Chapter 27
Twenty-Seven
Sabina
Antonia leads me down the hall, and up several flights of stairs, until we’re in a part of the estate I haven’t been in yet. Nate follows at a distance that’s probably intended to give the illusion of privacy. I’m sure he can still hear everything we say.
Something floral and herbal fills the air and I breathe it in, trying to identify the scent. “What is that?”
“They must have lit the incense,” she says.
“You found a temple?” It’s the only place I’ve ever seen incense burned.
“Yes. I know how much you enjoyed spending time in the empress’s temple at the castle. I thought you might like this one as well. I asked around, it was also used as the queen’s private temple. They kept it the way she liked after she died.”
I approach slowly, feeling the heavy weight of entering a sacred space pushing down on me. They kept her temple and the greenhouse. “Do you know if there’s anything else here that was hers? Anything they left as it was when she was alive?”
“I’m not sure, but I can ask around,” Antonia says.
Nate waits a few feet away. He’s looking around as if trying to seem like he’s not watching us intently. I know better. “How about you? Do you know of anything?”
“I’m still new to this estate, but I can ask some of the other guards,” he says.
“Of course. And thank you.” I add learning more about the queen to the list of things I must research. What if that’s what Mara was suggesting? What if that’s what’s being hidden from me?
It’s strange how she died. With all the magic she had access to, and her fascination with poisonous plants…
How does someone with that kind of power end up poisoned?
Did the emperor want her gone for some reason?
Did they have an enemy who got that close?
Was it someone who was still around? Could they help me now?
I linger outside the doorway, peering in at the darkened space. Only two candles are lit, a stick of incense between them sends a ribbon of smoke curling toward the ceiling.
As soon as I step inside, something surges through me. Gasping, I move back into the hall. My heart races, my blood feels like ice. That twisting, churning darkness feels alive, like it’s desperate to escape.
“Are you alright?” Antonia asks.
“Fine. We should go to the kitchens. Who knows who Ludis has charmed into being his informants.”
“Did something happen?” Nate asks.
“No, I’m fine. Thank you for showing me this. I’ll come another time. I think it’s a little overwhelming right now.”
“Oh, after your experience in the emperor’s grand temple.” She glances at the marks that show below my sleeves. “I didn’t think about that. That must have been terrifying. I’m so sorry.”
“You didn’t do anything wrong. I’m glad you showed me this.”
I start walking down the hall, and she joins me. “Do you remember anything about it?”
“I didn’t at first,” I admit. “But it came to me recently. I’m still trying to work out what it all means.”
“If you ever need someone to talk to…I know I’m not Anya, but I’m here.”
“I appreciate that.”
When we arrive at the kitchens, Nate stops at the door. “I’ll be here if you need me, Your Majesty.”
I nod, then step into the kitchen. I’m only a couple of steps in when I freeze. Ludis and Genevieve are already there. They either sent Charlotte away or my other lady was doing whatever she could to avoid Ludis. I don’t blame her.
I glance over at Antonia, and she’s frowning. So much for him needing someone else to check on us, he’s doing it himself.
“I thought you were going to see to the greenhouse?” Antonia asks with mock sweetness.
“We did. They’ll be clearing a space and setting out tables for us within the next few days.” Genevieve steps away from Ludis toward a counter where there’s a tray of pastries waiting. “Figured we’d come help with the menu.”
“That’s nice.” I’m not sure if I should kick Ludis out, which is what I’d normally do, or if I should let him stay so we know what he’s up to.
I decide I can’t risk any more suspicion from him.
“And since when did party planning become something that the future king of Iskvaland wasted his time on?”
“You injure my pride, sister. If this party makes you happy, I want to help.”
I roll my eyes. “I doubt very much it has anything to do with my happiness.”
“Your Majesty, I hear we have a special lunch to prepare?” One of the kitchen staff asks as she approaches.
“My name is Rina; I’m in charge of events here at the estate.
I’m happy to show you some options and help you with your menu and anything else you require.
” She gestures for us to follow her toward the little table where we’d previously had hot chocolate.
She looks so nervous, and I wonder how she’s normally treated by the royals in this estate. “Thank you, Rina. That’s very kind of you.”
