The Desolate Empire Series: Books 1-3

by Christina Ochs

  “In part. There’s blame enough to go around. We all made mistakes and none of us behaved exactly as we should. The gods will forgive us for that and will help us be stronger in the future. Please don’t stop praying because of this.”

  Kendryk gave a short laugh. “That’s exactly what I’ve done. But you’re right. I have to make all of this worth it somehow and it’s the gods who matter now.”

  After Landrus had gone, he went to the chapel to pray. It felt good to ask for help since he couldn’t think of any solutions on his own. He had to believe the gods heard him, forgave him, and would show him the path which had long ago disappeared from his sight.

  Braeden

  Braeden was still grinning and shaking his head by the time he reached his tent. Romantic advice from the prince was never worth much. Novitny always courted the worst harridans, and never kept them for more than a month before the crockery flew, or worse. The last one had tried to use his saber on him.

  Things were in a flurry inside his tent. Janna knelt over a trunk, pulling out items of clothing. She’d already handed some of them to Gergo while telling him how they should be cleaned. She’d wanted to be helpful, so Braeden told her she could organize inside the tent. He had a tendency to throw things that weren’t weapons or armor into piles and forget about them.

  Gergo grumbled under his breath while brushing a doublet.

  “You must brush much harder if you want it to look good.” Janna had more authority in her voice than he’d ever heard. She looked up as he entered. “Oh, there you are, sir.” He still couldn’t get her to call him by his first name in front of anyone else. “I didn’t even call my own husband by his first name,” she had confided.

  “What did you call him?” Braeden wondered.

  “Why, Master Kronek.”

  “He didn’t mind?”

  “He never told me to call him anything else.”

  “It seems rather formal, for a married couple.”

  “It was strange at first,” she admitted.

  Watching her face glowing from exertion, he thought it was a real shame that a sweet little thing like her had been wasted on such a troublemaker. If Dimir hadn’t gone rebel, she might still be living in Kaleva, happy and comfortable with her children. He told himself that finding someone nice for her to marry was the right thing, even though it made him feel bad.

  “What’s in there?” He came over and knelt next to her. It was a chest he’d had with him for a long time, but never opened. Probably because it contained nothing useful.

  “Some rather fine clothes. All in black, worked in silver thread, very handsome. They look foreign. Did you get them somewhere far away?”

  Braeden picked up a silk shirt. “In Zastwar long ago, when the old emperor arranged the last truce. They called us to Melampis to escort him and I needed fine clothes for a banquet so I bought them there.”

  “It seems you haven’t used them in quite a while.” Janna picked up something that looked like hose and regarded it with a frown. “The moths and the damp have been at it. We can rescue most of it if you ever need banqueting clothes again.”

  “As it turns out, I do, and I must ask you something. Out with you,” he growled at Gergo, who seemed happy to escape.

  Janna turned toward him with a worried expression. He always wondered what she feared he might do.

  He told her about the empress’s invitation, and her large eyes grew even wider. “Oh dear,” she said. “What will I wear?”

  Braeden laughed. “We’ll find you something. I’m sure Senta can help. And thanks to your organizing, I don’t have to worry about it.”

  She looked him over with an appraising eye and he reddened. “I don’t mean to be rude sir—I mean Braeden—but are you sure those clothes still fit?”

  That made him laugh. It was a good question. He was in excellent condition for his age, but it was true he was no longer as trim as he had been in his youth. “I’ll try them on, all right?” He grinned at her and she smiled back.

  “Can we do it now, so I can alter them right away?”

  Braeden took the doublet from Janna. It had a rather foreign cut to it, being much longer than was typical here and flaring out at the hem. He peeled off the plain doublet he wore and put the fine one on over his shirt.

  Janna walked around him, tugged at a few places, and said. “Can you button it?”

  He could. It was a little tight around the waist.

