Burdened Bloodline

by Sarah E. Burr

  Jax was about to ask Sabine more about her relationship with Philippe, but they were interrupted by the appearance of George and Ivan at the top of the stairwell.

  “Duchess!” George’s tone was biting. He descended the stairs two at a time, arriving at her side in moments. “We’ve been looking for you everywhere.”

  The dread painting his face silenced any joking retort in her throat. “Well, here I am. What’s wrong?”

  He ran a hand over his closely-cropped hair. “The Duke turned up in the archery range without you, and no one else had seen you since you left his study.”

  Ivan arrived beside them, eyeing Sabine with a questioning look. “What brings you down to the recesses of the fortress, Duchess?”

  “I needed to speak with Mistress Lenora.” Jax did not elaborate, and Sabine took her cue to remain silent. “I’m so sorry to have caused you all concern.”

  Ivan pursed his lips, as if he knew she were hiding something, but did not press further. “I’ll report back to the others that all is well. George, will you escort the ladies to lunch?”

  George nodded and waited for Ivan to bound up the stairs before letting loose a huge sigh. “Did it not cross your mind that your disappearing might cause Perry and I some concern?” he asked through gritted teeth as he pulled her aside.

  “I’m sorry, George,” Jax said, tossing an apologetic glance back to Sabine. “I ran into Sabine on my way to find you all and got sidetracked.”

  “Well, I asked Perry to keep watch on Philippe while I went to search for you.” George folded his arms over his chest. “I figured you couldn’t have gotten into too much trouble if you weren’t being cornered by him.”

  “Did anything happen while I was in session with the Duke?” Jax asked in a whisper, very much aware Sabine could be listening in.

  George’s frown deepened. “No. Philippe was actually somewhat tolerable when he came to join us at the archery range.”

  Jax shuddered. “I don’t know if I should be relieved or even more wary of him.”

  Her Captain held out his arm for her to take. “I’m sure he’ll be back in form for lunch.” His dark chuckle sputtered to a halt. “Are you going to tell me what you were really doing down here?”

  Jax motioned Sabine to walk with them. “I had an odd encounter with the Duke and wanted to speak with Mistress Lenora about it. I didn’t want to mention it to Ivan and worry him more about his father’s health.” She quickly relayed to George how the Duke had spoken about his deceased wife.

  George turned to Sabine. “Have you ever witnessed one of the Duke’s memory lapses?”

  She shook her head. “Not in the flesh, I’m afraid. As I told Jax before, it’s rare for the Duke to suffer an episode during the day. I think Kaul and Ivan have found him befuddled a few times, but not to the extreme Jax just experienced.”

  George looked bemused at Sabine’s use of the Duchess’s nickname, and Jax gave his arm a reassuring squeeze to let him know it was all right. “Well,” he said with a sigh, “let us hope he’ll be in better spirits this evening.”

  “You mentioned the Duke stopped by the archery range. Did he stay long?” Jax asked.

  “No, not really. He announced he’d be retiring to his rooms until dinner, and then took Galahad aside for a few minutes to chat.”

  Jax leaned in closer to George, whispering, “You didn’t happen to overhear what they were talking about, did you?”

  A worried expression enveloped his features. “Should I have?”

  She opened her mouth, but quickly snapped it shut. She was being overzealous, looking for trouble in every corner. It had likely been no more than a perfectly innocent conversation between father and son. “No. My imagination is just running away with me. I guess I’m used to things going wrong.”

  He gave her an encouraging smile, holding open the conservatory door for her and Sabine.

  Perry was at her side in an instant. “I’m sure George already reprimanded you for wandering off on your own. You gave us quite a scare, my love.”

  She cupped her hand on his cheek, an intimate moment passing between the two of them before they glided over to the guests assembled on the outside terrace around a majestic table, where they took seats. “I’m sorry to worry you. I ran into Sabine.”

  He arched an eyebrow. “Did something happen between the two of you?”

  Jax’s eyes flashed reflexively to the young woman, who had taken a seat next to George further down the table. “No. She’s quite lovely. I hope we can arrange to have her visit sometime in the future. I’d like to see her out of Philippe’s reach.”

