The Decoy Princess

by Dawn Cook

  The guards stiffened, and Kavenlow frowned. “That won’t happen, Princess,” he said.

  “I would hope not,” she said tartly, then winced as she recognized she had misspoken again. “Perhaps,” she added mildly. “But it’s something I need to consider.” Her blue eyes, so much like Father’s, were confused, and I felt a wash of pity. It was easier to die from a prophesy than live with it.

  “I talked with Prince Garrett this morning,” she said. “The man is completely insane. There’s not a breath of reason in him.”

  Kavenlow eased back a step. “I’m pleased you have agreed to begin a dialog with King Edmund’s youngest son,” he said to Contessa.

  The princess’s gaze on mine faltered as Thadd took a pained-sounding breath. “It is my duty to wed. I understand that,” she whispered.

  Jeck stepped forward. A guard reached out and pulled him back. Giving him a black look, Captain Jeck brushed the man’s hand from him. “I believe you will find Prince Alexander to be an equitable match, Princess. May I be blunt?” He hesitated, then at her solemn nod, he added, “Prince Alexander has refused to consider taking a wife since he became fond of a commoner woman. Until now his father hasn’t cared. That’s going to change. I would wager Prince Alexander won’t be opposed to a royal joining if he was allowed to, ah, bring his mistress with him.”

  Contessa stiffened, spots of color appearing on her sun-starved cheeks. “Have a courtesan under my roof?” she said loudly. “Eating my food? Bedding my husband?”

  I put a hand to my forehead and closed my eyes in a strength-gathering blink. Did the woman lack even a hint of polish? She sounded like a fishwife who had caught her husband pinching the tavern barmaid.

  “Your legal husband, Your Highness,” Jeck said, amusement hinted behind his carefully blank face. “It would leave you free to find your own company.”

  Contessa bit her lip, and I vowed to never do the same again. It made her look like a girl. The blush that rose to turn her face red didn’t make her look any more mature either.

  “It’s done more often than not, Princess,” Kavenlow offered in a low voice. “It’s a lucky few who marry for love, even among the meanest of your streets.”

  Her eyes were on her clasped hands, ignoring Thadd’s distress. “I would like to meet Prince Alexander,” she said hesitantly. “I will have a letter for him when Prince Garrett returns to Misdev.”

  “Of course,” Kavenlow said, easing back in relief. “I’ll see to the travel arrangements myself. Is next week too late for your liking? I would see the palace secure before I go.”

  “Go!” I exclaimed. I was the only one in the room who would dare interrupt either of them, and I was going to take full advantage of it. “You can’t go.”

  Kavenlow’s eyebrows rose in warning. “Someone has to accompany them to be sure they reach their borders safely, Tess.”

  “Yes,” the princess said. “I agree. But you, Chancellor Kavenlow, will be staying here.”

  Kavenlow froze. I thought it was in shock. I couldn’t be sure, since I had never seen the emotion on him before. “Princess?” he almost stammered.

  Contessa smiled, turning herself into an angel that rivaled the surrounding statues. “The Chancellor’s place is in the palace with his books and ink, not running my errands. I’ll rely upon your advice, and I see no reason to change something that worked so well for my parents.” Grief furrowed her brow at the thought of them. “Tess will escort Captain Jeck and Prince Garrett to their holdings as my ambassador.”

  My breath caught and my mouth dropped open. Me?

  The princess was beaming. “Look, Thadd,” she said, gripping his arm and shifting in her seat in a pleased excitement. “Duncan was right. She can hardly wait.”

  “But . . .” I stammered, thinking, Duncan? Duncan had talked to her? The snake! The devious, contriving, clever, wonderful, snake! This was all a plot to get me out of the palace. “But I can’t!” I said, wanting to shout out I would. “I said I’d help you!”

  “Oh, Tess,” she pleaded as she reached across the table with our mother’s grace and took my hands. “Please be my ambassador. You’ll be my ears and eyes. You’ll carry my decisions and speak for me before kings and queens. You will have the courtesies and authority that you’re used to and will be treated with respect.” Her smile turned wry. “I imagine it will be like being the princess without the responsibilities.”

