Amaskan's Blood, Raven Oak [read me a book .TXT] 📗

whispered to Adelei. “But then, how could she be? With an Amaskan by her side? You and I must talk later.”

He released Adelei’s arm. “Such an intelligent princess I am to marry,” Prince Gamun called out, and he raised his hand in gesture to the nobles. “Her wit doth flatter me more than her beauty. Already, she loves me.”

Margaret blushed and hid her meek grin behind her hands. Most of the gathered guests smiled, while a few ladies simpered and fluttered long lashes at the prince. “I thank His Majesty for such a grand welcome. Though I did think Alesta a smaller city last visit. Maybe it was the eyes of a child that colored it, or did your kingdom grow, Your Majesty?”

King Leon stiffened, and Adelei rested a hand briefly on his arm to halt his steps. She tapped her foot three times, a signal of danger, and her father schooled his face with a deep breath.

“Did I say something wrong?” Prince Gamun asked as his smile faltered.

“Everyone is quite prickly today, Your Highness. Must be the stress of planning such an event,” said Margaret.

That jibe about the kingdom growing. I wonder if he knows about the border change rumors or whether it was truly a faux-pas? I’ve only heard the rumors about him in this kingdom. Could they use the rumors to hide their own deceit and treachery?

Her father watched the prince, but Adelei watched her father. His frame remained tense as everyone stood silent.

“I don’t understand what’s wrong with everyone,” Margaret whispered.

“Don’t worry, dearest. I often joke when nervous. Truly, Your Majesty, I meant no harm. It must be a child’s eyes that misremember such a grand kingdom.” Prince Gamun smiled at Margaret, who melted under his gaze. “After such a long wait in the sun, I’m hot. And famished, honestly. Maybe we could sit and discuss our future?” he asked Margaret, and with a break in protocol, he led her by the arm through the courtyard arch and into the shade.

The nobles followed the royal couple inside the castle. Adelei searched for the young girl she’d spotted earlier. A wisp of red hair under a hood was all she saw before the girl was gone, whisked away by her overbearing protector. Adelei swore and several highborns skittered away from her foul tongue.

“The gall,” King Leon snapped behind her.

Adelei eyed the scattering crowd and finding nothing, spun around to face her father. “We have bigger issues than that,” she said.

“He twice insulted this kingdom and in effect, me.”

Adelei nodded. “Yes, though he claims he meant nothing by it. Intentional or not, he knows you won’t do anything about it. To do so would upset the peace treaty. Did you see the redheaded girl amongst His Highness’s entourage?”

“Is that what you were tapping about?”

“No, but it may be related. Why would a prince bring a child on such a cross country trek? What possible use is she to him?”

King Leon frowned. “Do you think…?”

“It’s possible. If he’s brought one of his toys with him, he’s committed a serious error in judgment. I may be able to get the evidence needed for the Boahim Senate,” Adelei said. “But worse, I’m positive he knows what he should not.” When her father only frowned, she continued, “I’ve heard rumor regarding the party responsible for the death of your daughter, Princess Margaret’s sister.”

This time, his eyebrows kissed the sky. “This is a dangerous game he plays.”

“Indeed, Your Majesty. And he plays to win. But win what, I’m still not sure. I feel this is about more than just your crown.”

“How did he know?”

“I don’t know, but we must tread lightly with him. I fear I made the wrong move in responding with nonchalance. It seems to have fascinated him more.”

King Leon chuckled. “That would be the family blood coursing through those veins. I never could control my temper either. Let’s see if we can find out who this girl is, shall we?”

“Let us hope she lives long enough to be found.” Adelei suppressed a slight shiver. She’d never admit it to her father, but the worry growing in the pit of her stomach intensified as the wedding day grew closer.

This close to the big day, I need to find proof. I need this girl to stay alive. May the Gods be with us all.

Nothing could be more boring than a hundred people paying tribute to His Smugness and Her Bratty-ness. Captain Fenton stood watch in the audience chamber, along with his best soldiers. It was a risk, but Adelei had to know the identity of the child in Prince Gamun’s entourage.

The hallway was packed with people. Some were already settled guests as they made their way to the audience chamber in a flurry. Others were newly brought from Shad and ordering servants to carry baggage up the stairs; some would say they were integrating into the castle staff—Prince Gamun’s personal servants and pages, his advisors, and whatever the Shadian equivalent of a sepier was, if they even had them. Which are you, little girl? A play thing? Servant’s child? Bastard child of His Highness, perhaps?

Adelei was stopped several times on her way to the third floor housing the state rooms, including a suite set aside for Prince Gamun. Guards asked her to identify herself, and with the throngs of Shadians shuffling through the hallway, she didn’t blame them one bit.

She knocked on one set of doors and then another. No one answered either one, and she moved on to another set. The fourth one resulted in an odd little man answering. His pinched face reminded her of sour lemons, and he frowned at her Alexandrian.

“I was wondering if you could help me,” she repeated in Shadian. “I’m making a list of guests for the dinner this evening for the table arrangements—”

“No. You’re not.”

“Excuse me?”

“What? What do you want? Truthfully?” He peered up at her through tiny spectacles as he rubbed his arms. “Saw you clear as day. When I arrived.