“I can see by your face that you are not a believer, yet Saphire is one of the foremost duchies promoting tolerance of the Ancient Faith.” Vincent said. “You do not shun what you do not understand. That, I think, is a good virtue.” His soft, silky voice drew her attention to the attractive nobleman. His words were kind and full of praise.
“My father often said that just because something didn’t make sense to me, didn’t mean it wasn’t good in its own right,” Jax recalled, her father’s handsome face filling her memories.
“Vyanti is right to serve by your side, Duchess,” Hazel said, her hypnotic eyes watching Jax’s surprise.
“You know Master Vyanti?” Jax hadn’t realized her royal physician had traveled to Zaltor.
“I spent some of my youth in Saphire, specifically to train with the revered priest. The Faith was shocked when he announced he would serve as royal physician to a Virtuous duke,” Hazel explained, her eyes examining every inch of Jax’s face for her reaction.
“I am extremely grateful he did. Master Vyanti is a great friend and mentor,” Jax replied, putting to bed the topic of the Ancient Faith. Even though she promoted tolerance amongst her people, she had a tough time shaking the uncomfortable notion that gods were watching over them. She turned her attention back to Monsieur Grandeair, who was crunching away on the gingerroot, a rosy pink returning to his cheeks. “Has the Priestess saved the day, Monsieur?”
The stout man nodded furiously, his warm, caramel eyes filling with gratitude. “I believe so. Virtues praise you, Lady Hazel.”
Jax rolled her eyes at the man’s obliviousness, which she quickly realized Hazel caught. The two women shared a secret smile before their focus was captured by their hostess.
“Now that we have all been introduced, let us proceed to the dining hall for a little celebratory feast,” Lady Carriena squealed with eagerness, taking Jax by the arm and guiding her down another set of carpeted stairs to the main deck. In the shadow of a stairwell leading up to the bow, an ornately carved door swung open invitingly. As Carriena and Jax approached, an illuminated foyer sprawled out before them in the belly of the ship. “The set of stairs in the corner leads down to the galley and the service quarters. Ahead are the dining room and ballroom.”
“You’ve got a ballroom on this thing, have you?” Jax almost choked at the absurdity, her friend tittering beside her.
“Well, I hardly think it’s big enough to spin around in, but Father insists we call it a ballroom. Makes our guests drool with envy,” Carriena said as she mimed wiping the corner of Jax’s mouth.
Jax playfully batted her hands away. “Quite the guest list you’ve assembled. How did this mismatched group come to be?”
Carriena’s facial expression turned sour. “If I’d had my way, just you and I would be sailing across the sea, but no, my birthday also has to double as a political play for more power.” She bit her lip and lowered her voice, obviously not wishing to be overheard as they walked into the cavernous dining room. “I probably shouldn’t be telling you this, but I’m so perturbed with Father that I don’t care. He’s in the middle of renegotiating Isla DeLacqua’s wine and mead suppliers with a few vineyards in Hestes. House Montivarius is in good standing with our favored vendor, but Father wants a fairer price. He thinks that if he can woo the Montivarius siblings, they’ll put in a good word for us and get our costs lowered.” She paused to glance around and make sure no one stood within earshot. “We’re spending so much money having goods ferried over to the island, I think Father is growing concerned about our treasury. That’s why Monsieur Grandeair is aboard. He ran a successful bank of some sort back in Crepsta, and my father has asked him to review Isla DeLacqua’s finances. Rather boring, if you ask me. We’re also having a bit of trouble with a few clans that preach the Ancient Faith. I think he’s hoping that having a High Priestess as a guest will soothe the tension.”
“And what about your friends from Savant?” Jax found it incredulous that her friend could divulge such highly sensitive information without a second thought.
“Oh goodness, the Haulsingers. They are a favored house by Duke Savant. Father wants a lesser tax on cloth imports, and thinks the Haulsingers can convince the Duke to make it happen. Although I wouldn’t be surprised if they both keel over and die; they both are so decrepitly old.” Carriena sighed with a dramatic flair, giving Jax a bored look.
