Royal Promenade

by Suzanne G. Rogers

  “As I was saying, Your Majesty, the announcement we had planned for this morning had to be canceled pending the princess’s return.” Minister Seer wore a harlequin costume complete with a festive mask made of feathers. “We could reschedule it for this afternoon—if Her Highness is cooperative.”

  King Justin sighed. “That’s the question, isn’t it?” He fixed Alice with his gaze. “In what circumstances would Her Highness be not only cooperative but enthusiastic about her role?”

  Alice gave Pompano a level glance. “I would like a more aggressive investigation into my mother’s disappearance.”

  The wizard made a sound of exasperation. “I look forward to solving Helene’s kidnapping but I’m currently working around the clock trying to get the Node Network fully operational. I simply don’t have the time to devote to anything else.”

  Her father gestured toward the buffet table, where Blade and Kellan were filling plates with food. “What about you, Ranger Stratford?”

  Kellan put down his plate and snapped to attention. “Your Majesty?”

  “Do you wish to take over the investigation? You’ve proven your skills are up to the task.”

  His eyebrows rose. “It would be an honor, sir.”

  “Thank you, Ranger Stratford.” A wave of gratitude made Alice blink back tears. “I can’t thank you enough.”

  Blade frowned. “I can help, too.”

  Seer peered at him. “Don’t you have enough to do with promoting the princess and the Royal Promenade?”

  “There are plenty of hours in the day.” Blade brought a plate of food over to Alice. “Besides which, if the Shadow Realm is involved, Ranger Stratford needs my protection.”

  “I have a wizard shield.” Kellan’s tone was cool. “I don’t need your protection.”

  “You need my expertise, then.” Blade crossed back to the buffet. “I’ve studied magic whereas you merely detect or deflect it.”

  “I think Mr. Blackmon’s offer is a generous one.” King Justin nodded. “Between Ranger Stratford and Mr. Blackmon, we might get some answers. Will that satisfy you, Alessandra?”

  “Yes.” She retrieved Kellan’s handkerchief from her pocket and blotted her eyes. “That’s all I ever wanted.”

  Her father’s nod was curt. “That’s settled, then. Ranger Stratford will remain at the castle indefinitely while he conducts his investigation.”

  “Yes, Your Majesty.” Kellan frowned. “If I might make a request, I believe the Ranger team assigned to Princess Alessandra’s protection detail should also be quartered at the castle. It would make the rotation far easier.”

  The king glanced at his secretary. “Mrs. Nestor, make the arrangements.”

  “Yes, Your Majesty.” The woman scribbled down a note.

  Pompano seemed less than impressed. “I must bring up one little wrinkle, Your Majesty. Princess Alessandra is apparently more adept at magic than we first realized. How are we to prevent another…” he gesticulated with his hand, “inconvenient absence?”

  Alice was disliking the Head Wizard more and more. “Why would I run away again if the investigation is moving forward?”

  “Head Wizard, the princess can’t work magic while she’s wearing a disrupter.” Kellan brought his plate over to the table and sat down. “And the disrupter can’t be removed unless I remove it personally.”

  “I’ve given Ranger Stratford my word that I won’t run away again, Father.” Alice gave her father a pleading glance as she held up her bracelet-encased wrist. “Please authorize him to take this off.”

  The king frowned. “I think not. Not yet. The disrupter will remain on your wrist until the Promenade is over. Furthermore, either Ranger Stratford, Mr. Blackmon, or one of the other Rangers will accompany you wherever you go from now on.”

  Her heart sank. Clearly, the man didn’t trust her to keep her promises…but then she’d given him every reason to be skeptical.

  Minster Seer sighed and wrinkled his nose. “I’ll have to work the disrupter into the story, then.” His expression lit up. “I know! We’ll say it’s a bracelet given to the princess by Helene and she never takes it off. I’ll have the merchandising department design a copy that people can purchase. It’ll sell out instantly!” He whipped out his own notepad and began making a sketch of the disrupter.

