The Jeweled Dagger

Chapter 1

A clang reverberated through the cell block. Lafayette jolted from where he sat leaning against the bars of his cell. The movement set off a riot of aches and he clenched his teeth. His stiff aching limbs threatened to cramp and refused to allow movement. Blinking grit out of his eyes he reached up to push unruly hair out of his face and winced as his shoulder protested. Echoing footfalls signaled someone’s approach. Had they finally figured out their mistake and come to get him? He narrowed his eyes as the tall, dark haired Captain walked into view.

Damn, why can’t it be someone I know and not the cretin from last night?

Was Advent Company recruiting on looks alone now? Intent brown eyes regarded him for a long moment but Lafayette couldn’t discern what he might be thinking. Did he even want to know? What would a man like this with his straight nose, broad shoulders, perfect hair, and immaculate uniform think of someone like him? He represented everything Lafayette was not and never would be, everything he’d always been told was out of his reach. He clenched his jaw against the urge to launch into a scathing criticism of the Captain’s intellect. Now was not the time to dwell on either the Captain’s intelligence, or lack of, or on how handsome he looked in his uniform. As soon as he saw to the Queen’s safety he would make sure the Captain was stripped of his rank. Such incompetence had no place among the Queen’s Royal Guard.

Get up. The Captain turned away and took the set of keys off his belt along with a pair of metal shackles. Unlike the other guards he carried only a pistol strapped to his left hip. Left-handed then? I’ll take you to the Queen.

About damn time! You’ve cost me hours and put the Queen at risk.

That got him a cold glare. I’m just doing my job.

You are an idiot and I’ll see you removed as Captain. I told you who I am!

And I told you that without your papers you can shout all you want, but I’m not taking any chances. Now stop bellyaching and get up. You’re wasting my time.

Yes of course, tides forbid I waste your precious time, Captain.

Bracing himself against the wall at his back Lafayette struggled to his feet. He clutched the bars, his determination to show no weakness thwarted by his exhaustion. He couldn’t meet Rona like this. Especially not if the Captain planned to take him to her audience hall. To appear in Court filthy and smelling of this squalid place would only give fuel to the rumors he couldn’t administer his duties as Spymaster. His plan to meet her in private last night and then to collapse in his own bed for the first time in over a month had suffered an abrupt end at the Captain’s hands. The things he needed to discuss with her were not for the ears at Court, though now he no longer had a choice.

Lafayette trudged over to the door, taking care not to step on the wet and matted straw that lay clumped on the floor of the cell. He allowed the Captain to put the cuffs back on. The gentleness irked him for a reason he couldn’t quite discern. He only briefly entertained the idea of kicking the Captain’s feet out from under him as the door opened and Lafayette walked through. Exhausted and aching, he’d just botch the maneuver, hurt himself, and give the Captain an excuse to beat him. Though a spiteful voice in the back of his mind told him he deserved it. He’d been careless and stupid and it had put Rona at risk.

He didn’t try to shake off the warm hand that grasped his elbow. His mind jumped from one thought to the next, trying to figure out how to salvage the situation. It had been paramount that he reach Rona with the message last night. If he was too late

He stumbled, his foot catching a riser as he started up the stairs. The grip on his arm tightened, preventing him from falling. The Captain remained silent. No sneering comments, not even a suppressed laugh. They were certain to come later.

The jailer, Sulis, opened the door for them. His heavy-jawed head swung back and forth between Lafayette and the Captain for a moment, the look puzzled. For a brief moment Lafayette hoped Sulis might recognize him, but he shook his head and handed a sack to the Captain. Lafayette let his eyes fall shut for a moment. Of course it wouldn’t be that easy.

You sure ‘bout this, Captain? Not standard procedure.

I know, but I’m not taking any chances with the Queen’s safety.

Sulis shrugged, the ill-fitting uniform tightening over his paunch. Just don’t blame me if things go wrong.

The Captain chuckled, a soft, oddly pleasant sound that had Lafayette glancing over at him. How dare he take this situation so lightly. Lafayette drew a tight rein on the urge to lash out. The Captain would not be laughing after they saw the Queen.

