I sat back, running through my memories in light of what he'd said. "So what do I do?"
"Remind her who you are and what you know, and she'll drop her sword faster than you can say that ridiculously long name of yours."
I stared at him a long time. Jax had never been so honest with me, especially about what Celia was thinking. "What about your gold?"
"The way I see it, taking over Celia's camp gets you closer to that goal. So even if I have to take it from the camp myself, I'll get my reward." He flashed a smile. "One way or another."
Chapter 22
Katarine
Geestig lasted a full week, and soon enough, the revelry died down to normal activity—and I was returned to my life of semi-imprisonment. Still, I had plenty of time to think about what Ilara had said about the eastern side of the country, and what it might mean. It was the closest to Severia, of course, and where she had routed all the food and ships. But what else was she doing out there?
Clearly, my position as Ilara's strategic advisor had eroded. I needed to take drastic measures if I wanted to maintain my position—if not for myself, than for Felix.
The Kulkan envoys were still in town, so my servants told me, and I hoped that the gaiety of Geestig would've put Ilara in a better mood to receive them. After all, she was making great strides to cement herself as the ruler of this land. Surely, she could meet with the Kulkans now. Or, better yet, send me in her stead, and I could discover why they'd reneged on their agreement with Brynna.
In the end, I was grateful just to have her accept my invitation to chat. To lure her in, I requested time to discuss some options for her winter wardrobe—absolutely beneath me, but it was innocuous enough that she couldn't decline my request.
When I arrived in Ilara's office, Coyle was already there providing his weekly update. He looked much less confident than he had during the festival, and his voice shook a little as he spoke.
"As I was saying, the smugglers have a new tactic now," Coyle said, casting me a curious look as I sat down on an empty chair. "They're flouting your latest edict and smuggling crates of food in from Neveri. We've been unable to discover where the breakdown is happening. I've had soldiers on the docks for days and…well, I think they're getting paid off."
Ilara skewered a grape with a pin. "I see."
"We believe that with the gates destroyed and Neveri in the hands of the Kulkans, supplies are moving easier from the north. We've set up a blockade south of Neveri, but…"
"Then we should refuse all ships into the bay," Ilara said with a saccharine smile.
"We…" Coyle looked confused. "Refuse all ships?"
"Yes, dear, it's quite simple. If the ships can't get into the bay, they can't offload their cargo," She smiled. "Blockade the bay."
"With all due respect," he began slowly, "if we cut off all shipments to the city, we'll no longer have food and supplies for the castle. Surely there's another way."
"I'm sure there is," she said. "But since you haven't been able to find it, clearly, we have to try something else." She paused, giving him a look. "And what of the other task I've given you?"
He cast me another, curious look, then turned back to Ilara. "There's no sign of her anywhere in the city."
"Really?" Ilara leaned forward. "No sign? Then why did three of my guards report seeing a masked vigilante in the streets last night, hm? And last week, there was a vigilante throwing bread and apples down from a rooftop. And three weeks ago—"
He paused, breathing out through his nose. "It appears to be more than one person, so it's hard to say if it's Brynna—"
"Don't say her name," Ilara said with a tight smile. Coyle opened his mouth to speak again, and she waved him off. "Clearly, this is a job too big for you. I will have to seek alternative methods if I want her taken care of."
"But—"
"Why don't you see if you can't manage to blockade the bay, hm?" Her smile was bright, but her eyes were cold. "Maybe if you aren't a complete screwup, I'll let you keep your job."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Coyle bowed and hurried from the room, his cheeks pink with embarrassment, and I couldn't help the shaky exhale that left my lips.
"Oh, don't fret, Kat," she said, turning in her chair to face me. "Tough love always seems to work with our lovely Coyle, doesn't it? Now, we were going to discuss my summer wardrobe?"
"Yes," I said with a nod. Something told me she wasn't in the mood to entertain conversations about the Kulkans. "I have some very lovely fabric swatches I'd like you to see."
