Mariana's Secret

by A D Lombardo

  Kai considered his own words. His father had to know that if anyone ever questioned Kai’s lineage, it would not bode well. They would both be held accountable. The news would tear the country apart. Even the best-kept secrets often find the light of day. The only question now was whether it was worth the risk.

  Watching his father pace was nerve-racking. Kai knew he would have to accept whatever decision Iver made, even if that decision did not fall in his favor. The longer his father paced, the less confidence he had in his proposal.

  There was a rap at the door. The Master General stepped into the room. “I trust I am not interrupting. Sire, I thought we could continue to go over the rebuilding of Port Anahita. You can inspect the rebuilding firsthand when you pass through in a few days. The repairs to the Intrepid are nearly finished.”

  Riffling through the table covered in maps, building diagrams, and material requests, Cazier turned to look at the serious nature of the room. He glanced back and forth between Kai and Iver.

  Iver ignored the disruption and continued contemplating. His pacing slowed. He stopped and placed his hand on his cabinet. Clearly having reached a decision, he responded. “Cazier, go and delay Duke Maxwell’s departure to Milnos and assemble the council. Also, find Roark and Tolan Raebun. Bring everyone to the great hall.”

  Cazier nodded and left.

  Afraid to speak or even move, Kai held his seat. He had to let this play out. If his father planned to lay this to rest today and force him to marry Amelia, he would do his duty. Tolan and Amelia would have to reconcile their feelings, as would he and Rayna. He let out a breath and with it, the control of his future. Alenga held his fate in her hands, and he needed to trust she knew best.

  Iver opened his cabinet, retrieved a few small items, and tucked them into his vest pocket. “Let’s go. Time to face this, my son,” he said in a commanding tone.

  Waiting for everyone to gather in the great hall, Kai looked around the room. Blue and gold Diu banners hung around the walls between the large arched windows. Sunlit stained-glass panels splashed color across the room. Iver sat clutching the armrest of his throne, while Kai remained standing on the bottom step of the dais.

  First through the door was the Maxwell family. Amelia’s expression turned to worry when she saw Kai standing before his father. “King Galloway,” Regent Maxwell barged into the center of the room, “why have we been delayed? This is unacceptable…”

  Before Maxwell could speak, Iver raised his hand to stop him. “We will wait for the others. I only plan to say this once.” Maxwell’s face turned sick with contempt.

  Tolan entered the room followed by Dresnor and Admiral Raebun. Dresnor and Roark took their places beside Kai. Next came Nola, who slowly approached Iver, attempting to take her spot beside Iver. She had been on bed rest for weeks; clearly still weak from a strange illness—which Kai knew all too well was his doing. He almost felt bad for her.

  It would seem Riome might have taken it a bit too far to ensure Nola was subdued long enough to give Iver rest and clarity. Something Kai might have to thank Riome for later. Concerned for Nola’s ability to stand, Kai came to her aid, helping her take her seat. While holding her stomach, she sat trying to exude her queenly composure and understand what was happening.

  With Kempery-man Farwick, the Grand Duke Dante Carmello, Sigry, and Master General Adrian Cazier now in attendance, Kai knew this was it. It was time for his father to publicly finalize his decision. With one final prayer to Alenga, Kai took his place beside his father.

  In an authoritative tone, Iver addresses the group. “Thank you all for coming. Many years ago, Lucas Maxwell, Regent of Milnos, and I sought to unite our two kingdoms. With no other male heir born in his family line, we made a betrothal for my son, Kai, to marry his daughter, Amelia, in their eighteenth year. I have gathered you all here today to finalize the union between Diu and Milnos.”

  Listening to his father command the hall, a lump formed in Kai’s throat. He couldn’t help but look at Tolan. Tolan’s eyes were not angry, as he’d feared, but sad. Unable to return the look, Tolan crossed his arms and stared at the floor. Kai was certain, if his father, Roark, had not been standing behind him, Tolan would have walked out. Kai didn’t blame him. If Kai could walk away from this, he would too.

  Amelia’s expression matched Tolan’s. Sadness spilled out of her. Wet tears dampened her eyes and spilled down her cheeks. This was about to be the worst day of their lives. Kai had prayed to Alenga to change their fates. His greatest fear was about to come true. He would go to Milnos. He would marry Amelia and lose Rayna forever.

