived on good terms, Princess.” the door was firmly closed behind him and Ahvi approached his two young companions, bearing a satchel filled with papers and journals which he had thought necessary to bring along with him.
“Oh, thank the gods.” Adelaide replied with a sigh of relief.
Ahvi shook his head, laughing as he did. “I haven’t said anything yet.” Dumping his satchel onto the Princesses table, he pulled a piece of paper out from one of the journals he carried and held it out to Adelaide. It did not take long for the paper to leave his hand and he stared at the Princess as she read through it with eager eyes. “I will agree to aid you and your family in this war,” he began once Adelaide had at least gotten a glimpse of the contract she now held in her dainty hands.
There, as written proof, was Ahvi Broadblade’s signature. Proof of his agreement to join the Redbanes in the war whenever his resources deemed sensible. He understood well that the Redbanes did not mean to become a strain on his own resources but, at the same time he was not stupid enough to believe the war would avoid Faradwyn entirely. As much as he hated to admit it, if his own nephew and King could not be bothered to pick a side now, he was not going to wait and share in Athon’s fate brought about by his own ignorance.
“But I will need time to strengthen my own numbers first. I take pride in the skill of my men, yet even so one cannot compare a man’s ability in a single battle to that of a war. This will need to be done against my nephew’s wishes too. Somehow I must manage to figure out how I will work with your family without my own finding out. But if the Emperor has called for men under his banner, then he shall have me and my own.” Ahvi added in.
Adelaide felt the sting of tears in her eyes at those sweet words. It was everything she needed to hear at this time. She had not failed, not yet at least. To be able to bring Viktor this good news was more than she could have ever hoped for. All she could do now was pray that Marcus Valenti had no further tricks up those dirty sleeves of his. “Thank you. I can’t begin to express my gratitude – the Redbanes will remember your loyalty. When the time comes, when this war is finally over and there will be no one left to disturb the peace throughout the Allied Kingdoms, you will be rewarded what you deserve. More than anything a damned Valenti could offer you in return.” the Princess’ words were heartfelt and she even took Ahvi’s hands in hers, giving them a gentle squeeze.
That action alone took the Captain by surprise. He felt his heart melt at the sight of the young Princess, so young and innocent and full of hope. She was full of youth and a naivety so pure it was almost beautiful. With two alliances and the promise of an heir for some foreign Prince in Bordennia, Ahvi knew at that moment just why he had agreed to help in the first place. Already, Adelaide Redbane had so much resting on her young shoulders. And already, she was willing to do what no other sixteen-year-old girl would have ever dared to do.
The war, Ahvi thought to himself, was started by men like Marcus – and will be ended by men and women like Adelaide. He brought his lips down against the Princess’ hands and held them there for a moment. Eventually, he said, “I will do what I can, Princess. To help ensure a better future for the next generations to come.”
Dallius watched the touching exchange of words in silence. Only, his thoughts were not entirely on his companions. The Princess’ own satchel had caught his attention, and he cocked his head towards it. “What have you got in your satchel, Adelaide?” he asked her out of sheer curiosity. He could make out the edge of a heavy book, poking out from the corner of the closed bag. It looked old and mistreated. He could not quite guess why the Princess would have a need for such a tattered thing.
Adelaide scratched the back of her neck in thought. Clearly whatever she was planning next did not involve either men. Or else she would have indulged them with the details already. “I have need to travel to Bordennia, to meet Prince Nicademius Mouridieus.” she began to explain.
Ahvi appeared amused, and he took hold of the belt around his hips. “Your fiancé? Yes, word has spread like wildfire about your betrothal to the young Prince of Bordennia. With Hathor not around to safeguard these secret plans, well they aren’t so secret anymore. That probably explains how Marcus Valenti had managed to hear of it all the way in Valkenn and sent an assassin to kill the boy. A pathetic attempt to stop the Redbane-Mouridieus alliance, if you ask me.” he replied. The way he spoke of such things – assassinations, revenge bent plots of death – it all sounded like a game to him. Maybe with his extensive years of experience, this was all just child play to him. That made Adelaide nervous that the worst was yet to come.
“I discovered a book by the name of ‘The Awakening’ and I believe Nicademius may know something about it. My theory is that, if it states there are six books in total – one in each castle- he must have found the one located in the Bordennian Castle by now. I’ve heard how he likes to read so, his keen eye must have lead him to one of the books in one way or another.” Adelaide said. Even as she spoke, she seemed un
sure of what else could be said to explain what the book was about. Adelaide knew so little about it herself, it seemed pointless to even pretend to know what the book meant. Which is exactly why she needed as much help with it as possible.
