by Ann Denton
I turned back to Cerena, “Tell me how what’s happened to them is different from a disguise spell.”
Cerena sighed. “Well, the short of it is that a disguise spell is a potion. Specific mix of ingredients, specific expiration date but generic use for whoever holds it. It’s a temporary, on-the-go type of magic. Whatever was done to these two was a curse, a spell with negative intentions. Intended specifically for them. Probably used their hair or something to create bad magic. It’s typically permanent unless you are able to exactly reverse spell.”
In the corner Ember cocked her head, listening. “That’s so interesting. And how would you do that?”
Cerena looked at Blue. The bluebird was perched on a goat skull on the far side of the room, watching the goings-on from a distance. “Well, I’d need to figure out who the spell-maker was. And who these two are. I’d need samples of their clothing or hair or something from their prior life.”
My heart dropped. I pressed my lips together, suddenly not begrudging Shiter quite so much. “So, you’re saying it’s impossible.”
Cerena gave me a sad half-smile. “Near to as it can be, I’m afraid.”
I blinked back tears. I was surprised I was this emotional over a bird and rabbit I hardly knew. But, then, Blue had attacked Abbas for me. And I could imagine what it might be like to be stuck inside an animal body for the rest of my life. Probably even worse than being stuck with a crown.
“Blue, you wanna go for a walk with me?” I crooned at the bird. He spread his wings and flew gracefully across the room. Then he alighted gently on my shoulder; he didn’t scratch me once.
He gave a little warble, rubbing his soft feathered head against my cheek. A bird hug. Blue was a gentleman.
“Poor man. Well, I’ll give you the best birdie life you can have, okay? I can have someone dig up all the worms and spiders you can eat.”
Blue bit and tugged on a piece of my hair.
“Alright, clearly bird tastes haven’t won out yet,” I laughed gently. “How do mutton pies sound?”
He twittered happily.
I looked back to see Shiter huddled on the floor under one of Cerena’s tables. “Well, are you coming, Shiter?”
The bunny lowered its ears and narrowed its eyes.
I shrugged. “You’re welcome to stay here. I’m sure Cerena would find you useful for spell ingredients. Or parts of you, at least.”
Shiter begrudgingly hopped forward but kept a good two feet between himself and me.
Ember called out, “Can I go with you?”
I smiled. “That would be wonderful.”
She grinned. “This looks like it will be an adventure-filled outing.”
I rolled my eyes. “So long as Shiter stays to the back, it shouldn’t be too unpleasant.”
I led the way downstairs and out onto the castle grounds. “So, what were you doing in there with Cerena?” I asked.
“Oh,” Ember waved her hand dismissively, a black ring on her finger glinting in the torchlight. “She stopped to talk to me and my father and invited us up there. It’s my last day here, I leave tomorrow.”
“No, don’t go yet! We’ve hardly gotten to visit.”
Ember sighed. “I know, but work.”
I groaned. “For both of us. Work. So, you were saying about Cerena?”
Ember smiled, “My father got tired, but she was asking me if I knew any fairies in the magic business. We do see a few on our trade routes, you know.”
“Good,” I was relieved. Cerena did need help. “I hope you were able to give her some names.”
Ember nodded. “One or two. Hopefully someone works out. Her poor tower’s a bit of a mess.”
“Yes. Our last mage had a bit of an accident.”
Ember’s eyes widened. “What happened?”
I held out my hand so Blue could perch on my finger. I stroked his belly and kept my answer deliberately vague. Not even all the nobles in Evaness knew exactly what had happened to Wyle. “You know mage towers can be dangerous,” I said. “So many explosives and magical potions in one place.”
Ember nodded sympathetically. “Just takes one mistake.”
I led her toward the orchards to the side of the castle grounds. I figured the two animals might prefer running in the open instead of walking the evergreen maze.
“So, what have you been up to?” I asked.
