I motioned to the door. “The elf cops! They’re here to take you in, so put on a shirt and hightail it out of here!” My head whipped around. Though we were not on the ground floor, the window was the only option that might work. “Can you jump out the window? Maybe I can lower you down using the bedsheet or something?”
“I can port, love. Not well over here, but that’s the best way to get me out.” He pulled his shirt over his head, changed pants and shoved his shoes on all in the time it took me to open the wardrobe and pull out a dress Uncle Rick had bought for me way back when. I watched him close his eyes a few times, clenching his fists before grunting in frustration. “They’ve put a seal around the house! I can’t port out of here!”
“The window!”
Tucker slipped on his suspenders and moved to the window, glancing down with a wince. “Guards are posted right below.” He ran his hands over his suspenders, thinking of any other escape plan. “If I can get out, where should I meet you?”
“Fallsbury passage?” I guessed. It was the only place I could name. I slipped behind the changing partition and removed my clothes at lightning speed, splashing water on my face and sipping a bit to remove the fuzzy feeling my tongue had from the cigar.
“Sure. See you there.”
I heard him open the door, but shut it again quickly, whispering with distress in the cadence. “Guards at the end of the hallway! Think quick, princess, or it’s the end of the road for yours truly.”
“End of the road, like off with your head?” I whispered, trying to figure out how to truss myself up in the dress that tied behind me.
“No, but imprisonment, for sure.”
I harrumphed and came out from behind the partition, my flowy gold and pink dress decent, but unlaced in the back. I fiddled with the strings to no avail. “Let’s see what I can’t do with my Queen Lucy card. Jamie might be able to talk his way out of something for you. You’re his bodyguard. That’s got to count for something.”
Tucker paled. “I won’t spend my life in prison, Lucy. I won’t do it!” he insisted, his volume climbing above a whisper.
I cleared the distance between us and placed my hands on either side of his face. “I’ll do everything I can to keep you with us. Don’t panic yet. Just be cool, and let me see the damage I can do.” I reached for my stays again and finally gave up. “Could you do this? If I’m going to pretend to be a Queen, I have to at least look the part. Make me look like I haven’t been up all night smoking and crying.”
Tucker whirled me around and pressed my front to the wall, pulling the strings tight as he trussed me up like a pro who’d been undressing women his whole life. He turned me around and brushed his fingers through my hair, moving a few strands to the left. He pinched my cheeks to add a bit of color just as a firm fist pounded on the door.
“Tucker St. James, I’m here to take you to the Head of the Guard to serve out your prison sentence.”
Panic welled in Tucker’s eyes, and I sensed his fight or flight might lead him to burn the whole place down in an attempt to escape. I touched his cheeks again, bringing his eyes to mine so he could focus. “Be cool, Tuck. Go in peacefully. Not cocky, not fighting. Peacefully. Trust Jamie and me to handle things. Don’t hurt them. They’re just doing their jobs.”
Tucker swallowed, debating between who knows what dreadful options he could conjure up on a dime, and finally nodded. “Okay. But don’t linger. I won’t go to prison, Lucy. I won’t!”
I motioned him to stand aside and slowly opened the door. “May I help you?” I asked the tall, strapping guard with red hair. I recognized him as the one who’d helped take me in when I’d assisted in destroying the portal. I could tell he remembered me by his nervous swallow. “Is there a reason you’re banging your fist like a gorilla on a queen’s door?”
“T-Tucker St. James, milady.” He looked past me, his eyes landing on Tucker, who stood at attention near the bed. Red Beard called through the house. “He’s up here!”
Within seconds, six guards had Tucker surrounded and in cuffs. “What are you doing to my guard?” I shrieked, indignant.
Red Beard bowed his head. “With all due respect, your majesty, Tucker St. James has seven warrants out for his arrest in Elvage. Now that he’s on our soil, those debts must be paid.”
“Let him go!” I cried, ignoring Jamie in the doorway, shaking his head for me to calm down. He knew politics, but I knew dramatics. I’d seen Tonya throw enough fits to get us into clubs that I knew how the system worked. I threw myself at Tucker, but Red Beard stepped between us. “How dare you put your hands on a queen! You’ll not separate me from my guard! I’m a foreigner here! I can’t travel without a guide!”
