Royal Promenade

by Suzanne G. Rogers

  The wizard’s eyes narrowed. “I’m sure he would make an exception for me.”

  Her spine stiffened. “Perhaps so, but we are unable to ask him. I must insist that you not press me any further.”

  The Pomparriage rolled up just then and Blade emerged. “Sorry to keep you waiting, Princess.”

  Alice nearly melted with relief. “Think nothing of it.” She gave Theissen a curtsy. “Have a wonderful evening, Your Highness.”

  She climbed into the Pomparriage without waiting for a reply. When Blade climbed in beside her, she was torn between being angry with him and relieved at his propitious arrival. As the vehicle left the hotel behind, she murmured, “Where have you been all night?”

  “I had to tend to some business that couldn’t wait.” His hair was in disarray and his expression was terse. “Did you have a good time at the ball?”

  “The delights of Prince Theissen’s company wear thin after a very short while.”

  “You won’t have to see him again after tomorrow.” He untied his bow tie and unbuttoned his collar. “I’m surprised he came to the ball.”

  Alice peered at the fabric of Blade’s shirt, which was smeared with something reddish.

  She averted her gaze and folded her arms. “Now I feel stupid.”

  He gave her a puzzled glance. “Why?”

  “Judging from the lipstick on your collar, you were evidently with a lady all evening.”

  Blade made a sound of disgust. “I wasn’t with a lady and it’s not lipstick. It’s blood.” He paused. “I cannot go into the details, but somebody needed my help.”

  “And you agreed to go out of your way?” The words tumbled out of her mouth before she could stop them. “That’s out of the ordinary for you.”

  “Yes, in point of fact it is.” Blade waited to speak until he had raised the glass partition between them and the driver. “Thank you for your lack of faith, Alessandra. I’ve been attempting to improve myself on your behalf, but it seems I’m not destined to get any credit!”

  Abashed, she lowered her gaze to her lap. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean what I said just now.”

  “Yes, you did.” He rested his head against the back of the seat and closed his eyes. “Forget it.”

  Alice tried to collect her thoughts. “Blade…I don’t want to fight with you. In fact, whatever you were doing tonight is really none of my business.”

  His body stiffened. “I told you, I was—”

  “Yes, yes. I believe you.” She rested a calming hand on his arm. “My tongue has been sharpened by my mood. Prince Theissen imposed on me at the ball rather dreadfully, but I shouldn’t take it out on you.”

  Blade studied her. “You dislike him that much?”

  “He frightens me, to be honest, and I don’t like to be frightened. Promise you’ll never leave me alone with him again.”

  “The man is a daunting character, I grant you.” He took her hand. “I accept your apology and will do my utmost to keep you away from the prince from now on.”

  “He’ll most certainly be gone the day after tomorrow.” She gritted her teeth. “I won’t relax until then.”

  ∞∞∞

  “No, you idiot! Once you’ve lost your temper, you lose!”

  The shouting roused Kellan to consciousness. “Gus?”

  Gus tore his gaze away from the display. “Glad to see you’re finally awake.”

  His friend was dressed in street clothes with his right arm in a sling. He sat in front of the vidscreen in Kellan’s bedroom, watching the program with rapt enthusiasm.

  Kellan’s ribs screamed in protest as he managed to sit up in bed. “What are you doing in my room?”

  “Watching the vidscreen.” His friend chuckled. “When I heard this morning that you’d been to the hospital for treatment and left against medical advice, I decided to follow your example. I’ve been here since eight o’clock, nibbling off your breakfast tray and waiting for you to wake up.”

  Kellan peeled off the covers and slid from the bed.

  Gus shook his head. “Parts of you resemble Kellan but the rest looks like used dog food.”

  “Thanks. I feel like used dog food.”

  Gus peered at Kellan’s attire. “Why are you dressed like a reject from the Shadow Realm army?”

  Kellan still wore his purloined, blood-stained uniform but someone had been thoughtful enough to remove his boots. Although he couldn’t remember much after his audience with the king, he guessed servants must have helped him to bed.

  “You could say I was on a reconnaissance mission. The worst of my injuries happened, however, at the hands of castle guardsmen on duty at the Node gateway.”