  Pompano’s expression became even more sour. “How do you intend to work Ranger Stratford into the story, Minister Seer? He’s young, handsome, and virile. If he’s to spend any time around the princess in public, people will wonder who he is.”

  Seer gasped with delight. “That’s perfect!” He scribbled something in his notebook.

  Pompano lifted an eyebrow. “Would you care to enlighten us on why?”

  The Minister chuckled. “We’ll say Ranger Stratford is not only her bodyguard but a suitor. We’ll craft a love triangle between Her Highness, the Ranger, and Mr. Blackmon.”

  Alice felt a painful blush spread over her face. “Forgive me for saying so, but you can’t use Ranger Stratford that way, Minister Seer. He is a human being with feelings of his own. For all you know, he already has a lady.”

  “I agree with the princess.” Blade shot Kellan a level glance. “Besides which since Stratford’s family history is spotted, shall we say, perhaps he ought to stay out of the public eye to spare himself embarrassment.”

  “Spotted?” King Justin’s eyebrows drew together. “Do you have something to tell me, Ranger Stratford?”

  Kellan’s complexion was pale. “When my mother was eighteen, she was seduced and abandoned by a wizard named Zachary Blackmon. Several years ago, after Blackmon murdered her, I tracked him down and arrested him.”

  Seer stared at him. “Blackmon, did you say?”

  Kellan frowned. “If my family history is spotted, so is Blade’s. He and I are half-brothers.”

  “Brothers!” Seer burst into tears.

  The king gave the man a pained glance. “What is the matter now, Minister Seer?”

  “The drama and pathos in this story are more than I can bear. I never dreamed that I would be presented with such a golden opportunity. Brother against brother. Enmity and rivalry. A princess who must make an impossible choice. Oh, Your Majesty, it’s all so perfect!”

  “Well, we can’t argue with perfection, can we?” King Justin sighed. “Mr. Blackmon and Ranger Stratford, your sacrifice of privacy in this little entertainment is in service to the Crown. I hope we can expect your cooperation?”

  Kellan was expressionless as he nodded. “Of course, Your Majesty.”

  Blade stabbed a piece of ham with his fork. “As you wish, Your Majesty.”

  Unnerved, Alice focused on her plate. Kellan would certainly blame her for roping him into the Minfo’s circus and Blade would continue to make her life miserable because of it. The only bright spot to come out of the meeting was the investigation into her mother’s disappearance. She prayed the investigation would uncover the truth.

  Chapter Eleven

  Clues

  While Kellan and Paddy escorted Alice back to her room, Blade stayed behind to confer with Minister Seer. The princess made no attempt at conversation along the way, but her silence allowed Kellan to sort out his thoughts. When they arrived at her suite, he opened the door for her and stepped back.

  “Princess, I must confer with Ranger Flynn for a moment but then I would like to speak with you, if I may.”

  Her large eyes seemed sad. “I’ll be waiting.”

  After the door closed, Kellan took a deep breath and let it out. “Things have taken an odd turn.”

  “You look about as confounded as I’ve ever seen you look.” Paddy grimaced. “What happened?”

  “For one thing, you, Gus, and Dewar will be assigned rooms in the castle and the rotation will be the three of you.”

  Paddy’s eyes went wide. “You weren’t booted out, were you?”

  “No. I’m taking over an investigation and…well, you know how the Minfo likes drama?”


  His friend chuckled. “They could make a sunrise into a suspenseful event.”

  “Prepare for the sunrise, then.” Kellan passed a hand over his face. “Just don’t believe anything you see on the vidscreen about me.”

  “You’re about to be famous?” Paddy laughed—until Kellan failed to join in. “Wait…are you serious?”

  “It’s in service to the Crown and that’s all I’m going to say about it for now.”

  Kellan knocked on Alice’s door before letting himself inside. To his dismay, the princess was staring out the window, in tears.

  He crossed toward her. “Would you like a handkerchief?”

  Alice gestured with a familiar-looking linen square. “Thank you but I still have yours.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  She turned toward him. “I’m horribly embarrassed, Kellan. What the Minfo is about to do to you is unconscionable and I’m sorry.”