I wouldn’t dream of it.



Outside, the smell of rain lingered in the cool breeze, bringing with it the scent of burning wood and hot metal. Low clouds hung above them as if the morning fog couldn’t decide whether to impale itself on the factory smokestacks or remain aloft and confound the airships. The Captain’s boots crunched over the gravel as they walked south down the path toward the palace. The sight of the main wing of Glasswick Palace glowing in the morning light sent a tremor through Lafayette and his knees threatened to buckle. So much had happened the past month, at times he’d despaired of ever seeing the beautiful sweep of glass and stone again. The fear he’d been too late had chased him from the docks, sent him scrambling through the gardens and tunneled his vision, but his haste might have cost him everything he held dear. To see his home now, but as a disgraced prisoner—even if wrongly so—was almost more than he could bear. They reached the stairs leading up to the terraces that ran along this wing of the palace and headed for the nearest door.

Lafayette cringed inwardly as they walked through several rooms, trailing dust and dirt behind them. They crossed a hall and stopped before a set of enamel and gold filigreed double doors. The Captain nodded to the two guards standing to either side. Lafayette recognized both of them. The shorter of the two, Mibbs, sneered at him and he knew then they weren’t going to inform their Captain of his mistake.

"Morning, Calder, Mibbs.

Morning, Captain. Shall I announce you? Calder said.

Please.

The doors swung open, the heavy scent of lavender and lilac wafting through the air along with the buzz of voices.

Captain Jasper Stanton, Your Majesty.

The low hum of conversation ceased and he could hear the shuffle of feet and rustle of heavy skirts. Lafayette’s chest tightened, his breath catching in his throat. As embarrassing as this was, it would all be over as soon as Rona saw him. Then the Captain would regret everything.

Captain, what is so urgent I had to delay breakfast? The Queen’s voice rang through the room, clear and commanding yet not unkind.

Your Majesty, I am sorry. Perhaps I was a bit rash.

Well, don’t stand out in the hall. Come in.

Lafayette forced himself to breathe normally and tried to keep his head up. By the time they reached the middle of the room he found himself watching his reflection in the white marble flooring. Hunching his shoulders against the weight of the stares he tried to ignore the whispers of the gathered nobles. In the oppressive stillness he could hear Queen Rona speaking to someone else as they came to a stop before the raised dais.

Please check again. It’s been nearly four weeks since his last correspondence. He should have been home already.

I will check again, Your Majesty. Perhaps he hasn’t been in a position to send letters. I’m certain he’ll be home soon—

Or he arrived home and was taken for a common criminal and arrested.

Lafayette whipped his head up to see Security Advisor Roderick Ashmore smirking as he stood to the Queen’s right. The pale blue eyes were full of amusement and the smirk stretched into a grin. He reminded Lafayette of a vicious guard dog, only kept in check by proximity to its master but still prone to snarling.

What? Commander, why would you …? At the pause Lafayette let his gaze move to Queen Rona where she sat on her throne. She was regal as always, the pale yellow gown a perfect contrast to her golden brown skin. Shining black curls spilled out from under the ornate jewel-studded crown he knew she disliked wearing. She blinked a couple of times, her eyes wide as she looked from Lafayette to the Captain.

Lafe?

There was a sharp intake of breath next to him and the grip on his arm disappeared. Rona leapt to her feet and swept down the steps toward them, her gown rippling out behind her.

Lafe! What happened? I barely recognized you! Why haven’t you written me? Why are you covered in dirt? Why didn’t you come see me as soon as you got home?

Lafayette tried to fend off her fluttering hands as she fussed over him. She grabbed his wrists, her lips pressing into a line as she noticed the shackles.

What is the meaning of this?

Really, Jasper, I know you are enthusiastic about your new position but this might be carrying it a bit too far. Not every Kedonian you see is a thief. Rod chuckled but quickly covered his grin with a fist and pretended to cough as Rona looked over at him.

What? The Captain sounded like he was being strangled, his voice low and breathy.