While it saddened the Duchess that her friend felt like her birthday was being turned into a political spectacle, she couldn’t help but feel disappointed by Carriena’s lack of propriety. Carriena would assume the throne once her father either stepped down or passed away, and dealings like these were like breathing air to a strong ruler. “Well, it’s all good practice for when the crown is resting on your head, my dear,” Jax said, gently reminding Carriena that she did not have the luxury of having a normal birthday like most people. “At least all this is going to play out on this gorgeous vessel.”
“If I survive it,” Carriena mumbled, almost so inaudibly that Jax wondered if she’d misheard.
By now, the guests had filtered into the lavish dining hall, everyone in awe of the dazzling chandelier flickering overhead. A long mahogany table stretched out across the room, big enough for nearly thirty guests. Someone had laid out golden place settings at the end of the table closest to the entrance they’d just arrived through. Jax caught sight of two men clad in smart-looking black uniforms waiting by a table in the shadows, ready to pour honeyed mead for the guests. As much as she wanted to grab an entire bottle for herself, Jax managed to keep her hands at her sides as she made her way to her seat.
As hostess, Lady Carriena took the throne-like chair at the head of the table, motioning for Jax to sit beside her. “Ah, Lord Pettraud, please take the seat to my left. I must learn all about the man who intends to someday marry my dearest friend.” Carriena’s words caused a flurry of dubious looks to be exchanged around the table, each guest taking a seat where dictated. With Perry directly across from her, Jax’s dining companion to her left was Ernest Haulsinger with Charles Montivarius sitting beside Perry. Scanning the length of the table, Jax was relieved to see that Captain Solomon, Hendrie, and Uma were all seated together, graciously included in the evening’s festivities.
“Before we begin,” Lady Carriena announced, “I just wanted to once again welcome you all on the maiden voyage of my beloved Rose of the Sea. May the Virtues fill our sails and see us safely home!” She raised a brimming gold goblet into the air in reverence, everyone else following suit. “Cheers, and enjoy tonight’s meal, prepared by our renowned resident chef, Monsieur Devoyier.”
At her cue, the doors at the back of the dining hall swung open, and the two men Jax had seen in the shadows earlier rolled two enormous trays of covered platters out into the light. The smell of roasted duck and chicken reached her nose before a steaming dish was placed in front of her. Her mouth watered; she hadn’t eaten anything since a light picnic lunch back in the carriage, and her stomach raged in protest. As she tucked into her meal, she kept a mindful eye on the dessert display on a nearby table. She would need to save room for that brambleberry tart.
“Are you a patron of the theater, Lord Pettraud?” Charles Montivarius asked conversationally, just as Perry took in a large mouthful of glazed duck.
Nodding as he haphazardly chewed, Perry wiped away remnants of the colossal bite. “Indeed. My mother and I frequented the theater in Pettraud’s capital quite often before she passed.” He pierced another piece of meat with vigor. “It appears I was the only one out of my brothers who knew how much it meant to her. It was one of her favorite things to do.” Seeing his eyes go a bit glassy, Jax was surprised by Perry’s willingness to speak about his beloved late mother. It took her only a moment to realize that his goblet of mead was already empty. His cheeks flushed when he met her bemused gaze. “Why, I believe one of the last shows we saw together was one by your father, Sir Charles.” Perry turned his attention back toward the impress
ed young man.
“Are you involved with the productions, as well?” Jax took the reins of the conversation, somewhat nervous that Perry’s judgment might be skewed by the spirits he so freely drank.
Charles shook his head, his blond hair swaying across his eyes. “I took a different path than my sister, actually. I’m currently studying to be a physician at the Academy.”
Jax’s eyes lit up at the mention of her alma mater. “I remember how rigorous the curriculum was said to be for aspiring healers. Is Master Jololian still teaching?”
Clearly pleased that he had found common ground with the Duchess, Charles grinned. “The nasty ol’ bugger is still requiring three parchments a night.”
Jax chuckled with grace, remembering the countless times she, Carriena, and her childhood friend Aranelda were scolded by the ancient professor for making too much noise in the hallways. The memory of the three friends together threatened to tear a hole in her heart after what had happened between her and Arnie. “How did you ever manage to secure time away from your studies for this voyage?”
At this, Charles suddenly grew somber. “I’m afraid I won’t be making the roundtrip journey. I will be staying on in Isla DeLacqua to apprentice with the Duke’s court physician.”
