by Marisa Mills
“I’ll keep an eye on Claribel,” Briar said, waving a hand. “I ain’t no good at pretending.”
“You don’t have to pretend to be a mage,” Tatiana said gently. “Just a repairman or a merchant. What skills do you have?”
“Digging through garbage and skinning monsters,” he grinned.
“Ah,” Jessa said. “Then you might be right.”
“I ain’t—” Sterling began.
“They might be helpful,” Viviane interrupted. “We’ll just make sure one of us doing most of the talking.”
Alexander waved a dismissive hand. “Fine. I’m not going to argue with you.”
Your princeling really needs to learn to be less jealous, Lucian said. It’s unbecoming for a royal.
Because Lucian was never jealous.
It’s different when it’s me, Lucian said defensively.
“Viv and Sterling, go to the national library and make sure we’ve found everything there,” Alexander said. “Jessa and Tatiana, see if you can get into the Chancellor’s home. Briar and Claribel will stay here and look through Kai’s study. And Wynter and I will try searching the Chambers. This way, we can make sure we cover everything.”
“I don’t wanna go to the—” Sterling began.
“Too bad,” Alexander said. “Let’s get going.”
Viviane sighed and pushed back her chair, the legs screeching loudly on the tile. She flipped her hair and stretched her arms over her head.
“We’ll meet you back here,” she said.
Viviane walked away without waiting to see if Sterling would follow her. His eyes darted to me and then Viviane. With a scowl directed to Alexander, he hurried after her.
“Shall we?” Alexander asked, offering me his arm. I shook my head but accepted his arm all the same. We left the estate and set off for the Chambers. Fortunately, most of Aubade’s important buildings were all concentrated in the same area, unlike Reverie which kept the Academy, forum, and Council chambers on the opposite end of the kingdom from the palace.
“Let’s take a streamship downtown,” Jessa said. We followed her several blocks until we came to a deep channel, cut straight through the rock. We waited a few moments until a long vehicle pulled up to the curb. It was operating on some kind of track and seemed to be powered by angular sails and the release of concentrated air. Briar held his hat as we started. It whipped us past the buildings until they were almost a blur.
“This is us!” Jessa called, when we pulled up to a wide courtyard. Jessa pointed each of us in the right direction, and we split up. Soon, the Chambers were before us. It wasn’t hard to spot, based on Jessa’s description. The building was tall and cut from flat, black stone so shiny and bright that it could be used as a mirror. When Alexander and I entered, we were greeted by sleek, black floors and intricate wood panels that hung upon the walls. In the square in front of the building, we passed a large golden statue of an eagle with a snake in its talons. Jessa had told us it was the symbol Aubade used for a united kingdom.
The building was unguarded, and although several people were working behind a large desk, we moved quickly through the welcome area and climbed the stairs to the second floor. I breathed a sigh of relief when nobody shouted at us to stop.
“Where now?” I asked.
“I haven’t the faintest idea,” Alexander muttered, lifting his eyes, “but power flows up.”
The stairs curved around the outside of the building, leaving the central area hollow. From the middle of the ceiling hung an enormous brass ball. I realized the outside of the building wasn’t actually black stone, just dark, mirrored windows. From the inside, the windows cut the glare but gave us an unobstructed view of the city. As we got higher, I gazed out over the curving, stylized architecture of Aubade.
On the top floor, we drifted through a long corridor, lined with several massive wooden doors. Fortunately, they bore nameplates. This might take forever, but we would—eventually—find the Chancellor’s office. Alexander and I passed a few servants and several important-looking mages, but no one stopped us.
They probably don’t care as long as you aren’t actually entering somewhere you aren’t supposed to be, Lucian said. I hoped so. Jessa had made us leave our weapons at home, and I felt exposed with only the small knife in my boot, though Alexander had his pen and with Lucian’s fire, I wasn’t completely helpless.
Alexander halted further down and beckoned for me. “Found it,” he said.
