by C. J. Archer
The first footman departed, heading towards me, while Brant had a brief exchange Gladstow's man. The duke's footman nodded and they left together.
"What did Sergeant Brant want?" I asked the palace footman as he reached down to scoop water from the fountain pool. Perhaps I should have been more discreet, but I needed a fast answer and indirect questions would take too long.
He splashed water on his face, blinking the drops off his lashes. "He's looking for the Duke of Gladstow. I don't know where he is, but Gladstow's footman will."
I thanked him and headed out of the commons, intending to go to the garrison to inform Dane. But what could Dane do? If he confronted Brant, the sergeant would only lie and delay finding the duke until another time, when Dane wasn't watching. Then we'd never know the duke's response or his intentions.
I had a better idea.
I headed back to the commons and asked maids and footmen until I found one who'd seen Kitty recently.
"She was returning to her rooms to change out of her riding outfit," said a palace maid.
I thanked her and headed into the palace via the service stairs opposite the commons. I knew my way to the Duke and Duchess of Gladstow's apartments. They were afforded the best rooms due to their rank, with several chambers for their personal use.
I cracked open the door between the service corridor and the formal one, and checked that I was alone before entering. This corridor was familiar to me from when I'd attended to Miranda after she'd been poisoned. As the king's favorite, she'd been briefly elevated to the ducal corridor. I wondered if those rooms were now empty or if Lady Morgrave lived in them.
I knocked lightly on the door to the Duke of Gladstow's apartments and the duchess's maid answered. She took one look at me and frowned.
"Who're you?" she asked.
"Josie Cully, a friend to the duchess. Is she here? I need to see her."
"On what business?"
"It's private," I said, trying to peer past her.
She regarded me down her nose. "Unless you can tell me what this is about, you may go."
For Hailia's sake. "Kitty!" I called out. "It's me! Josie."
I heard Kitty's voice from the depths beyond, telling her maid to let me in. The maid didn't look pleased but stepped aside nevertheless.
Kitty swanned into the sitting room from an adjoining room. "Josie, how lovely." She extended her hands to me and I took them. "Josie is a dear friend from the village," she told her maid.
"That can't be," the maid said with a wrinkle of her nose.
"Why not?"
"She'll want something from you, Madam, mark my words. I know how her type are."
Kitty stiffened. Somehow her features settled into a more regal bearing, taking her from silly girl to duchess in an instant. "I find your attitude increasingly rude, Prudence. Please leave."
"But—"
"Leave now or you'll be searching for new employment without a reference."
"The duke employs me, Madam." Prudence left, a defiant shine in her eyes.
Kitty shut the door. "I loathe her."
"Is she correct, and you can't replace her?" I asked.
"Unfortunately, my husband employs all the staff, even the housekeeper and maids. He doesn't think me capable of running a household, and he'd been doing it all alone before we married anyway, so he saw no reason to change. I think I'll have a word with him about Prudence, though. She's been quite horrid to me, ever since—" She pressed both hands to her stomach and drew in a fortifying breath. "Ever since the duke has started to show his frustration toward me."
I touched her arm, knowing it wasn't the protocol when addressing a duchess yet not caring. She gave me a rallying smile and took my hand.
"What a pleasure to see you here," she said. "But why are you here?"
"I need your help."
"Does this have something to do with my husband's secret meetings with the Duke of Buxton and the king's magic?"
"I suspect so."
"How thrilling." She clapped her hands lightly and grinned. "I do need a distraction."
"This is very serious, Kitty. It could also be dangerous. I wouldn't have involved you, but I couldn't think of another way."
"What do you want me to do?"
"I want you to help me spy on your husband. He's about to have a meeting with a sergeant of the palace guards, and I need to hear what is said between them. Can you help me get close? Could I pretend to be your maid and we can approach? Your presence wouldn't be considered unusual."
