Tears streamed down her cheeks. “What do you mean?”
“Stratford got what was coming to him.” The minister shrugged. “So did your mother.”
She recoiled. “What a horrible thing to say.”
“Is it?” Seer’s expression turned hard. “Helene stole something that didn’t belong to her and she deserved her fate.”
Although the air in the laboratory was still, Alice felt as if a frigid wind had blown right through her soul. “You couldn’t be more wrong.”
“Let’s go, Princess. The longer we wait, the less likely your successful escape is to be.”
Alice conjured a spider the size of a dinner plate and hurled it at the minister. As the creature latched onto Seer’s face, he shrieked, bent double, and tore at something at his neck. For a moment, Alice thought his head was falling off and the spider along with it…until she realized the rubbery device on the floor was a mask.
“Hello, Tara,” Alice said. “I had heard you didn’t like spiders, but I wanted to see for myself.”
The queen incinerated the spider with magic and the mask turned to ooze before she turned her malevolent gaze on Alice. “I’m glad you’re not a nice little girl. It makes killing you a lot easier.”
Every tender emotion Alice had ever possessed evaporated in the blink of an eye. “I’m not that easy to kill.”
With a flick of her fingers, she sent a shelf of glass beakers flying toward Tara. Although the woman brushed them aside with ease, she had a little more difficulty with the hurricane of nuts, bolts, pliers, and wires that followed. Tara diverted most of the ad hoc weapons, but she screamed when a set of scissors tore a welt in her cheek.
“Stupid little brat!” The woman stomped her foot. “Enough!”
Alice’s eyes narrowed. “Not quite.”
Alice’s reduction spell transformed Tara into the size of a shoe just as the wizard uttered a curse. An invisible garrote tightened around Alice’s neck and she gasped for air. Her vision filled with black dots and she sank to her knees even as someone rushed past. The sound of a mighty thud reached Alice’s ears, the garrote loosened, and sweet air rushed into her lungs.
Helene gathered Alice up into her arms and cradled her against her body. “My Alessandra. Thank heavens you’re safe.”
“Mother?” Alice gazed up into Helene’s beautiful face. “I must be dreaming.”
“No. I’ve been wandering for ages, but I finally spotted the open doorway.”
Alice sat up in a panic. “Tara?”
“I flattened the murderous witch.” Helene cocked her thumb at the container of Helenium on the floor. “Nice reduction spell, by the way. It made things far easier.”
“Tara has been posing as Minister Seer since you disappeared.” Alice scrambled to her feet. “I have so much to tell you but there’s no time. The Shadow Realm has invaded Colossus and Pompano is overwhelmed.”
“In that case, let’s go put things straight.”
Helene removed her work apron, smoothed her dress, and squared her shoulders. As the woman strode toward the door, the impact of Kellan’s death seemed to flatten Alice as completely as the container of Helenium had flattened Tara. Every bit of light and happiness fled her body, and she could barely breathe.
“You go on without me, Mother. I’d only get in the way.”
Helene returned long enough to pull her into an embrace. “I’m sorry to leave you this way.” She glanced down at the small red puddle spreading out from underneath the container of Helenium. “Don’t worry about the mess. I’ll clean up the lab later.”
When Alice was alone, she turned off the Node prototype before stumbling from the lab. As she descended the staircase, she noticed her cloud spell had expired and hazy daylight was now streaming through the windows. Once she reached the atrium, she sank down on the steps and stared at the frolicking liquid. The agony of loss seized her by the throat, and she burst into tears.
Moments later, her bodyguards burst into the building. Their disgruntled expressions reflected anger at her escape, but she held up her hand to stop any scolding.
“Not now…please.” She wiped her face with her fingertips. “Do you have any news?”
One of the Rangers nodded. “An ad hoc hospital is being set up in the ballroom to take care of the injured. Anyone with medical experience is asked to help since patients are arriving right now.”
“Thank you.” Alice knew little more than how to render first aid, but she could at least help with pain. She lurched to her feet. “I’ll go help with the injured.”
