Royal Promenade

by Suzanne G. Rogers

  Kellan gave Colton a reassuring nod. “He’s sore but he’s going to be just fine.”

  “We think he might be in love with his nurse.” Paddy popped the appetizer in his mouth.

  A commotion outside indicated a new arrival.

  Dewar glanced toward the street-facing windows and curled his lip. “Blackmon’s here. Everyone hide.”

  Colton wrinkled his nose. “No cocktail weenies for him.”

  Paddy finished his appetizer and reached for another. “No need. That wizard is already a weenie.”

  Dewar cocked his thumb toward the bar. “Is that Troy over there with a tray of wine? Send him our way, will you?”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Regards and Roses

  The lobby was entirely filled with people by the time King Justin and Alice arrived. Although Dewar was at Miss Yardley’s side by then and Paddy was chatting with several young ladies, Kellan waited near the door. He watched as His Majesty and the princess made their way up the red carpet amid flashing lightbulbs and cheers.

  When Alice stepped into the lobby, she met Kellan’s gaze. Her beaming smile seemed like a beacon of light in the darkness…until Blade stepped in front of Kellan and cut off his view. In the next moment, however, Colton hastened over with a tray of appetizers and thrust it toward the wizard. “Weenie?”

  Kellan chuckled as he seized the opportunity to brush past.

  Alice turned to the king. “Will you excuse me, Father?”

  After King Justin nodded, she dropped the monarch’s arm and took Kellan’s instead. As he led her off, she gave him a flirtatious glance. “Congratulations on your stunning win this afternoon, Ranger Stratford. Everyone is talking of it.”

  “Princess!” Blade’s voice was audible, even over the hum of the crowd. “Princess!”

  Colton hemmed Blade in with his tray while Kellan ushered Alice deeper into the crowd. He plucked two glasses from a passing tray and as she sipped her wine, he admired her glowing skin, lovely curves, and long legs.

  Kellan leaned closer. “You are a vision of beauty, Princess.”

  “Thank you, Ranger.” Her eyes lit with obvious pleasure. “I selected this gown with you in mind.”

  “You know me well.”

  “Better and better all the time.” Alice’s expression became mischievous. “I’m sad to tell you that Prince Theissen has deprived us of his illustrious company. He left Briarwood Castle earlier today.”

  Kellan’s eyebrows rose, even as he chose his next words carefully. “What a…pity. Perhaps urgent business called him back to the Shadow Realm.”

  “We shall carry on as best we can.”

  “Indeed, we shall.” Although Kellan would have liked to ask more probing questions about the prince, he didn’t wish to be overheard. “By the way, I’m feeling quite confident of my chances in the sports competition.”

  “You have reason to feel optimistic, I think.” Alice took a sip of wine. “Contrary to what some may believe, I’ve just been assured by the highest authority in the kingdom that the rules of the Promenade will be followed. Therefore, I wish you luck from the bottom of my heart.”

  A delicious warmth crept through his veins. “Your support means everything to me.”

  She lowered her voice. “You have more than my support, Kellan. I hope you know that.”

  His gaze flickered to her lips. “In that case, nothing will prevent me from claiming victory.”

  “I won’t rest until then.” The lights overhead flickered. “I suppose that’s our signal to take our seats.

  Kellan smiled. “As it so happens, I’ve been invited to view tonight’s program from the Royal Box. May I escort you upstairs?”

  She beamed. “Oh, yes. Your presence will make the evening so much more enjoyable.”

  Before they could move, Blade put his hand on Kellan’s shoulder. “His Majesty wishes to have a word with you, Stratford. I’ll escort the princess to her seat.”

  Although Kellan was disappointed, he had no choice but to acquiesce. “Forgive me, Alice.” He bowed. “I’ll join you later.”

  As Blade and Alice ascended the stairs to the upper level of the theater, Kellan stepped back and scanned the lobby for King Justin. Hopefully, their conversation would be brief.

