Alice glanced at him, wide-eyed. “I wonder if the entire Node Network is down. If so, it would be a perfect time to test Kellan’s theory with the prototype in my mother’s laboratory.”
“If the entire system was down, I would have heard about it.”
“I suppose so.” Alice smoothed a fold in her ballgown, which was now pale pink. “I hope Mrs. Diamond forgives me for altering her design.”
In addition to the change of color, she’d transformed the crystal trim to seed pearls, the puffy iridescent tulle sleeves were completely gone, and she’d pressed an elongated scarf of white silk into a serviceable evening wrap. Since she was obliged to apply her own makeup, her look was more subtle than usual, but she’d donned one of her spectacular hair pieces to add glamour. In lieu of wearing jewels, she’d tucked one of her father’s roses into her hair as an ornament, making sure to alter the crimson color to match the pink of her gown.
Blade gave her an admiring glance. “I think you’re perfect, actually. The other one was a trifle girlish whereas this version is more sophisticated. It suits you.”
“You really can be sweet.”
“I can at that.” His mischievous expression faded. “I know you have some inexplicable infatuation with Stratford but he’s out of the picture. I would like to imagine our future together will be a happy one, you and I.”
Alice focused on the passing scenery. “I’m not the sort of person who would take her marriage vows lightly. Once we are married, I will do my very best to make you happy.”
Blade covered her hand with his. “And I will do the same.”
Although she made no attempt to pull away, Blade’s touch simply did not excite her in the same way as Kellan’s did. Since he knew of her preference for his half-brother, she could almost pity him for wishing it could be otherwise. No, she could never duplicate the passion she felt for Kellan but perhaps she and Blade would at least develop a warm friendship. Until they were pronounced husband and wife, however, she could not extinguish the hope—however faint or illogical—that things would work out for her and the Ranger.
When they arrived at the Briarwood Arms Hotel, Alice allowed Blade to escort her into the ballroom. Since they were about a half hour late, the dancing had begun. A gasp of surprise greeted her entrance, the music paused, and the couples on the dance floor stopped to applaud.
Mrs. Vaughn hastened over. “Oh, I’m so glad you could attend after all, Princess. My daughter told me you were indisposed.”
Alice smiled. “I wasn’t feeling well earlier today, to be sure. After a little rest, however, I rallied. Forgive me for being tardy.”
The older woman beamed. “Not at all.”
She prattled on for a bit about refreshments and the entertainment for the evening before hastening off to speak with the staff. Alice paid little attention, however, because she’d spotted Prince Theissen. The Shadow Realm aristocrat was threading his way through the guests and had fixed her with his gaze. She must have clutched at Blade’s arm because the wizard gave her a puzzled glance. After a moment, however, he noticed the prince and leaned in to whisper, “I thought he’d gone back to the Shadow Realm.”
So had she, for that matter. Did her father know the prince had returned to Briarwood City?
Alice dipped into a curtsy as he approached. “What a surprise to see you in Briarwood City, Prince Theissen. After your departure, we were worried that we’d given offense.”
His laugh never reached his eyes. “Actually, I was merely keen to visit the Hotel Tialda. I prefer the seaside more than anywhere else.”
So the prince had never left Colossus at all?
“The Hotel Tialda is uncommonly beautiful,” she murmured. “It was the first place I stayed when I left Vanguard.”
The music came to an end just as bellman appeared. “Mr. Blackmon? There’s a message for you at the front desk.”
Alice gritted her teeth as she released her grip on Blade’s elbow. “I wonder what that could be?”
“I haven’t the foggiest.” Blade bowed. “If you’ll excuse me for a little while, Princess, I’ll be back shortly.”
“Fear not, Mr. Blackmon.” The prince smirked. “Princess Alessandra is safe with me.”
“I’m quite obliged to you, Your Highness.” Blade strode off with the bellman.
When Theissen offered Alice his arm, she tried not to cringe. “How kind of you, sir.”
“Not at all. I would be honored if you would dance the next with me.”
