The City of Veils

by S. Usher Evans

  "The Veil is dead," I replied softly. After all, what purpose did I have if the leadership around me wouldn't even take action on the evidence I'd presented them? There was no winning there. Not unless I took a dark turn.

  "Brynna—" Joella began, but stopped when I threw down my pen.

  "Look, if you're that attached, you can go with him. He'll need attendants and…friends in the castle." I sat back. "I'm sure you would all enjoy the vacation."

  "Our home is here, Princess," Riya said. "As is Felix's."

  "Then, again, you should ask Felix why he was so eager to leave." I offered them all a freezing look. "If there aren't any other issues, I have a lot of work to do before my coronation."

  The next day, I wrote an order to Godfryd to reorganize the entire guard, replacing Riya, Joella, Zathan, and Coyle with another set of guards whose names I didn't bother to learn. That same day, I officially moved into the royal bedrooms. Through it all, I waited for Felix to barge into my room, declare he saw through my ruses and was putting a stop to it all.

  Instead, I found Katarine waiting for me in my bedroom one evening.

  "Care to share what's going on with you?" she asked softly. "Felix's guards are up in arms, and now I hear you're marrying him off to someone else. You've moved into these bedrooms and you've declined to meet with me for the past week."

  "I assumed you would've been spending time with your brother," I replied. "I apologize for not seeing him more. I haven't been in the mood for parties."

  "Don't avoid the question."

  I bit my tongue to keep the hurt from showing on my face. "Felix wanted to go. And it's time I moved into here since my coronation is in two days."

  "Brynn." She rose to her feet. "You don't have to hide from me. Tell me what happened."

  "I told you, Felix wanted to leave," I said, pulling the tunic over my head. Then, because I just couldn't hold it in any longer, I added, "because he didn't want to stay. With me."

  "Ah," she said with a nod. "I thought it might be something like that."

  "I don't even know why I care so much," I said, wiping my cheeks and turning away from the closet.

  "Because you do. And so does he." She sighed. "I only suppose he told you that he couldn't do his job well if he had feelings for you?"

  "Yeah. How'd you know?"

  "Because he told me the same a month ago," she said with a smile. "I counseled him to think long and hard about what he wants. In my view, his love for you is an asset. It makes him more protective of you."

  Felix had been in love with me for at least a month? I wished Katarine hadn't told me that; it just made my chest ache more.

  "He was exceptionally hurt when you lied about being sick to sneak out, and devastated when you threatened Joella," she continued. "And I pointed out that it seemed to go beyond the hurt of a protector to the one he's protecting, or even friends. So he confessed to me. I only suppose, perhaps, you confessed to him?"

  "He kissed me," I said, trying not to relive that moment in my mind. "He looked at me like…like I was the only thing that mattered. Then he tells me he wants to be reassigned far away from me."

  "You're thinking with your heart. You need to look at it from his perspective."

  I squinted at the ceiling and made a face. "The perspective that he's a complete asshole and should be kicked in the groin?"

  "That he's a man who loves very deeply, and often in conflict with his love of country. He knows, as you must, that a relationship between the two of you would be fleeting. Your marriage must further the interests of Forcadel."

  "Why is everyone always so interested in who I marry?" I knew the answer, but it was frustrating all the same. "I miss my old life. I could just sleep with who I wanted, and nobody cared."

  She laughed. "I know you're hurting, but it's for the best. And in fact, sending Felix away is a smart move for you both. He'll be out of sight, and useful to the kingdom. You'll be able to focus on the business of governing."

  It was all just so adult. And I hated it. Hated that, on some level, I agreed with Katarine. I really couldn't be with who I wanted; that much had been clear since I was thirteen. In two days' time, I would have to bury all remnants of the rebellious girl I'd once been in favor of a stoic queen. Because it wasn't about me, it was about my kingdom. And they needed someone steady.

  "I'm sorry that it has to be this way." She took my cheeks in her soft hands and kissed my forehead. "But you will heal eventually. And one day, you two can become friends again."

