“I would have said that—”
“Would Edmund have believed it? Or would he think that you were trying to separate him from his beloved?”
Edward considered his words for a while.
“It’s possible.”
“Jyce had to make his decision in seconds. He chose the simplest option. No person, no problem. Edmund didn’t suspect anything and took the poisoned cup from the hands of his father-in-law. As for Jyce, himself, he either poisoned both cups out of loyalty, or he decided that death would wash away his shameful act. I don't know…”
“I think it was the second.”
“You know better. It has muddled my brain to think about it for so long. Something didn’t seem right. People don’t willingly jump from a cliff. It is perhaps the doom of our age, which makes so many willingly throw themselves against bare rocks. I couldn't understand the web of blood relations. Suppose the Ivelens had a certain third aunt who was somehow related to the king.”
“The Ivelens had royal blood on both sides.”
“Even so, it wasn't enough to claim the throne. Amalia is a bastard child. If she promulgated her true ancestry, it would make her life unbearable. No one would see her on the throne.”
“The people wouldn't have accepted her either way.”
“Yes! But the Ivelens created such a tight network of usurpers that it seems they found valid proof to claim the throne.”
Edward sighed.
“Why are you telling me everything now?”
“I swear on my life that I don’t intend to spread royal secrets. My life is also at stake. If it weren't for the plot against the Crown, I would never have made a sound or sign of my knowledge. But things are getting worse. I would be the first one to die, followed by you, Your Majesty. I want to live.”
“Who doesn’t?”
Edward knew. Peter Ivelen was Edmund’s friend. Once they were old enough, Amalia and Jess were always invited to the palace. Alicia never took care of the children; Jyce and Jessie brought them up together before she was made the queen. It was useless to argue. He had only himself to blame.
“You can go, Hans.”
“Your Majesty, do you want me to invite someone else to your study?”
“Call my valet in.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Hans rushed to call the squire. The king had only one valet, old and trustworthy, he had served him from the king’s very childhood. He treated the king in a quite peculiar way, like an old uncle to his silly nephew. Seeing the king in his underpants every day, he couldn’t treat the royals seriously. Meanwhile, Edward sat at his desk and rubbed his forehead.
What do I do now? Execute my royal representative? Could do to keep the secret. Still, even if I punish Hans, I wonder if Lilian Earton knows or not. She probably does, but surely not everything. She might know a tiny bit.
“Your Majesty?”
The valet and Leir Tremain entered.
“I have issued an order, Leir. You may proceed.”
Hans took his leave and disappeared. Edward rubbed his chest—it had lately been giving him much pain—and nodded to the valet.
“Help me undress, John.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Edward was going to lie down and rest. He wouldn't be able to fall asleep.
“Give me some mulled wine with honey and spices.”
“Of course, Your Majesty. Shall I call anyone in?”
Edward didn’t want to see his official favorite.
“No.”
“It’s for the best. They say that the baroness spreads her feathers and beats her beak before the dukes and earls.”
“Is it my favorite or your chickens you are talking about?” grinned Edward. He gave the old man a lot of liberties.
“She’s a big hen, your lady!” The valet unlaced the dress and helped the king take off his tunic.
“A big, stupid hen! Let me help you take off your boots, Your Majesty!”
Edward surrounded the servant’s hands. Little by little, the cozy grumbling calmed him down. As soon as he put his head on the pillow, the pain soothed. He wouldn't be able to sleep, but at least it would help him let go of the pain.
***
Even though Hans was extremely busy, he found time to visit Alicia Earton. Lily was sitting on the chair chatting.
“—to go to the shipyards. Why not? Father would be happy.”
“My Lady?”
“Leir Tremain!”
Lily almost jumped from her chair and grabbed her friend by both hands.
“Is everything alright?”
“I am going to the Ivelens now. Promise to stay here, My Lady.”
“Fine.”
They exchanged a serious look. “Did it work?”
“I do not know yet, but it’s better to remain silent.”
“I will not say anything. Alicia?”
“Tell them I’m glad of the truth.”
They were silent, but sometimes words weren’t needed. A thin thread of understanding stretched between them. Some might take years to achieve it, but not them. They thought the same thing, felt the same way, they were almost one.
As soon as Hans left, Alicia looked at Lilian with a question.
“What happened?”
Lily briefly retold the story of the Ivelens. She didn’t mention royal relations and many other things, such as their suspicions and letters. She told Alicia that the Ivelens were plotting against the Crown and that Lily happened to be a by-product between millstones. If the plotters managed to kill her, they would get her money and maybe her shipyards.
Alicia shook her head.
“A conspiracy? Aldonai, the king will simply get killed.”
“The main thing is to ensure that the king will not kill Leir Tremain.”
“Lilian!”
“Those who know state secrets don’t live long.”
“Lilian, Edward is a clever and merciful ruler.”
“I would like to think the same.” Lily sighed. “As for now, I have nothing else left but to worry.”
Her own experience showed that those in power seldom sided with justice.
