Chapter 15
O utside my open window, the loud screech of a hawk cried in three short clips.
I dropped the brush in my hand, rushing onto the balcony, my hair flying behind me, since I hadn’t yet had a chance to braid it into a crown atop my head for this evening’s festivities.
Down the stone steps, I kept my feet light so as to not make any noise and draw unnecessary attention from passing guards. Once my path was clear, I disappeared behind the hedges of safety in my private garden for the second time today.
With Kalliah, and many other staff pulling double duties, my afternoon became overtaken with getting myself ready for dinner alone. Unfortunately, I’d lost track of time. Meaning I wasn’t certain where the guards were in rotation and how much time I had before their next round around the garden.
This meeting would have to be quick, but I knew something must be urgent for Ian to come here instead of just talking to me at dinner. Besides, after today’s events, I needed to stop fighting with him. Differences of opinions aside, the knowledge that he could get hurt in the trials outweighed my anger.
Ian waited amongst the hedges. “Are you all right?” I asked.
“Yes, I’m fine. The trials are harder than I expected. I did have to laugh at the game of Chance & Destiny, though. Your father knows you too well.” He chuckled.
“I didn’t realize the risk involved.” I wanted to remind him he shouldn’t be taking on the trials, but after observing Lord Thatcher poisoned today, I refused to continue pointing out my thoughts of his competing for my hand.
“Ian,” I began again. “I’ll never agree you should have entered the trials, but I understand it. I don't want to fight. I don't want the strain between us anymore.” I launched at him, throwing my arms around him in a hug before he could respond.
“Agreed, no more fighting.” Removing himself from my grasp, he met my gaze. “Now, what are we going to do about Kade being in the trials and being in the top three? How do you feel about it?”
I bit my lip. I hadn’t told Ian about my run-in with Kade after the opening ball.
“Honestly?” I huffed. “I don’t know. But…” I hesitated, knowing Ian well enough that he would lose it when he found out the one thing the hallway conversation with Kade did reveal.
“Lan?” Ian frowned.
Kade, now aware of our secret, made him a liability. Big time.
“Kade knows I’m the Hidden Henchman,” I admitted.
Ian’s gaze darkened. “What?”
“He recognized me somehow—well, recognized my unique style of cursing.”
It was a good thing Ian and I were best friends because the hardened stare he leveled me with intimidated the hell out of me.
“I saw Storm at the trials today, too, so they’re sticking close to each other,” I continued. “In the few days since the ball, he hasn’t said a word. Nor has he asked anything of us. For now, he’s keeping the secret to himself.”
“Until he wants something like, oh, I don’t know, the damn crown.” Ian seethed. He rubbed his forehead, then ran a hand through his shoulder-length blond hair, still loose from the trials earlier today. “At least I’ll be able to keep an eye on him,” Ian muttered. “He doesn’t know me.”
“Actually,” I said, “he picked up on it pretty quickly.”
Ian pursed his lips. “Anything else you wish to tell me?”
I shook my head frantically. “I think that about covers it.” I offered a smile, hopefully to placate the rage I sensed bubbling beneath Ian’s skin.
“I am moving into the contenders' suites as soon as we’re done here. I’m to remain there for the duration of the trials. As soon as I left the arena, Andras cornered me to inform me of the decision. They want all of the contenders in one spot.”
I nodded as he continued. Ian rarely stayed in his bedroom, so I didn’t think it mattered where he actually slept, or he would have put up a bigger fight.
“As far as we know, he doesn’t know I can shift, I can follow him in the air if need be.” Ian’s sly grin spread across his face. “We haven’t lost all the elements of surprise yet.”
“If anyone can get to the bottom of who they are, it’s you.” I bit my lip in a nervous habit. “You think you’ll still be able to get away to do the drops? We need to figure out the one we didn’t get to earlier with Leif and Corbin.”
Ian nodded. “Shouldn’t be an issue. I’m still your guard with plenty of reasons to come here. We’re good.”
“Good” might be a stretch, but I didn’t push.
“I should go before I’m missed,” he said.
