Burdened Bloodline

by Sarah E. Burr

  She basked in the dying sun as it stroked her face. “I know you have your doubts about him, but I need Pettraud’s loyalty if everything is to work out in the end.”

  George cocked his head. “What do you mean? The war? Even without Pettraud’s army, we outnumber our opponents ten to one.”

  “No.” Jax made a tsk sound in her throat. “I know to a soldier’s mind, war might seem like the end all and be all.” She poked him with a teasing finger. “But I’m thinking of a world beyond that. What the realm will look like after we’ve broken down the barriers that currently keep our people restrained.”

  George searched her face for an answer. “What does Pettraud have to do with that?”

  Jax paused before her reply, needing time to find the right words to explain her ultimate goal, but was interrupted by Samira’s arrival from the garden pathway.

  “Mother has requested a celebratory gathering for Nadir’s return.” Samira waved to them both, cradling a basket of freshly plucked herbs. “If you’ll follow me, Father plans to start serving refreshments in one of the parlors. The pheasants I’ve been roasting for dinner will be ready shortly.”

  “It sounds like the Ogdams are celebrating our imminent departure, rather than Nadir’s return,” Jax muttered with a sidelong glance at George.

  He chuckled, offering his arm as they trailed behind Samira up the remainder of the pathway to the main house.

  As much as Ferran and Abra did their best to keep the mood light and joyful throughout dinner that evening, it was clear to everyone in attendance of the succulent meal that Nadir just wanted to be left alone. The poor young man had not really had the proper time to mourn the loss of his lover, and Jax could plainly see the agony written all over his face as he did his best to answer his parents’ myriad of questions regarding his journey to Pettraud.

  “I’ve heard the mountains are breathtaking,” Ferran said after a long sip from his wine goblet.

  Perry jumped to Nadir’s rescue. “Pettraud’s mountains are on the eastern border, so I’m afraid Nadir wouldn’t have had the pleasure of seeing them. They are spectacular, though.”

  Seated at the head of the table, Jax gave Perry a grateful smile, as she had been watching Nadir sink lower and lower into his seat with emotional exhaustion.

  It had been years since Jax herself had spent any quality time in Pettraud outside of her carriage, and she’d never visited the Duke’s home personally. Jax had longed for her father to send her to Pettraud to study, as the capital city had extensive archives chronicling the fauna and flora of the realm, but she’d never made the trip. When he was alive, Duke Saphire had sent his daughter as an ambassador to many duchies in the realm, but never saw the need for her to visit Pettraud, as their relations were already so strong. If her father had known she’d assume the throne at twenty-eight and not forty, as they had originally planned, Jax wondered if he would have made strides for her to solidify her own relationship with Duke Pettraud.

  “My father’s palace sits atop cliffs overlooking Loch Ionotch, the largest lake in Pettraud. Our duchy’s capital, Saothran, encompasses most of the waterfront,” Perry continued to explain before reaching for Jax’s hand under the table. “Even though the circumstances are dire, I cannot wait to show you my home,” he murmured so only she could hear.

  She didn’t have the heart to tell him there would be little time for socializing during their upcoming visit. Jax had to arrange for guarded transport back to Saphire, as well as begin setting the War Council into motion.

  Ferran took the last bite of leafy greens remaining on his plate. “It sounds truly marvelous. Although, as someone who has lived in the desert his whole life, I have a hard time picturing it.”

  “Green. Lots of green,” Perry said with grin.

  “Don’t forget fog,” Hendrie chimed in. “Although with the change of season rapidly approaching, we may be blessed with pockets of sunlight.”

  Samira leaned an elbow on the table and sighed, a dreamy look enveloping her gaze. “I can’t imagine never seeing the sun.”

  Hendrie’s expression was wistful. “It certainly does feel like an entirely different world. But it’s home.” He rarely spoke about his personal life outside of Perry’s service. A twinge of regret pulsed through Jax as she realized what Hendrie had given up when he’d followed Perry to Saphire: his entire life. Perhaps during their brief stopover at Duke Pettraud’s palace, Hendrie would be able to sneak away to see his family. She’d make the suggestion to Perry to arrange it.

