The Forsaken Crown (The Desolate Empire Book 0)

by Christina Ochs

  Sonya was too tired to protest, and unlike her husband, the countess looked sweet and kind. In addition, Sonya had detected a slight Marjatyan accent, which meant she wasn’t Brianski, a fact which made Sonya feel better almost at once.

  So she joined Irena in the room they’d been given, a large, spare stone chamber with comfortable furnishings. She found Irena at a round table near the lone window, demolishing a chicken.

  “Don’t worry, there’s another,” she said with her mouth full, gesturing at the heavily laden table.

  Sonya was too famished to do anything but take a seat and tear into the food, which was plain, though plentiful, and better than anything she’d tasted in quite some time. That included Andrei’s commander’s dinner party, which already seemed a lifetime ago. She guzzled a fair amount of ale, and once that and the food hit her stomach, barely pulled her boots off before falling onto the large bed.

  Sonya didn’t know how long she’d slept, but when she awakened, it was dark. Irena snored softly next to her.

  Sonya got up quietly and found her boots in the dark. She left the room, relieved to find torches burning in sconces in the corridor. She didn’t fancy fumbling her way through the castle. For that was what it was, an unimpressive-looking one, but solid and comfortable inside. From the depth of the windows, she could tell the walls were thick. Even if Teodora brought cannon, she wouldn’t get into this place.

  After making a few wrong turns, Sonya found her way back to the Mikula family quarters. It must not have been too late, because here there was more activity.

  She entered a room with a long table holding the remnants of a small feast. A cluster of people sat near the fire and in the corner, someone strummed a lute, singing a Brianski folk song in a high, clear voice.

  Sonya shuddered, but kept going. The door to the chamber in which she’d left Andrei stood open, and a lamp burned at the bedside. She stopped.

  Someone sat there, and it wasn’t the doctor. It was a very beautiful young woman, looking down at Andrei in the most touching fashion.

  Sonya pushed down a surge of jealousy and cleared her throat. “Excuse me,” she said. “How is he?”

  “Oh.” The young woman rose from her seat. She was tiny, but perfectly formed, her glossy long dark hair framing a heart-shaped face and enormous brown eyes. “You must be his friend. I’m Zita Mikula.”

  “Sonya Vidmar.”

  The young woman smiled. “You’ve just had quite an adventure. Papa told me all about it. A small armed troop chased you all the way to the gates of town, but Papa saw them off.”

  “Thank the gods.” Now Sonya relaxed a little. She looked down at Andrei.

  His face was still pale, but his chest rose and fell normally. He was asleep.

  Sonya picked up his hand resting on the coverlet. It was warm, and when she held his wrist, his pulse beat steadily under her fingers. “He’s all right then.”

  “Yes, Mama said he’s recovering well, though he’ll sleep for some time.”

  “Thank you for watching over him.” Sonya meant it, though she was relieved that Andrei hadn’t yet awakened to see the exquisite Zita hovering over him. “If you don’t mind, I’ll sit with him a while.”

  “Certainly.” Zita beamed a radiant smile, and swept gracefully from the room.

  Sonya dropped into the chair, surprised at how tired she still felt. She’d rest another day or so, but then she needed to go. And unfortunately, she’d have to leave Andrei here, in Zita’s care.

  She told herself it was all for the best. He’d need weeks, if not months to recover, and she couldn’t wait that long to carry out Count Faris’s mission, especially with winter coming on.

  Andrei would stay here, with a beautiful girl taking care of him, and by the time he could ride again, he’d have forgotten all about Sonya.

  She looked away from him, swallowing down her sadness. She wasn’t giving up much. It wasn’t as though she’d ever had a chance with him in the first place.

  Birkenhof Palace

  Now he knew his mother could speak, Kendryk wanted nothing more than to spend hours with her, letting her talk, telling him everything she hadn’t been able to these past three years. But they must never let on to anyone they were aware the baroness was drugging her.