The doorplate read High Chancellor. I tested the doorknob. Locked, no surprise there.
“Places like this, Lucian?” I whispered, as I pulled a pin from my hair.
Exactly, he purred.
I twisted the pin in the lock, leaning close to hear the tumblers. With a satisfying click, the door opened, and I slipped inside. Alexander followed. The room we entered was circular, with a domed roof. It took a moment to realize we were in the very top tower of the building. It was an odd room, both warm and intimidating. A row of bookshelves and a large oak desk were positioned in the center of the room, along with some potted plants. When I saw my own reflection, I realized the room was actually moon shaped, reflecting the wide windows behind us looking out over the sea.
“Let’s hurry,” Alexander said. “There could be enchantments that detect intruders.”
He moved first, striding to the massive bookshelves across the wall. I went to the Chancellor’s desk, searching for anything that might hold clues on how to enter the demon chamber. I flitted through receipts and papers, but it was nothing useful.
I’ll keep watch, Lucian said.
“Thank you,” I replied.
I opened the desk drawers, pulling them out and rifling through their contents. The Chancellor really liked sigils; there were piles upon piles of designs. There was a map of Reverie, a few warrants for investigations, and what looked like an order for an execution. I bit my lip, hoping it had nothing to do with Dorian. If I could—
Hide! Lucian’s warning exploded in my mind.
“Alexander!” I exclaimed. “Hide!”
Alexander whirled around. I didn’t see what he did next. I dove beneath the Chancellor’s desk and curled back as far as I could in the shadows.
“What are you doing here?” A voice, sharp and intimidating, pierced the air.
“I’m sorry, I was looking for Senator Kai’s office!” Alexander exclaimed.
“Then, you appear to be in need of an escort,” said another voice, smooth and friendly.
“That won’t be necessary,” Alexander said. “I’ll see myself out.”
“I insist,” the first voice said.
I held my breath as the footsteps retreated, a creak, and a slamming door. Silence. I was about to crawl out from under the desk when Lucian warned me not to move.
There’s still one here, Lucian said murmured.
Wheels flashed before me, accompanied by a pair of black boots, newly polished. One of them was crooked. For a moment it looked like they were floating above the carpet, but then I realized the man was fixed into some kind of wheeled tech. He came to a stop before the desk and paused. Then he leaned down to look at me, his dark hair brushing across the edge of his desk, his eyes a vibrant gold.
***
The man wheeled himself back a hairsbreadth and unbuttoned his shirt sleeves. “It isn’t every day I find a young lady in my office,” he said, giving me a charming smile. “If I’d known that young man brought such an enchanting creature with him, I wouldn’t have been so quick to dismiss him.”
This had to be the Chancellor. My heart beat so quickly that it hurt. I hoped he’d just throw me out like he had Alexander. But suddenly, I was all too aware of how trapped I was beneath the desk. I crouched lower to the ground, as if I could make myself sink through the marble and disappear.
The Chancellor rolled his cuffs up, revealing the sigils tattooed on his forearms. The marks were too complicated for me to read, but enough to
let me know he was powerful. I frowned again at his wheeled chair.
A broken mage, Lucian said. I’ve never heard of such a thing.
“Come out then,” he continued. “Let me get a good look at you.”
He wheeled himself back to give me space, and I climbed out from beneath his desk, stumbling in the folds of my dress. I thought about reaching for my knife, but offered him an awkward smile and a curtsey instead.
My mind whirled as I tried desperately to think of an explanation.
“Chancellor—” I started.
“Call me Jeremiah,” he said.
“Jeremiah,” I said, “I—um—”
“Do you have a name?” Jeremiah asked.
I swallowed. “Yes,” I replied.
Jeremiah arched an eyebrow. “And you don’t feel inclined to share?” he asked.
No. But then, I was fumbling with everything. How could I possibly justify being in the Chancellor’s office? And even worse, under his desk? And why wasn’t he angry?
