by Rebecca Rode
“You tore my dress,” the girl snapped at him, and began to brush dirt off the fabric.
Aden went still. “Elyss?”
The girl paused. “You know me?”
“You’re Lili’s maid,” he said. Then he leaped over to grab her shoulders. “Where is she? Is she alive?”
The girl’s eyes went round in horror. “Sire?”
“Yes, it’s me. You need to tell me what happened to my family.”
Elyss looked as dazed as I felt. She glanced at me helplessly, then back at Aden. “Beg pardon, Prince Cedrick. I—I couldn’t tell it was you, what with the bruises and the… beard. We all thought you were dead.”
“Elyss,” he said firmly. “Where is Lili?”
“I don’t know. As soon as the palace was attacked, I ran. She told me to.” Elyss looked down. “She wouldn’t come with me.”
“The palace?” Aden dropped his hands and took a step back. “But she wasn’t at the palace. My father hid them with relatives.”
“Aye, in Nathaniel,” Elyss said. “I went along. Your mother got a missive from the palace and said we were to return immediately. We arrived just before the feast. But then soldiers came running in, and there were people screaming, and—I tried, Highness, I swear it. Lili kept saying she wouldn’t leave without her mum.”
A missive from the palace. Orders forged by Varnen himself, no doubt.
Aden looked devastated. “Lili is only eight year-days old. You shouldn’t have given her a choice.”
“They searched the servants as we left, Highness. They were looking for members of the royal family. She wouldn’t have made it out anyway.”
“But have you heard anything about them? Have they been taken away, or are they still in the palace?”
She swallowed. “All I know is what I’ve heard in town. Nobody has seen them leave, so they must still be there.”
I thought of the wall of bodies and flinched. That didn’t mean they were alive.
“All right,” Aden said, wringing some of the water from his shirt. “I can work with that. It’s not ideal, but at least they’re all in one place.”
The girl tensed, pulling at the folds in her dress. I examined her for a long moment, noting the elegant lines of the cloth in her hands. The hem was covered in mud, and dirty fingerprints dotted several areas.
“Elyss,” I said gently. “That dress isn’t yours, is it?”
She went rigid. “Course it is.”
Aden turned, his gaze locking on mine as understanding dawned. “I’ve seen that before. Did you steal that from my mother’s wardrobe?”
“No, Your Highness. I would never do such a thing.” She’d backed up against the wall, dirtying the dress’s skirt even worse.
“You’re lying.”
“It’s mine, I swear it.” Her voice was a squeak now.
Aden opened his mouth to retort, but I placed a hand on his arm. “Elyss, you’ve suffered a lot, and you don’t have much to show for it. Maybe you thought the dress adequate payment for your trouble. The fact is, if you were able to return to the palace to… borrow it, maybe you can help us sneak in.”
A furious blush had taken hold of her cheeks. “’Twasn’t safe to wear my maid’s uniform in town. They were looking, you see. And there’s someone there who said he’d take me in when the danger was over. He likes me dressed up nice.”
“Someone in town,” Aden repeated. “A lord?”
“Of course not. But he does drive the lord’s wagon. Most of the nobility were killed at the feast, but this lord was ill and didn’t attend, so his household survived. They’re helping gather support in the city. If you have a message for them, I’ll deliver it.”
“What of sneaking us into the palace?” I asked.
A second’s hesitation, then her voice grew stronger. “Fact is, Highness, what you’re asking is risky. If you win, I don’t want to be a maid anymore. I want my own maids.”
I gaped at the girl.
Aden hid a smile. “Done. You help us free my family, and I’ll make sure the crown prince rewards you well.”
Elyss winced at the words. Not a good sign.
“You aren’t telling us everything,” I said.
“Course I am.” Her voice had gone shrill.
“What aren’t you saying?” Aden asked.
She took a deep breath. The words came in a desperate rush. “Your brother, Mael, disappeared the night the king died. Nobody knows what happened to him except for the rumors.”
Aden paused. “What rumors?”