  Gus’s expression darkened. “What are their names? I’ll let Rangers know so they can return the favor.”

  “I intend to make sure the men are court-martialed, believe me.”

  Kellan padded into the bathroom and tried to pull himself together but the splint on his finger and his battered and bruised body made the task difficult.

  From the bedroom, Gus yelled, “Come on, Lord Idoran, hit your opponent like you mean business!”

  Kellan lurched out of the bathroom, aghast. “Are you watching the Promenade sports event?”

  “Of course.” Gus could not tear his gaze away from the boxing match. “Don’t worry, neither Dewar nor Paddy have gone yet so you haven’t missed much.”

  “What?” Kellan gaped. “Maybe I didn’t make myself clear to His Majesty last night. The Shadow Realm is preparing to invade so why is he allowing the event to proceed?”

  Gus stared at him. “Are you serious?”

  “I almost lost my life confirming it.”

  “I don’t doubt you for a minute, but Prince Theissen is sitting with the royal family at the Colosseum right now.”

  “I thought we were rid of that gremlin.” Kellan shook his head. “Theissen must be up to something.”

  Kellan sat down at the table and managed to get some scrambled eggs past his swollen lips. While he filled the void in his stomach, he tried to figure out when Theissen might have returned to Briarwood City—and why.

  When Gus made a sound of derision, Kellan glanced over. “What?”

  His friend pointed at the vidscreen, which had focused on the spectators in the Royal Box.

  “Theissen seems intent on engaging Princess Alessandra in conversation, and she seems equally determined to freeze him out.” Gus glanced over to gauge Kellan’s reaction. “He’s wasting his time.”

  At that, the wheels began to turn in Kellan’s mind. “Not necessarily. What if this plot against Colossus isn’t just about waging war? What if it’s about exacting malicious revenge against King Justin?”

  Gus frowned. “How do you figure?”

  “The traitor killed Helene, not only to wound His Majesty but to get access to Helene’s lab and papers. Then, he moved on to Alice.”

  “That could explain the attempt on your life, I suppose. After all, anyone trying to get to the princess would have to go through you.” Gus paused. “I’m still confused about where Theissen fits in.”

  “The traitor wants Theissen to take Alice against her will by winning the Promenade.”

  Gus shook his head. “He hasn’t entered the Promenade.”

  “He doesn’t have to enter.” Kellan gripped the arms of his chair. “He intends to issue a Challenge.”

  “Come on, Kellan. Nobody has issued a Challenge in hundreds of years. It’s an archaic, barbaric rule that should have been repealed ages ago.”

  “Perhaps so, but it is still very much in operation.”

  Gus studied him. “I would like to dismiss the notion out of hand, but I have to admit it makes a twisted sort of logical sense.”

  Kellan stood. “I have to get to the Colosseum.”

  “To what end? You’re a wreck!”

  “I’m tasked with protecting Alice and that’s what I intend to do.” He hobbled toward the closet to retrieve a fresh uniform.

 
∞∞∞

  As the morning wore on, Alice’s nerves became as taut as a kite string in a gale. Prince Theissen had arrived at the Royal Box early and her father had had no choice but to make him welcome. Although Alice sat with Sally, the Shadow Realm wizard had chosen to sit in the other seat next to Alice and her father was sitting in the seat next to him. Not only had the boorish Theissen conversed loudly during the matches but he had also insisted on offering his critique in a blistering and dismissive manner. Alice found his attitude tiresome in the extreme and even Sally’s usually good-humored expression grew strained.

  Alice and Sally took every opportunity to stretch their legs by visiting the refreshments laid out in the back of the luxuriously appointed box. During the luncheon break, the two ladies lingered there over finger sandwiches and tea.

  “Where are your parents today?” Alice asked. “I sent them an invitation.”

  “I apologize but my mother has come down with a cold and my father stayed at the hotel with her.”

  “Don’t apologize! I hope she feels better soon.”

  Theissen chose that moment to swivel around in his seat. As he gave Alice a long appraising glance, she nodded and forced a smile to her lips.

