He tilted his head, weighing my words. “I suppose that much is true, though there’s a fine line between finding small respite and being selfish.”
I nodded. “Balance in all things, Sire. I wouldn’t suggest an extended trip abroad if one’s country was in the midst of war.” I handed him the reins. “But a short ride to fortify yourself during hardship isn’t selfish, so much as necessary.”
“You’re right, of course,” he said, adjusting himself in the saddle, “but you didn’t answer my question.”
“What question, Sire?”
Leaning against the pommel, he pinned me in place with a look. “You won’t reconsider my offer? There’s a place at my side if you wish it.”
Swallowing, I tore my gaze away and shook my head. “My answer is the same, Your Highness.”
He eased Remy out of the stall and towards the exit. “Then I shall continue to wait. I’ve been gifted with patience and perseverance.”
Laughing a little, I saw him out. “There’s wisdom in knowing futility. You may wait forever if it’s me you’re attempting to sway.”
Casting me a last look over his shoulder, he smiled. “We’ll see.”
With that, he set off on his ride, leaving me shaking my head and praying to the spirits that I could be as stubborn as Prince Leopold.
The smoke wafted into the air, and I huddled close to soak up the warmth of the small fire. When Delphine did not immediately appear, I scowled and tried to focus on the memory of her face, her voice, her words. After several minutes of this, she appeared at last.
“We’re working as quickly as we can, dearest one,” she said, “but I’ve nothing for you yet. We need more time.”
“There isn’t any more time,” I whispered back. “The queen may not last the night, let alone another day. This, from the mouth of the prince himself.”
“What do you mean from the prince himself?”
I paused, suddenly aware that she didn’t know of my conversations with him. “He was in the stables today. I overheard him talking.” That I wanted to hide his attempts to befriend me surprised me. It was innocent enough, but still, I thought that telling her might earn me teasing at best, uncomfortable questions at worst. We had time for neither.
“Talking to whom?”
I grinned a little. “His horse.”
“His horse?”
“Yes,” I said with a giggle. “They’re quite close.” Waving off the subject, I turned the conversation back to the important topic. “How much progress have you made? Was the page I trapped in the crystal the correct one, or must I go back into that foul crypt?”
“We’re still translating the words,” she said. “It’s a very ancient dialect that’s giving us some difficulty. If we’re not precise with the translation, we cannot replicate what was done, and thus we wouldn’t be able to counteract it.”
“I’m all for caution, but is there something we might do in the interim? Something to slow the effects at the least?”
She exhaled in a tired sigh, and I wondered if she’d slept since receiving the impression crystal. “All we know is that it’s both poison and enchantment. We cannot fight what we do not know. You must be—”
The low, hollow clanging of the palace bell brought the conversation to an immediate halt. My stomach dropped into my feet, and I covered my mouth with a hand to keep from crying out.
“What is it? What’s happened?”
I pinched back tears, but a few escaped.
“We’re too late, sister,” I said, my voice breaking. “They’re ringing the bells.”
“The bells?” she said. “Then that means…”
Slowly, I nodded. “They ring in mourning. Queen Muriel is dead.”
Few people will ever cause an entire nation to weep when they pass from the world. Queen Muriel was a beloved ruler, and each person I saw in the days following the announcement of her death had swollen, red-rimmed eyes for the tears they shed. I kept to myself, going about my tasks quietly and with more veracity than I had before.
She was gone because I failed her. I wasted too much time. Perhaps I should’ve tried to return to her chambers, to dispose of the wretched flowers. At the least, maybe it would have afforded us a few days more to find a permanent solution.
Again, I was too late to save someone from the wickedness of King Alder.
Mourners arrived en masse to the castle, tripling my duties overnight, then yet again by week’s end. There were more horses than stables to house them, and Master Grey was forced to find extra space for them or send the visitors away.
