Palace Intrigue

by Lina J. Potter

  In turn, she had learned that Gardwig was very ill, and that Altres Lort would do anything and kill anyone to help him. She learned that the royal medicus, like everyone else in her new world, believed in the miraculous powers of bloodletting and enemas.

  Old Gardwig must have started out strong as an ox if he’s still alive after years of that kind of treatment.

  There had been an uncomfortable moment when Rolf told her that her husband had earned himself quite the reputation as a gallant ladies’ man during his stay in Wellster. The spy naturally supposed that this information would pain her ladyship, and her ladyship did her best not to let on that she couldn’t care less.

  She had given Rolf a list of questions to ask the king regarding his health. While she couldn’t visit the royal patient, she could at least collect his health history and give the matter some thought. In the end, Lily was satisfied that she had shown her interest. What would come of it remained to be seen.

  Chapter 7

  Winter’s Icy Blast

  As the year came to a close, Lily was surprised to learn that people in her new world had no mid-winter holiday. She would have liked to put up a tree and decorate it, but she worried that it would raise too many questions. So, in the end, she simply announced that the last day of the year would be a day of rest. Everyone in the castle got the day off, and there was wine and dancing in the evening.

  Lily refrained from drinking, but she watched with curiosity as those around her enjoyed the unexpected party. The wine seemed to lift their inhibitions. Even the Virmans looked more relaxed. Lily danced with Tahir, Lons, Taris, and even Leif (with the generous permission of a laughing Ingrid). Erik asked her to dance three times, but Lily was careful not to dance more than twice with the same man. Lons had explained that a noblewoman should not be seen dancing too often with any man other than her husband.

  She was doing her best to remember every tiny detail of etiquette so that she would be prepared to attend balls at the palace in the spring. Even so, she was aware there were too many things she didn’t know. I’ll stand out like a sore thumb, she thought glumly.

  ***

  A letter from Lilian:

  My dear husband,

  I am sure you will be glad to hear that all is well. Miranda is healthy and sends you her love. I am alive, but my health is a source of constant worry. I have lost much weight because of my recent tragedy and the attempt to poison me. This has been confirmed by an eminent healer who arrived in Earton by a happy twist of fate. I expect you will have heard of Tahir Djiaman din Dashar. In any event, when you arrive, you can talk to him about the proper time to conceive a child. He believes that I will need to undergo lengthy treatment before attempting anything of the kind.

  I was pleased to receive your letter of approval and likewise look forward to seeing you in person. I hope you are well and continue to pray for you.

  Lilian Elizabeth Mariella Earton

  A letter from Miranda Catherine:

  Papa!

  I’m having a wonderful time! Lily is terrific! I have lots of friends. I also have a dog! And new clothes! Lily promised to get me a horse! I want an Avarian stallion, and Lily says we will order one from the Khanganate. I know how to read and write and count now. Lily says that a woman needs to know lots of things so that people can’t steal from her.

  Will we see you in the spring?

  I love you and pray for you. Lily prays for you, too.

  Miranda Catherine Earton

  When Jess finished reading the letters, he set them down on the table and turned to his cousin. “Richard, I’m ready to believe that Aldonai walks the earth among us.”

  “Why’s that?” Richard asked, looking up from a scroll.

  Jess ran a hand through his dark hair. “Nothing surprises me anymore. Up is down and down is up.”

  Richard raised an eyebrow.

  “Just look,” said Jess, handing him the letters. “When I last left Earton, my wife was a fat fool who couldn’t even look me in the face. And what do I have now?”

  “What?”

  “My uncle calls her exceptional, Miranda is happy, the estate has stopped draining me of cash, and my lover…” here his voice faltered, “…well, you know all about it.” He looked up at the prince, his face strained. “I must be losing my mind!”

  Richard put a hand on his shoulder. “Try to change the way you think about her. She must not be a bad person if Miranda has such good things to say about her.”

  “She taught the child to write. I didn’t even know that Lilian could write. I never saw her read anything.”

  “Don’t forget that she was being drugged.”

  “True,” Jess said, rubbing his chin. “But what about the rest of it? I’m glad for her to buy my daughter some new clothes, but what does she need a dog for? I would expect Lilian to get her a songbird in a cage.”

  Richard grinned. “Where would she find a caged songbird out in Earton?”

  “Exactly!” Jess stood up. “Who are these ‘friends’ Miranda writes of?”

  “The neighbors’ children?” Richard ventured a guess.

  “It’s a ten-day trip to the nearest neighbor!” Jess burst out, not entirely accurately. He paced back and forth. “There’s Donter. He’s a decent hunter, but he has no wife or children.”

  “Then I don’t know, either,” Richard confessed.

  “I don’t want Miranda playing with commoners.”

  “Write and tell her so.”

  “I will, but I don’t even know what to expect from her next.”

  Richard stretched his legs and smiled. “You remember what it says in the Book of Aldonai, don’t you?”

  “No man knows what to expect from a woman because she does not yet know herself what she will do.” Jess recited from memory.

