A Royal Game

by Antoine Henderson

  The assassin nearest to SUV dropped to his knee and reloaded his weapon as the other two continued to fire at their target. Andrades, sensing the opportunity, used the energy emitting from his cane to push his human shield with his magical force. It hurled the man toward one of his comrades, knocking him over. The assassin nearest to the SUV watched in horror, not realizing that he was out of bullets before Andrades was upon him. He met the same fate as the first, with the crimson energy ripping into him. Before the other assassin could get the body of his dead comrade off of him, he was dead. Andrades stood and pointed his blade at him and another volley of crimson energy ignited from his blade, piercing the man’s chest.

  The final assassin and their leader fumbled with his magazine for a moment before jamming it inside his weapon. He aimed quickly to see nothing in front of him but his dead comrades. His breathing was heavy, and his eyes shifted from left to right. He suddenly felt a sharp pain entering the back of his neck. The end of Andrades' blade protruded from it with rapid squirts of blood pouring out. He fell to the ground dropping his weapon. A few seconds passed before he was dead. Andrades watched as the man choked on his own blood before succumbing to the fatal wound.

  He surveyed his brutality, relishing in his fury. This was the fate of those who tried to cause him harm. This was what awaited those who planned to betray him. The assassins stood no chance, and he knew it. He didn’t hold back, he envisioned each of them being a member of the royal court. And it made him enjoy it all the more.

  He wiped his blade clean using the dead man’s jacket before placing it back inside his cane, locking it in place. The headlights drew closer as Andrades waited. It came to a stop behind the motorcycles. Edgar exited the driver side and looked upon the bloody massacre.

  “Very good Edgar,” said Andrades.

  “Thank you, Master Archibald.”

  “Your illusion with the limousine was beyond exceptional. You are worth what I pay you.”

  “Thank you, sir,” said Edgar before taking a bow. “You really outdid yourself, sir.”

  “It was necessary. I assume you know what to do with them?”

  “Already being taken care of, sir. The team will arrive shortly.”

  Andrades walked toward the limousine. “Very good, Edgar. Let’s take our leave then.”

  “Yes, sir,” said Edgar before bowing.

  8. Gala

  The Lafayette Estate was lit brilliantly when Andrades arrived. He disembarked his limousine, not waiting for Edgar, only nodding at him before he pulled away. Turning, Andrades could see other members of the royal families talking and laughing as music echoed from inside. He took a moment before going up the stairs, adjusting his jacket and tie and wiping the sides to make sure it was to his liking. He loathed these types of gatherings and the in-fighting that came with them, not to mention he’d constantly be questioned about his wife.

  In the past, Narcissa thrived at these events and could work a room like no other, meeting everyone who attended and making either personal or business connections. People adored her and she carried major influence with the royal families during those times, but in her current state that would all but be impossible.

  He walked up the stairs and entered through the front door. The room was almost to capacity. The smell of expensive perfumes and colognes filled his nose. People walked and talked as an orchestra played music in front of the balcony of the staircase. Buffet and drink tables spread about the far end of the room. A servant stood near the door holding a tray of champagne and offering it to those who passed. He accepted a glass and continued inside the estate.

  “Andrades! I was starting to think you weren’t going to show up,” said a familiar voice from within the crowd of royals.

  It belonged to a short, light-skinned man with gray hair as he appeared from the crowd. He wore a custom-made black tuxedo with an emerald green vest buttoned inside his black jacket. His face was angular and wise wrinkles gripped the sides of his eyes. Victor Pryde, One of the twelve members of the royal court. Andrades tightened his eyes and glared at the man until he came closer. He relented and walked toward him.

  “Victor Pryde, it’s been a while,” Andrades said. “You’ve avoided me for over a month and you’re surprised to see me?”

  “Sorry about that, things have been complicated lately. If you’re here, then Magnus has told you already. I’m sure you understand.”

