ARC: Assassin Queen

by Anna Kashina

  “How soon will they be here?” she asked.

  “Tomorrow,” Rajmella said. “We are preparing a grand reception. I expect it goes without saying that both of you, as well as Prince Kythar, will be the central part of it.”

  45

  Northern Embassy

  Ellah raised her head from the book she was reading as she heard excited voices and the rustling of footsteps in the hallway outside her room. She carefully set down the volume before rising to her feet. The windows of the chambers she shared with Celana, adjacent to the suite given to Kyth, opened into the courtyard near the palace entrance where people often gathered to gossip about the happenings in the palace. Ellah couldn’t hear all the words, but the flares of colors in her mind identified lies and truths, adding up to an interesting piece of information every time. By the size of the commotion right now, this one was going to be noteworthy.

  She stepped to the window, but before she could catch anything useful, the doors to her own chambers banged open, letting in Alder. He stopped in the middle of the room, his blond hair disheveled, his handsome face arranged into an expression of nonchalance that made Ellah laugh. Alder was always so adorable in the way he thought he could hide his emotions, so clearly written on his face that it didn’t take a truthseer to see through him. Right now, it was obvious that his visit, catching Ellah alone, was deliberate, even if he was trying to pretend he was merely passing by.

  “Where is Lady Celana?” Alder asked

  “She’s with Kyth.”

  Alder nodded. “And Magister Egey Bashi?”

  “In the library.” Ellah couldn’t stop a giggle. “Are you telling me you ran all the way out here to learn their whereabouts?”

  Alder’s cheeks lit up with color. A broad grin spread over his face. “No. I hoped to see you, actually.”

  “Me?” She knew he spoke the truth, even if she hadn’t deduced the same information from his body language just now, but she still couldn’t imagine why.

  He lowered his eyes to fidget with his large hands. Only now did Ellah realize that something was amiss. The three large spiders that normally adorned his shoulder were not there. Her heart raced in alarm. Alder never parted with his spiders.

  “Are you all right?” she asked.

  “Yes. Why?”

  “Where are your spiders?”

  Alder sighed. “Ayalla… She no longer needs me.”

  Ellah’s eyes widened. As far as she knew, Alder had sold his body and soul to the Forestland sorceress, who took men as she pleased and did whatever she wanted with them. To the best of Ellah’s knowledge, Alder was Ayalla’s favorite, the man she was having relentless sex with whenever he was around. Ayalla had named Alder a Mirewalker, one of those men who belonged to her unconditionally.

  Was there such a thing as breaking up with all that?

  “Just like that?” she asked.

  “Yes, apparently so.”

  “And you are all right with it?”

  Alder hesitated. “I think, deep inside, I always knew this was going to happen some day. She is thousands of years old. From her perspective, all her relationships are so fleeting she must feel as if they pass in a blink of an eye.”

  “Yes, but there is the matter of your perspective too.”

  Alder looked away. “When Ayalla asked for my pledge, I didn’t question it at all.” He blushed. “It just seemed natural, as if it was meant to be. But now I am beginning to realize that it felt exactly like being under a spell. As long as it lasted, I could think of no other woman but her.”

  “And now?” Ellah prompted.

  “She can communicate with me,” Alder said. “Through the spiders. This morning she said that now that the Kaddim are no longer there, she wants to release me from her service, so that I could lead a normal life. The spiders became dormant after that. They rolled up into balls, just like the others. And I… I felt…”

  “What?”

  “I felt free.” Alder heaved a sigh. “Not that I was feeling forced before – Ayalla is a beautiful woman, don’t get me wrong. But waking up today, I suddenly realized that the two of us don’t really have much in common, do we? I mean, she is a powerful sorceress, and I… I am just a regular guy.”

  Ellah stared. She had thought all these things before, when she looked at Alder’s relationship with Ayalla, but hearing him say all this just felt so strange.

  Alder stepped closer. “Remember how, when we grew up, your grandma and my dad always thought we should become sweethearts and marry each other?”

  Yes, until Ayalla took you. Ellah swallowed. When they were growing up, she did always assume she was going to marry Alder some day. This was before their lives got so twisted that she didn’t know what was right anymore. Their childhood friend Kyth turned out to be the heir to the throne and one of the most powerful sorcerers in the world. Both Ellah and Alder became instrumental in facilitating historical alliances and fighting a war that threatened to consume the entire land. And now that it was over, her world had just been turned inside out again. Could it truly ever go back to the way it was when she was a little girl?

  “I remember…” she said slowly.

  “Perhaps,” Alder said, “some things we used to have could be picked up again?”

  She frowned. It had been so long since she had ever considered Alder from this perspective that it felt strange talking about it. Still, this was the man she had once felt certain she was going to marry. Now that he was saying all these things, the memory of that feeling stirred inside her again, the familiarity and comfort she always felt in his presence – and yes, a bit of excitement too. Alder was very attractive, especially when he wasn’t preoccupied with such things as immortal powerful sorceresses and spiders.

  “I suppose we could consider giving it a try,” she said.