“Some say he was killed and dumped into the bay with the servants. Others say he leaped from the cliffs to avoid your father’s fate. None of the accounts line up exactly, but in all of them…” She shrugged.
Aden simply stared at Elyss, his face turning a pasty white. My expression likely looked much the same.
“That makes you the crown prince,” I whispered.
“Wrong, miss. That makes him king.”
Aden flinched at the word king. He dropped my hand and stepped away, placing his back to us. Even Elyss looked a little pale now.
An image of Aden’s body hanging next to his father’s slammed into my thoughts, all too real. If Mael was truly dead and Aden the rightful king, our presence here had just become even more dangerous.
“Your allies will be relieved to know you’re alive,” I told him gently. “Put your support behind them, meet with them. Lead them. You can strengthen one another.”
“Allies?” he asked incredulously. “My allies just murdered my father, burned our agreement, and did a little dance on top. What you’re talking about are townspeople with torches and cooking knives. Even if I wanted to risk their lives, which I don’t, we would never beat Rasmus’s army.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Never underestimate a determined person with a knife.”
Some of the life returned to his eyes. “True. I keep making that mistake, don’t I?”
“So will Rasmus, which means we have a chance,” I said. “We need a plan, then. We’ll send Elyss back to the palace to find out where they’re keeping your family. Then we’ll meet with the lord and his followers to plan the attack.”
Aden shook his head firmly. “Too long. We’ll have to assume my mother and sisters are in the dungeons. Elyss, how quickly can your friends be ready to attack the palace?”
She cocked her head. “I’m not certain, Sire. Why?”
“Because I’ve seen enough. I refuse to leave my family in the hands of that man another day.” He leveled his gaze on Elyss, then me. “We’re getting them out of there tonight.”
It rained as if the spirits themselves were determined to hinder our progress as we made our way toward town. The wind blew sideways, putting out the street lanterns and forcing us to make our way more by feel than sight. At least that strange smoke in the air had left for now.
We took a shortcut, winding through the city’s slums. Aden grew increasingly quiet as we drew closer to the palace. His gray eyes swept the muddy streets, taking in the run-down conditions of the poorer neighborhoods. They hadn’t bothered to lay cobblestone here, nor would they ever, by the looks of things. Elyss, on the other hand, simply appeared worried. I lengthened my stride to catch up with her.
“How long have you worked at the palace?” I asked.
She frowned. “Three years.”
“Are your parents worried about you?”
“Dead ten years past. My grandmother got me the position and left. I haven’t seen her since.”
Elyss was as street worthy as I was. It made me like her the tiniest bit. “I’m glad you found a place to belong. That’s more than most of us can say.”
“The royals are decent enough people once you get to know them.” She nodded toward Aden, who walked slightly ahead. “He’s going to be all right, isn’t he?”
“Not for a long time.”
It was another half an hour and several mud-ridden streets before the palace came into view, a dark shadow
against a black sky. It towered over the coastline. I tried to follow my own advice and stay fixed on the plan, but all I could think about was that day weeks ago when, in the shadows of this very palace, Father had given another of his lectures about staying safe. I would have given anything for yet another lecture right now.
Aden must have seen my expression, because he slowed to let me catch up, then quietly slid his hand over mine.
The wind whipped my damp shirt again, and for the fiftieth time, I wished for my coat. By this time tomorrow, we’d be warm and dry. Or dead.
Elyss took her place in front like a page announcing her master, a basket of fabric in hand. We reached a corner with a great stone column. Earlier, Aden and I had cut straight through the park. Tonight, we turned right at the massive gate and followed it around the coastal side to the service entrance. We kept to the shadows but held our heads high, as if entitled to be here. A group of soldiers walked by, barely giving us a glance. Either our disguises were better than I’d assumed, or they’d grown overconfident. I thought of those bodies at the gate and decided it was the latter.
A few minutes later, Elyss halted at what looked like a wall. “The servants’ entrance is behind there. I’ll check it out. Wait here.” She disappeared into the shadows.