"An excellent idea." She looked like she would bounce out of her skin, she was so excited. Perhaps I ought to mention the gravity of what I was asking her to do again. "I have a better way, though. Let’s dress you in one of my gowns. Passing as a lady will make it easier to walk around the gardens."
"I'm not sure we have the time for me to change. The sergeant is already looking for your husband."
She took my hand and led me into the adjoining bedchamber. Just as we were about to go through to the wardrobe and dressing room, the door to the corridor opened and low male voices drifted to us. I recognized the Duke of Gladstow and Sergeant Brant—and one other.
Lord Xavier Deerhorn.
Chapter 15
"This is the most private place," the Duke of Gladstow said to Brant and Lord Xavier. "We might be overheard in the gardens."
I pressed my finger to my lips and Kitty nodded, wide-eyed.
"Your wife?" Sergeant Brant asked.
"Out riding."
"I have to check she's not resting."
I grabbed Kitty's hand and dragged her into the adjoining dressing room. Behind us, Brant's footsteps thudded on the thick rug. Kitty and I just managed to slip into the wardrobe, among the hanging gowns, before Brant appeared in the doorway. He took in the chairs, velvet stools, dressing table and drawers then sniffed the air. He licked his lips.
I willed Kitty not to move and give away our location in the shadows among the gowns. I willed Brant not to follow the scent that had caught his attention. Kitty's perfume was strong, even after a ride.
The Duke of Gladstow appeared behind Brant. "I told you, she's not here. Now, what's this about? I haven't got all day."
The men left and must have returned to the sitting room. I removed my boots and crept out of the wardrobe and into the bedchamber. Kitty followed, barefoot and silent.
"Why's he here?" Brant asked. "I just wanted to speak to you two, not some lordling."
"The Deerhorns want what we want," the Duke of Buxton said. So it was the four of them, the two dukes, Lord Xavier and Brant. An unexpected but dangerous combination.
"To overthrow the king?" Brant asked. "I thought your sister was going to marry him, my lord."
"Not anymore," Lord Xavier growled. "I can assure you, my family does not want the king to wed the Vytill slut."
"Or anyone else," the Duke of Gladstow sneered. "Your delightful mother knows she'll have to side with one of us after this is over, doesn't she?"
"One step at a time. The king can't be overthrown. You haven't got anything against him."
"We do now," Brant cut in. "You wanted evidence he used magic, I can give it to you."
Lord Xavier barked a disbelieving laugh. "You're wasting my time."
"Wait," Buxton said. "Listen to what he has to say."
"You believe him?" Xavier asked. "You think the king used magic to obtain the throne? You're all mad."
"Not necessarily."
"You know there's something strange about this place, about the king and how he came to power," Gladstow added. "This guard claims he can prove Leon used magic."
"There's an entire country that believes in sorcery," Brant pointed out.
"The Zemayans are simple and gullible," Xavier said. "Your Graces, this fellow is having a joke at our expense."
"Be quiet," Brant growled. "I didn't want you here, so shut your hole or I'll shut it for you."
Xavier didn't respond. It wasn't like him to let so
meone in an inferior position speak to him in such a manner. Brant must have given him one of his threatening glares or settled his hand on the hilt of his sword. The sergeant had a way of instilling fear in most people with just a look.
"The Zemayans believe the magic is contained in a gem," Brant went on. "I found that gem. It was in the king's possession but was removed at his order for safekeeping. I saw him speak a spell into it."
"Did it work?" Xavier asked.
"I don't know what he wished for."
"Did anything happen?" Gladstow asked. "Did the gem react in any way?"
"No, but the gem must contain the magic. It must be important or the king wouldn't have hidden it so well."
Silence, before Xavier said, "Why do you believe in magic, Sergeant?"
"I just do," Brant mumbled.
"Who do you work for?" Buxton snapped. "It can't be Vytill or you wouldn't be telling us this information. Freedland?"
"I'm just a guard," Brant said.
"Why are you so interested in proving King Leon used magic to gain the throne? Out with it, man, who do you work for?"