Clearly, if I wanted to speak with the Kulkans, I'd have to go a little outside my purview. I paid one of Beata's friends a solid gold coin to find out exactly where the Kulkan envoys were staying and to keep her mouth shut about it. I ordered a carriage under the auspices of visiting my favorite dressmaker, one of a handful still in town.
"Shall I accompany you?" Luisa asked.
"I think I would prefer to go alone," I said, forcing a smile onto my face. "It's been a while since I've been out of the castle, and I'm not sure I'm fit for company." I forced a lonely smile onto my face. "It's been weeks since I've heard from Beata and I fear…"
Luisa patted my shoulder. "I understand. I'm here if you ever wish to talk about it."
"Today, I think I just want to be alone."
Luckily, she took the bait and ordered me a carriage. Three Severian footman would be going with me—I just hoped I had enough coin to keep their silence.
"Will you wait here for me?" I said, once we arrived at the dressmaker's. "I'd like to stretch my legs before I go in."
One of them opened his mouth to argue, but I flashed him a gold coin. "As a personal favor. I'd like to visit a favorite spot of mine." The other two took their spoils and turned the other way.
Confident I'd managed a bit of espionage, I disappeared around the corner toward the small inn where the Kulkans were staying. Like most of the buildings in town now, it was a little run down and needed a fresh coat of paint. Inside, there was a faint musty smell and the tables needed a good dusting.
I walked the empty hallway until I heard voices. The two Kulkan envoys were reading in the small study and enjoying a dusty bottle of wine—perhaps the only one the innkeeper had on hand with all the shipping restrictions.
"I understand you two would like to meet with Her Majesty," I said, by way of announcing myself.
I recognized one of them as the Kulkan envoy named Melwin, who'd been sent for Brynna's coronation, but not the other gentleman with only a ring of hair left, who glanced up with a frown.
"Lady Katarine of Niemen?" the one I didn't know asked.
"Indeed." I walked into the room and shutting the door behind me. "I'm here on behalf of Queen Ilara to gather more information to help her understand the situation. She may not think it's useful to meet with you, but based on current events, I'd like to know all the facts." I rested my hands on the table. "So please, tell me what you plan to offer."
They shared an uncertain look. "It's highly unusual for us to be talking to a Niemenian royal about Forcadelian business."
"Consider me a Forcadelian," I said. "My loyalties are to this country and this flag. And if you would like an audience with Ilara, I'm the best you have"
"Prince Ammon would like to offer the city of Neveri back to Her Majesty," Melwin began. "In exchange for a shipment of ond."
"Ilara has no ond," I said, my blood pressure spiking at the thought of the Kulkans with Niemenian's precious natural resource.
"Then how did she destroy Forcadel?" the other envoy asked. "There were rumors of explosions and buildings demolished during the initial invasion. How was that accomplished if not with ond?"
"It was a Severian ore—similar to Niemen's, but not the same," I said.
"Then that's what we want," he said. "In exchange for reverting Neveri to Forcadelian control."
I sat back, curious. "If you just obtained this bargaining chip, why are you so eager to give it away?"
"I'm not comfortable discussing Kulka's strategic goals with a mountain-dweller," Melwin's partner said, casting me a look.
I let the slight roll off my shoulders. "Maarit told us Brynna had given you Neveri in exchange for your help. How can we trust a man who goes back on his word?"
"Princess Brynna reneged first," Melwin said. "She walked out on an official treaty."
"What…her marriage?" I barked a laugh. "Is Kulka really so proud that they'd fault a young girl for deciding a life of freedom was better than being shipped to a foreign country?"
"You were in the same position," Melwin said. "Yet you upheld your end of the bargain."
"I am not Brynna," I said. "And I find it heinous that you would hold a grudge against a decision she made as a child—even to the point of betrayal."
"You were her sister-in-law," Melwin said. "Haven't you also betrayed her?"