Chapter Two.
Anagnorisis.
Alicia’s room was exemplary to the strictest of monks—narrow bed, tall wardrobe, a couple of chests, simple strict draperies and a table. When Lily asked why her mother-in-law had not settled there, she only shook her head.
“I don’t need much.”
The two women sat and waited. Hans had asked Lilian to come to the palace for a reason. He had taken the Virmans with him and couldn't ensure the countess’ protection during the time he was away. He could ask Leis’ people, but it was risky. Hans didn’t want to put the life of his lady (and his friend) in danger. Therefore, the women were going to spend the night in Alicia’s room. It was unlikely that the killers would come to the palace, at least not that night.
The main problem of the Middle Ages was the slow spread of information. Hans left two Virmans at the palace dovecot. No message would reach any addressee before dawn. Everything would be over by the morning.
Lily knew about the plan. She sat in a chair and drank soothing tea. Although it was bitter and mucky, it calmed her down.
Alicia paced the room.
“I still don’t believe that Amalia—”
“I would have never believed it myself. What do we know about her?”
“She is my—”
“Daughter. What about the rest?”
“She is a wife and a mother. Peter adores her.”
“What about her?”
Alicia paused.
“I think she does, too.”
“How does she show it?”
“What do you mean, Lilian?”
Lily sighed. She didn’t know how to explain it. It was like a veil of happiness hanging in the air. Lily remembered how her father returned home and her mother met him and kissed him, their eyes glowing with love. They turned to their daughter who al
so ran into the corridor and smiled, and the air was filled with warm rays of sunshine. It only took the breath of sweet air that filled the house to realize that everyone was happy there. One could spray their house with Chanel, only the smell of happiness was impossible to fake. Happiness was like fireflies floating in the air. It was everywhere—in a gesture, a smile, a glance, a touch. Lily didn’t feel this happiness in the house of the Ivelens.
Ingrid and Leif had it three thousand times stronger. It is different for Peter and Amalia, thought Lily. He worships her, and she takes it, no more. How does everyone fail to see it? Perhaps they were good at keeping up appearances, but Lily showed up right when it all started crumbling. No one considered Lily clever or dangerous, thanks to her husband.
“I didn’t see happiness. They had a home, Peter’s love, and calm stability. Why is it so, Alicia?”
“Are you talking about Edmund and Amalia?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t know. I can easily believe that Edmund, who passionately hated the Eartons, didn’t believe himself when he fell in love with Amalia.”
“They could have come to the parents and explained.”
“Do you suggest he should have come to his father whom he hated?”
“He could have come to Jyce.”
Alicia began thinking.
“Lilian, maybe you just fail to understand how much Edmund hated the Eartons. He would never have come to Jyce or me for help.”
“What about Amalia?”
“Would you go up to your father with a statement that you love a man, carry his child, and want to marry him?”
Aliya Skorolenok would go to the president with such a statement. As for Lilian…
“I doubt it.”
“He would have simply killed you.”
“I hope not, but—”
“There would have only been one way—to kill the child and send Amalia to the monastery.”
“Amazing. We can make as many guesses as we like, but only Amalia knows the answer.”
Alicia rolled her eyes.
“Do you understand the danger you are exposing yourself to?”
“What danger?” Lily looked naive.
“You know it yourself now.”
“About the conspiracy? Yes, I know. So what?”
“You mean you—”
“Alicia, I am going to keep silent. You should do so as well. Hans would never admit that he told us. No one else will find out. As for those who dare to discuss the king’s private affairs—are we short of executioners?”
Alicia burst into laughter.
“You are right, in some ways. Only how should we deal with the Ivelens?”
“We could set up an unfortunate accident,” muttered Lily. “Are there any other options?”
“What about the children?”
Lily scratched her nose. She hadn’t thought about the children.
“I don’t know. The younger girl is certainly out of the question. She wouldn’t be able to give birth to healthy offspring and would not last long.”
“What about the elder ones? Jess? Sessie?”
“It depends on how much they know.”
“Do you think that…”
The women exchanged serious, somber glances. Lily sighed.
“I don’t know. I wouldn’t want to be in the king’s place.”
***
Edward would have gladly swapped places with someone else. There was a dull pain in his chest, his temples were on fire; the pain seized his shoulder and his right arm. It wasn’t the first time, but he was strong, he could cope.
Edward lay on his bed and stared at the wall. He wished he could raise the alarm, recruit the guards, and reinforce the palace. There was no way he could do it. If he raised panic, the plotters would either run away or strike first. It wasn’t wise to ring all the bells. The best way was to quietly take the Ivelens, interrogate them in Stonebug.
Deprived of the key figures, the plotters would involuntarily get into a fight. They wouldn’t have anyone who was important enough to claim the throne. That would win him at least ten days. Right now, time was their most important asset.
