Nine Dragons Gold

by Katy Haye

  “Thank you.”

  “If you need me, please ring.” Gulla pointed out a bellpull beside the door. The second maid had finished unpacking my belongings, which were pitifully meagre beside that provided by the prince, and the two women carried my trunk out, closing the door behind them.

  I dropped onto the edge of the bed, blowing out a breath. I was really here. This was really happening. I reached into my pocket and pulled out the phial with shaking fingers. Really happening. I had to ensure the prince married me, or my mother’s life would be forfeit. Once more, I wished for the courage to destroy the potion, but I didn’t dare. Was I really going to dose the prince with magic?

  A knock sounded at the door and I jumped, thrusting the tiny bottle between the mattress and the bedframe before dropping back to sit over the affected spot, my heart thundering as I faced the opening door.

  The smiling face of a young woman about my own age peeped through the gap. I recalled Gulla’s account of the candidates who had arrived before me. The contest had been theoretical before now, the candidates just words on the air.

  They were about to become very real.

  8 – Disarmingly Honest

  “Hello, Lady Hanna.” The young woman stepped confidently into the room. “I’m your neighbour. I have the room next door.” Her dark hair cascaded unbound down her back, and the style of her fine dress accented her shapely figure. I thought she was a couple of years older than me. Which meant she was most likely... “I’m Rannyl. And I’m very pleased to meet you. Glynneth,” she waved a hand at the doorway as a younger girl stepped cautiously inside as though she expected to be chased back out, “And I arrived with the dawn and we’ve been twiddling our thumbs ever since waiting for everyone else to arrive.” She smiled, revealing perfect, even teeth.

  Oh yes, this was definitely someone I should consider a threat. I wanted to dislike her, but her smile and her warmth were so disarming I couldn’t help but to smile back. I stood to greet them. “Lovely to meet you, Lady Rannyl. Has no one else arrived yet?”

  “You’re the third.” She cast another glance at the quiet Glynneth. “Neither of us could concentrate enough to play even a game of nine dragons gold, so I’m very glad you’re here and things may start to happen,” she confided, then laughed. “You have a lovely room.” She sat on the sofa set at the end of my bed and patted the space beside her while beckoning for the younger girl to also come forward. “Although they are all beautiful, of course.”

  Taking a seat beside her, I turned to the younger girl. “You must be Lady Glynneth,” I said, glad of Father’s summary of the likely candidates. She was young, her face still plump and her figure largely unformed as yet.

  “Yes.” She spoke so softly I could barely hear the word. One girl who was a threat, and one who was nothing of the sort.

  I offered my hand. “I am pleased to meet you, Glynneth.”

  “And you, Lady Hanna.”

  “Oh, please call me Hanna,” I told her. The two of us sat either side of Rannyl. “Have you met the prince yet?” I couldn’t help the question. Rannyl invited confidences. Which probably meant I should be more cautious, not less.

  Glynneth turned pink at the suggestion. “Not yet,” Rannyl replied. She leaned towards me as though offering a confidence. “I suspect he doesn’t want anyone to feel singled out. We will be introduced at tonight’s feast.”

  I swallowed. A public introduction. No wonder Father had wanted to test my curtsy.

  “Did you have a good journey?” Rannyl asked. “You had a way to come – from Senna, was it?”

  “That’s right.” My thoughts spun. She was very well-informed. No doubt we’d all been studying all the information we could find about each other. “It was uneventful.”

  Rannyl laughed. “A boring journey, but perhaps that’s the best sort. You wouldn’t want to be flustered before meeting the prince, now, would you?” She patted my knee. “We allowed extra time in case of delays, and then nothing happened. That’s why we arrived so early.”

  Glynneth leaned forward, “It was the same for us!” Her eyes sparkled, then she blinked and sat back, lowering her chin. Father was right, she was no rival at all. We were only sitting and chatting and the poor girl looked completely out of her depth.

  “Where did you travel from, Glynneth?” I asked her, keeping my tone gentle.

  “Fort Ferrivale.”

  “What’s it like there?” I’d never been to the south – although I’d never truly been anywhere until now.