"I work for no one," Brant growled. "I have my own reasons for wanting you to confront the king."
Brant knew he couldn't confront the king himself about the gem and the use of magic. He couldn't even get near the king on his own. His Majesty was always surrounded by one of his advisors or staff. Even if Brant dug up the gem himself, and was able to confront the king, he must know that he wouldn't get straight answers. It was the same reason Dane, Theodore and Balthazar hadn't confronted him. They had no leverage. They couldn't overthrow the king.
Brant had expected Barborough to do it, but now Barborough was hoping for a marriage alliance instead. The dukes, however, were more interested in a rebellion.
"I'll show you where it is now," Brant said. "It's on the estate, a short ride away."
"How do we know we can trust you?" Gladstow asked. "You might be leading us into a trap."
"How can I lead you into a trap?" Brant said. "Does anyone have evidence you're plotting against the king?" After a silence, he added, "I didn't think so. If we're caught, you three will say you were doing some gardening. You'll be believed over me. Are you willing to do this or do I give the gem to Lord Barborough instead?"
Someone muttered under his breath.
"I'm willing," Buxton said.
"As am I," Gladstow said. "Deerhorn?"
Xavier hesitated.
"With the king ranting a lot lately, many nobles won't be too sorry to see him go," Gladstow added. "You might as well join us."
"Ranting?" Xavier asked.
"About Morgrave's murder, among other things."
"The murder hasn't been proved." Xavier sighed. "Very well. I'll come too and see what this gem is all about. Sergeant, take us to it."
"You have to agree to one thing first," Brant said. "I have to be there when you confront the king about magic."
"Why?" Gladstow hedged.
"Because I want to ask him something."
"We can ask for you."
"No. I have to be there. I have to see his eyes, because that's the only way I'll know he's lying."
"Agreed," Xavier said darkly.
Their footsteps receded then the door opened and closed. I sank to the floor beside Kitty and drew up my knees.
She peered around the door into the sitting room. "They're gone." She lowered herself onto the bed. "What does it mean, Josie?"
"It means your husband and the Duke of Buxton are very close to overthrowing the king. They need evidence to prove that he's not the real king, that he used magic to gain the throne. And Brant is going to hand them that proof. It means I have to warn some people." I got to my feet. "Kitty, don't speak a word of this to anyone. Not even Miranda. Understand?"
She nodded, all wide eyes and earnest brow. "Be careful, Josie."
I went straight to the garrison, but it was empty, so I headed to Balthazar's office. A voice drifted to me, growing louder and clearer as I drew closer. It was the king, and he was furious.
"I'm dying, Balthazar!" he shouted. "Do you understand? Do you even care?"
I didn't hear Balthazar's response so crept forward until I was just around the corner.
"Where is it?" the king demanded. Shouldn't he be in a meeting with Lord Barborough and his advisors?
"We took you to it, sire," Balthazar said. He sounded like a parent impatient with a pestering child. The modular tones of deference that I'd heard him employ in discussions with the king had vanished.
"That wasn't the real one!" The king's screech bounced off the stone walls and traveled past me into the depths of the corridor.
"It was, sire."
"Liar!"
Something crashed, a chair against the floor perhaps, and smaller items clattered.
"Sire, please, let him go!" Theodore cried. "He's an old man." It must be just the three of them inside, not Dane.
"An old man who's lying to me," the king said. "You both are. That gem wasn't real, and don't pretend it is."
Balthazar coughed. "Why…" Another cough. "Why don't you think it was real?"
"Because I still feel ill."
"I don't understand, sire. Why should seeing the gem make you feel better? It's just a stone, nothing more."
The profound silence was broken only by the king clearing his throat. "Where's Hammer?"
"I don't know," Balthazar said.
"Why don't you know? Are you not in charge of all the staff?"
"Not the guards. I'll tell him you wish to see him when he returns."
