“You’re lucky I spotted and you and came over to say hello. If I hadn’t been close enough to cover for you, that remark would have put you in dire straits.”
“I can’t communicate how grateful I am for your intervention, Sir Kyle,” said Janice with absolute sincerity.
Will scowled, still angry inside. “I can’t help the truth.”
The knight stared at him disapprovingly for a full thirty seconds before his face began to crack into a smile. “Needle dick—what was the rest? I don’t think I’ve ever heard that one.”
“Bug fucker,” said Will helpfully.
Sir Kyle chuckled. “It probably is true. Where did you hear such a thing? Were you a sailor in the past?”
“My grandfather was—colorful,” said Will reluctantly. “Pardon me, Sir Kyle, but are you really the same man who commanded Company B? I don’t remember you being so—”
“Friendly? Easygoing?” supplied the knight.
Will nodded.
“You’ll understand if you ever feel the burden of command, especially when you’re certain that you’re leading a hundred men who trust you into certain death.”
“You’re right,” said Will. “Maybe I was too self-centered back then. I never thought about the stress you were under.”
“Don’t blame yourself. That’s an officer’s job.”
Will’s eyes snapped up to the man’s face. “Blaming me, or yourself?”
“Both,” said Sir Kyle soberly. Then he held out his hand. Will stared at it for a moment, confused. “You’re supposed to shake it,” said the knight.
Will did, still confused, but the military man continued, “I want to thank you for what you did in Barrowden, Mister Cartwright. You saved a lot of lives, mine included, but most importantly you saved those I was responsible for.”
“I’m not sure what you mean, sir. I don’t think I was a very good soldier.”
The knight laughed. “You were a terrible soldier, but fortunately, you didn’t let that, or anyone else, stop you from doing what needed to be done. The men know what you did. I made sure of that.”
“Sir?”
“I knew before then, after you took out all the sentries and killed the camp commander in the pass, but there was no room for commendations or medals at that time. I had discipline to enforce. Plus, there were the rumors of black magic, but after you were sent to the capital and later exonerated, we got word. We also discovered some of what you did in Barrowden. It’s good to see that His Majesty has seen fit to reward you.”
Janice and Will exchanged a knowing glance. “I’m not sure I’d call it a reward,” said Will. “I’ve had some rather ugly disagreements with the king.”
“About what?” asked the knight, displaying genuine concern.
“I can’t really talk about it, sir.”
“Is it the princess, or Count Spry? I’ve heard the tale of your duel.”
Will didn’t know what to say, but Janice answered for him, “Both.”
Sir Kyle shook his head, then put a friendly hand on Will’s shoulder. “You should turn your eyes elsewhere, William. At the very least, if you can’t control your temper, you should leave before you get yourself into a situation you can’t escape from. I’d hate to see you whipped and dishonored after everything you did.”
“Thank you for the advice, sir. I’ll keep that in mind,” said Will in a neutral tone.
“He’s stubborn,” offered Janice.
Sir Kyle nodded. “I’m well aware.” He glanced back toward the ballroom. “I should return and mingle. If you get tired of the college you should think about coming back to help us, William. There’s a good chance we’ll be going to war and I could use a good officer.”
Shocked, Will asked, “Officer?” He pointed at himself. “Me?”
“You don’t think you could return as a wizard and be put in the rank and file, do you? I’d be a fool to put you back on the line.”
“But I’m not licensed yet,” explained Will. “It will be three and a half more years. Five if I want to graduate.”
Sir Kyle chuffed. “As if I give a damn! I only know a little of what you did when you were with Company B, and I’m sure there’s a lot I didn’t hear about—and that was before you had any training. There will be a place for you. Keep that in mind if things get too hot for you in Cerria.” The knight stepped away and gave a brief wave. “I’m off.”
“He seemed to like you,” observed Janice.
“He could have fooled me,” said Will. “He was nothing like that when I was in the army.”