  She did something at the back. “I can let out a seam here. It won’t need much. So when is this banquet?” He noticed the strain in her voice and realized she had been trying to stay calm.

  “Four nights from now.” He turned to face her. “Janna.” He took both her hands in his. “There is nothing you need worry about. We’ll use your maiden name and the story we talked about and the empress won’t have the slightest suspicion. No one will.” Her hands were trembling, so he held them tighter.

  “I don’t understand why I’m invited,” she said in a small voice. “It seems odd that a well, a camp follower …” It seemed to cost her a great deal to say those words. “Would be invited to dine with the empress.”

  “It is strange, but not for the reason you think. Come here.” He kept one hand in his and pulled her to his cot and they both sat down on the edge. “I have an odd relationship with the empress and she’s curious about the woman in my life.”

  “That does seem unusual.”

  “Its a long story,” Braeden said, and told her all of it, starting with Daciana Tomescu.

  “She threw you in the dungeon because of her?” Janna put her face in her hands. “How dreadful.”

  “It wasn’t that bad. Boring, damp, awful food, but only for a few weeks.”

  “I’m so sorry about what I said.”

  “What you said?” He didn’t follow.

  “What I said about you working for the empress and what kind of person that made you. It was wrong of me when I knew nothing about you and had no right to say anything.”

  “Janna, stop it. You were right to be upset about what was going on in Marjatya, especially after what you’d been through. And there was no way you could have known. Since then, the empress has always seemed curious about me, maybe because so few tangle with Tomescu and survive it.”

  “So she’s just curious. Perhaps a little jealous?” There was a hint of a smile, so he knew she was teasing him.

  “I doubt that. She flirted with me, but mostly because she liked making me squirm. Her manner is unnerving—you’ll see that. She’s invited the other high officers to bring their wives, and since she heard that I had someone, she asked that I bring you too. Oh, and one more thing Janna.”

  She looked at him, her eyes clear and unafraid again.

  “I don’t want you calling yourself a camp follower.”

  “But that’s what everyone thinks I am.”

  “What they think doesn’t matter. Everyone who knows you knows that you’re not that sort of woman. If you were, you wouldn’t have your own little corner over there, with a curtain, would you?” He nodded toward her cot.

  “I suppose not. I just had some experiences with those kinds of women and swore I would never become one.”

  “I know the type you’re talking of, and it’s not possible. You don’t have to worry about that, all right?”

  “All right. Now take the doublet off so I can let it out. I’ll see Senta later about getting a dress.”

  It was nice, being taken care of like this. And he liked the idea of approaching Teodora with Janna on his arm.

  Gwynneth

  It was a relief to be on the boat even though she didn’t want to be there. The captain offered her his quarters, and the cabin was minuscule, but at least it was hers. Gwynneth sat on the edge of the little cot and gave herself over to tears. That Kendryk hadn’t said goodbye and never once looked at her was unimaginable. It was as though she didn’t know him.

  Perhaps he felt he no longer knew her either. She st
opped sniffling for a moment. As terrible as she felt, it must be so much worse for him, and she wasn’t there to comfort him. Couldn’t comfort him. But he’d put on a brave face for the children, at least for as long as he remained at Birkenhof. She had to find a way back, but it would be better if he weren’t there when she arrived.

  After wiping her face, she opened the door and called for Avaron, lodged with Linette in a tiny compartment next to hers. “Find some water please. I wish to wash up.”

  Avaron scurried off, but the boat’s movement caught her, almost throwing her off her feet. After that, she went more carefully. Gwynneth pulled her hair down and tried to run a comb through it. She had brought only plain dresses since she had no intention of appearing in the Norovaean court. How she would manage that remained to be seen.

  After washing up and getting her hair arranged with her maid’s help, Gwynneth decided to brave going aboveboard. Her first order of business was to fix her location. Then she needed to learn Kendryk’s plans.