Ember shrugged. “Working. It’s always a struggle, you know? Tolls and protection fees and—” She gave a brief laugh. “I mean, never mind. I’m speaking to a queen. I still can’t believe you’re a queen!” she playfully tapped my arm. Blue twittered and flew off ahead of us.
“Yes, well, queens know about struggle, too,” I said, watching the sun set. “We all live and die constrained by a million rules.”
“What if we didn’t have to?” Ember asked.
I gave a bitter laugh, “I tried leaving all the rules behind. And yet, somehow I ended up back here.” I glanced up at the palace. The grey stone was cold and unyielding as winter. I shivered as the sun dipped lower and the air chilled around us.
“Your knights must be some consolation,” Ember said. “They say you have some of the most powerful knights in history.”
I shrugged. “I suppose.” They were powerful. I could see how Ember would say that as an outsider. But my men were so much more. My husbands were so sweet and thoughtful. I thought of Declan’s massage; I thought of Connor’s silly confessions about pretending to lose to me when we were young; I thought about Ryan’s hot tongue and Quinn’s silly teasing. My heart swelled. “But they’re wonderful, too.”
“Even Declan?” Ember’s face was full of innocent curiosity. “I haven’t met many Sedarians who didn’t think they made the moonlight.”
I laughed, “Well, his family chuffed him off, ashamed of a bastard, I guess. So, I don’t think he’s too much like other Sedarians I’ve met. He’s really pretty wonderful.” My cheeks warmed as I thought of Declan and Ryan and how I’d left them. I couldn’t wait to get the two of them alone and see what they’d decided.
My naughty thoughts were interrupted by a loud rustle in the bushes to our right. My guards, ever-present shadows, started and pulled their swords.
“Shiter?” I called. “Is that you? Are you and Blue being snots and trying to scare me?” I wouldn’t put it past the stupid bunny. He seemed like the kind up for trouble.
But it wasn’t Shiter who stumbled out of the bushes. It was worse.
I screamed at the top of my lungs. Ember scrambled backward. My guards ran forward with swords; one of them grabbed me and started yanking me back toward the castle.
Because a massive grizzly walked out of the bushes into the light of the setting sun.
My heart squeezed so hard I was certain it collapsed in on itself.
I watched the scene unfold and it was as if time slowed. A pimple-faced guard raised his sword and charged the beast. The bear stood on his hind legs and swatted the sword down. The kid, his bravery at an end, backed away and ran, flat out toward the castle, leaving us behind. Another guard stepped toward me and Ember. He took up position in front of me and backed me out of range while a third guard tossed a knife. The bear—ducked. My guards cursed and another drew and threw. The bear ducked again.
Realization set in.
One of my guards raised his sword.
“Wait!” I yelled.
Everyone, including the bear, froze.
I took a step forward but the guard in front of me held out an arm and blocked me.
I sighed and settled for making eye contact with the bear. “Sit.”
The bear sat.
A murmur went up amongst the guards. This time, when I stepped forward, no one stopped me.
“Are you under a sarding spell? Nod if you are.”
The bear nodded.
“Bescumbered bugger!” If I ever found this spellcaster … I clenched my fist just as Shiter and Blue showed up. They settled next to the bear like they were old fri
ends.
Great. Just wonderful.
I imagined the jokes the bards would make about me.
A bluebird, a rabbit, and a bear walked into her castle…
I shook my head. The gods hated me. Clearly, they did.
I sighed and waved my arm toward the castle. “Sard it all. Well, come on, then.”
And my little menagerie followed like ducklings. Fat, shitey, blue ducklings. All the way back to the castle.
Chapter Thirteen
I had my first official meeting with my nobles the next morning.
Ginnifer put me into a lavish lace overdress before dawn. I didn’t have time to appreciate the beauty of the gown; I had to read through a scroll a mile-long listing all of the minuscule details of the day.
Connor met me in the dressing room, steaming and stewing about the time as my maid did my hair.
