"Pf . . . keeping the Empire from breaking apart is the real headache."
"Is the Farrellian rebellion that great of a threat to the Empire?" I asked.
The alchemist's knowledgeable eye turned to Milo.
The eunuch swiftly lowered his head.
"Fear not, young Milo, I won't tell anyone. Farrell isn't Sorvinka's biggest threat—the eastern hordes are. They'll stay put only as long as the king pays them not to invade Sorvinka. However, he cannot stop them from invading the neighboring countries."
"Savages!" hissed Milo.
"Hmm, I wouldn't judge them so quickly if I were you. True, we possess certain knowledge they lack. But the same can be said of them." The alchemist rose, and after a noisy search around the room, he returned with a small wooden box. When he opened it I saw that the box was filled with a black powdery substance. "A gift from Khuan, one of the eastern emissaries."
"What is it?"
"Thunder dust," said the alchemist. Taking a pinch of powder, he threw it into the fireplace.
POOFH. A blinding tongue of flame shot up into the air. A thick black smoke followed, choking the room with a pungent sulfuric smell which irritated our throats and burnt our eyes.
"This dust is only one of the few marvels they possess," said the alchemist amidst a dark could of smoke.
Coughing, I fanned the air in front of my face, glad that the smoke was finally dissipating. "What's the purpose of this dust . . . besides making smoke?"
The alchemist's expression took on an air of mystery. "I'm not at liberty to say. It's not ready." He closed the box containing the thunder dust. "In the course of my travels, I learned many interesting facts about the eastern hordes. These barbarians have a name. They call themselves the Anchin. I believe it means the hunters. Their clothing may be crude, but their weapons are not. Theirs are far superior to any I have seen so far. Do you know that their emperor moves around in a traveling city? Mmm . . . " The alchemist smiled in beatitude. "How I would love to see such a thing."
I cleared my throat. "I saw their horses. They look like rugged creatures."
"The wild ponies are the Anchin's most fearsome weapon. It has been said that mounts and riders can travel for days without stopping. The riders sleep and eat on their horses. These unstoppable hordes of light cavalry can overrun a country like a swarm of locusts. Many cities have capitulated without a fight at the sight of these warriors, hundreds of thousands of them riding in tight formation, men and women alike. When people saw them for the first time, they thought the Anchin were demons or evil spirits. It's for the best that they surrendered."
"Really! Doesn't seem like a good option to me."
The alchemist sighed. "With the Anchin, surrendering is the only real option. Those who do are always spared. Those who resist are killed to the last. I think this behavior may have helped spread the myth that they were of a demonic nature."
I smiled. "Spirits, ghosts, and demons are the simplest way of explaining the unknown."
"Not always; when no logical explanation can be found, often ghosts or demons are involved."
Taken aback, I looked at the alchemist with wide eyes. "You believe in ghosts! You—a man of science."
"Who said one can't believe in both."
"I . . . I . . . never thought this possible."
The alchemist shrugged. "It is for me."
I thought it best if I didn't speak any longer; I was too choked up by emotions to find anything remotely coherent to say. Somehow, I had always assumed that if I allowed myself to believe in the occult, I wouldn't be able to devote myself to science.
After an awkward moment of silence, the alchemist asked, "You haven't told me the reason you climbed up my tower, Prince Amir. Were you, as I first thought, visiting the ladies that share it with me?"
"What ladies?"
"Countess Ivana and Lady Isabo. Both are annoying. If you ask me, all women are. The pretty one is nosy, with all her entertaining and friends coming and going from her room. And the other, the plain looking one, she stinks up the whole place with her potion-making. She prides herself a potion-maker and a healer, that one. If you ask me she's worse than the other."
I stared at Milo. "So the room that smells of herbs is hers. Alchemist, what sort of potions does she make?"
"Witch's brews by the smell. She makes a decent tonic, I must say. The queen takes it every day. "
"How long has she been making tonics for the queen?"
"Oh, years."
"Is that the truth, huh?" And the queen has been sick for years. Strange coincidence. "Do you know how one can meet the queen?"