Her heart sank. “The honor would be mine.”
The lie rolled off her lips effortlessly but then she was getting a great deal of practice in diplomacy. As Theissen led her onto the dance floor, she rested her hand on his arm as lightly as she could. The prince wasn’t a bad-looking fellow, really, so why did she find him so repugnant? Perhaps it was his air of disdain and general aura of entitlement, similar to that of Miss Vaughn. Unfortunately, Alice couldn’t use her power to affect a change in Theissen. She glanced over her shoulder toward the double doors and prayed Blade would return soon to rescue her.
Theissen chuckled. “It’s a pity about your friend, the Ranger.”
She focused her attention on him. “What do you mean?”
“His shoulder injury, of course. I expect Mr. Blackmon is rather relieved at Ranger Stratford’s absence.”
“Oh.” Alice frowned. “I thought you weren’t following the sports competition.”
He shrugged. “One can hardly escape the news with the Minfo on every vidscreen in Colossus.”
“Just turn it off. That’s what I do.”
“You won’t be able to avoid watching the sports competition tomorrow. It’s the final day of the Promenade.”
“Yes, that’s right. The hand-to-hand combat should be very exciting.”
The orchestra picked up their instruments and began the next number.
Theissen slid his hand around Alice’s waist and pulled her closer. “I’m looking forward to it, Princess.”
After what her father had suggested about encouraging a match, she was glad the Shadow Realm wizard had not entered the Promenade. That being said, why had he returned? Perhaps he meant to choose a wife from one of the girls unable to make a match. If so, Miss Vaughn might suit him very well indeed.
∞∞∞
Kellan sat in a jail cell somewhere in a castle guard detention center, gritting his teeth against the agony wracking his body. He remembered little of the drive from the Briarwood City gate, but he was awake when they dragged him into an empty cell, dropped him onto the stained and sticky floor, and slammed the door closed with a clang. He’d been obliged to push himself up to his knees using his one good hand, but the task was made nearly impossible by the stabbing pain in his cracked ribs. With a great deal of effort, however, he staggered over to the metal shelf that served as a bunk and sank down. It was ironic he’d escaped torture in the Shadow Realm, only to be ill-treated by his own countrymen.
More significant, however, was his frustrating inability to get information to King Justin. The monarch needed to know about the Shadow Realm link to the Node Network and the kingdom’s plan to invade. Under duress, Ronan had disclosed that a spy was indeed working from within the Privy Council. He did not have a name, unfortunately, but Kellan had his suspicions. Sadly, with his Wizard Tracker broken to bits, he would not even be able to match the traitor’s energy signature properly. Although he had the components necessary to replicate the tracker, the effort would take time and dexterity. At the moment, he had neither.
Conversation echoed in the corridor outside Kellan’s cell.
“Mr. Blackmon, sir, we hated to bother you, but the prisoner insisted you would vouch for him.” Woolsey’s obsequiousness dripped from every word. “Out of an abundance of caution, we had to ask if you could come.”
Blade’s distinctive voice became audible. “The request is a strange one, admittedly, but I am intrigued. I cannot imagine who could be pulling such an idiotic prank
on a night like this.”
Kellan was mildly surprised that the wizard had actually bothered to respond to his plea. Although he disliked being in Blade’s debt, he could not afford false pride—especially not if his half-brother could get him out of this place.
The two men came into view. When Blade met Kellan’s gaze, his expression registered shock. “What the devil?” He brought out a handkerchief and pressed it to his nose. “The stench in here is making my eyes water.”
Woolsey gestured toward Kellan. “Do you know this man?”
“I must speak with His Majesty.” Kellan’s speech was almost unintelligible due to his parched tongue and swollen lip.
The guardsman folded his arms. “Well?”
Blade peered at Kellan through the iron bars for several long seconds. “I’ve never seen him before in my life.” He turned away.
Blade’s revenge was perfect, admittedly and Kellan had to laugh, despite himself.
“I knew it.” Woolsey scowled at Kellan. “You’ll pay for wasting Mr. Blackmon’s time.”