  “Exactly.”

  Jess sat back down, and Richard took up his scroll again. After a few minutes passed, Jess could no longer stand the silence.

  “I don’t even have a man I could send to Earton now.”

  Richard set his scroll down. He was used to his cousin’s moods. “That’s true enough. Go ahead and write, but don’t expect a reply until we’re already in Ivernea.”

  Jess knew that without being told. It was the suspense that was killing him. His wife was behaving like a completely different person, and he was forced to rely on other people for information. It’s enough to drive anyone insane.

  ***

  The hair on Altres’ neck stood up as he read his spy’s report. Rolf had learned plenty about Earton. They were making salt from seawater, and the countess had craftsmen manufacturing excellent glass and lace. The jester picked up the small mirror Lily had given Rolf. He didn’t particularly enjoy looking at his own face, but the quality made him shake his head. Then he opened the packet of salt and tasted it. It was good, slightly bitter, but good. These things were interesting, but the jester really wanted to know about the Khangan healer, din Dashar.

  Rolf wrote that he had invited din Dashar to come to Wellster. The Khangan had refused, saying that there was still much he wanted to teach the countess, who had an uncommon talent for medicine. The jester wondered if there was some way to induce them to come. Gardwig’s health was rapidly declining. If Richard marries Anna, then I will make sure that Lilian Earton is invited to the wedding.

  At the end of the report, he found a list of questions concerning the King of Wellster and his health. He picked up the second letter, which was from Lilian.

  To the Earl of Lort.

  I expect that your spy has learned quite enough about me and my affairs. In the future, if you wish to know something, please write to me directly. Two intelligent people can always reach an agreement that furthers the interests of both.

  I am sending you a list of questions that I would like answers to. It is up to you whether or not to show them to His Majesty.

  I am also sending you some samples of the goods we manufacture in Earton. His Majesty Edward the Eighth,
by the grace of Aldonai King of Ativerna, is aware of our activities. Any shipments can be ordered through his agents.

  Respectfully yours,

  Lilian Elizabeth Mariella Earton

  The jester whistled under his breath.

  To the Earl of Lort. Not “Your Lordship” or even “Kind Sir.” No, the countess addressed him as an equal.

  Your spy has learned quite enough… More than enough, but no more than she was willing to share, the jester reflected.

  Two intelligent people… The countess had caught his spy, but she wasn’t angry. More importantly, she was demonstrating an interest in the king’s health. Still, Lort wasn’t sure whether or not to show his brother the questions.

  The jester correctly understood Lilian’s mention of King Edward as a mild threat. She wanted him to know that she had a good relationship with the king and that Wellster would not be taking advantage of its proximity to Earton.

  On the whole, the letter demanded respect. Altres set it aside to read again that evening. What to do about her questions?

  He unrolled the scroll. It was covered from edge to edge with the countess’ clear, forceful handwriting. The questions covered everything: what the king ate, how much he drank, his age, his clothing, his shoes, how fast his heart beat... I’m surprised she didn’t ask how often he visits his wife’s bedroom.

  At the end of the list of questions, there was a note:

  “I must warn you that even answers to all these questions may not be sufficient for me to identify His Majesty’s malady.”

  That was all.

  Altres suddenly gave a mischievous grin. He knew exactly what he would do.

  ***

  Jess looked up at Gardwig on his throne. He was every inch the king, and a fearsome tyrant.

  Jess bowed. “Your Majesty, I am most gratified to see…”

  “There is no need for a lengthy speech, young man. I have a request of you.”

  Coming from the king, any request was an order. “I will be pleased to hear it, Your Majesty.”

  “Bring your wife to Wellster. We would like to see her.”

  That was the last thing Jess had expected to hear. Gardwig worked hard not to laugh as he observed the earl’s shocked face. The jester, standing nearby, allowed himself a muffled cough.

  “My wife?”

  “Yes. The countess. We would be pleased to see her.”

  At this point, Jess’ formal upbringing took over. He assured the king that he would be exceedingly grateful if Lilian were to come to Wellster without delay, but that she was in Earton, and the roads, and the weather… And furthermore, King Edward had expressed a desire to see her ladyship at his own court in the spring.

  Gardwig heard him out with a smile playing on his lips. “I understand the difficulties perfectly. Her ladyship may come to Wellster in the summer, once her other obligations have been discharged. I will write to Edward myself.”

  The Earl of Earton bowed and slid to the side of the room, where he was immediately accosted by Adelaide Wells.

  “Jess!”

  He turned and scowled at her.

  “We need to talk, Jess!”

  “I have nothing to say to you,” he hissed.

  “What about our child?”

  The earl kept his voice low. “Your child, not ours. Do what you like with it. Leave me alone, or we’ll be having this conversation in a very unpleasant place when we get back to Ativerna. You tried to kill my daughter and my wife. I won’t forget that.”

  “I had nothing to do with it! It was Alex!”