  As if she’d summoned him by saying his name, the Crown Prince sauntered out onto the veranda, claiming the chair at the head of the table. “Productive morning, Duchess? You seem to have worn Father out.” His sneer rained down on her brightening mood, much like the threatening clouds forming in the distance.

  Placing her napkin primly on her lap, Jax inclined her head. “Indeed. I am pleased with our progress.”

  Snorting, Philippe reached for a buttery roll and dunked it into the creamy tomato bisque at his place setting. “I saw the ravens take flight. You’ve unleashed your plan on the world.”

  She didn’t take the bait lacing his comment.

  “Your aim has rusted a bit, Perry,” Kaul spoke up, skillfully directing the conversation to another topic.

  Perry flicked his wrist, as if brushing the jest off his shoulders. “I’ve been a bit preoccupied of late, brother. What do you think I do, lounge around the palace all day?”

  As Perry was speaking, Elias emerged from the conservatory archway, taking the seat to Philippe’s left, which put his snarling features directly across from Jax.

  “Not honing your fighting skills, certainly,” Kaul replied with a joking scoff.

  Elias grunted. “I reckon you’re too busy painting your little pictures.”

  Perry’s back arched with defiance, but before he could bite back, Jax placed her spoon down. “It was Perry’s knowledge of paint that helped bring my parents’ killer to justice.” Her amethyst eyes narrowed dangerously, and pleasure flooded her stomach to see Elias’s bulking form shrink in the slightest. “My husband has brought many talents to Saphire.”

  Cheeks red with shame for having unleashed Elias’s unkindness on his younger brother, Kaul once again tried to clear the air. “I hear you’re in charge of the new theater being built in the capital.”

  Perry nodded, his bristling exterior calming. “It’s my first project as Prince Consort. Our master builders have been tasked to make the largest and most grand playhouse in the realm.”

  “Boasting about size, little brother?” A caddish expression smeared across Galahad’s face. “I’d be bragging about working alongside Lady Giovanna if I were you.”

  “I heard her sing once.” Kaul visibly swooned. “She makes the songs of a nightlark sound rancid.”

  “Nightlark?” Jax asked, looking to Perry for clarification.

  “A bird native to Pettraud,” he explained. “Very rare creature, in fact. Legend says a nightlark’s call will restore one’s youth.”

  Ivan, sitting across from George and Sabine, leaned forward, eager to contribute. “Father brought one to court for Isaiah’s and my sixteenth birthday. We all heard it, didn’t we?” He glanced to his brothers for confirmation.

  “No wonder you all act so childish all the time,” Jax said, eliciting a round of laughter at her sharp barb. Even Elias and Philippe’s stony facades cracked a bit.

  The remainder of the luncheon passed in a surprisingly pleasant manner. Philippe remained quiet for most of the meal, allowing Jax to relax just a little in his presence. Galahad and Kaul kept the group entertained with a myriad of stories about all the havoc the brothers had caused as children, playfully torturing any and all foreign dignitaries visiting their court.

  “Now I know why my father always insisted Duke Pettraud visit him in Saphire,” Jax said, her body shaking wit
h laughter as she placed her napkin down on her empty plate. “He feared for his life, coming here.”

  A sly grin curl across Galahad’s lips. “We certainly know how to cause trouble, Duchess.”

  Kaul grimaced as he rose from his chair. “Remember when we accidently broke that Hestian courtier’s leg?”

  “Oh yes,” Ivan said, following his brother back indoors. “Didn’t we spread oil over his washroom tile?”

  Jax’s eyebrows rose to practically meet her hairline as Ivan’s words floated back to her. “Goodness, I guess I’d better be careful.” She shared a grin with her husband as they stood, taking the arm he offered.

  ‡

  After spending the afternoon exploring the castle and reading amongst the flora in the conservatory, Jax was anxious to begin preparations for the War Council. Having so much idle time fueled her need to take action, but she did not feel confident enough to tackle her mountain of problems alone. Cornelius had ruled his nation for over thirty years and had worked with the leaders of the realm longer than she’d been alive. She wanted his insight on how to approach the situation, to ensure the outcome of the council did not result in bloodshed. Perhaps he’d be open to speaking to her after dinner concluded.

