Sovereign Sieged

by Sarah E. Burr

  Nodding, their host pointed to the ceiling above them. “I brought everything from the isles she left behind and had Martán prepare a room for her, should she ever decide to visit.” Disappointment flickered in his gaze.

  Martán bowed his chin, a wry smile breaking through his rather drab expression. “Indeed, I had trouble finding room for all her gowns.”

  Vita clapped her hands. “Wonderful. Lady Carriena has such stunning taste. Why, when she last visited Saphire she wore a dress that would go perfectly with these shoes Madame Neasa made for me.” She fidgeted in her chair, likely showing off her ruby slippers to an uninterested Julian, who sat next to her.

  Sabine frowned. “Considering I am a guest of the duchy, shouldn’t I be the one to get first choice of the gowns?” Her bravado stunned the table into silence before everyone erupted with laughter, including a jesting Sabine.

  “Why don’t we leave the ladies to their games, then, Bernard?” Thanasis rose and motioned for the Lord Chamberlain to follow him. Martán and Julian followed suit, readying themselves to clear the table.

  Bernard trailed Thanasis, bidding Jax and her friends goodnight. “I shall make sure Mistress Ellamae sends food up for Master Charles and the Captain.”

  After thanking him for his hospitality, Jax popped one last bite of a cardamom sweet roll into her mouth before declaring herself done with dinner. “Shall we go make sure we look our finest during our country stay?” She rubbed her palms together gleefully, realizing it had been far too long since she enjoyed such a fun diversion.

  ǂ

  Tap, tap, tap.

  Opening one eye in search of the disruption, Jax shifted her head to survey the room while skillfully never leaving her pillow.

  Tap, tap, tap.

  Her gaze darted toward the window to the dark void of shadow that marred the sun-splattered glass. It seemed dawn had long past and her dreaming had carried her well into the morning.

  Pushing the mound of linens away, Jax stumbled out of bed, rubbing sleep from her eyes. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d slept so soundly, and she scowled wearily at the culprit that had interrupted her rest.

  With a flick of the latch, the glass panes swung inward, and the majestic crowned falcon flapped noiselessly into the room. Perching on the back of a chair by the dormant fireplace, the regal-eyed bird surveyed her with interest, holding his left leg aloft.

  Rushing to the messenger’s side, Jax unbuckled the leather strap and removed a rather sizeable pouch from the bird’s undercarriage. Impressed that the crowned falcon had carried so much, so far, Jax scooted to her nightstand, where she’d kept some leftover biscuits Mistress Ellamae had brought up with her tea last night.

  “Here you go.” She tossed one of the grainy crisps into the air, which the falcon scooped up with deft ease before zooming out the window to his perch in the gatehouse.

  Claiming a chair, Jax opened the leather satchel to find three tightly folded notes, the seals unbroken on each.

  The first bore the crest of Saphire, informing the Duchess that her courtiers had responded to her request, although not followed her directions regarding keeping little contact unless absolutely necessary. A trill of panic tingled down her spine as she wondered what could be so urgent. Cutting the seal open with her fingernail, Jax gingerly unfolded the note and read.

  Duchess,

  After much debate, we’ve all come to agree the best course of action has been taken. The Ducal Guard has yet to find anything of note in Raulph’s belongings, nor has the staff come forward with any relevant information. Raulph was regarded as a kind, yet reserved individual and often kept to himself. We have not been able to weed out any connections he may have forged within the palace, nor have we determined if he had any direct contact with Duchess Tandora.

  We will not make further contact with you unless necessary. We have included a missive that arrived by raven last night, as well as a letter delivered to the palace by crowned falcon.

  Virtues watch over you.

  Courtier Monelle

  Biting her lower lip, Jax traced the sweeping script with a finger. Courtier Monelle was one of her junior advisors. She found it odd and a little alarming that the more senior Gavant or LaRouge had not been the ones to reach out. She reread the first line. After much debate…Jax concluded this must be Monelle’s way of telling her that her court had been divided over her actions. Gavant and LaRouge had probably seen her secrecy as another slight against her trust in them. She’d have much to make up for when she returned to court.