  The boat was winding its way downstream to where the river met the Northern sea at Kaltental. The banks of the river rose high on both sides, vineyards and orchards covering them in steep terraces. A ruined castle lay straight ahead, a picturesque town at its base. She turned to a guardsman standing nearby. “What is that town?” she asked.

  He looked shocked. She wondered if he had orders not to speak to her. She waited while he stood before her, looking awkward.

  “Rudelsstadt,” a voice came from behind her. It was Merton.

  She turned to him. “Thank you. We haven’t gone far, then.” That was good, considering she still had no plan.

  Merton nodded at the other guard and he went his way, scowling at Gwynneth.

  “Have you ordered them not to speak to me?” she asked.

  “Oh, no.” He laughed. “I’m sure he’s just intimidated.”

  Gwynneth frowned. “He didn’t act intimidated.”

  Merton looked uncomfortable.

  “You can be honest with me, Captain. I wasn’t expecting friendship, but I do require respect for my position.”

  “You are right. I apologize, Your Grace. I will speak with the men. Many have known the prince since they were boys together, and this is difficult for them.”

  It had been too much to hope that everyone didn’t know what had happened. “That’s understandable. I only wish they realized that I am as interested in Prince Kendryk’s well-being as they are.”

  “I don’t doubt you.” Merton had a plain, pleasant face that seemed incapable of guile. “But others won’t agree.”

  She flinched, realizing she likely deserved this. But she wasn’t here to wallow in self-pity. “I wondered if Prince Kendryk told you what his plans were. I wish to write to him.”

  “I don’t suppose there’s any harm in telling you. He’s leaving tomorrow to join Count Faris and his army, wherever they might be. According to the last dispatch, they were making good time through Brandana.”

  “I see. How will a messenger find him?”

  “We will send a courier from Kaltental when we are ready to take ship. He knows where to look.”

  “Can you include a message from me?”

  “Of course. Will you and your ladies join us on deck for dinner?”

  Considering the reception she’d just had, Gwynneth said, “No, I’ll have them bring a tray to my cabin. I’d prefer it if they stayed with me.”

  For the first time that day, she smiled. Finally, she had information she could use.

  Janna

  By late afternoon, Senta had descended upon her. She drove a cart while Adela and Cara rode in back holding a dress. It belonged to one of Adela’s grander neighbors who had been presented at court a few years ago. She was a little bigger than Janna, but Senta had already made the adjustments.

  “It’s lovely.” Janna gasped as they laid it out on Braeden’s cot. The skirt was of heavy green silk, embroidered with a dark green and a darker orange. The bodice laced up the front, with white puffed sleeves, and it took Cara several minutes to fasten the many hooks in the back. Janna had already had a bath, washed her hair and let it dry. It had gotten most of its shine back and even a bit of curl.

  She let the others fuss over her while she tried to stay calm. Senta alone knew of her problems with the empress, but even she seemed excited. “Now sit. We’ll do your hair.”

  “It’s so pretty,” Adela said. “You should leave it down, with just a ribbon or two.”

  “Not fancy enough for court,” Cara said. “Up in front, down in back. That will be simple enough.”

  There was combing and twisting while Adela pulled her hair away from her face and wound it into a pretty knot with green ribbons. Senta transformed the rest into long, wavy curls with a hot iron. When Cara at last held a mirror up in front of her, Janna gasped. She had never looked so fine.

  Dimir always preferred modest dresses and simple hair, so she’d never worn such a low neckline. The tops of her breasts were clearly visible. She gulped. “Isn’t this rather low-cut?”

  “Not at all.” Cara knew all about the latest fashions. “In fact, it’s too modest to be the latest. Still, a demure style suits you.”

  It seemed Cara had a very different idea of what demure was, but Janna couldn’t deny that the overall effect was pleasing. She couldn’t have looked less like a Kaleva housewife. She also couldn’t have looked less like the typical soldier’s woman, for which she was grateful. Instead, she looked rather like she belonged in a sturdy Marjatyan manor house with a minor noble for a husband.