  “Oh, it’s...” she appeared to run out of inspiration. “It’s very quiet.” She smiled nervously. “I am a little overwhelmed by court, I must confess.”

  Rannyl patted her hand. “Your first time at court there is so much to take in. You’re settling in very well.”

  Glynneth brightened and I warmed further towards Rannyl. There was no advantage to being kind to Glynneth, but she was still doing so. It was the sort of behaviour the sisters would approve of, but I hadn’t expected to find it at court. Perhaps it wasn’t as awful, back-stabbing a place as the rumours suggested.

  A knock sounded at the door. Before I could call enter, it was flung wide. “Oh, so this is where everyone is!”

  Another candidate. She was slim, with blonde hair that cascaded in curls around her shoulders. Her nose was unfortunate, and any chance at prettiness attempted by her blue eyes and corn-coloured hair was extinguished by the twist of dissatisfaction that turned the corners of her lips sulkily downwards.

  I rose, “Welcome..?” I lifted my voice in enquiry.

  She tossed her head, as though I were a fool not to know which of the remaining candidates she was.

  Rannyl beside me rose to her feet. “Lady Jesca, how lovely to see you safely arrived.” Rannyl’s smile was wide, the smooth gesture of a practised courtier.

  “Hello, Rannyl.” Her gaze travelled over the older girl in a gesture that would have been rude in anyone not a lord’s daughter. She glared at me. “You must be Hanna.” She omitted my title as though she’d decided I didn’t deserve it.

  “Pleased to meet you, Lady Jesca.” I inclined my head, wishing I had the courage to be as discourteous as her.

  Her gaze settled on the younger girl, who gave a nervous smile. Jesca sniffed. “And you must be missing your mother, Glynneth.”

  Glynneth reddened. Rannyl pushed an arm through Jesca’s arm and tugged her further into the room. “I can tell you’ve had a hideous journey, Jesca. Sit and relax with us and I’m sure you’ll feel better soon.”

  Rannyl rang for a servant and ordered drinks. Rannyl and Jesca sat on the sofa while Glynneth and I perched on the edge of the bed – me hyper-aware of what was hidden in the mattress below me.

  Gulla brought cordial and wine and a plate of sweetmeats for us to share. Rannyl served us all.

  “Are you sure you should have wine?” Jesca demanded when Rannyl poured Glynneth a glass. “Or we could call back the servant and she can water it down for you.”

  Glynneth reddened, which was doubtless Jesca’s intention. She found the courage to meet Jesca’s scathing gaze. “I’m accustomed to drinking wine at home. I’m not in fear of disgracing myself.” I wanted to cheer. Rannyl smiled and handed Glynneth the full glass.

  I asked for cordial. “It’s more refreshing on a warm day, I find,” I said smoothly, before Jesca could make an unpleasant comment. Truth be told, I didn’t know the strength of the wine, but it was certain to be better quality than I was used to and I wanted my wits about me.

  She stared at me as I accepted the glass from Rannyl. “How are the old women at the House of Compassion?” she demanded. “That is where you live, isn’t it? In a house of charity?”

  I took a deep breath, sipping my cordial to give my heart rate a chance to steady. “My mother retired there and I have been keeping her company while I complete my education. The old – and young – women there are very well, busy dispensing charity to those who need it.”

  I met
Rannyl’s gaze and she gave a small smile. I wondered if Jesca was always like this, and why her family hadn’t coached her to better behaviour if so. I didn’t doubt she would be all sweetness before the prince, but she couldn’t expect that such nastiness would escape his notice.

  “Drink your wine and tell us about your journey,” Rannyl said in a soothing voice. “Did you come cross-country?”

  Jesca accepted the wine. “We travelled along the coast and upriver – and the carriage that was supposed to meet us was late. We had hoped to spend a day at my father’s house in the city, but instead we’ve had to rush here.”

  Rannyl set a reassuring hand on her knee. “At least you are here safely. Your pendant is beautiful.” She gestured to the intricate necklace Jesca was wearing and the younger girl smiled, her fingers lifting to touch the jewel.