“Surely your Tomten could—”
“My Tomten? Have you seen the state of my Tom? Everywhere I go, Undraland is trying to strip me of protection! I won’t have it! You won’t leave me unprotected!”
Red Beard stood between Tucker and me. “You’re welcome to travel with us to the palace and speak to the Head of the Guard. Perhaps he can assign you someone to take Tucker’s place. Surely we have better elves for the job than this criminal.”
My eyes narrowed. “Oh, I’ll have words with your boss. Take me there straightaway. Tucker St. James doesn’t leave my sight until I speak with your boss. If one hair on his head is harmed…”
“I assure you, milady, we’re merely escorting him. If he comes peacefully, we have no need to hurt him.”
I rolled my shoulders back and kept my chin high to stave off any fear that might be sensed. “Take me to the Head of the Guard. Jamie!” I barked as I stomped out the door.
Laying it on a little thick, aren’t you?
I’m doing the best I can. Pull out all your stops, buddy. We can’t force Tuck into servitude only to abandon him here.
I know. It’ll be okay.
Jamie extended his elbow to me, escorting me down the stairs toward the front door, where Jens stood at attention, holding his red bag. We exchanged a slight nod as I passed by on Jamie’s arm.
Ten.
Tucker’s Debts
The trip to the palace was beautiful with its lush greenery laden with gold dust everywhere you looked. The river looked almost fake with its cerulean hue, and the trees’ trunks were thicker than three of Jamie side-by-side.
Of course, I was too on edge to enjoy any of it. Though Tucker made no noise of distress and gave the guards no reason to rough him up, I was waiting for it to all turn on a dime.
Whatever you do, don’t let them think you and Tucker spent the night together. One of the warrants was for his seductions of a married woman. They won’t spare him for your fancy.
Like that’s the only thing I’m good for, I groused. Dually noted.
When we reached the palace, I turned to Red Beard and said as calmly as I could, “I would like to speak with Hallamar and Sorena, please.”
What are you doing?
Can we trust the king and queen of Elvage? I asked Jamie.
More than my father, sure. I’ve always had good favor with them. They’re fair rulers. Trust them with what?
We have to tell them we’re laplanded. It’s the only way.
Jamie closed his eyes briefly before leading me up a winding stone staircase. Do what you must. Let’s just hope it’s enough, and they can keep it to themselves. If father finds out, you’ll be in the utmost danger.
More than I already am?
He placed his hand over mine when we reached the doors to the grand hall I’d been entertained in last time.
Red Beard moved past us to open the double wooden doors, bowing his head to me as we passed by him.
Sorena and Hallamar lit up when we walked into the gold bedecked room. The enormous gold grape clusters hung off the corners off the walls, their vines draping on and curling around the paintings I didn’t have time to study on this go around. The king and queen’s faces fell when they saw the prisoner brought in behind us.
Tucker was push
ed to his knees, bound, at the back of the room. His face was solemn and without its usual snarky charm.
“Tucker,” Sorena breathed, and in those two syllables, I heard the rustling of sheets past. At her whisper, Hallamar stiffened, posturing in all of his kingly stature. Her gaze moved from Tucker to Red Beard. “What is the meaning of this?”
Red Beard bowed his head. “Tucker St. James was reported to be found in Elvage, so we brought him in. We only delayed throwing him in prison on Queen Lucy’s request. She wishes to make a plea on his behalf.”
I curtsied, showing as much respect as I thought appropriate. “May I speak to you both without the others? National secrets and all.” I turned to the poor prisoner on the floor. “Except Tucker. Please don’t lock him up before you hear what I have to say.”
Hallamar waved off Red Beard and his men. “As there’s a prisoner present, I require at least one guard for my safety.” He called out, “Bring in Kristoffer. The rest of you can wait outside for further command.”
I smiled gratefully at the two, my heart pounding with trepidation and the knowledge that I was way out of my element. I was borrowing language and politics from movies and books, crossing my fingers that it would keep me afloat in this world enough to save Tucker.
