The Scrivener's Tale #1

TWENTY-TWO

Florentyna had allowed her maids to dress her while she hid her flustered state of mind behind an expressionless mask. When her head dresser had suggested the dark green gown — ‘because it sets off your eyes so beautifully, majesty’ — Florentyna had mumbled that she didn’t mind what she was attired in.
The reality of having to face Darcelle with the news of their stepmother was now feeling like the heaviest of burdens.
Florentyna blinked. ‘Pardon?’ she said, realising Sharley had spoken to her.
‘Are you all right, majesty?’
‘Yes, I am. Please don’t worry. I’m thinking about this evening and how we’re going to get through it without showing the scars of Morgravia’s troubles.’
Sharley smiled with relief. ‘I stole a glimpse of King Tamas and Princess Darcelle when they arrived, your majesty. He is such a handsome man. I thought he was going to be old and …’ The queen looked at her in query. ‘Well, I thought when they said he was into his fourth decade that he’d be —’
‘Hobbling? Withered? Hard of hearing?’
Sharley giggled. ‘Forgive me, majesty. I did think it sounded old, but King Tamas is the talk of the palace. Emmy says she’d let him keep his slippers under her bed any time.’
The queen gave a mock gasp, smiling. ‘Shame on Emmy.’ It was true; Tamas was a fine-looking man, far more impressive than she’d imagined. She sighed. Did Darcelle truly grasp that she had everything in life, and still with so much to look forward to?
‘They looked very much in love,’ Sharley continued. ‘I feel sure the love and affections of her betrothed will get the princess through this difficult time.’
‘I think you’re right,’ Florentyna replied, realising Burrage must have briefed her closest staff on the demise of the dowager. ‘Forgive me, did you ask me something before?’
‘I suggested your great-grandmother’s emeralds. May I fetch them from the vault?’
She nodded. Burrage would have to oversee that too.
‘Sharley?’
‘Yes, majesty,’ her maid said, turning.
‘Send a runner to my sister’s rooms. Have her meet me in my solar shortly and have Chancellor Burrage send Master Cassien to the solar as well.’
‘Master Cassien?’
‘He will know,’ she said and turned back to the mirror, pretending to admire herself but not seeing anything, other than her sister’s histrionics and knowing she needed an ally. Cassien would give her strength.
Chancellor Burrage glanced at him, but Cassien pretended not to notice. He had been surprised to be summoned so soon after his meeting with the queen. Darcelle was yet to arrive, so the three of them stood in the difficult silence of people who shared the knowledge that an unpleasant exchange was about to take place.
‘Are you sure this is the right time, majesty?’ Burrage ventured, almost whispering.
‘I told you, I cannot get through this evening with the dowager’s death constraining my every breath — as it will when I’m around Darcelle. I managed the formal greeting this afternoon, but if I withhold this news any longer she will interpret it as a betrayal rather than a kindness. And before you find another way to repeat it, Burrage, I know it will ruin her evening and probably the whole time that Tamas is here, but even Darcelle has to learn that life is rarely neat and tidy, and very often cruel. She has Tamas to comfort her and she has a new life beckoning to look forward to. I feel sympathy but I can’t keep shielding her from every one of life’s knocks.’
Cassien thought she sounded stilted, as though trying to convince herself of the truth of what she was saying, but he believed she was right in not postponing the confrontation. He’d caught his breath when he’d laid eyes on her in even more finery than this afternoon; from the top of her head to the tips of her toes, she was all queen tonight. A vision in silk and jewels, though he suspected she laid no store by it. Her hair had been pinned up to reveal her long, elegant neck and angular shoulders, and she wore a dress the colour of the forest. Once again she could not hide her thin frame and yet there was an elegance and quiet beauty to her gauntness. The magnificent necklace of shimmering emeralds seemed to pick out the flames from the fireplace and reflect their glow, complementing her exquisite gown and showing off her dark green eyes to their best effect. Simply, the queen was stunning.
Darcelle didn’t knock. She arrived in the room in a swish of silk. Cassien blinked as a froth of buttery ivory — like freshly clotted cream — billowed and was finally still within the queen’s private office. The younger sister was undeniably pretty, but in a loud, extravagant manner. Her dark golden hair flowed free and her blue eyes sparkled with indignation that made her pink-stained lips look tight. Her cheeks were glazed to achieve the smooth appearance of porcelain. He’d first seen it in Orkyld on a noblewoman and then again on the dead face of the dowager. Ham had explained that some women used egg white painted on their skin to achieve that appearance. Darcelle had followed in her stepmother’s footsteps, but had added to her cheeks a soft smudge of pink over the glaze. He had to admit that her face paint achieved a look of pale perfection heightened with the blush of ‘girlhood’, but to his eyes she looked doll-like and fake. Her sister wore none of the paint, but he’d noticed Florentyna had been blessed with a flawless complexion and a natural blush to her cheeks.
The stiff silk of Darcelle’s gown all but crackled in sympathetic anger as she ignored the men to address the queen. ‘Florentyna, are you barking mad summoning me now when —’
Darcelle’s complaint died in her throat when she noticed the stranger in the corner.
‘Darcelle,’ Florentyna said, wearily, ‘this is Cassien. He is my new champion.’
Cassien felt the cool gaze wash over him like a shower of rain. Her expression took on one of slight bemusement as she appraised him.
