“Thank you, mister,” the boy said.
“Don’t thank me. Thank her,” Duke Mackenzie said. “If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be here.” The Duke approached the kids and unlocked their shackles. “How would you guys like to meet the Queen?”
Both kids’ faces lit up.
“That would be so cool!” the boy exclaimed.
“I want to go!” the little girl seconded.
“No!” I yelled, and everyone’s attention shot to me.
“No?” Duke Mackenzie asked. “Why would you deny these kids this grand opportunity? They’ve been through such a traumatic and terrible ordeal. They deserve something nice. Don’t you think?”
I shook my head, knowing what he was doing. “They don’t deserve to go with you.”
“But I saved their lives—and yours, I might add.” His smile appeared sweet, but I could see through it—to the glistening teeth beneath.
“Thank you,” I said, trying to sound like I meant it for the kids’ sake. “But they are staying with me.”
“And you’ll take us to meet the Queen?” the little girl asked.
“That’s not a good idea,” I said.
“Why not.”
“Umm… the Queen’s very busy. But I can help you get home instead.”
“We don’t have a home anymore,” the boy said.
“Isn’t that sad,” Duke Mackenzie said, feigning sympathy that I knew he didn’t have. He took a seat at the table. “And you don’t currently have a home. Where do you plan on taking them?”
I sighed from growing frustration. “I’ll think of something. Don’t worry, guys. I’ll get help for you.”
“I want to see the Queen,” the boy demanded.
The Duke just smiled.
I walked over to him and his sister and knelt before them. “What are your names?”
“Codie.”
“Anabelle.”
“Codie. Anabelle. I promise I won’t let anyone else hurt you. And to keep that promise, I can’t let you leave with this man.”
“He saved us,” Anabelle said.
“The girl has a point,” Duke Mackenzie said in the background. “Victoria, you don’t have to worry. I wouldn’t hurt these kids. They’re human.”
I spun around and glared at him. “So am I!”
“Of course, you are,” he said in a placating tone.
“Victoria!”
I looked up and saw Kale standing in the doorway. I couldn’t believe he was here. Jumping to my feet, I ran to him and threw myself into his open arms.
“Oh good. The hero’s here,” Duke Mackenzie said sardonically. “Did that pathetic prince let you out of your cage?”
“And you must be the Duke Mackenzie I’ve heard so much about,” Kale said and put himself between the Duke and me.
“In the flesh.”
“And I suppose all this is your handiwork. Subtle.”
“Effective. Are you going to challenge me, boy?”
“That depends,” Kale said confidently. “I’m leaving with Victoria.”
“I’m not standing in your way. I already freed her so she could finish the Queen’s task. I understand the Princess Amelia information hasn’t been released yet, even though Victoria here missed her meeting with your guy. Curious.” Duke Mackenzie fluidly rose from the table and stalked over to Kale.
“Back off,” Kale warned.
The Duke raised his empty hands but continued forward. “I’m not looking to fight.”
As Duke Mackenzie drew near, Kale pulled a handgun from the back waistband of his jeans and aimed it at the Duke’s head.
“Are you sure you want to do that?” Duke Mackenzie didn’t look nervous.
“Like I said—back the hell off.”
In a flash, Duke Mackenzie pivoted to the side, snatched the gun from Kale’s hands, and spun him around. The gun was now in Duke Mackenzie’s hand, his forearm around Kale’s neck, with his other hand gripping the back of Kale’s head.
“Don’t hurt him!” I pleaded.
Anabelle screamed from behind them.
“I don’t need a gun for you. One move and I’ll snap your neck like a twig,” Duke Mackenzie said into Kale’s ear, still completely calm. “You’re a cocky little bastard. If you ever pull a gun on me again, you better pull the trigger.”
Duke Mackenzie let Kale go, and Kale stumbled forward, coughing. Then he handed Kale back his gun.
“Victoria, you know what to do,” Duke Mackenzie said, retrieving his gas masks from the kids. “Last chance. My offer expires in three seconds.”
Codie and Anabelle were noticeably afraid of him now, which was a relief for me. They didn’t respond or even move a muscle.
“Your loss.” On his way out, the Duke stopped before Kale, who was still catching his breath. “Watch yourself. You’re playing with the big boys now.”
“I had you right where I wanted you,” Kale said hoarsely.
Duke Mackenzie let out a booming laugh as he exited the cabin.
6
Byron
Queen Dorothea returned to the palace earlier than I had expected. She apparently hadn’t gone out to dinner with the ambassadors she’d been scheduled to meet.
Since she asked to speak with me upon her arrival, she’d obviously been given updates as to Victoria and her situation—as well as Kale’s escape. I had to mind my expressions to keep her from reading me like a book.
I was seated in the dining room when I was tapped on the shoulder by a young female staff member. I thought her name was Courtney; her name tag was covered by her long dark hair. She didn’t introduce herself and I didn’t care enough to ask. There were so many, I’d never remember them all anyway.
“I’m so sorry to disturb your meal, but the Queen requests your presence in the library, Your Highness,” she said in a soft, timid voice.