“Being an officer is no small thing. You’d have a career, a stable income, and eventually a stipend when you retired. It might be better than staying in Cerria.”
Something in her eyes suggested more. That perhaps he wouldn’t have to go alone. Will shook his head. “You have to finish college, even if I don’t. And I don’t plan on giving up on Selene.”
“I wasn’t suggesting that. I know how you feel, but you need to remember she’s getting married and there isn’t much you can do about it.”
Will thought about the necromantic spell he had learned, the same spell he currently had prepared and tucked away. He hadn’t planned on doing anything with it, not so soon, but was tonight the right time? Would there ever be a right time? He’d be gambling with his life. No, not with Janice here, he told himself. Who knows what would happen to her in the middle of that kind of chaos? “Let’s go back inside,” he told her.
“Will you be able to behave?”
He nodded. “I’ll be good. I promise.”
Chapter 49
The ball was in full swing when they reentered, and couples swayed and swirled back and forth across the dance floor while musicians played from one end of the room. Will was dazed by the sight of so many colorfully dressed men and women moving back and forth. His eyes automatically searched the crowd, looking for a dark-haired woman with blue eyes.
He spotted Selene a minute later, as Malcolm Spry led her through an elegant series of turns across the floor. The man was an excellent dancer, which did nothing to assuage Will’s frustration.
Janice took his hand. “Shall we?”
Will felt guilty when he looked at her. No one should be forced to attend such an event with a shoddy partner filled with jealousy and eyes for another woman. He resolved to be more attentive. With a smile he answered, “I think we should.”
They joined the flow, and after adjusting their pace, Will found himself enjoying the dance. He’d improved considerably over the past two weeks, and while he was still a novice compared to most of those who graced the floor, he had nothing to be ashamed of. Janice positively glowed in his arms, attracting jealous gazes from many of the other ladies in the room. Wealth couldn’t compete with natural beauty, and Janice had that in spades.
They went through the paces several times, and Will felt his shoulders begin to relax, though he tensed again when Selene and the count passed by a few feet from them. Selene met his eyes and he saw curiosity, frustration, and possibly jealousy reflected in them. She was studying Janice carefully.
Janice moved closer, putting her lips next to his ear. “I think she’s jealous.”
So am I, thought Will. “Should we take a break?” he asked.
“Admit defeat? I thought you were a warrior,” she challenged.
“We’re dancing, not fighting.”
Janice gave him a sultry smile, then breathed into his ear, “The dance floor is a battleground too. Why not give her something to think about?”
From the corner of his eye he saw Count Spry’s hand, pressing firmly against the small of Selene’s back. Will’s blood was rising again, and he whispered back, “I’m game.”
“Put your hand a little lower,” said Janice. “Hold me tighter.”
“Are you sure?” asked Will hesitantly. If his hand went any lower, it would rest against the curve of her posterior in a rather scandalous manner.
“Confidence,” she respon
ded. “Don’t be timid.”
He lowered his hand and they moved on, their bodies close together. Janice smiled at him. “A little more.” She leaned in, pressing herself into him.
Will let his hand slide a few inches lower, surprised by his own boldness. After a few minutes they passed Selene and her fiancé again and he was gratified to see Selene miss a step. Her eyes were boring into them.
The song ended, and he and Janice moved to the side to make room for other dancers while they caught their breath. His partner’s face was flushed and her eyes bright. Janice gave him a grin full of mischief. “I think I enjoyed that a little too much,” she admitted.
An older couple approached them from one side and the gentleman nodded at them. Will felt a chill when he recognized the man’s face. It was the Royal Marshal, the man who had sent him to the dungeon in Cerria, Duke Vincent Arenata. “I believe we’ve met before, Mister Cartwright.”
“Your Grace,” returned Will, giving a shallow bow. “May I introduce my companion, Miss Janice Edelman?”
The duchess stepped forward, interrupting her husband’s advance. “You may,” she answered.
