I clicked the door closed behind me and ran down the path, then launched myself onto Alizeh's back. I scanned the yard again, hoping to find Veda hiding in the pending shadows of the coming night, but nothing stirred on the peaceful mountaintop. I exhaled a deep breath and clutched my bag closer to my chest. Alizeh stood and spread her wings. I gripped the feathers near her head and clenched my knees to her sides.
"Alizeh, take me to the forest.”
As the bookcase slid open, I peeked my head inside my mother's library.
Darkness. Perfect.
At least my entry back into the castle seemed to be going better than my exit.
I slid my thumb under the strap of my bag and adjusted it across my shoulder. The diaries hidden inside should tell me more about what happened all those years ago, because between the stories from Edwin, my mother, and Griswold the plot holes kept getting bigger. Things didn’t quite click together as they should. Was Edwin dangerous? Was my father? What really happened the night Edwin was banished? The questions flooded my brain on the flight home as they tried to sort themselves out, but nothing made sense.
If only Veda had been home she could’ve saved a ton of time and work. She could probably recite all her father’s stories by heart and help piece together the clues. Plus, then I would know where I stood with her instead of this stinging ache in my heart pulling my concentration from my other tasks
I closed the secret passage behind me and slipped open the door to the hall.
"What do you mean no one has seen the prince?" Edwin's voice boomed from down the hall.
Busted. I eased the door back in place and leaned against the wall. I couldn't just wander back through the castle now. Perhaps, if I slipped out to the forest and came through the front door I could explain my absence as a trip into the city. But, if I did that Edwin would probably tell my mother I wasn't fit to rule. I didn't need him to plant the seeds of doubt in my parents’ minds.
I yanked off my cloak and stuffed it in the trunk in the corner along with my shoulder bag, and closed the lid without a sound. I paused, then pulled the trunk open again and removed the diaries from the bag. Edwin already operated with a paranoid agenda, if he suspected anything it wouldn't be long for him to find me out.
I glanced at the bookshelves, any one of them a possible read if Edwin truly was doing research here. The diaries needed to go somewhere he wouldn't bother to look. I pulled out a row of children's picture books, then slid each of the diaries flat against the back of the shelf and replaced the books. That would have to do until I had the chance to come back and move them to a better spot.
I quickly lit and extinguished the lantern. The sulphuric smell from the flame filled the enclosed space and I closed my eyes as I breathed in my escape plan. I grabbed some books from the shelves and placed them on the desk, some open, face down, and others stacked in neat piles near the corner.
When the scene was finally set, I rushed out the door and slammed it closed with a loud bang.
Footsteps pounded on the stone, growing louder as they approached.
I clasped my hands behind my back and marched slowly away from the sound.
"Prince Fallon, there you are," Edwin's voice carried down the hall.
I stretched my arms out over my head and faked a wide yawn. "Of course, is something the matter?"
"I went to speak with you this evening and you were nowhere to be found. None of your so-called guards knew where you were or when you had left."
He stared down the two guards that followed behind him. Both men felt the accusations and stared at the floor.
"That's absurd. I've been in the castle all day." I patted Edwin on his shoulder and chuckled. "You seemed to enjoy my daily tasks so I retreated to my mother's library to help with your research. I think I might've even dozed off for a while."
"Really, Your Highness? I thought every room had been checked."
Another burning glare at the guards. I cringed. They didn’t deserve this, but it would be worth it. I’d make it up to them later.
"Don't blame the guards. I would never bother with the library under normal circumstances. The odds of finding me there on a regular day are likely the same as finding me on the far side of the moon. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm feeling quite tired. Whatever you wanted to discuss, can it wait until morning?"
Edwin nodded, still distracted by the jagged pieces of puzzle I'd thrown at him. “Goodnight, Your Majesty. I hope you sleep well.”
I continued down the hall and, as expected, the library door clicked closed behind me. I smiled to myself. Clearly, Edwin had become suspicious of me as I had of him, except maybe now I had the evidence I needed to prove that I’d been right. Two adversaries locked in a chess game. Although in this match, no matter what moves Edwin made, I couldn’t let him overthrow my king. Especially since in this match, that king was me.
4
6th June
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Just a minute.” I slicked my hands through my hair and straightened my shirt in the mirror. My bloodshot eyes screamed from lack of sleep, the golden rings outside the hazel irises muted and nearly unnoticeable. "Come in."
The door opened slowly as Griswold stood on the threshold. "The Council has requested to see you immediately, Your Highness."
The Council? Between trying to keep my new magic in check and keeping Edwin at bay, I didn't have much capacity for the important matters. My mother had been the right to worry about the kingdom's affairs, but sending Edwin here only made things worse, not better.
"Of course. I will head there immediately."
Griswold nodded, then turned to leave but I lunged across the room and took his arm then jerked my head to the left, silently inviting him to come inside.
I closed the door behind him and ushered him to the chair in the corner.