  I looked at Kavenlow. His face was creased with irritation. Contessa drew my attention back as she gave my hands a squeeze. “Tell me you will accompany Captain Jeck and Prince Garrett back to Misdev?” she asked. “Take the king my regrets. Explain what happened, that we’re sorry, and would like to inquire as to the health of his son Alexander?” Her gaze flicked to Captain Jeck. Whispering, she added, “And when eyes aren’t on you, cast about for any hint of betrayal. You’re so suited for it, with your palace manners and,” she hesitated, her eyes flicking to my topknot, “unique abilities.”

  Elated, I nodded. No walls. No doilies. New places to buy things. “Yes. Thank you, Contessa. I would be honored.”

  A distant commotion from the halls brought the sentries to a bristle, but I brightened as I recognized Captain Borlett’s voice. He was here? He should be halfway to Lovrege by now.

  “Leave me sitting in the hall all the morning while my flag is fastened to every last standard,” he said loudly, as yet unseen. “I have a thing or two to put in your princess’s ear I do, concerning the right and lawful property of a free man. That’s my flag. And I’ll not have anyone take it because it goes well with her burning hair.”

  He turned the corner, escorted by two sentries. Bluster and bother had reddened his round face, and his frazzled beard was more scattered than usual. Eyes flashing, he took in the princess and the score of guards. His anger vanished, and he snatched his faded hat from his head. “Uh, Your Highness,” he said gruffly, his eyes fixed on her as he bobbed in an unaccustomed bow. “Excuse my impertinence, ma’am. And I beg your pardon, but why is my flag waving from atop your tower?”

  Contessa opened her mouth, and I leaned close. “You can’t talk to him until you’re introduced,” I prompted.

  “Oh,” she murmured, clearly embarrassed. She turned to Thadd. “Please introduce us so I may address him,” she said, squaring her shoulders to find an air of formality.

  Before Thadd could move, I rose. “I’ll do it,” I said. “I know Captain Borlett.”

  “Tess?” The wrinkles about Captain Borlett’s eyes deepened as he recognized me. Hands outstretched in greeting, he stepped forward only to be blocked by the sentries.

  “Leave him be,” I said irately. “Not everyone is trying to kill me.” I pushed the sentries aside and took his hands, beaming into his startled eyes. I could smell the sea on him, and I breathed it in like a balm. “Captain, you have no idea how good it is to see you again. But I thought you were going to Lovrege.”

  Captain Borlett shifted his gaze from the princess to me, his eyes lingering on my red hair and my black eye. “I had to deliver my books before I was beached. But what are you doing here? Was it you who put up my flag?”

  I grinned. “I think it was a member of my old court. I’m sorry. It was an accident. She found it in my things, and knowing I would recognize it, had the city put it up to show their belief that I didn’t run away.”

  He bobbed his head in understanding, then he paused. “Your parents,” he said. “That would mean . . .” His eyes grew wide and his fingers gripped his hat all the tighter. “The burning princess did my books. I made the burning princess sleep on my floor. Oh, Your Highness. If you would have said anything . . .”

  Delighted at his fluster, I took his elbow and led him forward. “Princess Contessa of Costenopolie, I would be honored to introduce you to Captain Borlett of the Sandpiper. It was because of his fast ship and skillful reading of the wind that I was able to reach you before, ah,” I glanced at Jeck, “anyone else,” I finished.

 
Captain Borlett shifted his work-stained hat from one hand to another. “Your Highness. Forgive my harsh words earlier concerning my paltry flag. If you want it, I’ll find another.”

  The princess glanced at me, and at my subtle prompting, she extended her hand.

  “Take it,” I whispered to Captain Borlett, and he jumped to do so. I fought to keep from rolling my eyes. I had never seen such a backward court. Not one of them knew what to do.

  “A pleasure to meet you, Captain,” the princess said. “I’m sure we can convince everyone to take your flag down once they see Tess beside me where she belongs.”

  Captain Borlett fidgeted as he let go of her hand. “It’s only a bit of cloth, Your Highness.”

  I made a subtle gesture with my fingers, and the guards dropped back from him. Contessa saw the motion, and I smiled when she repeated the motion as if memorizing it.