  “Thank you for preparing such a lovely meal, Samira.” Jax raised a glass to the young woman.

  Samira beamed. “I cannot take all the credit tonight, Duchess. While the pheasant may have been by my hand, we’re testing out several new chefs to take over management of the kitchen.”

  “That’s wonderful!” Uma clasped her hands in delight, sending a knowing look to Jax. Already, the gold the Duchess had given in payment for Samira’s teas was being put to good use. “Does that mean you’ll be focusing more on brewing new herbal blends?”

  Samira shook her head, her gaze darting quickly to her father, who nodded his approval. “Once we find someone suitable to take over, I’m going to apply to the Academy.”

  A murmur of congratulations from Jax’s friends went around the table, but Jax remained mute, studying Abra and Ferran. While she had hoped this would be the eventual outcome, she was surprised the Ogdams had allowed their daughter to move her plans along so quickly. Ferran, as always, looked pleased with the scene unfolding around him. It was Abra’s softening demeanor that captured Jax’s attention the most. A genuine smile slipped across the woman’s face, multiplying her radiant beauty tenfold. Perhaps by the time Jax departed the Oasis, she could manage to repair at least some of the damaged view Abra had of all noble and ducal families.

  “If you will have me, I’d love to write a letter of recommendation on your behalf, Samira,” Jax said, turning her amethyst gaze to the soon-to-be scholar.

  Samira’s olive skin darkened as a flush of crimson flooded her face. “That would be most welcomed, Duchess.”

  Jax rose from her chair. “I shall draft it now, before I get too consumed with preparing for our departure tomorrow.”

  Nadir looked up from his hardly-touched meal. “You plan to leave as soon as the Pettraud guardsmen arrive?”

  “I could never ask your family to house a battalion of foreign soldiers, especially with Duchess Kwatalar’s current allegiance unknown.” Jax clasped her hands, trying to look calm and serene, feelings that continued to elude her. “Your family has already been tossed into this messy arena without having a say. I’d rather we remove you as soon as possible.”

  “Your concern for our family’s well-being is touching, Duchess,” Abra said—without a trace of sarcasm or irritation.

  Jax put on a brave smile. “I must admit, even though we’ve only known each other for barely a week, I am quite invested in your family’s success.”

  “As are we invested in yours, Duchess.” Ferran stood and bowed at the waist, his jovial manner replaced with a serious mask. “Should you ever need assistance from our little corner of the realm, please know it will be freely given.”

  Tears pricked at her eyes. After all the suffering she had inadvertently brought to this family, their forgiveness and admiration stroked her very soul. “Thank you. My friends and I will take our leave for the night.”

  “Samira and I will make sure we have a large luncheon prepared for the soldiers,” Abra said, glancing at her daughter, who nodded in vigorous agreement. “We would not want them marching off on an empty stomach.”

  Jax understood the hidden message in Abra’s offer. Their hostess did not want the Pettraudian soldiers lingering on the estate any more than Jax did.

  ‡

  A knock on the salon door tore Jax’s focus away from the book she’d been skimming in an unsuccessful attempt to occupy her mind.

  “Hendrie has just returned fro
m the estate border,” Perry said as he came into the room and perched on the arm of her chair. “He and George spotted my father’s banner flying in the distance. Our escorts will be here shortly.”

  Jax closed the book and placed it on a nearby end table. “Excellent. I’ll ask Ferran to help Hendrie load our carriage with everyone’s trunks.”

  “What about the one Uma, Hendrie, and Vita rode to the Oasis in?”

  Jax gave her husband an apologetic glance. “I’m sorry to say, but that will be the one we all travel to Pettraud in.”

  Perry balked, likely remembering the tightly cramped coach they’d used as part of their disguise as Lord and Lady Rapaste. “I can only imagine how uncomfortable theirs was.” Uma’s group had traveled a day ahead of them in an even smaller transport. “Why?”

  “The carriage you and I traveled in will be used as a decoy.” Jax explained the plan she and George had come up with earlier that morning before he departed to wait for the Pettraudian guards. “Perry, I’d like you to ride with our escorts and not inside the carriage.”

