Mariana's Secret

by A D Lombardo

  “Agreed, cousin, excellent idea.” Kai felt relieved for the first time in years. Knowing the truth about Nola and his father’s moods would finally be put to rest. “Well, we have our plan. After the Winter Festival, in the new year, we will set our plan in motion. Get our proof.”

  Who poisons a queen? Kai thought as Cazier and Riome departed back through the hidden passage.

  Chapter 19

  Winter Betrayal

  Before the Winter Festival chapel service, Kai met with Shane to exchange gifts. Shane loved the new saddle Kai gave him. In fact, he made quite the fuss, like it was the best gift he’d ever received. Oddly, Shane offered no gift in return. Kai didn’t dare ask where his gift was, as that would be rude, but Kai was nevertheless confused. They left the stables together and went to the chapel.

  After service, the guests departed for the Central City Gardens to watch the Parade of Candles. The Winter Festival celebration was an evening of thankfulness and blessings. Everyone came together to welcome in the new year. Next, the dukes, lords, and ladies of the land would come to the palace to offer gifts and bend the knee to King Iver Galloway.

  If Kai was going to exchange gifts with Rayna, it had to be now before going to the gardens. As he entered the bakehouse, he found Levi and Dori chatting about tomorrow’s needs. Their tasks were done early so they could enjoy the entire Winter Festival. They had delivered the bread, pies, and cakes well before noon.

  “Mister Kendrick, Dori. I wish you many blessings for the coming new year. Is Rayna available? I have a gift for her.” Although he knew she was in the cottage loft, he wanted them to know he was entering their home.

  Levi bowed. “Your Highness, Prince Kai, she is in the cottage next door. You may go and see her. We will be right behind…”

  Dori interrupted him. “Go ahead, Prince Kai. We will be there, …shortly.”

  “Thank you,” Kai bowed back. “I will not take long. I know you are planning to attend the Parade of Candles.” With a smile, he ducked outside. He held the large wrapped gift under one arm and knocked on the cottage door. As Rayna opened it, he began to get butterflies in his stomach.

  “Kai, blessings to you for the coming year,” Rayna beamed. “Come in. I just finished cleaning up from dinner.” She pulled him inside and closed the door.

  “Blessings to you for the coming year, Rayna.” He smiled at her. “I spoke to your parents; they will be home shortly.” He could hardly stand the wait. He had collected things all summer.

  On the small table lay a wrapped gift. Taking a seat on the sofa beside of Rayna, he placed his own package on the table in front of her. Before he could speak, she handed him the box. “I get to go first,” Rayna demanded. “I know it’s not much, but Shane helped me.”

  Slowly, Kai pulled the blue ribbon and folded back the white cloth. There sat a wooden box with a pattern of alternating inlays of white birch and dark ebony wood squares. Curiously he released the golden latch and lifted the lid to reveal two sets of chessmen, one in red mahogany and the other in dark ebony. They were intricately carved and stained to perfection.

  “It’s a chess set.” Rayna patted his hand. “I know you are learning to play, and now you have a travel set.”

  Graciously he accepted and touched the back of her hand. “Thank you, Rayna. It is magnificent. I will have to start playing more often.”

  The rosy blush on her cheeks told him she was very excited. “As I said, Shane helped me. We bought it together, so this is from both of us. He was gracious enough to let me present it alone.”

  “That explains the odd looks. When I gave Shane his gift, he gushed over the saddle and then just said thank you. Anyway, now it’s my turn. I hope you like everything, although two items are on loan. If you like them, and they are different enough from your growing collection, I will have copies made.”

  With much anticipation, she pulled the pink ribbon, and the blue cloth fell into a puddle on the table. Her eyes went wide, and she stifled a gasp with the palm of her hand. She took the two leather-bound books in her hands and stroked the covers and flipped through the pages. “I will study them thoroughly.” Placing them on the sofa, she stared at the large wooden box on the table.

  “It is an apothecary box,” Kai explained.

  The box was made of beautiful flame mahogany, with a flush-fitting brass carrying handle on top. Rayna gently ran her fingers over the lock on the double doors. “With a lock,” she said mysteriously.