  “Perhaps you can help me,” she said, keeping her pronunciation slow and precise, “being from the docks as you are. I have just asked Tess to be my ambassador. Unfortunately, it’s a new position and lacks a few essentials. She is going to need a fast ship. One with a low draft to manage the rivers. It strikes me that the Sandpiper—”

  “I’ll do it,” he interrupted, then reddened for his impertinence. My heart leapt. A ship of my own, to sail as I wanted. “That is if I can buy my backers out, and the princess—ah—your sister here . . .” His brow furrowed as he glanced at me. “Uh, Tess agrees,” he said. “We weren’t very gentlemanly. My crew, I mean. Tess and I, though, had a fine evening of cards.”

  I didn’t look at Kavenlow, but I saw his stance turn disapproving.

  “Then it’s settled,” Contessa said, clearly pleased. “I’ll buy your backers out. The Sandpiper will be the ambassador’s boat. My chancellor will see to your retaining fee, Captain.”

  I beamed at Kavenlow—a boat of my very own!—and he frowned, looking as eager as the time I told him I wanted to climb a cliff to catch my own peregrine chick.

  The princess leaned close to Thadd. “How long until we have to go?” she whispered.

  He glanced at one of her statues and the light falling on it. “A little over three hours,” he said, starting to rise. “I’ll see that the coach is ready.”

  She touched his arm, and he stopped. Head tilted confidently, she made a slight hand gesture, and the sentry closest to the door vanished, his place taken by another. Chu, I thought, both pleased and worried at how fast she was picking this up.

  “Time enough to tell Prince Garrett of his return home,” she said. “Or at least try to.”

  Captain Borlett shifted from foot to foot. “Ma’am, uh, Your Highness?” he stammered. “If it’s all the same to you, I should get back to my boat before my men start setting the ships afire that have my flag flying from them.”

  Contessa’s eyes widened, and I nodded, imagining Haron giving the order to start lobbing flaming tar. “Of course,” the princess said, then motioned to Kavenlow. “My chancellor here can fund anything you need to outfit your ship for its new duties. And welcome to the palace, Captain Borlett.”

  Captain Borlett’s eyes lit up with a sudden avarice. He made an awkward bow to the princess and beckoned to Kavenlow. “I’ve got a few things I’ve been wanting,” he said.

  Kavenlow gave me a pained look as he obediently followed Captain Borlett out. The short man grabbed his elbow, spouting phrases like a third lateen sail, and a new galley stove, and perhaps a coat of paint. Black if they could find it.

  “That’s the man who took you across the bay?” Jeck said as he leaned close, and I nodded. “I’m glad I was here to see this,” he murmured. “Your new sovereign is rough but clever. King Edmund will be taken by surprise should he think to start mischief with her.”

  I smiled. “Did you expect anything less? She is my parents’ daughter.”

  The remaining sentries shifted closer, and Thadd set a protective hand upon Contessa’s shoulder as Prince Garrett was bought in. I straightened, nervous for what he might say.

  His wrists were bound with a soft cloth. Metal hobbles were about his stockinged feet. He was dressed in the same rumpled uniform from last night. A whisper of blond stubble was on him, looking out of place. His mien was cold and stiff as he stalked into the informal court. Jangling his shackles as if they were a badge of honor, he came to a haughty standstill before the table, a red mark on his face where my whip had reached him. “Princess,” he said, sweeping into an exquisite bow. Bringing his head up, he spat at my feet.

  The sentry behind him grabbed the scruff of his neck and almost pulled him from his feet.

  “No!” Contessa called, and the guard hesitated. The prince hung in his grip, a taunting smile hovering about him despite the pain he must be under. “Put him down,” she said, and the guard reluctantly did. My pulse slowed, and I settled into my seat. I hadn’t realized I had risen.

  The princess looked distressed at the haggard, innocence-wronged look he had draped about him like a cloak. “I told you to offer him food,” she said. “He looks hungry.”

  “He won’t eat, Princess.”

  Her brow pinched. “We will get him home as quickly as possible, then.”

  “You are a fool,” Garrett said, his beautifully clear voice shocking through me. “I told you last night to kill her.”

  Contessa shifted uncomfortably. “I’m sorry, Tess. I didn’t want you to hear this.”

  “They’re going to kill us all,” Garrett said loudly. “The farmers and the whores. They’ll kill us all when it suits them. They rule the world from their rows of soil and beds of lust.”