  Kendryk puzzled over how to get rid of the baroness at least one more time. He wouldn’t be able to use the trick of sending her after Arvus again, at least not anytime soon. He’d have to come up with something else. Spill wine all over her? Pretend to cut himself accidentally? Set fire to his room?

  In the meantime though, he’d keep at his routine and act normally. It was hard seeing his mother, knowing she could speak, but still be unable to have a conversation with her. But knowing she heard him was a great comfort. So the next time Kendryk saw her, he told her about Galladium and how much he’d liked it there.

  The baroness lurked nearby, but she’d have nothing to report to the duke except that Kendryk was indulging in nostalgia yet again. Perhaps the duke would take it into his head to send Kendryk back to Galladium. He wouldn’t mind that at all, since he was certain Prince Gauvain would help him. That was the person he needed to get a message to, but had no idea how to do that yet.

  His mother lay motionless as always, though as soon as the baroness stepped away, her eyes lit up in a way Kendryk had never seen before. His heart soared, and he gulped down a huge lump in his throat. It must be torture for her, to no longer be drugged, but have to act like she was.

  Kendryk kept one eye on the baroness, who’d gone into the dressing room with a book, taking a chair with a direct line of sight on the two of them. After a time, he noticed she’d grown bored with fruitless eavesdropping, and was actually reading. When he paused for breath, he heard a soft snore.

  At that, he smiled and took his mother’s hand. “Please say nothing, Mama,” he said softly. “In case she’s pretending. I swear to you, I’ll figure out a way for us to talk.”

  His mother smiled back at him, so unexpected and beautiful, it took his breath away. He realized he hadn’t seen her smile like that in a very long time.

  She reached under the covers, and took out a piece of paper folded into a tiny square, sliding it across the coverlet and into Kendryk’s palm. “Later,” she mouthed, and he understood well enough.

  He couldn’t wait to return to the privacy of his rooms, but had to keep his visit at its normal length. He kept talking about Galladium, then veered off into Benet’s theological teachings until his mother looked rather catatonic again.

  “Goodness, you really are quite learned,” the baroness said from her chair, apparently awake again. She got up and came back into the room. “Perhaps you ought to become a Maximus after all.”

  “I can’t, because I’m Prince of Terragand,” Kendryk said, giving his mother’s hand another squeeze before standing. “In spite of my current difficulties, which I’m sure are temporary.” He offered the baroness a brilliant smile.

  “Oh, I hope they are,” the baroness said, a little too fervently. “I pray every day you and the duke will soon settle your differences.”

  “Thank you,” Kendryk said, “I’m sure we will.” And with that he left, using every ounce of willpower to keep from running back to his room.

  He was pleased to see Arvus had lit both a fire and lamp, since it had grown dark while he was away. He fell into his favorite chair and pulled out the paper his mother had given him. It unfolded into a whole sheet, and his mother’s writing covered most of it.

  I had to wait until that witch fell asleep, she wrote. But she’s always sending messages to him, and leaves her writing things beside my bed, no doubt thinking I’m a complete idiot. Since she sleeps like the dead, I’m sure she has no idea I scribbled away for half the night.

  I hate to put it in words, but they think you’re an idiot too. I, of course, know you’re not. Your heart is perhaps too soft and you expect the best from others, even when you shouldn’t. But because of that, they do
n’t suspect you know a thing.

  The baroness keeps sprinkling water over my food, which makes me want to laugh. The problem is, now I’m no longer drugged, sitting here like a lump all day doesn’t suit me, and I spend all of my time pondering how we might get out of this predicament.

  I have been trying to form a list of people we can trust to help us, and it’s much too short. Your Uncle Evard would not wish to see your rule undermined, but he might still side with the duke in this matter. He’s always dismissed your capabilities. Prince Gauvain would be your most powerful ally, but even if you were able to write to him, he is very far away. Who knows when he might act?

  As to those who are nearby, we must consider Julia Maxima in Heidenhof. She and Duke Desmond have never been on friendly terms, and if she understood what was happening to you, I’m sure she would protest, and loudly.

  Kendryk wondered why he hadn’t considered Julia before. As the highest cleric in the kingdom, she was one of the few people who might successfully challenge the duke.