  The lack of progress on identifying Raulph’s motives troubled her, but she could do very little from her current location. George had put his best men in charge of investigating the rogue servant, and she had to trust the job would be done without her interference. As much as she longed for the rush of adrenaline that came from solving a puzzle, she had other matters to attend to.

  Placing the creased parchment aside, Jax selected the next letter in the delivery pouch. Just seeing the insignia of Pettraud made her heart tighten. She’d known who it would be from the moment Courtier Monelle had mentioned a raven’s arrival. Carefully, she peeled away the wax, keeping the crest of her husband intact, a small, if sentimental reminder that he was out there thinking of her.

  My love,

  I hope this finds you having returned safely to Saphire. If you’re half as busy as I have been these past few days, I imagine it might be some time before you have a moment to yourself to reply. I hope all is well within your court and that you can take a little respite whilst we wait for the next stage of the War Council.

  Father has reached Cetachi without issue and reports Darian has come along much further than even we suspected in regard to building his court. Father is still getting used to working alongside common-born elected officials, but he has found their insight of the people’s needs and desires to be truly fascinating. He writes that the country is well-prepared to host the War Council if all our plans play out accordingly. Darian and your Aunt Annette send their regards via my father’s correspondence.

  You’ll be pleased to know I met with the High Lords to receive their formal blessing of my leadership. It’s a Pettraudian tradition that the nobles of the land feel a part of the succession process, so they arrive at court after the crowning of a new ruler to renew their dedication to the duchy. High Courtier Shavon was extremely worried that the High Lords would not support me as Duke, since I’ve been away from the duchy for some time, but apparently, they view our marriage as the ultimate form of tutelage. I’ve been taught to lead by one of the most revered sovereigns in the realm, or so they say. I struggled to keep a straight face the entire time. If you were teaching me how to be a Duke all these years, I’ve been the most abysmal student.

  Jax paused as her throat tightened. Virtues, how she missed her beloved Perry. His voice echoed in her mind as she read his swirling script, his presence draping a blanket of comfort over her shoulders. With everything going on, she hadn’t realized the power behind his aching absence.

  With the High Lords’ approval, the Crown truly rests upon my head. There are mornings when I wake up, looking to you for advice, but every day I grow stronger and more confident in the choice Father made. If he believed in me, trusted me to lead his duchy into the future, then I shall rise to the occasion. Of course, I am not without help. My brothers all send their love, even Isaiah, who arrived at the palace yesterday morning, home from the Academy. I’ll save the details of our reunion for another letter.

  For now, I leave you with all of my heart. I pray the Virtues see us together soon.

  Your Perry

  She clutched the paper to her chest, willing the words to seep through her nightgown and into her very soul. Jax realized she was quivering, whether with joy or sorrow, she didn’t know. Pride at Perry’s strength and determination radiated through her, but the fear of the dark truth dampened her spirits. I grow stronger and more confident in the choice Father made. If he belie
ved in me, trusted me to lead his duchy into the future, then I shall rise to the occasion. Why had Cornelius burdened her with the truth behind his decision to crown Perry the new Duke of Pettraud? How could she continue to lie to her husband? But how could she ever tell him the truth?

  Fighting back the tears that threatened to tumble from her amethyst eyes, Jax chose to focus on Perry’s final words, his declaration of love and that he was indeed hers. Yet, a sharp sting pierced through her heart. She’d had plenty of time yesterday to send Perry a simple note to let him know she’d arrived in Saphire, yet she’d opted not to, as her mind had preoccupied her with other things, other worries. Perry had plenty on his mind, yet he’d found the time to send his love on the wind. He may be hers, but was she truly his? There seemed to be a chasm of other priorities that separated him from her foremost thoughts, and the notion made her sick inside.

  Jax put his letter on her bedside table and held her own determined gaze in the mirror. “I will write to him today, even if I cannot share the whole truth of what I’ve been up to,” she pledged to her reflection.