  She left me to my empty bedroom with the gas lamps burning and a dark bed I hadn't yet slept in. When I did, it would be admitting defeat, and admitting that my life was no longer mine to control.

  I walked to the floor-to-ceiling window and stared out onto the city. The festival lights were visible in the distance, lights paid for by Beswick. It made me sick to know just how much he'd ingratiated himself into my city. How much he took advantage of its weakness and the people. And how those in this castle just let him get away with it.

  I walked back to my closet, locating another tunic in the back—a dark purple one. With my chest throbbing, I dressed myself and walked out of the bedroom, expecting to see a guard standing in the center room. But there were none; perhaps Felix hadn't told the new guys about the escape routes.

  But there wasn't even a guard at the garden exit when I walked out.

  I had no agenda for the evening, other than to stretch my legs and get some fresh air. I stopped by the bell tower to gather whatever was left of my supplies—some knives, my weighted ropes, and one small bag of knockout powder. My crossbow only held three arrows, but I didn't really see a reason I'd need them. I just wanted my things, in case Felix decided to clean me out. I was actually a little hurt he hadn't even taken my spare cloak and mask.

  But sliding the fabric over my skin was like coming home. For the first time in weeks, I had a firm grip on the world through the black slits in my mask.

  I took to the rooftops, ambling without purpose or agenda. The warm, sticky air clung to my skin and made me sweat. But it was glorious to be by myself, to actually be myself. I'd learned early on in Celia's camp that I was the only one I could count on. No one would take care of me, no one would rescue me. And thinking someone would was a good way to get myself killed. I wouldn't forget that lesson again.

  Down on the street, a shadow crept behind an old woman. I leaped over the edge of the building, running up behind the thief and dispatching him before the woman even knew he was there. She hurried home, the thief limped away with an injured shoulder, and I resumed my patrol on the rooftops.

  Perhaps this was how I maintained my sanity. Keep my attention on these lowlifes, and leave the big fish to…

  I came to a stop, realizing I'd traveled to Sailor's Corner and Titta's bar. But the lights and music weren't on. In fact…the place was empty. Ransacked.

  My heart fell into my stomach and I turned away, furious. Beswick had ruined another set of lives, thanks to my meddling. I'd been too cocky, thinking I could do anything under Felix's rule of law. I just prayed Titta and the girls had gotten out—but I wasn't confident. Beswick would've found them, and he would have destroyed them for daring to cross him.

  As much as I wanted to blame someone else, this was purely my fault. I'd allowed myself to be hamstrung by the rules, by niceties and politics. When actual people were being hurt because Beswick assumed he was the only one who could break the law. He went low because he thought no one else would sink to his level.

  But as I stared at that dark building, I decided I was finished playing by Princess Brynna's rules. It was time to put a stop to him once and for all.

  Chapter 43

  "I would like to take you up on that offer to invite Lord Beswick to my coronation dinner, Lord Zuriel."

  Garwood gave me a look of surprise, but the rest of the Council nodded approvingly. It was the final meeting before my coronation ceremony, and we were finalizing details for the dinner that
would occur that night. I waited until the middle of discussions in order to make my request, hoping it would come across as innocuous.

  "I think that's an excellent idea," Zuriel said, clapping. "He's given so much money toward your coronation and the festival, after all. It's only right to thank him for his contributions."

  "But it's short notice," Vernice said, sounding as if she'd rather he not be there at all. "Would he even be available?"

  "An invitation from the princess? Of course he would be," Zuriel said. "I know he regretted not being able to attend the last one."

  I nodded and let the planning continue, keeping my responses metered and leaving the invitation to Beswick where it was. Especially with Garwood's gaze on me.

  When the meeting was finished, I acted quickly to devise an escape route before he could question me. But Zuriel was faster than either of us.

  "Your Highness, may I have a word? It's about your coronation parade tomorrow," he said, flashing a grin.