  I was also thinking of the military sorts on that list you showed me. I’m sure your letters will have reached at least a few of them by now. With any luck one or more will already be making their way here. If they should come and learn of what’s happened, perhaps they will help you.

  Kendryk gave a rueful chuckle at that. If anyone had written back, those replies were still waiting at the smith’s guild headquarters in Heidenhof. When they didn’t get a response from him, they probably wouldn’t bother any further. He kept reading.

  I’m sorry my darling, for neglecting you when you needed me. I was terribly upset at your brother’s death, but thanked the gods every day I still had you. By the time I wanted to tell you, it was too late. And you were always so diligent in visiting me whenever you were here, even though you must have thought me a lost cause. I thank you for not giving up and for helping me now. Together I’m sure we can overcome the duke and put you in your rightful place.

  At those words, Kendryk wanted to cry, but he was done being weak. His mother’s mention of Julia Maxima had given him an idea, and there was no time to lose in trying it out.

  Briansk

  Even though Sonya had slept for hours, she felt exhausted again after staying at Andrei’s bedside for a time. Now she knew he was all right, she could sleep better. She decided to return to her room, and gave his hand a quick pat before getting up.

  She had taken two steps toward the door when she heard, “Sonya?” behind her. She turned, and sat back down. “I’m sorry to have awakened you.”

  “You didn’t. I was already awake, but was enjoying you petting me. Didn’t want you to stop.” There was that smile again, even if it was just a small one.

  “That wasn’t very good petting, I’m afraid.” Sonya couldn’t keep from smiling back.

  “Well, it was good for me. How are you doing?”

  That made her laugh. “I’m fine. You’re the one we were all worried about. Fortunately, Countess Mikula is a doctor. She’s already performed surgery on you, in case you didn’t notice.”

  “My leg hurts like the devil, but I don’t feel as weak as before.”

  “You were likely bleeding to death before.” Sonya somehow kept her voice steady, though she wanted to shudder at the thought.

  “Mm, that explains it.” Andrei turned toward her. “Will they let us stay?”

  “I think so.” Sonya leaned forward. “I was sent to my room to eat a whole chicken and go to bed. In the meantime, it sounds like someone followed us here, but Count Mikula ran them off.” She didn’t want to mention Zita just yet and ruin the mood.

  “That sounds promising.” Andrei chuckled, then winced. He fixed his eyes on her. “Sonya, you must promise me you’ll stay here for at least a few more days. Once I’ve recovered my strength, we can leave.”

  “That’ll be more than a few days,” a soft voice said behind them, and Countess Mikula came into the room. “You’ll need at least a month, maybe two before you can so much as sit a horse. You will of course be our guest that long.”

  Sonya smiled at her. “Thank you. I will have to go in a few days, but it’ll be easier if I don’t have to worry about Andrei.”

  “But—” he protested

  “No.” Sonya forced her sadness to the back of her mind. “I can’t wait a few months. Count Faris is counting on me to take care of the prince and I can’t leave it that long.”

  She took Andrei’s hand as the doctor moved off discreetly. “I don’t want to,” Sonya whispered. “Believe me. But I can’t wait that long, and you need time to recover. I’m so grateful for what you’ve done, truly. And I wouldn’t leave you here if I didn’t think you were perfectly safe...”

  At that he laughed. “Safe? It’s you I worry about. I swore to protect you, and now you’re going off on your own.”

  “I’ll wait a few days, at least,” Sonya said, still holding his hand. “Let the dust settle. But then Irena and I will have to go.”

  “I don’t like it,” he said, “though I’m in no condition to stop you. But I’ll follow you to Terragand as soon as I’m able to ride, I swear it.”

  Sonya nodded. She hoped that would be the case, but wouldn’t expect it.

  Sonya had taken three days to rest, eat plenty of good food, and make sure Zeki had done the same. After the first imperial patrol appeared at the gates, no more had come, and Count Mikula’s scouts had seen none this side of the border. As long as they remained in Briansk, their way ought to be clear. It was time to go.