Aden leaned over to speak after a moment, but flinched at the sound of a yell. It was unmistakably Elyss’s voice. She seemed to be arguing with someone.
I plunged after her.
“Laney!” Aden hissed from the shadows, but I ignored him and raced toward the open doorway I hadn’t seen earlier.
The maid’s voice grew louder as I approached. “… needed it so bad she sent me out in the rain. If you don’t let me back in, she’ll just send others out looking. She’s not a woman who likes waiting.”
“I’ve received no orders about a servant girl fetching a basket for the cloth master,” a deep voice said. “Now run along before I toss you into the dungeon.”
Elyss gave an exasperated sigh. “And lose my job because the door guard wasn’t listening when he got his orders? Let me in now, or I’ll tell them about the bottle you’re hiding behind your back. Stealing wine from the king’s kitchens? When he finds out, you’ll lose both your hands—”
“Fine!” the guard barked impatiently. “Stop yer shouting.” The door creaked.
Elyss caught a glimpse of me approaching, but she didn’t let on. “Remember me next time. Have fun standing in the rain all by yourself.”
I slowed, confused. Then I realized what the maid meant. She was signaling me, telling me the guard was alone.
The man held the door open just long enough for her to slip through, then began pulling it closed.
I yanked out my axes and leaped.
He turned before I got to him. With a startled grunt, he reached for his sword. Too late. I performed a quick X-block and twisted the sword from his hands, tossing it aside. Then I slammed the side of the axe at his head.
He slumped silently to the ground.
Aden emerged as Elyss whispered, “Come on,” and held the door wide.
I grabbed the guard’s boot, motioning to Aden to take the other. We pulled the man into the narrow entrance. There was a loud thud as Elyss secured the door. He’d come to by morning, but our task would have succeeded or failed by then.
“The servants’ quarters are this way,” Elyss said.
The air was thick with dirt as we ducked inside. I’d expected the long hallway leading upward, but not the slickness of its walls and floor after a hundred years of use. This entrance had been carved into the mountain itself. It looked like a tunnel dug by a child and reinforced with rotting wooden beams. Thankfully, someone had laid loose wooden planks down for footing. Three gaslight lanterns hung from the wall, though only one was lit.
Elyss pulled the lantern down from its hook. “You bring it with you to navigate the tunnels, then return it when you leave.”
“I didn’t realize it was in such poor condition,” Aden said with a frown, taking in the rudimentary walls and flooring.
“It’s always looked like this.” Elyss motioned for us to follow. As if we’d do anything else.
“Do the Messaun soldiers ever come through here?” I whispered as we walked.
She shrugged. “I haven’t been back in days. I’d be wary just in case.”
The tunnel rose slightly, then ended at a flight of slippery stairs. I stepped carefully, clinging to the rail so I wouldn’t fall on Aden. Forty steps. Those stairs had to be a nightmare for the poor kitchen and laundry servants carrying burdens. By the deepening frown on Aden’s face, he thought the same thing.
A turn later, the tunnel branched off in two directions. Elyss chose the right. “The men’s quarters are to the left. Although you’ll come with us, Your Highness.”
“Delightful,” Aden muttered, his shoulders squared.
We reached a door. Elyss knocked twice, paused, then twice more. A lock slid on the other side, and the door swung open. A large cavern met us. It held an assortment of unmatched beds. Some were little more than woven straw mats on the rocky ground. Ropes had been strung across the room to hang clothing, and a partition separated the far end for privacy. A single cracked mirror hung near the door.
Despite the four lanterns lighting the room, only one servant occupied the space. It was a stern-looking woman with a plump figure. Wisps of curly dark hair slipped from her once-tidy bun. The rumpled uniform contrasted with the sharpness in her eyes. Lands only knew what this woman had been through.
“Halt,” she snapped, blocking the door and glaring at each of us in turn. “Who are you?”
Elyss lifted the lantern closer to Aden’s face.
