The corners of Valen’s eyes twitched with the thought. “Star, you opened up another world to me that I didn’t know existed. You set me free.”
“Everyone makes their own destiny, even if you are a prince.”
“And I’m ready to make mine. This is not something I do because I have to, it is done because it is necessary and honorable and I respect the privilege to serve my kingdom in the greatest way.” Valen sighed, looking down at the thick carpet on the floor. “I am going to marry Vespa. It will unite both kingdoms and stall any war. In fact, it may bring peace for decades to come.”
Despite the logical nature of his decision, Star felt numb and hollow inside. She knew it was inevitable and, as Valen explained, would save Ravencliff and unite the kingdoms. She did not want to see her father go to war. Besides, Valen had never said anything otherwise. He’d never proclaimed his love for her or even hinted at it at all. He had nothing to retract. It had all been unspoken, intangible, and now it was gone.
Valen took both her hands in his. “Star, I’m sorry.”
She pulled away. “There is nothing to be sorry about. You’ve made your decision and I respect it.”
He took a folded letter out of his coat pocket. “I’m sorry because I have to ask this of you. There is no one else I can trust, no one who can ride fast enough to stop the war. Star, will you deliver this letter to Vespa? Will you help me set things right?”
It was only weeks ago she’d delivered his other letter, the letter meant to break the engagement. But Star cared too much for the kingdoms and for Valen. She could not refuse. She swallowed her tears, unable to refuse. “I will.”
“I have a reward for your good deeds.”
Images of the ruby heart pendant hanging on the chain flitted in her memory. She felt sick. “I have no need for your rewards.” Star secured the letter underneath her messenger’s cloak, the white silk now stained with ash and soot. “Farewell, Your Highness.” She noticed that this time he did not try to correct her formality.
With a quick bow, Star left, closing the wooden door behind her, an attendant shuffling past for more orders. She clutched her stomach as it threatened to heave. Somehow, she felt like she had lost a dear friend. But the sadness was nothing compared to the emptiness she felt in Leer’s absence. With him, she’d lost more than a friend—she’d lost a love.
“What’s the matter, madam?”
Star looked up to see Bellanina, hugging her bunnyfly. “Nothing.” She wiped under her eyes. “Nothing, dear.”
“I remember you. You saved my Flopsy.” She lifted the poor animal by its armpits to show her.
Star smiled. “Yes, I did.”
“Is it true what Valen says about you?”
“What does he say about me?”
“That you are a hero and you will save us from the army.”
Star put her hand on the small princess’s shoulder. “Don’t you worry about the army.”
The princess looked down, hugging the bunnyfly to her chest. She rocked her body to lull it to sleep. “But will you save us or not?”
Star’s resolve came back again, an old friend she’d forgotten about resurfacing at the strangest time. “I will.” She pet Flopsy between the ears and, with a wink, she set off on another quest to save the world.
Chapter 26
Message for the Queen
Star rode out before nightfall. Her return to Ravencliff lasted a mere four hours. Even Windracer issued a questioning snort when Star threw her saddle back on. But extra time could mean extra lives spent, for Evenspark’s army could already be on the march. After Leer’s disappearance, she did not want even one more death on her head. Not only would she deliver Valen’s letter to Vespa, but she had a message for the queen, warning her about the brown-robed spies, for they’d infiltrated Evenspark, possibly hiring Zetta to carry out their ill will.
Besides, after her conversation with Valen, there was nothing for her in Ravencliff and she felt eager to leave it all behind. What was left of her family, friends and career lay in Evenspark—if she could convince the queen of the Elyndra conspiracy, the benevolence of the new King of Ravencliff, and that a bond between the kingdoms would be better than a war based on revenge.
Her list was long, and she pondered it as she rode the all-too-familiar trail leading her back to her true home. The countryside seemed vast and spacious without the blanket of mist to oppress it. Star dreamed of villages along the way—rest stops, taverns and fields where the people could farm, the merchants could trade and the poor children could grow up in a home and not a makeshift tarp. There was room for so many more people. The possibilities seemed endless and she reveled in the infinite future.