  ∞∞∞

  Blade had no idea how badly he’d been misled about the Promenade and Alice felt a surge of pity for him. As he escorted her to the gallery level, she debated with herself about telling him the truth. In the end, however, she decided the results of the sports competition would have to suffice.

  “Congratulations on your archery win this morning, Blade.”

  “Thank you, Princess.” His expression turned sheepish. “Considering my abysmal showing in dressage, however, I have no room for error going forward.”

  The uncharacteristic display of humility was surprising, and she gave him a smile. “I doubt any competitor has ever won every event.”

  “Perhaps not but I would have preferred to be the acknowledged leader at the end of the first day.”

  Alice feigned ignorance. “I’ve not been paying attention to the overall scores. Which competitors are in the lead?”

  “Those Rangers.” He scowled. “I cannot believe they were allowed to participate, especially at the last minute.”

  Blade ushered her to a balcony with beautifully upholstered swiveling chairs and an excellent view to the stage below.

  He pointed to a seat on the aisle. “Why don’t you sit here, and I’ll take the seat next to you?”

  Alice balked. “Er…maybe we should wait until my father arrives.”

  “His Majesty won’t be watching the presentation so we can sit wherever we like.”

  “What?” She frowned. “He didn’t say anything to me about leaving before the program.”

  “His Majesty asked me to stay by your side and escort you back to the castle after the evening is over. I told him it would be my pleasure.”

  She sank into the aisle seat, disappointed. Why hadn’t her father asked Kellan to be her escort instead?

  Blade was studying her. “I’m awfully sorry about your father.”

  Alice was relieved he’d mistaken the reason for her disappointment. “I’m just surprised, that’s all. Um…have you seen Miss Yardley here this evening?”

  He sat next to her. “I haven’t noticed one way or the other. Would you like her to join us? There’s plenty of room and we have our own bar in the back.”

  Alice stared at him. “That’s an uncommonly thoughtful idea, Blade.”

  “Think nothing of it.” He twisted around in his seat and waved to the usher in the doorway. “Find Miss Yardley and invite her to sit with Princess Alessandra.”

  The usher bowed. “Right away, Mr. Blackmon.” He disappeared down the corridor.

  “Thank you.” She patted Blade’s arm. “You’re very kind.”

  The wizard captured her hand and lifted it to his lips. “I’m glad you think so.”

  Despite Blade’s show of devotion, she was not naive enough to believe his heart was truly in any danger. What the young wizard would regret most if he did not prevail in the Promenade was his status as consort to a princess. For that, she had no sympathy at all.

  ∞∞∞

  Kellan joined King Justin in the lobby. “I was told you wished to speak with me, Your Majesty?”

  “Come with me.” His voice was low. “The less said here, the better.”

  Although Kellan was alarmed at the king’s terse tone, he merely nodded. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

  They left the theater by a back exit, where a nondescript horseless carriage awaited in a back alley. Kellan drove while the king gave directions to a small cottage on the outskirts of town.

  “Helene and I used to meet here over the years.” The king’s smile was misty. “We liked the privacy.”

  Kellan pulled his vehicle into the garage and accompanied King Justin into the house. The monarch gestured toward an upholstered chair. “Hav
e a seat, Ranger.” He sank into a chair of his own and sighed. “Tell me everything you have discovered about Helene’s disappearance.”

  Although Kellan had been reluctant to approach King Justin with supposition and theory, the direct question left him no choice but to tell the man what he’d learned.

  Afterward, the king frowned. “Thank you for your honesty.” His lips flattened. “I need your help.”

  Kellan leaned forward. “Anything.”

  The king rose to his feet and paced across the floor. “I believe I have a spy in my Privy Council who is an adept wizard. This spy is trying to provoke a war.”

  Kellan nodded. “I concur.”

  “If the Shadow Realm is poised to attack, their troops will be massing at the border. I want you to assess the situation as quietly as possible and then report back to me. I’m not sure who I can trust so you must report your finding only to me.”

  “You can be assured of my discretion, Your Majesty. I’ll leave just as soon as the Promenade has concluded.”

  King Justin shook his head. “You will leave tonight.”

