The Betrayed

by Kiera Cass

  Several people around us were clapping Uncle Reid on the back or making comments about how strong Etan was. Even across the field, people’s eyes went to the Northcotts. I didn’t dare look over my shoulder to see how Quinten was taking in our moment of praise. Even if he was enraged, I couldn’t be bothered to care.

  This set Etan up for a very exciting day. The riders were eliminated through multiple rounds, and each time he came back to joust, I found myself nearly caving to the desire to bite my nails. My breath caught every time he charged across the field, lance high, posture determined. And round after round, he came out on top, making his way to the finals.

  “The other rider is vicious,” I commented to Scarlet. “The way he moves is so intense. I don’t think the black armor helps.”

  “Yes, it does make Sir Scanlan look a little forbidding. And he’s always been a very formidable opponent. I think Father lost to him a few times ages ago. But Etan . . . I’ve never seen him do so well.”

  “Huh. I guess he finally found an outlet for all that pent-up anger.” And thank goodness, because I’d had about all I could stand.

  “Hmm” was all Scarlet said in reply. Something in the hitched slant of her smile told me she was up to her favorite pastime: watching everything and revealing nothing.

  I clutched her hands as Etan and Sir Scanlan pulled up to their marks, holding my breath as the flag dropped. They raced toward one another, lances locked into position, both of them breaking with a sharp snap as they smashed into each other’s shields. Both of them split their lances, earning them each a point.

  As they took their next run, a knot formed in my stomach as they both split their lances again, leaving the entirety of the competition down to the very last run.

  “I think it has been an hour. Do you want to leave now?” Scarlet asked.

  “Very funny.”

  Our eyes were locked on the two riders, knowing this was it. Honestly, I’d started the day just hoping Etan didn’t break a limb, but now, knowing there were people seeing this as him being unafraid of Coroa, knowing that there were people prepared to lend their aid to the Northcotts . . . and knowing those three girls from earlier were squirming in their seats, watching him compete with my favor, I wanted him to win.

  I was on my feet as he rode, unable to stay down, my fists clenched with hope and my voice already scratchy from hours of very unladylike yelling. Etan’s lance made contact with Sir Scanlan’s shield . . . and Sir Scanlan’s lance glanced off the side of Etan’s armor, which remained perfectly intact.

  The arena erupted in cheers, and I embraced Scarlet, crying with joy.

  My voice was gone from screaming, and my body was aching from tensing up each time he ran. And it was all worth it. Etan had won!

  Eighteen

  BY LATE AFTERNOON, MOTHER, SCARLET, Uncle Reid, Aunt Jovana, and I had happily settled beneath the shade of a tree on the outskirts of the field. There was ale and berries and someone walking around delivering the drumsticks of a bird I’d never heard of or tasted before.

  It was a decidedly different feel from Coroa. The air wasn’t as soft somehow, and every once in a while, the wind would whip up my hair. I still had the sense of otherness about myself, and simple things like the shape of the trees reminded me that this wasn’t just another tournament. But the company made up for anything that was lacking, and I found myself unable to stop smiling.

  “That was the first time I’ve ever cared about the outcome of a joust,” Scarlet said, tilting her face toward the sun. It was unimaginably pleasant when the wind slowed. “Etan was so good today.”

  “You led me to believe that he wasn’t that talented.” I nibbled away at my food.

  She playfully slapped my arm as Aunt Jovana pretended to be offended. “I just didn’t know how much he’d improved,” Scarlet said defensively.

  “I still can’t believe he won.” I was perfectly aware it was all Etan’s skill, but the whole crowd saw him take my handkerchief, and, vain as it might be, that meant something to me.

  “It’s his first, as far as I know,” Uncle Reid admitted. “I suppose if the Eastoffes and Northcotts were going to step back into the center of court, that was the way to do it. King Quinten was probably unamused by the win, but it speaks well to . . . others.”

  “What do you know?” Scarlet asked.