  “Alex, the man you slept with,” Jess sneered. He put his face close to hers. “If you ever try to speak to me again, I will have you sent back home in chains. Now go!”

  Adelaide bit her lip and disappeared into the crowd. Jess sighed with relief and rested his hot forehead against the cold marble of the wall.

  His head was literally spinning. His life had always been, if not simple, then at least clear. He had his relationship with King Edward, his diplomatic work, and his estate, which was managed for him. He had a wife, who was an unpleasant consequence of his involvement with the boatyards, and he put up with her only for the sake of his own future financial well-being. He had Miranda to love and spoil. He had Richard as his closest friend. He had various mistresses to spend free time with.

  Now, that neat, orderly world was coming down around his ears. He was coming to realize that he wasn’t the diplomat he had always assumed himself to be. His estate had been robbed without his knowledge, and now it was doing well without his involvement. And August was angry at him.

  Nothing made sense anymore. How could that stupid, fat girl turn into…someone else entirely? Is she, in fact, a different person, or is there someone else telling her what to do? Both theories were equally implausible, but Jess could think of no other explanation.

  He briefly considered saddling a horse and making the journey to Earton, leaving Richard on his own in Wellster, but he knew his uncle would never forgive him. If I did that, I might have to stay in Earton for the next three years.

  There was only one thing Jess could do. He sat down in his room and dashed off letters to everyone at once: his sister, his mother, his sister’s husband, August, and his uncle.

  Perhaps their replies would shed more light on the mystery of his wife.

  ***

  Lily was pleased to get a letter from her father. He had unearthed quite a bit of information about Karl Treloney, but he didn’t know how much importance to assign to each fact. Lily didn’t know, either, so she wrote back asking for a list of who traded with whom and who was friends with whom among Ativernan high society.

  She also made a more sensitive request—she needed her father to find someone to engage in espionage; someone who could gather information and present it to her. Once I have enough information, I’ll be able to draw my own conclusions.

  The wind howled outside the castle walls, snow pounded against the windows, and winter marched on.

  ***

  Your Majesty,

  I hasten to inform you that His Majesty King Gardwig of Wellster has taken an interest in the affairs of Earton. He sent a man to make discreet inquiries. I have spoken with him. He left with no information of critical importance, but I expect there to be other visitors of the same sort. I do not see any danger from that direction, but I believe it would be wise to retain the secrets of making glass, salt, and lace within the borders of Your Majesty’s kingdom.

  With this in mind, I ask your permission to move my manufacturing to another location that my father will select for me. Earton is in a vulnerable position as it is too distant from the capital.

  I remain your loyal servant,

  Lilian Elizabeth Mariella Earton

  Edward was not surprised at Lilian’s letter. He knew Gardwig to be no man’s fool. The countess was right, as always. He would have to speak with August Broklend.

  ***

  August hastened himself to the palace when summoned. He bowed low, noting with a smile that, this time, the king’s servant offered him a chair, instead of the low stool he had always been given before.

  He sat down on the edge of the chair and waited for the king to speak.

  Edward wasted no time on formalities. “August, has your daughter asked you to find a place for her workshops?”

  “Yes, Your Majesty. She has also asked me to find someone to collect information. She called it,” he paused, “a man to head her personal espionage office. She feels that is the only way to combat the spies sent by others.”

  Edward shook his head with a smile. “Quite unexpected…”

  “Your Majesty?”

  “Your daughter has the mind of a man.”

  “She’s my own flesh and blood, Your Majesty.”

  “And I appreciate her loyalty to Ativerna.”

  August interlaced his fingers in front of his embroidered vest. “We have done well in Ativerna, Your Majesty. We were all born here and love our ho
me.”

  Edward needed no help hearing the subtext. We will stay here in Ativerna as long as we continue to prosper.

  “Have you carried out her request?”

  “Yes, Your Majesty.”

  The two men turned to a discussion of various locations and their defenses. They also considered how best to export the red-cross-stamped goods to other kingdoms. At the end of the half-hour, Edward found himself mightily pleased. Despite all of Jerrison’s foolishness, the countess was not demanding that measures be taken against him. She was prepared to meet him in person at court in the spring. She’s a wise woman. How could Jess have so misjudged her?

  ***

  August was making his way to the palace gate when he heard footsteps from behind. “Lord Broklend?” a man’s voice asked.

  He turned and gave a broad smile. “Leir Tremain! I am pleased to see you!”

  Hans bowed low but wasted no more time on polite chatter. “How are you? How is her ladyship?”

  “She is well, so far, and intends to arrive here in the spring. She asked me to give you her very best.”

  “I will be very happy to see her again.”

  “I’m sure she feels the same,” said August. He felt confident speaking for Lily in this small matter, because he, himself, liked Hans. Suddenly, an idea occurred to him. “Leir Tremain,” he continued, “do you know of anyone who would be interested in entering her ladyship’s service?”

  “In what capacity, Lord Broklend?”

  “Like yourself, I suppose. She says she needs someone to be in charge of a small espionage operation for her.”