The Rangers exchanged a glance with one another but said nothing more. As she left the Ministry of Magic and crossed the grounds toward the main building, she noticed food and drink stations had been set up and Promenade ladies were helping to serve evacuees. Even Miss Vaughn was handing out cups of coffee with an uncharacteristically gracious smile on her face. Overhead, the light over Briarwood City was an odd orange tint due to the fires. Even so, Pompano’s barrier shielded the castle grounds from falling ash.
When Alice arrived at the ballroom, physicians were desperately working to triage the casualties of war, from soldiers to the residents of Briarwood City. Cots had been set in rows and rolling partitions separated the more critical patients from less injured ones. Alice began with the most severely wounded, using anodyne spells to ease their pain until physicians could administer surgery or other treatment.
Alice was too busy to think about anything until two new motionless patients were brought in on stretchers and placed behind a partition in the back. One of the doctors took her aside.
“Triage tells me they don’t know what to do with two new arrivals, but they may be suffering from some sort of magical ailment. Ordinarily, we would call an expert like Blade Blackmon but he’s one of them.”
“What?”
Alice hastened past the partition…and nearly fainted. An unconscious Blade occupied one of the cots and Kellan was sitting up in the other with a bewildered expression on his face. His clothes were drenched in blood but the gap in his torn shirt revealed no sign of injury.
He peered at her. “I’m not dead?”
Alice threw her trembling arms around him. “No, you’re not.” She began to sob.
∞∞∞
Alice perched on Blade’s bed and held his limp hand as she waited for her mother to arrive. Kellan paced nearby, his handsome features etched with concern.
Alice bit her lip. “Would you like to watch something on the vidscreen, Kellan? It might take your mind off of things.”
“No thanks. Whoever is in charge at the Minfo right now is airing lengthy, tear-jerking tributes to the late Minister Seer as well as covering Helene’s well-timed return from her sabbatical.”
“The usual propaganda, then.” Alice took a deep breath and let it out. “I don’t suppose the truth about Queen Tara will ever be known to anyone except a select few.”
“She faked her death and used a magical disrupter and disguises to throw me off her trail.” Kellan shook his head in dismay. “I expect she even used the catacombs to sneak around in secret.”
“I wonder what happened to the real Minister Seer?”
“After Tara killed him, she enchanted the body to resemble her. He’s probably buried in her sarcophagus.”
“She really was evil.” Alice shuddered. “It’s no wonder my father didn’t want to marry her.”
Helene sailed into Blade’s bedroom. “Hello, my darlings. Sorry to be late.”
Alice stood. “Thank you for coming.”
Kellan cleared his throat. “Blade has been in a coma-like state since healing me.”
Helene’s keen gaze shifted from Blade to Kellan. “How injured were you?”
A muscle worked in Kellan’s jaw. “I was dying. I might have been dead, for all I know.”
“It’s true.” Alice shuddered. “Tara made me watch the vidscreen as Theissen sliced Kellan open with his sword.”
Helene sighed. “That
’s what I was afraid of.”
Alice’s eyes widened. “Blade’s going to be all right, isn’t he?”
“Yes…and no.” Her mother frowned. “The type of healing spell Blade used on Kellan is quite rare. I’ll be able to wake him, but he’ll never be the same.”
“Not the same?” Kellan grew pale. “What do you mean?”
“Blade poured every bit of magical energy into restoring you to life. I doubt if he’ll ever work magic again.”
“But magic is Blade’s entire identity!” Alice sputtered. “He must not have realized how the spell would affect him.”
“Blade Blackmon is an extraordinarily knowledgeable wizard and would have known exactly the nature of his sacrifice.” Helene nodded at Kellan. “You and he must have grown close.”
Kellan’s eyebrows drew together. “Closer than I had imagined.”
Helene beckoned to Alice. “Let me sit there, sweetheart.”
Alice left Blade’s side and melted into Kellan’s arms. “I’ll never be able to repay Blade for bringing you back to me.”