  “Of course, my love, but what for?”

  Jax bit her lower lip. “In case something should happen, and our caravan is attacked, I need to ensure the throne of Saphire is not left unattended.”

  Perry’s lavender eyes nearly bulged from his head. He struggled for a few minutes to gather his words. “Jax, I could never lead in your stead.”

  She placed a hand on his thigh, gazing up at him from her seat. “You must, dearest. I wouldn’t ask this of you if I didn’t believe you could do it.” Jax didn’t think it would boost his confidence to know that with no heir of her own, Perry was really the only option she had.

  “It’s ridiculous we’re even speaking of this,” Perry said, running a hand through his messy dark curls. “Nothing is going to happen to you.”

  She didn’t dare contradict his sentiment because she knew it was all that was holding him together. Perry had the good, just heart of a leader, but his wild emotions sometimes got the better of his rationality.

  “Shall we go gather the Ogdams to say goodbye?” she asked with forced cheeriness, changing the subject.

  Perry’s cheeks had lost their color, and he met her gaze with a hollow look. “How do you do it? How do you carry the weight of the world on your shoulders with such carefree grace?”

  Carefree? The assessment stung her a bit. She did not go about things with a carefree attitude. Her actions and words were controlled, measured…but never carefree. But as she had been trained since birth, she held her tongue to ease the tension. “A lifetime of practice, darling. But believe me, this was not a decision I made lightly.” She squeezed his thigh once more before she rose from her chair.

  Perry glanced at the book that had been in her hands when he entered the room. “A bit of light reading?” He smirked, and she relaxed at his light teasing. Perry was never one to dwell too long on the negative. She loved that about him.

  “It was one of Abra’s old herbalist tomes from her time as an Ancient Faith priestess. She gave it to me this morning after breakfast. A bit of a parting gift.” Jax ran a finger down the worn spine of the yellowed binding before tucking it under her arm. “I figured that with all the poisons we’ve encountered in our lifetime, I should at least be more aware of what’s out there in the world.”

  “Charming,” Perry said with a chuckle. “And did you find anything useful?”

  “That basically everything can be used to kill you.” Jax swatted him playfully before taking his hand and leading him out of the first-floor salon. Ferran and Samira were chatting in hushed tones in the foyer as they entered.

  Jax cleared her throat, hoping there wasn’t any trouble. “Sorry to interrupt, but it looks as though the Pettraudians have arrived.”

  Ferran’s expression brightened with relief. “Excellent timing.”

  “I was just telling Father,” Samira explained, “that two of the new chefs show great promise. They’ve whipped up a hearty stew that will hopefully satiate the appetites of your soldiers, Lord Pettraud.”

  “I’m sure they’ll appreciate filling their stomachs, Samira.” Perry dipped his chin in thanks.

  “Master Ferran, would you be so kind as to help Hendrie with our luggage?” Jax asked.

  Their Kwatalarian host bowed. “Of course, Duchess. I shall see to it immediately.”

  She handed him Abra’s old herbalist text. “Could you also give this to Uma to be packed away?”

  Clutching the ancient tome, he vanished up the staircase to the guest level.

  Jax held out her arms and gently clasped Samira’s work-worn hands. “Before all the chaos of the soldiers’ arrival, I wanted us to have a chance to say a proper goodbye. Despite all the unpleasantness I caused, I am delighted to have met you.”

  Samira’s golden eyes flooded with tears, and she gathered Jax tightly in a fierce embrace. “I’m sorry,” she said, backing away with a gasp. “That was uncalled for, Duchess. I apologize.”

  Jax shushed her protests and once more hugged the trembling young woman. “Go forth in this world and be great.” She kissed Samira’s forehead.

  “I will do my best…Jax.” Through a current of tears, Samira shared a beaming smile.

  Ferran and Hendrie had loaded the last of the luggage when George appeared in the villa’s grand entrance, his face set in a hard line. Behind him, a broad-shouldered figure stood in his shadow.

  “Duchess Jacqueline, may I introduce the Captain of the Pettraud Ducal Guard,” George said, holding out an arm to motion the figure forward, out of the claws of the intense noonday sun.