  Kai produced a key from his pocket and handed it to her. As she opened the double doors, she found three jars on the inside of each. There was a mix of clear, green, and brown bottles. In the center were four more bottles, all in blue, above two fitted drawers. She removed each bottle, rolled them in her palm, and replaced them.

  Then Kai spun the box around and he let her stare in confusion at the back for a few moments. He slid the back panel to one side to reveal a concealed compartment holding four more bottles, all in red. “Oh, Kai, this is amazing. Thank you so much.” After giving him a big hug and a kiss on the cheek, she began inspecting the engravings around the outside.

  “I am so pleased you like it.” Kai arched his back to get a look out the front window. “Given your desire to become an apothecary, I spoke with your father. He approved, so this also comes with formal training by way of apprenticeship. You know so much already, but formal training would allow you to practice and set up your own shop someday. I have arranged daily lessons over the next few weeks with a Mister Embly here in the city. He is a friend to Yulia, Riome’s mother. He is from Katori and he is willing to teach another Katori his skills.”

  “Really? Thank you, Kai.” Rayna leaned in again and hugged him.

  “Oh, and do me a favor, look through your book collection. Find anything you can on a plant called Dragon’s Breath.”

  With a look to the door, she kissed him on the cheek, then sat up sharply. “My parents are almost here. You should get going.”

  He winked ever so slightly at her. “You are delightful,” he said, gently touching the top of her hand, which was still on his knee.

  The door to the small cottage opened, and Rayna’s parents entered. “Thank you again, Rayna, for the chess set.” He whispered, wrapping it in the cloth she’d provided. Kai stood and crossed the room, extending his hand. “Mister Kendrick, Dori. I really should join my family before I am missed. Many blessings to you in the new year.”

  Rayna quickly ran behind to see him to the door. “Many blessings to you Kai for the coming new year.”

  As he left, he saw through the window as Rayna hugged both her parents. He knew how much this meant to her, and he was happy they were willing to let her pursue her dream. What would they do if she chose to leave one day? Would they be open to allowing her to go? He knew that day was coming sooner than everyone realized. She would be seventeen in a little over two months, and his birthday was only a few days later.

  ◆◆◆

  Late into the evening, Kai stood talking with Tolan, watching the crowd dance. He was pleased their relationship had outgrown their childish rivalry. The skills Tolan had developed, and the rank he’d earned at Fort Pohaku, had matured him. Tolan was now the youngest captain in the history of Diu, and he had truly earned his rank.

  Kai was most pleased to see the new uniform. “The last time we spoke, what a year ago, I suggested you pursue the rank of captain. I see you followed my advice. Have you decided where you want to be stationed?”

  “You know I want to go to Milnos,” Tolan responded. “Let us just say, I am still negotiating. Obviously, I’d prefer to be stationed at the Milnos fortress rather than a Diu fort or down south with my father. Diu’s navel fort is the farthest point from Milnos, which is where my father proposes I continue my service. I can only guess to follow in his footsteps. Either way, I am not standing in his shadow. All my hard work abroad would be lost if I stayed under him in Fort Pohaku.” Tolan’s voice trailed off as his gaze shifted around the room. “I
may not be able to be with Amelia, but I will see to her safety.”

  Kai noticed Tolan's face soften. Across the room, he saw Amelia's eyes connect with Tolan. Continuing around the room, his eyes locked onto an older but familiar face stepping through the archway of the great hall. “Look who decided to show his face.” Kai jutted his chin. “I didn’t know Landon was coming tonight. It’s been years since I’ve seen him.” Interrupting the moment, Kai nudged Tolan. “He must have come with the Maxwells. Did you know?”

  Tolan glared at Landon. “We’ve lost touch. He came to Fort Pohaku with me years ago, but while I flourished in the environment, he seemed to turn bitter and angry. He left within six months after a skirmish in the field. He never took the oath. I’ve not seen him since.”

  Tolan took a few steps away from the wall. Kai noted the stern look growing in his eyes. “Do you think he is here to take the oath and pledge fealty to my father?” Kai asked, watching Landon greet a few lords, hovering near the entrance. “Are you going to go say hello?”