  Dressed in another one of the gowns Madame Neasa had altered, Jax assessed her appearance in the mirror.

  Emerging from the washroom attached to their suite, Perry kissed her neck, sending a shiver of delight rippling through her. “Ravishing as always, my love.”

  He, too, cut a fine figure in his tailored suit. Together, they were the first to arrive in the dining hall.

  They each savored a glass of mead provided by the serving staff, raising their hands in greeting as Sabine and George entered the room together.

  “What have you two been up to?” Perry asked, tossing back the last of his drink.

  “Ivan took me on a tour of the garrison,” George replied, holding a chair out for Sabine. “I wanted to make sure there would be ample space for our soldiers once they arrive.”

  Sabine, looking lovely in a moonlight blue frock, smiled in thanks. “I ran into George on my way to the stables. I needed to get out of the palace and enjoy some fresh air, and he offered to come along.”

  “Lunch out on the terrace wasn’t enough?” Perry said with a wry smirk.

  She blushed. “Well, I needed to get away from all the Pettraud drama. Elias and Galahad were at each other’s throats, and their raging voices made it hard for me to concentrate in my reading nook. I just had to get out for a bit.”

  Jax frowned. “What were they arguing about?” She had little interest in hearing any more about the ride Sabine and George shared together and was eager to divert the topic.

  “Something about Elias needing to be on the right side of history,” Sabine said with a flippant wave. “I didn’t really pay attention to what they were saying, so much as the volume. Over the years, I’ve learned to tune out all the rows I’ve overheard in these halls.”

  Jax attempted to share a concerned look with George, only to find his chocolate eyes wandering along the fine lines of Sabine’s pretty face.

  Perry’s lips were at her ear. “Galahad is likely just trying to convince Elias to stop fueling Philippe’s illusions of grandeur,” he whispered. “Eli’s always been in Philippe’s corner. Probably wants a spot on his council or something, once Philippe is made Duke.”

  Jax processed Perry’s remark in silence. She’d written off Elias as all brawn and no brains, but perhaps she’d been wrong to judge him so quickly. He could be pulling Philippe’s puppet strings, powering his anger.

  Chapter Ten

  Jax’s stormy thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of High Courtier Shavon and Lenora, followed by Kaul, Galahad, and Ivan.

  “It’s too bad Isaiah couldn’t join us while Jacqueline and I are visiting,” Perry commented with a fondness he did not normally reserve for his family.

  Ivan rolled his shoulders. “Right now, he’s participating in some grand symposium about preserving endangered fish. He left for the Academy just a few hours before Nadir turned up and will be there for a month or two. Otherwise, I’m sure he’d have made the trek up from his post at the library to be here.”

  “I wonder if he’s met Carriena,” Jax mused, thinking of her spunky, spirited friend. She smiled conspiratorially at Perry. “I’ll write her and make certain she seeks him out. I know it’s been hard for her adjusting to her new teaching position. Her colleagues are decades older than she is.”

  “Playing matchmaker again, are we?” Perry raised a teasing eyebrow. “I must say, your record hasn’t been that good of late, my dear. Uma and Hendrie have yet to make the progress we’d hoped.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Our getaway to Ogdam Oasis didn’t exactly prove to be as romantic as I planned.”

  Taking her hand under the table, his fingers stroked her palm seductively. “Oh, I don’t know about that. It had its moments.” His brow wiggled with suggestive humor.

  Ivan cleared his throat. “Speaking of your friends, Duchess, I’ve had word sent to me from the border that they should be arriving at the castle tomorrow.”

  Relief flooded through her. “That’s wonderful news.” It would be so nice to have her group of friends back together. As much as she enjoyed Perry’s companionship, she missed her chats with Uma.

  “Where would you like us to keep the Tandorian prisoner?” Ivan asked, his brisk tone all business.

  Olavo hadn’t crossed her mind in a while. She planned to call him as a witness during the War Council, should someone claim her assassination attempt was not legitimate. Therefore, while she didn’t want him to be too comfortable, she decided some level of hospitality might be required to keep his tongue loose. “Under guard, but unchained. Someplace with a bed and washroom.”