Captain, remove these shackles.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Lafayette’s gaze didn’t leave the Captain as he unlocked the cuffs. Sweat ran down the side of his face and he swiped at the shock of dark hair hanging over his left eye with trembling fingers. Then he stepped away, his shoulders slumped and head hanging. Lafayette glanced down and frowned, noticing how tightly the Captain clutched the metal in his fist, his knuckles white.

Captain, why did you think Lafayette was a threat?

It took a moment for him to respond. I didn’t know who he was. I just saw someone sneaking through the gardens, and he attacked me and then took off running when I got near.

Is that true, Lafayette?

What had he done wrong? She never called him by his full name. She knew he hated it. Attacking the Captain had been a mistake, but he’d tried to explain himself to no avail. He hesitated to answer. Yes, but—

And you chased him down and arrested him, Captain?

I did. He had no papers on him and I didn’t trust his statement, so I decided it was safer to arrest him and figure things out later.

Lafayette stared at Rona as the whispers grew louder around them, his stomach tight and aching. She did not smile. He knew that expression. He’d seen it many times growing up when she weighed a decision. Had his lack of correspondence upset her? He could easily explain that, as he could running from the Captain. If she’d just give him the chance.

Where are your papers?

They were stolen from me, but Rona, I hardly think I need to produce papers to prove … His voice trailed off as the normally soft and welcoming brown eyes became cold and distant. Oh yes, he’d forgotten his place once again and called her by name instead of by her title. She was not his childhood friend right now, she was Queen Rona Louise, ruler of Orandon. And he a wayward servant who’d failed her rather miserably.

Mister Goddard, have you forgotten? Roderick said. My men found you drunk and incoherent in an alley in Vermiir three weeks ago. They took you to a hostel to sober up. Where have you been since?

Lafayette swallowed and blinked to try and clear the dark spots that floated through his vision. That wasn’t how it had happened … part of it, at least. Had Roderick already told Rona this? Was that why she appeared so upset with him? He looked to Rona keeping his voice low for only her to hear.

There is no time for this. I will explain everything but right now I have important information about a plot to—

Is what Commander Ashmore says true? Rona’s tone was clipped and loud enough to echo through the crowded audience hall. Is that why you’ve not written me?

Lafayette let his gaze fall to the floor. He couldn’t look at her as he groped for an answer. Admitting to it would mean public disgrace and probably worse. But he had been drunk when the men had found him. It had been the only way to counteract the poison. That didn’t matter now that Roderick had made his statement in front of all the nobles. Poisoned or not, he’d been drunk the better part of a week and now all his mistakes had come back to damn him, like debris tossed on the beach after a shipwreck.

Answer your Queen!

Lafayette flinched at the sharp command from Roderick. He couldn’t raise his head, couldn’t face the disappointment he knew he’d see in Rona’s eyes.

Y-yes. He choked on the word.

He heard Rona suck in a breath. There was a pause, the silence crushing, then the sharp clack of her heels on the marble and up the stairs to her throne. Whispers rose on either side of him, like the rush of high tide threatening to drown him. Lafayette furtively watched her as she sat down, drumming her fingers on the ornately carved armrest. After a moment she crooked a finger at the nearest Sabre standing just to the left and behind her. The imposing helmeted figure stepped forward and knelt at her side.

Your Majesty? The voice sounded oddly mechanical through the helmet.

Rona spoke a few soft words and the helmet dipped in response. The Sabre turned and made a cutting gesture. The remaining three Sabres immediately stepped forward and started ushering out the other gathered attendants and curious nobles. Lafayette noticed the Vice-regent, Violetta Harlowe, stayed put in her seat to the left of the throne. She arched a sculpted eyebrow at him as her carefully painted nails clicked against the wooden armrest. She shook her head ever so slightly, the neatly coiffed blond hair swaying with the motion, the disapproving glare nothing new.

Percy, please go see if my breakfast is ready. I am famished, Rona instructed her attendant.

Lafayette hazarded a glance around, but his mother was nowhere to be seen. Odd, she rarely left Rona’s side. Maybe it was a good thing she wasn’t here to see this. She was going to be furious with him. The crushing weight around his chest tightened and he fought to breathe. The last thing he needed right now was to collapse like some pathetic drunkard.