Blade was halfway down the corridor when he paused.
The guardsman strode past and beckoned to him. “Come along, sir. I’ll make sure you get back to your party right away.”
Although Kellan couldn’t see Blade’s expression, he seemed to be focused on the floor. Was he trying to think up one last insult before he left the facility or was he merely enchanted by the pattern in the tile?
“On the other hand…” Blade turned back toward the cell. “The fellow isn’t recognizable to anyone.” His glance flickered toward Woolsey. “Did you drag him here behind your vehicle?”
Woolsey’s skin flushed. “He came through the Node gateway like that.”
“Bull.” Kellan held up his bruised and misshapen hand, which was double its natural size and a hideous shade of eggplant. “Except for this.”
Woolsey scowled. “You’re a liar and a troublemaker.”
Blade gave Kellan an appraising glance and sighed—as if with resignation. “Open this door.”
Woolsey fumbled with a set of keys. “You know this spy after all?”
Blade gave the man a malevolent glare. “He’s not a spy, you nitwit. He’s my brother.”
∞∞∞
Kellan sat in the back of the Pomparriage alongside Blade, struggling to breathe past the pain in his ribs. “I thought you were going to leave me there.”
A muscle worked in Blade’s jaw. “For a short while, so did I.”
“What made you decide otherwise?”
The wizard snorted. “You needn’t think it was out of any sort of familial regard. I did it because of Alessandra.”
“Fair enough.”
“Besides which, you’ve obviously been on some sort of mission for the crown. If so, your wellbeing is of national importance.”
“Take me to His Majesty.” The vehicle hit a bump in the road as he spoke, and Kellan ended his sentence with a groan.
Blade gave him a sidelong glance. “You need medical care first.”
Kellan shook his head. “Just heal me enough to keep going.”
“There are limits to what I can do.” The wizard flicked his fingers in Kellan’s direction and the pain eased a trifle.
“Thank you for that,” Kellan managed. “You’re a better man than your father.”
“Shut up or I’ll cancel the anodyne spell.”
Kellan closed his eyes and concentrated on his breathing. “Just get me to the king.”
Unfortunately, he was seized with a spasm of coughing that left the taste of blood in his mouth. As Kellan wiped his lips with the back of his uninjured hand, a red smear became visible.
Blade pressed his handkerchief to Kellan’s mouth. “You’re not going to make it to the castle, I’m afraid.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Brothers
Kellan had a vague awareness of being wheeled into the hospital on a gurney and being tended to by the staff. Agony in his finger brought him to full consciousness and he bit back a groan.
The physician frowned. “So, you’re awake.” He gestured toward a nurse. “Prepare a general anesthetic.”
Kellan gritted his teeth against the pain. “No anesthetic.”
“For mercy’s sake! Be reasonable, Stratford.” Blade came into view. “They’re going to set your bone.”
Kellan shook his head. “I must stay alert.”
“If you’re trying to impress everyone with your bravery, you’re wasting your time.” When Kellan made no reply, Blade gave a histrionic sigh. “Oh, all right then.” He murmured another anodyne spell.
Pain eased its grip on Kellan’s body and the physician managed to perform the medical procedure without the need for sedation. Once the medical personnel left the room, Kellan got to his feet. “Thank you for your help, Blackmon.”
“Sit down before you fall down.” Blade gave him an incredulous glance. “The nurse has gone to fetch a wheelchair and you’re to spend the night under observation.”
“I’m leaving. I must see the king.”
“You can’t leave the hospital.” Blade’s jaw dropped. “You look like road kill.”
Kellan refused to be baited. “Be that as it may, I have a duty to perform. Return to what’s left of your evening and I’ll take an autocab to the castle.”
“Ever the self-sacrificing hero.” Blade rolled his eyes. “There’s no need for the cab. The Pomparriage is waiting outside.”
Very shortly thereafter, Kellan and Blade drove away from the hospital in silence. By the time the castle spires came into view, Kellan’s newly set finger was beginning to throb again, and his cracked ribs were making it difficult for him to breathe.