  “I’m sure you don’t like leaving the captain here, with that Zita always hanging about.” Irena said the name as if she was spitting it. She was gathering her things, stuffing them into saddlebags.

  Sonya grinned. Irena’s indignation on her behalf was rather sweet.

  “Oh, come on. She’s nice.” It was true, all of the Mikulas had been most hospitable, but Zita had been nicest, seeing to the guests’ every need, having every last bit of Sonya’s clothing laundered, and stuffing her with delicacies. Sonya worried Zeki would complain the next time she mounted him.

  “Huh.” Irina frowned. “Sure she’s nice, just waiting for you to leave so she can pounce on him.”

  “She doesn’t seem like the type to do much pouncing.” Sonya was determined to take the high road in this. “Besides, I have no claim on him.”

  “Really? You spent the night with him.” Irena shoved a pair of breeches into an overstuffed bag rather violently. “And he saved your life, even took a pistol ball for you. I’d say you have a claim.”

  “You make it sound more romantic than it is,” Sonya protested. She’d already packed her things, so she sat by the window, watching Irena deal with hers. “The night we spent together was falling onto his bed, too drunk to even get undressed. Yes, he saved my life, but he did that because he was angry with Teodora. If he hadn’t already hated her, I doubt he would have risked it.”

  “I don’t agree,” Irena said. “He likes you a lot. But if that Zita is always around, he’ll be susceptible. Men are weak like that,” she added with a toss of her head. “That’s why I steer clear.”

  “I won’t blame him if he falls for a beautiful, sweet girl like Zita,” Sonya said. That was mostly true. “I wish he wouldn’t, but there’s not much I can do about it, is there?” And that was the truth of it.

  She went to see Andrei the night before they left, since they’d be off before dawn. He could sit up now, and was looking cheerful, if still rather pale and unshaven.

  His face fell when he saw Sonya’s. “This is goodbye, isn’t it?”

  “I’m afraid so.” She sat down on the edge of the bed. “You’re in good hands here, though I’ll miss you.”

  “Will you?” He quirked a smile, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “You seem rather eager to go.”

  “Not to leave you, but winter is coming, and I need to get to Terragand, especially if something fishy is going on there. Count Faris risked a great deal to help me, and I
can’t let him down.”

  “I risked a lot too, you know.” She’d never known Andrei to pout, but he was coming dangerously close to it now.

  “You did.” Sonya took one of his hands. “I’m grateful. But surely you understand. I have orders. I promise to write to you as often as I can. Once you’re recovered and if you still want to, you can join me.”

  “Why would I not want to?”

  “You might find you’d rather spend the winter here where it’s warm, with a pretty girl to look after you.” Sonya said it as lightly as she could manage, but it still came out sounding strained.

  Andrei laid his head back against the pillow, his eyes crinkling. “Oh, that’s it. You’re worried I’ll fall for the lovely Zita.”

  “I don’t see how you can’t. If I were a man, I’d fall for her,” Sonya added with a laugh.

  “It’s true she’s sweet and pretty, but between you and me,” Andrei bent his head close to Sonya’s and dropped his voice to a whisper, “she’s not very bright, and a terrible ninny. The tiniest mouse ran across the floor last night and she shrieked so loudly my hearing still hasn’t recovered. She’s nothing like you.”

  “That’s for sure,” Sonya said, though now she smiled, warmed through by his reassurance.

  “Now come here.” Andrei pulled her closer. “We’ve never managed a proper kiss without being drunk or interrupted. Why don’t we try it one last time before you go ?”

  Sanova

  Besides the bag of coin given her by Faris, Count Mikula had insisted on supplying Sonya and Irena most generously. So they each led a spare mount and two donkeys laden with food, warm clothes, powder and shot.

  “Not everyone in Briansk will be friendly to soldiers who’ve recently fought for Sanova,” Mikula said with a frown. “In fact, you ought to put your red coats away until you’ve left our lands. You’ll be crossing desolate areas, and the weather might turn bad. You must be prepared to fend for yourselves.”