  "Absolutely," I said, hurrying around the table and taking his arm. "We can walk and talk, as I have work to do in my office."

  Once we were out of the room, he cleared his throat. "I'm very excited about the procession. Though I'm concerned about the royal guard."

  "Hm?"

  "Apparently, there's a leadership vacuum down there," he said. "Or they're protesting the resignation of Captain Llobrega. I'm not sure which it is."

  I cleared my throat, forcing myself not to look annoyed. "The good captain felt he wasn't doing his duty effectively and tendered his resignation. I couldn't change his mind."

  "He was so young to take that position from Captain Mark," Zuriel said, shaking his head. "It's a lot of responsibility. But now I hear he's returning to Kulka with their envoy?" He flashed me a smile. "The two of you were so close, I'm surprised you'd let him go."

  "As I said," I replied softly. "It was his decision. But you were saying something about an issue with the royal guard?"

  "Yes, well, we'd hoped to have the guards march in front and behind the carriage, a real show of force. But since they're in a bit of disarray, I can't find anyone to speak to who knows what's going on. Perhaps you might be able to go down there and ask?"

  "Get Godfryd to order them." I didn't ever want to return to the barracks, if possible. "I'm sure they'll be ready to march. They do enough of it."

  "That they do," he said, patting my hand. "Well, I won't keep you, I know you have lots of work before your ceremony tomorrow." He beamed. "I wish you the best of luck."

  "Thank you, Lord Zuriel," I said, glancing around to make sure no one was around. "And please, inform Lord Beswick that it would break my heart if he didn't come to my dinner tonight. It's important that I thank him personally."

  Zuriel bowed. "If I have to march him here myself, I will do it."

  I returned to my office, but didn't stop at the desk. Instead, I walked through the secret door and hurried into the dark passage. Without anyone watching me inside the royal suite, I was able to find all the secret exits, mapping how they connected and forked and, more importantly, where they let out. Of the seven exits in the royal suite, three connected at the bottom floor and led out the garden door. The library deposited me in the barracks, connecting with another door that had been locked but was somewhere on the second floor, I guessed. The final two passages, a second bedroom exit and one in the dining room, let me out into the stables, exactly where I wanted to be.

  Starting at the stable door, I walked the length of the passage, counting the steps and the time it would take me to drag a body. I waited at the door to the dining room, listening for sounds of activity. But the room was empty, although the tablecloth had already been set. I ran my fingers along the edge of the round table, counting the chairs and taking in all that was there, from the vases sitting on short columns to the hanging glass chandelier that would be lit before the dinner began.

  I practiced a few moves, including the timing it would take to get from the secret door to the other, before I heard voices coming from the hallway. I dashed back into the passage and closed the door just as they came in.

  "Can't believe we have to drag all this stuff up here. Can't the princess dine on the first floor?"

  "Get used to it."

  I left the two attendants and walked the length of the passage, exiting into the bedroom. There, I dug in my closet, finding my cloak and mask, along with the rest of my gear. I would've given anything for a trip to Kieran's ship, but I had what I had.

  I ventured back into the passage and left the gear and change of clothes by the door. I stared at it for a moment, uncertain. Perhaps one final trip to the bell tower was in order, just in case there was something there I'd missed. Besides that, I had a few hours to kill, and my anxiety might eat me alive if I stayed stagnant.

  I slipped through the second exit, walking down the passage chewing my lip nervously. I would've missed the form standing in my way, except there was no getting around him. Felix wore a white shirt and dark pants instead of his uniform. But at least he'd shaved. I supposed he needed to look presentable.

  "So I hear Beswick is coming to dinner," he said, lifting his gaze to mine.

  "I don't believe you're captain anymore, so I don't have to talk to you about what I choose to do." I tried to walk past him, but he shot out an arm, blocking my path. "And I also don't think you get to tell me where I can and can't go."

  "If you go after him, I will have no choice but to fight you," he said. "And I'll win."