My only free moment was for the queen’s internment in the family crypt. I kept far back from the processional led by King Alder and Prince Leopold, but even at the furthest reaches of the crowd of black-clad mourners, the prince’s eyes found me for a sliver of a second. What passed between us in that tiny fraction of time left me breathless. I knew then that he would seek me out at his first opportunity. His absolute need for a friend was so clear, it was as though he’d screamed it over the gathered crowd.
My certainty of his feelings vanished as he passed into the stone entrance to the crypt, the queen’s ornately carved coffin following behind him on the shoulders of silver-armored knights.
I would have been a liar if I said to anyone that I thought him safe. The prince was heir to the throne, and would step into that place on his next birthday, but that was yet a month away. With the queen gone, King Alder would have the gentle prince in his sights. I could not save his mother, but I wouldn’t fail again.
Even if it cost me my life, I would save his.
Chapter 6
“Are you sure that’s wise, Highness?” I asked, incredulous that he’d even consider it.
“I am. It will be my last opportunity to do so before the coronation,” Prince Leopold said.
He waited three full days before finding me, though I was sure it was being otherwise occupied that kept him, rather than lack of desire. Guests had finally begun leaving, and I’d spent the last day cleaning the excess mess from the stables. I couldn’t imagine how horribly I must’ve stunk after that, but the prince didn’t so much as pause before telling me his plans that afternoon.
I fidgeted with the shovel and brushed the sweat from my forehead. “A two-day hunting trip?”
“Yes,” he said. “And I wish you to come along to tend the horses.”
Frowning, I couldn’t hide my anxiety. “Master Grey won’t care for that, Sire. And I don’t like the thought of leaving these other animals to his mercy.”
“I don’t wish to order you, Rae, but I can’t tell you how desperate I am for company other than the Royal Guard. They hound me, endlessly shadowing my movements.” That same need in his eyes, a pleading for my presence, again stilled my breath with its strength. “Any companions I’ve made these past four years are all on the battlefield. I’ve been away from here for far too long. Those I knew even amongst the palace staff have dwindled to but a handful. Will you not grant me this request?”
Unable to stop myself, I relented. “If that’s what His Highness requires, I shall provide it. If it will ease your burden, then, yes, I’ll oblige.”
When he smiled, it was as though the sun returned after a month’s absence, stunning me with its brilliance.
“Thank you, Rae,” he said, clasping my shoulder. He might as well have called down lightning to strike me for as shocked as I was at the contact. He removed his hand quickly, retreating back through the stable. “We leave at first light. I’ll pass word to Master Grey,” he called back to me.
Shaking a little, I tried to recover my wits. What must it be like to have such a startling effect on others? Any time the man touched me, my entire body lit up like a great bonfire was ablaze in my belly.
I returned to shoveling out the stall, replaying our conversation over and over in my head. I tried to think of some way I might’ve persuaded him against this expedition, some words that could convince him to remain at the palace, bu
t, instead, my worry deepened.
The Royal Guard shadowed him? To what end? Were they protecting their almost-king, or were darker forces at work?
My trepidation grew as the day turned to night. When at last Master Grey inflicted his usual round of insults on me before dismissing me for the evening, I retreated to my pallet to think. Perhaps it was a good thing I was going along. If nothing else, I could keep an eye on the prince at all times. It was entirely possible nothing was amiss, but I couldn’t help the growing unease that kept me from sleep. To placate myself a little, I crept from my bed and out to the hollow log that hid my bow and arrows. Keeping them bundled in a linen wrap, I returned to the stables and covered it in the pile of hay, intending to roll it up in my blankets when I woke.
There was one thing yet to do.
Lighting the fire in the metal bucket, I needed to inform Delphine of where I would be the next few days, lest she try to contact me. Bracing for an inevitable barrage of questions, I decided on my story before her face formed in the smoke.
“We’ve no news, dearest one. Still working. Is there something pressing you need?” she said, hurried.