Soon the wire cage topping Evenspark Mountain came into view and Star was faced with mixed feelings about her home. The great squealing metal gates were opened but heavily guarded. Star saw scouts along the hillside, riding up and down the mossy incline with crossbows tied to their backs. Evenspark was still wary, but testing the boundaries holding it back. They were behind Ravencliff in that regard and Star whispered a silent prayer for it. At least the army hadn’t marched out and she’d have a chance to change their fate.
The guards recognized her immediately, allowing her entry with wide eyes as if seeing her rise from her grave. She nodded to each one in turn, pretending she carried out a mission to deliver correspondence and nothing more.
Star looked around with apprehension. The mood in Evenspark had turned from fretful anticipation to a calm silence hanging in the air. Then she realized the mist blowers stood quiet and unused, like forgotten statues of a lost civilization, guarding the grid in mute defense. She wondered if the people of Evenspark would eventually take them down, allowing the denizens to see the vast countryside stretching beneath Evenspark’s foothills, but one thought at a time. For now, she needed to get by the processing tables.
She threw her carrier’s bag atop the first guarded unit. The overstuffed leather landed with a thud, raising eyes at the amount of correspondence she carried. And that was exactly what she wanted it to do. She’d brought it along with the documents from Ravencliff as a decoy to smuggle Valen’s letter and her own information to the queen. After all the time she was away, she couldn’t possibly turn up empty-handed.
Star did not want to face Zetta. She feared her emotions would give her intentions away. But the shrewd businesswoman surveyed the tables as always. She saw Zetta’s eyes pop out and watched, slightly amused, as her superior ran out to greet her.
“My goodness! For heaven’s sake, Star, you’re alive!”
Star dismounted and bowed to hide the various feelings flitting through her. When she regained a stoic composure, she straightened. “I apologize for my late arrival.”
“Late arrival? You’re weeks behind. We thought you were dead!”
“There’ve been some problems with the mist as of late, but, as you can see, the trail is now clear.”
Zetta looked frazzled as ever. “We don’t know what went on out there, or if it’s coming back. We’ve tried sending a few people out, but not far.”
Star did not want Zetta to know the mist’s disappearance was permanent, not until she’d forestalled the queen’s army. For all she knew, her superior could be one of the robed people herself, but she doubted it. Zetta would not be interested in their plight. In any case, it was better to act as stupefied as they were.
“You can never be too careful. Now, I’ve delivered my letters to the processing tables, and I ask my leave to visit my family before they worry themselves sick.”
“Of course!” Zetta eyed the letters apprehensively. Star knew she searched for the return reply from her assassination request. Unfortunately, there was no letter there for her. A sudden thought of Leer flashed in her mind and Star had to push it away. If she showed any outward emotions, she would endanger her mission, and she wanted to expose these conspirators. She owed Leer no less.
Zetta h
adn’t seen her wave of grief, as she was too preoccupied with the bundle of letters. “You go on, take a break if you need it. You can report back when you are ready to deliver again.”
Star resisted the urge to quit then and there. With the mist gone, they could send anyone, even if they traveled on foot. She wasn’t needed. Because the beasts were dead, any layman who could walk could deliver letters, but for the time being, Star had to play along. “I fear my return will be some time yet.”
Zetta nodded. “Very well.” She signaled a ceremonial wave good-bye. With a nod, Star jumped back onto Windracer and rode off, leaving Zetta in the dust. As she rode away, she wondered if the woman would be in a dungeon cell by the end of the day.
* * * *
Valen’s letter facilitated entry into the palace. The guards recognized the royal seal of Ravencliff and allowed her to pass without question. As Star walked through the courtyard, she saw men suiting their horses, dressed in full battle armor. Flags and banners embroidered in blue with Evenspark’s insignia waved in the breeze.
