by Jeff Wheeler
Elaine and Lucas approached, their cheeks still flushed from the dance. “I could do that all night,” the youngest princess said with a grin.
“You crushed my foot,” Lucas complained. “I hope it’s better by the wedding.”
“You all did very well,” Sera complimented. “There are dozens more dances like these in Comoros and new ones invented each year. One day, wouldn’t it be grand if we all attended a ball in Lockhaven?”
“I don’t know,” Trevon said doubtfully. “I suspect Lucas is afraid of heights.”
“I am not!” the younger brother spluttered, before realizing he was being teased. “Well, not overly afraid. I’d like to ride a hurricane, though. That would be more fun than attending a ball.”
“Let’s keep this secret,” Trevon said. “When the quartet begins to play, we will assemble as we practiced.”
“I can’t wait to see the looks on Mother’s and Father’s faces,” said Renowen, the middle brother, slyly.
“Here they come now,” said Lucas.
“You’re such a—”
“No, seriously!” Lucas affirmed, gesturing, and Sera saw he was right. The King and Queen of Kingfountain had just entered with Lord Fitzroy. Sera wondered if one of Montpensier’s Espion had tipped them off.
Trevon looked wary, but he took Sera’s hand, and they walked toward his parents.
The queen saw the musicians and arched an eyebrow at her son. “Having a little private concert, were we?”
Trevon shrugged. “I saw no harm in it. Hello, Mother.” He bent and kissed the queen on her cheek. She was a stately woman, but the antipathy in her eyes was unmistakable. It added to Sera’s disquiet. She was used to brooking her own parents’ disapproval, but she’d hoped that might change with her husband’s family.
Lord Fitzroy was looking at her, and she could tell that he wanted to speak with her.
“Prime Minister, is there any word from Comoros?” she asked.
“There is, Your Majesty,” he said. He turned to the king and queen. “If I may speak with her privately for a moment?”
“Of course,” said the king. Having dismissed them, he took Trevon aside to speak to him alone as well.
“I’m worried by the look in your eye, Lord Fitzroy,” Sera said after they’d walked a few paces away from the others and secluded themselves by a window.
He clasped his hands behind his back, a nervous gesture typical of him, and started to pace. “I received word this evening that Lady Corinne has asked permission to cross a mirror gate and come here.”
Sera’s eyes widened. “Before the wedding? That is highly unusual.”
“Indeed, and highly suspicious. I have no doubt that she’s feeling the pressure from my investigation. I haven’t dared to send officers to Pavenham Sky to search for evidence yet. But if one of the younger officers let it slip . . .” He frowned and shook his head. “An investigation such as this requires so much trust. And I’ve come to learn that her sphere of influence is deep and shadowed.”
“Did you grant her permission?” Sera asked.
He looked at her. “I did not. In fact, I expressly forbade it. Her movements are being watched and monitored. She was recently with your father in Lockhaven. Then she left to return to her estate. I’ve heard nothing else about her until now. I don’t know why she asked to come here.”
“Maybe she wants to strike a deal,” she said.
He snorted through his nose. “I doubt it. I don’t know what she could possibly offer to turn my investigation from its course. It’s like that game they play in this world. Wizr. I see her move, but I can’t understand what prompted it.”
“I think she’s desperate,” Sera said. “She knows she’s about to lose power. Permanently.”
Fitzroy shook his head. “She’s far too shrewd for desperation. I wanted to tell you what I’ve learned. The privy council has rejected your father’s bribery attempt. They control the purse strings of the empire, and they need a legitimate successor should anything happen to your father. We’re at odds, but I anticipate this resolving in the next day or two. The marriage will then proceed at week’s end.”
Sera sighed. “Part of me just wants it to be over,” she admitted. “I learned this evening that the King and Queen of Kingfountain hope our negotiations will fail.” Sera tried to mask her disappointment. “They have given their son the freedom to decide, but he does not have their support. I feel sorry for him.”
Lord Fitzroy gave her a sympathetic look. “I understand the position he is in, having been in a similar one myself. I did not see eye to eye with my parents, especially my father.”
“I hope you don’t mind, but Cettie told me about what happened when you were a young man. How the young woman you loved was sent away. You never found her, did you?”
He shook his head no. “But I never would have met Maren had Christina and I married. Never would have had the children or found Cettie.”
“I miss her. I wish she could be here for my wedding.”
“If we’d had more time to plan it,” he said, smiling. He paused, the smile slipping, then added, “I’m afraid neither of your parents has chosen to come. The emperor doesn’t care to, and your mother is fearful about traveling through a mirror gate. I’m sorry.”
“I am too,” Sera agreed. “But I’m not surprised. Neither of them appreciate being inconvenienced.” She choked back the feelings of insult that had suddenly flared. Determined to change the subject, she asked, “Has your investigation determined why Mr. Skrelling went to Pavenham Sky that night?”
Fitzroy gave her an enigmatic look. “I have no direct evidence, but I do have suspicions. I’ve asked myself that question over and over. I think I know why he did. After she’s been arrested, she’ll be interrogated in front of a Leering that prevents a lie from being spoken. Then we will finally come to learn the truth.”