"As I said," I got to my feet, "I am loyal to this country and this crown. Which is why I'll take your request back to Ilara. I think an alliance between Kulka and Forcadel would be beneficial, especially in the weeks to come. But be warned: Ilara won't take kindly to betrayal."
"Perhaps some advice you should take for yourself," Melwin said. "Good day, Lady Katarine."
When I returned to the castle, I headed straight for Ilara's office, rapping impatiently on the door until she opened it.
"Lady Katarine, this is highly unusual," Ilara said, curiosity on her face. "I don't believe we had a meeting scheduled for today."
"No, but we need one," I said. "May I come in?"
She stepped back and offered me entry, and I perched myself on the edge of the seat, waiting for her to settle down.
"Please, do tell me what's got you so troubled," she said, resting her chin on her folded hands.
"I just met with the Kulkan envoys," I said. "And I believe it's very important that you meet with them."
"Oh, is it?" She smiled, but not kindly. "Please, continue to tell the sovereign of this nation what she needs to do. And do remind me when I asked you to pay them a visit."
I swallowed; perhaps I hadn't thought this through. "I apologize for going outside my position, but I didn't want you to miss an opportunity for an alliance we so desperately need."
"Desperately, hm?" Ilara sat back.
"Yes," I said, not liking the look on her face. "The Kulkans would like to return the city of Neveri to you."
"I know." She tilted her head to the side, as if I were an amusing child. "In exchange for the Severian ore I brought to take the city."
I swallowed. "So you knew?"
"I sent Luisa to speak with them weeks ago," she said. "Or didn't they tell you?"
"They didn't," I said, my pulse spiking.
"Well, my dear, that's because no one needed to tell you," she said. "As it was none of your concern. I didn't think the Kulkans would like speaking to a Niemenian anyway. Aren't your countries constantly at war?"
I nodded, feeling faint and idiotic. I'd forgotten the one thing I had promised I wouldn't—that no matter how many despotic decisions Ilara made, she was a strategic thinker.
She laughed a little, as if she could read my mind. "Sweet Kat. I know you mean well. And while I would be happy to ally myself with the Kulkans, I've asked them to do one thing, and they have yet to accomplish it." She rested her chin on her hands. "I want King Neshua—or whomever decides to sit on the Kulkan throne—to acknowledge me as queen. And yet…" She shrugged. "I have no use for Kulkan internal politics. If Ammon wants to destroy his father, he will have to go somewhere else for it."
"If Ammon's looking for weapons, then he might try other sources," I said. "He may even go to Ariadna and ask for ond."
"To what end?" She laughed. "Would he try his hand at the city of Forcadel?"
"He might."
"I'm no slouch, Lady Katarine," Ilara said. "I have studied the very same history books that you have. I know this city benefits from a wide range of natural defenses—rivers that can be blockaded, a bay with cannons to prevent an ocean intrusion. And the main road to the city is filled with outposts. It was impossible for your ancestors to invade three hundred years ago, and it will be impossible now."
I couldn't help but agree with her.
"Besides that," she said. " I don't have any valo to spare, and especially not for a city with a destroyed gate. What remains of our supply is being otherwise used in the east."
"The…east?" I asked. I'd not heard of any activity, other than where the food was going. What would she need with exploding powder in Severia?
"Nothing to concern yourself with," she said with a coy smile. "I've barricaded the Vanhoja river at its narrowest points, and things are back to normal." She sighed. "Except for those damned smugglers. I suppose that we'll be eating a bit lighter at the castle until we can move."
Another flash of curiosity and concern crossed my mind. This was all new information—and I didn't like the sound of any of it.
"Oh, sweet Kat, you know that not everything I do requires your input, right?" She tilted her head. "Don't concern yourself with any of this. I promise all will be revealed in due time."
"Of course, Your Majesty." I rose and bowed. "If you'll excuse me."
I was almost to the door when she called my name.
