by Imogen Elvis
Breaking free of the young women, at last, Briar stared hopefully down the hall, but the passageway beyond was empty. Briar’s chest tightened, and she drew a couple of deep breaths, trying to stem the mounting panic that welled at the sudden realisation that she was on her own. Lara couldn’t have gone far. She was probably waiting just around the corner. Briar hurried to the end of the hall, fighting to keep herself from running. Hope flickered for a moment as she rounded the corner, her eyes searching for the welcome sight of a grumpy Lara waiting for her. But though there were a few people in the corridor, there was no Lara. She had simply vanished.
Alright. If Lara wasn’t here to show her the way out, she was just going to have to find it on her own. Even if all the passages looked the same and she had no memory of which way they had come. At least no one here knew who she was. Briar’s fingers tightened around her medallion, and she carried on down the hallway, squaring her shoulders. Eventually, she’d have to stumble across the exit.
The further Briar walked, the fewer people she saw. Maybe she’d left the personal suites? But if she had, then she’d left Lara far behind as well. They’d taken the servants’ stairs before, which let out near the suites. But there would be more than one set of stairs down. Briar would just have to hope that she could find another. She carried on, turning corners at random. Left here. Right there. Left again, until at last, the long, empty hallway brought Briar to a staircase. This wasn’t one of the narrow servants’ stairs they’d taken when they’d arrived. Those were hidden away behind doors so the nobility wouldn’t have to see the servants going about their business. No, this was a much larger staircase, wide enough that several people could walk side by side, with steps so shallow that fine ladies could glide up and down with having to gather up their skirts. A large window was set into the wall above, bathing the stairwell in a warm, golden glow.
These might not be the stairs that she’d come up by, but they did lead down. Briar stepped slowly to the top of the staircase. Her hand hovered over the bannister before she slid her fingers along its smooth, polished surface and descended. She couldn’t just wait for someone else to help her. She had to find a way out all by herself. Even if her skin crawled as she made her way cautiously down the stairs. It was so quiet, so empty. Being around other people was nerve-wracking enough, but Briar wasn’t so sure that being completely alone wasn’t somehow worse.
Halfway down, the steps doubled back on themselves, forming a small landing on the turn. Briar paused here, the sound of approaching voices catching her ear. That was fine. No one knew her here. She might get some strange looks, but unless they were soldiers, she would be in no trouble. Although, those voices did sound familiar. Wait, could it be-Master Sachio, and Lucien?
“-did he think he was going to achieve?” Lucien said. “Was he really stupid enough to believe that he could reach you that easily?”
“I wouldn’t underestimate Levi,” Master Sachio said. “He and his allies will have something more than this planned. We need to deal with my nephew quickly before they have a chance to carry out their plans. Crush this rebellion before it has a chance.”
“You think they could be an actual threat?” Lucien sounded sceptical.
“I think we’d be foolish not to be cautious, especially now. Nothing is secure yet.”
Briar didn’t wait to hear any more. She scrambled back up the stairs as quickly and as quietly as she could, her heart hammering. Of all the people to run into in a castle of this size, and it had to be them. If she could find somewhere to hide while Master Sachio and Lucien passed by, then maybe she could still slip down the stairs unnoticed.
The doors nearest the stairs were all locked. Briar shook the door handles, her mouth dry, ears straining to hear those approaching voices. Master Sachio and Lucien had to be on the turn of the stair now at the very least. Another moment or two and they would surely see her. Briar yanked the handle of the next door. It gave way, and she stumbled into the room, shutting the door behind her. The latch clicked softly, and Briar closed her eyes, pressing her back against the door as her heart pounded. That was too close.
“I don’t believe you’re supposed to be here.”
Briar’s eyes snapped open, and she straightened. A woman sat in an armchair near one of the two wide windows that made up most of the far wall of this room. A book lay in her lap, and she held it open with a finger. The woman was older than she first appeared, fine lines tracing over her skin like the softening of apple skin. Her greying hair coiled over her head, held in place with jewelled pins that sparkled as they caught the sun sending spots of light dancing over the floor. She regarded Briar with a direct gaze that wasn’t exactly unfriendly but definitely demanded an explanation.
