Rosie woke me when she came in to draw back the curtains and stoke the fire. I moaned and covered my eyes with my arm.
“A big day today, Your Highness.” She crossed the room with a bounce in her step.
I lowered my arm and stared at her in confusion, one hand stealing beneath the pillow to check for the book and parchment.
She shook her head at my blank expression. “The ball, I mean, Your Highness.”
Oh. The ball. I put my arm back over my face. Yet another thing to fit into the night. At least I would have an excuse for looking tired the next day. A slight twinge in my stomach reminded me that everyone knew Princess Celeste loved balls.
I pushed myself into a sitting position. “Has my new dress arrived, Rosie?”
“Just this morning, Your Highness.” She pointed to a carefully wrapped bundle draped across a wing chair. “I hope Your Highness doesn’t mind, but I took a peek as I brought it up. I think you’re going to be right pleased.”
Returning Rosie’s good natured smile was an easy chore. The maid took almost as much interest in my clothes as I did and never betrayed the least bit of jealousy that they belonged to me instead of her.
“What will you be doing tonight, Rosie?” I dragged myself out of bed and tottered over to the small table where she had laid my breakfast tray. I sank into a chair.
I had long ago decreed that I would take my morning meal in my room. Officially, I needed the extra time to prepare for the day. Unofficially, I had spent more mornings in the same sleep deprived haze than I cared to remember.
“Their Majesties have declared a holiday for the whole kingdom. There are to be all sorts of celebrations in the capital, and even a dance in the servants’ hall.”
“Will you be going into the city?” I asked, aware that she was being courted by a young shopkeeper. I tried to send her on as many errands to the city as I could justify.
She looked at me sideways. “Well, if Your Highness didn’t mind…”
“No, no, of course not.” I grasped eagerly at the opportunity. “You should go and have fun. I can undress myself.”
“If you’re sure…” I nodded, and she beamed at me. “I’ll leave a basin of water for you to wash and make sure the fire is banked up before I leave.”
She floated out of the room, obviously picturing the delightful night to come. I took a long sip of tea. My evening would be a little easier without Rosie around. I wouldn’t need to pretend to go to bed before emerging as Aurora.
I took another sip of tea and noticed a bright spot on my breakfast tray. Another frangipani. I picked it up.
Twirling it, I admired its colours and clean lines. A smile played around my mouth. Despite the danger, speaking my mind to William had been almost as much of a rush as breaking into the quartermasters’ rooms. Already I looked forward to seeing him again as Aurora.
He must have been nearly as late to bed as I had been. When had he given the flower to my maid? My hand stilled as a more important question surfaced. What had he been doing in the garden in the middle of the night?
I shook my head. William wouldn’t be the only one with questions when we met at the gazebo.
I hurried through my breakfast, my eyes continuously returning to the flower. As soon as I had taken the last bite, I wedged my makeshift doorstop under the door. All of the servants for this wing of the palace knew about my old door, and the way it periodically got stuck.
Once my privacy was ensured, I withdrew the book – surely the key to the letter’s code – and settled in to start deciphering.
Chapter 8
The code was more sophisticated than I had expected and took a long time to crack. Thankfully the ball provided an excuse for staying holed up in my room. No activities had been planned for the day, since everyone was busy preparing for the various evening festivities.
When I finished, I sat back and read the whole message through. My eyes widened. I had been hoping that the situation would prove less drastic than I feared. Instead, it was worse. Several things now came into focus in my head.
Ercole was using his position as quartermaster to increase the number of guards. At the same time, he was intercepting shipments of supplies, selling them off quietly, and using the proceeds to fund a mercenary army. The mercenaries were hidden in plain sight amongst the rank of the guards, to all outside appearance merely loyal guards fulfilling their duties. But in reality, he paid them a second salary in exchange for giving their true loyalty to the rebellion.