  Ivan nodded his understanding. “I’ll assign my officers to watch over him at the barracks.”

  At that moment, Duke Pettraud’s arrival was announced and he shuffled to the head of the table, looking bright and refreshed.

  “Did you recover from our session, Cornelius?” Jax asked with a musical titter, hoping the Duke would take no offense at her light tone.

  His head bobbed enthusiastically. “Very much so. Lenora was kind enough to send up a sleeping draft, and I dare say, it put the wind back in my sails.” He reached over to pat her arm. “I’m not very fond of this whole ‘growing old’ thing.”

  She laughed. “Well, if it makes you feel any better, you look more handsome than most men half your age.” She spoke the truth. Tonight, the Duke’s stately features had her forgetting she was dealing with a man in his sixties.

  “Let’s hope it’s genetic.” Perry chuckled, his brothers joining in.

  Jax studied the two empty seats across from her and Perry. “Are Philippe and Elias joining the fun this evening?”

  The Duke’s sparkling eyes darkened as a scowl settled on his face. “Where are those two?” he muttered to no one in particular.

  As if in answer, the double doors banged open and the two eldest Pettraud sons appeared. “Sorry to keep everyone waiting,” Philippe said without remorse.

  “Where have you been? I asked to speak with you before dinner,” Cornelius barked, giving the Crown Prince a nasty glare as he and Elias took their seats.

  Philippe reached for his wineglass, taking a long sip before responding. “I was busy, Father. Do you think I spend all my time waiting for you to summon me whenever it pleases you?”

  Jax nearly choked on her drink at his impudence.

  “Virtues, Philippe, can’t we have one meal without you stirring things up?” Ivan scolded.

  Cornelius held up a hand. “Ivan, this is not your battle to fight.”

  “Then whose is it, Father?” Galahad challenged, sending a supportive look Ivan’s way. “Because you’re certainly not doing anything to deter it.”

  “Watch it, Gal.” Philippe’s upper lip quivered. “Remember who you’re speaking ab
out.”

  “Who? A deranged lunatic?” Galahad’s volume continued to rise. “A man set on destroying the strongest alliance our duchy has?”

  “Your future Duke,” Philippe bellowed, jumping to his feet. He clenched his hands at his sides, radiating indignation. “I am your future Duke!”

  “That’s what you think,” Galahad snapped back.

  “Enough!” the Duke roared.

  Philippe’s eyes were like razors. “What did you just say, Gal?”

  Galahad didn’t answer, instead giving his brother a stony stare.

  Philippe whipped his head toward his father. “What is he talking about?”

  Cornelius rubbed his temples, looking like he wanted to be anywhere but in this room. “We’ll discuss it later.” He stabbed at his salad plate, delivering the leafy greens to his mouth, seemingly intent on plowing ahead with dinner.

  “We’ll discuss it now.”

  The Duke analyzed his son’s fuming expression. “I think you’ll want to discuss it in private.”

  Philippe crossed his arms, tapping his foot against the echoing stone floor. “Just say what you’ve been dying to say ever since you returned from that blasted wedding.”

  “Philippe…” Cornelius’s voice wavered in his throat, “I don’t know what’s corrupted you so much of late, but I’m concerned for Pettraud’s future, should it be placed in your hands.”

  “Should it be placed?” Philippe’s pale skin went impossibly white. “What are you saying?”

  The Duke straightened in his seat, authority returning. “If you continue down this path, I will have no choice but to invoke the Code of Succession.”

  Silence shattered the hall.

  Wishing she could sink through the stone floor and disappear, Jax risked a look at the stunned group around the table. Perry’s mouth hung open, and he wasn’t the only one. Kaul and Elias both had the same bewildered stare plastered on their faces. Ivan’s jawbone looked like it might burst out from under his taut skin, and High Courtier Shavon’s lips disappeared into a barely perceptible line. George and Sabine’s glances shifted toward one another, and Lenora had a hand over her mouth. Only Galahad seemed mildly composed, even a bit smug, but his pallor, too, was ghostly.