  I sipped my drink and watched, taking in as much as I could about my new companions. Rannyl drew us into the conversation so no one would feel left out. She appeared to have adopted the role of mother of the group. Jesca’s comments became more moderate as time went on and she even unbent enough to smile and then laugh at one of Rannyl’s jokes. Perhaps her snappishness was prompted by nerves.

  Rannyl produced a pack of cards and we played for an hour. I was surprised when Gulla knocked to tell me they were preparing baths for all of us.

  Jesca was first to her feet, throwing down her hand of cards. “I cannot wait for a good, long soak,” she declared. At the door, as though remembering her manners, she turned back. “It was nice to meet you all.”

  Glynneth followed, whispering her goodbyes. Rannyl squeezed my hand before she departed. “Thank you for hosting us, Hanna,” she said with a smile. “I didn’t intend us to take over your room for so long, but that was fun.”

  “It was.” I heard the surprise in my tone and laughed. “Far more than I expected,” I admitted.

  “I am glad we have met. I think I’m going to enjoy getting to know you,” she told me, her tone filled with sincerity. She reached to touch a lock of my hair. “So pretty,” she murmured.

  “It’s nothing compared to yours.” Mine couldn’t quite make up its mind which colour it preferred, whereas Rannyl’s was the pure, rich black of a seafalcon’s wings. I knew which I’d prefer.

  “Oh, it’s very special.” She looked straight at me. “You have gorgeous hair. Styled well you’re sure to catch the eye of the prince. I can make some suggestions if you would like.”

  I raised a hand to my hair. “Why would you do that?” I couldn’t help the question.

  Her eyes sparkled. “Because you are pretty, but you could be beautiful.” She wound a finger through a lock, her attention fully on the strands. “There’s such a rich mixture of browns and copper and bronze.”

  I tugged a lock away from my head and squinted at it. Nothing special. Except, I felt special just at Rannyl’s words and the sincere way she spoke them. “I – thank you,” I managed. “That’s a kind offer.”

  Her gaze flitted from my hair to my face. She laughed at my expression. “Oh, you think I’m being sarcastic!” She pouted. “I swear that’s not the case.” Her finger slid free of my hair. “Oh, how awful that you suspect me of being underhand.”

  Heat rose in my face. “Why would you help me? Aren’t we rivals?” I pointed out.

  Rannyl smiled as though she hadn’t a care in the world, as though she didn’t give a pip for the prince’s choice. “There’s no reason for us all to be nasty to each other. What would be the purpose of that? The prince will make up his own mind, and if he wants a sharp-tongued, bitter lemon for a wife I would prefer him to look elsewhere. I think it’s only sensible to be oneself despite the strange circumstances, don’t you think? That way I won’t have a pretence to keep up for the next fifty years.” She leaned towards my ear. Around us, servants began to bring in the water for my bath. “Shall I let you into a secret?”

  I stiffened, unsure whether I wanted her confidences or not. Rannyl drew away and confessed, “I don’t actually want the prince to choose me. I have ... other things I want to achieve besides marriage.” Rannyl strode to the door. She paused with her fingers on the handle. “I look forward to seeing you later.”

  With a wink she was gone. And I hadn’t a clue what to make of her. Rannyl was either the most disarmingly honest young woman I’d ever met – or the most devious.

  If she was speaking the truth... Jesca clearly wanted to win, I had to win for mama’s sake, Glynneth seemed far too young to even hope to succeed, and Rannyl didn’t want the honour at all. I wondered if I truly only had Jesca to beat. That was far too good to be true. But we hadn’t met Claresse yet. I wondered what she would be like.

  “Your bath is ready, Lady Hanna,” Gulla said. I stepped behind the screen to undress. Like Jesca, I would welcome a good, long soak – to give my first reflections time to settle.

  9 – Barley in the Field

  “I suppose you’ll do.” Father spent a full minute assessing my appearance when he came to my room to escort me to the welcome feast.

  “I will convey your praise to the maids,” I told him coolly.

  His brows snapped together. He pinched my chin. “Don’t get smart with me, girl.” I held my tongue, viewing that the safest response. He pushed me away. “Is it safe?”

  I didn’t need to ask why he meant by it. “It’s hidden.”

