by Jeff Wheeler
“Miss Fitzempress!” the general said with exaggerated offense. “That you would—”
“Then put my mind to rest, General, and take us to her now. You cannot convince me that it would be counter to your duty to bring me to her. She’s probably terrified.”
“It is more than a fair request,” Trevon added, folding his arms. He gave Sera a confirming nod.
Montpensier threw up his hands. “Hours more work to perform, and now I must deal with children. You both tax my patience. But I will concede, as the request is not beyond reason, although it is against civility.”
“Thank you for your understanding,” Sera said, not believing his theatrics in the least.
Sera had visited the Espion tunnels before, but in the past she had not understood the extent to which they infiltrated the palace. A person could likely travel from one end of the castle to another without using the normal hallways. The man equipped with the pistol and dagger had remained behind, and the general acted as their guide. The secret corridors were cramped, at odd angles, and incredibly narrow at some points. A musty smell permeated the air, and the sound of whistling wind came from both ahead and behind. General Montpensier chattered along as he walked ahead of them with the single lamp, bragging about the trust that had been placed in him and his connections, both in this world and in others. He even made a snide comment, which seemed to be addressed to Sera, that he expected an Espion caught in Comoros would receive harsh punishment.
Was that a veiled implication that Lady Corinne was part of the Espion? Had they plotted this ruse together to get Becka out of the way and defame Sera?
“Ah, we are almost there,” Montpensier said.
Sera wished that the two night watchmen had come with them. She realized, with growing concern, that they were deep within Montpensier’s domain. He was someone who opposed the marriage. Someone versed in acting covertly. She had been holding Trevon’s hand as they walked through the tunnels and squeezed it harder out of worry. He gave her a reassuring look.
They reached an iron door, guarded by two men who were dozing until Montpensier arrived. They quickly shuffled to their feet.
“Good evening, General,” one of them said, saluting.
He saluted in reply without speaking, and they unlocked the iron door. Beyond it was a stairwell leading down. As before, Montpensier led the way. The stairs were too narrow for Sera and the prince to travel side by side, so she followed the general, nearly hugging the wall, and Trevon fell in behind her. She smelled dampness and heard drips of water somewhere. Her skin crawled at the thought of rats scurrying in the dark. The area below, lit by flaming torches, was lined with about twenty cells on either side. Iron doors were embedded with small, barred windows. A warden with a disfiguring scar from his eyebrow to his nose sat in the midst of them. The man didn’t seem to be relishing his assignment.
Sera worried how Becka was handling imprisonment in such a wretched place.
“Which one?” Trevon asked gruffly.
“Open the cell the maid was brought to earlier,” the general said to the warden, setting his lamp down on a nearby table covered with scraps from dinner.
The warden grunted, then unlocked the door and opened it. Sera gestured for Trevon to remain behind as she crept into the dark opening. She saw a small cot and a figure lying on it, covered by a blanket. There were no windows in the cell, no source of light save the torches in the hall. Sera’s stomach clenched with worry. Biting her lip, she approached the bedside and knelt by it, recognizing Becka’s dark hair. She gently shook her awake.
The face that turned to her was her maid’s, and she felt a spasm of relief.
“S-Sera?”
“I’m here.”
Becka sat up quickly, rubbing sleep from her eyes, and then hugged Sera in a frightened embrace. “Can I go now? I’ve been here for hours. Is it morning?”
It pained Sera’s heart to see the hopeful look on the girl’s face. She shook her head no. “It’s not morning yet. I’m going to get you out of here, Becka. I’ll find a way. How did this happen?”
“I don’t know. My head still hurts. Something happened, and I woke up in a dark tunnel.” Her voice quavered with tears. “I cried out for help and tried feeling my way along the wall. Some men with torches found me, and they brought me to the general, who accused me of being a spy. I’m not a spy, Sera. I swear I’m not!”
“I know,” Sera said, stroking her hair. “I think they’re doing this for another reason.”
