“Ah, watching my back for me, Alex? Appreciated. I think she’d check me out, regardless. The court has been whispering about me being ‘The Shadow’ behind my back for years.” Kyle realised his genuine interest in the assassin was clear.
Alex looked at him and shook his head. “Kyle, tracking down a gifted female assassin who wants to kill you because you think she’s cute isn’t recommended.” Alex threw a disgusted look at his father and brother. “You think I’m the trouble in our group? I know that look. He will end up sleeping with her. Or killing her. Maybe both.”
Kyle found himself under the real gaze of the King, Crown Prince and the Fourth, and had to try very hard not to squirm. He smiled back at the three of them.
“There’s more than one way to take out an enemy, but I have a feeling I’ll have no choice but to dance with the Skulls Assassin. Still, I have to track her down—she’s dangerous, but so am I.”
Kyle looked back at them, drawing on the power of the veil, entirely in the persona of the Shadow, as he stood and sheathed his blade.
Alex looked across the ballroom as the tempo of the music picked up. There were two distinct sets. Older and more formal couples moved together in the traditional stylised dance moves. Then the younger, more daring, paired up in a version that was similar yet more intimate, which had caused the musicians to up the beat to accommodate them. At this time of the evening, now that the King had officially left, the crowds had thinned out. Alex grinned at Kyle; it seemed that the party tonight might just be here at the palace since their contemporaries had decided to play.
Alex caught sight of Amelia being dragged into a dance by one of the lordlings and his eyes narrowed. The lord was trying to pretend he was contemporary and failing miserably. He grinned over at his brother and Kyle.
“If you will excuse me, I think I will go rescue Amelia from that clod with two left feet.” Alex barely paused to catch William’s wave of approval before he trotted down the stairs, making his way through the court toward the dance floor.
Paying Lord Castings no mind at all, Alex adroitly caught Amelia in his arms as her dance partner lost control of a spin, nearly dumping her on the floor. Amelia grinned at him as he brought her upright, moving in close so their bodies were pressed together. Alex moved them around the dance floor, knowing they were the object of attention. Still, given the laughter at Lord Castings’ expense when he had intervened, Alex doubted anyone guessed he had any real interest in Amelia.
“Jealous, Alex?” Amelia whispered in his ear, her arms around his neck moving in sync with him as if they had done this hundreds of times before.
“Couldn’t resist the opportunity. Besides, would you rather have hit the floor?” Alex grinned, keeping his voice low, grateful that the dance style was perfect for whispering in her ear and wouldn’t draw undue attention.
“No, definitely not.” Amelia’s dark eyes sparkled in amusement.
Alex noticed that Kyle had dragged Elizabeth up to dance and Jess had co-opted William for a dance partner. Although he had a sneaking suspicion that Jess was leading, since William tended to opt for the more traditional dance forms.
Alex spun Amelia expertly back into his arms as the music changed into a slower dance. She laughed, a little breathless.
“Looks like the party is about to split and start to move elsewhere.” Alex looked down at her small petite form, loath to let her go. “Join me tonight? When all this breaks up? It would be remarked on if you suddenly started mixing with our set.”
He was rewarded as a grin spread onto her lips. “Of course.”
As the music ended, they reluctantly parted, then Kyle was on one side and Jess the other, drawing him away in the direction of the doors to wherever it was that the others had decided to party. He had a sneaking suspicion they were headed to the minor stateroom with doors leading to the courtyard and gardens.
“Come on, Alex, let’s go!” Kyle clapped Alex on the back as he herded him out of the ballroom.
Alex caught Amelia’s eyes as she moved off in Elizabeth’s wake and rolled his eyes. He was rewarded by her grin and chuckle, as well as a dry look from William who caught the exchange. That almost made him groan; he knew that look. William somehow seemed to find out everything. If William knew about his liaison with Amelia, then their father knew too. Still, the fact that he hadn’t intervened at all meant a tacit approval, which was a first.