  Alder heaved a sigh, his shoulders sagging with relief. “I know it would take a lot to bridge all the gaps that developed between us. And, I would be quite content to remain only a friend. But I… I would never forgive myself if I didn’t at least try to see if there could be more between us. All I ask is that you remain open to the possibility, at least for a while.”

  Ellah looked at him, entranced. She had apprenticed herself to the Keepers, and it was her understanding that if her studies were successful she would devote herself to the work of the Order and give up any hopes for personal happiness. She never even thought of being with a man. But now, looking at Alder’s open and honest face, the idea didn’t seem so impossible anymore.

  She knew there would be a long way for them. Yet, she didn’t want to dismiss the possibility altogether.

  “Yes,” she said. “I will.”

  His look captivated her, the relief in his gaze bringing a lump into her throat. In some respects Alder was so innocent and naïve, a good and honest man, so different from most. She remembered the times she had hopes of catching Mai’s fancy, how every one of her conversations with the Diamond turned into a mind game that left her exhausted and insecure. Alder was the opposite in nearly every way, and that epiphany brought so much relief. She thought of everything they could have together, stemming from the upbringing they shared, and felt warmth spread over her as if she was coming home. Perhaps in the end they would settle for no more than friendship. But exploring the other possibilities seemed like the right thing to do.

  She felt her skin tingle as Alder stepped toward her, but at that moment the door banged open again and Egey Bashi rushed in. He paused in the doorway, his dark eyes darting between the two, and Ellah couldn’t help a grin as she saw the Keeper’s frown of suspicion turn into dawning realization and then surprise.

  “I am sorry for interrupting,” he said.

  Ellah’s smile widened. “It’s quite all right, Magister.” She glanced at Alder who was also grinning and felt a new surge of warmth rush through her. If she and Alder ended up together, things could get so easy from now on that she would probably never have to suffer at all. There were very f
ew people in the world who understood her so well.

  “King Evan just arrived,” Egey Bashi said. “Along with quite a large party that includes every official I could possibly think about. Father Bartholomeos is with them too – and several very senior Majat.”

  Ellah raised her eyebrows. She knew Kyth had used the Majat hawk service to send a message to his father about their victory. He might have included a line or two about his new understanding with Lady Celana, a turn of events the King would be bound to feel happy about, since Kyth had been resisting any possibility of marrying a lady of his station for so long. This could possibly explain Father Bartholomeos being in the party. But the Majat?

  “The Queen is preparing a reception in the man ceremonial hall,” Egey Bashi went on. “We are all invited, of course – and I am guessing this would be our only way to learn what this is all about.”

  Ellah glanced around the room in search of her official apprentice Keeper’s cloak. If things went well with Alder, she might not be wearing that robe for long. But she knew better than to get this far ahead of herself.

  “Prince Kythar and Lady Celana are on their way,” said Egey Bashi. “We should all get ready by the time they arrive.”

  Kara looked at the two outfits laid out for her. One, her Majat clothes, black pants and shirt tailored perfectly for action. The other, the royal robes of Shayil Yaran court, a number in violet silks adorned with jewels and gold thread, cut to expose too much skin and make her look like a seductress. She hated the idea of wearing it in public. Yet, this was who she was right now. She turned her back on the Majat clothes and put the royal garb on.

  Mai had been called away earlier when the senior Majat arrived. He departed matter-of-factly, giving her only a brief parting kiss, as if confident they would see each other again. She wasn’t so sure. They would perhaps be allowed to say goodbye, in public and likely from a distance. But she knew for certain she would never be allowed to spend time alone with him, or feel his arms around her ever again. She tried to tell herself she was all right with it as she opened the door.

  Two consorts were waiting for her outside. She was grateful to see that they were older than any of the others ever sent to fetch her, and not the kind that kept undressing her with their eyes and acting provocative and suggestive every time she looked their way. These two were respectful and solemn, striding at a short distance behind her like honorary guards. Perhaps the Queen had sent them as an offering, to start at least the appearance of a new harem mandated by her station, but Kara didn’t feel like asking.

  She kept to the back rows as she entered the throne room, more crowded than she had ever seen it before. Each party stood in a small group before the Queen’s throne, the Tallan Dar nobles dominating the front. Kara had nearly forgotten that the northern court clothing could be just as barbaric and revealing as that of Shayil Yara. The King’s tunic fell off one shoulder to expose the left part of his chest. Despite his older age, late forties, he looked fit enough to have some of the Olivian ladies swooning. Kara secretly wondered if this choice of clothes on the King’s side was a way of showing off in a place where he knew for certain the display would be highly appreciated.

  Her eyes drifted to the group of the Majat. She did her best to keep a cool head as she saw Mai in his full Guildmaster’s regalia surrounded by a tight group of Diamonds. Seldon stood by his side, next to several other senior Majat, including the tall elderly man with a long, expressive face – Master Abib, the weapons keeper. Kara frowned. Abib never left the Guild. What prompted him to travel this far south?

  She was debating with herself whether to maintain her position in the back or break all rules and etiquette by coming forward to greet the old man who had been such a good friend during her upbringing in the Guild. She almost talked herself into it when the sound of a gong signaled silence, announcing the arrival of the Queen.