Hans had made a sound suggestion to create a Royal Division of Assassins. The king was dealing with people whom he could not leave alive, but it was dangerous to let him leave. What should I do? Either set up a tragic accident or a duel. Who would do it? I need special people. That could be one of the children from the Tremain Squad. Why not? Is it too vile? Those young boys and girls would have otherwise died on the street. Instead, they would be paid a good salary and work for the benefit of the state. They could even get a title.
Hans should definitely be made into a baron for his work. He deserves it. Is it inhumane to kill the people who plot against the state? There are some who must be killed—Aldonai forgive my soul—for if they stay alive, more blood will spill. Why did you do this to me, daughter?
***
That night Lily stayed with Alicia. She lay down on the hard bed, generously offered by Alicia and covered herself with a cape (the blanket was somewhat dirty). Nanook fell heavily at her feet, warming them. Her job was done, and she would leave the fighting to the men. Hans must take the blow. Maybe the king will make him a baron. Hans is a good man. If Jess had his personality, we would be soul mates.
***
Hans Tremain was left to his own devices. The Virmans and the royal warrant did wonders. The warrant was a golden badge, lavishly decorated with gems. There were only three of them in the kingdom, and they were all stored in the royal palace. It was impossible to fake them. Showing this ornament turned Hans’ words into the words of the king as if His Majesty himself gave out the orders. Hans used it eagerly, but solely in the interest of the Crown. With the help of the Virmans and Leis’ people, he started with the Royal Guard.
“You are under arrest, Captain.”
The plot had to be nipped in the bud. The sooner, the better. He did everything without noise and hassle. He stunned the victim, tied him down, put a gag in his mouth and threw him into the carriage to Stonebug. He wrote letters to the commandant, ordering that the villains be thoroughly questioned. He also wrote letters to several of his…friends. The royal trustees weren't friends in the ordinary sense of the word; however, there were people who they trusted more and people who they trusted less. Hans sent notes to the ones he trusted, ordering the arrest of several criminals or setting up their murders. Is it too ruthless? Am I taking too much on myself? It doesn’t matter! It is an ulcer that must be burned with a hot iron as soon as possible before it breaks through. The birds flew; the messengers raced. Meanwhile, Hans set his way to the Ivelens. Every conspiracy has a head, and if we chop it off… In any case, I must capture them and put them in Stonebug. First things first.
***
Amalia and Peter sat by the open window. The twins gave their mother a hard time. Usually, the children were sent to a different wing of the castle, but Peter could not part with the babies. They suffered from colic and other sicknesses, which made them scream heartily. Because of the heat, all the windows were open wide, making their cries spread far and wide. Exhausted, Peter went to the wet nurse, then to Amalia, and stayed there.
The woman looked out of the window and gazed at the stars.
“What are you thinking of, my dear?”
Amalia seemed to not have heard him straight away and responded with delay.
“Vengeance, Peter.”
“So many years have passed,”
“How many?” Her blue eyes flashed with anger. “How many? They took away my beloved husband, they deprived my children of their father and killed your friend. This crime has no age.”
Peter sighed.
“It doesn’t.”
He loved his wife but strongly suspected that she didn’t love him. She didn’t love him in the same way that she loved Edmund. Back then, Amalia had been on fire. Now, he was left with ashes. Is it painful? Perhaps. Peter hoped that Amalia would become
herself once everything was over, and would even be able to love him—perhaps not as strongly as she used to love Edmund. That wasn't important to him, because his love was enough for two.
“Everything will end soon, and I will breathe freely. Justice will be restored.”
Amalia clutched her pearl necklace in her hand. It was Peter’s present for giving him children.
“What is it? Torches?”
“The Royal Guard?”
Peter peered into the darkness.
“No, I wouldn't say so. There are only five people.”
“Who is there? We need to come down.”
“You’re not dressed. I will call servants.”
“Go down as well, okay?”
“Maybe we should wake father—”
“I don’t see the point—only if it’s important.”
As it turned out, Loran Ivelen was not asleep either. He and Peter met each other downstairs and exchanged glances.
No, they hadn’t expected failure. It wasn't natural for a person to admit that others might be smarter. Besides, everything was well hidden. They thought perhaps it was something else.
Hans used this to his benefit. He had a letter sealed by one of Lilian’s rings with a short note inside it. The Virmans who talked to Alicia determined that there were around twenty guards at the estate. If they started the fight immediately, the Ivelens would have time to run away. Hans decided to come with around five people, informing the Ivelens about the successful murder of the Countess of Earton and Alicia’s request to arrive as soon as possible. The main squad was waiting nearby. If someone gave the alarm, they would come to the rescue. It was a military stratagem.
When Hans banged on the gates, they were let in immediately. Five people couldn't pose a serious threat.
Leir Tremain greeted the duke, kissed Amalia’s hand, and began explaining. He looked so convincing that they believed him. He had red eyes, a tired face, shaking hands, messy hair, and dirty clothes.
“What a terrible thing! An attempt on the life of the countess!”
The Price of Happiness: A Strong Woman in the Middle Ages (A Medieval Tale Book 5) Page 8