Alex felt his eyebrows raise and traded a glance with Kyle as William obviously decided to have one of his rare nights off and join them. His arms snaking around Jess’ waist, it was obvious how he intended the night to go.
15
The Order Reconsiders
Lord Vannen paced in the study of his old run-down family home near the docks in Vallantia. The area had once known better times but had long fallen into disrepute. He was agitated and the fact that everyone else appeared to be calm infuriated him; then again, they were not the ones who’d had their lives threatened by Lord Kyle.
“What are we going to do now? How did everything go so wrong? I thought the drug stopped them being able to do their tricks and either killed them or brought them under your control.” He glared around at the men and women in the room.
Baine shook his head, his disgust clear. “Calm down, Vannen, panic will not help. I hope you all have something else up your sleeve. My master reminds you that the court is about to leave the Winter Palace for the Summer Palace—things are a little more relaxed on the road than they are in the palace itself.”
Vannen turned and glared at Baine. “I notice your master is missing again, what is his excuse this time?”
Baine chuckled. “Careful, Vannen, you wouldn’t want me to think you are a threat to my master. It should be evident that the King is a little unsettled by the attack; until things calm down, any movement my master makes from the palace would be noted.”
Scholar Clements snorted, and all eyes turned to him. “Yes, I’m thinking it would be noticed. Baine is correct, Lord Vannen, calm down. You survived the encounter with Lord Kyle; if he knew your full involvement you’d be dead. We have an asset in contact who is, shall we say, talented. It needs time to play out.” Scholar Clements smiled. “We also have a group that can take action when the court is on the road, given the habit of the Prince and his friends have of riding separately from the party of the King and court.”
Baine nodded at the old man. “I’ll pass that on to my master, Scholar Clements. By the way, he sends his regards. I must go, even my absence will be noticed if I stay away from my duties for too long.”
With that, Baine dipped his head to the old man, the only one in the group he had any regard for, and left, with Vannen’s indigent spluttering behind him. Baine was grateful that this new approach didn’t have him painting himself up to look like one of the Skulls’ Mercenaries. The League of Skulls took people impersonating their ranks a little personally. He had no doubt that, regardless of his position in the court, if they ever worked out it had been him, he’d end up dead. That was a circumstance he’d rather avoid, no matter how much he owed his master.
16
Relocation to the Summer Palace
“Damn it, Father, why wasn’t I consulted about this?” Alex plucked at his vest with the crest of the Fourth blazoned on it, a look of disgust on his face. “You know the whole Legend of the Fourth is based on a lie. Instead of ignoring all the rumours and muttering, you lend weight to the whole thing by acknowledging the title.”
Alex stood and paced, running his right hand through his hair. Annoyance and frustration clear in every line of his body. It had been a tough couple of weeks for them all with the added attention thrown their way due to being acknowledged as the Fourth. It didn’t help at all that Alex felt like a total fraud. It had also made his trysts with Amelia a lot more difficult to arrange.
“I’m no kind of hero or protector of the Realm. So I’m a wonder with a sword and superb at partying, drinking, and can give you an expert opinio
n of the various pleasure houses in Vallantia. I’m just one of the Tainted. One of the kind that the general population would kill if they knew. I’m one of the monsters that killed Mother.” The bitterness was clear in his voice.
“Alex, you are not responsible for your mother’s death. Tainted, yes, but not one of the Sundered ones.”
The King rose and in a rare display of affection, he gathered his youngest child in his arms and hugged him. Alex let his father hold him for a moment as if he was a small child again, accepting the comfort it gave him.
Then, drawing away, surprising himself at how reluctant he was to do so, Alex smiled.
“Sorry, Father. I’m just feeling sorry for myself, I guess.” Alex walked back to his chair and, pausing long enough for his father to take his own seat, slumped backed into his own.