  Andrades and Victor were the closest of all the members of the court and had maintained a respectful relationship even before being part of the royal court. If there was anyone Andrades would consider a friend, it would have been him. But with Andrades, he looked at everyone as a polite rival and treated them as such, never letting anyone in, not even Victor. And knowing Victor intended to betray him, he was purely an enemy and an obstacle to overcome.

  “You could say that, but there are still things that need some friendly clarity,” said Andrades, choosing his words carefully.

  “Lyberia will explain everything, Andrades.”

  “I’ve been hearing that a lot lately.”

  “And for good reason, I can assure you. Ah, look who’s headed this way.”

  Andrades' attention moved to his left and he could see Magnus Rathbone closing the distance with a woman by his side. It was Sophia Rathbone, his cousin, and she stared at Andrades with lustful eyes as she walked toward him.

  “Andrades Archibald IV, I thought that was you I’d seen come in, and looking as marvelous as ever,” said Sophia, a hand on her hip.

  “Sophia, Magnus, good evening,” said Andrades plainly.

  “You’re late, Andrades,” said Magnus before a grin creased his fat, dry lips. “That’s unusual for you. Having trouble at home?”

  “Speaking of home—how is Narcissa?” Sophia interrupted before giving Andrades a chance to scold Magnus for his obvious disrespect. She matched it with her next statement. “I didn’t see her come in with you. From what I understand, no one has seen her at all. Will she be joining you on this fine evening?”

  “No. It’s just me tonight.”

  “Hm, if I were her, I wouldn’t let you out of my sight,” said Sophia, with a wink.

  When they were younger, Sophia had been madly in love with him, but Andrades had a specific distaste for her. She would do anything he’d ask, obey any and all of his decisions, and make none of her own. What use would she have been if all she did was followed his will and make no choices for herself? Sophia would serve no purpose, but his wife did. Narcissa was strong; she had a voice and was almost as ruthless as he was, challenging him at every step. That’s what you want in a partner, someone who is your equal, not a glorified servant.

  “You were married a month ago Sophia, show some respect,” Magnus argued. “Your husband is right over there!” He pointed to a tall lanky man, who stood alone drinking in the corner.

  “I’m sorry, cousin, I just can’t help myself,” she relented. “Old feelings just seem to die hard. Or slow if you like…”

  Her disgusting double entendre repulsed Andrades—Victor and Magnus too. “Married?” said Andrades. “And who is the lucky gentleman?” he tried to change the subject.

  In truth, Andrades didn’t care, and as far as he could tell, based on shared glances neither did the others, but if he had to endure the conversation, he might as well make some form of small talk. Sophia went on a long diatribe about who her new husband was, but Andrades wasn’t listening. His attention was on his fellow members of the court, Magnus and Victor. He was studying them, their demeanor, their tone, and their postures. He couldn’t care less about Sophia and any man stupid and weak enough to marry her. It wasn’t the first time she was married after all, it was her third marriage. Some members of the Rathbone family was known for their mingling in other, more established royal families and she was at the forefront.

  The orchestra came to a stop while Sophia continued to dredge on. It was followed by the tapping of a w
ine glass which finally got her to stop speaking. A woman in her fifties appeared on the balcony, grabbing the attention of everyone on the floor. She was wearing a white dress with a white scarf, both fitting her elegantly styled platinum hair. Diamond earrings hung from her lobes and her wrists bore silver bracelets and she stood tall with white heels.

  “Lyberia Lafayette, you finally show yourself,” Andrades thought.

  “Thank you all for giving me your attention. While I do hope you are enjoying this lovely evening, I’m afraid that something has been brought to my attention, and it’s something that everyone in this room has a right to know.”

  Andrades and Lyberia shared a glance before she continued to speak. She cleared her throat. “I hope you all understand and will cooperate given the severity of this situation.” She stepped aside.

  Cooperate? What is she—?