"Certainly. Send her a note requesting an audience. The queen rarely refuses a formal request."
I smiled. I intended to do just that.
Chapter Ten
Following the alchemist's advice, as soon as I got back to my room, I sent a written note to the queen requesting an audience with her. The day ended without receiving an answer, and by noon the next day I began worrying. Although I didn't expect to receive her reply that same day, her lack of response made me nervous nonetheless.
"Have you thought of what you will bring her, if she agrees to see you?" asked Milo.
I winced. My talent at gift giving was so disastrous that at this point the idea alone of having to choose one frightened me. Not feeling up to the task, I decided to postpone that dreaded chore and remained comfortably seated in front of the roaring fireplace. Here, at least, I incurred no danger and could rest easy.
TAP, TAP, TAP.
The light knocking at my door was unexpected at this time of day.
Milo was there in the blink of an eye. However, before opening the door, he turned to me and in a voice betraying a hint of apprehension said, "I hope it's not that perfumed prince again." His comment didn't surprise me. I had noted that Milo had developed a profound dislike for Diego.
I shrugged. "He's not that unpleasant." Thinking of it now, I'd grown to enjoy Diego's companionship—if nothing else, he was entertaining. I grinned broadly and said, "Open the door, Milo."
Bearing a look of resignation, Milo obeyed and opened the door. "Princess Eva, what a pleasure to see you here," said Milo with obvious relief.
Upon hearing my beloved's name, I leapt to my feet and made a mad dash to the door. "Eva," I whispered, slightly out of breath, while gazing at her with the same overwhelming amazement as when I had seen her for the first time. She wore a thick blue-velvet hood and cape over her bright yellow dress. Her cheeks were reddened by the cold, her eyes sparkled with excitement, and the gold curls tumbling out of her hood framed her face perfectly. Right then, I found her more beautiful than ever.
"Why have you stayed away from me for so long?" The resentment in my voice was biting. And as I watched her lovely smile fade, I regretted having spoken those words of displeasure.
Her smooth brow furrowed. "Amir! I thought we settled this at the ball. You said you understood my need to spend some time alone with my family. Why are you reproaching me now? "
Gripped by a sudden panic, I seized her gloved hands. "Pardon me, my love. I've been sick with worry about you and your family. I was desperate to see you, but helpless to do so. I hope you understand how upsetting this can be for me."
The furrow on her brow eased, and she smiled at me. "I know. I've left you alone with no friend to speak to for far too long. Although, I've heard that you and Prince Diego went riding the other day."
"He's hardly a substitute for you. I would've greatly preferred to spend that time in your company."
Her gloved hand caressed my cheek lightly. Then Eva rose on her tiptoes and softly brushed her lips over my chin and mouth. Liquid fire spread through my entire body. I bent down and captured her mouth with mine. Meanwhile my hands went in quest of her waist hidden underneath her thick cape, as I tried holding on to her, so that the kiss would last longer. But she slipped out of my arms before I could gain a good grip.
Sidestepping me, Eva entered the
room. "Milo," she said, acknowledging his presence. Then she pushed back her hood, releasing a cascade of golden curls, and stared about the room. An expression of consternation invaded her features.
She clucked her tongue. "Tsk-tsk-tsk. Father did this on purpose. I cannot believe it. The man is so stubborn. Gah! That makes me so mad."
I made an attempt at a smile to hide the extent of my distress, but only wound up thinning my lips. "Your father really dislikes me. Eva, I'm afraid he'll never agree to our union. No matter what I do. The man is impossible to please—not by me anyway." I felt my chest tightening, and I had to let out a long sigh just to ease the pressure around it.
Head tilted, Eva turned loving eyes toward me. "All is not lost, Amir. We do have an ally. A very powerful and influential one."
"Who?" I asked with renewed hope.
Eva's nose wrinkled as if she were about to play a trick on someone. "Mother," she breathed in a secretive tone. "She has agreed to see you, Amir. Mother's inviting you to have tea with her tomorrow. If someone can change Father's view of you, it is she. Trust me on that."