  “Tonight?” Kellan swallowed. “My…my presence will be missed.”

  “An old shoulder injury has flared up and your physician has ordered you to rest. Do you understand?”

  “Yes.” Kellan gritted his teeth. “What about Princess Alessandra? She and I have become…friends.”

  “I will make your apologies to her.” The king tossed him a box the size of a card deck. “A gate code has been entered into this device. You’ll travel through the Node gateway in Briarwood City and emerge a very short distance from the border.”

  Kellan peered at the box. “How do I return?”

  The monarch extracted a piece of paper from his pocket and gave it to him. “Memorize that number and then destroy the paper.” He pointed a thumb toward a bedroom door. “I had your street clothes brought here. After you change, I’ll drop you off at the Briarwood City gateway.”

  “Thank you for your confidence in me, Your Majesty.” Kellan stood. “I won’t fail you.”

  “I know.” The king’s smile reflected a tinge of bitterness. “I think you’re the only one I can trust completely.”

  ∞∞∞

  Blade graciously offered his seat to Sally when she entered the Royal Box and he sat in the seat across the aisle. Alice and Sally giggled together throughout the first half of the talent presentation but by the time intermission arrived, Alice wondered what was keeping Kellan away so long. She glanced over her shoulder so many times, Sally finally cocked her head.

  “Are you expecting someone?”

  “Ranger Stratford was supposed to be here.” Alice frowned. “I’m sure he would have enjoyed your cooking demonstration very much indeed.”

  “I would be surprised if he did.” Sally laughed. “If I’m wrong, however, the presentation will be available for viewing on the Minfo’s Promenade channel.”

  Alice’s Snow Day aired during the second half of the evening, but the footage was carefully edited to omit Ranger Carter’s injury. Although she was pleased with her segment, several ladies had talent presentations she enjoyed more. Then again, several missed the mark altogether. Poor Miss Watkins’ video on gardening, for example, had come across as a stultifying lecture.

  When Talent Night came to a close, Kellan had failed to appear. Alice hid her disappointment with a fixed smile.

  “I’m so happy you came to watch the show with me, Sally.” She nodded at Blade. “It was Mr. Blackmon’s idea.”

  Sally beamed at him. “Isn’t that kind! I had an absolutely lovely time.”

  “Excellent.” Blade nodded at Alice. “We’re driving past the Briarwood Arms Hotel if you would like a lift, Miss Yardley.”

  Sally’s color rose. “Thank you, sir, but I’m to meet someone in the lobby.”

  Alice gave her a sidelong glance. “A certain Ranger?”

  The pretty brunette giggled. “Perhaps.”

  She hastened off, leaving Alice and Blade alone.

  “Other than your talent, Alessandra, I think my favorite was the dog trainer.” Blade chuckled. “Miss Pratt’s dogs were so nimble, I’m wondering if magic wasn’t involved.”

  “I wouldn’t be surprised. There’s always more than meets the eye in Colossus.”

  “I agree.” He leaned closer. “For example, are you sure Miss Yardley is what she appears to be? It’s rather convenient she’s struck up a friendship with you, especially when you have nothing in common.”

  Alice glared. “I won’t allow you to say a word against her. She’s a very nice young lady and I like her very much.”

  “I’m sorry.” His shoulders moved up and down in an awkward shrug. “I didn’t mean anything by it. I’m just trying to look after your best interests.”

  She sighed. “Forgive me for biting your head off. It’s been a long day.”

  Blade gave her a crooked grin. “Nobody’s perfect.”

  On the way home in the Pomparriage, Blade said very little. Even after they had arrived at the castle and were making their way through the entrance hall and up the stairs, he seemed deep in thought.

  As they approached Alice’s room, her footsteps slowed. “I’ve never known you to be so taciturn, Blade. I’m sorry if I overreacted at the theater.”

  He flashed her his usual smile. “It’s not that. I’m just thinking about the sports events tomorrow. I have an obstacle course in the morning and a shooting competition in the afternoon.”

  “I’m sure you will do well.”

