“What if you get hurt? The king will skin me alive!”
Lily nodded. The king’s wrath had no bounds.
“Fine. I will remain at home on one condition.”
“What is it?”
“All the weapons with liquid fire are mine. I need them for my experiments.”
Hans agreed immediately, only to keep her out of it. He valued and respected the countess. He even loved her—not romantically, but as a friend. She wasn’t a bad woman, although she was a bit strange, but everybody had their idiosyncrasies.
However, when Lily meddled in his affairs, Hans wanted to howl. Her ideas were often great; they were intelligent and interesting. But sometimes she didn’t see the realistic side of things. This world had been forever strange to her.
***
It was an ambush just as Hans presumed. The wolf hunted the hare, and the hunter awaited the wolf. There were not that many convenient places for an ambush, and Hans arranged his secret traps there. As a result, two dozen bows were aimed at the killers. They surrendered without playing heroes, especially after being told that they could wait for the countess as much as they wanted—she wasn’t coming. Hans reported back to the countess that they had captured the villains, but there was zero point in it. They could capture Rockrest, maybe even Faymo. Both were good at keeping their mouths shut, at least for a while. Loren Ivelen would come and claim that he was slandered, that the money was not his…in short, he would claim innocence. Who would question the word of a count?
Lily contemplated.
“The duke is able to refute all allegations. We need to catch him red-handed.”
“The question is, how?”
“I have an idea.” Lily was not a professional, but anyone involuntarily picked up information from watching the news in the twenty-first century, not to mention reading detective stories and thrillers. Centuries of human history enriched Lily with knowledge that was inaccessible to Hans.
“We cannot detain them legally, right?”
“Yes, My Lady.”
“What about illegally?”
Hans raised his eyebrows, but in an instant, it came to him.
“Are you saying that if the Ivelens always act through Faymo—”
“It means that they don’t have their own contacts in low society.”
“Oh!”
“If we get rid of Faymo and Rockrest, they will have to look for other ways. He could resort to dagger and poison.”
Hans shuddered.
“We could try. Kill them?”
“You are so cruel, Hans.” Lily hadn’t even smiled. “Who would give testimony if we killed them? No way. Do we not have any hidden place to keep them for a little while?”
Hans smirked.
“We have many of them.”
“Great then. They will get notified that the ambush failed.”
“Who by?”
“Alicia.”
“I will get ready then.”
Lily encouraged Hans with a nod and asked Lons to let her know as soon as Alicia arrived.
***
The old viperess arrived the next evening, and Lily bombarded her with information as soon as they sat down to dine.
“Alicia, my dear, I would like to ask you for a big favor.”
“What is it?” The viperess operated her cutlery skillfully as if it was her long-life habit.
“The Ivelens—I would like to reconcile with them.”
“Last time it didn’t go quite so well.”
“I hope that Amalia has forgiven me.”
“Do not even hope for it. Amalia tiptoes around her huge offspring like he is made of gold.”
“It is still worth trying. I have found her children awfully spoiled.”
Alicia immediately picked up the subject.
“You cannot even imagine the extent of it! The only request that their parents would fail to fulfill would be to get the moon from the sky.”
Lily suddenly realized that the Ivelens had three children. The youngest one though had been born with serious issues. She didn’t speak, couldn’t perform any tasks besides eating, moaning, and creating a mess.
Lily shrugged. Her specialty was surgery, not the treatment of psychological disorders.
“Maybe we could show the girl to Tahir.”
Tahir, who was also present at the table, put his head down slightly.
“I can offer them help,” nodded Alicia. “It is possible…”
“I apologize terribly, but although we fixed the boy’s nose, how would he join the army being so spoiled?”
“Amalia dreams about a career at court for him.”
“He has to know how to defend himself all the same. Take only the other day!”
With these words and round eyes full of terror, Lily blurted out the convenient version of the story: how they had tried to hunt her down yet again. They may have succeeded if it weren’t for Leis who had run into them. They had struggled against the plotters who were soon defeated. Lily said she was very annoyed because she had wished to learn who ordered the deed before destroying them.
“Treacherous villains!”
Alicia also sighed and groaned. She promised to go to the Ivelens right away.
“By the way, dear Lily, could you maybe let Miranda and Prince Amir visit Angelina and Joliette? Without any fuss and pompous ceremony.”
Lily generously gave her permission.
***
At first, the Ivelens met Alicia with discontent. But the viperess knew how to manipulate people. She started apologizing, oohing and aahing, and rolling her eyes. In short, after an hour of moaning and suffering, Amalia accepted Lilian’s invitation and agreed to show her daughter to Tahir Djiaman din Dashar. She invited Lilian and her family for a visit.
Alicia accepted the visit with a sigh, informing them that they would need to be escorted by a lot of guards.
“Why?” inquired Loran.
In reply, Alicia told him a heart-breaking story about the ambush on the way to Taral. Poor Lilian was worried about not having found the people behind it. An utter nightmare!