Briar hesitated for a moment, then dropped into a clumsy curtsey, her eyes on the floor. If she pretended to be part of the castle, maybe she could get away with this. “I’m sorry, my lady. I didn’t know anyone was here.”
“That much is obvious. This room is off-limits, even for my personal guards.”
Personal guards? What had she walked into? “I-I’m sorry.” Briar’s knees trembled. If this woman had personal guards, then she was important. “I’ll leave.” She groped behind her for the door handle.
The woman tipped her head to one side, her lips pursed consideringly. “You don’t know who I am, do you?”
“I-I-” Briar searched for the words to convince this woman that she’d made a mistake, but none came.
The shadow of a smile crossed over the woman’s face. “If you knew who I was, you would address me by my correct title.” She paused, giving Briar space to speak if she only knew what to say. When Briar still couldn’t manage to choke something out, the woman arched an eyebrow. “My correct title would be ‘Your Majesty’.” There was a glimmer of amusement in her eyes.
Briar couldn’t breathe. Of all the people she could have walked in on, this woman was the queen? “I’m so sorry, your Majesty. It won’t happen again.” Her frantic fingers found the door handle. Master Sachio was out there somewhere, but just at the moment, she’d almost rather take her chances with him.
The queen closed her book, pressing a strip of ribbon between the pages, and laid it aside. “You’re not one of the servants. Nor are you a part of the court. That much is obvious. So then, why are you here? Are you a spy?” The arched eyebrow rose higher, though her voice remained light.
“No.” The word exploded out of Briar more vehemently than she intended.
“Because if you are, then I would have to call the guards. So, who are you?”
Briar bit her lip. Did she really want to test how sympathetic Queen Acacia was to their plan? Even knowing that the queen too fought against Master Sachio, this seemed risky. But if she didn’t, then Acacia would call the guards. Briar’s mind spun in frantic circles, trying to connect all the right words.
“My name is Briar,” she said finally. “I’m a friend of Lady Madella. We’re… working towards the same cause.”
“Indeed?” The queen met Briar’s eyes with a confrontingly direct gaze. “And what cause would that be?”
“Making sure that the throne stays out of the reach of a certain person.” Was the queen really going to make Briar name him when he was probably walking through the corridor behind her at that very moment?
“It is treason even to suggest such a thing.”
“And yet you haven’t called the guards.” Briar’s fingers tightened on the doorknob. She was probably being far too bold, but she couldn’t stop now. “I know you don’t believe your son is a traitor, and I know that he isn’t.”
“How do you know Levi isn’t a traitor?” The queen’s fingers curled around the arms of her chair.
“Because I know him. He isn’t the sort of man who could betray his country.” Kade had far too much honour and pride for that. He would rather die.
The queen went very still. “You know Levi? How?”
“It’s a very long story.”
“Then I
suggest you take a seat. I would very much like to hear it.” The queen was calm and composed, but there was an eagerness to her words as if she was desperate for news of her son.
“Your Majesty-” Briar broke off as a knock sounded on the door.
“Who is there?” the queen called, not breaking eye contact with Briar.
“Lord Sachio, Your Majesty.”
Briar’s heart raced. If Master Sachio found her here now, he would call his Nameless Ones. They would drag her away to suffer the same fate as Kade. “Please. He mustn’t know I’m here,” Briar said in a low voice. “I can explain everything, I promise. But if Master Sachio finds me, I’ll be arrested.”
“Should you be?”
“I’ll tell you my story, and you can decide that for yourself.” A bold step. But this was Kade’s mother, and she had to believe that the queen would give her a chance.
Indecision flickered over Queen Acacia’s face. She had no reason to trust Briar, no reason to help her other than curiosity, and the vague promise that she was a friend of Lady Madella’s. While she hesitated though, the knock came again, louder and more insistent.