  He let out a long sigh. “We have not been forgotten. In light of recent events, some have even said they’d act without proof, that this is enough to warrant an arrest at the very least. If the king is now actively killing off family members, what’s to protect anyone else? They fear that their best behavior and loyalty won’t save them now. It hasn’t for you; it barely has for us.

  “But, even if we could remove Quinten without evidence, it sets a very questionable standard. If we don’t follow the laws that outline how to legally remove a king, then whoever gets the throne next could be tossed out easily. Let’s say it’s Scarlet.”

  “Let’s not,” she shot back.

  “If the laws weren’t followed this time, they won’t be followed the next. So, in all ways, we will show we are fit to rule. Properly.”

  Uncle Reid’s words reminded me of that silly rhyme we used back in Coroa, the one for when we were taught all the laws that we, as citizens, might need to know. Undo one, and you undo them all.

  I supposed there was truth to that, that stealing was as bad as lying was as bad as killing. However we went about dethroning Quinten, it was rebellion. Uncle Reid was proving that there was room to undo evil without being evil. If nothing else, I admired that.

  “Ah! There he is!” Mother said, pointing at the approaching figure in armor.

  We all gave Etan a fresh round of applause, and he waved in mock arrogance, tipping his head in exaggerated ways, teasing us as he took in our praise.

  “Congratulations, son!” Uncle Reid said as Etan bent down on one knee beside us.

  “Thank you, sir. Good day for the Northcotts.” He flipped his prize over in his palms. It was a golden feather, made in such a way that there were spaces between the barbs where light could shine through. It was a fine trophy for a job well done, and it was easily the most beautiful piece of craftsmanship I’d seen in Isolte.

  “Even if you hadn’t won the whole tournament, the first round alone was enough to be proud of,” I commented.

  Etan let out a low whistle. “I’ve had a few good runs in my time, but I’ve never grounded someone. It’s true,” he said, raising his arms and gesturing to nothing, “I am incredibly talented. But I think I owe some of my good luck to you today, Hollis.”

  I tilted my head. “Thanks to you, my favors currently have a perfect winning streak.”

  “Really? Then I think this should be yours.” Etan held out his prize.

  “It’s beautiful, but I can’t take this. It’s your first win. You should have it.”

  “Wouldn’t have won without you, though. So . . .” He held it out to me, his eyes insistent. With how well things had gone, the last thing I wanted to do was argue with Etan over a feather.

  “You’re a stubborn idiot, but I accept,” I sighed. “Thank you.”

  “Let’s have a toast,” Uncle Reid said. “To our champion, and to our good luck charm. To Etan and Hollis!”

  “To Etan and Hollis,” everyone chorused. And I raised my cup quickly, hoping to hide whatever expression it was that dashed across my face.

  “Hopefully our good luck carries over to our plans,” I said, diverting the topic. “I delivered my letter to the queen.”

  Etan swallowed his drink hastily, looking at me wide-eyed. “She got it?”

  I nodded. “I checked the ground around her seat, and it at least made it off the field with her. We spoke about the necessity for secrecy in Coroa, so I feel confident she understood the importance of the kerchief.”

  “When did you ask her to meet?” Aunt Jovana asked.

  “Tonight. In the Great Room during the celebration banquet.”
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br />   They all looked at me as if I were mad.

  “Sometimes the best way to keep a secret is to put it out in the open.”

  Etan shook his head, his expression saying he was once again impressed against his will.

  “How can we help?” Uncle Reid asked.

  “I’m hoping I won’t need much help. With everyone in good spirits from the joust and excited for the wedding, I’m imagining this will be a bit of a rowdy night and that no one will notice Valentina slipping off to talk to me.”

  “Excellent,” Uncle Reid commented. “And the rest of us must be prepared to take in more information. Hollis can’t carry all of this.”

  Scarlet nodded fervently, as did Etan. I didn’t think I was carrying all of anything. I was just grateful to be of use.