  No matter what Tolan said, he would come to resent Kai. He would lose a dear friend today.

  Beholding his father, Kai saw the heavy burden in Iver’s eyes. He had never seen his father torn by decision. He could only hope the recent clarity of the hunting trip and Nola’s sickness afforded him the ability to make his own decision.

  Beside Iver, Nola seemed distressed. She weakly reached her hand over to touch Iver, and Kai felt his stomach turn as he watched her shaking hand. Fortunately, she could not bridge the gap between them before Iver stood and stepped to address the council.

  The room remained silent as Iver stepped away from his throne. He took one step down the dais. “I have decided to promote the hero of the Battle of Port Anahita, Tolan Raebun, to Kempery-man for his strategic thinking on the battlefield, his courage, and more importantly, his loyalty to Diu.” Iver motioned to Tolan. “Tolan Raebun, son of Duke Roark Raebun, Kempery-man of Diu, Admiral of Fort Pohaku, and Shannon Raebun, please step forward and bend the knee to your king.”

  Without question, Tolan stepped forward, as did his father a few paces behind. When they reached the bottom of the dais, Tolan glanced at Kai, his eyes a mix of optimism and concern. He knelt on one knee before his king.

  “Tolan Raebun, do you accept the accolade of Kempery-man bestowed to you by Diu?” Iver asked.

  “I accept my king’s offering to become his champion, Kempery-man of Diu,” Tolan responded.

  “Do you pledge by your honor and all that we hold sacred? Will you conduct yourself with integrity and defend the Kingdom of Diu?”

  “I pledge to be true and loyal to the Kingdom of Diu and all its subjects,” Tolan responded.

  “Who among us can vouch for the chivalrous virtue of this man?” Iver asked.

  “My king, I, Duke Roark Raebun, Kempery-man of Diu and Admiral of Fort Pohaku, do affirm that Tolan Raebun holds himself to the highest standards. He is loyal to his king, respectful to your subjects, and his achievements in battle prove him to be duty-bound to your service.” Roark gave a gracious bow.

  Iver removed his sword from its scabbard. “Tolan Raebun, with my sword I dub thee Kempery-man, champion of Diu. Serve with veracity, compassion, and only draw your sword to defend others,” he commanded.

  As Iver spoke, Iver laid his sword flat on Tolan’s right shoulder and then his left, before sheathing it once again at his side. “Arise Sir Kempery-man Tolan Raebun and accept this new fealty arm ring as proof of your rank and commitment to Diu.”

  Tolan stood, removed the plain silver arm ring from his wrist, and accepted the new arm ring. It was gold, silver, and copper intertwined with the head a wolf on the adjoining ends. Clamped around his wrist, Tolan looked up to his King. “I will wear this with honor and wield my sword with mercy and defend Diu with my dying breath. This I pledge to you, my King.” Tolan bowed to Iver and turned to take the hand of his father, who stood proudly behind him.

  “Now Tolan Raebun,” Iver continued, “Kempery-man, I bestow another honor on you this day. It is through your affection for Amelia, I betroth you both, and upon her eighteenth year, you will be married.”

  Tolan could not hold back his joy. He turned and crossed to Amelia, taking her in his arms. He lifted her off the ground and smothered her in his embrace. Her own joy was evident by her smile and kicked up heels.

  Regent Maxwell fumed. “Iver! How can y
ou rescind your betrothal from a prince and offer my daughter to a Kempery-man? You would make him king over my homeland? My iron city. NO!” Maxwell thundered.

  For a moment, everyone held their breath. Maxwell’s public disregard for Iver’s rank was unacceptable. While no longer a punishable offense, it was still frowned upon. Iver remained silent.

  With only a nod to Tolan, Iver addressed the outburst. “Maxwell, you will council Tolan and introduce him to court. When the time comes, Tolan will become king of Milnos with Amelia at his side. You accepted my offer to unite our two kingdoms, as you have no heir. Nothing has changed. We still want continued peace. Their marriage will sustain our relationship. I see no reason to trap our two children in a loveless union if another provides a more suitable match.”