“Are you satisfied?” Montpensier asked abruptly from the door, holding up his lamp. The sudden light made Becka wince and shield her eyes, which Sera imagined he’d intended. “Do you see any marks on her? We are not so savage toward our women in this world, Miss Fitzempress.”
Sera felt her anger stir again, and she stood up and turned to face him. “She is the handmaid of the daughter of the Emperor of Comoros,” she said with indignation. “And this is a dungeon.”
Montpensier shrugged. “I’m sure your prison spoons are all made of silver too.”
There he was, goading her again. He’d always said impertinent things to her whenever they were seated together at state dinners. It struck her again that he held too much power for one man. Trevon’s father had erred in putting him in charge of both the army and his spy service. It was clear he did not intend to make friends with Trevon, who would someday be king, and she suspected she knew why. There was a strange look in his eyes, an edginess that she’d not seen before. This was a man who made calculations in his sleep. What was he calculating now?
“I would like my doctor to examine her tomorrow,” Sera said firmly. “I cannot see any injuries, but I don’t know what to look for.” She remained quiet about Becka’s mention of hurting her head and awakening in the tunnel. No doubt, Becka had already told the same to Montpensier. There was a good chance he was behind whatever had happened.
“Your doctor? And who is that?” he asked disdainfully.
“Doctor Creigh, who has been treating the victims of the cholera morbus. I’d like his opinion on the matter first thing in the morning.”
The general sighed. “Another missive to write. You have no compassion for me.”
“I will write it,” Sera said. “Don’t trouble yourself. Trevon, if you could have it delivered?”
“Of course,” he said, appearing in the light next to Montpensier. He looked infuriated by the whole affair. Sera kept her upset concealed. As well as her strategy to rescue Becka.
“I’ll not forget this insult, General. But I think that was your intent all along.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
THE DUKE’S POISONER
Sera’s agitation had not decreased in the least by the following morning. The absence of her companion was pronounced, and it forced Sera to recognize how much she had grown to depend on the girl. It also quickened her resolve to get Becka back. If the abduction was Lady Corinne’s doing, Sera vowed to repay the woman with stark consequences.
Although she preferred the comfort and style of her Kingfountain wardrobe, she donned something from her own realm as a statement of her disapproval and set off to find Lord Fitzroy. When she was brought to him, he was enjoying a private breakfast in his own chamber, but he put it aside as soon as he saw her worried look.
“Becka has been imprisoned,” she told him and quickly related the events of the previous evening. She could not disguise the contempt in her voice when she spoke of General Montpensier, and before the end of her tale, she’d started pacing restlessly.
Lord Fitzroy pulled the napkin from his lap and wiped his hands and mouth with it before setting it down on the table. “Have you told the prince about my investigation into Lady Corinne?”
“No, not directly,” Sera answered, coming to a stop across from him. “You counseled me not to.”
“Not everyone heeds my counsel,” he replied with a sad smile. “This situation with Becka is highly unusual. Why create a diplomatic controversy before such
a momentous alliance?”
“Because the king and queen are against the match,” Sera answered hotly.
Fitzroy gave her a shrewd look. “While I, too, have seen some evidence of their apathy toward the match, I’ve spoken to both of them, and their reasons are understandable, albeit not commendable. I think they had hoped for more of a figurehead princess for their son, not a strong woman who knows her own will. And it is difficult for any ruler to give up a portion of their power. No, this situation feels like it’s the general’s doing. I’ve not been told this, but I suspect the king and queen are planning to retire him from service following the wedding. He’s a man desperately trying to cling to his power. And desperate men do desperate—and dangerous—things.”
Lord Fitzroy rose from the table. “This may be a last-ditch effort to scuttle the union. But we both know that it won’t work. Cettie’s vision gives us a view of the end. I am expecting to receive the latest word on the privy council’s negotiations. They were due to meet while we slept last night.”
