He inclined his head in acknowledgement.
We had a string of visitors, old friends and some potential enemies. Adair was dead, but the court had not become any more of a friendly place. With the coming election, many were currying favor. Half a dozen potential candidates had come forward claiming birth ties to the House of Raleban by their mother’s line. In Danhad it was the woman’s line that determined eligibility. If a man’s mother was born of the House of Raleban or her mother’s mother, then he could be chosen to be king. In times past, the kings had chosen their heirs from their sister’s sons, thus continuing the tradition without a need for election. Because Adair had died without a clear heir, we were forced into an election. The royal archivists were sorting through birth records and genealogies to confirm the claims. Those who came to me were looking for my vote, since I had been reinstated to the council. None could remove me but the king once he was elected. The new king would be chosen by the council.
Johai’s position as Duke of Slatone was returned to him. The council had voted on his apparent treason, and with the priest of Mrawa as witness, he was absolved of all crimes. It was decided that none of his actions were his own that he had done while he had been possessed.
“I would have a crib made for the baby,” a minor lord was telling me. “If she is a girl, I am sure she will be as beautiful as her mother, though it would be difficult for any other to be as beautiful as you, your grace.”
Johai scowled at the man as he flattered me. I rested a hand on his shoulder. “Thank you, Lord Neleton. I appreciate the offer.”
I spotted Arlene in the crowd, cutting her way towards us. She had two soldiers at either shoulder. I excused myself from Lord Neleton and went to greet the queen. I bowed down to her. She waved for me to stand with an impatient gesture.
“I would speak with you in private,” she said.
We were close to a hallway that I knew led to several adjoining chambers. “This way.” I led them out of the banquet hall and into the chambers beyond. The chamber we chose was a plain one, with a desk and an empty fireplace. Johai pulled out a chair for me to sit down. He held my hand as I lowered myself into the chair. My pregnancy was well advanced, and soon enough I would need to go to my lie-in, but not yet while matters were left undone.
“How can I be of assistance, Your Majesty?” I asked.
Arlene did not sit but stood before me with her hands folded behind her back. “You heard today that I chose my sister’s son as my heir.”
“I did. I must admit it came as somewhat of a surprise.”
“Yes, well, certain matters pressed my hand. You may know that my sister, Marie-Celeste, was of ill health?”
I nodded.
“Well, she lost her battle with the sickness and passed away this winter past.”
“I am sorry for your loss,” I replied. What is she getting at?
“I will be blunt and say a half-Neaux king does not set well with me. I would have chosen a cousin over King Adair’s son, but Duchess Florett swayed me, that and Sabine’s request.”
I sat forward in my chair. “I do not know what you mean.”
Arlene frowned. “I thought you were privy to her plans.” She hesitated. “Well, it matters not, the plans are made, and both my sisters are dead.” Pain was etched across Arlene’s features. It was a brief glimpse at the woman she was beneath her queen mask. She shuttered the blinds and closed off her emotions when she addressed me next. “Sabine had been working with the dowager Duchess Florett to kill King Adair. She asked me to in turn make her son my heir and let her return home, where she would be free to marry who she wished.”
I was mute with shock. Beau had once told me that Sabine and Sarelle conspired to kill Reynard. And that Sabine had asked Beau to kill Adair. It is not so far-fetched that she would plot to kill her own husband. Is that why Elenna killed him, at Sabine’s behest? Sabine pushed Beau away. Maybe she did not want to involve him as she had before. I thought I had known Sabine, but it seemed I had been wrong. What other secrets did she take with her to her grave? Why did she want me to come to Keisan? What part did I play in her plans? Perhaps I would never know.
“So you have agreed to take Leonel as your heir?” I replied.
“Yes. We will be taking him and his wet nurse back with us to Sanore, where he will be raised as my heir. He will learn statecraft as I once did. Now to cut to the heart of the matter; before we leave, I would have you name your price for the boon I owe you. I do not like having debts left unpaid.”
After everything that had happened, I had not considered the favor Arlene promised me. I contemplated her offer. What can she give me that I do not already have? I had gotten everything I wanted. I could long for nothing else. My daughter stirred in my womb. It brought to mind Leonel, the child who I had long thought would bring destruction to our kingdoms. My daughter would bring him balance. If Arlene took him with her to Neaux, he may turn into the monster that I had dreamed of. I knew what I had to ask of Arlene.
“I would have you let me foster Prince Leonel until he reaches majority.”
Arlene drew back, and for once she seemed shocked. “How dare you ask such a thing. This child is my own blood. He belongs with his people!”
“I have dreamed several paths for this child. If we are not careful, he will become a monster. Can you assure me he will be loved and treated as a child should be treated? I know what it is like for a child of mixed birth.” I grabbed Johai’s hand and squeezed. “You would condemn him to a life of isolation. That child is both Danhadine and Neaux. He will be the King of Neaux someday, to be certain, but he must also be taught balance and compassion so he does not become the man his father was.”
Arlene’s face was red. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. I could see she was thinking about my words.
I made one final comment. “I will raise him like my own child. He will not lack for companionship in my daughter. He will be given the best of everything, and he will be loved.”