“I’m going to have the hardest time not accusing someone of treason today, Ginnifer,” I growled when I saw that Duke Aiden was representing his province. His wife was still resting after their newest child.
Ginnifer’s eyes widened and she paled. “I … I don’t know what to say, Your Majesty.”
Connor rolled his eyes as he joined me on the bench I perched on.
“Say, Bloss Boss, control yourself. There will be six gossipy duchesses and a duke there today. Willard will also probably accompany his mommy, because he always does. And you don’t need any more awkwardness just now.”
“But Aiden’s sold us out!”
“Proof, beautiful,” Connor’s blue-green eyes sparkled with amusement at me. “Willard could easily be hiding his own guilt by throwing Aiden under the horse’s hooves.”
Ginnifer’s eyes widened again.
“You’re going to have to get the shocked look under control if you’re going to be my maid,” I told her.
Connor turned to my maid. “Thank you, Ginnifer.” He stood and took her hand and escorted her from the room. “You have outdone yourself today. Bloss looks wonderful.”
Ginnifer blushed, of course she did—Connor could make a wizened old grandmother blush like a school girl. She gave a curtsy and let herself out.
Connor turned to me with a stern expression. “Bloss Boss, Ginnifer was chosen for her discretion. But you have to realize, she’s new to this, just like you.”
I sighed and rubbed my neck. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”
“I know this job is more than stressful to you.”
“Honestly, Connor, it feels like I’m drowning.”
“You aren’t. Trust me. You aren’t.”
I sighed, “I feel as though anyone else would be better at this.”
Connor quirked a smile. “You’re the perfect queen.”
I snorted, “How could you possibly say that?”
“Because you don’t want the job. You’re not power-hungry. Because you take it seriously. Because even with all these responsibilities weighing on your neck, you don’t forget your sister.”
I sighed again, “She’s not technically—”
“She’s still your sister. You still love her.”
I pressed my lips together. It was true. I did. But I pushed the tears down, unwilling to get emotional right before I faced a roomful of snapping turtles.
Ohh, snapping turtles. That’s a good one, Dove. Quinn sent me a mental picture of snapping turtles dressed in court gowns, trailing jewels and biting each other’s tails. You should bring your menagerie to the meeting.
I could hear Quinn’s mental laughter in my mind as he pictured the bear encounter from the night before. He’d made me tell him the story four times before allowing me to fall asleep. Clearly, the shine hadn’t worn off that experience yet.
I couldn’t help a grin as I scooped up the scroll for the meeting and turned to Connor. “Quinn’s being ridiculous.”
“As usual. Do you have any questions?” Connor caressed my arm.
I looked up at him, truly taking him in for the first time that morning. He looked amazing in a royal blue ensemble edged with gold. His mop of curls was brushed more to one side this morning. It was too neat. I had the urge to take him to my chamber and muss his hair, so that he walked into that meeting looking well-sexed. Looking claimed. Looking like he belonged to me. I stepped closer and bit my lip seductively.
But I was cut off at the pass.
“I know that look, Bloss Boss. We don’t have time. We need to get through this introductory meeting with your nobles. I’ll do the talking. You just need to sit.”
“I feel like a useless fool.”
Connor kissed me. “You aren’t useless. You’re just …”
Not tactful, Quinn cut to the point.
Shut it, or I’ll set my bear on you when you get back.
It’s true. You’ve got too much tavern wench in you now.
I rolled my eyes. “Connor, what is the point of this meeting? We aren’t announcing any changes.”
Connor took the scroll from me, tucking my arm into the crook of his elbow, “That is the point. We want to reassure them.”
“Why couldn’t that be done in a letter?”
“It’s not how things are done. Now, we have a meeting with them this morning, while Isla’s entourage packs. Tonight, is a dinner with all the duchesses. Isla’s group will finish getting ready and officially leave sometime before that dinner.”
“Thank goodness. We’re basically at a stalemate on the hills, yes?”
Connor smiled and shook his head. He ran a hand through his brown curls and said, “You do remember offering Declan up on a platter to build them a tributary, don’t you?”