  Rajmella ignored the guards lined up to clear her way to the throne and rushed forward, extending her hands in greeting. Her voice chimed like a bell, echoing clearly through the hall.

  “It brings joy to my heart,” she said, “to welcome such important guests to my court. King Evan of Tallan Dar, what a pleasant surprise.”

  King Evan smiled, squeezing her hands briefly. “The joy is mine, Your Majesty. I thank you for your hospitality.” His glance included all the impressive party at his back. “You must be wondering why we are all here.”

  “I…” Rajmella began, but paused as she met his gaze.

  “Please allow me to enlighten you right away,” the King said. “I was rejoiced when I learned how my son, Prince Kythar, has played such an important part in our victory over the Kaddim. While we were not acting as a part of any official alliance,” the King briefly glanced at the Majat, “I know that many forces, including the elite troops of Shayil Yara, chose to march together against our enemy, and that only their combined effort guaranteed victory. To express my gratitude, and following my son’s explicit wish, I would like to present you an offering of my goodwill, one that I hope to become a token of everlasting peace between our kingdoms.”

  At his signal, the doors at the far end of the chambers opened, letting in a new procession. Kara gasped.

  Little Princess Aljbeda walked in front, charming and adorable in her violet gown fashioned in the northern style. Her large suite of Olivian ladies, nannies, and tutors stepped in her wake.

  Queen Rajmella clasped her hands to her face. Then she rushed forward and swept the Princess into her arms. She knelt, cradling her for a while, her eyes closed. When she raised her face to the King, tears were brimming her eyes.

  King Evan smiled gently. “I feel privileged to be the one to restore things to the way they should be. No parent should ever see their child held hostage and forced into an upbringing different from that entitled by birth. I had suffered this myself, when I had no choice but to raise my son Kythar away from the throne, to protect his identity. In my case, however, this was dictated by considerations of safety and dire need. In your case, I see no good reason to do this at all.”

  Rajmella’s lips trembled, making her look vulnerable and young.

  “Thank you, Your Majesty,” she said. “I will never forget this.”

  King Evan nodded. “By restoring Her Royal Highness to her rightful home I hoped to ensure friendship between our kingdoms that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. I wanted you to know that you should consider us your friends, and that my son Kythar, who will eventually inherit my throne, was the one who drove this decision. As a father, I couldn’t help but entertain a hope that our families could enjoy an even closer union, to end any possibility of a feud.”

  His eyes searched out Kara and bore into her, his purposeful smile draining the blood out of her face. The thought had occurred to her before, even though she had done her best to dismiss it. When she had an affair with Kyth, the King had been resistant to it, pushing the Prince to select a bride among the noble ladies whose birthright befitted a future Queen. To Kara’s knowledge, this push at least partly drove the decision to include Lady Celana into their traveling party. And now, when her lineage had been uncovered, the tables had turned. There seemed to be no better marriage prospect for the Prince but Kara, the woman he already had strong feelings for, the one at the top of the royal succession line in her land.

  She didn’t dread the idea of marrying Kyth, especially since Mai was about to leave her forever. But she knew that now, by a twist of fate, Kyth’s affections had shifted elsewhere too. If marrying Kara would have been an answer to his dreams only weeks ago, right now it was likely going to make him unhappy. She sighed. How did things manage to get so complicated?

  She looked at Kyth, who stood further away from the throne with Celana by his side, a determined look on his face. He looked at her too, and she realized from his expression that the topic had already been breached before this gathering. She heaved another sigh. If she couldn’t have Mai, she couldn’t care less whatever they decided
upon for political reasons. But if this meant ripping happiness away from the close friend she considered Kyth to be, she was going to fight this with all her might.

  Rajmella noticed these looks too. Despite how flustered she was just now, still clutching her daughter as if afraid the girl would be ripped away from her, she was bound to understand the implications. The King had just handed her the hostage Tallan Dar had been holding against her. They would probably want another one, as a replacement.

  Anger boiled in Kara’s chest. She was damned if she was going to let them trade Kyth’s happiness for politics. She looked at Rajmella and the King in turn and firmly shook her head, then edged deeper behind the rows of the courtiers.

  King Evan’s eyes followed her thoughtfully. “If I may trouble you with a request, Queen Rajmella, may I have a privilege of a private audience?”

  Rajmella’s eyes darted to Kara too. “I would be glad to talk, Your Majesty,” she said. “Any time.”

  Kara didn’t wait any longer before slipping out of the chamber.

  46

  Marriage Prospects

  Kyth steadied his gaze watching his father pace the room. He wished he had Celana by his side now. It seemed ironic that just a short time ago he wanted nothing else but to marry Kara, while his father pushed him toward Celana. Perhaps it was the nature of things that no one could ever be happy with the status quo? Or was it only true when it came to fathers judging their children’s love interests?

  “I thought you were in love with Kara,” King Evan said.

  “I was. But not anymore.” Hell, Kyth never imagined he would say these words. He knew he meant it, but voicing this out loud still seemed strange. Kara was gorgeous, and deep inside he would never forget the connection they had. But she was not the woman who dominated his dreams lately. The thought seemed surprising, but true.