Star had always enjoyed watching the flags on ceremonial days, but today all the blue thread signified was bloodshed. Valen was right. The Queen of Evenspark wasted no time to exact her revenge. If she couldn’t have Ravencliff by marriage, then she’d have it by force.
She quickened her pace and detoured to the queen’s main audience chamber. She’d deliver Vespa’s letter after dealing with the impending army. Five guards, all clad in armor with long battle swords, met her at the doorway.
Star’s voice was regal and commanding as she walked straight up to the guards. “I must speak with the queen.”
The guards looked to one another, uncertain. Since Tia Rood died, she was technically the head rider of Interkingdom Carriers once again, seeing she was the only adept carrier alive. Her authority outranked them all.
The oldest and tallest of the soldiers spoke. “We are on the eve of battle. The queen doesn’t wish to see anyone.”
Star dug out the letter with Ravencliff’s seal and held it up, careful to hide the addressee. “I have official business from the King of Ravencliff.”
The surprise was apparent on the soldiers’ faces. One of the younger of the men’s mouth actually dropped open.
“Now, if you’ll let me by…”
To her relief, no one stopped her. She pushed the large oak doors open, letting fresh air breathe into the stifled room, and marched right up to the throne. The queen rose from her chair, veils wafting on the breeze and blue velvet cascading down the steps in front of her. A trio of noblewomen flanked her, all wearing headdresses like proud peacocks, gems dangling beside their faces like chimes. An old jester sat on the floor at their feet, plucking notes on a lute. Star’s footsteps silenced the chatter and the melancholy tune all at once until she was the only person moving in the great hall.
The queen’s voice was sharp, blowing out the veils inches from her face. “What is the meaning of this?”
“Your Highness.” Star bowed when she reached earshot of the throne. “I am the head rider of the Interkingdom Carriers and I have a message from the King of Ravencliff.”
“Ha!” The queen laughed. The sound was more wicked than happy. “You lie. That old man hasn’t spoken one word to me in ten years.”
Star straightened. “That old man you speak of is dead. I have correspondence from his son, Valen Crawford, the new King of Ravencliff.”
Although the queen stood as unmoving as a faceless presence, intimidating Star more than she would have thought possible, an interest flickered in the eyes of those around them. The queen waved her long-fingered hand and everyone, jester and all, cleared out of the room.
Star waited until the last of their steps faded away before she spoke. “I have a letter from King Valen of Ravencliff stating his intentions to marry Princess Vespa. He wants to unite the two thrones once again.”
“Impossible. Just two months ago he spat in our face and said the engagement was off.”
Star took a deep breath, trying to keep her voice calm and informative. “Ravencliff has endured great challenges these past few days. They were attacked by the Elyndra, their walls breached. I know Valen cares for Vespa’s wellbeing, and he did not want to see her harmed. He knew it was not time for such celebrations. Their situation was perilous. He had to do what was necessary in order to keep her from danger.” She produced the letter. “But it is safe now.”
The queen looked her up and down, head moving underneath the veil until Star felt like the Evenspark’s ruler stripped her bare, but she held fast to her words and her stance remained steady.
“How would you know what is in the letter?”
“I am but the messenger. I deliver the words of His Highness and his trusted advisors. They wanted me to know how important this delivery would be, that I could not tarry or fail, and so they told me what words I carry. In just a few days, it will be no secret. Vespa will ride to Ravencliff and our two kingdoms will be united.”
Star could not persuade her so easily. “Give me the letter.”
She walked up the steps to the throne and kneeled before her queen, holding the flimsy folded parchment out before her. It was one paper that could save thousands of lives. “See for yourself.”
The queen ran her long fingers over the seal and scrutinized the handwriting. Star could hear her breathing change from quick intakes to long, thoughtful pauses.
“If this is true, then my army may rest again and you will be rewarded. If it is false, then you will go straight to the dungeon and be tried for treason.” The queen shouted, her voice resonating through the hall. “Bring me Princess Vespa.”