Try charming him? Lucian suggested, sounding as lost as I was.
“I don’t,” I said, tossing my hair like I’d seen Viviane do so often. “Feel inclined to share, that is,” I smiled. “I’m of the opinion that a young lady should have a bit of mystery.”
“How unexpected!” Jeremiah exclaimed, clapping his fingers together lightly.
“Well, I’ll admit this is one way to get my attention.”
Unfortunately. My mouth went dry thinking of what I should say next. Should I ask him about Celeste? Warn him that spies from Reverie were on their way to destroy Aubade? What would he do to me if he knew the truth?
Jeremiah waved a hand to the empty seat across from him.
“How long ago did you file your paperwork?” he asked, shuffling the papers on his desk.
“Paperwork?” I asked, sitting cautiously.
“Of course,” Jeremiah said. “To see me.”
What was he talking about?
“Three months ago,” I lied.
“And did you receive a reply?” he asked.
“No,” I answered.
Jeremiah smiled wryly. “I’m afraid I’ve gotten a new secretary, and he’s done a terrible job at scheduling. I’ve missed much correspondence and so many meetings. But you’re the first one I’ve had show up in my office.”
The chancellor thought he’d ignored me?
This has potential, Lucian murmured.
“It’s all right,” I said, clasping my hands in my lap. “I’m sure you’re dreadfully busy, and your time is much more precious than mine.”
Jeremiah’s smile was kind and it made his eyes shine. He reminded me a bit of Professor Gareth, and the realization struck me with a strange mix of guilt and longing.
“What did you need from me?” Jeremiah asked, crossing his fingers over his desk.
I knew what I needed—a way to enter Aubade’s demon chamber. But should I risk asking?
What else can you ask for? Lucian asked.
“Whatever it is,” Jeremiah said, “I promise I won’t think ill of you. I’ve had more absurd requests than you can imagine.”
“I’m a student,” I said slowly.
“I would guess so, considering your age,” Jeremiah said. “What is your area of study?”
“Battle magic,” I said. “But I’m interested in—well—I’m interested in the chamber beneath Aubade. I was hoping for a student permit to study it, but my request never received a response.”
Jeremiah hummed and looked askance towards his desk. The silence stretched until it was almost unbearable.
“You’ve picked an unfortunate time to make that request,” he answered finally. “Because of this war with Reverie, I’ve stopped allowing access to the chamber.”
“That’s understandable,” I said. “I’m sorry for not realizing that.”
“Think nothing of it. I’m glad to see someone interested in learning about advanced magic. I don’t think anyone has studied that chamber in…why, years. It’s not a common request,” Jeremiah said, arching an eyebrow.
“Who was…who was the last person to study it?” I asked.
The Chancellor sighed. His face softened.
“It was a scholar from Reverie. A young man, I think. But that was many years ago.”
Although my breath caught in my throat, I tried to hide my excitement. He had to mean my father. Someone in Aubade remembered Nicholas Armenia, who he was and what he’d done.
“What did he learn?” I asked. “What was he like?”
Jeremiah smiled. “Young, optimistic, bright,” he said. “He was…devoted and compassionate. He wanted to save the whole world single handedly, and I think he—perhaps—lived under the delusion that if he just learned enough, he’d be able to.”
“I don’t think that’s a bad way to be,” I said.
Jeremiah drummed his fingers on his desk. He wore four heavy rings on his right hand, and the gold and colored gems caught the light when he moved his fingers. “Why not?” he asked, with a look of sudden intensity.
“The world could always use more compassionate people,” I said. “Sometimes, it’s easy to get hurt. I’ve seen how some people open up if they’re just shown a little kindness.”
“And what would a girl like you know of being hurt?” Jeremiah asked.
I bit the inside of my cheek. I was sharing too much information.
But if you can win his trust…Lucian muttered.