“What is The Awakening? Some sort of ritual?” Ahvi asked. It was the exact question the Princess had been hoping to avoid.
Adelaide shrugged. “I know as much about it as you do. Maybe, with some luck, Nicademius Mouridieus will have some clues as to what it is and the only way I can find out, is by travelling to Bordennia to meet him.”
If these books were what the Princess assumed them to be, they could mean the end of all hope for Iradas. Especially if they fell into the wrong hands. The hands of a certain Marcus Valenti, for example.
Serendipity
During her time at Valkenn Castle, Serendipity had grown bored with the constant parties and other social gatherings which the Valentis insisted on throwing. It was all a display of their undeserving wealth. Despite this, Alexandria was set to leave for the Valenti Manor in Faradwyn the next day and she had wanted to leave on good terms with her husband; by celebrating his latest achievements (if murdering the Emperor of Iradas could even be called as such).
The Princess found herself adorned in diamonds and silk once again, with a corset wrapped so tight around her waist she could hardly breathe, and the hand of her fiancé pressing against her back as she was escorted into the grand hall for the party. “I’m growing bored of such gatherings whilst half the people in Valkenn starve.” Serendipity whispered to Aderico as he bid his guests welcome.
The young Lord did his best to keep his opinion to himself. He did not agree with his young fiancee's ideas about the hierarchy within Valkenn – across all of Iradas, for that matter. He brought Serendipity a little closer to his side as they approached the other Valenti nobles atop their thrones. “Best keep those thoughts to yourself, my dear. Should anyone else hear how boldly you speak.” he replied.
Serendipity scrunched up the side of her silver gown with a dainty hand, her way of keeping her silence. She was in no particular mood to start an argument about the morality of nobles. Rather, the Princess was expected to think nothing of those not attending the party and instead to focus on playing the part of a doting fiancée to a womanising Lord. She did not say it but, a part of her wished she was on Valerius’ arm rather than Aderico’s. “I suppose I’ll just go to bed early tonight, pretend I have a headache or something. That way I can escape all this as soon as possible.” she said. Every once in a while, she gave a nod of her head or a curtsey to those she passed.
“Perhaps I’ll join you. I’m sure you’ll need some help to undress.” Aderico purred.
Serendipity ignored his desperate comment. She had been forced to learn the etiquettes of a woman of her status and whilst she had thought it incredibly dull, at least she was acquainted with such skills well enough to not have to repeat any private lessons on manners. Such skills included not raising her voice or challenging her male superiors. As if it would stop her from doing any of those things in the future.
Gold seemed to be the running theme of the party, the precious thing practically dripping from the ceiling in the form of trinkets hanging from chandeliers and golden banners running across the entire breadth of the hall. Serendipity stuck out like a sore thumb. A dash of silver amongst a sea of gold. A reminder that she was not yet a Valenti, perhaps? But was well on her way to becoming one.
White roses and golden lace had been entwined around the pillars on either side of the hall and a golden fountain ran with rich red wine in the far corner. The golden trinkets hanging from the chandeliers caught in the light of the candles and splashed mesmerising specks of light across the already glistening floor. All whilst a young harpist sat in the corner, fighting to make his music heard above the mindless chatter.
Serendipity caught sight of Valerius admiring her from afar. When she was certain Aderico’s attention was diverted, she looked to him and ran her tongue over her top lip so subtly that only he had noticed. Valerius blushed and brought a chalice to his lips, hoping to conceal the rising heat in his cheeks. The corset Serendipity wore was perhaps the worst thing the servants had put on her tonight. It pinched her ribs and forced her breasts up so high, she felt embarrassed as the eyes of certain men rested a little too long there for her liking. She did not even know any of these people but, having spied Karideen talking with Marcus earlier on, she gathered that most of these guests were close friends or allies of the Councillor.
Marcus really was aiming high. He had friends of his own but, none like those of the Land of Lords. He had allowed the Councillor to invite practically half the islands inhabitants, to join in the celebration of this supposedly wonderful occasion. It did not occur often that an Emperor was murdered by a mere Lord. As though Marcus would ever allow himself to be called that! He had broken his back over the years to be thought of as worthy of his title but, it had all come at a cost. Whilst he was one of the most feared and unpredictable men in The Allied Kingdoms, he was also the most hated. Throwing an entire party to revel in Hathor’s murder certainly did not help paint a brighter picture of him.