Kellan brushed a kiss against her forehead. “He proved himself a hero and I’m proud to have him as my brother.”
“What was that, Stratford?” Blade’s voice was weak.
Alice and Kellan rushed to the foot of the bed. Her mother had managed to awaken Blade, but he was deathly pale and listless. Despite that, his lips formed a smirk. “I didn’t quite hear you just now.”
“I said I’m proud you’re my brother.” Kellan’s eyes shone with emotion. “Thank you for saving my life.”
“You’re welcome.” Blade’s smirk softened as he glanced at Alice. “Hello, Princess. You’ve got both your mother and your champion back. I’m glad.”
“Yes.” Her throat swelled with emotion. “Now that you’re awake, things are practically perfect.”
Blade chuckled. “How long have I been out of commission?”
Alice’s smile was misty. “Since yesterday.”
His eyebrows rose a trifle. “No wonder I’m so hungry.”
“I’ll ask the kitchen to send up lunch for you, Blade. You need rest and good food to regain your strength.” Helene stood. “If you’ll excuse me, I have to get back to work repairing things around the city.”
“Wait.” Blade paused to gather his strength. “Did we stop the invasion?”
“Indeed we did, in large part thanks to you and Kellan.” Helene nodded. “The Shadow Realm is in disarray and Colossus is safe for now.” She hastened off.
With so many things left unsaid between the two brothers, Alice suddenly felt as if she was intruding. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m moving into a new suite today and I have a lot to do.” She edged toward the door. “I’ll ask the kitchen to send up lunch for you both. You have a lot to talk about.”
Alice slipped from the suite with a long sigh. Although she was thrilled Blade was awake and even making jokes, she was worried about him nevertheless. Would he ever be able to adjust to a life without magic? Knowing him as well as she did, she suspected the answer was a resounding no.
∞∞∞
One Week Later
Although a great many evacuees had been able to return to their homes, the interior of the castle grounds still served as a refuge to hundreds of people. A tidy tent village had been established on the grass and as Kellan pushed Blade’s wheelchair through the garden, children played hide and seek in the labyrinth nearby.
Blade closed his eyes and raised his face toward the sunlight. “This was a great idea. It feels great to be outdoors again.”
“I’m glad you’re getting stronger. With any luck, you should be able to walk soon.”
“I appreciate your help but aren’t you supposed to be doing Ranger things?”
“Captain Woods granted me leave. I wanted to make sure you’re on your feet before I return to my duties.”
Kellan positioned Blade’s wheelchair under a latticework arbor and sank down on the adjacent white wooden bench. “Helene and Pompano are leading the effort to rebuild the city so everyone can go home.”
“I expect they’ll have the Node Network up soon as well.” His brother took a deep breath. “I never appreciated how truly delightful flowers smelled until now. It seems I’ve taken a lot for granted.”
Kellan gave Blade an appraising glance. “Have you given any thought to what you’ll be doing once you’re better?”
Blade shrugged and averted his gaze. “Maybe I’ll buy a farm in Vanguard and learn how to grow things.”
“Why make such a drastic change? I expect there’s plenty of work for you as an actor at the Minfo.”
“Somehow the idea of performing doesn’t appeal to me much anymore.” A ripple of emotion crossed Blade’s features. “If I’m not a wizard, I’m not sure who I am.”
“If there was anything I could do to reverse that spell, I would.”
Blade gave him a sharp glance. “It’s just as well that you can’t, then. It was my choice, so you needn’t feel guilty.”
Kellan nodded. “Well, you can’t leave Colossus just yet. I heard a rumor that His Majesty will be elevating both of us to the knighthood.”
“Is that so?” His brother brightened. “So, I’m to be Sir Blade?”
“Indeed you are. Also, there’s to be a royal wedding.”
Blade averted his gaze. “Oh, yes. You and Alessandra.”
“Actually, His Majesty and Helene are to be remarried as soon as the arrangements can be made. The event should be quite a spectacle.”
His brother gave him a sidelong glance. “No other weddings on the horizon?”