  “I doubt he is here to bend the knee to your father,” Tolan replied. “That was never his nature. I guess I should find out what he is doing here.”

  Tolan crossed the crowded room, and Kai noticed a man appear at Landon’s side. From the side, Kai initially thought it was Kempery-man Marcone; however, something did not feel right. The man silently stood near Landon with his hands behind his back. Between the low lighting and all the people, it was difficult to get a good look.

  The air was thick with energy. Kai needed a better view. He took a step, forward crashing into Seth and Aaron. His stepbrothers blocked his path. “Goodnight, Kai,” Seth sighed. “Mother says even at ten we are too young to stay up till the new year. I think she is worried because people start getting out of hand with all the wine.” Seth pointed across the hall at Nola walking hand-in-hand with Cordelia towards the doors. “There they go. We need to catch up, Aaron.”

  My little sunshine, my little Cordelia. Kai smiled at her cuteness. He had grown rather fond of his little sister. The sight of her warmed his heart. As she stopped to curtsy to Grand Duke Dante, Kai caught a glimpse of her dimples. Her curly blonde hair bounced as she skipped away.

  Nola and Cordelia neared the archway, and Kempery-man Marcone stepped forward, blocking their path. Bending over to address Cordelia, Marcone took her little hand in his and whispered something in her ear. As he did, a necklace fell from inside his shirt. Dangling from his neck was a black hexagonal crystal on a silver chain. Kai felt a bristle of energy rake across his senses. This is not right…

  After Nola and Cordelia departed, Kai saw Marcone reach inside a small leather pouch cinched to his waist. He withdrew several silver balls and handed a few to Landon, who hid them in his pocket as Aaron and Seth burst between them. A brief snarl crossed Landon’s mouth as he watched the boys exit.

  Tolan came up behind Landon and clasped a hand on his old friend’s shoulder. Kai wished he was close enough to hear what they were saying. The two men shook hands, but Landon’s face did not match the gesture. While they spoke, Landon occasionally stepped back towards the archway, his manner implying his desire to leave. To Kai, he seemed almost put out that Tolan was interrupting him.

  Meanwhile, Marcone held his ground, his head down, and his arms behind his back. From time to time he glanced back at Landon, almost as if he were waiting for something. Abruptly, Landon ended the conversation and left. Frustrated, Tolan waved off the discussion and made his way toward Amelia, letting his smile return.

  Still concerned with Marcone’s behavior, Kai shifted his location to gaze at the man as his expression seem to change. Or rather, Marcone himself appeared to be changing, right in front of Kai’s eyes. Does anyone else see this? Kai looked around the room. Connected to his sight, he sensed the room, and he saw the truth. The man was not Marcone; Kai could see the intense light emanating from this man’s soul. He was Katori.

  Slowly, the man raked his hand over his head and revealed a different person. The man had an olive complexion, blue-green eyes, and a shaved head except for a long braid of sandy brown hair running down the center of his scalp, ending just below his shoulders.

  Before Kai could react, the man pulled a thick black cover over his nose and mouth. Abruptly he lifted his hands over his head and threw two silver balls at the ground on either side of himself. A bright flash lit up the room, followed by a loud bang and a cloud of foul smoke. Everyone around the man dropped to the floor as the rest of the room screamed and panicked.

  The smoke dispersed in seconds.

  The man eased the mask down to his neck. The Kempery-men converged on the king’s throne, surrounding Iver with swords drawn. Other than the Diu soldiers, everyone was disarmed at the palace entrance. Yet this man pulled out two swords that had been concealed at his side. They were black blades with a slight curve, broader near the tip and at least two feet in length.

  “Don’t be too hasty, boys,” the stranger suggested. “Nobody needs to get hurt. At least not tonight.” He sneered at Iver.

  The air thickened as Kai stared at the stranger. A moment of dread welled in the pit of his stomach. He needed to act, but what could he do?