I paced up and down my chamber, my churning mind demanding physical movement. I thought of all the times I had seen Ercole fulfilling his duties during my childhood. He had always professed full loyalty to our family. What had turned him against us?
My decision to leave the original letter behind in his desk had been a good one. Now, when my father sent guards to arrest him, they would find the proof of his treason.
I stilled. No. I couldn’t let my outrage override my strategic sense. If we moved against Ercole now, we might prevent the spate of thieving. We might even severely limit the growth of his mercenary army.
But we wouldn’t have the head of the rebellion. Ercole clearly took his orders from someone else. But the letter gave no indication of who that might be. If I had him arrested, we would have to rely on gaining a confession. And while we tried to secure one, the true villain would have time to flee or obscure his plans in some way.
For now, finally, I had the advantage. With my network behind me, I could use this new information to uncover the rest of the plot. I frowned. With the duchess absent, I would also have to devise a way to convey the details of the plot to my parents.
My eyes fell on an ugly ornament sitting on a side table. I picked it up and hurled it, as hard as I could, into the fireplace. It smashed with a satisfying crash. If only I wasn’t limited by the curse.
I closed my eyes and tried to retrieve a sense of calm. I was starting to act like Celine. I shook myself. I had no time for dramatics, there was far too much to be done.
I had to stop planning when Rosie arrived to help me into my gown for the ball. Reluctantly I turned my attention to dressing. It would be harder than ever to play the foolish princess this evening.
But my Celeste persona came so easily these days, that within minutes I found myself distracted by my new gown. The seamstress from the city had outdone herself, and it was even more striking than the one she had made for Celine. Her fabric had an unusual sheen, and I reminded myself to ask her about the source of her material. Of course, that would have to wait until I had dealt with the mercenary militia gathering at our door.
I swept into the ballroom, my anger over the rebellion heightening my colour and lending an extra edge to my movements. Everyone who saw me stopped in their tracks, and I couldn’t help a savage satisfaction. Despite everything the curse had stolen from me, I retained a certain power. Willing or not, everyone responded to my beauty, unable to look away.
Ercole and his mysterious leader had underestimated me, just as the whole court did. And I would use every tool at my disposal to bring them down.
Men clamoured to dance with me, and for the first few dances I lost myself in the physical exertion, ignoring their attempts at conversation or answering at random. Thankfully the curse let me get away with such inconsiderate behaviour.
By the third dance I noticed a glaring absence from the crowd surrounding me. My eyes found William dancing on the other side of the ballroom. Why hadn’t he approached me yet?
“Careful, Lettie.” Celine gave me a knowing smile. “Someone might think that was jealousy in your eyes.”
I sucked in a breath, opened my mouth to respond and then closed it again. None of the responses that came to mind sounded enough like my cursed self.
“I’m sure he’ll be over here soon enough. He’s only glanced this way about fifty times already.”
I suppressed a smile.
“And he spent the whole day prowling the palace like a c
aged animal. Something to do with your absence, perhaps?”
I wasn’t entirely sure if Celine was jealous herself or trying to be encouraging. I watched William and, sure enough, he did glance my way twice during the dance. Still, despite Celine’s words, I couldn’t help feeling he was a little less attentive than usual.
A sudden thought stilled my restless hands. Last night, William had met Aurora for the first time. And in only a few hours, he would meet her again. Could that have anything to do with the subtle change in his demeanour towards me?
I bit my lip, wishing the thought had less power over me.
Minutes later, the prince was bowing over my hand. The fiery admiration in his eyes made me doubt my earlier conclusion.
“You outshine the entire room,” he murmured. He shook his head. “No, you outshine the sun and the moon. I have never seen you look so beautiful.”
After so many years of compliments, I usually received them with equanimity. But I couldn’t ignore the light in his eyes and the throb in his voice. My cheeks burned.
“Ah,” he said, softer still. “Not made of stone after all.” His grin seemed to devour my face, and I blushed darker still.