  He met her gaze for several heartbeats. “I’m not.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “If the Minfo wants to cast me in the role of suitor, that’s fine. I don’t have a lady in my life so no one will get hurt.”

  She averted her eyes. “I’m glad.” She paused. “Call me Alice.”

  “As you wish.” He nodded. “What is your itinerary today, Alice?”

  “Minister Seer told me that my father will be introducing me to Colossus at five o’clock. Hair, makeup, and wardrobe will report here an hour before.” She paused. “What about you?”

  “He wanted me to report to the Minfo for an interview or some such nonsense, but I told him I would have to do it tomorrow. I wish to devote the day to my investigation.”

  She brightened. “I’m available. Where shall we begin?”

  Kellan gave her a sidelong glance. “The scene of the crime.”

  ∞∞∞

  As Kellan and Ranger Flynn stood nearby, Alice gestured toward the stairwell window. “This may sound silly but it’s a secret entrance. I hope that doesn’t make you nervous.”

  “Not at all,” Kellan responded.

  Ranger Flynn frowned. “Maybe it should make you nervous. Can’t you get the office key from Pompano?”

  “No, I don’t trust that wizard.” Alice held out her wrist. “The disrupter will have to come off.” When Kellan merely gave her a piercing glance, she made a sound of frustration. “I’ve given you my word I won’t escape.”

  He reached for the disrupter and removed it. “As soon as we leave here, it goes back on.”

  “Fine.” She reached for Kellan’s hand. “I’ll say the password and we’ll walk though together.”

  “Never mind me,” Ranger Flynn said. “I’ll wait in the hall.”

  Alice said the password as she pulled Kellan through the secret entrance and into Helene’s office. Kellan staggered forward but she tightened her grip on his hand.

  “Are you all right?”

  “I left my dignity behind with Paddy.” Kellan stood up straight and tugged down his uniform jacket.

  Alice stifled a smile. “Don’t worry about it. Blade told me he did the same thing his first time through.”

  “Somehow that doesn’t make me feel better.”

  He retrieved a device from an inside pocket and swept it in an arc.

  Alice peered at the handheld instrument. “What is that?”

  “It’s what I use to detect magical energy signatures. Right now, I’m looking for anything unusual.”

  “Like what, exactly?”

  “If I find anything, I’ll let you know.”

  Blade came bounding through the secret entrance with a scowl on his face. “I’d guessed you’d be in here.” He aimed a thumb over his shoulder. “There’s a Ranger outside with a bad attitude but I suppose that’s nothing new.”

  Alice nodded. “Ranger Flynn is one of my guards.”

  “So he said.” Blade glowered at Kellan. “You and I are supposed to be working together on the investigation. Did you forget?”

  “Fine.” Kellan’s attention was focused on his detection device and he didn’t bother to glance up. “Why don’t you let me do what I’m doing, and you make sure no creatures from the Shadow Realm attack me?”

  “You would deserve it if they did.”

  Alice took Blade by the elbow. “Come explain the Node Network to me.”

  As Blade accompanied Alice into the lab, he lowered his voice, “What is he holding?”

  “It’s a tracking instrument that detects magical energy. Apparently, each wizard has a unique signature.”

  “Speaking of which, you’re a woman of hidden talents.” Blade cocked his head. “Why did you mislead me about your wizardry?”

  “My mother always advised me to keep it private until I needed to use it.” Alice dropped his elbow and stepped away. “As it so happened, I needed to use it last night.”

  He frowned. “I’m on your side, you know. You don’t have to be afraid of me.”

  “I’m not afraid of you but I think the only side you’re on is your own.”

  “I don’t blame you for feeling that way, but I’ve changed for the better.” His expression was earnest. “I’m going to prove myself to you, even if it’s the last thing I do.”

  “You have an uphill battle.”

  “Nothing worth earning is ever easy.” He shrugged. “I just need you to give me a chance.”

  “We’ll see.” She gestured toward the gateway prototype. “Tell me about this.”