  Sally could not help but notice. “The prince appears to be taking more of an interest in you.”

  Alice sighed and turned her back. “Don’t I know it.”

  Sally frowned. “Are you all right?”

  “Not really.” Alice lowered her voice. “I can’t bear him.”

  Sally’s gaze flickered toward Theissen and back. “I don’t know what the prince is doing. At the end of the Promenade, you’ll be engaged to Mr. Blackmon.”

  “I’m afraid so.” A pang of longing for Kellan grabbed Alice by the throat and her vision blurred with tears.

  “Oh, dear.” Sally bit her lip. “I can’t pretend not to know how you are feeling. You’re in love with Ranger Stratford.”

  Alice peered at her. “Is it that obvious?”

  “Ever since he left the Promenade, you haven’t been happy at all.”

  “It’s just so unfair. Kellan should have been here to fight for me.”

  “I expect he would have done exactly that if he could.” Sally paused. “Mr. Blackmon isn’t so very bad…is he?”

  “Blade and I get along well enough, I suppose.” Alice’s smile was brittle. “He’s made more of an effort to win me over than I would have imagined.”

  “From what I’ve seen, he cares about you a great deal.” Sally’s expression reflected kindness. “I think there’s nothing he wouldn’t do for you.”

  Alice took a deep, cleansing breath just as Minister Seer’s voice echoed through the Colosseum. As Seer announced the final fencing match between Blade Blackmon and Dewar Delacourt, Sally gurgled with delight. “This is it!”

  “So it is.”

  The girls resumed their seats but as the event began, Alice stared out at nothing. Once the bout was over, all her hopes and dreams would come to an end and she found the spectacle far too painful to watch.

  She was startled from her reverie when Sally jumped to her feet with a scream and the entire Coliseum let out a roar. In the center of the arena, the combatants had removed their fencing masks, Seer had appeared, and he was holding up Dewar Delacourt’s arm in a gesture of victory. The Ranger’s broad grin reflected joy and pride whereas Blade’s tight smile revealed his disappointment. Alice was gratified, however, at the wizard’s display of good sportsmanship. Perhaps, indeed, he had changed his character for the better.

  “Congratulations, Ranger Delacourt, and well done! We’ve never had a Ranger enter the Royal Promenade before. Do you feel like a trailblazer?” As Seer thrust the microphone at Delacourt, the satin of his ringmaster jacket gleamed.

  The Ranger wore a proud grin. “The credit belongs to Ranger Stratford, actually. If it hadn’t been for Kellan, I never would have entered the Promenade. Now that I’ve won, however, I consider it a victory for every Ranger!”

  Cheers went up and the vidscreen showed reaction shots from various ladies in the Coliseum. Judging from their fluttering hands and ecstatic expressions, Dewar Delacourt had just turned into a heartthrob. Onlookers tossed red roses from the stands and the arena became dotted with the blooms. Several youngsters dressed in Colossusian flag tunics darted to and fro, collecting the flowers and adding them to a basket at the Ranger’s feet.

  Seer chuckled. “Ranger Delacourt, as the top-ranking gentleman in this year’s Royal Promenade, you may name your lady at this time—if you are inclined to do so.”

  The Ranger glanced up at the Royal Box, where Sally stood at the railing. “Miss Yardley…if she’ll have me.”

  A chorus of oohs and applause followed his selection. Although Alice had never attended a Promenade before, she imagined being named by the winner was a rare and incredible honor for a lady. Despite Alice’s own mixed emotions, a smile sprang to her lips.

  “Oh, I’ll have you!” Sally blew Delacourt a kiss.

  Appreciative laughter and applause ensued. Not only had Sally been the first lady chosen in the Royal Promenade, but she was also matched with the man of her dreams. Alice’s heart swelled with happiness for her friend.

  Ranger Delacourt left the arena with a spring in his step, trailed by a production assistant carrying his basket of roses, helmet, and rapier. Once the two had disappeared into one of the gladiator dressing rooms, Seer turned to Blade.

  “Mr. Blackmon, congratulations on your achievement!” The minister beamed. “Not only have you finished among the top two, but you’ve won the admiration of millions of Colossusian ladies.”