A pale young man who had been watching us from afar stepped forward and bowed in my direction. “I regret that business has kept me in the city these last few weeks, Your Highness. I have missed the sight of you, like a man misses food and wine. The sight of your beauty is like a refreshing drink in a parched desert. My soul is lifted up and enriched merely by gazing upon you.”
Rafe strolled up to us, thankfully cutting off whatever response Celine had been about to make.
“Ah, Rivers! It’s been too long.”
They exchanged greetings, and I took the opportunity to step on Celine’s foot. She glared at me and crossed her arms, but at least she looked like she wasn’t going to say anything. She knew that Celeste hated conflict.
The Arcadian noble was even more elaborately dressed than most of the women, and he was certainly more than a little ridiculous. But I didn’t like her mocking him. He had been a devoted admirer for years without ever making the least demand on me. He merely wished to be allowed to gaze upon my beauty.
Celine thought he was a bigger fool than I was. But I’d seen his shrewd gaze and heard him in conversation with some of the merchants of the court. He and I were alike in many ways. An intelligent interior hidden behind a flippant façade. I didn’t understand the motivation behind his mannerisms, but I felt the kinship all the same. Perhaps his love of beauty was simply a part of him, the same way my love of dresses and flowers was a true part of me.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying Celeste’s appearance, Rivers,” said Celine. “It took her most of the day to accomplish.” She turned to me, all innocence. “I don’t know how you can bear to spend so much time making yourself beautiful. I would be bored to tears.”
Normally my family tried to shield me from the foolishness of my cursed personality, not draw attention to it. Apparently she hadn’t taken my reprimand well. Still, I preferred she took it out on me than on Rivers.
“Beauty is its own reward.” I beamed around at the group.
Rivers nodded in complete agreement, but Rafe looked like he wanted to vomit. Truthfully, I agreed. But I needed some reason to account for the hours a day I spent hidden from court life. This excuse was simple and, most importantly, believable. Thank goodness that in reality my appearance needed little upkeep.
William looked surprised, but he quickly recovered himself. “Beauty such as yours is worth every minute.”
Rivers eyed him with dislike. I giggled and, for once, the sound was real. Rivers probably resented William for stealing his line.
The Arcadian gave a stiff bow, and moved to the other side of the ballroom, throwing the occasional dark look over his shoulder.
“Who was that?” William looked equal parts fascinated and revolted.
“Oh, that’s just Rivers. I’m surprised you haven’t met him yet. He’s Arcadian. He followed me back to Lanover after my state visit two years ago and has been here ever since.”
William gave a low whistle. “Two years! He must be very much in love with you.” He cast me a sideways glance, clearly assessing what I thought of the Arcadian.
I gave a snort, which the curse turned into a giggle. “It’s beauty that he worships.” I gave a second giggle, voluntary this time, in the hopes the curse would let me get the next line out. “His own mostly.”
William quickly turned a bark of laughter into a cough. “Well, he is very beautiful,” he said gravely once he got his breath back.
Rafe choked on his drink and shook his head at William with a significant look. I wished my brother had simply been amused, as William had been, but I understood his expression easily. I spun away before I could be tempted to respond. Even my brother, who loved me, wanted to remind William how foolish I was. How impossible that I could purposefully make a witty comment. Just a beautiful face, not worthy of William’s regard.
The first notes of a new song drifted across the crowd, and I watched William out of the corner of my eye. Would he ask me to dance? Or had Rafe put him off? He seemed to be looking my way, surely he had come over with that intention in the first place.
Celine stood in my direct line of sight, and I watched the direction of her gaze. The row of full-length windows had been thrown open for the evening, giving the dancers direct access to the gardens. Small decorative lanterns nestled amongst the plants for a short distance, but after that, the moon provided the only light. Several couples already strolled the gently-lit walkways.
“Don’t even think about it,” said Rafe to Celine. He had obviously noticed the same thing I had. “You know Mother would forbid it.”