  We finished our food and ambled lazily back toward the palace. Etan was walking tall, his hair still stuck to his forehead from the exertions of his day. He had a very satisfied grin slapped across his dirty face, happily holding his helmet beneath his arm.

  “Please tell me you intend to bathe before we go to dinner,” I teased.

  “Please tell me you do as well.”

  I chuckled.

  “Listen,” he began, “I had a thought about tonight, but I couldn’t say it in front of Father. I know he wouldn’t approve.”

  “What?” I squinted, trying to imagine what Etan would be willing to do in spite of his father.

  “If you find yourself unable to get to Valentina at the banquet, if Quinten or anyone else seems to be watching too closely, I can cause a distraction.”

  “Thank you,” I breathed. “That has been my biggest . . . Wait, cause a distraction how?”

  He shrugged as if it were nothing. “There were a handful of other competitors today who were more than a little bitter about losing to me. It would only take two or three well-placed remarks to get someone to throw a punch my way.”

  “Etan!”

  “I told you, it’s only if you’ve run out of options. I don’t want to make a scene, but it’s far more important to get Valentina on our side than for me to uphold my reputation, even though I know that’s a big concern of Father’s right now. If I’m not beside you, I’ll be watching. Simply nod at me or something, all right?”

  “Very well.”

  I knew Etan. He was proud. He didn’t like people taking his work or positions or sacrifice lightly. In a way, his reputation was the prize of his life. To see that he would willingly sacrifice it for now to help me . . . I felt like I saw a glimpse of the person Silas had told me about.

  In a way, I felt obligated to change his mind, but in another, I was proud to know him.

  Nineteen

  I BRUSHED MY HAIR OUT, braiding the front pieces to hold it out of my face the way Delia Grace used to. The moment her name crossed my mind, I wondered what she was doing now. Had she been moved into the queen’s apartments? Did she have a gaggle of ladies serving her? Was she happy with her place at Jameson’s side?

  I hoped she was. She had been through enough; it was time for her to have some level of ease in her life. I wondered if I ought to write her, or maybe respond to Nora. I’d feel so much better if there was a way to know that Delia Grace had something formal with Jameson.

  “What are you thinking about?” Scarlet asked. “You get this look on your face sometimes like you’ve gone back to Coroa in your head.”

  If my stare didn’t give me away, my guilty smile certainly did. She was far too observant. “I was thinking about those girls today, asking if I was engaged. I remembered how the holy men had to force Jameson to keep my name off the peace treaty with Quinten. If they hadn’t . . . I don’t think I could have left.”

  “What? Why not?”

  “I think it would have been as good as being married on paper, or at least practically engaged. Those things are all but unbreakable in Coroa.” I turned away from the mirror to face her. “I knew a girl whose parents made a marriage contract with another family when she and her intended were two years old. Contracts like that are dated. So once the date rolls around, you’re legally married.”

  “Oh my goodness!” Scarlet gasped.

  “I know. This one had set the date for shortly after the lady’s eighteenth birthday, but by the time they were of age, neither of them wanted any part of it. If it’s in writing like that, the king himself has to nullify the contract. You’re essentially already married, so it’s like asking for a divorce. It’s no small thing.”

  “Really?”

  “I’m afraid so. A contract is akin to vows in Coroa.”

  “Even if they were children? Even if their parents did it without their knowledge?”

  I’d never thought to question it growing up. I’d been so consumed with hope that someone, anyone, would be willing to sign themselves into a lifetime with me that I never thought about how it would feel if I didn’t want an arrangement at all.

  “Yes,” I confirmed. “I was in the room the day of the proceedings. Both sets of parents were still very much behind the match, so, even though the couple were both standing there in tears, King Marcellus refused to nullify it. After being by Jameson’s side, I have to believe the king had something to gain from it, but I don’t know what. It’s the only reason they do anything.”

  Scarlet crossed her arms, looking both angry and sad. “What happened to the couple?”