"Oh, and Kat?" Her eyes glittered dangerously. "If I find you've gone over my head again, you will join Maarit in the town square."
I nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty."
Chapter 23
The whistles began the moment I set foot in the forest. Someone's coming. Woman, young. Brown hair.
Larissa? came the whistled response.
Who's Larissa?
My heart pounded in my chest, but I kept walking, keeping my head up as Jax's words circled between my ears. I'd always thought Celia might've been a little nervous about me. It certainly explained why she'd never branded me and why she'd offered me a place as her deputy instead of dragging me back by my ankles when I'd run away from camp. No one else had received such special treatment from her.
It crossed my mind, especially as more whistles joined me in the trees, that Jax might've been setting me up. But there was something in his eyes lately that begged me to trust him. He was still an enigma, and I wasn't convinced he was only offering advice because he thought he might get paid.
The gates came into view and I exhaled a little—they were still open. And more importantly, the woman herself was standing in front of them, her arms crossed over her chest with an amused smile on her lips. Her black hair hung around her ears, framing sharp eyes that seemed to see right through me. On her hip, the bejeweled knife that she'd worn since the day I met her. As usual, all my confidence evaporated at the sight of her, but I was reminded of my soldiers, and my purpose.
"What do you want?" she called to me.
"I'm here to talk," I said.
She made a noise. "You don't look like you're queen yet. Why should I talk with you?"
I kept my pace until I stood right in front of her. "Because, queen or not, I hear you're bringing something dangerous into my country. Getting into the smuggling business now?"
"I've always been in the smuggling business," she said. "Your knowledge of my business operations has always been woefully inadequate."
"Then educate me," I said, leveling my gaze at her.
"Get out of my forest," Celia said. "I have no more patience for you."
I licked my lips, gathering my courage. "Very well." I turned around, giving her my back as I walked away. "It seems I have no choice. I'll be moving my army in at sundown."
I walked three steps before I heard. "Army?"
"Yes," I said, looking over my shoulder. "You didn't hear?"
Her eyes were a mask of uncertainty and she glanced up at a nearby tree. "Go investigate."
The girl in the tree nodded and jumped down, running past me with a curious look. Celia, however, had returned to her usual stoic demeanor.
"So you have an ar
my now?" She shrugged. "Why move it here? This isn't Forcadel. You won't gain any strategic footing with Ilara."
There it was—the smallest hint of fear in her voice. "My reasons are my own," I said as a whistle echoed out of the forest. A hundred soldiers on their way.
Celia's eyes widened as she looked at me. "Yours?"
"Mine," I said with a smile. "Loyal to me and to Forcadel. I don't think you want to pit your soldiers against mine. Most of your children would run, and even more would cower in fear and surrender. Those who remain are too few and would assuredly lose their lives."
"Would you really do such a thing?" Celia asked, more concern seeping into her voice. "I didn't take you as the sort of person who'd kill so mercilessly. There are those here who you once considered family."
My grin widened as Jax's strategy seemed to have paid off. "Which is why I'm asking you to lay down your weapons and surrender to me. I don't want to burn down the camp. But if you take up arms against me, I will have no choice."
She pulled her knife. "You can't possibly think I would surrender to you so…"
Her eyes widened and I followed her gaze. Jorad and the ten soldiers had disobeyed me and followed me inside. Jorad called my name and took off running toward us, pulling his sword.
"Will you call off your dogs?" Celia asked. "Or will you let them kill me?"
"I don't want to," I said. "Lay down your weapon and surrender."
"I don't think so," she said, gripping her knife. "I think I'll just let you kill me."
"I'm not going to kill you in cold blood," I said, my pulse pounding in my ears as Jorad came closer. He might actually kill her, even if I told him not to. "Put down your knife. There's no need for it to end like this."
"A stronger woman would've gutted me," she whispered.
And to my surprise, she tossed her knife onto the ground just as Jorad appeared by my side.
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