Sera nodded in agreement. “You’re right, of course. I’d almost forgotten Cettie’s vision. If what you predict does come to pass, and the general is relieved of his duties following the wedding, then Becka will be freed. I just can’t abide the thought of Lady Corinne coming anywhere near her. Montpensier’s gambit has struck me in the heart.”
Lord Fitzroy smiled. “Remember, I’ve forbidden Lady Corinne to enter a mirror gate. Once the marriage is done, I will go back and deal with her. Her treachery will be revealed at last.”
Sera took in a deep breath, trying to steady herself.
A knock sounded at the door, and Lord Fitzroy went to answer it. He opened it wider, and Prince Trevon entered. By the glum expression on his face, she knew the news wasn’t good.
“I spoke to my parents just now,” he said, turning to watch Lord Fitzroy shut the door. “They’ve ordered Montpensier to finish his investigation in three days. They won’t let your maid be released until then.”
“Why?” Sera said, her frustration spilling out again.
“Because the general is very persuasive. He pointed to the fact that she was a servant in Lady Corinne’s household before she became your servant.”
Lady Corinne again. It only heightened her suspicion that the deceitful woman and Montpensier were in this together.
His brow wrinkled. “You flinched when I said her name. I know she mistreated you, but I didn’t realize you still felt such an aversion to her. I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault, Trevon. I’m sorry, do go on.”
“It’s not just Becka’s past that was used as evidence but her actions here at the palace. She talks to the servants. She’s known and doted on by my two sisters. She has been observed listening in on conversations.”
“She’s following my instructions,” Sera said in a tone of exasperation. “She tells me things I could not otherwise learn for myself. She is my friend and confidante. Do not your sisters do the same for you?”
Trevon glanced down at the floor and back at her. “And the general swears that she was discovered by the Espion inside the tunnels. He said it convincingly enough that my parents believed him. I don’t doubt that she was found there, but the question remains how she got there.” He started to pace. “That is what concerns me the most. Remember that night you left your room with Becka and found me talking to my father about the cholera morbus? You mentioned that someone had followed you down the hall, but no one could find any sign of the intruder. Do you recall this?”
“Of course I do,” she said hotly. “Are you going to accuse me of being a spy now?”
“Goodness no, Sera! I trust you implicitly, and I hope you trust me.” He took a step closer. “What I want to say is that I took your words seriously. I believe someone did follow you down that hall.” He lowered his voice and gestured for Fitzroy to come closer. When the three were standing in a tight cluster, he continued. “The castle is protected by the Espion, who roam inside these walls, and the guards, who patrol the main corridors. The captain of the guard has expressed concerns to my parents about General Montpensier’s ambition. He has been conducting an investigation into the general’s activities and believes a faction within the Espion is more loyal to the general than to my father. There are rumors that Montpensier hired a poisoner years ago, and this poisoner has helped in his rise to power.” Trevon wiped his mouth and then grimaced. “The captain is taking precautions for the wedding. As you can imagine, there will be quite a crowd. People have already started arriving from all over the realm. Montpensier is not the only one opposed to our marriage. There are those who say that you won’t do the water rite because you aren’t even mortal.” He chuckled. “I’ve tried to reassure everyone to the contrary, but these are dangerous times, Sera. There may even be a faction that tries to prevent the marriage.”
He reached for her hand, and she took it and felt his thumb rub against her glove. How she wished her hands were unfettered . . .
“We cannot let anyone stop it,” he continued.
He had probably said more than he should have and revealed information that was considered highly secret. Sera was grateful for it. She would rather know what she faced than not, even if the truth was uncomfortable. Should she not treat her intended with the same respect? Biting her lip, she glanced at Lord Fitzroy. Sometimes there was no need to speak. It was like their minds touched, and they understood each other.