“Your Majesty, may I enter?”
Maybe it was the second knock that decided the queen because her face cleared. “Hide behind the curtain. Quickly now. He won’t wait for long.”
“Thank you.” The curtains were open and hung against the wall in thick folds. Briar squeezed behind them, sucking in her stomach and trying to lessen the bulge she’d make in their gentle lines. Wrapping herself in them was like covering herself in a thick winter blanket. Sweat prickled on her skin immediately, partly from the warmth, and partly from the suffocating dread.
“You may enter,” the queen called
“Your Majesty.” Master Sachio was all honeyed politeness. “Thank you for seeing us.” His words rang hollow. Briar suspected that the queen didn’t have much of a choice as to whether she received him or not.
“It is my pleasure, as always. I would prefer that your guards remained outside, however. Lord Lucien, you may stay.”
“As you wish,” Master Sachio said.
Briar caught the soft sound of feet moving, and then the click of the door latching. At least the queen had enough power to remove the guards. Or perhaps it suited Master Sachio to humour her.
“May I enquire as to the reason for this visit?” Queen Acacia asked. “I am not usually to be disturbed at this time.”
“I apologise, but it is a matter of the utmost importance.” How was it that Master Sachio could sound so sincere and yet his words could be so meaningless at the same time? “I have just now confirmed the reports. Prince Levi has been captured.”
For a moment, absolute silence hung in the room. Briar peeked around the edge of the curtain. The queen stood absolutely still, her hands, almost hidden in their long sleeves were curling. She drew a deep, deep breath, and then, in a voice far calmer than Briar thought possible, asked, “Where was he apprehended?”
“Here, in the castle,” Lucien said, his eyes lighting up. “Trying to get into Lord Sachio’s rooms, would you believe? He was shouting like a madman. It sounds like he’s taking after his father.” Lucien didn’t even try to conceal the contempt in his voice.
“And he is securely in custody now?”
“He is. I made certain of that myself,” Master Sachio said.
“Then, we must wait for the king’s decision as to what punishment will be meted out.”
“He’ll be executed,” Lucien jumped in again. “He’s a traitor, and traitors must die. That’s the law.”
Another pause. Then, “Do you believe that that is really necessary?” There was a slight quiver in Queen Acacia’s voice now.
“Distasteful as it may seem, he is a traitor, and must be treated as such.” Master Sachio’s voice was smooth. “I know that you care for him. But Levi turned against the kingdom. He betrayed you. We’ve always known that, should he be captured, he would be executed. With Varik’s mind so troubled, and things so unstable right now, the sooner we deal with this, the better. The last thing we want is a misguided bunch of rebels rallying around him, seeing him as some kind of martyr.”
“Exile is also a valid option, I believe, especially if you wish to avoid having Levi appear as a martyr,” the queen suggested, her voice crisp.
“Levi doesn’t deserve exile.” Lucien’s lips twisted in a sneer that was half scorn, half glee. “He’s a traitor, and he deserves nothing less than death.”
The queen took a sharp step towards the young man and slapped him full across the face. “How dare you speak with such disrespect? No matter what Levi has done, he is still a prince. His punishment does not concern you. You can either be silent and respectful, or if you continue to act like a child, you can leave the room.”
Queen Acacia might not have much power of her own, but at that moment, Briar would not have wished to have been in Lucien’s boots. His face flamed scarlet where her hand had connected, the imprint of her fingers clear on his cheek. His jaw worked furiously, but he lowered his head.
“It is, of course, not up to any of us what Levi’s punishment will be,” Master Sachio said, stepping in smoothly. “You and I may believe that Levi deserves mercy, but Varik was very insistent that treason should be punished to the full extent of the law. Not even Levi was to be exempt from this. My hands, as you can see, are tied.”
Oh, he was clever. More and more Briar could see how he had wormed his way into such a position of power. He was so good at acting the regretful, reluctant servant of the king, merely carrying out his orders. Orders he subtly suggested to King Varik in the first place.