“I wish I could be there when it happens,” Sera said.
“You will probably be touring the realms here with your husband,” he said. “A much better way to spend your first days of marriage.”
“Thank you, Lord Fitzroy.” She reached out and squeezed his hand. “The people of the empire are fortunate to have you in their service.”
“I will continue to do my best,” he answered. “Good night.”
She rejoined the Argentine siblings, who were still dancing, and enjoyed the rest of the evening. The austere presence of the king and queen dampened the merriment, but only slightly. When it started to get late, Trevon offered to walk her back to her rooms, and she accepted. They walked hand in hand down the corridor, which was now empty of servants. “Tomorrow, I thought we might visit Leoneyis,” he said. “I don’t believe I have taken you there yet.”
“That is the land that used to be underwater, correct?” she asked. “The source of the glass pebbles on our beach?”
“The very one. Leoneyis was brought back by Lady Sinia, following our war with Gahalatine centuries ago. A variety of cultures live there now. Many of Gahalatine’s people flocked there following the fall of his empire. I believe all we are waiting for, as my parents said just now, is your privy council’s final agreement of the terms. Did Lord Fitzroy seem optimistic?”
“He is always optimistic,” Sera said with a small smile. They reached her door, but she didn’t want to part from him yet. Standing in front of him, she took his hands in hers. “Are you sure you still want me? Even if your parents don’t?”
His eyes narrowed. “Who told you this? Renowen?”
“Kasdan.”
Trevon scowled. “He shouldn’t have.”
“Well, you should have,” she said, squeezing his hands. “I’d rather know the worst than be kept in the dark.”
He stepped closer to her, and she stepped back, only to feel the door blocking her. “Sometimes the dark can be nice.”
“Prince Trevon,” she said, giving him a look and speaking in a tone that said not to trifle with her.
“I�
�m answering your first question before you forget it,” he said. Pulling his hands away from hers, he cupped her cheeks and kissed her. Her heart pounded in her chest as she dug her fingers into his hair and kissed him back, feeling sweet and sad at the same time.
Trevon pulled away, giving her a pointed look. “That is my answer, my princess. You are worth the wait, however long it takes.” He kissed her cheek. “Would it were tomorrow.”
She felt a similar feeling of restless impatience as she felt his kiss linger on her cheek. Part of her wished he’d start on her neck.
“We can wait three more days,” she said with a sigh.
“I will try,” he said, then gently pinched her earlobe between his lips. “Good night.”
“Good night, Trevon.”
She watched him walk down the hall before she opened the door to her rooms. Once inside, she leaned back against it, trying to let the tension ebb from her body. She pressed her fingers against her nose and cheeks, savoring the bittersweet feelings. The bed had been turned down in preparation for her.
“Becka?” Sera called, imagining her maid would be in the next room.
There was no answer, which was odd because Becka usually came straightaway when Sera returned. She looked around the room and went to the area with the tub and towels. Her maid normally prepared a bath for her at night, but the bathing area was empty. Sera turned around quizzically, then began searching the room in earnest.
“Becka?” she called again. Silence was her only response.
This was entirely unexpected and panic-inducing. Becka had always been there when Sera returned to her rooms at night, for she slept there as well. It was late, and no errand had been assigned to justify her absence at this hour. A dagger of worry and fear hit her stomach.
Becka was missing.
And Lady Corinne wanted to come to Kingfountain.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
THE GENERAL’S GUEST
Sera stormed out of her state room and marched down the hall, seeking anyone she could find, guard or servant—she didn’t care. The night watchmen were already on duty, and they greeted her with concerned eyes, which became even more concerned when she demanded they take her to Prince Trevon’s rooms immediately.
“Is something the matter, my lady?” one of them asked her.
“Indeed, there is, but I would address it with the prince himself. Please take me to him at once.”
“Of course.” The officer in charge gave orders for the others to continue their patrol while he and another man escorted Sera upstairs. The hall was eerily quiet save for the tramping of their steps, and her worry and concern bloomed into a frantic need to find her maid.
Sera had been to the upper levels of the palace before, so the path was familiar, but she had never been to Trevon’s rooms. Her insides twisted into concerned knots, and she fidgeted with her hands, trying to remain calm despite her anxiety. Lady Corinne was always so unflappable. Even after years of observing the woman, Sera didn’t understand how she could maintain such a facade.
After a brief walk down another corridor, they arrived at the chamber, and the officer rapped on the door. It was answered by Trevon’s valet, an older man named Kemp. When he saw her standing behind the officers, he turned his head quickly and spoke into the room, but she didn’t hear what he said. Trevon appeared moments later, his formal jerkin removed, his collar open—he’d obviously been preparing for bed.
“Something’s wrong?” he said worriedly.
“Becka is missing,” Sera answered. “She wasn’t in my rooms when I returned. There is no note, no trace of her. She’s never been away at such an hour.”
His brow wrinkled in concern. He hesitated a moment, then nodded. “Come with me.” He gave a small jerk of his head to the officers, indicating he wanted them to follow.
“When was the last time you saw her?” Trevon asked in an undertone as they hastened down the corridor.
“Before dinner, hours ago.”