Arlene huffed. “I cannot tell you no. What you say is true. The Palace of Mirrors can be a cruel place. I will not subject my sister’s legacy to such treatment. You have your boon, then. Keep the child, but when he reaches his majority, he will come to Sanore.”
I bowed my head to her. “As you wish, Your Majesty.”
“Consider our debt repaid.” She and her men stormed out of the chamber.
“Why did you do that? You know the child will only bring us trouble. Everyone will be vying for the child. His life will be in constant danger.”
I sighed. “I know, and that’s why I did it. He needs us. Both of his parents are dead, and I fear there is a long road ahead for him. Only our daughter can balance the darkness within him. He needs to stay with us.”
Johai shook his head in the way I had grown to love. The way that said he knew there was no arguing with me. I leaned towards him and kissed him on the lips. Just a quick peck, but when I tried to move away, he put his arm around me and brought me closer.
“It’s time we start thinking about our own future. We need to make plans for our family, which seems to be growing by leaps and bounds.”
I laughed. “Let’s get through this election first.”
With the end of the treaty and the withdrawal of the armies, Keisan prepared for the election of a new king. It had been nearly two centuries since there had been an election of kings. The audience hall was once more crowded, near full to bursting. But instead of a mix of several nations only one people stared back at me as I sat at the council table. There were speeches prepared by each of the four eligible candidates. Of all the men that had applied, the only ones who were found to be of true royal descent were Layton, Count Jorelle from House Nanore, Lord Hankton from House Ilore, and Duke Quince, who was Layton’s only real competition given his high birth and position.
I had been planning this moment for some time, and I knew before the council convened that I would vote for Layton. While I had been play
ing double agent at court, Layton had been winning the favors of many of the lords who sat on the council.
Count Jorelle’s and Lord Hankton’s speeches were of little note, and the people were not moved. Duke Quince went before the council next after them. He was a large man and aging. His hair was streaked with gray, and his gut hung over his belt. If he were to win above Layton, I did not think his reign would last long.
“My lords, many of you have known me, have fought beside me in wars past. I advised our late King Adair and King Dallin both for many years. You know me as a man of reason and balance. I have led House Quince, and we have grown prosperous under my rule. Choose me as your king and Danhad will grow in prosperity and peace.”
There was a cheer from the crowd. It seemed it was coming from one area of the floor. I assumed it was House Quince that cheered so loud.
Next came Layton’s turn. He was dressed immaculately, and as he strode to stand before the crowd, he looked every inch a king. It will be a formality. How could they choose anyone but him? I thought when I saw him.
He bowed to the council with a smile and turned back to face the small folk, whom he addressed.
“People of Danhad!” he began. “Change has come to our country. For the first time in centuries it is left to the great heads of our houses to elect their own king. I was saddened by the death of our beloved King Adair, but as many of you know, we were close, and the late king confided in me his plans for this nation. We have now a rare opportunity for lasting peace with both Neaux and the Biski. As you have seen by the signing of the treaty, a new age is dawning for our people. We were weakened by wars past, but now we may rise from the ashes a new kingdom, a stronger kingdom. Trade has been growing under the support of a burgeoning merchant class. We are increasing in wealth and strength, and that is because we are willing to accept change. As your king, I promise to foster this new world and grow it to its best.” He turned back to the council. “Choose me as your king and prosper and see the new age.”
The cheers of the crowd were near deafening. Duke Quince and Nanore scowled at Layton. He had done just what needed to be done. Adair had planted many of his supporters onto the council to aid his own plots, but with a brilliant move, Layton had won those same supporters to his own cause. The merchants would love Layton as they had loved Adair, I had no doubt. It was the men who supported the old ways that I feared.
When it came down to the vote, Lord Hankton and Count Jorelle won no votes. Duke Quince had three: in addition to his own, there was Duke Nanore and Duke Magdale. I saw the contempt in their eyes, and I knew they would be my strongest opponents in the coming age. They must learn to adapt or be lost to the new way of things. Layton won with a vast majority.
When the final tally was called, the people shouted for Layton. “Long live King Layton!” they chanted over and over. It was a proud moment, and for the first time in a very long time, I felt I could relax.
In the following days, Layton was crowned king, and Johai and I were wed in a private ceremony. The magiker officiated. It was held in the garden in a private corner. The jasmine was in bloom, and I could smell the salt of the sea. We wore matching clothes in the colors of House Slatone, gray and blue.
Layton was a part of the ceremony, and he held the stave, which represented steadfastness in marriage. The former queen Idella was recalled from her exile and stood in as the chalice bearer, which represented fertility. Given that I was already pregnant, it seemed unnecessary.
When she handed the cup to me, she said, “Thank you for what you have done for our kingdom.”
I took the ceremonial sip and passed it to Johai, who did the same. It should have been Damara who witnessed our union, but she had paid the price of peace by staying in Sanore.
The rope was held by Beau. The rope was the final step in the ceremony that would bind Johai and my life together. It was not how I had imagined my wedding day—my second wedding. I was by now near enough to the end of my pregnancy where even standing seemed a bother. Despite that, I stared into Johai’s eyes as we became husband and wife, amazed that I had been given the gift of life, the gift of this man’s love. As the final knot was tied, I felt complete and whole.