The door slammed shut behind Percy, leaving just the five of them and the Sabres. Rona visibly relaxed, sinking back and letting out a sigh. She took the glass of water the Sabre handed her and after a few sips handed it back.

She gestured for the both of them to step closer to the raised dais, her gaze resting first on Lafayette, then the Captain.

Alright, Lafayette, tell me. Did you learn anything at all these last five weeks?

The sharp tone and not so subtle reference to his failure deadened his limbs. The pain in the back of his throat made speaking difficult and he had to swallow before he could force the words out. Parliament will vote to cease all trade and has moved to void the trade agreements we had with them. There is to be an assassination attempt on Your Majesty, and Prime Minister Mercer was nearly assassinated while I was there.

Rona jerked upright and reached a hand out. The Sabre caught and held it. Lafayette cringed, hating the fear that flickered across her face. There was no way to lessen the blow and he saw no reason to dance around the nature of the danger she faced. He was too drained to try and think of a more polite way to explain the situation. If only he could remember the rest of what he’d overheard that night.

General Desroches was found murdered a week ago. Do you know anything about that?

Lafayette paused and reached for his dagger, needing something to do with his hands. It wasn’t there; the Captain had taken it from him last night. Tugging at a loose strand of hair instead, he tried to distract himself from the memories. It had not been a clean death.

He was collaborating with seditionists here in Orandon and backing their efforts in exchange for classified information.

I can confirm that, Your Majesty, Commander Ashmore said to Lafayette’s astonishment. Ambassador Lefévre, is there any news on his murderer?

News? No. Lafayette glanced to his right to see the Galien Ambassador casually leaning against a pillar as if he were simply awaiting a partner at a ball, not discussing murder. He waved an elegant gloved hand in the air. Rumors, speculation, conjectures and accusations certainly, but no news. You’d think the Prime Minister himself had been killed for all the commotion it’s caused. And sadly, I still have no news on the whereabouts of your cousin, Your Majesty.

Thank you for your assistance with this matter, Ambassador. We regret the situation.

Excuse me, Your Majesty, but if the assassination plot is true, we need to make preparations immediately. The Captain spoke up, shifting his weight as he glanced first at Lafayette, then at the Queen.

Lafayette turned to him, needing someone—anyone—to vent his frustration on. Anger sharpened his voice and banished the worst of the exhaustion. "If it’s true? I nearly died to get that information home. And then you cost me hours we could have used preparing with your overzealous need to prove yourself. If you had stopped to listen instead of—"

Now just a moment, you are the one who ran when I said to stop and then attacked me. What was I supposed to think? I can’t take every person’s word who claims to be ‘on the Queen’s business.’ How many times do you think I’ve heard that down at the docks with those shady merchants?

You worked Customs? How did you manage to be promoted to this position? Who in their right mind would let an uneducated dockhand have any say in keeping the Queen herself safe?

I’ll have you know I graduated with honors and I was a lieutenant at the Customs House, not a dockhand! A finger jabbed Lafayette in the chest, rocking him back a step.

Gentlemen, that is quite enough. Rona cut off Lafayette’s retort. We have more pressing matters than assuaging bruised egos. Lafayette, I am relieving you of your post as Spymaster. You will turn over all documents and reports to Commander Ashmore.

Lafayette felt as though someone had just dropped him into ice cold water, the air leaving his lungs in a rush. No, Rona, please let me explain—

Lafayette!

He let his gaze drop to the floor and pressed his lips together. Why would she do this to him?

Rona continued, further damning him. Captain Stanton, Lafayette has no military rank but I wish him to assist you in preventing this plot. Lafayette, you have the choice of either joining Advent Company as a recruit or serving the Captain as his attendant. Either way you will report to him in all things. Now both of you get out of my audience chamber; you are filthy and stink.

Lafayette turned on his heel, not even bothering with a bow, and headed for the door. She wanted to humiliate him like this, fine. He’d only done everything she’d asked. Risked his life for her and she’d thrown it in his face. Even as he thought it, he knew he’d do it again if she asked. He’d do anything to keep her safe. He yanked the door open and found himself face to chest with Calder.