"Just so you know, I'm still working on finding out the truth about Edwin. The contact I mentioned hasn't been seen much lately, but I do have another plan to find out more." I paced the rug in front of him. The repetition helped the plan develop into full form in my brain. "Hopefully, I will know more soon."
"No need, Your Majesty." Griswold rose from the chair and quickly dashed toward the exit. "Please forget anything I said to you the other day. This quest of yours is just a waste of time."
I sidled up close to him and scanned every available corner in the room. I shivered. Was someone hiding in here listening to our conversation? Did he know? "Wait a second, Griswold. I don’t understand why you’ve had such a change. You told me to be careful, and I am, but now you’re saying not to worry. This isn’t like you.”
He tried to open the door again, but I slammed my hand down and held it closed.
“It’s probably just my advanced age. My memory isn’t what it used to be, but I’m sorted out now.”
I leaned closer and stared into his soft eyes. “Is someone threatening you? You were so determined the other day that I don't understand why you would tell me to forget this now."
"Nothing that sordid, my prince. I've simply spent more time with your guest and it appears that he has changed from the foolish young man I remember. He is kind and helpful and we’d all benefit from listening to his guidance. Especially you, sir."
I stepped back and Griswold took a deep breath.
"Are you sure?”
"Yes. Please forget we even talked. Now, it would be best if you didn't leave the Council waiting.”
He shut the door with a loud thud and left me alone in my confusion. Not even two days ago he’d come to me borderline terrified to have Edwin in the castle, and now everything was suddenly fine? It didn’t make sense. Griswold never lied. He’d shown his loyalty to our family time and again without fear for his own life. Could he be right and Edwin really had changed? Or could it be what I feared—that I was the monster with a grudge and not him?
The door to the war room stood ajar, the lights inside bleeding out onto the stone floor in the hall. I leaned
against the wall and took a breath, my hand splayed over my ribs to concentrate on the rise and fall. Griswold’s face flashed through my mind as he lied to my face. That was the only explanation for his behavior. It had to be. He never made mistakes. He’d always been an excellent judge of character. Besides, to risk his life and position to warn me about Edwin wasn’t something he would have done if he didn’t honestly believe it. Another fact that didn’t make sense in this whole story.
I tried to push the confusion from my brain and focus on my breathing. In. Out. In. Out. Until finally a calm started to take hold. I straightened my posture and adjusted my jacket, then strode into the room, my head held high.
“Ah, Prince Fallon, we’ve been expecting you,” Lord Covington said, his lips clenched in a tight line.
“Of course, gentlemen. I came as soon as I received word.” I took the empty chair at the far end of the table and clasped my hands in front of me. Shifting in the seat, I focused on sitting taller, another attempt to exude the confidence I didn’t have. “Your service to the kingdom is crucial to its survival.”
Lord Marchand nodded. “Why thank you, Your Highness. We always have the crown’s interests in mind.”
And I intended on making sure it stayed that way. Edwin might have charmed the servants, but if I really wanted him gone I had to prove I could manage without him. I’d have to step up my efforts as ruler.
“The crown is exactly why we asked you to speak with us today,” Lord Anwar added. “We are all growing concerned about how things have been going since you took over the throne.”
I flinched. “Well, it would be expected there would be some issues while I got used to the position.”
Lord Covington looked at his companions, a concerned crease digging deep across his forehead. “Yes, Your Highness, but we are very concerned about the decisions you’ve been making. Who you’ve been choosing to make alliances with.”
“How so?”
“For one,” Lord Convington continued, ‘the promise of forces to the High Chieftainess of Elder. We haven’t even had a full assessment of whether a threat exists and what it could mean to our own resources. You can’t be sacrificing your people on a whim.”
“That wasn’t a whim. There are many things going on outside of these castle walls. That choice was for the protection of the people of Aboria, not their destruction. If the High Chieftainess believes that something is coming, I believe her. Besides, I know that something is happening. I’ve seen signs of it too.”
The men began to mumble and assess each other. Each of them shrugged and shook their heads, likely none having left the city or its comforts to see what might be going on.
“Fair enough. But could you please consult us before making such commitments in the future. We deserve to know what is happening and show a united front to our foreign allies instead of just an impetuous young king playing war. This brings up the concern that you are not fit to rule.”
“I didn’t mean to overstep. I saw an opportunity to protect the kingdom and I took it.” My hands started to shake. I couldn’t lose the crown. Not now. I slammed my fist on the table and stood up. The lords flinched in their seats. “This my kingdom and I will do whatever it takes to maintain the Aldric line.”
“But, Your Highness--” Lord Covington raised his finger in the air, his face scrunched up as an uncomfortable feeling seemed to overtake him.
“Yes, I know. I’m not an Aldric, not by blood. And I know you have all known and kept it from me, but I also know that I’ve been claimed and legitimized by the true king and as such have the strongest succession claim.”