“Prince Trevon,” Fitzroy said in an equally subdued voice. “Thank you for divulging that information. We are still committed to the marriage and hope to receive word shortly that approval of the terms has arrived from the privy council. You likewise should know that I have also been conducting an investigation.”
Prince Trevon’s eyebrows lifted.
Lord Fitzroy continued. “It is regarding Lady Corinne and her apparent murder of a young advocate to conceal evidence that might discredit or betray her. It is our understanding that she has a man in her employ, a man from this world. A kishion.”
The prince’s eyes narrowed. “Could it be this secret poisoner? I think they are called that in your world.”
“Quite possibly. Or the poisoner might be Lady Corinne herself. In my investigation, I have learned that she visited the court of Kingfountain as a young woman, around the age of twelve, on a business contract with her parents. It took many months for me to discover this, but it appears the trip was a long one. Several months. I have personally seen the record of her travels. It is my suspicion that Lady Corinne may have been approached by the Espion. That she has, through sheer cunning and duplicity, infiltrated the highest ranks of privilege in our society. We’ve long known that the general has spies in Lockhaven, and she may be one who has not yet been unmasked. Perhaps I should not have told you, but I think being candid in this perilous moment will prevent disaster. Do you agree?”
“You never told me,” Sera said, reeling from the news. And yet, in some ways it did not surprise her. She could definitely believe that Lady Corinne was a spy. And she’d married the most powerful man in the empire, one with contacts and connections and information that would have proven invaluable to Montpensier. Now, if they did not succeed in stopping her, she was poised to marry another such man.
Her father. The emperor himself.
“I was going to in due time,” Lord Fitzroy said. His gaze shifted back to Trevon. “Becka witnessed the murder I spoke of. Can you see why her imprisonment by the Espion is doubly concerning? And we received word yesterday that Lady Corinne has asked permission to cross a mirror gate and come here. I won’t grant it.”
Trevon started. “Yes, by all means, she should be kept away.”
Sera touched Trevon’s arm. “You must get Becka released, Trevon. I don’t want her involved as a pawn in this Wizr game.”
He nodded. “I will speak to the captain of the guard. Perhaps I can have her transferred to his custody. I believe we can trust him.”
“If you can,
I would be most grateful,” Sera said. She looked at Fitzroy and saw the determination in his eyes. It was a determination she shared.
Lady Corinne and General Montpensier must be defeated.
The day crawled by with agonizing slowness. Word arrived that morning, as promised, that the privy council had ratified the marriage treaty between Comoros and Kingfountain on the terms stipulated by Lord Fitzroy. Sera’s father, the emperor, had finally dropped his insistence that she be disinherited, allowing her and her offspring the potential of being chosen as successors. He still did not know that his aspiration to wed Lady Corinne was soon to be thwarted.
Sera spent hours in fittings for her wedding dress. There were also practices for the ceremony as she was taught the customs of her new people. Through it all, her mind brooded on the situation—on the Espion and Montpensier and Lady Corinne’s spiderlike ability to deceive and control. She was given some time to rest in the middle of the afternoon and went back to her rooms, to find Adam Creigh pacing the corridor.
She gasped in relief when she saw him.
“How long have you been waiting for me?” she asked worriedly.
He shrugged and gestured with a wave of his hand that he wouldn’t answer the question. “I did have an opportunity to examine your maid. I thought I should report my findings in person instead of leaving a note.”
“I am grateful you did, Adam. Thank you for coming.” She noticed the lines around his eyes. He had worked tirelessly to serve the people of Kingfountain. After over a year of research, the cause of the cholera morbus still eluded him, as did the disease’s uncanny ability to spread. Quarantining victims was still the best recourse. But Adam was determined to unravel its mysteries.
“I am yours to command, Miss Fitzempress.”
“Please, we have been friends for many years, Adam. You’ve earned the right to call me by my name.”
He shrugged again. “Would you like to hear my report?”
“Yes, please come in.” She went to the door and opened it, nearly calling out to Becka out of habit.