Once we’re seated, several more staff arrive carrying baskets and trays of ingredients as Rina explains what she can have the kitchen create.
All of them seem nervous. I do my best to smile and ask polite questions despite the fact that I don’t care about any of this.
Even if I thought Anya was returning, the whole thing feels frivolous and wasteful.
I also happen to know Anya would be thrilled with fresh bread and whatever meat and vegetables they have on hand.
I know there’re other things I could be doing, but Antonia knows more about court life than I do, so I’m trusting that this will help me look like I’m just another royal. Is this what empresses actually do with their time?
“The emperor said he’d likely return in a fortnight. Is your friend returning with him?” Rina asks.
“I’m not entirely sure. Maybe we’re preparing this too soon. Perhaps we should wait until we know more.” I’m so ready to leave this space. I could be reading books or exploring the estate.
“We can use this as a welcome home celebration for the emperor and also include your friend if she arrives,” Ludis suggests.
“That’s a great idea,” Genevieve gushes. “Then we can all be in attendance. We can do a ladies’ lunch after Anya has recovered from her journey.”
“It would allow you more time to practice hosting,” Antonia offers.
“Your Majesty?” Rina asks.
I nod. “Let’s do that.”
“Empress?” Nate steps into the kitchen, then inclines his head in a bow. “I’m sorry to interfere, but your guest has arrived.”
My brow furrows, but I step away from the others. “A guest?”
“She’s waiting for you in the drawing room. I can escort you,” he offers.
“Do you want me to go with you?” Antonia offers.
I glance at Nate, but he doesn’t give me any indication of what I’m about to walk into.
“I think I’ll be fine. Can you all help with a menu? I’m sure I’ll love whatever you decide.” I give her a smile, then follow Nate into the hall.
“Who is this guest?” I ask.
“He said he has the jewelry you commissioned.”
I touch the necklace I’m still wearing, thinking back to when I met with Jacques. Had he come all the way here with something else? Was this Caiden’s doing?
When we reach the drawing room, I’m relieved to see that it is the same man I’d met prior, but I’m still as confused as to why he’s here.
“Your Majesty, it’s so wonderful to see you again.” He bows, then rises. His eyes linger on the visible marks before looking back at me. “I am sorry I didn’t complete this before your wedding. I was under the impression that I had more time.”
“It was moved up. The death of the emperor changed our timeline.” I’m not sure about this man or who he reports to. Does he also know who I really am?
He retrieves a box that’s sitting on the table that occupies the space in front of a sofa. It’s large and looks like it might hold an entire collection of jewelry. I’m a little nervous about what might be inside.
“Would you care to sit?” It’s phrased as a question, but I can tell by his tone that he expects it of me. I recall the awkward interaction last time and want to avoid it.
“Thank you.” I sit on the couch, and he carefully sets the box on my lap.
I hold it reverently, almost afraid to open it. It’s exquisitely carved with swooping swirls and floral designs. “This is beautiful.”
“Thank you. Now, go ahead. Open it.” He clasps his hands in front of him and watches me with an eager smile.
Nate is nearby, his posture relaxed, despite a hand on the hilt of his sword.
Carefully, I turn the latch, then open the lid.
Inside is lined in black velvet and divided into compartments.
A few of them have tiny cushions with sparkling gems winking up at me.
Some of the others hold earrings or chains that are either bracelets or necklaces.
It is more wealth and luxury than I’ve ever seen. “What is all this?”
Jacques approaches. “May I?”
“Of course.”
He reaches for one of the stones on the pillows, then pulls it out.
I realize it’s a ring that’s been shoved in, leaving the gem poking up.
He hands it to me. “This was one of the late empress’s favorites.
I cleaned it and reinforced the setting.
” He shoves it back in, then points to the others.
“This was also hers. And this. But this one…”
He pulls out the last one, a gold ring with an aquamarine stone. “This is the one the new emperor asked me to make for you.” He holds it up near my face, then smiles. “I do think he matched your eyes quite nicely.”
My cheeks heat.