The Ivelens politely agreed. They said it was terrible to realize that the land was swarming with such villains who would make attempts on the life of the most delightful countess. After all, she does so much for the Crown and is the epitome of benevolence, they said.
After Alicia agreed on a visit and left, the Ivelens started discussing the matter.
“Where did you find these idiots?”
“S-sir…”
The man who was accountable before Ivelen was scared to blink. He might have even looked presentable in other circumstances, but not now. His fat body seemed to droop, and cold sweat ran down his face. His master felt no pity toward him.
“The Countess of Earton will pay us a visit tomorrow. On her way back, I want you to—”
“Y-es, Sir…”
“If you fail this time, you will not escape my rage. Get out of my sight!”
As soon as he let his servant go, the man poured himself a glass of wine and gazed outside. Well, well, it is getting more serious than ever.
He had no choice and could not abandon what he started. There was no way out now. It had all started ten years ago. However, a quick coup was doomed to failure. Now the king was tired and old. Richard was too young, involved head to toe in his books. The army was more or less reliable, and Yerby could always infiltrate his agents. Bribing a sensible colonel was enough, he didn’t even need a marshal; he would do anything to rise up in the ranks. Ten people in total were enough.
The coup had to be immediate. If he managed to eliminate Edward and Richard, he would be left with only the two princesses. They could be given in marriage to his trustees. He already had more than one candidate. The Aldon would be unhappy, but he would eventually give in. After all, Ivelen could blackmail him too.
Sadly, Edward and Richard had to die—and Jerisson, too.
It was useless to send the killers now. The pri
nce had to die here, in front of everyone. Otherwise, impostors would flood in. It was better to do it before he got married.
It was a gift from heaven that Richard had remained a bachelor for so long. As for the countess, he’d had his doubts for quite a long time, especially after having met her in person.
She was a gem of a woman. She was smart, unpredictable, and dangerous. That was why she needed to die before she met her husband.
Miranda would be an extremely useful asset—an orphan with a good dowry. I owe a certain person some money; why not pay him back with a marriage contract?
As for Lilian…it was a pity she had to die, but there was no other option. She had escaped all his blows so swiftly, as if Aldonai warded off danger from her. He could accuse her of being a shilda. However that was almost impossible; she was too benevolent. She treated everyone with the same dignity. She had also been completely faithful to her husband. Maybe she does love him, after all.
The Earl of Earton was famously promiscuous. Ivelen had to get rid of him immediately.
What can a woman do when you take away the man she loves? She could do a lot of evil. He knew it like nobody else. He resolved to kill Jerisson’s wife as soon as possible. Earton had to be left without an heir.
***
They called him Ratty for being agile and invisible. Ratty guarded the gates of Laveri. He was part of the Tremain Squad. No longer did the street boys need to beg, rummage through piles of garbage in search of food, hide from the adults, or struggle to feed their families. They were now happy and satisfied with their lives. They had a job, which paid them at least one copper coin a day. They could take the money home and not be scared that someone would take it from them. Anything they could get during their tasks was also theirs, as long as it did not negatively affect the affair.
Ratty’s sister Martha was also put to service at Lilian Earton’s place. She worked as a student with the lace-makers. The rumor went that the king was to establish the guild of lace-makers and that Martha would be part of it. Last time Ratty saw her, she looked tidy and happy, wearing a clean dress. She said they valued her there; they complimented her skillful fingers and sharp wit. Once, he went to check up on her. She lived in that old castle called Ter— Tar— Taral. The wench had her own room that she shared with three other students. She had her own bed, wardrobe, and even shoes—two pairs of them: one for every day and the other for special occasions.
Flipping good!
His own job was somewhat different. He was small and agile. They wanted him to run around the streets and spy on the people the leir pointed out to them. This was an easy job for the lad, providing that he already had a different job secured for when he was older—he would either be a soldier or an apprentice. They would make sure he was well settled. To make sure his source of income did not disappear, Ratty began teaching his younger brother his trade. Although his brother was not as nippy as Ratty himself, he could improve.
Their mother was very happy with him now. How else? Since the death of their father, she had slaved away as a laundress. She could now relax a little. Her employer was none other than the Countess Lilian Earton. She told everyone that the countess paid well. Their family did not disclose any details about their jobs. They did not gossip or show off. Poor and miserable people could be trusted to be very silent if they were given a helping hand. Ratty would sooner cut himself to pieces than say a word about either the Countess of Earton or Leir Tremain.
The boy squinted. Mounted on a horse, a man approached the gate. He was evidently the one. The boy whistled with two fingers, calling for reinforcements. One of them would run to Leir Tremain, and the other would keep the watch together with Ratty in order to report where the fat guy on the chestnut horse went.
The work began.