“I wanted to let you know that I’ll be away from here for two days at least,” I said. “I’m being sent along on a hunting expedition to care for the horses.”
“Any horse in particular you’ll be caring for?” she asked with a hint of mirth.
I scowled. “All of them. Why are you asking?”
“Because it amuses me that you thought to tell me this. I’m already aware. Have you packed your bow?”
“Have you been reading the ashes again?” I hissed at her. “I told you—”
“Yes, you did tell me, but I won’t leave your safety to chance. If we have a way to avoid danger, we need all the advantages we can get. Or have you forgotten what we’re facing in this?”
Gritting my teeth, I tried very, very hard to control my temper. “I haven’t forgotten, but I wish you’d avoid it if at all possible.”
“You’ll have a choice to make, dearest one. I know not what it is, but please use as much caution as you can. Everything rides on your actions. Choose wisely.”
“No more ashes,” I said, ignoring her warning. “If you don’t hear from me in a span of four days, then you may. Otherwise, respect my wishes. I won’t be made into a self-fulfilling prophecy.”
“Is that all?” she asked, clearly in a hurry to be done with me.
I grumbled in exasperation. “Yes, that’s all.”
“Then I wish you well, dearest one. Be swift. Be safe.”
“Spirits willing,” I said in return, putting out the fire when she was gone.
The soft snuffle of a horse rousted me from the blankets knotted around me. I’d thrashed about in my sleep so violently that I was nearly trapped by the fabric. After a few trembling breaths, I tried to determine the hour. Within moments, I heard the castle watch cry half past four. As there was little point in attempting sleep again, since surely more of the same memories would haunt me in slumber, I stood, stretched, and went about the morning’s preparations.
By the time Prince Leopold approached the stables, Remy was brushed, saddled, and waiting at the hitching post outside, along with three other steeds for the guards accompanying us.
His pleasant smile dissolved into a curious frown. “Will you not be coming with us today?”
I adjusted my pack, confused. “Of course, unless His Highness has changed his mind…”
“Then where is your horse?” he said, smirking.
“My… what, Sire?” I’d assumed I’d be walking, but I supposed that made little sense.
He strode past me into the stables, considering each horse as he went along. When he stopped, it was to study a mare with a softly dappled gray and white coat. None ever rode her, but Master Grey told me she was Queen Muriel’s favorite. Prince Leopold gave her a gentle pat.
“What say you, Cora? Care to come along?”
I swallowed hard. He wished me to ride his mother’s horse? Mortified, I opened my mouth to protest, but he’d have no argument.
“She’s missed the open air,” he said. “It’ll be good for her to be ridden again. Hurry with the tack now. We must be away.”
I stammered a bit more, then, at his look of reproach, scurried off to find myself a saddle. While I’d given Cora as much care as any other animal, knowing who she belonged to caused me to hesitate when I approached her with laden arms. Prince Leopold scooped the saddle from my hold and hummed as he readied her to ride.
Setting my palm against her nose, I let her see me through my glamour, that she might be comfortable as my companion. At her nuzzle, I grinned and gave her a pat before helping ready her. He took her by the reins when it was done and led us both out of the stable. Even though I was following the prince’s orders, I couldn’t meet the eyes of the Royal Guard once I’d mounted the mare, not wanting to see their disdain and disapproval at such an early hour. We set off then, and I kept to the back, knowing my place was simply to watch.
After several hours of riding through the countryside, we stopped by a river to water the horses and ourselves. I ignored it as the other men dug into their saddlebags, removing bread and fruit for their morning meal. Easing onto a nearby boulder, I contented myself with a drink and the gurgle of water as it rushed by.
An apple appeared in front of my face so suddenly that I nearly tumbled backwards.
Prince Leopold laughed. “I beg your pardon. I didn’t mean to frighten you. I brought extras if you’re hungry.”
Blinking at the offered fruit, I wasn’t sure what to do. “For me, Sire?”