“Was she feeling ill? Is there anything you can remember that wasn’t right?”
“Nothing at all,” Sera said. Was Lady Corinne behind this? She didn’t think it wise to speculate out loud, not with so many bystanders.
They went back down the stairs to the main level and down a corridor that Sera didn’t recognize. It led to a sturdy wooden door, battered by age but unmarked by sign or sigil. Trevon approached it and knocked firmly, frowning as he waited.
The door opened, and a man stood in the gap. He had long hair and a fancy jerkin with little studs. Sera noticed the Espion ring on his hand and a pistol and dagger in his belt. Though she didn’t recognize him, there was a deadly glimmer in his eyes, and the sight of him immediately brought a chill to her heart.
“Prince Trevon,” the man said in surprise.
“I need to see the general,” the prince answered.
“Let him in,” said Montpensier from inside the room.
“And Miss Fitzempress?” the man asked.
There was a pause.
“Very well, let them both in.”
Trevon entered first, but Sera was right on his heels. The two guards from the night watch remained outside as the door shut.
General Montpensier sat at a wide desk stacked with papers, scrolls, stubs of wax, and other arrangements all organized and situated perfectly. A man wearing thin-rimmed glasses sat in front of a sheaf of papers and a pen and ink at a little desk behind the general. A secretary, it would seem.
“Ah, Princess,” Montpensier said with a yawn. He gave her a cunning look. “It is a little late for a social call. Do you not think so?”
“This isn’t one.” Trevon’s voice was hard.
“My maid has disappeared,” Sera said forcefully, wanting to smack the smug look from the general’s face.
“And the lost lamb has been found,” Montpensier said, his eyes twinkling.
“Where is she?” Sera asked, trying to curb her anger but also feeling a little flicker of relief. It soon wavered when presented with the smug look on the general’s face.
“More importantly,” Montpensier said, “is where she was found. She was caught sneaking through the Espion tunnels, Prince Trevon. She was promptly arrested and is now under confinement.”
“Arrested?” Sera gasped, and Trevon held up his hand to forestall her from speaking more.
“Release her at once,” the prince said.
The general had clearly been expecting this line of attack. “I’m afraid I can’t do that, my prince. There are questions we must ask her. I have to perform my duty as head of the Espion, of course. There is evidence to suggest that Miss Fitzempress’s maid is . . . in fact . . . a spy of the empire.”
Sera wanted to say that his words were utterly ridiculous, but she realized he wanted such a reaction from her. She remained silent, trying to understand the motives behind his accusation, all while her stomach throbbed with worry.
“She’s fourteen years old,” Trevon said incredulously.
“Spies younger than that have been secured, my prince,” he said with a nasty smile. “I should know.”
“I don’t understand why we must play this game, General,” Trevon said, coming forward and planting his hands on the desk. He nudged one of the stacks askew, and Sera noticed Montpensier frown as he glanced at the pile. “Release her at once. She’s not going anywhere. She’s already confined to the castle.”
Montpensier folded his arms. “Naturally you seek to please your future wife,” he said. “But I’m afraid I must insist that she be held until the investigation is complete.” The words made the pit in Sera’s stomach sink deeper. “Why was she scuttling about in the tunnels? I’m afraid your negligence of Espion procedures, Prince, has opened up a breach in our defenses. You use the tunnels too often to see Miss Fitzempress, and it would seem you made the girl aware of them. I’m afraid I can no longer turn a blind eye to your misconduct.”
“My misconduct?” Trevon said in outrage. “I order you to release
the girl at once.”
“I serve the man who wears the hollow crown,” Montpensier said coldly. “Not you.”
“Then I will go tell my father,” Trevon said, straightening.
“Really, Prince Trevon. He’s already abed, and I have much work to do still. I am quite tired, as you can tell.” He feigned another yawn. “Surely this can wait until morning. Would you prove your insecurity to him by acting with such impatience? I tell you the girl is safe and sound. In fact, she’s sleeping.”
“I want to see her,” Sera said in a low, measured voice.
Montpensier gave her a look of annoyance. “Do you not believe me, Your Highness?”
“Not particularly,” Sera replied.
“What are you playing at?” Trevon asked warily.
“Playing, sir? You think this is a game?” The general rose from his chair, his eyes glittering with animosity. “You think I am slack in my duties? That I would arrest Miss Fitzempress’s maid on a whim? Believe me, sir, that I would not have done so without believing the king would fully support me in this. This is not some petty vengeance for Miss Fitzempress’s personal slights to me. The investigation will happen, as it should, and there will be consequences if the lass is a spy. You should thank me for doing my duty.”
“Thank you?” Trevon asked in amazement.
“You’re welcome,” Montpensier replied.
An idea sparked in Sera’s mind. A Tay al-Ard would only take someone to a place they had been before, a place that was fixed in their memory. She had used it to take Trevon to the beach in Ploemeur. If she could convince the general to bring them to the cell where Becka was being kept, then she would be able to return later if need be. She would be able to question the girl without being observed.
“General, I understand that you believe you are doing your duty,” she said. “But surely my concern for my handmaiden is also understandable. I would like to see her and verify that she has not been mistreated or abused.”