Chapter 30
30
Once all of the reporters had finally scattered to file their reports, the snowy fields were taken over by preparations for the gathered armies and Gilded Mages to depart. Felix knew it was time to make his own next move, but before he could decide how to begin, the Emperor’s high general drew him aside by the wooden dais.
It was a perfectly strategic position, within view of all of their allies, but far enough from everyone to avoid being overheard.
“If we might speak a moment in private, Your Highness…”
“Of course.” Felix fixed a courteous smile on his face. Internally, though, he braced for danger.
Like everyone else in the Empire, he’d been hearing stories about the Golden Beacon for years. The man was near godlike in his luck on the battlefield, chaste and devout, devoted to justice above all else, and adored by his troops. When those elements were combined with General de Moireul’s curling blond hair, square jawline, unusual amber eyes, and impressive physique, it was no wonder he’d become a figure of near-mythic status in the last few years.
Felix knew full well how propaganda worked—but he also knew that no man, regardless of luck and looks, could have risen to the highest rank in the Imperial army in only thirty years, from a childhood of family notoriety and disgrace, without a powerful drive and a formidably intelligent mind.
“May I offer you lodgings in Estaviel City for the night?” Felix met the other man’s gaze directly, his own message unhidden. I have nothing to hide. Not anymore. “I would be happy to order a feast in your honor.”
“With regret, I cannot accept that invitation. In fact…” Clasping his hands behind his back, the Golden Beacon cleared his throat, his brows lowering. “I hope to offer you something instead. A warning.”
“Ah.” Felix’s spine stiffened, but he kept his expression unmoved, mindful of every onlooker.
“Quite.” The Golden Beacon’s broad, uniformed chest rose and fell with a silent sigh. “Your Highness, it has been my honor and my pleasure to follow your commands today. I hope you understand that I have no personal urge to question any of them. And yet…”
The rich, overwhelming scent of roses suddenly flooded the wintry air as the Queen of Balravia slipped into place between them, smiling winsomely. “Why, hello! Are you two having a perfectly lovely conversation? I do hope you aren’t threatening my darling Felix, Gerard. Saskia wouldn’t care for that at all, and you know I always look out for my friends.” She slid a sidelong glance at Felix. “I may owe this one a bit of extra protection, too, after… well, a certain misunderstanding.”
“You owe me nothing.” Felix inclined his head in a wary but respectful nod. “I understand you were acting to defend your friend.”
“Regardless.” She narrowed her eyes up at the Golden Beacon and a tinge of rot crept through the lush scent of roses. “I wouldn’t advise trying any underhanded tactics, dear, while I’m here as a witness. I know all your tricks.”
“As it happens, I am currently attempting to assist His Highness.” The Golden Beacon’s face had been set in impassive lines since Lorelei’s arrival, and his words were entirely uninflected.
“How adorable that you think you can!” Lorelei batted her eyelashes. “ Do tell. What exactly will you be teaching him today? How to be a good little soldier and never think for himself? The easiest way to become Otto’s favorite lapdog?”
The Golden Beacon did not respond… but Felix glimpsed a twitch at the corner of his closest eyelid.
“Is anything amiss?” Ailana’s voice was calm, but her gaze shifted warily from Lorelei to the looming general as she stepped up to join them.
“Oh, no, not anymore.” Lorelei smiled sunnily. “ I’m here now to keep Saskia’s consort safe from any more bullying. The so-called Golden Beacon may think he can flex his reputation and threaten all sorts of nonsense, but—”
“ Who is threatening Felix?” The crackling force of Saskia’s magic lit sparks against his skin as she stalked to his side.
Felix’s lips curved in helpless adoration as he turned to take her hand in his. “No one,” he assured her softly. “They wouldn’t dare, after the display you put on earlier. Have I thanked you yet for saving my life?”
“You certainly didn’t get any help from the famous soldier onstage with you.” Lorelei tutted. “If it hadn’t been for Saskia stepping in…”
“Ahem.” The Golden Beacon cleared his throat, his eyelids once more under control. “I deeply regret that I wasn’t swift enough to defend you myself, Your Highness. However, I would like to make up for that error by offering a word of advice now.” His gaze rested on Felix’s face, avoiding Lorelei’s mistrustful glare. “I would advise you to find a second residence outside Estarion.”
“I beg your pardon?” Felix’s eyebrows rose.
Beside him, Saskia stiffened dangerously, but Lorelei let out a triumphant crow.
“See? Threats! I knew it.” She shook her head pityingly at the Golden Beacon. “You just cannot help yourself on a battlefield, can you?”
“Let’s allow General de Moireul to finish speaking,” Ailana murmured. “Personally, I’d quite like to know what he’s trying to say.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” The general gave her a grave nod before turning the weight of his attention back to Felix. “As I told you before, I myself have neither the legal right nor any personal impulse to question your authority in Estarion. But there is one authority who rises above us both.”
“… The Emperor.” Felix let out his breath in a sigh. “Of course.” He might not have been educated to understand every nuance of political devolution and governance amongst the Empire’s conjoined archduchies, but even he knew who stood at the powerful center of that web.
“I am more than happy to follow your orders now,” said the Golden Beacon, “but once I return to the capital with my troops, I will be required to make a personal report to His Majesty.” He cleared his throat. “Needless to say, I cannot speak for his reaction, nor for any decisions he may take.”