Nodding in agreement, I backed away, letting him shift and fly off before taking the stairs back to my chambers. Getting ready alone meant I’d need every last available minute to prepare for tonight’s ball. My skill with a sword far exceeded my skill in styling my hair or applying makeup. With Kade and his friend suddenly far too engrossed in our lives, I’d need to be even more vigilant than before. Both my Hidden Henchman mask, and the mask of a perfect princess would need to be flawless to keep up with whatever Fate decided to allow next.
I shivered once, fidgeting with the bracelet around my wrist as I stood in front of the dining hall doors. The silky golden dress I chose for tonight’s dinner caressed my skin reassuringly, akin to an old friend, I couldn’t delay the inevitable any longer. I, Illiana Dresden, could survive a simple dinner.
Smoothing my hands over my dress, I steadied my nerves and pulled the door open. Those inside rose to their feet as I passed.
“Princess Illiana,” my father said from his head table. He rose with everyone else, arms opened wide. “Welcome.”
I walked down the length of the long, classically draped table, filled with contenders, and made my way toward my father. Candles flickered amongst the vases of wildflowers lining the center of the table. He stood at the end of a slightly raised platform holding the king’s head table, consisting of my mother, Andras, Vivienne, and a few other trusted royal advisers.
Normally, I stood alongside them, which made me uncomfortable on the best of days. The elevated head table gave the perception that those on the dais watched a show, or on some of the worst days, it seemed as if the crowds were observing us as if we were fancy animals on display. It put my honed acting skills of being a powerful princess to good use, I supposed.
Regardless, a part of me burst with happiness to sit amongst the crowd itself tonight. A small reprieve from the necessities of royal advisers and protocol, even if it meant being surrounded by contenders for the crown.
The king made his way around the table and met me at the edge, leaning down to press a kiss to my cheek. Standing straight once more, he returned to his throne behind the table. I shifted on my feet, standing idly before the group of contenders, Lord Thatcher noticeably missing from the table.
Hopefully, he recovered quickly.
A loud cough drew my attention to the king. “Tonight, we dine and celebrate the completion of the first trial.” His gaze shifted to me. “My dear, this is a chance for you to interact with these fine contenders. Please move between the open seats at the table throughout the meal to meet once more with those vying for your hand.”
I inclined my head and immediately proceeded to the open seat next to Ian, near the end of the table. My father let out an amused hum, as if he knew where I would sit first.
Staff were already assembled around the table, ready to place our first course the moment I sat. Aware the room’s eyes were still on me, I bowed my head. “Captain Stronholm, gentlemen, congratulations on your advancement to the second task,” I said genuinely.
Hale sat to my right with Ryland across from me. Both immediately began to eat their vegetable soup, a personal favorite of mine, the moment their food lay before them. I nodded to my father once in appreciation for including my comfort food, which he returned with a quick wink.
I politely took small bites and engaged in conversation with Ryland. He asked me about my hobbies, and I explained how Ian taught me how to spar. Future husband or not, I would continue my training in the future. I refused to let these trials, or any of these men dictate all aspects of my life. Marriage would not take away my autonomy. However, not to seem overeager, I quickly changed the topic and asked him about his family origins. He didn't have any trouble rattling on about his sisters and family back home in Broham, and their annual trips to the cliffs amongst the islands. I took note of it positively as I sipped the rich broth. The carrots were still slightly crunchy, just how I liked it.
Ian despised vegetable soup. He took a few bites before setting his spoon on the soup saucer, indicating his completion.
“Princess Illiana, how is your soup tonight? I know how much you enjoy this rabbit food,” Ian joked.
“Perfect as always. If you were smarter, you would eat your daily allotment of vegetables like the rest of us,” I quipped in retort.
“I seem to recall you eating all the vegetable soup before one of the adviser appointment balls,” Hale chimed in with a small laugh.
My anxiety soothed slightly at the ease in which he joined the conversation. It reminded me why he’d been a comfortable companion all the years I needed a friend amongst the nobility.
“I regret nothing. My actions merely taught everyone to double the order from then on. I did the kingdom a favor.” I grinned at Hale.