  Blade walked her to her door, where Rangers were standing guard. “I’m off to bed, then. Wish me luck tomorrow.” He strode off without waiting for an answer.

  “Best of luck,” she murmured.

  When she entered her room, a vase of red roses was waiting for her on the table with card signed with the name Ranger Stratford. Alice crossed over to the comscreen and called Kellan’s room, but he did not answer her call.

  Disheartened, Alice kicked off her shoes, climbed out of her dress, and left her jewelry on the dresser for Janelle to collect. After she scrubbed her face clean of makeup, she fell into bed in a funk. Not only had the day been a roller coaster of emotions but it had ended on a sour note. Her time with Kellan at the theater had been far, far too brief and his subsequent, unexplained absence had set her adrift. He must have anticipated her disappointment and decided to send the roses by way of apology. She would have preferred an explanation but surely one would be forthcoming tomorrow.

  ∞∞∞

  After passing through the Node Network portal in Briarwood City, Kellan emerged at the northernmost gate in Colossus and then caught a train headed for the border. He wore his hat pulled down low on his forehead, turned the collar of his leather duster up to obscure his jawline, and utilized a nondescript spell to mask his appearance. As a result, few travelers spared him a glance.

  Once the train left the station, it immediately began climbing foothills on its way through a pass. Just after it crested the apex, Kellan rose from his seat, made his way to the back of the slow-moving train, and waited for the right moment to jump. The irony of leaping from a moving vehicle into the black of night when he had prevented Alice from doing the same thing did not escape him. His actions were in service to the Crown, at least, and he was far better dressed to withstand the impact.

  Kellan tossed his leather duster out first before he jumped, flexing his knees to absorb the brunt before rolling into the bushes. Only after the train was out of view did he retrieve his duster and resume his trek on foot. As he trudged along on a path perpendicular to the railroad tracks, he struggled to focus on the mission at hand. Although every Ranger had a sworn duty to serve the king, Kellan never been more torn about following orders in his life. He had desperately wanted to succeed at the Promenade and claim Alice for his own, yet if the Shadow Realm invaded Colossus, her life would be in danger. When he weighed his own wedded bliss with her burial, the choice was clear. Even so, logi
c and duty did not take away his heartache and never would.

  Once the official border crossing came into view, Kellan angled away from the tracks and continued through the forest. He wasn’t entirely sure when he crossed into the Shadow Realm, but when he spotted a sizable settlement, he knew he’d left Colossus behind. Although he stayed away from streetlights as he passed through the quaint village, the hour was near four o’clock in the morning and he was in little fear of discovery. On the far side of the village, however, he spotted soldiers guarding a huge structure obscured by trees. As he crept closer, he realized the archway formed a shimmering gateway—a Node gateway.

  His eyes widened in shock. If the Shadow Realm had a Node Network connected to Colossus, troops need not bother with massing at the border. They would merely gather wherever was convenient and then march through the nearest gate at the appointed time. An invasion through the Briarwood City gate would swarm the castle before anyone realized what was happening.

  Kellan hid his gate control device and wizard tracker under a bush and crept closer. As he approached the structure, unfortunately, he must have tripped an alarm. Sirens blared out and searchlights illuminated the street as he ducked into the shadows to hide. A door in the ground burst open and dozens of growling trolls poured out like angry, overgrown ants. Adrenaline shot through Kellan as he reversed course, darting in between buildings as he fled. Growls seemed to dog his footsteps, so he plunged into the forest and found a sturdy tree to climb.

  Although Kellan thought he’d evaded pursuit, as he struggled to catch his breath, the forest below began to vibrate with growling noises. When he glanced down, he realized he was surrounded by the creatures, some of which topped seven feet. All at once, his tree was swaying back and forth, as if caught up in a hurricane or a herd of bull elephants. After a sickening cracking noise, the tree tipped to one side. With the laughter of trolls ringing in Kellan’s ears, he clung to the trunk and braced for impact.

  ∞∞∞

  When Janelle shook Alice awake, daylight was glimmering from behind the curtains. “Rise and shine, Princess! You have a special guest this morning.”