  Andrades’ laid eyes on Agent Mauthe walking to the balcony next to Lyberia. Two men dressed in black suits were by her side. He did his best to hide his expression from Victor and Magnus, who turned to each other after she was in full view.

  “Good evening, everyone. I’d first like to thank Lady Lafayette for the kind and generous hospitality that she has shown me over the last two months during my time here,” said Agent Mauthe. “I’d first like to introduce myself. My name is Nyre Mauthe, but you can address me as Agent Mauthe. I was sent here by the Department of Order of MANA, to investigate a case of two of your own, a royal family. I’m going to speak plainly so that all of you can understand the gravity of the situation at hand. Ten years ago, you lost two of your most prominent members, Lucia and Morgan Montcroix, who committed suicide caused because of their fortune. But after further investigation, we have come to the conclusion that that is not the case. Morgan and Lucia Montcroix were murdered.”

  Sharp and loud gasps swept through the room. For years, everyone believed in the story that the Montcroix’s had committed suicide, and at the time they didn’t understand why. The Montcroix’s were one of the most respected and admired families among all the royals. To hear that they were murdered was shocking as they never had any known enemies or dabbled with the wrong types of people. But in a way, it made sense. Even if they lost all their money, they still had a family to look after and had enough friends that they would be well off.

  Agent Mauthe let the news sink in and waited for the hushes to subside before speaking again. “I understand how shocking it is to hear, but I am here to assure you, that whoever murdered the Montcroix’s will be brought to justice. There isn’t any amount of money or influence that can save them. I ask that you all share whatever information you can that will help us with this investigation. Thank you.”

  Agent Mauthe stepped aside and shook Lady Lafayette’s hand before departing with the men in suits flanking both sides. Lady Lafayette returned to the balcony.

  “I know this is a lot to take in, but please, cooperate with Agent Mauthe and do your due diligence to assist in her investigation as I have. With that, I hope you enjoy the party,” said Lyberia before nodding, sending a silent signal to the maestro of the orchestra to continue playing. Chatter filled the room with everyone talking about what they just heard. Andrades’ face was plain. He and Victor shared a quick glance, but they said nothing. He followed Agent Mauthe with his eyes as she made her way down the stairs before taking a sip of his champagne.

  9. Hidden

  “Well, that was shocking,” said Sophia, vocalizing what everyone else was thinking. No one responded to her, they kept their thoughts to themselves. Andrades and Victor shot a glare to Magnus, who received it openly. He coughed into his fist before speaking.

  “Um, Sophia, why don’t we go and find your husband? I’m sure he’s looking for you,” said Magnus, guiding her away.

  Andrades and Victor waited until they disappeared into the crowd before saying a word.

  “Now do you understand?” said Victor. “Two months we’ve had to deal with this.”

  “A warning would have sufficed, Victor. But to answer your question, I do. It’s peculiar.”

  “What is?”

  Andrades scanned the room, making sure no one was listening before he turned to Victor. “Agent Mauthe said she’s been investigating this case for two months. Lady Lafayette confirmed as much and you yourself did as well.”

  “So?”

  “Why is it that I am only learning about this today and the rest of you have known for months?”

  There was a long silence while Andrades waited for Victor to reply. He noticed that the man’s fingers were gripping the glass so hard they were turning pale. Victor sighed, took a deep breath and downed the rest of his whiskey, closing his eyes and shuddering as he removed the glass from his lips.

  “We were told not to say anything to you.”

  “Since when do you take orders from someone, Victor?”

  “I had no choice, Andrades. None of us did. Agent Mauthe was keeping tabs on all of us, all our dealings, our comings, and goings. We had to make things seem as normal as possible. None of us dare warn the others as suspicion would immediately be cast upon those who did.”

  “It’s good to know our friendship is strong as ever,” said Andrades.

  “You of all people should understand discretion, Andrades. If it were you, you would have done the same.”

  “But it wasn’t. Who told you not to say anything?”