  "Then you'll just have to arrest me," I replied, pushing his arm away. "If you win. Because now, I'm not playing nicely."

  "And what will you do?" Felix asked. "You've already gone to the Council and they did nothing."

  I tilted my head up, staring at his lips as I thought about what it had been like to kiss them. His gaze shifted for a moment then hardened.

  "Brynna, answer me."

  "You gave up the right to order me around when you resigned," I said, ducking under his arm.

  He grabbed my shoulder and pushed me against the wall. "I still have the right to tell you when I think you're being unbelievably stupid."

  I stared up, sighing. Then in one move, I slid down the wall, swinging my leg around and knocking him on his ass.

  "No, unbelievably stupid was ever believing that I could get rid of Beswick under your so-called rule of law," I snapped.

  "So what?" he asked, wincing. "You're going to kill him?"

  "Yes," I said. "I'm going to string him up in the town square so everyone can see it. He deserves death for what he's done."

  "What happened to the girl who spent three years repenting for the death she'd caused accidentally?" he asked, coming to stand.

  "I think she decided she'd had enough playing nice," I replied, continuing toward the door.

  "Don't make me hurt you, Brynn," he said, a note of pleading in his voice.

  "Too late," I whispered, closing the door behind me.

  If Katarine or Beata had any wind of my plan, they didn't mention it. Katarine had brought me the latest dress from the tailor, a gold-accented light blue dress with a lace top. Beata took extra time working on my hair, pinning in my diamond tiara to my hair and painting my lips red.

  "You look beautiful," Katarine said, taking my hands. "Don't let Luard take up too much of your time tonight."

  I patted her on the hand then rose. "Why don't you fetch him for me? Take your time, too."

  "Why?"

  I made a face. "I'm sure Melwin will want to talk more about this treaty."

  "Mm." She narrowed her eyes at me. "And it has nothing to do with Lord Beswick joining you tonight?"

  I paused by the door. "If it does, you two are better off staying away."

  "Would it do any good to tell you that what you're planning is stupid?"

  "Nope." I turned around to face her. "But if you want to help, then feel free to inform my guests that I'm already waiting for them."

  She sighed and l
ooked at Beata. "I guess you should remove that tiara and re-do her hair." She walked to the door, pausing momentarily. "Felix is going to try to stop you."

  "Let him," I said, as Beata unpinned the bun. "He has no idea who he's messing with."

  She made a noise and closed the door behind her.

  "I suppose it's the tunic and mask tonight, hm?" Beata said softly, wiping off the red she'd painted on my lips. "Such a shame. That blue really brought out the color in your eyes."

  Despite my nerves, I laughed.

  Once I was dressed, I slipped through the bedroom exit and down the passage to the dining room. I pressed my ear to the door and listened.

  "…thought Lady Katarine said the princess was already in here?"

  "Perhaps she's on her way," Garwood said. "There's been a lot of miscommunication since the princess reorganized her royal guard."

  "Well, why on earth would she do that?" Vernice replied.

  "I believe," Zuriel said, "she and the captain had a falling out. I believe she's lost confidence in his ability to manage the staff."

  "And she's sending him back with me," Melwin said. "It's probably for the best. He seems like he'd make an excellent husband to one of King Neshua's cousins. Though it's not as good as getting a royal sibling, especially if, as you say, they've had a falling out."

  Garwood sniffed. "Who knows what the princess is thinking? I sure don't half the time."

  "I suppose we'll have to get used to her, after all." She sighed. "I'd hoped perhaps she'd abdicate."

  "She's a lot hardier than she appears, Ana," Garwood said.

  More voices, this time Octavius. I'd never known him to be late to a party. "Ah, am I early?"

  "Just in time," Garwood said. "And I see you've brought Johann."

  I exhaled and smiled at the ceiling. He'd come. How perfectly delicious.

  "Beswick, good man," Zuriel said. "Glad you could join us."