Beaming with joy, I said. "I do trust you, my love, I do. What should I wear? Oh, and what should I bring her? I don't want a repeat of my introduction mistakes and insult her with an offensive gift."
Eva's laughter filled my room. "Wear something simple and elegant. As for the gift. No woman will ever be insulted by jewelry."
I grinned. "When should I go there?"
"Don't worry. Someone will come to fetch you when it's time. Now put on your coat, we're going outside."
I didn't argue; I dressed in a hurry. We spent a good part of the day outside walking in the snow. I was so glad to be with Eva that I didn't feel the cold any longer. She was my sun, my fire; her presence warmed me from the inside out. Well, except for when she shoved a handful of snow in my face and some of it ran along my neck and down my back. I was cold then, but that was a small price to pay for being with her.
Grasping my arm, Eva said, "Come with me, I want to show you something."
We ran through the snow until we were past the stable and nearly out of the castle's garden.
Eyeing the dark line of the trees ahead, I felt a sudden uneasiness. "Where are we going? Not in the forest I hope?"
"No. The place is right on its edge."
I hesitated. "Eva . . . that's dangerous."
"Please," she coaxed. "I need to show it to you. It's not far, I promise."
"Fine. But it better not be far."
Well, it was farther than she remembered. I stared at the partly collapsed stone building with some confusion. Why did she want me to see this pile of rubble?
Wrapping her cape tightly around her, Eva approached the broken-down building.
"This used to be our playground when we were children. My sisters and I used to spend hours here. It was different then. Those walls were still standing and the forest was further back. This place was sunny and flowers grew everywhere." She sighed. "Too many things have changed lately. Far too many things."
"What was this place anyway?"
Eva sat down on one of the fallen columns that had once flanked the building's façade. "An old temple, an old house. Some call them travelers' roofs. They used to be widespread throughout the country. They were shelters to spend the night in safe from the wolves, and to worship the local gods. Now they are all falling apart . . . because things have changed. Sorvinka is not as it used to be. I don't like the way it is now." Eva paused and looked around while twisting one of her gloves between her hands. Then she turned concerned eyes toward me. "I spent a lot of time with Father in his council chamber these last days, and I was appalled to learn that my beloved country is now weakened by internal conflicts and divisions."
I frowned, shocked by what she just said. "You! You've assisted at council meetings? I thought—I thought you spent most of your time with your mother."
Eva glared at me. "Why are you so surprised, Amir? I told you about my interest in the kingdom's affairs long ago. You knew Father let me and my sisters assist in those meetings."
"Yes . . . but . . . "
Eva's eyes narrowed; her chin rose. "But what, Amir? Did you think I lied, or embellished the truth?"
"No! I—"
Eva shook her head. "Don't bother explaining yourself. I understand. You thought those were meaningless meetings. The sort that deals with the purchase of furniture for one of the castle's new wings. You never really believed that Father would let me participate in any meetings of political importance . . . because I'm a woman."
I thought it best not to say a word; after all, she was right, that was exactly my thinking.
Nodding, Eva whispered, "This isn't Telfar, Amir. Sorvinka has different rules."
"I'm doing my best to learn your ways and adapt to them."
Eva smiled. "I know you are. I shouldn't lose my patience with you like this. You're certainly not to blame for your upbringing. And my presence in the council's chamber is unusual even in Sorvinkian culture. No woman has ruled Sorvinka since the Black Queen, and that was over three hundred years ago."
"The Black Queen . . . sounds ominous, I've never heard of her before."
"She wasn't evil, just a widow. She wore only black, hence the name Black Queen. She ruled as regent for nine years until her eldest son was old enough to ascend to the throne." A proud grin illuminated Eva's face. "In the few years she ruled, the Black Queen successfully doubled the size of the country by annexing the provinces of Tatilion and Ukavec. She gave birth to the Empire we have today. Sadly, history books rarely mention her accomplishments. Some even omit her reign completely." Eva kicked the snow with obvious discontentment. "It's terribly unjust, if you ask me."