“There would be even more talk if I didn’t acknowledge you as the Fourth, complete with installing you in the Fourth’s Complex when we get to the Summer Palace, Alex.” The King sighed. “I was already fending off questions as to why that hadn’t happened. Besides, along with the negative of all the extra attention, as a positive side effect you get a lot more freedom. I’m sorry, Alex, I couldn’t delay anymore, it would have gained more attention if I had. Your elevation to Fourth was expected. It’s your role by birth, just as it is William’s role to be the heir to the throne. It’s not a choice, I’m afraid.”
Kyle watched as the tension drained out of Alex. He traded a quick look with Jess and William.
“I didn’t mean to snap, or whine like a child. Just when I think I’ve grown out of that, I behave like I’m a three-year-old having a tantrum.” Alex shook his head and sighed.
Kyle couldn’t help but laugh. “I guess we are all a little guilty. It’s not that much extra attention than we used to get. The court has always watched us all.”
Jess smiled. “Can’t complain about our new accommodation either. At least the courtiers find it way harder to get at us in the Royal Wing—that will become even harder when we get to the Summer Palace I imagine. We can play this fiction of the Fourth and his Companions. After all, it is true, just not in the way some people imagine.”
Alex smiled at his friends. “I’m sorry. You’ve all been saddled with this Legend of the Fourth crap because of me.” Alex shook his head and sighed. “Although, if I’m being fair, you would both attract your fair share of attention all by yourselves anyhow.”
They all turned to look at William, startled as he threw back his head and laughed, his whole body shaking. Alex, Kyle and Jess all looked at each other, smiling in response, then back at William, who was still laughing. Finally, he controlled himself, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes.
“The three of you were always destined for trouble, even without that damn legend to contend with. I’m not sure you see the power that moves in the court, the way the courtiers gravitate toward you. Alex, you are still the son of a King, I don’t think you understand how many of the lords try to gain your favour—you seem oblivious to it.”
“I’m not oblivious, I ignore them as it is obvious they only seek me out to get at you and Father.” Alex frowned. It was yet another reason he was friends with Kyle and Jess. They liked him for himself, not because they sought favour with the King.
William nodded, acceding the point. He turned his gaze to his next target. “Kyle is the son of one of the most important and influential lords in the Realm; Blade Master and rumoured to be assassin-trained, they’d be calling Kyle ‘The Shadow’ even if he wasn’t mixed up with you, Alex. You are an obvious connection to the King and your father.”
Then William turned to Jess, smiling as he regarded her. She was dressed in her customary hunting clothes, of finer make than any hunter he’d ever met and with the crest of a Companion of the Fourth on the vest. Her booted feet were up on the table in a very unladylike pose. “Jess’ own parentage may not be as high but if it wasn’t for hanging around you two all the time she’d be fending all her suitors off with a stick, or rather her sword. She is not only regarded as one of the most beautiful women in court, she is well known as one of the best hunters as well, which terrifies most of the lords into behaving themselves. Add to that your close connection to the Royal Family and you are a real power in this court, without the need of a powerful family name.”
Alex, Kyle and Jess all stared at each other wide-eyed, in shock at William’s blunt assessment of them, not knowing how to respond. So Alex changed the subject, since Jess was wearing her hunting clothes as a subtle reminder. It was hunt season, her favourite time of the year, and if he was honest, it was his as well since that meant they were allowed out of the palace for a space of time and could get out and about around the countryside.
His father glanced at William, who nodded. “There is also the rising number of reports of the Sundered. I’ve kept you out of it due to recent events but you, all of you, are ideally placed to help us investigate and sort it out. It was the traditional role of the Fourth and his Companions before historic events turned into a legend.”
Alex closed his eyes and nodded. “So tomorrow we head off, starting the progression to the Summer Palace. I’ll behave, Father, although as has become customary for us, we’ll leave a little later and join up with you all at the first camp.” Alex didn’t make it a request. He wasn’t about to turn into the perfect son, meek and mild, agreeable. To his shock, his father laughed.