"I wish to see him now!" A short silence followed, and I picked up my skirts, preparing to run off in the other direction the moment I heard footsteps. But then the king spoke again. "I want my gem. The real one."
"Sire," Theodore said, nervously, "the meeting. You must attend. Allow me to walk with you—"
"He knows where it is!" the king snapped.
"Pardon?"
"The real gem. Hammer knows where it is. I can't believe he betrayed me!"
"Betray?" Balthazar prompted. "He is your humble servant, Your Majesty. The captain—"
"Shut up, Balthazar! Shut up, shut up, shut up! Hammer is hiding the real gem from me, I know it. The question is why. How does he—?" He cut himself off. "Tell Hammer I want to see him immediately. And be warned, if I find any of you are in his confidence, you will be punished and dismissed."
"You can't dismiss us," Balthazar said, low and threatening. "Those without memories must remain together at the palace. All of us. Including you."
I strained to hear, but there was nothing but silence that stretched on and on.
"Everything must change eventually," the king said with more composure. "I will not be lied to by my own staff."
"Nobody likes to be lied to," Balthazar said darkly. "Especially over something so important."
Footsteps approached so I ran off until I came to an intersection of corridors. I headed down the dimly lit one and pretended to inspect my shoe. The king marched past without a glance my way.
I returned to Balthazar's office and knocked. Theodore let me in.
"It's just Josie," he said, sounding relieved. To me, he added, "Hammer isn't here."
"I know." I stepped into the office and shut the door. "But I have something to report, and you two are here."
The conversation with the king seemed to have taken its toll on both men. Balthazar rubbed his forehead and looked even older, while Theodore's hand shook as he offered me a chair.
"I overheard your discussion with the king," I said. "I didn't mean to, but his voice carried."
Balthazar grunted. "Not surprising, at that volume."
"I hope no one else heard," Theodore said.
"I didn't come across any other servants as I retreated," I told them. "And the king didn't see me."
"Good," Balthazar said. "He no longer trusts us, but at least you're not tangled up in this mess."
Theodore p
oured himself a cup of wine and drank the lot. He filled two other cups and offered them to Balthazar and me. I refused but Balthazar accepted a cup and sipped.
"So you heard everything." He cradled the cup between his knotty fingers and nodded at the door.
"I heard him say he believes he wasn't shown the real gem," I said. "And that the captain knows where the real one is. Did the captain tell you where he hid it?"
Balthazar and Theodore both shook their heads.
"Did he tell you?" Theodore asked.
"No. He claimed it was safer if only he knew."
"Safer for us," Balthazar said. "Not for him."
"We must warn him. Where is he now?"
"The village, meeting with the sheriff." So Balthazar had lied to the king about not knowing Dane's whereabouts. I was glad of it and glad to put to bed any lingering doubts I had about him. I could trust him now. "He should be back shortly. Why did you need to speak to us, Josie?"
"I have been doing a lot of listening in to conversations I shouldn't be privy to today." I told them about Brant's conversation with Lord Barborough near the lake, and his meeting with the two dukes and Lord Xavier afterward.
"Deerhorn?" Balthazar frowned. "Why was he there?"
"As his mother's representative," I said. "The Deerhorns are ambitious. I suspect they'll try to take advantage of the chaos that ensues after the king is dethroned."
"They can't take the throne for themselves, can they?" Theodore asked. "The Deerhorn title is a minor one. They have no right."
I shrugged. "Nor do the dukes. Not really. They have no royal blood."
Balthazar regarded us both over the top of his steepled fingers. "Anything can happen in times of unrest. People like the Deerhorns shouldn't be underestimated."
"What shall we do?" Theodore asked. "Is it too late to stop them digging up the gem?"
I shook my head. "They will be at the cottage, by now."
"It doesn't matter," Balthazar said. "It seems Brant isn't aware that we substituted the real one for a fake. Let them take it. It has outlived its use to us anyway. The king suspects it's not real."
"Do we just let them confront the king once they have it?" I asked.