Celine rolled her eyes.
“A princess is never indiscreet.” I said, then lowered my voice. “And just because you’re only fourteen, doesn’t mean that some awful person won’t try to use you to get closer to the crown.”
Celine spun around to face me. “Honestly, Celeste! You might be the most beautiful girl in the palace, but that doesn’t mean every single man here is in love with you. It is possible that the rest of us might honestly attract someone’s interest too.”
“That’s not what I meant…” I didn’t finish since she had already stormed away.
My conscience twisted as I watched her go. I hoped my words wouldn’t goad her into doing something outrageous. I had spoken thoughtlessly, my mind too full to properly handle my tempestuous sister. And I had let some of the frustration at my own situation leak out onto her.
Rafe stepped forward and patted me on the arm. “Don’t worry, Lettie. We’ll all keep an eye on her. And I’m fairly certain Mother has told the guards not to let her out into the gardens.”
I still felt bad, but his reassurance provided some relief. I eyed the ceremonial guards lining the walls and decided that he was almost certainly right. My Mother wouldn’t leave Celine unsupervised at such an event.
“Ah,” said William, “the gardens. A dangerous place indeed for any young woman…or young man for that matter.” He smiled, as if joking, but I noticed that his eyes lingered on the windows, and he joined Rafe at the refreshment table instead of asking me to dance.
For the first time in weeks, my eyes followed him around the room instead of the other way around. I wished I could see into his mind. The memory of my earlier humiliation burned. Had he been put off by the lie I was forced to live? By the disdain of my own siblings. Or was it his upcoming meeting with Aurora that gave him pause? What, or rather who, consumed his thoughts as he gazed at the couples outside?
I had set up a series of meetings with my agents that would take me half the night to accomplish. And since the ball would almost certainly continue on until the late hours, I made the unprecedented move of excusing myself early with a headache. Nothing delighted Celeste more than dresses and dancing and balls, but I couldn’t afford the time.
My mother patted
me on the hand and told me to tuck myself into bed. She promised to visit me in the morning before sailing off towards a group of nobles. I only hoped the rest of the court joined her in her unconcern.
At least between the ball and the dance in the servant’s hall, the corridors were mostly empty. Still, I paid extra attention as I made my way to my first rendezvous point.
Some of my agents towered above me, but none of them would ever consider disrespecting or challenging me. After three years, they believed me infallible, and followed me with almost slavish devotion. Despite the advantages my Christening gift had given me, some nights I could hardly sleep from the pressure. I couldn’t afford even the smallest mistake. And now the stakes were higher than ever.
Every single one of my agents in the palace soon had a new assignment.
The guards had been given instructions to tail Ercole. “I don’t care what lengths you have to go to,” I told them. “Between you all, you need to keep him under watch, at all times. I want to know every single person he speaks to and everywhere he goes.”
I could see the burning curiosity in their eyes, but I ignored it, and no one voiced their questions.
The maids and grooms and footmen and undercooks were tasked with ensuring no more deliveries or supplies went astray. Now that I knew the stolen items were supplying a rebel army, I couldn’t allow the bleeding to continue.
“I want one of you manning every delivery and watching every storeroom. Manipulate your shifts any way you have to. I don’t care if you change the rosters while everyone else sleeps. Make it happen!”
None of them asked how to accomplish such a feat. They knew I valued them for their initiative, and I had trained them for such a crisis. Their eyes shone with their desire to prove themselves.
“Lanover needs you,” I said quietly. “Don’t let your kingdom down.”
By the time my last rendezvous had finished, I had to jog to the gazebo. The third bell sounded moments before I arrived, so I slowed, keeping my eye out for any stragglers from the ball or servant’s dance. I could still see the glow of the ballroom windows in the distance, so at least some revellers remained.
The Princess Game: A Reimagining of Sleeping Beauty (The Four Kingdoms Book 4) Page 7