The Duke seemed slightly uncomfortable. “This is my wife, the Duchess Arenata.”
“Lady Arlen will do,” said the duchess.
Janice bowed and Will followed suit. “Your Grace, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” said Janice.
Arlen Arenata smiled. “Would you mind if I borrowed your young man for a dance Miss Edelman?”
“Not at all,” she replied.
The duke stepped in. “I’ll be happy to take you around the floor in the meantime.”
Will watched helplessly for a moment as the duke whisked Janice away, then realized he was about to dance with the duchess. Please don’t let me screw this up, he thought desperately. He held out his hand and tried to imagine it was Dianne he was dancing with.
He stiffened slightly as she touched his hand, for he felt something strange. Will forced himself to relax and recovered from a near blunder, and they began to dance. But he still felt it, an odd, alien quality in her turyn. Every person’s turyn was slightly different, but something about Arlen Arenata’s was beyond the norm, as though she wasn’t quite human.
“Count Spry seems very happy,” said the duchess idly, her eyes watching him.
Will nodded slightly. “I’m sure any man would be, if he could marry the king’s daughter.”
“Especially you,” she observed. “Vincent told me about your adventure with her. You must have become very close.”
“I consider her a dear friend,” Will answered in a neutral tone.
The duchess smiled sadly. “It’s a pity you aren’t of higher station. So many things would be easier for you if you were. It seems unfair that a man of your talents has been given so little.”
“I’m content with my life.”
“Have you met Baron Nerrow? I saw him and his daughters a minute ago,” said Arlen. “They’re beautiful girls, blessed with everything they could wish for, and their father dotes on them terribly. It’s a wonder they aren’t spoiled.”
Will struggled to keep his face blank. “I’ve seen them. They do seem very fortunate.”
The duchess leaned in and whispered in his ear, “There’s a rumor that Mark Nerrow had a bastard. Have you heard that?”
“I don’t circulate in such high company often,” Will responded. “So I don’t really hear rumors or gossip.”
“I find it a sad story. It isn’t the son’s fault. My husband’s sister is Mark’s wife, in case you didn’t know.”
“I think I’d heard that somewhere.”
Arlen nodded. “I’m sure you did. I couldn’t help but think, though. If that bastard child had wealth and power of his own, a title independent of his father’s, they’d probably welcome him in with open arms. He’d be a blessing, rather than a threat, don’t you think?”
What the hell is she suggesting? Will wondered. Is she pushing me to accept an offer like the king did? If so, why? “I couldn’t speculate on that, Your Grace.”
“Oh, of course not!” said the duchess. “I wasn’t suggesting that you should. Is it true that you refuse to accept an elemental?”
Will was beginning to panic. How did she hear that? He decided not to deny it, though. “It is true.”
“Would it be rude of me to ask why?”
Selene passed by, dancing now with Will’s father, and he saw the look of concern on her face as she glanced at him and the duchess. She caught his attention for so long that he almost stumbled.
“Am I making you uncomfortable, Mister Cartwright?” asked the duchess.
Yes, very, he wanted to shout. “Not at all. I’ve refused an elemental because I think the practice is wrong.”
“Have you ever considered that there might be other routes to power?” There was something dark and hungry in the noblewoman’s eyes. “Power that might make you an attractive suitor in the king’s eyes?”
Startled, Will let his surprise show. “The princess is already engaged.”
“Count Spry isn’t a young man. It’s not beyond the realm of possibility that something might happen to him. Think of his poor wife! She was quite young, and yet he’s a widower.”
The dance was almost over, and Will couldn’t wait to free himself from the duchess’ cold touch. He was beginning to feel nauseous. “I’m not sure what you’re suggesting.”
“If you’re curious you should call on me one day,” said the duchess. “Preferably this coming week. My husband is busy with his work during the day, so we could converse without disturbing him.”
The music faded away, and they stepped away from the dance floor. Will bowed to his partner and she smiled, then reached out and took his hand. “Think about it.” Then she moved on to find other diversions.