I agreed wholeheartedly, which seemed to appease Eva's volatile emotions. Her posture became more relaxed and her face took on a calm, dreamy expression. As she appeared lost in her thoughts, I decided to take a closer look at the old temple behind us.
I walked around the side of the building and discovered the remains of an entrance. Some timeworn figures still adorned its sides. They appeared vaguely feminine in form—then again, the stone was so pitted and eroded I couldn't really be sure. Further inside the building, where the roof had fallen in, forming a sloping shelter, was a round bowl set atop a tall stone pillar. With an eye fixed on the collapsed roof, I cautiously stepped inside the building and leaned over the round bowl.
"OH!" I jumped back in horror. A bloody sheep's head lay in the bowl. I then looked on the ground. The snow was beaten by footsteps. Fir branches were spread out in the left corner not far from the darkened patch of an extinguished fire. I could also see some melted wax on several rocks. This place had been used recently. Someone slept here—on those branches. Were they travelers or bandits? I wondered. Either way, this building wasn't safe, I decided, and made my way back out.
"Eva," I called, rushing to her side. "We must leave now."
She shot me an annoyed glance, the kind that made me doubt she would consent to do so. But after a long look at the surroundings, Eva agreed to leave. I was glad to flee the forest, and this spot in particular. This place made me nervous.
We were emerging from between the fir trees growing at the forest's edge, when two galloping horses almost ran us over. I hardly had time to pull Eva out of the path of their deadly hooves. If not for my swift reflex, I believe Eva, who had been walking in front me, would've been trampled. Once Eva and I had regained our wit, we turned to face the riders.
The two Anchin warriors had stopped a short distance from us. The man appeared relieved to see that we were unharmed. The woman, on the other hand, looked somewhat disappointed. Moreover, she was glaring at Eva with open dislike. Without uttering a single word, they turned their horses and galloped away.
"Savages!" hissed Eva.
"According to the alchemist they're not as barbaric as they appear."
"Foolish ramblings of an old man!" she snapped. "They're savages, nothing more." Furi
ous, she raised clenched fists in front of her face, as if she wanted to hit someone, anyone. Her rage was so intense that for a brief instant I thought she was going to hit me. But then her hands fell to her sides. "Oh, Amir, I'm so tired of feeling threatened all the time. I'm tired of being powerless. I wish I could change things. I wish I could bring Sorvinka back to the way it was before: united, strong, and proud." She stared at the diminishing silhouettes of the Anchin warriors with loathing. "I don't understand why Father is paying them to stay away. I wouldn't."
"Your father wants to prevent a war."
"Why? We're Sorvinkian. They cannot defeat us."
That wasn't what I had heard, yet I chose not to argue with Eva. The searing anger, the irrational wrath, she'd just displayed was new to me. I'd never seen that side of her before. Of course, I thought, with what has happened to her sisters, Eva had the right to be angry. And she wasn't really angry at me anyway—why would she be.
Our return to the castle was in a far less joyous mood than our departure had been. Nevertheless, when Eva bid me farewell, promising that we would meet again tomorrow at her mother's apartments, there was enough warmth in her voice to make me forget her irritable attitude earlier. Thus it was with a light heart that I went back to my rooms. The queen will love me. She has too. I will be charming. I won't say anything inappropriate. Everything would go well, I was sure of it. Then again, I had thought the same before meeting the king.
* * *
"How do I look?" I asked Milo for the tenth time.
"Like a prince."
Once more, I turned my attention to the full-length mirror attached to the wall. I had chosen a copper-colored kaftan trimmed with black fur and a matching turban. The tunic and pants I wore underneath were made of the finest black silk and my belt was constructed of gold rings. I flicked a finger on the black pearl brooch embellishing my copper turban. Was it too much? I opened my mouth to speak—
"It's fine. Leave it," Milo said, beating me to the punch.
Knocks at the door brought this nerve-wracking wait to an end. I rushed to open it before Milo could make a move. A guard stood at attention in the corridor.
The King's Daughters Page 12