  The speech concluded, Iver took the remaining steps down the dais, leaving Nola dumbstruck in her chair. Iver graciously nodded to Kai and joined the group in congratulating Tolan and Amelia. “Tolan, I advise you to take your unit with you to Milnos. They should become your internal security, your royal guard. Roark, send with your son at least one more contingent of men from Fort Pohaku to assist in the transition. I don’t anticipate any challenge, but I prefer to be prepared.”

  Roark’s chest puffed. “Yes, Sire, I will select the men myself.”

  “Terribly sorry, Tolan, to announce your nuptials to the lady before you could ask her. I am sure you can find a way to ask her officially when the time is right,” Iver said, shaking Tolan’s hand and pulling Amelia into a side hug. “We will miss Amelia. She is a charming young woman. May Alenga bless you both with years of happiness.”

  Not sure what to do, Kai held back and watched. It had been years since his father had made a decision this significant without consulting the council first. Farwick, Dresnor, and Cazier conversed quietly, but all seemed content with the decision. Sigry and Dante approached the group, seemingly indifferent to the conclusion.

  Nola, however, seemed taken aback by the news as she approached Maxwell. She grasped his arm to steady herself. They stood conversing alone for several moments, and Kai noticed Maxwell holding her hand. Odd, Kai thought, noticing a tenderness between them.

  Tolan overwhelmed with congratulatory offerings, broke through the group, and approached Kai. Instantly they shook hands and Tolan pulled him into a hug. “I know you had a hand in this. Thank you, my friend. I owe you my life.”

  At Tolan’s side, Amelia extended a hand to Kai and leaned in, she kissed his cheek. “Thank you. We are blessed to have such a good friend. I will miss you dearly when we leave. I hope you will visit.” Tears welled in her eyes once more, but they were tears of joy. “You will attend the wedding when the time comes.”

  Kai felt at a loss for words but choked out a response. “I will be there. I am happy for you both. You will make a fine king someday, Tolan. Watch your back and call on me if you ever need my help.”

  Before they could say more, the group swarmed the couple. Amelia’s mother set kind eyes upon her daughter. Hugs and kisses, mixed with tears of joy. Kai was fairly certain Lady Grace only wanted her daughter to be happy. Lucas, however, remained stoic. He said nothing to his daughter or his future son-in-law. His future king.

  In the wall, Kai sensed Riome. She waited, ever-present. He hoped with news about her time with Nola, and he knew they would need to put the next phase of their plan in place. They would need to eavesdrop on Nola and discover how she was brainwashing Iver.

  When the crowd dispersed, Kai left the palace. He needed to see Rayna and tell her the news. He was free—they were free to be together. Like his father, he could marry who he wanted. She had to be the first person he told.

  Hidden in the apple orchard, Kai gleaned the palace grounds for Rayna. She shined bright like a beacon. She was in the garden. Her dirt-covered hands prepared the soil for spring planting.

  Wanting a moment alone, Kai folded his mind around his inner power. It would not take much. He pressed it inward; the pressure built and pushed back. Focused on reaching Rayna, he pushed the pulse with one thought attached—come to me.

  In his mind, he saw her sit back on her heels and look towards the orchard. She knew he was there. To his delight, she dusted off her dirty hands and ran in his direction.

  Anticipation bubbled within Kai, making it challenging to stand still. He paced while Rayna ran through the field. Unable to contain himself, he weaved through the trees to meet her. When her face came into view, he rushed to her. Words failed him. He could not contain his desire. Gently he wrapped his arm around her, and he kissed her the way he’d always wanted. No hesitation. Publicly. He felt free to love her and she him.

  When he let her go, she blushed and pushed him toward the orchard. “What are you doing? Someone might see us.”

  “Let them see.” Kai held her firm. “I love you, Rayna Kendrick, and I want the world to know.”

  He told her everything that had happened. He was free. He thanked Alenga for her blessings and kissed Rayna again. When he gave her a moment to breathe, she clung to him and buried her face in his chest. Her grip nearly crushed his ribs.

  The heat from her fever burned through his shirt.

  They needed to make a choice and soon.

  Chapter 27

  Nola’s Secret

  His birthday had been the usual fare: a family celebration in the great hall, a carriage ride around the city, and Linlou’s creative handiwork in the Central City Gardens welcoming spring. Unfortunately, he was too sick to enjoy it. The entire day felt like a chore. Every step felt arduous. His splitting head hurt to the point of nausea. And he was now sensitive to daylight. His delicate blue eyes ached at the sight of sunlight.