“Oh, yes, I almost forgot. Dewar and Miss Yardley will be wed this fall. I’m to be one of the Best Men and Alice will be the Maid of Honor.”
Blade glared. “If you’re not going to propose to Alessandra, I’ll be very upset. I didn’t sacrifice myself for nothing, you know.”
“That’s a trifle complicated because of the Promenade. I’ve requested an audience with His Majesty to ask his permission to marry Alice.”
“You helped to save the kingdom. Surely His Majesty won’t deny you his daughter’s hand in marriage.”
“I hope you’re right.” Kellan glanced at a group of ladies approaching. “Speaking of Alice, here she is now.”
Alice took Kellan aside while the ladies surrounded Blade like a flock of butterflies.
“Good morning.” She kissed his cheek. “My father is waiting to speak to you in the Throne Room.”
“What?” An unexpected stab of apprehension shot through him. “Now?”
“This very moment.” She gave his arm a squeeze. “Don’t worry about Blade. As you can see, he has plenty of pleasant company.”
The ladies were cooing and paying Blade compliments while his brother was smiling more broadly than he had in days.
Kellan chuckled. “I compliment you on your ploy.”
“Rangers Flynn and Delacourt made a point of telling everyone about his bravery and they even appeared on a Minfo morning program to talk about him. Blade’s a hero.”
“I’ll have to thank Paddy and Dewar for clearing his name. If the admiration of pretty girls doesn’t interest Blade, nothing will.”
Alice’s smile slipped. “It’s only a temporary distraction, I’m afraid. How will Blade start his life over from scratch?”
“With the support of his friends.” Kellan paused. “And his brother.”
∞∞∞
King Justin peered at Kellan with narrowed eyes. “My daughter will inherit the crown of Colossus and be its queen someday. Do you realize what you’re asking?”
Kellan felt as if he were in the center of a tornado. “Yes, Your Majesty. According to the rules of the Promenade, I won my Challenge to the Death.”
“Nonsense.” The king stood up from behind his desk and paced. “If anything, Theissen’s cheating vitiated the match altogether and Blade Blackmon’s ranking stands.” He paused. “Of course, I’ve not yet brought this year’
s Promenade to an official close. You would be within your rights to issue a Death Challenge against Mr. Blackmon.”
Kellan bristled. “With all due respect, my brother was greatly weakened by restoring my life. I’d no sooner challenge him to the death than I would Your Majesty!”
To Kellan’s surprise, King Justin chuckled. “That’s commendable, lad.” His expression grew stern once more. “What other reasons do you have for wanting to marry Alessandra?”
The question hung in the air for several moments while Kellan tried to formulate the perfect, logical response. Unable to do to, he chose to speak from his heart.
“I love her, Your Majesty. I love her completely, with my entire soul. You can be certain there is nothing I wouldn’t do to make her happy or protect her from harm.”
The monarch cocked his head. “That’s it?”
Kellan’s mouth was dry as he braced himself for disappointment. “I have nothing further to add, sir.”
“Well…that’s that.” King Justin sighed. “I’m glad we’ve settled the matter.”
“Forgive me, sir, but I’m not entirely sure what we’ve settled.”
Helene stepped into the throne room through a side door. “Don’t tease Ranger Stratford, dear.” She crossed over to give Kellan a hug. “I told Justin I wouldn’t marry him again if he stood between you and Alessandra.”
The king harrumphed. “And I told Helene such a threat was unnecessary. I’ve been pulling for you almost from the beginning.”
“You have?” Kellan stared at him in confusion. “Are you saying I have permission to marry your daughter?”
“Congratulations, Ranger Stratford—soon to be Sir Kellan.”
Helene wrinkled her nose. “Can’t we do a little better than that, Justin? His Grace sounds so much nicer.”
The king frowned. “His Grace, the Duke of Tialda?”
She smiled. “I think he’s earned it.”
“Done.” King Justin extended his hand. “I couldn’t imagine having a better man for a son-in-law.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Kellan grinned as he shook the king’s hand. “There’s just one other thing.”
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