  Perry jerked, his eyes wide. “Ivan?”

  A grin of comradery spread across the handsome face being presented before her. “Greetings, little brother.”

  “Brother?” With raised eyebrows, Jax looked to Perry for clarification.

  Perry closed the gap between himself and the Captain of the Pettraud Ducal Guard. “It’s good to see you.” He held out a hand and firmly clasped that of Ivan’s seemingly strong grip, patting him on the back. “Jax, my love, this is my brother.”

  The smile on Perry’s face confused Jax. In all the time she’d known Perry, he’d rarely spoke fondly about any of his six older siblings. “Captain Pettraud, it is lovely to meet you.” She extended her hand, which the blond-haired man reverently kissed.

  “Please, Duchess Saphire, call me Ivan.” His charming presence was such a contrast to the other brothers Jax had met at her and Perry’s wedding.

  Usually in this situation, Jax would have offered him the chance to call her by her more familiar name, but a warning bell tolled in her mind to refrain for now. “Thank you for making the journey here so quickly,” she said instead.

  The texture of Ivan’s blond hair mirrored Perry’s unruly curls, and their regal features were almost identical. Despite Ivan’s fairer coloring, it would have been hard to miss the fact that these two men were related. “I am merely carrying out the orders of Duke Pettraud. He is most eager to have you returned to safety.”

  Jax stumbled over her thoughts for only a moment. “The Ogdams have prepared a lovely meal for your battalion.”

  Ivan held up a hand. “Thank you for the generous offer, Duchess, but my orders are to immediately collect you from the estate.”

  George folded his arms. “I cannot allow the Duchess’s safety to be put into the hands of hungry and tired guardsmen.”

  Ivan sized up the Saphire Captain, and Jax wished she hadn’t told George to leave his officer uniform behind. She could already see the superiority dancing in Ivan’s lavender gaze.

  Ivan opened his mouth to object, but Perry clapped him heartily on the back. “It will be a quick meal, brother. It will give us a chance to speak before we set out.”

  Ivan’s brows drew together, but he released a pent-up breath. “Very well. I doubt there is space enough for us all, but my men will take no offense at being served outside.”

  “How many soldiers d
id you bring with you?” Jax asked. She had requested a squadron, which surely the Ogdams’ massive dining table could accommodate.

  “Sixty of our best riders,” Ivan replied.

  Sixty? The disbelief bubbling inside her reflected in George’s slackened expression as well. “I am truly grateful that Duke Pettraud takes my safety so seriously.” It also nips my plans to travel unnoticed in the bud.

  Samira shifted uneasily on her feet. “I shall make sure the kitchen is prepared to serve that many mouths.” Gripping her apron, she disappeared from the hall to arrange for the meal to be served.

  Ivan nodded his appreciation toward Ferran and Abra, who stood apart from group, drawn to the foyer by the commotion. “Thank you for allowing my men to be guests of your estate. I hope you don’t mind, but we’ve taken over your carriage house to find reprieve from the sun.” He bowed and left without waiting to hear Ferran’s reply.

  As Ivan escaped out the front door, Jax seized Perry’s arm and hissed, “You didn’t tell me one of your brothers was Captain of the Ducal Guard.”

  Perry held up his hands to ward off her steaming annoyance. “Because I didn’t know! Last I knew, Captain Mordha led my father’s men. Why, he was at the peace summit just last winter!”

  Jax didn’t recall ever meeting any of the Pettraudian guardsmen during their visit to Lysandeir for the historic gathering, but she believed her husband, nonetheless.

  “Is he going to make trouble for us?” George asked with a growl as he moved to stand on Perry’s other side.

  Perry shot him an irritated glare. “He’s my brother!”

  “Who we know next to nothing about,” Jax pointed out. “You’ve never been very forthcoming about your family, dearest.”

  “Ivan’s one of the good ones,” Perry said defensively.

  Jax frowned. “He didn’t even come to our wedding.”

  Perry’s shoulders sagged. “That was all my father’s doing. If I’d gotten a say in who he decided to bring, I would have requested Ivan and Isaiah stand by my side.”