Move it.

Calder didn’t budge. You have to wait for the Captain’s orders.

Calder, I just want to go to my room. Get out of the way.

That’s not how you address someone who outranks you. Mibbs stepped toward him, one hand resting on the pommel of his sword.

You don’t… Realization strangled the words. Calder did outrank him now. Everyone outranked him. He was nothing more than a servant again. Lafayette closed his eyes for a moment, the burning behind them making its way down his throat to his chest.

Just follow orders for once in your life, Calder told him.

I don’t take orders from you or anyone but Rona, and I never will, Lafayette said as he glared up at Calder.

Something slammed into his chest sending him careening backward. His head hit the door with a crack and everything exploded into white.

Chapter 2

Jasper let out the breath he’d been holding, feeling as though he’d just surfaced from a deep dive. His stomach hurt and a headache threatened, pain creeping up along the back of his neck. With a quick bow to the Queen he turned to follow Lafayette out of the chamber.

Jasper, wait a moment.

Jasper paused to let Roderick catch up with him. The Ambassador followed close behind.

Yes, Commander?

Ambassador Lefévre would like a word.

Jasper turned to him and raised his eyebrows as he realized he had to look up to meet the cerulean gaze. That didn’t happen often and it disconcerted him. The blue eyes swept over him in an appraisal that Jasper was uncomfortably familiar with. Whatever Lefévre saw it had him smiling.

What can I do for you? It came out a bit sharper than intended and Jasper watched the elegant eyebrows disappear under gold curls.

I need to speak with Mr. Goddard, but I’m afraid he will be … reluctant.

Jasper crossed his arms over his chest. You want to interrogate him?

Lefévre made a face as if finding something distasteful, No, nothing so drastic. A debriefing, if you will. I just wish to know if while he was in Galey if he heard anything about Lady Merlot.

The Queen’s cousin?

Lefévre nodded, sending blond curls bouncing along his forehead. Yes, Her Majesty asked for my assistance in the matter but I’ve found nothing and it’s been three weeks since she was last seen.

I’m certain if he knows anything he’d be happy to help.

Roderick snorted and shook his head. You don’t know Lafayette.

Jasper started to ask what he meant when something thudded into the doors. He exchanged a look with Roderick and then stepped forward to open them. Lafayette lay crumpled just outside, a pitiful mess of mud-caked rags and tangled hair. Mibbs stood over him while Calder lingered behind and looked on, seemingly disinterested.

What the hell happened here? Jasper said as he knelt next to Lafayette. A quick check revealed him to be unconscious but breathing normally.

He was mouthing off and then just collapsed, Mibbs said with a shrug.

God damn it, Jasper said as he struggled to right the limp form. He tried not to breathe too deeply as the stench from the dungeon rolled over him. He was going to need to change his uniform after this, and Lafayette desperately needed a bath and a change of clothes. Jasper shifted around so he could lift Lafayette, an arm under his shoulders and knees. He got to his feet, surprised to find Lafayette barely weighed more than a large sack of flour. How could someone so small be so much trouble? Perhaps he was a sylph sent by Kitthris to test his worthiness, to judge his competence as a Captain. If so, Jasper was certain he was failing rather miserably. But the gods didn’t do that. Not anymore. If they ever had, despite what the monks in the monastery had to say. Now what to do? He couldn’t just leave him unconscious in the hall: that wouldn’t be the gentlemanly thing to do.

Commander, should I take him to the infirmary?

Roderick shook his head and sighed. No, he’ll be fine. I thought he looked half dead when you brought him in. Take him to the barracks and let him sleep a bit. He’s got a lot of questions to answer when he wakes. I’ll go inform Her Majesty as to what’s happened. Jasper, can you make it back to the barracks without getting lost this time?

Yes, I got here just fine this morning. Jasper could hear the irritation in his voice. Get lost one time and no one ever lets you forget it.

Roderick chuckled and patted his shoulder. Alright, just keep an eye on him. When he wakes up he’s going to be in a fighting mood.

