8. Chapter 8
Michaela
I rushed through the passageway and passed through the other side. With curses to my zipper for being unreachable at a time when I really wanted yoga pants and a hoodie, I unbolted the bedroom door and hurried down the hallway toward Sadie’s room.
Neglecting my well-trained manners, I didn’t knock like a lady. My fist pounded four times against the heavy door. When she didn’t answer right away, I repeated the action. As I raised my fist again, the door cracked open.
Dahlia peered through the opening. “Lady Michaela?”
“What are you doing here? I was looking for Sadie.”
“Lady Sadira is inside, but she’s getting ready for bed. I don’t think this is the best time to—”
“Dahlia,” Sadie’s voice called her off. Fingers caught the edge of the door and pulled it back revealing Sadie in the dress she wore to the banquet. “Michaela, I know you’re angry, but I didn’t agree with anything Esmerey said to you. I should have stopped her but I—”
“I’m not here about that.” That verbal assault after dinner paled in comparison to what Fitz was facing. “Can we talk?” I dropped my volume. “Alone?”
Sadie gave a quick nod before she motioned for Dahlia to leave us. A second later, she stepped into the hall with me, arms folded across her chest, either cold or defensive. “What’s going on? It’s close to midnight.”
I wanted to point out that she was still in her dress despite that fact, but being petty would have to wait for another day.
“The king is sick.” She shot me a look that conveyed just how stupid she thought I was, but I pressed on despite that. “I mean, we’re down to the last moments here. The doctors say he’ll be gone by morning.”
Her brow furrowed as she whispered something under her breath then pressed a kiss to her third knuckle. “We knew this time was coming. Time for mourning and reflection to be sure.” Her lips parted as if something had just occurred to her. “Are you here to try to be sure the prince chooses you? Buy me off? Find some scandal from my life that would disqualify me? I’ve heard things about Americans, but surely you wouldn’t stoop so low as to—”
“No,” I cut her off, “on the contrary, I need your help.”
She glanced down the empty hall on either side, shadows thick and looming. “My help? What on earth can I possibly—”
“Your broth. The soup.” I pressed my palms together like a prayer. “Please, I don’t know what you put in it, but it worked miracles for me and I’m hoping that you could do the same for the king.”
Her mouth dropped open, paired with a horrified look in her eyes to match. “I have no right to do such a thing. I would be put to death if I dared suggest I was worthy to feed His Majesty.”
“Please, Sadie. You’re all Fitz has left. You’re my last hope that he won’t be made king tonight.”
Realization sunk in. “You’re still optimistic he’ll find a way around the law, aren’t you? But if it happens tonight, then you’re out, yes?”
“It’s more than that.” I closed my eyes, knowing she could probably see right through me. “But yes, that is part of it.” I opened my eyes and made my request again. “I don’t understand this country most of the time, but I know you can heal people. Please, try.”
Her mouth tightened to a scowl. “First, answer me something.” She waited for me to nod. “How long have you really known him? What’s this game you’re playing?”
“There’s no game,” I assured her. “Fitz and I have known each other since we were teens. He’s been my best friend for years. I was supposed to be here undercover to help him choose his next wife.”
Sadie’s scrutiny increased. “But you fell in love with him?”
No longer able to meet her stare, I looked away. “Yes.”
“And you realize that if I do this, you’re risking losing him to me?”
I clenched my teeth once. “Yes.”
Sadie waited a moment. Maybe she was thinking about her answer. Maybe she was trying to think of one more question to ask in my vulnerable time of need. Finally, she spoke, “And you’re still asking me to do this? Why?”
My mind went back to only a few minutes ago and Fitz’s invitation to run away with him. Sadie was right. I stood to lose everything, and yet I came to her. Why?
“Because sometimes,” I felt the loss down to my bones, “life isn’t about what you can get, but about what you can do.” I squared my shoulders. “I’m doing it because it’s the right thing to do.”
She watched me carefully. Her once mousy features no longer looked weak or timid. This process had grown her into a worthy opponent. One who wasn’t about to give up without a fight.
“I’ll do what you ask—”
“Thank you, Sadie. I really appreci—”
“For a price,” she didn’t let me finish. I stared, shocked that she would put stipulations on a man’s life. But I knew better than to put up a fight. If she was willing, then I could agree to her terms.
Satisfied I wouldn’t object, she laid it out for me. “This was my idea. I brought it to you. Not the other way around.”
My heart sank. From Fitz’s side, it would look like I’d deserted him in his weakest hour. At the very moment he asked me to run away with him, I fled. “Surely, I can at least tell the prince?”
“No.” She wasted no time. “If you want my help, he must believe this was my benevolence, not yours. All credit will come to me.”
I stared into her amber eyes, hoping she would break if she had to face me. But she tightened her jaw, more resolute than ever. There was a chance I could call her bluff, but then again, she might be willing to let the king die. As I understood it, he abandoned her province. Her loyalty wasn’t with him. I simply couldn’t afford the chance.
Without speaking, I nodded my agreement to her terms.
“Very well. I’ll get my bag.” She turned and pushed her way back inside, closing the door behind her. I exhaled with the click of the latch. I drew in a breath, unable to process the contract I’d entered. Had I given up my only chance with Fitz? Was it all a huge mistake? Maybe he was right, maybe we should have run away when we had a chance. It didn’t matter anymore. The moment had passed. All I had left was to follow through, consequences in play.
Looking at the ground, I called him from the shadows where I knew he was watching.
“Kabir, you can come out. I need you to escort us to the kitchen.”
My bodyguard waited a moment before the shuffle of his boots brought him into the light.
“M’lady, you have to know this is a risk to all of you. Sadira’s apothecary trade isn’t considered medicine. They’ll see it as dark arts, and if she attempts to override the king’s physician, she could pay the price.”
I nodded. “I understand and I’ll fight for her if necessary. All I know is that she brought me back in record time and if there’s a chance that—”
“Yes, m’lady. I agree. I only needed to be sure you understood the risks,” Kabir interjected. “I’m on your side.”
At least someone was.
“Thank you.” I thought of the earlier events. “And in case you didn’t hear at the banquet, I’m not noble so you can drop the Lady Michaela stuff.”
The looming bodyguard took a few more steps toward me. “I was there. I heard what she said.” His chin tipped upward, jaw square and determined. “Perhaps some of us recognize nobility in actions more than in a gifted title.”
“That’s kind, Kabir, but I’m not anyone special. I’m just—”
“A young woman trying to save the kingdom by sacrificing her own desires. There are, in fact, many of us who have seen this trait in you.” Kabir’s hand curled into a fist as he brought it across his chest and dropped to one knee. My mind flashed back to the last time I’d seen it. Bishop, when he was teaching me about the rituals. This was the Imbuement of Courage, the signal passed between soldiers. “My devotion I pledge to the one I hope to call queen.” His head dropped to his chest as if to bow. “May you reign in mercy and love.”
My mouth went dry. I was only trying to save the king so that Fitz wouldn’t have to lose his father if he didn’t have to. I wasn’t looking to overthrow anything or steal a kingdom.
Kabir’s arm dropped to his side as the door opened again. By the time Sadie exited, dressed more appropriately and carrying a black bag, Kabir stood once more.
“Are we ready, then?”
“Yes,” I whispered, unsure of what had transpired in the hall.
Kabir led the way while I followed, preoccupied with thoughts of those who saw me as a possible queen. The reporter, Celani, said it first, but I didn’t believe it. Was Kabir talking about other guards? Staff at the palace? People in the cities?
Did they really want me to be… queen?