He tossed it at me, and I caught it with a fumble. “I won’t have you starve. I didn’t expect you’d have your own resources.”
“Thank you, Highness,” I said as I stared at the unblemished apple resting in my palms.
After we’d eaten, he motioned me over to return to our horses, but he pulled something small from his pocket, placing it in my hand. “For Cora,” he said with a wink before swinging himself up onto Remy’s back.
My eyes popped as I stared at the sugar cube. It was quite the indulgence, as sugar wasn’t always readily available in winter. If he meant for me to win over the mare with this gift, was he concerned we might not get on? Cora wasn’t as warm as Remy was once convinced he liked a person, but Cora didn’t dislike me in the least. She carried herself with the grace of a queen, hiding most of her feelings about things, though her ears betrayed her when someone she didn’t like was about.
As I approached her with the sweet, her ears tuned toward me, and she shook her mane with a happy snort.
“Already know what’s coming then?” I said with a chuckle as she sniffed my hand impatiently. “He worries for us, but I think we’re all right, yes?” The moment I presented the cube, her lips wrapped around it and her teeth pulverized it into delicious particles, though it was not her favorite treat. I stroked her neck and smiled. “Do you want to tell him you prefer salted apples, or should I?”
She whinnied and nuzzled my face, sniffing at the remnants of apple juice clinging to my chin.
“All right, all right, silly thing,” I said, quietly laughing. “I’ll tell him next time. I promise.”
It was shortly after lunch when we arrived at the first stop of the hunting expedition. We were to make camp and spend the rest of the day hunting game. It was a small clearing, soon dotted with the men’s unrolled sleeping pallets and a ring of rocks for a fire. Without being told, I hurried into the trees for firewood after tying up the horses. When I returned, Prince Leopold was gone, as was one of the Royal Guards. Suspicion raised the hairs on the back of my neck, but I showed nothing of the sort as I arranged kindling inside the ring of stones.
“It doesn’t sit right with me, Sergeant,” one man said quietly. “I can’t believe the prince would be capable of such a thing.”
“You’ve heard the evidence as well as I,” the other said, so low I almost couldn’t
hear it. “We have our orders from the king. Come back with his heart, or don’t come back at all.”
Willing my hands to work without trembling, my mind raced.
“Is Jamison the one to do it, then?”
“He’ll send the signal when it’s time. That one’s too good with a sword. One isn’t enough a match for him.”
“And what of the boy?
There was a pause, and I intentionally knocked the circle of stones into disarray.
“Take the horse. Let the wolves have ‘im.” He chuckled. “That one isn’t bright enough to find his way around a tree, let alone back to the palace.”
They shared a good laugh at my expense, but, as always, I feigned blissful ignorance and headed back into the woods. Hiding myself, I watched them, waiting until I saw them sit up, attentive. With a look back at the treeline where I’d disappeared, they disregarded me entirely and fastened their sword belts.
A single arrow flew into the air past the far side of the clearing. The two guards broke into a run, hurrying in the direction the shot had come from. The moment they were gone, I bolted out of the woods, grabbed my bow and quiver, and cut around slightly to the right of the way they went.
The idiot guards were none too quiet as they trampled through the forest. I caught up and passed them without so much as disturbing a twig, beating them to their destination.
When I came in sight of Prince Leopold and the last guard, I scrambled up into a nearby tree. There, perched on a branch, I sank low with my back against the trunk and readied my weapon.
“A fine shot, Highness,” the guard said as the prince approached a downed stag. An arrow protruded from its eye. It had been killed instantly, a mercifully accurate shot.
Prince Leopold knelt, setting a hand against the animal’s side. “A handsome one, indeed, though he was old and wouldn’t see many more winters.”
As he reached for the arrow, the man behind him rested his hand on the pommel of his sword. My own arrow nocked, I pulled back on the bowstring and took aim.
Shadows on Snow: A Flipped Fairy Tale (Flipped Fairy Tales) Page 6