  They had finished when Braeden came in. “Well then, let’s see what you’ve done,” he said to Senta, who turned Janna around.

  What she saw in his eyes surprised and gratified her. Until this moment, he’d always looked at her with the slightly exasperated affection reserved for little sisters.

  “You look very beautiful.” A flush rose over his face. “All the other fellows will be jealous.”

  Janna blushed, but Senta agreed. “Yes, and it will be your job to keep them away from her so she’s not frightened. You know how these court dandies can be.”

  “They’ll stay away from her all right.” Braeden got a dangerous glint in his eye.

  Janna smiled. “You’re looking rather fine yourself, sir.” He’d already dressed, probably in Novitny’s tent. She wondered when they had arranged all of this. It warmed her through to know that so many people were helping make this easy for her.

  It was true, Braeden looked splendid. The long black doublet fit perfectly after she’d altered it and it went over puffed black breeches that ended in tall black boots shinier than she’d ever seen him wear. His beard was neatly trimmed and even his wild hair had been tamed to resemble a lion’s mane.

  Senta looked back and forth between the two of them. “You will be the best-looking couple there.”

  “And the most exotic,” Adela added. “It’s said the empress likes seeing foreign costume to remind her of the reach of her domains.”

  “Happy to oblige,” Braeden said, with a wink at Janna.

  Senta caught it. “Come girls.” She herded her daughters out of the tent. “It’s time we were off. I’ll come by tomorrow to pick up the dress,” she told Janna.

  Janna ran to hug her before she left. “Thank you so much. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

  “Have a wonderful time.” Senta kissed her cheek. “And don’t worry about a thing. Braeden will take care of you.”

  There was a long silence once they were alone. The shadows were lengthening so it would soon be time to go although the palace was only a short walk away.

  “I almost forgot.” Braeden reached into a pocket somewhere in his capacious breeches. “I got you a little something to wear tonight.” He pulled out a slim wooden box and opened it.

  In it lay a delicate gold chain with a translucent orange gem hanging from it. “Is it amber?” Janna asked. She’d heard of it, but never seen it.
<
br />   “Yes. Here.” He handed her the box. Inside the orange drop was a tiny leaf, fallen centuries ago and perfectly preserved.

  Janna felt tears start to her eyes. “It’s the loveliest thing I’ve ever seen.”

  “At least one of ‘em, eh? Here, let’s put it on. Lift your hair.”

  She pulled her hair off her neck and he laid the chain around her and fastened the clasp, then turned her around to face him.

  “Perfect.” He picked up the little mirror where Cara had left it. As wonderful as she’d looked before, now the effect was even better. Her face was a little flushed, and the amber pendant matched the dress’s embroidery.

  “I love it,” she said. “Thank you, although you didn’t have to.”

  “Stop that. I wanted to. You’ve been such a great help. The least I can do is get you a pretty bauble every now and again.”

  Janna opened her mouth to thank him again, but he stopped her. “We had better go. Everyone needs to be there before the empress arrives.” He opened the tent flap and followed Janna out.

  A few other highly ranked officers and their wives were making their way toward the palace, but Janna felt none looked as interesting as she and Braeden did.

  Braeden gave her his arm and she put both hands around it and clung to him. He smiled down at her as they entered the palace grounds. Janna felt it was pointless to pretend nonchalance to such grandeur. She looked around, delighted. Wide walkways passed between elaborately sculpted flower beds, all in various shades of red and white. Someone had tended them carefully through the siege.

  At the end of one walkway, Braeden stopped her. “Look at that.” He pointed toward the city. The view was spectacular. Arnfels Castle stood at the base of the towering mountains, but still high above the multi-colored domes and spires of the city. The setting sun bathed it in a golden glow, catching the gold tips of the temple spires and their green rooftops.

  “It looks like something out of a fairytale,” Janna said.

  “Just wait until you see the palace.”