“Would you like to try it on? It’s a bit nicer than the band he gave you at your ceremony. As I said, I didn’t finish it in time.”
“He didn’t tell me he was doing this.”
“He wanted it to be a surprise.” Creases form at the corner of his eyes when he smiles. It makes him look kind.
I’m not sure how I feel about any of this.
It’s all show, I’m certain. The things expected of an emperor and empress.
But it is beautiful. I pull the simple black band from my finger and hold out my hand.
Jacques slips on the new ring. It fits perfectly.
But so did the black one. I never really stopped to think about how they determined what size to make the ring.
“Now, that is still far too simple for an empress, but it’s what he thought you would like.
Things in Iskvaland must be more subdued.
All the jewelry in this box of the old empress was chosen by Caiden specifically for you.
He had me clean and store the more elaborate pieces in case you ever wanted to use them in the future. ”
The things in this box were already far more beautiful than anything I knew existed. Wearing the ring alone on my finger is uncomfortable. I can’t imagine how I’d feel about anything fancier.
“They’re all beautiful. Thank you,” I say.
“You can explore the box more when you reach your rooms. There’s a few more surprises in there for you.” Jacques smiles, then steps away from me.
“Thank you.” I stand, keeping the box close to my body. I’m worried I’ll drop it and damage the box itself or the fortune worth of jewelry inside.
“Of course.” He inclines his head. “I’m at your service, Your Majesty. For anything you might need.”
I have the feeling he’s meaning something beyond jewelry, but I can’t tell if that’s in my head.
Or if it would be something that I’d want his assistance with.
What is he trying to tell me? I wish he’d say it but nothing is that easy around here.
“Thank you. Please, stay for the evening so you don’t have to make the journey back tonight. ”
“You’re too kind, but that won’t be necessary. My carriage is prepared to take me into town tonight. I have to be back in the city quickly.”
“Very well, I wish you a safe journey. And if there’s any provisions you need, please ask. The servants will be happy to provide anything you require.” I have no idea if that’s what a royal would say.
Jacques smiles and bows. “It was a pleasure seeing you again, Your Majesty.”
“This way, sir, I’ll have one of the guards escort you.” Nate leads Jacques to the door, then another guard takes the jeweler down the hall and out of view.
I consider trying to get more information out of Nate while we’re walking toward my rooms alone, but I’m too curious about what’s inside the box.
“Do you need me to call for anything?” Nate asks when we reach my room.
“No, thank you.” I slip inside, then as soon as the door closes, I hurry to the small table. Carefully, I set the box down, then begin to examine it for other openings. Along the bottom, there’s a carefully hidden seam. Gold vines and flowers are painted over it, the edges matching perfectly.
Dragging my fingers along it, I search for a way to open it. Then I find a small button. When I press it, a compartment pops out for me to take hold of and pull it the rest of the way open.
Inside, on more of the same black velvet are the daggers Brevan gave me. They’re clean and polished, the blue stones winking up at me cheerfully, unaware of the blood they’ve spilled.
My heart hammers against my ribs, and I hesitate.
How are these here? Last time I saw these, they were tucked into my pockets on my wedding day.
Caiden took them while I was sleeping. Was he returning them to me or had someone else found them and smuggled them to me?
Had Brevan found them and ensured I got them back?
Fingers trembling, I reach for the first blade. Where it once said, princess, it now says empress. A lump forms in my throat, making it difficult to swallow. I drop the blade, and it clinks against the other one.
I stare at it for what is probably several minutes before I pick up the second one.
My breath leaves, and I blink several times to make sure I’m seeing correctly.
Engraved among the blue stones is my name. My real name. Taylan. I touch the letters and my throat tightens. It’s so hard being two people all the time. I sometimes worry that I’ll forget who I once was entirely. That my whole purpose and my family will die along with the name my mother gave me.
Tears form as I trace my name. Whoever returned these to me gave me a gift beyond the blades themselves. They see me for who I am, even as I’m forgetting parts of myself.
A chill runs down my arms and inky black tendrils wrap around the daggers. Startled, I drop the blade, but the shadows continue, pouring out of me, swirling around the box, then flooding into the room until everything goes dark.