Will looked down at the card she had left in his palm. It was a beautifully written calling card bearing the duchess’ name and address. He stared at it for a moment, wondering what it could mean, then he took note of the address and a cold chill shot through him. It was the address of the house he had been watching the night before.
He needed to think, but before he could collect his thoughts Mark Nerrow approached with his younger daughter in tow. “Mister Cartwright, we meet again.”
“Your Excellency,” said Will, bowing again.
“Have you met my daughter, Tabitha?”
“I haven’t had the pleasure, sir.”
“This is her first year coming to the Winter Ball, but she’s been looking forward to it for quite some time,” said the baron. “She’s been practicing all year to prepare.” There was a not so subtle hint in Will’s father’s eyes.
For once, he wanted to comply. He gave Tabitha a warm look that was entirely genuine and bowed in deference. “Would you give me the honor of a dance, milady?”
Tabitha blushed, putting one hand over her mouth. “I’m not a lady, yet.”
“May I call you Tabitha then?” asked Will.
“Please do, Mister Cartwright, if you’ll let me call you William, that is.”
He nodded and Mark Nerrow passed his daughter’s hand to Will. “Enjoy yourselves. I’ve been needing a rest.”
They took to the floor and Will did his best, though it was clear that Tabitha was far more experienced and agile. “I’m sorry if I’m not quite up to your expectations,” he apologized.
“Nonsense,” said Tabitha with a happy smile. “I’m just happy to dance with someone who isn’t my father!”
Will found himself staring at her in wonder, searching her face for familiar features. This is my half-sister, he told himself, wishing he could share the knowledge with her.
Tabitha noticed his attention but misunderstood the reason. She glanced away with a faint smile. “William, you shouldn’t stare.”
“Pardon me, Tabitha. I was simply smitten by your grace and elegance. Your father must be very proud to have you for a daughter.” He stretched out his hand and led her th
rough a quick twirl.
“I wouldn’t know about that,” deferred the young girl. “But he’s a good father, all things considered.”
Will nodded. “You must love your family.”
She gave him an odd look. “What a strange question. Doesn’t everyone?”
“Most do,” admitted Will. “But not everyone is so blessed.”
“Like Selene?” suggested his sister with a coy smile. When she saw his surprise, she added, “Laina told me that you were close friends, so you probably know what I mean.”
“N—not really,” stuttered Will.
“I didn’t mean anything serious. Just that it’s been hard on her, what with having a king for a father.”
Will nodded. “I can see that.”
“Just between you and me, I think he’s scary,” said Tabitha secretively.
Will had no intention of being drawn into that line of discussion. Instead he asked a different question, “What do you think of Count Spry?”
“Oh, he’s very nice!” she responded immediately. “Their entire family visited us a few years ago. I feel badly for him, losing both his son and his wife. Dennis was kind.”
Will felt grateful that apparently Tabitha didn’t know he was the one who had cut Dennis Spry’s life short. “Hopefully Selene will be happy with him,” said Will, fishing a little more.
“I’m sure she likes him, though it must be strange since he’s around father’s age,” said Tabitha. “She never does anything unless she really wants to.” His sister lowered her voice. “She was always fighting with her father because of that.”
The dance came to an end, and Will felt someone tap on his shoulder. Glancing behind himself, his eyes widened when he saw Selene standing there. She smiled at Tabitha. “I see you’ve met my friend.”
Tabitha nodded and gave the princess a grin, then moved forward to embrace her. “It’s so good to see you, Selene! Why don’t you ever visit us anymore? It’s so dull with just Mother, Father, and Laina there.”
“Sorry, Tabbycat,” said Selene affectionately. “Life just keeps getting in the way. I promise I’ll come see you someday soon—after the wedding.”
Tabbycat, Will noted, feeling even more like an outsider. Selene shared more familiarity with his sisters than he ever would.
Secrets and Spellcraft Page 43