“Master Kah is one of the most skilled healers throughout the realm. My father brought him on as court physician nearly fifteen years ago from Zaltor,” Carriena said with pride, motioning toward where Hazel sat, her posture perfect. “I believe he is the High Priestess’s uncle.”
Jax peered over at the stoic woman, her expression curious. Hazel had not mentioned she had relatives in Isla DeLacqua. She knew the Duke’s reason for inviting Hazel was to settle the hostility growing among the Ancient Faith. Perhaps the High Priestess had accepted the invitation for the chance at a family reunion. “How long will you be studying at Master Kah’s side, Sir Charles?” Jax asked, turning her attention back to the young man.
He sighed, looking tired. “For as long as he sees fit.”
Ernest Haulsinger looked up from his meal, fidgeting beside Jax. “Seems like a long road of uncertainty is ahead of you, my boy,” the old man barked, bits of chicken and greens spewing onto the place setting before him.
His nose wrinkling in disgust at the man’s lack of manners, Charles merely nodded.
“Do you travel often, Sir Ernest?” Perry quipped, making light of the old man’s behavior.
“I try not to, but Florence practically dragged me out of bed for this trip. I’m much more content sitting in my parlor, watching the world outside my window. This sea travel is much too boisterous for my old bones,” Ernest huffed before shoveling whipped potatoes into his gaping mouth.
“Sir Ernest has always enjoyed the comforts of home.” Carriena smiled through the man’s unpleasantries. “His wife, Lady Florence, was once one of the most gifted clothing designers in all of Savant. She’s traveled to every duchy over the course of her career, I believe.”
“Is your wife retired now, Sir Ernest?” Perry inquired.
The man’s jowls swung lazily as he shook his head. “She still dabbles in the occasional design here and there, but her hands are beginning to get the better of her.” To emphasize his wife’s predicament, he reared a gnarled hand of his own in the air. “The new, younger tailors are taking over the scene, as they call it, in Savant.”
Jax glanced down the table, noting that while Lady Florence was listening to an animated Master Archer, her amber eyes were distant and laced with sadness. Jax couldn’t imagine the heartache one must suffer when they can no longer partake in their passion. “I would love to see her designs at some point.”
“I’m sure she’d happily show you,” Ernest grumbled. “She brought a sample to show Duke DeLacqua. She seems to think that she still has a chance at becoming a royal tailor. At her age, I keep telling her to give it up. Silly woman.”
Jax raised her eyebrows unabashedly, offended by this man’s lack of decency, especially toward his wife. Lady Carriena, too, placed her napkin down on the table and sent him a stern look. “I have had the good fortune to see Lady Florence’s designs, and she is truly gifted. I’m sure my father will come to some arrangement with your wife regarding her skills.”
Ernest merely batted the terse statement away, resuming his battle with a meaty chicken leg.
Jax and Carriena shared an eye roll. Although clearly unpleasant, Sir Ernest Haulsinger had just revealed what his wife truly wanted more than anything else. Jax could see the gears turning behind Carriena’s light lavender eyes. She, too, understood that Duke DeLacqua could bestow a ceremonial position to Lady Florence as royal tailor in exchange for using her influence with Duke Savant to lower the cloth tax. A wink told Jax that Carriena would be laying the groundwork throughout the rest of the journey.
“Quite a successful start Rose of the Sea is off to, no?” Carriena said with amusement later on during the meal, popping a chocolate-covered strawberry into her delicate mouth.
Finishing off the last bite of the brambleberry tart, Jax closed her eyes, savoring the flavor. “What, the fact that we haven’t sunk yet?”
Carriena swatted her arm playfully, tutting under her breath. “Hush now. I don’t want any negative thoughts to even remotely curse us.”
“I can assure you, Lady Carriena, that Rose of the Sea is nearly indestructible. I’d like to see a wave that could smash this Tandorian hull,” boasted Archer, the master builder, throwing back another swig of mead.
“Well, I wouldn’t like to see that at all,” Monsieur Grandeair snapped, his face once again laced with seasickness. He took out a handkerchief and wiped the beads of sweat from his balding head, his nerves clearly getting the better of him.