  His voice had an eerie edge to it. The silky sound grated across the back of my neck, making me shudder. I wondered if Kavenlow and Jeck really had made him insane.

  “I demand you return me to my father. He must be warned,” Garrett continued. “He must slaughter all the farmers and unmarried women in the streets. They can’t be allowed to live.” His green eyes went distant. “No,” he breathed. “That isn’t right. Just the whores in Costenopolie. And only the farmers in Misdev.” Garrett’s brow furrowed. Losing his upright stance, he hunched in on himself. “But not all the farmers,” he muttered. “Just those with swords. And the whores with red hair. The rest are just whores. Yes,” he said, his voice going crafty. “Whores with red hair. That’s what I’ll do. Kill all the red-haired whores.”

  A wash of uneasy relief went through me. Clearly the blurring of memory was imperfect, but the indecision in his story and the muddled state of his words would make him seem all the more insane. Still, there was enough truth in his words to make my nights occasionally sleepless.

  The princess looked pained. “I’m sorry, Captain Jeck. Be careful with him on the way home. I’m afraid he might hurt someone.”

  The sincerity behind her simple words outweighed their lack of tact. I wondered if I should give up on giving her royal polish and instead capitalize upon her earthy, honest nature.

  Jeck gave her a bow. “Yes, Your Highness. I’ll put him safely in his father’s keep.”

  Garrett jerked out of his soft mumbling. “My father is a fool!” he shouted. “He will have me beaten. My brother will treat me like a child. I’ll have to kill them all if I want to be king!”

  The princess gasped, then steadied herself. “Please give my deepest regrets to King Edmund,” she said, her eyes on Jeck. “I feel responsible somehow.”

  Jeck bowed again. “I will do my best to assure him it wasn’t your doing.”

  Of that, I was sublimely certain, and I made a tight, mirthless smile.

  “May I go rest?” Garrett asked, his beautiful face twisted. “I feel ill.”

  “Of course.” Pushing her hair from her eyes, Contessa gestured for the guards to take him.

  “Not them!” Garrett shouted wildly as he fell back a step. “Where are my guards? I don’t trust you. Your red-haired whores will poison me.”

  The princess sat very still, clearly thinking. She looked to
me, and I shrugged. “Tess, will you and Captain Jeck please accompany him?” she asked.

  The captain of my father’s guard stiffened. “Princess!”

  She raised her eyebrows, and he fell silent. “Prince Garrett is mad,” she said, “not his captain of his guard. But please, follow at a discreet distance.”

  Garrett made a mocking bow, almost returning to the man he had been. “Your Highness is gracious and kind,” he taunted, making it an insult.

  I rose and gathered my skirts as he strode regally from the room with Jeck at his elbow. I touched Contessa’s hand in parting, giving her a reassuring smile. She hadn’t done badly in her first formal court. She would be fine with Kavenlow, and I knew Heather would love Contessa with all her heart, finding her a suitable companion worthy of telling all her gossip to.

  There were a slew of Costenopolie guards between Jeck and me, and it wasn’t until I gained the hall that I managed to bully my way through them and catch up with Jeck and Prince Garrett. Jeck gave me a sideways look as I came even with him. Here in the hallways, I was reminded how tall the man was, standing over me by almost a full head. Garrett strode before us like an injured hero. The sentries followed obediently out of earshot. Jeck’s brow was furrowed, and he kept a terse silence. I wondered if I had done something wrong.

  We entered a hall lit from wide, interspersed windows, and Jeck muttered, “You managed to get yourself a devil of a fine position, Princess. Congratulations. It took me six years to get the ear of my sovereign. How nice it was so easy for you.”

  “Easy!” I said, offended, as I looked up to see his jaw clenched behind his trim beard. “You call the last week and a half easy?”

  “The only thing that would have made it easier for you was if it had rained to cover your tracks,” he muttered.

  My anger swelled. “You don’t want me to go, do you,” I said in sudden understanding. “You don’t want me in your lands.”

  Jeck’s lips pressed together, going unseen behind his beard and mustache. “You couldn’t be farther from the truth,” he said, but he looked angry, and it confused me. His pace was stiff, and his neck was red. Reaching into an inner pocket, he pulled out my bone knife. “Here.”