“Of course.” Queen Acacia folded her hands in front of her, pressing her lips together. “If I might ask a favour though, could you try to persuade the king to another course? He listens to you. Of course, I believe treason should never go unpunished. But I also believe that life is sacred. And in Varik’s state of mind, well, I would hate to think that a life was taken needlessly, simply because he wandered in a dark place.”
“You think that he is not capable of making such a decision?”
“I think that such a decision should not be made lightly, and it is the duty of everyone to make sure that the matter is given full consideration,” the queen said without so much as a hesitation at his insinuation. “And, as you said, we would not want the people to rally around a martyr. After last night’s attack, the people are restless. An execution might spark trouble. Whatever Levi’s crimes are, we must be mindful of the effect such an execution could have.”
“I agree that this will need delicate handling. However, we may find that this unites people, reminding them of our dedication to keep them safe, even from those dearest to us.” Master Sachio’s eyes glittered. He chose his words so masterfully, like notes in a song, every one perfect and precise. “However, I will speak to the king, as you wish, though I cannot promise he will listen.”
“I understand. But we must at least try. Levi might be a traitor, but he is part of our family, and that still means something, doesn’t it, Sachio?”
“I will do my best.” Master Sachio swept her a bow. Lucien followed suit. “We have trespassed on your patience long enough. I just wished to inform you of this news myself, rather than leaving you to find out by other means. We’ll leave you now.”
Briar twitch the curtains back into place and held still as their footsteps retreated and the door latched behind them. That was far too close. Of course, she still had to face the queen and explain why she was here. Now that the queen knew Kade had been captured, well, that was going to complicate things further. But she was still free, for the time being.
“You can come out now,” Queen Acacia said.
The heavy curtain clung to Briar as she pushed her way out of her hiding place. She ran a hand over her hair and shook out her rumpled skirts. Not that she supposed it made much of a difference.
The queen settled herself in her chair again, her back straigh
t, hands folded in her lap. Her skin was a shade paler than before, but she pressed her lips together and held her composure. “Why is my son here in the castle? My one comfort has been that Levi was safe, far from all of this, and now he has been captured in the very halls of the castle. Take a seat. Tell me everything.”
Briar sat across from the queen, perching on the edge of the chair, too nervous to settle properly, and gathered her thoughts. Where to even begin? She took a deep breath. “I first met Levi in Osman, where I was a novice in the Order house.” Briar told the queen the whole story as quickly and as honestly as she could, omitting only the details about Ava. Those wounds were too raw to give voice to yet.
When she came to the end, the queen was silent. “You still believe that you can stop Sachio, even now? They will crown him king soon.” Queen Acacia’s voice was hollow when she spoke. She looked into Briar’s face with eyes that were empty and sad. “Stopping him is an impossible task.”
“Levi believed there was a way. He was willing to sacrifice himself so we could have a chance.”
“And you? Do you believe this too?”
“I trust Levi. If he believes we can succeed, then I will do whatever it takes.” Briar lifted her chin, meeting the queen’s eye in a way that was probably likely to get her thrown in a cell next to Kade. “Master Sachio must be exposed for the traitor he is.”
Queen Acacia smiled suddenly. “I can see why Levi likes you.”
Briar blinked. “How do you know?”
“You wouldn’t be here he if he didn’t. Levi doesn’t keep company with people he doesn’t like.” The queen’s voice was soft, and her eyes grew misty, her gaze dropping to her hands. “I wish I could help.”
“There might be something you could do for us,” Briar said slowly. “Our plan was to stop Master Sachio by using a song catcher to take away his magic. We think that would free the king’s mind, and break Master Sachio’s influence over the castle. The reason we came to the castle was to locate a catcher. Master Sachio has one, and we hoped to find it in his rooms, but we couldn’t find it. However, there is still the catcher owned by the royal family. Your family. We can’t get to it…”