  Anxious to know what Riome learned from Nola, he searched for her. Maybe today she would have time. Leaving Smoke in his room, he made his way through the secret passageway to the tower and climbed to the seventh floor—Riome’s level. Hot, he wiped the perspiration from his brow.

  He rapped his knuckles on the oak door. Knock, knock, knock.

  Inside her room, she sat perched in the window seat. Her view from the Master General’s tower provided a view over the entire city below. Her look was all business when he entered. “Seems Iver’s clarity has given you your freedom. I can’t help but wonder if that was not your plan all along. Although, who could know Tolan’s pivotal role in saving Iver’s sister would gain him such unprecedented esteem. You’ve made Tolan a king.”

  Kai shrugged his shoulders. “Right, who could know all that?” He closed the door behind himself. “Tolan is a good man, and he will make a great king.” At least that was Kai’s hope. He had no idea the state of things in Milnos, nor the challenges Regent Lucas Maxwell might provide given his love of power. Stepping down from over twenty years of rule would be difficult for anyone.

  “Kai, I want to tell you a story.” Riome offered him a seat. “You need to understand this treachery between Milnos and Diu is very old. When I was younger than you, I sailed alone to Bangloo. I lived on the streets to learn their language. I spent years in their spy school and heard rumors that spoke of conspiracy against Diu. Bangloo may have let Milnos go to end their part in the war, but Milnos has never let go of their desire to crush Diu. I cannot say for sure, but I believe the peace brokered by King Iver and Regent Maxwell is a ruse. Maxwell cannot be trusted.” She took a deep breath before continuing.

  “When I first applied to their secret finishing school for spies, they turned me away. Three times they turned me away. I was rat from the streets to them. From the beginning, I knew my calling. If I wanted to be able to go where I pleased. I needed to become anyone I pleased. To stand with kings and hide among maids, I needed to attend their school. To learn the art of fighting and swordplay or poisons and cures, I needed to attend their school. So, I shaved my head, I infiltrated their school, and I poisoned their master,” she said coldly.

  Riome was ruthlessness and grace wrapped in a beautiful woman. Her endless fury was frightening, yet h
er beauty, when she allowed it to shine, took your breath away. Even so, learning the history behind her beginnings was a shock to Kai.

  “As the master lay dying, I displayed my disguises, revealing to him I was four people in one. Each had stood in his presence over the preceding days. Walked their halls. I had even spoken with him at length, and he did not know me. Needless to say, with his dying breath he signed my admission into their secret society. Not because I had proved myself worthy of their teaching through disguises, but because I proved my unyielding spirit. I was willing to do whatever it took. I understood, sometimes the means to an end is not always kind.”

  Kai’s eyes bulged. “I had no idea.”

  Riome’s expression turned crafty. “Once I joined their school, I continued to perfect the art of disguise, discernment, and weaponry. I excelled, much to the frustration of my teachers, who questioned my need to always be someone other than myself. I often came to class as my fellow scholars. I mimicked their behaviors and mastered their voices. They taught me sophistication and poise mixed with cunning and manipulation.”

  “And you chose this life?” Kai questioned.

  “Let me explain the need for anonymity. Within the world, to this day, nobody knows the boy who trained in Bangloo was a girl. My face, my identity is a secret. I could stand with anyone from my time at the school, and they would not know who I was. I have seen some of those students in Nebea, Milnos, even here in Diu.”

  Kai wasn’t sure why she was divulging her past. “Riome, I am sorry. I don’t know what to say.”

  “Do not be sorry, Kai—I am not. Learn and become strong. It will save your life.” Riome lowered her eyes.

  Composed, she stared across at him with renewed intent. “I believe there are things at work around us, and we are the only ones who can stop it. You have no time left to be innocent. Change is coming for you, and you’d better be ready. That, in part, is why I push you. Train you. Not to mention in a year’s time, Tolan and his precious Amelia will be wed living in Milnos.” She paused, shaking her head. “Do you think they will welcome them with open arms? Her father may be old, but he still has fight in him yet. The man is power-hungry. I sense history repeating itself again and again around the Galloway line and its extended family. I mean to protect that—it is my purpose. We are a family, even though Iver is not your true father. Yes, I was listening that night. I know Keegan is your father.”