Chapter 27
Conspirators
Long moments passed before Princess Vespa entered the hall. Star consoled herself by calculating each minute that sped away, assuming it would prolong the release of Evenspark’s army, providing Ravencliff with valuable time. But another few minutes wouldn’t help anyone. It would take years for Valen to rebuild their army and the fortress wall. Evenspark’s army had to be stopped altogether, and the only person that could decide was a spoiled princess. Star could only hope Vespa would accept his offer.
The main doors opened, pouring in sunlight with dust motes dancing around as a ceremonial trumpet blared. An attendant announced, “The glorious Princess Vespa of Evenspark.”
The queen waved her arm, forgoing formalities. “Yes, yes. Bring her forward.”
Princess Vespa waltzed in wearing a crimson gown of silk hugging all of the curves in her body before trailing to ribbons and lace on the marble floor. Her emerald eyes were alert as ever, eyebrows painted in gleaming gold glitter. In her retinue were ladies in waiting, servant girls and waiters with trays. Star wondered what they were all for.
“Your Highness.” The princess bowed ever so slightly, acknowledging the one person who held authority over her. A practiced smile stretched on her luscious lips.
“Princess Vespa.” The queen nodded. “This messenger brings a letter addressed to you from Valen, the new King of Ravencliff. She claims he wants your hand in marriage.”
Vespa’s eyes glittered with intrigue, but Star could also see a shadow of disbelief. “Did he change his mind then?”
“As it seems. This messenger claims he thought it unsafe to proceed with the marriage ceremony until they achieved victory in their battle with the Elyndra.”
“I see,” Vespa said. “How sweet of him.” Star could not tell if she was sarcastic or serious. The princess’s voice always held a haughty chime.
The queen handed the princess the letter. “You must open it now and give your answer, for my army is preparing to march.”
Vespa took the letter in her hands. She ripped the seal with long, painted fingernails and read, her gaze eating the words hungrily. All stood in silence until she finished the last hasty scribbles. “It is true. He wishes for me to come to Ravencliff immediately. He assures us the mist is gone an
d travel is safe. We are to be married as soon as I arrive. In fact, he’s preparing the ceremony festivities now as we speak.”
“You will accept his offer then?” the queen asked, suddenly impatient. Some of the servant girls behind Vespa giggled.
“I will have to think on it, of course. He did have me in a fit for quite a while.”
Star held her breath and the queen leaned forward, her bloodlust apparent. Star knew it would suit her just as well if Vespa refused. The fate of so many lives hung on the whim of a capricious young woman. Star hoped she’d choose love over vengeance.
However, power overrode all in the end. Vespa shrugged. “An entire kingdom. How can I refuse?” She turned to Star. “Messenger, come with me. I will write a response letter and you are to deliver it.”
“I apologize, Your Highness, but you will have to find someone else. I’ve turned in my messenger bag for now.” The last thing she wanted to do was ride back to Ravencliff and deliver Vespa’s letter of love. Their marriage proceedings would have to wait until another messenger was assigned.
Vespa’s tiny mouth crinkled, red lips pursing. “You can’t refuse the Princess of Evenspark!”
“I’m afraid I must. I’ve just returned from Ravencliff to deliver this letter and policy dictates that my horse and I are entitled to a good night’s rest before I can do any more riding.” Star had no care as to the future of her job. They could fire her right there and it wouldn’t make a difference. With the mist gone, they didn’t need her anyway. No one did.
“We will find another to deliver the letter. For now, write your response.” The queen gestured to the attendant at the door. “Inform the commander to put the army at ease. There will be no marching today.”
“Yes, Your Highness.” The attendant bowed and retreated.
Star breathed again, relief flooding her senses. She’d accomplished two out of the three objectives. The last was to inform the queen of the spies. “Your Highness, there is one more issue to address.”
Messenger in the Mist Page 18