“I understand.” Felix swallowed hard. Elva forgive me.
He might have been gifted with magic by the goddess in order to stand for the families of other magical children and wild magical creatures in Estarion, but even he couldn’t openly flout the Emperor’s commands without being imprisoned—or executed—for treason. Then another, more amenable aristocrat would be elevated by the Emperor to take his place, and life would become even worse for everyone affected.
Ailana said, “Naturally, the Emperor will be pleased to learn that no battle was necessary today, after all, as the request for his military aid was made under false pretenses.”
“Mmm,” said the Golden Beacon, with careful neutrality.
“Ha!” Lorelei sniffed. “I expect he’ll be raging around his throne room, kicking around all of his toys for days. This was the best excuse he’d found to invade another kingdom, and we’ve ruined it for him.”
“Regardless.” Ailana turned her cool focus upon Felix. “There are many ways to enact change, and not all of them include public speeches before a crowd. Many can be handled effectively behind the scenes, merely by ensuring that the right people are in charge of certain practices… and well aware that they need no longer pursue them so aggressively. In fact, they can make quite a show of following Imperial orders with surprisingly little substance behind it—which would not give the Emperor any public excuse to supplant a popular and beloved ruler.”
“But that isn’t enough,” Felix said bleakly. “Not nearly enough for everyone who’s being harmed by those cruel policies.”
“Not yet, ” Ailana said firmly. “But we all know this battle has merely been postponed—which gives us time to gather more resources. In the meantime, once you choose your new Chief Minister and cabinet, I see no reason why you shouldn’t primarily reside with your consort in her kingdom and simply make joint visits of state to Estarion, to maintain your connection and popularity with your people.”
“Oh, no. I couldn’t ask that.” Felix was already shaking his head as he turned to Saskia. “I would never expect you to leave your home and your work for my sake. I know—”
“ I know how much easier the Emperor would find his expansion plans if he could quietly arrange your assassination and replace you with one of his toadies.” Saskia’s grip on his hand tightened as she scowled at him ferociously, every inch the terrifying witch queen. “Don’t ask me to stay behind when you’re walking into danger!”
Frowning, Felix didn’t answer. Of course he would prefer her to be with him, but if it would make her miserable…
She sighed heavily as her scowl fell away. “For darkness’ sake. I’ve already had to promise Mirjana I’ll attend at least three or four public events in Kitvaria every year from now on. Are you planning to abandon me to endure those horrors alone?”
“Never,” Felix promised. “I’ll be by your side whenever you want me.”
“Then let me do the same,” she said with urgent, unmistakable sincerity. “Let us protect one another.”
How could he ever refuse that request? Felix raised her hand to his lips and exulted in the leap of hot, prickling, magical energy between them. “ Always, ” he promised.
He had finally discovered his own strength across the months he had worked in her castle—and he would always support her just as she supported him.
“Ahem.” The Golden Beacon cleared his throat. “In the meantime, my troops have had a hard march across the Empire in the last two days. It would be irresponsible of me to push them too quickly for our return.” He paused, pointedly, before finishing. “I fully expect not to arrive in the capital, to make my report, for at least three days.”
“ Hmm. ” Lorelei’s eyes narrowed as she made that ominous humming noise.
Felix probably should have felt concern at that sound—but he was too relieved by the other man’s words to worry overmuch about the fae queen’s schemes. Three days would give Felix time to travel to Estaviel City with Saskia and speak with all of the members of his official cabinet at last, to decide which one to appoint his new Chief Minister and plan together how to work against Imperial policies behind the scenes.
He and Saskia would return to Kadaric Castle and the home and family they shared well before the Emperor could let loose his fury.
“I thank you for your advice,” Felix said to the Emperor’s high general with true respect. “I will remember it.”
“And I you.” The general bowed deeply before turning and striding away to his troops without another word.
“Hmmph.” Lorelei’s nostrils flared as she watched him leave. “Don’t worry any of your heads about him. No matter how menacing he may seem, I’ll take care of that little problem for you.”
“Ah…” Felix began.
“I told you,” she said, “I look out for my friends, whether they want me to or not! I make up for my mistakes, too.” The look she gave Saskia was surprisingly apologetic.
“Lorelei,” Ailana began warily, “whatever you may be thinking…”
It was too late. Rainbow sparkles had already appeared, shimmering around the fae queen. An instant later, she was gone, leaving melting colors on the snow and a sudden extra chill to the air.
Ailana let out a hissing sigh of frustration.
But Felix’s attention was caught by a different queen as Saskia wrapped her arms around his shoulders in front of everyone. “Have I mentioned to you yet that you’re my official consort?” she murmured.
“Did you need to?” He tipped his head forward to meet hers in a moment of perfect intimacy in the midst of the bustling, snowy field, letting her crown of bones press firmly against his hair. “I’ve been yours for months now, and you know it.”
“ Everyone will know it once they read the newspapers.” She smiled up at him with open possession. “The civilized Archduke of Estarion has been enchanted and corrupted by the wicked witch queen, and she’s never going to let him go.”
“Never?” he whispered hopefully.
“ Never, ” she repeated, “because you’ve enchanted me, too.”
At her words, the power he’d never known he had rose irresistibly within him. Felix felt it meet and tangle with hers, forming something new and astonishing together, as their lips met in a kiss that promised passion and purpose, tenderness and care, and a future more magical than he could ever have imagined.