“I’m sure you’ll grant me the pleasure of a dance.” Aderico said to the Princess as she attempted to slip out of his grasp. He knew she intended to find Valerius, and he was not about to have his honour tainted by allowing his fiancée to run off with another man, especially not in front of dozens of guests.
Serendipity rolled her eyes. “I’m not accustomed to ballroom dancing. Last time I checked, peasants dance a routine far wilder than this.” she replied and looked around the hall at the many people stepping back and forth in time to the harpist’s song. It seemed easy enough.
Aderico thought so too as he wrapped an arm around the Princesses waist and took her free hand in his. “You’ll catch on quickly. It’s not too hard to pick up.” he reassured her. As he led the way, he allowed his gaze to settle on Valerius every once in a while. When he caught sight of his father watching him too, he felt the pressure of being good to the Princess building up on him. What was his father expecting him to do?
“I found something, behind Marcus’ bookshelf in his office.” Serendipity began. She felt Aderico’s grip on her tighten, as though in warning. Did he know something about it? “Some kind of white powder. I wasn’t too sure what it was but, I wasn’t about to risk myself in getting too close to it. Although, why someone would put it down there in the first place,” she continued.
Aderico shook his head. “This is not the time and place to be discussing one of your adventures, Serendipity.” he interrupted. Aderico was never usually this blunt with the Princess but, this talk of a mysterious white powder appeared to be setting him off.
“You know what it is?” Serendipity asked, unaware that she was pressing her luck with her fiancés patience.
“Enough. I’ll hear no more of this.” Aderico snapped. He let go of the Princess and turned away, leaving her to stand by herself amongst a sea of people. He had left at the right time, should his anger have gotten the best of him.
Serendipity watched him go in disbelief. She had not expected Aderico to get this angry about white powder. Yet, it only made her suspicious about what it was and what part her fiancé clearly played in it all getting down there in the first place. Had he made it? Was it some kind of drug which Aderico was using for his own purpose?
“What set him off?” Valerius asked the Princess from behind.
Serendipity smiled at the feel of his hand running around her waist and together, they both slipped out of the hall before Marcus could notice them. “I hadn’t told you where I’d ran off to, earlier on. When you were in your meeting. I never thought I’d be saying this but, I think Kalyani might have led me to discover something which I perhaps shouldn’t have.” she replied.
Valerius was confused. He backed the Princess up against a pillar and pressed his lips against her throat. “I don’t follow.” he said in betw
een breaths. The young Lord was hardly being subtle but, seeing as no one else was around to pass judgements, neither he nor Serendipity cared.
“I think Aderico’s hiding something from us. Whatever it is, I don’t know. It’s hard to explain without me showing you but, I think he might be producing drugs. By the looks of it.”
Valerius paused and lifted his eyes to meet Serendipity's. “Aderico? Producing drugs?” he asked. The thought of his cousin being capable of such a thing seemed to amuse Valerius. “For what purpose?”
Serendipity gave him a half-smile. “I don’t know, I hadn’t come around to asking him yet.” she replied, laughing as she felt Valerius give her a squeeze from behind.
“Where did this come from?” Valerius asked.
“I should be asking you how well you know your own castle? Trapdoors are common forms of emergency exits but, a tunnel behind the bookshelf within your father’s office, it leads down to nothing but a dead end. That’s where I found it. A whole pile of white powder, reaching from floor to ceiling.” Serendipity replied.
“Are you sure about this?” Valerius was growing nervous now, the Princess could sense it.
“Yes. Why, has your cousin been acting strange lately?”
The more he thought about it, the more Valerius began to question whether Aderico’s behaviour within the meeting had been related to this strange white powder, the one which Serendipity was talking about. How his cousin had reacted so badly to his and Marcus’ suspicions. He remembered Aderico clearly being defensive about a secret business not being a secret anymore if he went and told others about it. “Keep away from it, Serendipity. If Aderico really is manufacturing some sort of drug, we can’t go near the evidence until we learn how and why he is producing it. He had been acting strange during our meeting and recently any ounce of concern we show for him, he takes it the wrong way and gets defensive about it. If he really is up to something, I’m just hoping he knows exactly what he’s getting into.”
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