Jasper nodded. He’d been on the receiving end of several blows last night when he’d chased Lafayette down in the garden north of the palace. If it hadn’t been for getting so viciously attacked, he might have listened to Lafayette’s assertions. He had his own questions to ask the former Spymaster. Like when this supposed assassination attempt was going to happen.

If it’s all the same to you, Captain, I’d appreciate you contacting me once he’s awake and lucid. I have other duties to attend to, Lefévre said with a tight smile as he pulled a handkerchief from a pocket and held it over his nose. Please see to it that he bathes before then.



Thankfully Lafayette was light; the barracks were a bit of a walk and Jasper was sweating by the time he laid him on his own bunk. He was going to have to strip his bunk after this. If he wasn’t afraid of waking Lafayette, he’d have stripped him too. Anything to get rid of the torn and filthy pants and the overcoat that stank like a week old shit bucket.

Even smelling and looking as if someone had rolled him through a manure pile there was no denying Lafayette’s striking looks. Long black hair had come loose from its tie and framed the delicate face in loose waves. Dirt smeared across his cheek and forehead only served to accentuate his fine features. Most of the women Jasper knew spent hours applying powder and rouge to achieve the impression they had cheekbones like these. He quashed the urge to reach out and wipe the dirt away.

Instead he took off his coat, which now smelled as bad as Lafayette, and headed for the little room he called an office. Leaving the coat on the back of the wooden chair in front of his desk he went to open the window that looked out at the yard. It would be time to start the morning drills soon. He still had to write his report on what had happened last night. He turned back to the room with a sigh. The small desk barely had room for the typewriter, stack of paperwork and the new atmospheric audial oscillator.

He’d been certain he was going to be dismissed earlier when the Queen had recognized Lafayette. Just thinking about it had his stomach making that same sickening drop. Hearing the concern in her voice and knowing he’d messed up, he’d been ready to accept whatever she decided to do to him. He was no stranger to failure and doing something this stupid shouldn’t have surprised him. Maybe that’s why Lafayette’s words had stung so: they’d been too close to the mark.

But now he had no idea what to do. Pacing the small room, he tried to think. He desperately needed the information from Lafayette, but that meant waking him and dealing with the fallout of the morning’s events. He wasn’t sure he was ready for that. Going to the desk he pulled the manual for the oscillator out from under the typewriter and flipped through it. He still wasn’t quite certain how the contraption worked yet but the men who had installed it had promised him he’d find it indispensable after a while.

He followed the instructions to make sure it was on and turned the dial to the private com channel for Advent Company. So far only the lieutenants had the handheld units. He had one for himself, but usually forgot it in the desk drawer.

He depressed the switch on the side of the transmitter as the manual called it. Lieutenant Anders, it’s Stanton. Will you come to my office please?

Give me ten minutes, Captain, came the static laced reply from the mesh square on the box.

Acknowledged. That was much handier than having to find a cadet to go chase the lieutenant down. He let go of the switch, sank down in his chair and put his head in his hands. They should have promoted Anders. She would have never made this kind of idiotic mistake. Why couldn’t he have just stayed at Customs? He knew everyone there, knew his job, and only had to worry about matching ship manifests and cargo lists, not guarding an entire palace and the Queen.

Anders appeared in the doorway within the promised ten minutes, startling him out of an impromptu nap. She saluted and then jerked her thumb over her shoulder.

Sir … why is the Spymaster asleep on your bunk? And what in Ibis’ ever-lovin’ grace is that smell?

I’ll explain later. Can you please go double the guard at all entrances and cancel all palace tours today?

Of course. You expecting somethin’ to happen?

I sincerely hope not, Jasper said as he got to his feet. He had to brace himself against the desk as a surge of pain shot through his skull and darkened his vision. Maybe he shouldn’t have skipped breakfast and sleep last night. I have it on good authority there may be an assassination attempt.

Anders blinked at him. I’ll double the guard right away. Any other orders, sir?

Jasper shook his head. If you see something that concerns you, take care of it. I have to see to Mr. Goddard. Oh and Anders, tell Calder and Mibbs I wish to see them. They have some explaining to do.

Sir?