  “I’ve come for compensation. Iver, you took something from me many years ago. I want restitution. I came to collect her, as she was my prize. Although, it would seem death separates us now. Still, I was sure she was here, but my spies tell me I now seek another. But you know, I need you to suffer. You will know my pain tenfold, so I will take your precious little sunshine and whatever else I please.” The man’s eyes shifted about the room in Kai’s direction. “Yes, I do believe you have something else that belongs to me.”

  Panic pricked at Kai’s heart. Who was this man? How could he walk in undetected? How could he change his face? That was not a gift Haygan had ever mentioned. Who was his prize? Did the stranger mean his mother, Mariana? Did he expect to take Kai instead?

  “Stop this man,” Iver demanded, gesturing to his men.

  Five Kempery-men released arrows in his direction. The man moved lightning fast, swinging his two swords in a swirling motion, blocking all five shots. His swords were back in their place as quickly as he’d wielded them. Other Kempery-men took a few steps forward, swords at the ready.

  The man withdrew two more silver balls, rolling them around his fingers. “I wouldn’t if I were you, unless you want to join the others slumbering on the floor. With nobody left to defend your king, I could wreak all sorts of havoc.” The man laughed at them. “No, you will stand your ground while I deal with Iver.”

  Kai backed away from the scene until he felt the stone wall hit his back as the riddle unfolded. This man must mean to take Cordelia. She was Iver’s little sunshine. How did this man know that? What if Landon is helping him? Is that why they were together? Fear struck Kai’s heart. Hurriedly, he slid along the wall to the last painting at the back of the great hall. Using his forefinger, he released the hook holding the framed panel in place.

  Everyone focused on the stranger. Blocked by a stone pillar and a crowd of people, Kai opened the passage and slipped behind the painting. Hook secured, he quickly made his way up the stairs of the secret passage, gleaning all the while to ensure that his father’s study was empty. Inside the study, he reset the painting back into place. Out in the hallway, he heard a commotion. He smelled the hint of the same foul smoke. Thuds of bodies dropping confirmed Kai’s suspicions. Someone, possibly Landon, was upstairs in the royal hallway.

  The door to the study was slightly ajar, allowing Kai to hide behind the door. Gleaning the hallway, he saw one person hastily approaching. In his wake, two soldiers lay on the floor with the Mryken dogs, all knocked out. Not wanting to reveal his position, Kai waited. Through the crack behind the door, he saw Landon across the hall. He opened the nursery door.

  Kai remembered this moment. He needed to wait. In his vision, he’d passed out in the hallway. Not this time, he thought. I must wait.

  Nol
a’s voice rang out. “Landon. What are you doing here? Don’t do this. Put down the knife. I’m your…” Bang. Kai heard the pop of a silver ball, followed by the foul-smelling smoke. Instinctively Kai held his breath, covered his face with his shirt, and waited for the smoke to clear the hallway.

  Leaving his hiding place, Kai saw directly into the nursery. On the floor lay Kendra, Nola, and all three children. Landon waved his dagger over them, a wicked look in his eye. “Keegan wants this little blonde brat alive. Instead, I think I should kill you all, bring an end to the Galloway family’s future.”

  Kai knew this was his chance. With a burst of energy and speed, he rushed the room. Landon’s dagger flew across the room and his body sprawled out. His head struck the edge of the sofa table before hitting the floor. Slowly Landon rolled over. Blood oozed from his head down the corner of his face.

  Through glazed eyes, Landon glared at Kai. Propped up on his elbow, he pressed a hand to his head. He winced in pain and looked at his blood-soaked hand. “You little bastard. I will have my revenge. I will kill you and your family.” Landon wobbled as he struggled to stand.

  Before Landon could recover, Kai pounced. He pushed him back to the ground. They landed in a heap, shoving the sofa out of place. Landon jabbed Kai in the jaw. Kai punched Landon in the kidney and rolled him onto his stomach.

  Kai was no longer the little boy he’d been the first time Landon tried to push him around. Kai pressed his knee into Landon’s spine and pulled his arms behind his back. Set at an awkward angle, Landon cried out in pain. Kai knew he needed to subdue him before he regained his senses. Pinning Landon with his body weight, he swiftly removed his belt. After he secured Landon’s hands, he gagged him with a piece of quilting cloth that was lying on the sofa.