Gratefulness settled over my heart at the easy conversation. I’d have to carry it with me as a way to ease into the dreaded interactions coming sooner than I’d hope. It wouldn’t be long before I would have to move.
“Your Majesty,” a deep, furious-sounding voice down the table startled me and I dropped my spoon into the bowl of soup. Broth splashed on my hands. Hale grabbed his napkin instantly and passed it to me.
Frederich had risen from his place beside Lord West, in the middle of the long table. His face beet red and though he’d called for the king’s attention, his ire remained aimed at our end of the table.
I frowned.
“Frederich?” my father asked, raising an eyebrow.
“I find the current situation before me highly inappropriate,” he said.
He still glared our way despite addressing the king. Inappropriate? This Fae had lost his mind.
“You will have to elaborate on the concern you’re bringing forth,” the king said.
Frederich lifted his chin. “Captain Stronholm is the princess’s personal guard and close personal friend. Come to think of it, Hale Bardot is as well. They have known each other for years.”
The way he sneered the words “personal friend” made Ian’s entire body stiffen, and Hale’s face dropped. Seemed as if the court rumors flew far and wide over the years.
The king raised his hand, his eyes flaring, and jaw clenched. “If you wish to continue your point, I’d remind you whatever you choose to bring up has to do with my daughter . Choose your words wisely if you wish to be heard at all.”
Frederich seemed to get the hint. “I mean no disrespect, Your Majesty. My point is merely that both men are already so close to the princess. She is more acquainted with Captain Stronholm particularly than any of us. What chance do we have of winning her hand against those whom she has known for years?”
The king arched an eyebrow.
Ian hadn’t relaxed next to me. Hale’s dark skin flushed as he clenched his jaw. I hated Frederich even more now. I would never choose him, regardless of who remained at the end of the trials.
“If I may, Your Majesty.” Lord West rose to stand beside Frederich. “He speaks the truth. It hardly seems a fair contest at this point. Especially with the captain being one of the top three today and getting the opportunity for private time with the princess when he has had this opportunity for years.”
A dry chuckle accompanied Lord West’s declaration. My gaze darted around the room to learn who it had come from.
Kade.
“Perhaps Lord West should have tried harder in the trial if he wished to have been in the top three,” Kade said, glancing my way with a grin.
His comment would not win me over, but I stifled my own smile at the sentiment and the fact he spoke up on my behalf.
Lord West snarled, clearly unamused. “Be that as it may, it still stands Captain Stronholm, in particular, has an unfair advantage. Should he be declared the winner, there will be an inquiry into the legitimacy of his kingship from my city.”
“And mine,” Frederich added, his pudgy finger pointed into the air dramatically.
Staring down the two contenders, I rose from my seat. “If it is my good graces you wish to be in, you will find bickering like children is hardly the way to win my affection. Least of all make me want to give you any of my time and attention, winner or not.”
The king gave me a sharp look, and I immediately shrank into myself internally. I never snapped in public. I had lived my life poised and emotionless on purpose in these settings, and I allowed two Fae to cause a change in my public persona.
However, I was done letting men make decisions for me and my “well-being,” and I would not allow my thoughts to go unknown any longer. Certainly not with insinuations to my private life laid bare, as if I wasn't there.
I curled my right hand into a fist, my fingernails digging into the skin in an effort to ground myself and return to my expected demeanor.
My father puffed out his chest, waving a hand. “Your concerns have been noted. And I can’t argue with the validity.”
My jaw dropped. The absolute ridiculousness of this. Ian and I couldn’t help we were close before these damn trials. Even Hale. How could I know this would have been my life all those years ago?
The king flicked his wrist to magnify his voice, ensuring everyone in the dining hall would hear his next decree. “Preparations have already been made for Captain Stronholm to be moved from the guard house to the contender's wing. Additionally, we are bringing in Princess Illiana’s former guard to resume his role as her personal guard for the remainder of the trials.”