  “You should carry it on you at all times.”

  “I can hardly use it tonight, father,” I pointed out. We needed to be alone for the potion to work correctly – if he drank it in a crowded room he might fall in love with another candidate – or a passing maidservant.

  “I know that,” he snapped. “You’d better not lose it.”

  “I wouldn’t be so careless,” I promised.

  He sniffed. “Come.” I linked my arm through his obediently and we made our way down to the dining hall, a grand chamber full of people talking at full volume. The noise and the brightness of the decorations and the people was overwhelming. I stilled for a moment to collect myself.

  Father stiffened, trapping my arm against his side as though he thought I might run back to my room. I lifted my chin and adopted my rehearsed, bland courtier’s smile. I hoped I might not be swept away by the tide of people waiting, and we stepped inside.

  “Lady Hanna.” A red-robed mage stepped into my path before I’d taken two steps. He inclined his head in a bow that made it very clear deference was due to him, not me.

  I dropped into a graceful curtsy. “Good day, my lord.”

  “Mage Redmor, I am pleased to introduce my daughter, Hanna, to you.” Father confirmed the mage’s identity before I could make a crass error.

  “The treasure of our islands returns to our shores,” the mage drawled.

  I wasn’t sure how to reply. There had been no need for courtly conversation at the house of compassion. “I am delighted to attend court at the prince’s pleasure,” I ventured.

  “Of course you are. And hoping for success, I don’t doubt.”

  “We all hope for that, sir. I hope more that the prince makes the best choice for himself and the country.”

  “Very diplomatic, Lady Hanna.” His narrow lips curved in a smile. “That is the important thing, I agree; that he should make the right choice for the country.” His cold eyes held mine as though we shared a secret. Yes; he must be the creator of the potion weighing down my conscience.

  The mage leaned closer, his sour breath brushing my cheek. “I am sure when he is given the chance, the prince will choose wisely and all will be well.” He gave another nod. “I wish you good fortune, Lady Hanna.”

  He walked away and I breathed a sigh of relief. My heart was bouncing against my ribs. Mage Redmor was as eager as Father for me to use the potion. Which made me passionately wish I didn’t need to. Father and the mage were tied together by their plan, and they’d drawn me into their intrigue. Which was unfortunate, since I didn’t trust either of them.

  Father
gestured to someone behind me. I turned in time to see Martyn step forward to take his place as father moved into the crowd.

  “You should make Mage Redmor your friend,” Martyn said. “He could be valuable.” My half-brother looked me up and down disparagingly. “Let’s face it; you’ll need all the friends you can get.”

  Father hadn’t taken Martyn into his confidence, then, since he’d be boasting of our certain success if he had. I should be glad for small mercies, since that meant he couldn’t blab about the potion and get us all into trouble. “We shall see, brother, we shall see,” I replied coolly.

  Martyn nudged me. “The Lady Claresse hasn’t arrived. Let’s hope her carriage crashed into a ditch so you’ll only have three other candidates to beat.”

  “I had heard she was delayed,” I told him, keeping my tone level. Did he think he was the only person who would find something out in the palace? I looked squarely at my brother. “I’m sure she’ll arrive soon. It’s a little early to be wishing misfortune on my rivals, don’t you think?”

  “Ha!” Martyn clapped me on the back as though I’d made a joke, forcing me off-balance. “It’s never too early for that, sister mine.” He rolled his eyes. “You will definitely need all the help you can get in this matter.”

  A gong sounded, the signal for us to take our places. “Kindly keep your help to yourself, brother. Watch and you may be surprised.”

  His laugh jarred as he escorted me to my place. “I shall be amazed, Hanna!”

  As I took my seat with the other candidates I caught Mage Redmor watching me. I wished again that Father hadn’t gone to him. It placed us under his obligation, a place I was very sure I didn’t want to be. Mage Redmor wanted the treaty with the fae to be torn up, a treaty the prince himself had brokered. That set the two men in opposition. Father wanted me to win the prince’s favour because it would advance our family, but if we used Mage Redmor’s help I was sure he was the one who would be demanding favours – and I would be in a poor situation to refuse.