  I smirked. “They’re getting their own revenge. They had an actual wedding, of course. No way around it. But she was the last in her family’s line, so she’s set to inherit all of their land. He’s in a similar position. Their parents clearly wanted one line of grandchildren to get it all in the end. But they’re refusing to have children.”

  “Oh . . . Oh!”

  I nodded. “Yes. And it’s been several years.”

  “That’s determination.”

  “It is,” I said, turning back to the mirror. “Anyway, I was thinking about all that, and about Delia Grace. She had her moments, but she went through so much. I’m glad that, after everything, she could be queen. But if my name had been on that paper, it would be much more complicated than me simply leaving the castle.”

  “Do you think Jameson will really marry her?”

  I nodded. “If anyone could plot their way to the throne, it’s her.”

  “If it happens, I’d like to go to that party. That’s pretty,” Scarlet commented about my hair. “Reminds me of how you looked when we met.”

  “I think I’m going to leave it down. And I think I’m going to wear one of my own dresses. I just want to feel like myself tonight.”

  She smiled. “I know that feeling. Here,” she said, reaching into her trunk, “let’s remind everyone you were in line for a throne.”

  She pulled out a headpiece I’d seen on her before, a fan made of gold and sapphires, and placed it firmly on my head. We both inspected my reflection. “It’s going to look pretty with my gold dress,” I commented, “but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t make me miss the days when I wore that dress with rubies.”

  She stood behind me, wrapping her arms around my waist. “No one ever wanted to make you choose, Hollis.”

  “Etan did.”

  “Well, Etan has taken several blows to the head at tournaments over the years, so ignore him. You can be both, Hollis. You can embrace both.”

  I inhaled. “That would be nice.”

  “You have plenty of time to work on it. For now, we have a banquet to attend.”

  I quickly got into my gown, and Scarlet laced me in. It felt like learning to breathe again, looking at the girl who had swept Jameson off his feet.

  I walked confidently into the main room to meet the family, arm in arm with Scarlet.

  “Don’t you two look lovely?” Aunt Jovana said, placing her hand to her heart. “It’s done me so good to have girls around again.”

  Etan was watching this all unfold as well. The stubble from this afternoon was now gone, and his hair was slightly tamer than usual sinc
e he’d cleaned himself after the joust. He was still wearing that air of confidence that came with a big win, and, surprisingly, he was smiling as I approached.

  Our family chattered away as everyone pulled at each other’s hems and straightened collars. We all needed to look pristine. I shook my head at them, loving them, even in a state of nervousness. And then I turned to Etan.

  He wasn’t so terrible looking when he smiled. Some might even call him handsome. And it made me calmer somehow, knowing I was walking into that room with someone I could trust.

  “You do look lovely,” he commented quietly.

  I sighed. “And you’ll do.”

  He chuckled, and I slid my fingers into his waiting hand.

  Twenty

  ALL EYES WERE ON ME as we entered the Great Room. Rather, all eyes were on my escort.

  “Good evening, Etan.”

  “Nice to see you again, Etan.”

  “Why, Etan! How well you look tonight.”

  It was a chorus of compliments raining down on him with every painful step to the front of the room.

  He acknowledged them for as long as he could, then retreated by looking at the floor, laughing to himself.

  “Never going to marry, my eye,” I spat.

  “It’d be a shame for me to break so many hearts,” he joked.

  “It’d be a shame for you to breed,” I retorted. He laughed so loud, it seemed like half the room turned to see what was so funny, only to see the hero of the day shaking his head at a girl from Coroa.

  As predicted, the mood in the room was light. It was also much noisier in here than it had been the night before, and growing uncomfortably warm. But the musicians were playing, and the courses were spilling from their plates, and so I tried to enjoy the evening while I could.

  There was only one small problem.

  I had expected that Valentina and I might have to wait a long time to meet, or that more eyes than I could guess might be watching us. What I hadn’t expected was the possibility that Valentina might not be there at all.