My hand unconsciously flew toward Ian. No . I’d grown too used to Ian’s presence. I didn’t know if I could handle Ruppert again. His dreadful demeanor, eyeing me with disdain, his retirement brought me such relief. Besides, his absolute refusal to bend any rule dampened my hopes of continuing Hidden Henchman runs undeterred.
I needed Ian as my guard so we could have a reason to be together outside of the trials to discuss and carry out the Hidden Henchman requests. I trusted no one else. Not even to rely on to merely pass a message for me to Ian.
“Please know we appreciate the attention brought to this matter,” the king said. “We are accustomed to Captain Stronholm’s presence here. I didn’t think of how it may appear to others from the outside, wishing to make a good impression on our kingdom, and its future Queen. However, should he win, after we have made such accommodations, I expect for the decision to be respected.”
I hated my father’s compromise to pacify the whining nobles. Even if a part of me understood he had to play their game. We were always playing the game. An inquiry would lessen the credibility of the throne. I knew we couldn’t have the turmoil, considering my lack of magical abilities. Civil unrest, in a time of so much uncertainty, would make things ten times worse.
“Would these accommodations satisfy you?” the king questioned, arching an eyebrow.
Frederich directed his gaze back to me, a sly, wicked sort of grin forming, his mustache twitching. I refused to smile in return. Instead, I stared him down, wanting him to lose the next trial so we could be rid of him once and for all.
He would be king over my dead body.
“It is, Your Majesty.” Frederich beamed. “We simply wish to have equal opportunities with the princess so she may get to know us as well.” With a quick bow, he returned to his seat.
“The princess is still within her rights to accept or decline time with you outside of the trials. May I take this time to remind everyone, she is not to be forced into anything.” The king’s stony tone had Frederich and Lord West exchanging glances I could not yet decipher.
Andras’s smug expression etched into my brain as I processed everything my father said. He relished every chance he had to put me in my place. That increased tenfold with Ian, since there were no limits as Ian didn’t have his king’s blood.
Instantly, I lost my appetite, pushing the bowl of soup toward the middle of the table. I didn’t dare sit next to Ian any longer. I would have to find another empty chair to occupy. I refused to have it be near Frederich or Lord West, even though they both eyed the empty seat between them.
The only other open seat remained next to Edmund and across from the third to last person I wanted to sit with right now. I clenched my teeth, forcing myself to walk toward the open chair with some sort of dignity. “Option” being a strong word at the moment.
“Princess, you honor us,” Kade drawled as I approached.
Pursing my lips, I replied, “There wasn’t much of a choice.”
I sat on the chair as the staff pushed me closer to the table. The moment I settled onto my seat a small strawberry salad appeared in front of me.
Conversation buzzed around me, and I closed my eyes, aware if I didn’t participate in any way, it would reflect poorly on not only me but my father as well. Besides, after my outburst, I needed to don my princess mask and exude my normal behavior as much as possible. After all, we’d already had two men dare to threaten the legitimacy of the throne tonight.
I offered Edmund an attempt at a more genuine smile, however, I couldn’t be certain if it appeared as forced as it felt. “How are you enjoying your meal thus far?” I asked him.
“Very satisfactory, Your Grace,” Edmund said, lowering his head slightly at his response.
My gaze shifted to Kade, who stared at his plate, smiling. Part of me worried about dining with him, aware of his identity as the cloaked man I had met just a week before. Perhaps, there was more than meets the eye to this asshole, who now knew one of my deepest held secrets.
More to the Fae who saved my life twice now during battle. The drop played in my mind and the callous way he’d spoken of us, the accusations of not caring about our people. It had burned me then and infuriated me now even more as I thought of it. Yet, he had chosen to enter a trial and attempt to marry into the lives of the very people he thought didn’t care.
I needed to use our history to my advantage. I may be able to get information from him. Information like, what the hell he needed aid for in the first place, only to turn up for the marriage trials.
“And you?”
He gestured to himself, lifting his eyebrows as if he were shocked I addressed him at all. “Not as good as back home, but certainly better than average.”
“Where is home again?” I asked as sweetly as I could manage.