They knew I didn’t recognize the Spymaster and let me walk right into that audience chamber like a fool.

I’m sorry, sir. But Mr. Goddard deserved it.

I don’t care what he deserves. I was made to look incompetent and now he’s going to have a grudge against me.

Captain … Mr. Goddard hates everyone.



Rona watched as Commander Ashmore returned, closing the door behind him. She knew him well enough to recognize the look on his face.

What is it? What’s wrong?

Lafayette collapsed. The Captain is seeing to him.

Rona closed her eyes for a moment and gripped the armrests of the throne, forcing down the tight hot ache in her chest. She’d barely recognized Lafayette when he’d entered the chamber with the Captain. She’d never seen him so gaunt and pale, the ratty coat hanging off the already slender frame. She could scarcely believe he’d done as Roderick claimed. It was so unlike Lafayette to shirk his duties. Maybe she had been wrong appointing him as Spymaster. She looked up as a hand was placed on her arm. All she could see was her own reflection in the dark eye pieces of the Sabre’s helmet.

Isa … what did I do to him, sending him on that mission?

You put your faith in him and unfortunately it seems he squandered it.

The far door to the chamber opened again and Percy entered holding a tray. He smiled at her as he walked across the room.

I have your breakfast, Your Majesty.

Wonderful, thank you. The diversion was very welcome. She needed something—anything—to distract her from what had just happened and the disturbing implications.

Percy set the tray on the low table next to the throne. Your meeting with Professor Whitmore is in two hours, Your Majesty.

Oh, yes I sent Beryl to get things ready. And Percy, I want to start a formal letter to the Galien Prime Minister. I don’t know that talking to Ambassador Lefévre is going to be enough at this point. And I want to see those reports from General Stanton again. I want to make certain there is good cause to send more ships to patrol the Pale Coast.

Percy nodded. I will see to it.

She picked at the food. Even though it smelled wonderful, the apples perfectly tender in the pastry, she couldn’t bring herself to eat. The news this morning had unsettled her. Things had been tense with Galey for a few years now but they’d always managed to work through any disagreements. This sudden announcement was going to mean a halt to all the construction currently going on around Kittminster. Without access to the chromite shipments from Galey there was no way to continue making the new steel alloy and without that all production of steel would halt. She sighed and sat back. The next few weeks were going to be nothing but meeting after meeting.

Your Majesty, you need to eat. There is much to be done today.

Rona nodded, trying to smile as Violetta patted her arm. It just … this is rather disturbing news.

I know, dear, but we suspected something like this might happen. Why do you think I suggested letting Commander Ashmore send his own agents as well?

I know, but you saw Lafe. He looked ill and he never drinks. What could have possibly possessed him to get drunk? Besides, the other agents only brought back news of General Desroches’ death—nothing about this plot.

Lafayette might be lying about the plot to try and save face. Rona dear, I know you have a lot of affection for him but you have let it blind you to his indelicate nature. You did the right thing removing him as Spymaster. For his own safety. He’s just too young and inexperienced for this type of thing.

He’s not that young, and Jameson felt he was the right person for the job. Rona picked at the pastry. At times she resented that her aunt was the former Regent. People tended to defer to Violetta when it came to decisions and Rona couldn’t help but wonder if the other nobles still saw her as the carefree princess she’d once been before losing her mother and brother. It did not help that Violetta was more often than not right with her advice.

I know, my dear, but this outrageous behavior couldn’t be ignored. Something had to be done before you started losing the confidence of your officers for keeping him in the position. Remember what we talked about: you cannot show weakness in this matter. Now, try to at least finish that tart and we need to be going. There are more important matters to worry about than the servants.

Your Majesty, I regret that my report has caused you so much distress.

Rona sat back, pushing the plate of food away and looked at Roderick. It’s not your fault he did those things and got himself into trouble. I’m sorry I didn’t listen to your advice sooner, Commander.

Please don’t trouble yourself, Your Majesty. No one could have foreseen this.



Someone was removing his boots. Was it those street rats again, thinking they could steal them off his feet while he slept? He jerked his foot back and then slammed it forward. His heel hit something