  She was halfway done getting dressed when she remembered Courtier Monelle had sent three letters back with the crowned falcon, and she’d only read two of them. Twisting her caramel tresses into a long plait to get it out of her face, she searched for the discarded messenger pouch. Monelle’s letter claimed another missive had arrived by crowned falcon for the Duchess. Who could it have been from? To whom had she sent one of her birds with a message?

  The memory of an earlier conversation sparked in her mind the moment she saw the name inked on the folded note. Our Vita. She’d told her lady’s maid to use one of the crowned falcons to send a letter to her family. Like any loving parents, they had quickly replied to their hard-to-reach daughter.

  Pocketing the note, Jax assessed her appearance in the mirror. Having taken some of Carriena’s clothes for herself during last night’s raid, she’d selected a cream-and-mint colored gown, simple yet elegant for the day ahead of her.

  Her growling stomach signaled she’d slept in too long and that breakfast was sorely needed. Strolling with graceful strides along the third-floor corridor, Jax hurried down the stairs to the dining room.

  Despite the late hour, Uma, Vita, and Sabine lounged around the table, their plates laden with eggs, ham, and cinnamon-nut bread.

  “Duquessa!” Vita exclaimed through a mouthful of pastry. “We were starting to get concerned.” She swallowed, the elaborate motion drawing giggles from Sabine and Uma. “It’s not like you to sleep through a meal this bountiful.”

  Jax collapsed in the vacant seat next to her lady’s maid, and with a fluid sweep of her hand, grabbed an unused fork and stabbed at the pile of cheesy eggs on Vita’s plate. Popping the purloined bite into her mouth, Jax grinned wickedly. “I’d never.”

  Vita’s lips parted in mock horror. “An egregious offense, the ultimate betrayal!”

  Sabine and Uma were doubled over, their laughter echoing in the grand, yet cozy dining room.

  Ellamae’s head popped through the serving doors. “Your Grace! I shall prepare a plate for you at once.” She retreated just as quickly, and as Sabine and Uma regained control of their senses, the cook appeared with a platter comparable to the one Jax had just assaulted.

  With a twinkling nod of thanks, Jax attacked her breakfast, allowing Uma, Vita, and Sabine to resume their conversation.

  “It’s a lovely day.” Uma tilted her head toward the curtain-framed windows. “Are you sure we can’t entice you to join us outside for a picnic, Sabine? Vita thought an outing to the pond was in order. Bernard showed us before breakfast where the lawn games are kept.” She rubbed her palms together. “I think we could convince some of the strapping guardsmen we’ve seen patrolling the estate to join us for a respite…maybe even young Julian.”

  Jax watched the young woman’s reaction with veiled interest. Sabine’s cheeks heated under Uma’s direct attention. “I think it’s best if I spend the day inside. Master Charles cautioned it might take my fair skin some time to get accustomed to the radiant sunlight.” She pushed her ethereally pale hair behind her pink ears. “I shall sit with him and keep Captain Solomon company.”

  Jax’s eyebrows rose. “All day?” she scoffed. “Come, Sabine, we promised you adventure. It sounds like Uma and Vita have devised a lovely day for us.” She cringed at how chiding her words of concern sounded.

  Sabine’s shoulder’s drooped at the light rebuke. “Perhaps around tea time? Charles says the sun isn’t as ruthless during the waning hours of the afternoon.”

  Uma sighed, flashing Jax a defeated look.

  With a shrug, Jax turned her attention back to her rapidly depleting breakfast. If Sabine wanted to stay cooped up ogling over George, so be it. Her thoughts now on George, Jax asked, “How is Captain Solomon doing this morning? Have any of you seen Charles up and about?”

  Sabine nodded eagerly. “I helped Charles carry breakfast to the Captain’s room this morning. It seems he’s doing much better.” She frowned slightly. “So much so that Charles is having a bit of trouble convincing him to stay in bed.”

  Jax smirked, as she suspected her oldest friend would put up a fight when it came to taking it easy. “I’ll check on him before we head outside to enjoy the sun. I’m sure I can convince him to continue to rest.” She gave a flighty laugh. “He listens to me.” She wasn’t sure what prompted the somewhat arrogant comment; it just burst from her mouth.