“Shall I fetch you some more gingerroot, perhaps, Monsieur?” Hazel offered, her regal voice like velvet in the dying dining chatter.
“I have some smelling salts that might be of assistance,” Charles offered, clearly eager to showcase his talents as a physician-in-training.
“I’m fine, I’m fine,” Monsieur Grandeair reassured them all, folding his damp handkerchief with care. Jax’s keen eyes noticed that the cloth was embroidered artistically with golden thread.
“That’s a beautiful piece, Monsieur,” she commented, enchanted by the intricately woven designs. She couldn’t imagine ever using something so lovely to wipe away sweat.
Grandeair glanced at her before looking appraisingly at the cloth. Frowning, he tucked it away. “Picked this up from a Cetachi merchant. It’s one of a kind, very rare.”
Beside her, Ernest grunted to life. “And I’m sure very expensive. Those Cetachi rebels are always bleeding people dry.”
At this, Monsieur Grandeair managed a bleak chuckle. “Well, I know something about bleeding people dry, too.” He looked around the room, but was met with blank, confused stares. “While by profession, I am a banker, my fortune has been made over the years in private loans. Why, I have financed nearly half the merchants and craftsmen in Crepsta, and even some in other duchies. It’s a tricky business when people cannot pay on their debts, but I never meet my clients face-to-face. I hire other people to do the nasty parts.” He gazed at each guest for confirmation, leaving everyone to shift uncomfortably in their seats.
Jax snuck a look at Carriena, wondering if the Duke knew about Monsieur Grandeair’s side dealings. While her face revealed nothing, Jax saw a spark twinkling behind her eyes. Obviously, the Dukedom of DeLacqua wanted to make use of all Monsieur Grandeair’s monetary talents.
Carriena cleared her throat, pulling the attention of the room to her. “I realize that we all have had a long day of travel. Might I suggest a quick nightcap in the ballroom before we retire for the evening?” She motioned down the table. “Perhaps Lady Giovanna would regale us with a song?”
Clearly not expecting to be put on the spot, Lady Giovanna’s face glowed red with a combination of embarrassment and too much mead. “Your Highness, I’m not sure I’m in the right frame of m
ind to give you the performance you deserve.”
“Nonsense! I’m sure you will sound lovely. Besides, we’ve all had as much to drink as you have, my dear, so it’s doubtful we’ll even notice a difference,” Carriena’s dismissive cackled made Jax suddenly fretful that her friend had indeed indulged too much.
Not wanting the future Duchess of Isla DeLacqua to do something she would regret in the morning, Jax stood up from the table with as much regal sophistication as she could muster, the alcohol affecting her just enough to leave her feeling off balance. “I believe Lady Carriena is right in that we all have had our fair share of honeyed mead, and it would be tragic for Lady Giovanna’s talents to be wasted on muted ears. I suggest we all say goodnight and leave the merriment for tomorrow. Come, Lady Carriena, I shall escort you to your chambers.” Giving Perry a slight nod to head for the door, Jax grabbed their hostess more forcefully than the young woman was probably expecting, propelling her out of the room and into the salty sea air.
“What was that about? The night is young, let’s have ourselves some fun,” Carriena said with a childish pout as Jax and Perry escorted her toward the upper cabin deck, Captain Solomon, Hendrie, and Uma obediently following.
“My darling friend, you still cannot hold your liquor,” Jax hissed, thinking back to the few times the two had raided a professor’s brandy chest for a forbidden drink. “We’re not at the Academy anymore, Carriena. While I know you wanted this to be a fun celebration of your birthday, you must remember we are on a ship in the middle of the sea, surrounded by political players we know very little about. We must keep our wits about us.”
Carriena hung her head, the air sobering her into shame. “You make it sound as though we need to be worried about something, Jax.”
“I don’t mean to sound reprimanding, but you should be worried.” Jax softened her tone. “You need to make sure these guests see you as someone to be revered if you want to have any hope in making these deals your father has been negotiating stick. You cannot let your guard down, dearest, not even for a moment. It would be unwise.” She placed a comforting hand on Carriena’s arm.
A Voyage of Vengeance (Ducal Detective Mysteries Book 3) Page 3