Kristoffer entered in a few minutes later, his intake of breath at my presence telling me he remembered me. He stood beside Tucker, his hand on the hilt of his sheathed sword.
Hallamar’s voice was regal, but I could hear a note of strain. “You may speak. Kristoffer keeps many secrets for the throne.”
My nerves began to spike, my hand tracing my forehead as my stomach churned. “C-Could we sit down and talk? Being woken by your guards in my uncle’s house set me on edge. I haven’t quite come back down from that yet.”
“Of course.” The king motioned to the two chairs Jamie and I had sat in before, as he and Sorena sat in their modest gold thrones. “Tell me, what brings you to Elvage with this criminal?”
Jamie spoke up, knowing if I did, my voice would crack along with my upright demeanor. “As you know, I’ve taken up residence on the Other Side. Queen Lucy was kind enough to show me her kingdom.”
“Yes. I did hear that.” Hallamar studied every move I made, his eyes resting on the scar above my breasts. I gulped when I remembered that my husband in this world was Foss, and that I was supposed to be a widow.
Jamie pressed onward, reading my thoughts and staying on top of the situation more than I was. “I’m not sure if news reached you here, but Queen Lucy married one of the four powers.”
Kristoffer stiffened at this. Tucker looked like a dog at his feet being taught to heel. I wondered where in the room my invisible boyfriend was standing.
Jamie’s voice turned grave. “Foss was murdered on Olaf’s orders shortly after their nuptials, so she returned to the Other Side.” He cleared his throat. “With Olaf pursuing Foss to death, we feared Lucy’s safety, so her Tom suggested I increase my protection, as well. You know my father has never put a high premium on my life, so I was left searching for a guard on my own. Someone familiar with the Other Side and someone loyal to Queen Lucy.”
Hallamar’s jaw tightened. “I know of Tucker’s quality. He is loyal only to himself.”
I stood and moved to Tucker, telling Kristoffer with my eyes that I wouldn’t try to free his prisoner or do anything too stupid. I picked up Tucker’s trembling chin with a calm semblance of a smile. Turning his cheek to the royals, I said, “Tucker took a vow. He’s Prince Jamie’s vakt, so he is loyal to the Tonttu throne.”
Sorena gasped at the mark on Tucker’s cheek. “You swore your oath to Prince Jamie?”
Tucker nodded, but didn’t utter a word, lest he dig himself a bigger hole than the one he currently was kneeling in.
Hallamar waved his hand to dismiss the grand gesture of swearing one’s life for another. “That’s all well and good, but it doesn’t absolve him of his crimes. I am sorry, Jamie, but we have rules. Our law has been broken, and as much as it pains me to take away your guard, I can assure you, I’m not doing you a grand disservice by removing Tucker from you. His help is often no help at all.”
I nodded, dropping Tucker’s chin and moving back to my chair, but I didn’t sit in it. “This is the part where I need your word you’ll keep my secrets. This is a matter of national security, and my personal safety.”
Hallamar and Sorena nodded, exchanging wary glances. “You have our words.”
“Johannes is trying to kill Jamie. Since Jeremias died, Jamie is second in line for the Tonttu throne, which is too close for Johannes to be comfortable with.” I looked at Jamie, steeling myself to say my next piece. “Not many people know this, but Jamie and I laplanded when I was here last time.”
Sorena gasped, her hand flying to her heart. “No!”
Hallamar’s eyes closed, pained at the long road ahead for us. “Many congratulations on your nuptials. Word hadn’t reached us of your marriage. How long after Foss passed did this come about?”
Jamie and I both held up our hands. “No, no,” I said, cutting them off before anything else could be assumed. “Jamie married Britta, Jens the Brave’s sister. They’re expecting their first child soon.”
Sorena spoke slowly, searching out how to best respond with delicate wording. “I’ve never heard of a man and woman laplanding who did not marry.”
Jamie stiffened. “Queen Lucy is gracious. She is like a sister to me. It’s a long journey, yes, but she’s bent on my happiness, which lies with Britta.”
Hallamar touched his lips. “Then I can see why I haven’t heard of your marriage to Britta. If I’m not mistaken, she was the Tomten charged with taking care of the hanged bodies in Tonttu, no?”