He chuckled. The sound, deep and stupidly irresistible, had me yearning to hear it again. My body could not continue reacting to this damn man over and over.
Something deep within me hummed in satisfaction yet left me wanting whenever he was near. A feeling I had not felt, perhaps, ever. However, this feeling may betray my better senses if I could not alleviate the growing need from lack of physical connection. I wondered if I should grab Hale for old times’ sake only to bring myself much-needed relief.
“Brookmere, Princess,” he said. “Brookmere is my home.”
I scoffed, settling my attention back on Edmund before I engaged Kade any further and caused a scene. I shoved a bit of bitter greens and sweet strawberries into my mouth to buy a little time before needing to speak again. The acidic dressing tied it all together into a symphony of flavors on my tongue.
All too soon, Perdot, one of my favorite senior staff members, gently touched my back. He nodded toward an empty chair, signaling this course, and my attempt to avoid Frederich and Lord West had come to an end. I realized too late my decision to avoid the two men backfired, since the main course had arrived.
The longest one. Fates. I had not played my cards right.
I shuddered as subtly as I could after noticing a spinach leaf in Frederich’s mustache, unbeknownst to the oversized man, but I obeyed the request from Perdot and moved down the table to the last seat I had yet to occupy.
“Gentlemen,” I said tersely.
The word was a reach for describing Frederich, and I had yet to observe anything in Lord West’s actions suggesting he respected women. Especially after he eyed my chest and called me his future wife during our first conversation. Their behavior here tonight only provided me with another reason to find a way to rid them from these trials as soon as possible.
Slices of herb roasted chicken, thyme and rosemary seasoned potatoes, and spears of asparagus rounded out the evening. The scent wafting toward me had my stomach grumbling. I dosed my meal with a luxurious pan gravy before even offering the men a glance again.
“Oh, I do enjoy a woman with a hearty appetite,” Frederich pronounced as he leaned into me. “In all aspects of life.” His eyes unnervingly fixated upon me.
It took all I had to swallow the potato I’d gingerly placed into my mouth without vomiting.
“Frederich, do cease your insufferable innuendos,” Lord West began. “No one has an appetite when it comes to you . I will not have you defiling my time with Princess Illiana with your ludicrous behavior.” Lord West snickered.
Frederich’s face reddened with anger. “I’ve had less complaints from women than you over the years. Many more willing, too.”
The food in my mouth turned to ash, inedible at the audacity of these men and their presumptuous attitude toward me. Neither of them were proper enough to be considered worthy of the crown. If only my father could hear this conversation. Perhaps he would be so offended he would dismiss them from the trials from disgust alone.
I should have guessed they were conspiring after teaming up with their accusations about Ian, but perhaps both men were only out for blood in the competition. Suddenly, however, observing them bicker instead of falling all over me seemed like a good distraction.
Before either could fling another insult, the doors to the dining hall slammed open, and one of the palace’s healers ran toward the king’s table, tripping once over the gold runner lining the floor. He ignored the stares and required protocols completely, quickly bowing, but not waiting for permission to approach the king. He reached the throne and bent forward, whispering quietly in his ear.
All eyes were on my father and the healer, watching the king’s face fall. He glanced toward Andras but continued listening to the healer.
Finally, when the man drew away from the king’s ear, he bowed again. His entire body trembled as he took a slow step back. Then, with the king’s dismissive wave, he ran right back out of the hall. My mother reached for my father’s hand, providing whatever emotional support she could as she, too, waited to hear the news.
My head whipped from one end of the room back to the other. My father signaled Andras to his side, whose eyes flared wide before returning to his normal snakelike glare. He bowed his head and left the king, stepping off the dais and hastily rushing out of the room as well.
Now I knew something wasn’t just wrong, but really wrong. Andras would never leave my father in a room full of powerful Fae aiming to take his seat upon the throne.
I gripped the arms of my velvet-tufted chair. There weren’t many times when I’d observed his face fall as it just had. In fact, I couldn’t remember the last time.
The king rose slowly, hoisting himself into a tall stance, his face grave as he spoke.
“Lord Levi Thatcher is dead.”