“I said slowly, over time.”
“We’ll see. Isla’s man is drawing up some documents for me to review after they depart. He and I will sort the details out from there.”
I sighed. “So, the point is, keep my mouth shut.”
Unless you’re opening it for my cock, then yes, Dove.
Don’t you have spying to do?
Doing it. Breaking into Cheryn’s palace as we think.
WHAT!! My hand flew to my heart. My eyes grew wide. I turned to Connor. “Did you know Quinn’s at the—”
Connor’s hand clapped over my mouth. “Yes. And that’s not something we speak about.”
“But he could get caught. He could get hurt! He could—”
I’m glad you think so highly of my skills, Dove.
That’s not it and you know it! I snarled.
I’m just checking on those so-called sick princes. And looking for where Raj might have stuffed that damned dragon and Avia. The sarding assholes haven’t left a trail as pretty as I’d like.
You’d better be careful.
Gotta go, Dove. Spotted a dragon. Uh-oh! He’s after me! He’s—
You are not funny!
I’m hilarious. Go sit in your meeting and let me focus.
Stay safe.
Quinn didn’t respond and I let Connor lead me into a morning full of polite drivel.
The polite nothings gave my thoughts a chance to spiral into worries: Who has Avia? What are they doing to her? Does she know she has magic? What kind of magic does she have? Is that dragon keeping her trapped in an underground cave or something?
Blue fluttered from my shoulder to my lap, sensing my agitation. Shiter was hopping around the room, soaking up pets and treats from the various duchesses and living up to his crappy name.
The bear, who I’d yet to name, sat off in the shadows. He’d discovered it was best not to move too much, or hysteria ensued. Poor man. I assumed he was a man. I hoped he was a man. I hadn’t asked yet.
My thoughts went from Avia to my awkward magical menagerie. What about all these poor people who’ve ended up spelled? I wondered: Who’s enchanting them and why? What could they have done to deserve it? Did they see something they shouldn’t have?
I started and stared down at Blue.
I was an idiot. I was a fool.
Only a powerful magical being could con
trol a djinni. Control a dragon. Turn people into animals permanently. How many beings that powerful were out there?
It had to be the same person. It had to.
I wanted to stand up immediately and drag my animals off for an intense and possibly annoying session of yes and no interrogation.
But I was trapped.
Duke Aiden’s heavy-lidded eyes stared at me, watching me disdainfully. I petted Blue’s head gently, trying to smooth my face back into the placid calm that court functions required.
Watching the duke, his smug pock-marked middle-aged face, reminded me that I needed to speak with Declan about the coins Willard had found. I gave the duke a fake little smile while I imagined Quinn locking up and punching Aiden until he revealed whoever he’d worked with to set the dragon loose.
Two leads. I had two possible means of finding out who had plotted against Evaness and stolen my sister. I had the djinni and Aiden. I needed to pursue both.
I took a deep breath and reached down for my teacup. This horrific waste of a morning was giving me time to think, to make connections.
I gave a real smile to the half-fairy who managed the Cerulean forest. Fer smiled back at me.
Connor’s smooth voice trailed on about something and I’d nearly managed to get lost in thought again when Jorad arrived, interrupting us with a haughty bow.
“Why don’t we all pause for a moment,” Connor said, “We can resume after we’ve all taken some time for refreshments.” He gestured toward a spread at the back of the room that would have fed an entire orphanage.
The courtiers nodded and stood. There was little else they could do. Connor followed Jorad to a small alcove, where Jorad handed over a scroll.
Only Sunya approached me. The slight pixie used Connor’s distraction with the messenger to her advantage. She flew over to hover next to me.
“What’s this I hear about building a tributary for Rasle?”
I sighed. “It’s merely a discussion. Some of her people need more access to water.”
“A lake is easier.” The tiny, brown-haired woman was not the least bit intimidated by me or my position. It immediately raised my opinion of her.