The woman gasped. “Your Majesty.” She dropped into a shaky curtsy. “Your face! I didn’t recognize—I mean, the bruises… Pardon my poor manners.” She glowered at Elyss. “What are you thinking, bringing him here? That madman would give anything to get his hands on the boy.” She turned back to Aden. “Er, man. Excuse me, Highness.”
Aden held up his hand. “I’m aware of the risk. What is your position, and where are the others?”
“Magie Ker, Highness. I serve your mother. Or did, before the Messauns imprisoned her.” She paused. “Most of the servants ran, like Elyss here. The rest of us swore fealty to the khral. A few fought in the name of the king, may their souls rest.”
The servants’ bodies wouldn’t be displayed on the wall, I knew. They’d probably been dumped over the cliff and now lay at the bottom of the sea, just like my father. I swallowed hard.
“My presence must remain a secret,” Aden said. “Even from the loyal Hughen servants, at least for now. Tell me where my mother is being held.”
“In her chambers. They moved her from the dungeon yesterday when she said she’d marry that awful khral.”
Aden choked. “She said what?”
“He threatened your sisters if she didn’t agree. What was she supposed to say? Poor dear.” Magie shook her head.
He muttered a curse. “Do you know what happened to Mael?”
Magie shook her head. “We haven’t found his body yet, but I’m afraid he’s gone, Highness. We’re all very sorry for your loss.” She ducked her head. “Unfortunately, I have more bad news. The succession law says the crown falls to the next male heir. If one can’t be produced, it goes to the queen’s husband. If this wedding takes place tomorrow, the khral will officially rule both countries.”
I frowned. Yet another unfair law. How horrible for the queen, being refused any real power of her own.
“He can’t do that!” Aden burst out. “He can’t just kill the king and… and force the queen to marry him.”
“Who’s to stop him, Highness?” Magie asked. “He could take the crown upon himself at any moment if he wished. But he knows the country won’t be his till he has the people’s support. They love their queen. This way he wins their allegiance and their loyalty.”
“He doesn’t care about their loyalty,
” I spat. “He’ll destroy Hughen. I’ve seen what Rasmus has done in his own country.”
“I’ll have his head before my father’s crown touches it,” Aden said. “But first, we get my mother and sisters to safety. The girls are still in the dungeon, you say?”
“Delivered their dinner myself, poor things.”
“How many guards are stationed at my mother’s chambers?”
“Two. But Rasmus ordered an increase in security today, so there could be more. His men are everywhere in preparation for tomorrow.”
Aden pursed his lips. “Elyss, we can take it from here. I have a message for you to deliver to your friends in town. Magie, I don’t suppose you have anything we can use as a disguise?”
A few minutes later, I stood in front of the broken mirror wearing a kitchen maid’s uniform. It had been white once, though now it was splattered with grease stains. It hung loose to my ankles. Although I wore more fabric than usual, I felt completely exposed without my comfortable trousers. Worse, the waist didn’t allow for a belt and pair of axe scabbards. I’d hidden my weapons in a pile of bedding. The comb remained safe in my pocket.
“This is the only uniform that would fit those thick shoulders of yours,” Magie explained, pinning my hair into a tight bun. “I hope that holds. Your hair needs a good washing.”
Aden stepped out from behind the divider, fastening his shirt clasps. The outfit had completely transformed him. He’d managed to look regal even in a sailor’s tattered clothing, but with his mussed hair and scruffy beard, he almost passed for a Hughen servant.
“You’ll have to hunch a bit, Highness,” Magie said. “You’ll fit right in with those bruises. Some of the other servants were beaten as well. But try not to look directly at faces. No servant does that.”
“Bad posture and stare at the ground,” Aden repeated. “Anything else?”
“Don’t let them discover you, or we’re all done for.” Magie opened the door and tapped her foot impatiently.
Aden looked me up and down, grinning at the skirt. “Thank you, Laney.”
I rose to my toes and gave him a peck on the cheek. “Let’s go save your family.”