Chapter 14 #2
Since our destination sits at the very top of the palace – a colossal golden tower adjacent to the Choosing Chamber – there are a lot of stairs to climb. I can hear Elaith panting behind me as the steep steps stretch on and on.
Eventually, joints aching, we come to a stop. Elaith is bouncing again, whether from excitement or nerves I can’t tell. My heart is beating so loudly I don’t hear what she whispers in my ear as Zephyr shoulders open the door.
The observatory is a vast domed chamber, opulent and echoing.
A portion of the ceiling has slid open to allow a wedge of sunlight to spill in across the solid-gold floor, which is emblazoned with the Imperial emblem.
The curved walls are carved with constellations, and the table in the centre is scattered with an array of telescopes, astronomical maps, sky charts, and even what look to be small urns filled to the brim with stardust.
Sitting at this table are two people. The first is a beautiful girl with bronze skin and dark hair pinned back with silver clips shaped like fish.
Marina Kalpara, the Aquatori Heir who lost to Blaze during the third trial.
The second rises to greet us. The dark circles beneath his eyes contrast starkly with his pale complexion, yet his mouth tugs upward into a smile.
‘You made it,’ Hal says warmly. ‘Good. Please, take a seat. I have something I wish to discuss with you all.’
I gape at him in shock. I don’t understand. What’s going on? What is he doing, bringing me here?
His gaze lingers on mine, but his face reveals nothing.
Zephyr watches this silent exchange, shooting another bewildered glance in my direction before throwing himself into the nearest chair. ‘All right, let’s hear it.’
‘What’s with all the secrecy?’ Elaith chimes, plonking herself down beside him.
‘And could you explain this?’ Marina’s voice is a sharp lash. She’s staring straight at me, her eyes narrowed.
‘All in good time,’ Hal soothes, pushing out the remaining chair with his foot.
I hesitate for a long moment before perching lightly on the edge, my arms wrapped tightly round my chest.
‘As I’m sure you’re aware, we face times of political unrest,’ Hal begins.
‘The people are scared, and fear tends to divide rather than unite. It’s come to my attention that …
’ He pauses, his jaw clenched. ‘There are many – more than I had perhaps anticipated – who would see me step aside in favour of my uncle, to allow him to rule as regent in my place.’
Marina makes a disgusted sound.
‘It seems,’ Hal continues, raven eyes shuttering with barely concealed fury, ‘that some of my advisers are also in favour of this idea.’
‘But what about the attack on Fire Mountain?’ Elaith asks, outraged.
‘Or what happened at the Binding Ceremony,’ Zephyr adds. ‘King Balen watched the Council die, and he … he was smiling. Like it was all some big joke.’
‘You hit your head,’ Marina reminds him. ‘Everyone did.’
‘Yes, Marina, I hit my head – I didn’t lose my mind. I know what I saw.’
She holds up her hands in surrender. ‘And I believe you. I only meant that’s why people’s recollections differ. Why the evidence is contestable. Everyone was knocked unconscious, so nobody knows for sure what went on in that chamber. Nobody except …’
Zephyr nods. ‘He wanted something from them. From Fox and Blaze. Wanted it bad. A brooch, maybe? Or was it a necklace? I can’t remember.’
‘Only they know what truly happened,’ says Marina. ‘And with Fox exiled …’
‘It’s Balen’s word against Blaze’s,’ Elaith finishes. ‘Only, unlike her, he has the people’s respect. That’s why he’s able to twist the truth to garner support.’
Hal nods. ‘And that support is growing every day. Not just among the commonfolk, but the courts. My own court, especially. The Eyes are supposed to be the emperor’s spies, but I believe some are working against me – intercepting my letters, watching my every move, spreading lies about my ignorance, my inability to lead, even my health. ’
I take in his gaunt appearance, the tremor in his hands as he grips the table. There’s no denying how ill he looks. But if the people start questioning whether he’s fit to rule …
‘If I can’t prove to our neighbouring kingdoms that I’m the stronger ally, then there’s a high likelihood that they could side with my uncle. King Merrick of Thaven will not consent to my marrying his daughter until he can be sure of my victory.’
I feel a sharp twinge in my chest at the mention of Princess Mirade.
‘What’s this got to do with us?’ Marina asks.
Elaith glares at her. ‘She means, what can we do to help?’
Hal takes a deep breath, knitting his fingers together. ‘My Crowned Council are scattered across the empire, my advisers don’t have faith in me, and some of my Eyes have turned traitors. I can’t trust anyone.’ His gaze flickers from face to face. ‘But I can trust you.’
Elaith leans forward in her chair. ‘What d’you want us to do?’
‘It’s more a question of who I want you to be.’
The four of us stare at him blankly.
Hal smiles a little, then points at Zephyr. ‘My Council, naturally.’ He nods at Marina and Elaith. ‘My advisers.’ Then he turns to me, his voice as soft as his gaze. ‘And my spy.’
I stiffen, my mouth falling open a second time. Did I just hear him right?
‘I’m alone in this,’ Hal says. ‘I need you – all of you. If you’re willing.’
Zephyr grins at him. ‘Been a long time coming, my friend.’
Elaith beams. ‘You already know my answer.’
Hal inclines his head then glances at Marina. She may be a difficult sort of person, and she was no friend to Blaze, but Hal has always made allowances for her. They’ve known each other since infancy, and despite her rather frosty demeanour, her loyalty runs deep. She would never betray the crown.
‘Of course I’ll advise you, Hal,’ she says. ‘But a serf spy? Really?’
‘I confess, I’ve been wondering the same thing,’ Zephyr admits. ‘Why her?’
I sink further into my chair.
‘Isn’t it obvious?’ Hal asks, his dark eyes never leaving my face.
My heart lurches. I hold my breath, bracing myself. Surely he’s not going to …
‘Anonymity,’ he says abruptly. ‘Her ability to slip unnoticed through a crowd. The three of you are high profile, easily recognizable. You can’t blend in the way she can.’
I’m so shocked that all I can do is blink at him.
‘But how d’you know you can trust her?’ Marina presses.
The pause before Hal speaks lasts only a fraction of a second. ‘Because Blaze does.’
‘And so do I,’ says Elaith, smiling.
‘But I am giving her a choice,’ Hal continues, turning back to me. ‘What do you say? I’m not asking you to engage, just observe. I want to know who’s trustworthy and who’s treasonous. I want you to be the Eye watching the Eyes. My shadow, hiding in plain sight.’
Oh, Hal, I think. If only you knew.