***
Douglas Faymo felt terrible. His heart was beating, sweat was running down his body, and vomit went up his throat. He had one last chance. Otherwise, no one was going to stand on ceremony with him, his daughter, or his son-in-law. They were now happy and content. His son-in-law’s affair had promise and was flourishing. He really wanted to set the horse in the direction of home, leave forever, and forget about this business. At first, his tasks had been little: to bring this or that, to talk over matters with someone, to find the right people… The nature of his tasks had soon changed. Douglas was terribly frightened when he realized what it was all about, but his master did not give him any say in the matter. He simply said that Douglas would either serve him or part with his life. Douglas was convinced.
He did not know what that terrible man was capable of, so he was now going to see his son-in-law. Fortunately, Anvar was in his office. The two men did not suspect that they were being overheard by a boy who conveniently lay on the roof above the open window.
“Your hired guns have been captured.”
“And?”
“They are defeated and beaten up. Where did you get such idiots from?”
“I wish you saw how much they charged me,” snapped Anvar. In reality, they did not charge a lot, but Anvar had stolen half the money. Ever since he realized what his foolish father-in-law had gotten him into, he had begun saving for his escape. If it so happened that everything failed, he would quietly start a new life in Elvana or Avesterra…It did not matter where. The most important thing was to get as far away as possible. He could even abandon his wife for, provided he had money, he would be able to find a new one in no time.
A quiet knock on the door alerted the men.
“Are you waiting for anybody?”
“No. I let everyone go. Are you?”
The door opened with a quiet squeak.
“Good evening, gentlemen.”
Hans Tremain was smiling.
“Are you going to put up a fight or will you follow me voluntarily?”
“Who are you?” Anvar held onto a dagger. Hans waved his finger.
“Don’t. As a royal representative—”
Anvar turned deadly pale. Douglas turned out to be less sturdy as he sank into his chair.
“I can tell that you understood me well. You aren't going to yell in indignation, are you? That’s better. I know everything anyway. Erik!”
The Virman completely blocked the doorway.
“My friend, could you please lead this couple to our modest little house?”
The Virman smiled in a way that made Anvar forget every thought of resistance.
Two hours later, Anvar and Douglas found themselves in a cozy cellar. They repented so fervently that it was impossible to make notes of their words. They were almost not aware of anything; they were mere executioners, but knowing that they had paid for the countess’ murder was enough. At first, they were to poison her by order of Anvar. Soon after, they had tried to kill her by any and all means. The reason for it remained a mystery. The Duke of Ivelen had given the order. His son, the marquess, had nothing to do with it.
***
When Hans reported this back to Lilian, she did not express any interest. To hell with the duke, we knew of his involvement from the very start. It would have been better to know of the motivation behind the crime.
“My Lady,” Hans hesitated, “Douglas overheard something strange on several occasions.”
“And?”
“He did not give the exact phrase. Something along the lines of ‘the royal blood’ and ‘Richard is a secondary heir to the throne’.
“Who did our duke speak with about it?”
“With his son.”
Lily sighed.
“Hans, correct me if I am wrong, Edward has only two sons—Edmund and Richard from Imogene of Avesterra and two daughters from Jessamine.”
“Perfectly correct.”
“The elder son died—”
“To be more precise, the story is very dark. Your father-in-law, by the way—”
“What about him?
“About four years ago, not long before your wedding, Jyce Earton and Prince Edmund were found d
ead.”
“Did they kill each other?”
Hans hesitated. “There was no investigation.”
“Hans?”
Judging from Lilian’s tone of voice, she was not going to give up. Tremain sighed heavily.
“Lilian, I implore you—”
“What?”
“It should remain between us two.”
“I promise.”
“I was there.”
“Hans! Tell me! I beg you! It is very important…”
Lily would keep it a secret; he could see it from her face. Hans began telling the story.
“By that time, I was already ten years in the royal service—even longer.”
The past stood before Hans’ eyes as he spoke. He had gone to the castle to give the king some securities. He had just left the study when a butler with disheveled hair came running.
“Your Majesty, they are dead!”
It was so unexpected that Hans unwillingly slipped behind the curtain, the secretary jerked, and the king deigned to reply.
“Who?”
“Prince Edmund and…the Earl of Earton!”
Edward went pale, his face changed, and he stormed out of the study. Hans followed him—not out of mere jealousy, no. Although, he knew Earton and the elder prince. He was ready to hide away as soon as the latter was made king. He treasured his life.
The fire burned in the red living room. It was warm and cozy. The room was one of the calmest and most private in the palace. It was located in a tower, on the third floor up the staircase. A soldier guarded the way up to prevent unwanted visitors from coming to the study. How did the butler end up there? The answer was simple. The prince had asked him to bring up a good dinner for two, which meant that in any case, he had not planned to die.
The fire was burning now. There was a bottle of wine and two glasses on the table with a tiny bit of wine still left. When they gave it to the dog, it died.
“Was there poison in both glasses?”
“Yes.”
“The same kind of poison?”
Hans looked at Lily with surprise. Somehow, this question had never occurred to anyone. Poison was poison.
The Price of Happiness: A Strong Woman in the Middle Ages (A Medieval Tale Book 5) Page 4