Blade looked at him askance. “I don’t think you understand the extent of your injuries.”
“More is at stake than my well-being.”
The Pomparriage turned into the driveway and pulled up to the portico.
“Never let it be said that I’m not patriotic.” Blade murmured another anodyne spell. “That’ll get you through another hour but then you’re on your own. I can’t afford to waste any more energy on you, or I won’t be able to perform properly tomorrow.”
“I’m in your debt.” Kellan inhaled, glad to be able to get some oxygen to his brain. “Good luck in the Combat Challenge.”
A smile tugged at the corner of Blade’s mouth. “I expect you really mean that.”
“I do.”
“I called ahead to the castle guards to let them know you are coming. You shouldn’t have any trouble getting to His Majesty’s office, but I cannot guarantee the king will speak to you.”
“Thanks again.”
∞∞∞
Mr. Wattle grimaced as Kellan hobbled into the outer room. “Merciful heavens. Look what the cat dragged in.”
“Ranger Kellan Stratford, here to see King Justin on a matter of urgent business.”
The man frowned. “An audience with His Majesty requires decorum, sir. You must return when you are properly dressed.”
Kellan’s eyes narrowed. “Under the circumstances, I feel certain His Majesty will understand.”
Wattle’s lips formed a flat line. “Have a seat, Ranger. His Majesty is in a meeting at the moment and cannot be disturbed.”
If Kellan’s body had been up to the task, he would have barged through the double doors without hesitation. Given his crippled condition and the presence of two glowering castle guards, however, he decided against it. He had no choice but to sit down in one of the very uncomfortable chairs positioned against the wall and wait.
After an hour passed, his pain returned with a vengeance, his breathing became labored, and perspiration broke out on his forehead. He lurched to his feet and hobbled over to Wattle’s desk.
“I’ve waited long enough. Announce me right now.”
“His Majesty is still in a meeting, Ranger.” The night secretary’s smile was tight. “Can I bring you a cup of coffee?”
Kellan felt a
trickle of sweat roll down his face. “Mr. Wattle, I’m a patient man. That being said, I can do all manner of unpleasant things to you before either of those guards can blink. Get me in to see the king now.”
“No need for threats.” The secretary jumped to his feet. “I’ll see what I can do.”
Wattle disappeared into the inner office and moments later King Justin began shouting. In short order, the Ministry of Agriculture emerged and Wattle beckoned Kellan inside. When he entered the room, the king peered at him in horror.
“I wouldn’t have known you, lad. What happened to you?”
“That’s unimportant.” Although Kellan tried to stand at attention, the room kept tilting. “Your Majesty, the Shadow Realm created a Node gateway which is hooked up to Briarwood City. I’ve shut that connection down for now, but I do not know if contingency plans are in place.” Kellan found it increasingly difficult to keep his balance. “A member of your Privy Council has betrayed you, but his identity is still a secret.”
A shaft of indescribable pain made Kellan sink to his knees.
The king rushed forward. “Thank you for doing your duty, Ranger. It’s time for you to rest.”
∞∞∞
For Alice, the evening grew increasingly tedious. As the highest-ranking lady at the ball, the task seemed to fall onto her shoulders to entertain Prince Theissen. She praised Miss Vaughn’s beauty in his presence, but he danced only once with the girl thereafter. The Shadow Realm wizard spent the rest of the time either at the bar or by Alice’s side, with Blade nowhere to be seen. The moment Theissen excused himself to visit the washroom, she made her good-byes, picked up her wrap from the coatroom, and asked her Ranger guards to escort her back to the castle.
Unfortunately, when she left the hotel, she realized Blade had taken the Pomparriage.
She glanced at her guards. “Let’s find a taxi.”
An unwelcome voice met her ears. “That won’t be necessary.” Prince Theissen appeared. “Allow me to see you home in my carriage.”
Her smile was tight. “You are terribly kind, sir, but my father is quite strict about these things.”
Royal Promenade Page 25