With a sigh, I dropped my spoon into the half-eaten bowl of minestrone soup. “Suppose there isn’t time for me to finish first?” I said.
The girl looked completely terrified to answer.
“It’s okay. I’ll come now.” I rose from the table and followed her into the hallway. I quickly realized we were headed in the opposite direction from the library. “If we’re going to the library, then we’re going the wrong way,” I said, knowing full well there were enough newer members of staff who didn’t yet have the full layout of the palace committed to memory.
“There is a secondary library, which is where the Queen is waiting,” she said.
This took me by surprise. The only other library I knew of was the secret one Bethany had taken me to, in our unsuccessful search for Princess Amelia. And indeed, that was where we were headed.
When we reached the spot in the hallway lounge with the wall that pushed inward, I discovered it removed. There was now a small alcove of a hallway leading straight to the previously hidden library. She stood to the side of the entrance and curtsied as I entered alone.
Queen Dorothea sat comfortably on one of the leather couches and gestured for me to sit across from her. She had a smile on her face that was more business than emotional, the kind of smile she reserved for public events.
“Have you been in here before?” she asked, leaning on one of the armrests.
I took in the two-story room, the spiral stairs leading to the second-floor landing, and all the pristine books from another era.
“I can’t say that I have,” I lied. “Has it always been here?”
“There are a lot of rooms in the château—sometimes it seems like too many to keep track of. This wasn’t an original room, but it’s been here for quite some time. It’s always made for a fine sanctuary. I remember coming here when I was little. It was a nice place away from my parents and the support staff. This wing of the château is usually quiet.”
“I see,” I said. “But you didn’t call me here to show me a room you favored as a child.”
“That is a correct assessment,” she said. The business smile was
quickly replaced by business severity. “I know you heard about the little incident with Victoria. First off, I’d like to let you know that it was handled. She is back on her primary mission, and now we need to make sure she remains focused and vigilant. Since I have received no reports of any information being leaked, then I will give her some time. But I will not remain patient for long.
“Secondly, we had an incident in the palace today—which, again, I’m sure you’re aware of.” She stopped like she was waiting for me to speak.
It would be easier to tell her I was aware, instead of seemingly completely surprised. “Kale escaped,” I said, flatly.
“Correct again,” she said, an air of condescension in her voice. “It would have been impossible for him to escape on his own. He had help, which would’ve been obvious even if the cameras hadn’t picked up his accomplice. Are you aware of this person’s identity?”
This time, I needed to play dumb, so it was best to remain vague. “I did not receive the details.”
“I’m surprised to hear you wouldn’t have inquired further.” She was searching my face again, assessing my micro-expressions to determine whether I was lying. “It was one of your guards. Gabriel—I was told his name was. Does this surprise you? Because you don’t seem overly surprised.”
I used every trick I could think of to remain calm, needing to remain in control of my story. I already knew it had been a bad decision and I needed to minimize the aftermath. This was a game of chess. I needed to be looking not at the next move, but ahead, to three or four moves from now—the long game. I needed to keep my position.
“I’ll say that I’m disappointed, but I can’t say I’m completely taken by surprise,” I said. “Kale had previously infiltrated the palace—you knew that—and in doing so, he must have made allies. He could have gained the trust of your staff just as easily as mine.”
“So, you knew nothing about this plot beforehand?” the Queen asked.
“Of course not,” I said. “I know what’s at stake here. I wouldn’t be foolish enough to risk everything for a guy of whom, I must say, I’m not too fond.”
“Afraid he’ll ultimately end up with your girl?”
“Yeah; I may be a little jealous.”
“Maybe you should remain focused on the future—focused on what’s important. You have Bethany and you two can have a great life together. But that won’t happen if you defy or deceive me. Your parents need me. You need me. Your whole Kingdom needs Westeria to continue financing the war you’re in, the war you could very easily lose if I rescind my backing. And even if you ultimately defeat Northeria, the rebuilding of your Kingdom will be quite expensive.” Queen Dorothea scooted to the edge of the couch and leaned forward, placing her thin forearms on her knees. “I hold the fate of your Kingdom in the palm of my hand. And how I treat your Kingdom currently depends on your loyalty. Do you understand the severity of the situation you’re in?”
“I’ve understood since the moment I stepped foot in this palace.”
“Then your parents and people can count on you?”
“They’ve always been able to count on me, and I won’t fail them now.”
The Queen’s expression softened as she leaned back into the leather couch again. “I’m glad to hear I can still count on you. My new Princess Amelia will be thrilled as well. She shall have a loyal king at her side.
“Moving forward, we will need to identify other allies of Kale within the palace and deal with them appropriately. Gabriel is now a traitor to the throne and will be treated as such upon his capture. I trust you agree with this verdict?”
“I would expect nothing less,” I said.
“And since he is one of yours, you will supply his punishment upon his return. But I don’t need to tell you this.” She paused and took a breath. “I feel good. This has been a good talk.” Queen Dorothea stood and gazed around the room, at the enveloping bookshelves. “This room has always had a way of calming me when nothing else would. There’s a serenity here. Have a good evening, Prince Byron. We’ll speak more tomorrow.”