  More roses rained down from the stands and the children hastened to scoop them up. Blade grinned, waved, and displayed the unabashed swagger of a peacock. He handed his mask and rapier to a production assistant and plucked the microphone out of Seer’s hands.

  “I confess, I do enjoy admiration from time to time but only one lady will ever captivate my heart. I choose…” He paused for dramatic effect. “…Princess Alessandra!”

  Spectators jumped to their feet and cheered as Alice rose from her chair and moved toward the railing. She swallowed the lump in her throat and blinked back tears.

  “Mr. Blackmon, I accept.”

  A loud voice rang out. “Not so hasty!” Theissen jumped over the Royal Box railing in a theatrical manner with his cape billowing out behind him. He landed like a cat in the arena below and straightened. “Blade Blackmon, I issue a Challenge to the Death!”

  Gasps throughout the Colosseum were followed by shocked silence.

  Seer took the microphone from Blade’s limp hand. “A Challenge to the Death has never been issued in modern history. What an exciting twist!”

  “What is this?” Wide-eyed, Alice peered at her father. “The prince can’t issue any Challenges, can he?”

  The king’s countenance was like granite. “He can.”

  “Many of you may not be familiar with the rule of Challenge.” Seer beamed. “After rankings are settled, any participant may issue a Death Challenge to another, in order to claim his rank. The right of Challenge is also extended to any foreign monarch or heir to a throne.”

  The buzz in the Coliseum increased.

  “That’s insane.” The blood in Alice’s veins turned to ice. “You cannot agree to this, Father. Blade’s life is at stake!”

  “I’ve no choice.” King Justin rose from his chair and surveyed the Coliseum with an air of sober deliberation. His gaze finally came to a rest on the competitors. “May the best man win.”

  Seer quivered with excitement. “What say you, Mr. Blackmon? Do you accept the Death Challenge, or do you concede?”

  Blade was pale as he stared at the powerfully built prince for several long moments.

  Seer pressed closer. “Your answer, Mr. Blackmon?”

  The young wizard lifted his chin. “I said…I concede.”

  As boos and cat calls rained down, Blade kicked over the basket of f
lowers and strode from the arena.

  “No.” Alice’s tight grip on the railing failed the trembling in her body. “This can’t be happening.”

  Theissen raised a triumphant fist in the air. “I claim Princess Alessandra!”

  Although a smattering of applause ensued, the reaction was largely one of stunned silence until a lone voice rent the air.

  “Challenge!” A battered-looking man clad in a Ranger’s uniform limped toward the center of the arena. Although the man’s gait was labored, his voice rang out loud and strong. “I issue a Challenge to the Death!”

  The Coliseum exploded with excitement.

  “Kellan?” Alice’s whisper was almost a whimper. “Merciful heavens, don’t do this.”

  Theissen tossed his cape over one shoulder. “Are you out of your senses, lad? You’ve already been beaten within an inch of your life.”

  Kellen held the man’s gaze. “Why don’t you concede and spare yourself the embarrassment of losing?”

  “You’re a fool to think you can best me in combat.” Theissen’s sneer reflected his contempt. “Name the weapon.”

  The Ranger did not hesitate. “Swords.”

  The other man’s lip curled. “I accept your Challenge. Prepare to die.”

  Seer’s hands fluttered as he gripped his microphone. “We will take a short break so the combatants can ready themselves for the match.” He beamed. “This has become an event of epic proportions!”

  The combatants moved toward opposite sides of the arena and disappeared into the gladiator holding areas.

  Alice finally came to her senses as she gave her father a panicked stare. “You must put a stop to this madness.”

  The shake of his head was firm. “I cannot. The Challenge has been issued and accepted. The only way forward is to let it play out.”

  “Please do something.” She knelt at his feet. “Kellan’s injuries preclude a victory. I would rather marry Theissen willingly than watch Kellan die!”

  “I don’t understand why the prince didn’t make an offer for you when he had the chance.” The king frowned. “Evidently, he enjoys drama.”

  “No, he’s a cruel monster who wants to slaughter the only man I can ever love!” Alice jumped to her feet. “If you won’t stop this, I will.”