Our wedding night was not a traditional one. Johai helped me undress, and his fingers traced along my spine, sending gooseflesh racing across my arms.
“We have already had our bedding, but I would look upon you as my wife, just the same.”
I was shy still. Though we had communed in body before, that night had been full of desperation. Now I had the rest of my life with him and all the time in the world to learn about every inch of him. My dress fell to the floor, revealing my pregnant stomach stretched wide from our child within. Johai kissed my belly and then looked up at me.
“I am more happy than I can say,” he said before capturing my lips in a kiss.
We had our bedding, though there was much laughter and contortion to do so. Once he was within me, moving together as men and women do, I too was happier than words could say.
Shortly after our wedding, I went to my lying-in. It was nerve-racking, nearly as much as it was preparing to fight the specter, but not quite. I was secluded from almost everyone, except for the magiker and the maids that were to tend to me. The wait was long, and I feared my daughter would never be born. The day the pain started, I was excited. It started out mildly enough, just a cramping sensation, then grew in intensity. Much of the time after that was a blur. I gave birth to our daughter with few complications. I felt her leave my body, and in that moment I saw the hundreds of paths she might take. My daughter had her entire life laid out before her, and I had created her.
The magiker cleaned her up and laid her in my arms. When I looked upon her squished red face, she cried. I shushed her, rocking her back and forth.
She had a mop of black hair on the crown of her head. It was soft to the touch. I knew even before she opened her eyes they would be violet like mine. “Welcome, daughter of mine,” I cooed.
Johai was let into the chamber not long after. He was pale faced when he walked in. He stood over us at the edge of the bed. I showed him his daughter, and his expression was one of conflict.
“Would you like to hold her?” I asked.
He hesitated. “I’m not sure.”
I pulled him down with my free hand, and he sat on the bed beside me. He feared, I knew, because at one time he had been the host of a force of great destruction. I placed our daughter in his arms. He held her gently, as if she would break.
“She is so small.” He touched her round face. “What shall we name her?”
I had thought about this for quite some time. “Helene, for my mother.”
He nodded his head. “It is appropriate. That was the name of the first diviner as well.”
I laughed; I had never known. “I suppose she shall fit her name. She will be the first of a new generation of diviners, one in which the specter no longer threatens us.”
Johai wrapped his hand around my shoulder and kissed my brow. “Thank you for everything.” He looked back at our daughter.
My heart was full to bursting. After everything that had transpired, it was good to be free at last.
Epilogue
THIRTEEN YEARS LATER...
Johai and I remained at Keisan for a time. Layton took to his rulership with ease. His wife joined him to take her place as queen some months after the end of the battle. She and their sons were beloved at court and thought of with favor. Duchess Magdale married Duke Payton Magdale and bore a daughter who was fair-haired like her mother.
As things began to settle down, Johai and I decided to take Helene and Leonel to Graystone, the seat of House Slatone. It was where I had been raised. It was a country home in the north. The fresh air, farmlands and mountain-scapes were refreshing after the palace. We were both weary of court politics and wanted nothing more than to watch the children grow. The taint of Adair’s death would forever haunt me, and I was happier away from court.
Beau joined us and became the first of our household guard.
We were not far removed from court, and over the years we were often called upon to give advice and sit upon councils. I remained the only woman councilor, but over the years the prejudices of the past fell away. We were living in a new age. When Dukes Quince and Nanore died, new more progressive dukes took their places. Only Duke Magdale remained ardent in his dislike for me and Johai. I believed it had to do with his wife, Duchess Magdale. Even though we had both been used by Adair, she remained stalwart in her hate of me.
We were never long without guests. My father was a regular fixture at Graystone, and he joked that he spent more time in my home than his own. He doted on the children, and the two of us spent many long nights just talking, making up for the years that we had missed. I had siblings that I met and who were cool towards me. My younger brother thought I would take his place as our father’s heir despite my reassurance, and my younger sister was more on her mother’s side with her dislike of me.
Johai’s father, the priest of Mrawa remained at court along with Johai’s grandfather. Johai and his father had a brief, stiff reunion in which his father apologized for the pain he had caused him. They embraced, and not much more was said. Johai’s grandfather was a few years later elected to the position of regent. He reigned in Jerauch for several years before passing in his sleep.
Helene, our oldest daughter, was a bright and gifted child. She showed signs of her gift from an early age and at times surprised me with her intuition. I feared for her path more than any of my other children. She had not only inherited my power, she was conceived while Johai was in his full power. When I looked into the violet eyes of my child, I saw the power residing behind them, and that terrified me, as much as I loved her. These moments were rare, and most often she was a normal child, playing and laughing.
A few years later we had our son, Jon. We argued about the name, but in the end Johai agreed. I wanted to honor the man who had died to protect me. Jon was more like his father than his namesake, more inclined towards studying than swords, which suited Johai just fine. Jon was dark haired with the blue eyes of his father. More often than not I found the two of them bent over an old tome. And my son always seemed to have ink smeared on his hands.
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