“Your Highness,” I said, standing and bowing as she left the library.
Once she was gone, I collapsed back onto the couch, exhausted from the brief, but intense conversation. My heart had led me astray and I was risking the lives of everyone in my Kingdom. My parents were counting on me to keep Queen Dorothea on our side and helping save us from complete annihilation. I wished I hadn’t been the one tasked to maintain this fragile bridge and could be back home fighting with my brothers. Both Finneus and Beckett would have been better suited to this.
As I continued to think long and hard about the position I was in, I paced the room, grazing the rows of spines. When I reached one of the spiral staircases, I climbed to the second-floor landing. Thinking of Victoria, Bethany, and Amelia, I searched for Pride & Prejudice. I had a general idea of where it had been, and when I found it, pulled from the top.
Last time, this book had pivoted but didn’t pull out—opening a hidden door within the bookcase. Now it pulled out like any other book on the shelf. I looked closely at the space left behind and found nothing unusual. No door opened.
I pulled out several other adjacent spines, letting the books drop to the ground. I moved on to a row above and one below. Nothing. There was a growing pile of books on the ground.
Princess Amelia truly was gone. I picked up the curious copy of Pride & Prejudice and left with it, leaving behind the scattering of books on the second-floor landing. I wanted the Queen to realize I knew why she’d really brought me there.
I headed up to the Orange Room, to show Bethany the book and tell her what had become of the secret library. She was the one who had shown it to me, so she deserved to know.
When I got there, I found Bethany and her assistant, Indira, sitting on opposite sides of the bed. Two girls—whom I assumed to be Piper and Constance—were lying side by side on the bed. Both of their heads were completely covered with gauze and bandage tape, only small openings left around their mouths and nostrils. Even their eyes were covered. The sight was chilling.
Bethany soon noticed me standing frozen in the doorway. Her face was ashen, her expression morose.
I was afraid to enter—terrified to find out what had happened to them—but I couldn’t turn away now. Taking a deep breath, I took an apprehensive step forward and closed the door behind me.
7
Victoria
I went over to Kale to make sure he was okay, but he waved me off.
“What were you thinking?” I demanded. “He could have killed you.”
“It’s good to see you too,” Kale said, still fuming from the incident with Duke Mackenzie.
“Stop it! You know I’m thrilled to see you. I just don’t want you to get yourself killed the moment I get you back. How did you find me?”
“The same way he did—tracking your phone.” He slid the gun into the back waistband of his jeans and came over to me. His expression softened, then he hugged me. “Are you okay?” he asked.
“Are you?” I countered. “How did you escape?”
“Byron let me out and helped me escape the palace. He discovered what’d happened to you and that the Duke was coming after you. He certainly didn’t like him—and I can’t say I blame him.”
“That makes three of us. But he’s gone. What should we do now? What can we do with them?” I pointed to Codie and Anabelle, still confining themselves to the corner of the cabin.
I couldn’t believe Prince Byron had helped Kale escape. Was this his way of apologizing for what he had done—or hadn’t done—at the Choosing Ceremony? I still didn’t want to see him right now, but a part of me wanted to at least get the opportunity to thank him for giving me Kale. It was a big gesture.
“My family doesn’t run an orphanage,” Kale said.
“They have nowhere to go. Isn’t that right?” I asked, addressing the kids.
“Our parents are dead,” Codie said.
�
�What about extended family?” Kale asked. “Family friends?”
“After our parents died, we moved in with our Aunt Teresa. But she didn’t have a lot of money. No one in our family did. We lived with her for a few months and then she sold us to a traveling circus. We were there a few months more before we were taken by some scary guys and brought here—left with these people.”
“I don’t want to go back,” Annabelle said.
“Where are you from?” I asked.
“The 12th Ward,” Codie said.
“That’s a long way from here,” I said, looking at Kale.
He still wasn’t convinced about taking them with us.
“Is there room for them?” I asked.
“It’s a dangerous journey to get there,” he said.
“You took Mina there. She isn’t much older.”
“That was a special circumstance.”
“So, is this—” I froze at the sight of a man standing in the doorway. His face looked vaguely familiar—not threatening—but I was already on edge, so any new surprise was jarring at this point.
“The Duke is gone and I moved the jeep closer,” the man said to Kale, and then turned his attention to me. “Hi, I’m Gabriel—one of Prince Byron’s officers.”
“He’s the one who smuggled me out of the palace and got me here so quickly,” Kale added.
I was calmed by the fact that this man was only a surprise to me—that he’d come with Kale. He was on my side—at least, I thought he was.
Gabriel must have been in his early thirties. He was taller than Kale and noticeably muscular. He looked like a guard, or perhaps a warrior. Now I recognized that I’d seen him around the palace, but we’d never officially interacted before.
“What’s the plan?” Gabriel asked.
“You’re coming with us?” I answered.
“I can’t very well go back to the palace. I will not be welcomed back by the Queen, that’s for sure. My orders are to help protect you, Miss Victoria.”
“And I told Byron I could handle it,” Kale said. “But I do owe him—both of you—for getting me out of there.”
Royal Replicas 2: Royal Captives Page 4