  “We’ll discuss this in more detail during court. Too many listening ears.”

  Victor’s refusal to answer spoke volumes, but he didn’t need to say anything. Andrades knew who had given the order not to tell him. Lyberia Lafayette. She seemed to be the closest to the situation of all of them, and only she had a close enough relationship with Agent Mauthe as to have her speak at her own royal gala.

  “During court then,” Andrades replied coldly, almost mocking him.

  They said nothing for several minutes until Lyberia came down the stairs, wishing enjoyment to those she greeted as she passed them. It was several more minutes before she arrived in front of them with Magnus Rathbone and two maidens now flanking her.

  “Good evening gentlemen,” she said gracefully.

  “Lady Lafayette,” greeted Victor with a bow.

  “Lyberia,” Andrades said plainly. “Interesting party thus far, and I see you’ve made new friends since the last time we’ve spoken.”

  Her face turned cold and fury etched her features, but she quickly adjusted and forced a smile. “Always a pleasure to see you, Andrades. How’s the family?”

  “They’re well,” said Andrades. “So, when will we begin, Lyberia?”

  “Always to the point,” said Lyberia. “Some things never change, although lately, some things do,” she sniped.

  “I can see that.”

  “Girls, if you could be so kind as to prepare the room, thank you,” Lyberia ordered. The two maiden girls didn’t speak, only bowing and disappearing through the crowd.

  “I wanted to thank you again, Lady Lafayette, for allowing me to speak tonight,” said Agent Mauthe as she appeared from behind Andrades.

  “How did she get behind me? I thought—”

  “Victor, Magnus, hello again,” she continued, interrupting Andrades’ panicked thought. “Andrades, I see you made it in one piece. When my tail lost you on the way here, I thought you were trying to escape, but here you are, safe and sound.”

  She openly admits to tailing me? Who is this woman? She’s not even hiding it!

  “Oh, don’t look so surprised Hon, it’s only a formality. A precaution if you will,” said Agent Mauthe. “I’m tailing everyone that I spoke with. You can ask your fellow royal friends if you like.”

  I’ll ignore the fact that you had the audacity to call me ‘Hon’, but don’t push your luck. You will learn to address me properly one way or the other, I’ll see to that. Tailing everyone you’ve spoken with was a brilliant move. To see if they make any sudden changes or adj
ustments in their behavior, thus causing suspicion to fall upon them or try to warn me… Very smart, Agent Mauthe, I give you that.

  “No need, I believe you Agent Mauthe, and I understand completely.”

  “I’m glad you do, Andrades. Now that everyone knows of my investigation, I’m sure something will turn up one way or another,” Agent Mauthe said confidently. “But I’ll be honest, it has been a long and tiring day for me, looking for murderers and what have you, so I will retire for the evening. Lady Lafayette, thank you again. The rest of you enjoy the party now! Andrades, I’ll be visiting your estate in the morning, to discuss a few more things. I do hope you can squeeze me into your tight schedule?”

  “No problem at all, Agent Mauthe. I look forward to it.”

  “As do I. Bye-bye for now!”

  The others bowed before she turned on her heel and walked toward the main doors of the estate, followed closely by the two men.

  “She’s going to be trouble, Lyberia,” Andrades warned before finishing his glass of champagne.

  “Don’t you think I know that? We’ll discuss this matter further during the session. Her agents are still here, watching. The girls should have the room set up by now, so each of us will go one at a time, in ten minute intervals. I’ll be the last to arrive. Understand?” The men nodded before Lyberia turned to walk away and begin to mingle with the other party-goers.

  Thirty minutes passed as Andrades stood atop the stairs admiring the room below. It had almost been five minutes since Victor entered the farthest door down the hall behind Andrades, and his turn was now almost upon him. He looked down for a moment at the orchestra as they continued to play their string instruments until his eyes caught a glimpse of a man staring at him. The man quickly turned and continued through the crowd when Andrades took notice.