It would make this much easier. I felt a twinge of guilt. Even if I knew what I was supposed to be doing, Chancellor Jeremiah seemed so kind. Maybe a little lonely. I felt bad lying to him.
I cleared my throat. “My mother died shortly after I was born, and my father left me. So I was raised by a very cruel man,” I said. “For seventeen years, I grew up trying to protect the people I loved.”
“I’m very sorry to hear that,” Jeremiah said “But I’ve found that suffering more often breeds bitterness than compassion.”
“Maybe,” I said, “but…for me, it made me stronger.”
“And do you still live in this awful situation?” Jeremiah asked.
“No, my…uncle takes care of me, or he did,” I said. “He’s off fighting now.”
“You must be terribly worried,” Jeremiah said.
I’d tried not to think about it. Especially after what happened to our classmates and Professor Gareth. “I am,” I said. “I wish…we weren’t always on good terms, my uncle and me, and I spent a long time trying to decide how I felt about him.”
I paused, and when I looked at Jeremiah, his face was sympathetic. “Now, he’s gone, and I…I miss him,” I said, “and I regret that I didn’t hug him the last time I saw him. I wish I’d done more. I know it’s a silly thing to be upset about.”
“I’m so sorry to have taken your guardian away from you,” Jeremiah said, his voice gentle.
“It isn’t your fault,” I said. “You’re only doing what you believe is right.”
Everyone was. Aubade and Reverie really weren’t that different. They were both enslaving demons. They were both sabotaging one another. And now, they were both going to tear one another apart.
“Perhaps, that’s the best any of us can do,” Jeremiah said. “I used to think the world was so full of honor and valor. Courage. But now, I wonder if doing the right thing isn’t the best we can hope for. It’s difficult being in command, dear. The cost of war will be steep, but it may be our only chance for preserving our kingdom. The troops will protect our grain and stores from Reverie’s soldiers. Nobody will go hungry. You have my word.”
But there had to be another way. I thought of my father’s vision, of a world built on mages and demons living together and understanding one another. There had to be a way to make that happen. My father wouldn’t have wanted any of this. My half-buried emotions suddenly swam to the surface, and for a moment I wanted to confess everything to the Chancelor.
You can’t, Lucian said. He’ll kill you if he learns who you are.
I took a deep breath and stood up.
“Thank you for your time,” I said, “and for listening.”
“If you’re still interested,” Jeremiah continued, “I’ll take you to the demon chamber after the war is ended. I would be willing to spare a few drops of blood for you.”
“Blood?” I asked.
Careful, Lucian hissed.
“Yes,” Jeremiah replied. “Opening the demon chamber requires a blood sacrifice.”
“But what if something happens to you?” I asked, trying to act as if my question stemmed from concern rather than a need to know. “What if Aubade needs to open the chamber, and you are indisposed or missing?”
Jeremiah leaned close to me and winked. “Anyone’s blood will work,” he said, “but I’d never ask a young lady to maim herself for me.”
But it couldn’t be that easy. It couldn’t be just a few drops of blood. There had to be a trick of some kind, but unless the others had discovered something, the Chancellor’s word was certainly better than nothing.
Eighteen
“THAT’S IT?” ALEXANDER ASKED. “THAT can’t be it.”
I shrugged and leaned my head against the back of the sofa. We’d regrouped in the parlor of Jessa’s estate, and unfortunately, it looked like I’d been the only one to return with information we could use.
Viv and Sterling had found a pile of books and a large fold-out map of the kingdom. Jessa silently smoothed the creases over the area showing the location of Aubade’s demon chamber. While Reverie’s demon chamber was a well-guarded secret, Aubade seemed less cautious with their information. It had only taken a half day of searching in Aubade’s library to find this diagram, and predictably, it looked just like Reverie’s.
“These rectangles should be entrances,” she said. “There are multiple access points.”
“Then we should try to get in,” Alexander said. “It’s the only lead we have.”
“And what,” Jessa said, folding her arms. “Destroy Aubade?”