Lord Covington dropped his hand to the tabletop, the words of his argument now stolen. “Then what we are trying to tell you is that you need to take it. Claim the throne. To maintain the safety of the kingdom, we need to have your coronation and assert you as Aboria’s leader. People are unsteady with the monarchy in flux.”
I settled back in my chair. “I can’t.”
“You must. The longer a kingdom exists without a king the more dangerous things become.”
“But Aboria has a king. My father is still alive and when he returns he will want his throne.”
“The king is alive?’ Lord Anwar asked, his jaw falling to the tabletop. “How do you know this?”
Heat built in my cheek. So much for secrets. “I just do. My mother is still investigating, but we have a strong reason to believe he is still alive.”
Lord Anwar’s expression turned dark and he stood, squaring off against me. “You need to tell us, Prince Fallon. We need to know what is happening in the kingdom.”
“Fine,” I shouted. “Edwin Macario found my father and they are trying to find a cure for his condition right now. He’s asked me not to tell anyone as it might risk my father’s safety.”
I pushed the chair back and paced the room in front of the table. Tears pricked at my eyes, but I held them back. My show of confidence disappeared in the silence between us all. Maybe they were right and I wasn’t fit to rule.
“Your Highness,” Lord Anwar’s tone softened and he settled back in his seat. “I know this is a difficult time for you and your family, but Edwin Macario is not someone you should be putting your legacy’s future in the hands of. With his history, we don’t think it would be smart to keep him involved in castle operations. He needs to leave.”
“I know. I know. But he doesn’t seem to understand that. I’ve asked him to go, but he claims he’s here on my mother’s behalf to ensure that the castle is running smoothly. If he tells her that I’ve let the kingdom suffer she’ll leave my father alone and who knows what will happen then.” I swallowed hard, trying to slow my breathing. Hot blood pumped through me, beaming in my cheeks and burning at the tops of my ears. I gripped my head in my hands, my steps speeding up as my path shortened. “I don’t know how to get rid of him without risking my father’s life.”
Chair legs shrieked across the floor and the thump of Lord Marchand’s walking stick thudded toward me. “Calm down. It’s going to be fine. We’ll arrange for a few guards to escort him home and they can take care of your father. No harm will come to him, you have our full support on this.”
I pulled my head up, genuine concern marking Lord Marchand’s face as he tried to force a smile for me.
“Except, we can’t do that. Guards would never be a match for Edwin. He’s a wizard.”
“What?” Lord Marchand’s eyes widened, his concern morphing into full out terror. “This changes things. We need to take care of this threat immediately. Are you certain?”
A knock rapped on the door.
“Yes, I’ve seen him use magic before. He changed a gold statue into an eagle and made it fly. But I don’t know what else he’s capable of. Griswold told me he’s known about this for years. He said Edwin’s always had his powers.”
The knock echoed again.
“Who’s there?” Lord Marchand called.
A male servant with hair the color of fire opened the door. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but Griswold needs to see His Royal Highness right away.”
I turned my head away from the door, hiding my weakness. “Tell him I’m still busy, but I will come as soon as I’m free.”
The servant bowed his head, but didn’t retreat. “I’m sorry, but he insists that you come at once. He said it’s an emergency.”
“Go,” Lord Marchand said. “If Edwin Macario is as powerful as you say, you need to show that everything is normal until we take action. Plus, it will give you a minute to collect yourself before we continue.”
“Thank you.” I raced toward the open door, my body tingling. Hopefully, not in the magical way. “I just hope we can deal with this quickly.”
The portraits on the wall blurred together. Reds, blues, and greens all muddled as I rushed to the foyer, my head still back in the war room plotting.
“Griswold,” I called, my voice bouncing off the tall ceilings.
“Yes, my prince. Is there something you
need?” Griswold appeared at the top of the east staircase, guiding himself down the steps slowly.
“You summoned me. The servant said it was an emergency.”
He paused and furrowed his thick silver eyebrows, then chuckled. “No emergency, sir. Unless, of course, a shortage of plums in the kitchen qualifies as a crisis these days.”
“Are you sure, Griswold?” I eyed him carefully.
“Absolutely, Your Highness.”
I grabbed the back of my neck and shook my head, the first pangs of a headache building between my shoulders and up the back of my spine. Had I woke up in some backwards universe this morning?
Taking my time, I walked back looking for the red-haired servant to find out what went wrong. Laughter echoed in the hall and I picked up my pace to follow the sound, leading me back to the war room. I peeked around the corner. The three lords sat in their chairs, amused with a new guest standing in the middle of the room. A tall man in a sweeping purple jacket and thick black boots.
Edwin.
I ran my hands over my face trying to destroy any last sign of frailty, then marched into the room. “Sorry for the delay, gentlemen, but everything has been taken care of now. Should we now continue with our discussions?”
Fallon: Son of Beauty and the Beast (Kingdom of Fairytales Boxset Book 6) Page 21