“I wouldn’t expect anything else, Alex. I would ask that you at least keep your guards with you. With the implication of the League of Skulls in the kidnapping attempt and all the recent reports of Sundered roaming the wild areas of the Kingdom in groups, I’d rather you err on the side of caution.” The King’s tone held no hint of a request either.
Alex knew a royal order when he heard one, even if it wasn’t phrased as one, and nodded agreement. “As you wish, Father. I’ll behave that much, I promise. I’ve been keeping track of the reports of the Sundered, despite your best efforts to shield me from them.” Alex shrugged. “We’ll keep our eyes open; with the three of us together I don’t think we have as much to worry about with the Sundered ones as most would, but it would give away to everyone we are Tainted if we wield the veil blatantly in front of everyone. Or at least give it away to those that haven’t guessed.”
Alex knew his father, brother and council were becoming worried about the increased reports from all over the Kingdom regarding sightings of the Sundered. Alex wasn’t worried since the Sundered could move around as the three of them could using the power of the veil. It was likely that there were not as many of them as his father feared. Probably just a small handful moving around causing mayhem wherever they appeared.
Between the three of them they had kept their own council regarding what they had learned about the Sundered and their own ancestors. Alex had the growing impression he wasn’t quite being told the truth or was at least being kept away from certain information. That Kyle had been searching for the Sundered Assassin most nights they had kept to themselves for now. What the King and William didn’t know, they couldn’t forbid them to do.
Alex grinned at his friends in anticipation, then he nodded to both Jess and Kyle before leading them to the door of the private courtyard off the Royal Wing.
In discussing their strategy with the King, William, Elizabeth and a few of the King’s closest advisors, it was decided that Alex would continue to live it up and play the spoilt youngest son of the King—that is, taking advantage of his position to the hilt. Alex was astounded since they had all been on at him for years to grow up and remember that he was a Prince, responsibilities were his by birth. The list of various reasons his behaviour was inappropriate according to the various members of the court seemed to be unending. Except, for now, he was advised to stay the same. If he became conscientious in his duty they feared he would make a bigger target of himself for whoever had tried to arrange his kidnapping. Alex felt their logic was flawed but was more than willing to go on being him
self, paying little consideration to what was proper behaviour for his rank.
Alex paused just outside the door, smiling at the milling guards, servants and gear. He chuckled to himself, trying to imagine engaging against any serious threat with the entourage in tow. Still, he knew it would only get worse when they joined up with the rest of the Royal Party as they journeyed around the countryside and engaged in the hunt season.
That the King and his court engaged in the hunt season and moved to the Summer Court every year seemed to be lost on many, since every year it caused much fuss and drama. Nevertheless, every year they went out to hunt, staying in camps around the Kingdom. It was less formal—a lot of fun was enjoyed by many of them. Not only did they hunt, it afforded the King and his court the opportunity to see some of his people and be seen by them. Occasionally, someone, even a farmer, rather than the lord he was beholden to, would approach for an audience with the King. It never ceased to astound Alex how many little issues and concerns were put on hold by all and sundry just so they could have the chance to petition the King themselves. Some forgot there was real business as well as the hunting.
Alex was assured that the Compound of the Fourth in the Royal camp would be made ready for his arrival. He shook his head, wondering what his new tent looked like; it might be a fancy tent, but it was still just a heap of canvas held up with posts.
Shaking himself out of his introspection, he trotted down the stairs toward his horse, noting that both Jess and Kyle were already mounted and waiting for him. Like him, they were all dressed in their new travel clothes. Or at least the more adorned version of them that let all know who they were. They’d even been emblazoned with the new royal crest, the one that only the Fourth Child and his Companions could wear. Still, although their new travel clothes were a little more ostentatious than any of them would have liked, he knew they were far more practical than they showed. He also knew their plain, by comparison, hunting and evening wear were packed within their baggage should they choose to go into a village unannounced and remain as inconspicuous as they could.
Shattering Dreams Page 14