  Sharing a curious look with Vita, Uma dabbed her napkin on her lips. “Well, why you’re doing that, I shall round up a snack from the kitchen to take down to the pond.”

  “And I will grab the croquet set.” Vita made a move to rise from her seat, but Jax placed a hand on her forearm.

  “Before I forget,” Jax began, reaching into her dress pocket, “this arrived for you this morning from the palace.”

  Vita’s eyes brightened when she caught sight of the note. “Oh, thank you, Jax! You were right. I guess my parents have been very eager to hear from me.” She cradled the letter in her palm. “Thank you for letting me use one of the falcons to reach them.”

  Jax smiled softly. “Of course, my friend.” A slight sting pierced her heart as she watched Vita rush from the dining hall. She often forgot about the lives her friends had outside of her service. To her, they were family, as she had no other relatives within the borders of Saphire. But in making them an integral part of her life, she had effectively, if unintentionally, cut them off from their own. When was the last time Uma had visited her parents? When would Vita see her family again? Jax had previously given little to no thought to those questions, and her selfishness troubled her.

  Just as she was about to pose a question to Uma about her parents, Martán blew into the room like a squall. “Duchess!” he exclaimed, sounding breathless.

  She shot to her feet, immediately on edge. “What’s wrong?”

  The steward wheezed, “Th-there’s some-someone at the…the gates.”

  Chapter Nine

  Jax’s gaze narrowed, willing the steward to compose himself and continue speaking.

  “I was down at the gatehouse, bringing the sentries their midmorning tea,” Martán continued, still breathing hard, “when the alarm went up.”

  Jax tapped her foot, impatient to hear more of the report.

  “Corporal Highriver sent me up here to make sure the two household guards were informed.” Martán wrung his hands. “The perimeter scouts couldn’t tell if it was just one person, or more.”

  Folding her arms across her palpitating chest, Jax paced the length of the room. Had someone sought her out? Had another assassin come in Raulph’s place? Or are we all overreacting because we’ve been pushed to our limits?

  Whirling to face her awaiting friends, Jax issued her orders. “Martán, alert the Lord Chamberlain, Julian, and Ellamae to remain vigilant. Find Thanasis, as well. Perhaps he’s expecting a visitor we don’t know about.” Addressing Sabine and Uma,
Jax’s tone softened. “I think we may need to hold off on our morning activities. Sabine, please inform Captain Solomon that someone has been spotted outside Galensmore’s premises, but under no circumstances is he allowed to move from his bed. Corporal Highriver will see to things in his stead.”

  Uma reached for Jax’s arm. “Is there a safe room where you can go, Jax?”

  The Duchess waved a dismissive hand. “I don’t think such drastic measures are necessary, at least not yet. Martán states that only one person has been spotted. I hardly think I’m in dire straits.”

  Pursing her lips together, Uma showed her dissatisfaction with the flippant answer. Her grip tightened, and Jax knew her lady-in-waiting would refuse to leave her side.

  The faint echoes of a horn pierced the strained silence. Martán slumped forward in relief at the sound. “That’s the all clear signal from the gates. Whoever it was must have passed by.”

  With a smug I-told-you-so glance at an annoyed Uma, Jax pulled her arm free and marched from the dining hall out to the manor’s foyer. She’d just reached for the door handle that barred her inside when the door flew open, forcing Jax to jump back.

  “What a welcome party, indeed!”

  The feigned exasperation in the familiar voice brought a face-cracking grin to Jax’s lips. “It’s no secret how much trouble you can cause. The guards have every right to be wary.” Embracing her longtime friend fiercely, Jax chuckled at the whirlwind chaos the young woman’s sudden appearance had created.

  Lady Carriena Lucia Brunovaris stepped back, hands on her hips. “One of those archers nearly shot me. Some homecoming.”

  Heat rose to Jax’s face at the near mishap. “I’m sorry. Everyone’s been a bit on edge, and we weren’t expecting you to show up.”