  “The Node Network is the perfect partnership between science and magic.” Blade flipped a switch and the doorway filled with a shimmering, translucent field. “The destination is dictated by a distinct numeric code.”

  He picked up a small, rectangular device that resembled a miniature vidscreen. “This is a code box. Once I enter a destination code…” He punched in a set of numbers, “…I can travel to that gate.” The doorway was suddenly filled with the image of a faraway city.

  Her eyes widened. “This prototype is actually functional?”

  “It is.” Blade waggled the code box. “You can travel to any Node from here and get back again, so long as you have this device and the proper codes.”

  “So, that box like a key that opens many doors.” She frowned. “What happens if you step through the gateway without it?”

  Blade grimaced. “Nothing good. Helene used to throw balls through the gateway, but she was never able to find them again. I suspect they just dematerialize.”

  Alice shuddered. “What a dreadful thought.” She switched the gateway off.

  “I wouldn’t worry about accidentally falling through. Helene cast a safety spell on the doorway to prevent such an occurrence."

  Kellan hastened into the laboratory. “I just had a strange surge on my tracker. What were you doing just now?”

  Alice gestured toward the Node gateway. “Blade activated this prototype and I turned it off.”

  Kellan’s eyebrows drew together. “Can you activate it again?”

  “Certainly.” Alice toggled the switch and the shimmering field returned. “Do you see the surge?”

  He peered at his tracker. “Yes, but—” A black rubber ball shot out of the doorway, struck him in the stomach, and bounced away. “Very funny, Blackmon.”

  Blade shook his head. “I didn’t do that.”

  Alice retrieved the ball from under a cabinet. “Blade, is this one of the objects my mother used to test this Node?”

  “It is. I wonder why it came back after all this time?” He took the ball and lobbed it at the force field. When it disappeared, he gasped, “Oh, no."

  Alice gave him a puzzled glance. “What’s wrong?”

  “Without the code embedded, the ball should have bounced off the force field.” Blade frowned. “The safety spell has been removed.”

  She reached over to smack the switch and the field disappeared. “Why would my mother do something so dangerous?”

  Kellan shook his head. “She didn’t.” He pointed at his
tracker. “When I adjust the reading for her energy signature, another reading appears.”

  Blade’s expression darkened. “I hope you’re not suggesting I had anything to do with it.”

  Kellan pointed the tracker at him and checked the reading. “No, your signature is different.”

  Alice sank down onto a stool. “I think we just discovered what happened to my mother.” She gulped. “A wizard removed the safety spell before pushing her through the gateway.”

  A muscle worked in Kellan’s jaw. “It’s not definitive proof, of course, but I would very much like to know who is responsible for this second signature.”

  “Wait a moment.” Alice lunged toward the switch and reactivated the field once more.

  “What are you doing?” Blade peered at her. “It’s not safe to have the prototype active without the safety spell.”

  She stared at the doorway. “The ball returned. Maybe my mother will, too.” When Kellan and Blade exchanged a glance, she made a sound of frustration. “I’m not crazy!”

  Blade’s tone was gentle. “I don’t think you’re crazy, but I’m not entirely sure inanimate objects and human flesh would react in the same way.”

  She moved toward the field and reached out her hand. Before she could make contact, Kellan threw his arms around her body and pulled her back.

  “Shut it down, Blade.” Kellan’s voice was gruff. “It wasn’t a good idea to bring you here, Alice.”

  “I agree.” Blade snapped off the switch. “It was quite a stupid idea, actually. Was it yours, Stratford?”

  “It was my idea.” Alice broke free of Kellan’s grasp and straightened her clothes. “I just wanted to touch the field, for heaven’s sake. I had no intention of going through.”

  Kellan drew a deep breath and let it out. “Stay away from it. If the rogue wizard removed the safety spell, he might have cast some other and even more sinister spell on the field itself.”

  Blade crossed his arms. “Now what?”

  Kellan glanced at his tracker. “When I follow the energy signature, it will lead me to its maker—and a suspect.”

  Alice pictured the Head Wizard’s superior smirk. “Don’t be surprised if you discover it belongs to Pompano.”