Jamie nodded. “My father does not approve of me marrying below my station. Yet again, I’ve disgraced the throne. But I assure you, Britta is far above me when it comes to fairness and grace. She is a queen without a crown, so I’m determined to give her the recognition she deserves.”
My heart swelled on Britta’s behalf at the devotion Jamie felt for her. He was so gallant; Sir Galahad on his steed, pursuing the lowly milkmaid to the ends of the earth.
Sorena looked from me to Jamie. “It doesn’t bother you to have your partner so taken by another woman?”
I smiled. “Not at all. Jamie’s the best kind of man. He should have whatever he wants.” I touched the ruby ring at my chest. “I was married to Foss, and Jamie supported me. It’s only fair I return the favor.”
Sorena’s eyes fell when she realized I was technically a widow. “My sincerest condolences on your husband’s passing.”
I nodded. “Thank you. Tucker’s my concern today, though. Jens is my Tomten, but with Johannes trying to murder Jamie, I’m in even more danger. It only made sense to assign a guard for Jamie. Tucker was kind enough to swear his oath to Jamie to ensure his safety, and by extension, my own.” I turned to Tucker, who was still looking humbly at the floor at Kristoffer’s feet. Kristoffer was pale as the complications of my life hit him, each new bit of information a bigger horror than the last.
My voice was quiet as I made my plea. “I know Tucker is a criminal in your land, but if there’s anything I can do to persuade you to let him go so he can protect Jamie and me, I would be forever grateful. Johannes had Jamie poisoned with a curse that nearly killed us both. Tucker found a way to save us.”
Okay, that wasn’t exactly the truth, but they didn’t need the details.
My eyes met Hallamar’s. “I owe him my life. It’s beneath me not to pay my debts.”
Hallamar covered his mouth with his hand, his eyes wide as he silently debated what options lay before him. Finally, he motioned Kristoffer forward. “Queen Lucy, as much as I value your kingdom, Tucker owes a great many debts I cannot forgive.”
My lips pursed, and before I could stop myself, unbidden words tumbled out of my mouth. “Can I pay his debts? Would that be possible?”
Tucker’s head shot up, his mouth open
in shock. He shook his head at me, but I ignored him.
Hallamar’s eyebrows raised, which I half expected, but Sorena’s slight intake of breath when her gaze shifted to me told me she suspected my loyalty to Tucker was because he’d seduced me the way he’d caught her eye long ago.
The king nodded slowly. “I suppose that could be arranged. Under normal circumstances I would advise against that, but seeing as he’s your laplanded partner’s vakt, I can see how freeing him would be a necessity for you. I wish I could extend clemency, but the debt is not to me. There are many elves Tucker must pay his debts to.” His eyes fell on the criminal still on his knees, and though I could tell Hallamar had disdain for Tucker, he remained a fair ruler. I began to love Hallamar for that.
“I’m very sorry I’m putting you in this position. I know you don’t want to let him free. If it weren’t such a dire situation…”
Hallamar raised his hand. “Please. Consider it an act of peace between our lands. After you pay the criminal’s debt, I must insist Kristoffer escort your party through Elvage until you cross over our borders. Your vakt has a reputation for stirring up trouble, and I cannot abide that. I ask that you please take him with you when you return to the Other Side. He is not a friend of the elves anymore.”
I nodded. “Thank you. Sincerely. Can I do anything for you? This is a big deal to me.”
Sorena stood. “A word with the Queen would be appreciated.”
I followed her to the corner while Jamie made arrangements with Hallamar concerning my Undraland accounts that I had no clue how to access. Heck, I’d owned a house I didn’t even know about until I got to Elvage.
Sorena touched my elbow, thrilling at being able to approach her own personal unicorn. “Queen Lucy, I must urge you to use every precaution where Tucker is concerned. He… He has a way of taking advantage when a lady’s guard is down.”
I smiled at her, touching the burned emblem of my late husband on my chest. “Lucky for me, my guard’s pretty tight. Thank you for the warning. I promise you, I’ll remember your words and keep my heart to myself.”
Lucy at Last Page 6
