by Spear, Terry
Even in her disguise I would not be able to ditch the brown gowns, at least for a time.
The princess said, “You will go, make the prince detest you, and then I’ll be free to wed Prince Sumaria.”
I sighed deeply exasperated, making another attempt to change her mind. “But if you have never met Prince Renault and then spent some time with him, perhaps you would care for him as much as you do for Sumaria.”
“He threatened my father with war until my father agreed to give me up as his bride. Though Prince Renault did say, I had to pique his interest. If not, he would release my father from his agreement.”
“But when you get well, you could show how much you dislike the prince.” And much better than I could. Princess Lynet could have the worst tantrums without provocation of any rich, spoiled lady I knew.
Lynet shook her head. “I can’t do it. Prince Sumaria said if I go to see Prince Renault, he’s calling off his agreement to marry me. He was very agreeable that I would send you in my place.”
“Do you have the letter from Prince Renault? I should probably take it with me so they know it is me—well, you rather—that has come at his request.”
“No.”
I must have looked startled at the abruptness and rudeness in her voice. I thought my request totally appropriate and sincere.
She smiled sweetly. “Father keeps important documents like those in his archives.”
“Is everyone to know about this—”
“No. I will live in your quarters pretending to be you until you return, though I don’t know how I’ll manage to wear only brown dresses all the time. You’re lucky you love the color so well. But you must accomplish the task quickly and come home right away.”
I took another deep breath, trying to calm my anxiety as the nape of my neck crawled. I could see my hair being piled high on my head while the executioner readied his axe.
Though I was a royal duchess, only one rank lower than a princess and had many privileges, I also found myself in predicaments—such as these—I had no control over. “I will do as you wish, Princess Lynet.”
She smiled, but the smile didn’t reach her darkened, narrowed eyes. “Of course you will.” Lynet motioned toward the door. “Your escort awaits in the courtyard.”
There were no more “dear cousin” sentiments and now that I had been formerly dismissed, it was time to leave the home I had known for the last four years and venture across lands I had never been.
But first, I had to change, gather my staff and sword, and arrange for my lady-in-waiting, Baroness DeChamplainet, to join me.
Nothing worked out as I planned.
As soon as I stepped out the door, a man I’d never seen before grabbed my arm and hurried me down the long hall toward the side door to the castle. I guessed it was because of my pretending to be the princess, and she’d had the whole matter well taken in hand.
“But I need to change into the princess’s—”
“In the coach,” the man said gruffly. His black hair brushed his collar, and his black beard did, too. I could barely make out his black eyes, as beady as they were. Wrinkled flesh and a bridge of black brows hid them almost entirely.
“But I must speak with my lady-in-waiting and—”
“You are under strict orders to leave without word to any.”
I stared at the carriage that I was being rushed to. It was not one of the royal carriages, painted in familiar brilliant red with a golden eagle emblazoned on its side. Instead, black paint peeled from the wooden conveyance and a remnant of red paint, indicating whoever’s emblem had once graced the carriage, was nearly gone.
“Whose carriage is this?”
“Bandits will avoid attacking a carriage like this.”
I knew then the king either didn’t have word of what his daughter intended, or if he did, something else was at stake.
At least I had my jewel-handled dagger and a fair amount of coins in my purse.
Where the carriage sat waiting, the torches had all been extinguished—another ominous sign. But then again, if I were to leave in secrecy...
The man jerked the door open and it creaked. I lifted my gowns and nearly fell inside the carriage while he made no effort to assist me up the rickety wood step.
Then he slammed the door closed.
As soon as I sat on the leather bench seat, I felt something crinkle underneath me. Black leather flaps hung down in the windows, though with the darkness of night, I couldn’t see anything anyway.
The horses took off and I nearly fell from my seat.
I spoke a light spell, having discovered that since I turned seventeen, I had somehow garnered several new mage abilities. To my relief, in the equivalent of a faint candlelight’s glow, I found my traveling cloak, a perfectly weatherproof garment. In addition, I found a pouch filled with cheese, dried fish and beef, and freshly baked bread, resting upon my cloak. My water pouch lay nearby. Then I pulled the paper from underneath my gown. There was no seal, just a folded piece of parchment. I opened it with enthusiasm, hoping for some word of encouragement on this dismal night.
They intend to sell you to slavers. As soon as the carriage stops anywhere, get away. Make your way to Castle Ro. My good friend, Duke Yalovon, manages the dukedom. You will say you are my niece, Lady Arabella. She died last year, but he will not know this. You will be his governess for his twin girls. Live there and prosper, dear lady. I will join you when I can safely do so.
Your lady-in-waiting, Baroness DeChamplainet.