‘Oh? You don’t look like Florentyna’s usual choice. She prefers to surround herself with older men,’ Darcelle said, not even looking Burrage’s way, but Cassien was aware of the chancellor pursing his lips. ‘What, may I ask, has happened to the very dour Felyx?’ she said, not quite hiding the sneer.
Florentyna took a patient breath. ‘Felyx is dead, dear one.’ Her voice was even he noticed and he felt a spike of pride for her.
Darcelle looked at her sister properly for the first time since arriving. ‘Dead? That’s unfortunate. Good gracious, sister. Where did you drag that ensemble from?’
Florentyna blinked in shock.
‘Don’t get me wrong. I approve. It’s gorgeous. You look … well, you look …’
‘Fit for a queen?’ Florentyna offered tightly.
‘You do. Don’t sound so surprised.’
‘I’m not the one who is surprised, Darcelle. I would suggest you’re the one with the shocked expression. Did you not think me capable?’ Florentyna replied, sweetening her tone.
‘I’m not used to seeing you dressed so sumptuously. Normally you’d be …’ She didn’t finish.
Florentyna looked down, Cassien noticed, but then she raised her gaze. ‘This is a formal occasion,’ she countered.
Darcelle’s voice took on a slight whine. ‘Yes, but one would think you were the one celebrating her engagement. I could quite convince myself that you are trying to upstage me, sister.’ Then Darcelle tittered as though such an idea was ludicrous.
No-one smiled.
Florentyna sighed. ‘Did you absorb what I said? Felyx is dead.’
‘An accident, I suppose? I barely knew him — please don’t ask me to don mourning garb on his behalf,’ Darcelle replied, returning her gaze to Cassien. ‘If you’re looking for my approval of his replacement, you have it. Good evening, Cassien.’ She held out her hand and Cassien could see how much Darcelle was annoying her sister with her careless baiting. Nevertheless, he bent over the slim, perfectly manicured hand and barely touched his lips to it.
‘Your highness,’ he murmured.
She smiled at him and he saw only flirtatiousness in her expression; her slightly hungry gaze left him colder than he’d felt at her arrival.
‘Darcelle!’
‘Yes, Florentyna,’ she said, only just preventing herself from snapping. ‘Hurry up and tell me what I’m doing here. You are aware that I’m about to show off my husband and entertain forty or so guests at his welcome feast.’
‘He’s not your husband … yet, and I believe I rather than you, am the host this evening,’ Florentyna replied. A firm tone had crept into the queen’s voice. ‘The guests are mine. You merely have to look pretty, which is not hard for you. I am very aware of what you’re facing, which makes it all the more hard for me to tell you what I have to. But I cannot keep this from you.’
Darcelle bristled at her sister’s initial admonishment but then her expression clouded. ‘What are you talking about? What do you have to tell me?’
Florentyna cleared her throat. ‘Darcelle,’ she began taking a step toward the princess, ‘I’m so sorry, but I have to tell you that Saria is dead.’
At first Darcelle didn’t look as though she’d heard the queen properly, frowning at her while she turned the words spoken over in her mind. Then her mouth moved and they barely heard her murmur, although Cassien could lip read. She repeated it. ‘Dead?’
And then Florentyna was upon her, opening up her arms. ‘Oh dearest, I needed to tell you before —’
Darcelle pushed her rudely aside. ‘Dead? What do you mean?’ she shrieked.
Florentyna didn’t show any offence but continued calmly. ‘There is no way to say this and make it easier on you. So here’s the truth … the facts. She was killed yesterday morning … and very nearly so was I. The —’
‘Killed!’ Darcelle hissed, her voice breaking.
Burrage had obviously decided this was the moment for him to join in. ‘Your highness,’ he said, trying to exude calm, ‘the dowager was inadvertently caught up in an attempt on Queen Florentyna’s life. Assassins descended on Rittylworth Monastery and killed not only your stepmother, but Felyx, as well as the soldiers guarding her majesty. They almost achieved what they’d set out to do, which was to murder the queen,’ he said.
Darcelle looked between them and Cassien was struck by how suddenly composed she appeared. He frowned, staying in the shadows. The others seemed to be ready to ignore her behaviour and just hang on her words. No doubt the queen was simply relieved the truth was out. ‘Why were you at Rittylworth?’ Darcelle demanded.
‘I had gone to see our stepmother,’ Florentyna replied.
‘Why?’
‘About your wedding. I wanted her to be a part of it. I wanted to offer her a hand of peace.’
Darcelle gave a smirk. ‘You?’
Florentyna showed no offence. ‘Yes. I was offering her the opportunity to leave the monastery early, help you to prepare for your special day, witness your marriage and be able to share in your life beyond it. It is what she wanted. And I know it is what you wanted.’ She shook her head. ‘I wanted you to be happy and I knew that Saria and I finding some common ground would help you to start your life afresh, with no familial burdens.’
Darcelle seemed to ignore her sister’s gentle and generous offering of peace. ‘You tried to bribe her?’
Cassien was astonished but remained silent, stepping back deeper into the chamber’s shadows, well away from the glow of the flames.
‘What were you offering her?’ the princess demanded.
‘The chance to go to Cipres with —’
‘And get rid of the thorn in your side?’
Florentyna regarded her sister. She stood unnaturally still as she did so. In the space of her pause, Cassien felt the atmosphere in the queen’s solar turn frigid. ‘You forget I had already rid myself of that thorn.’
‘But she had nearly completed her mourning! She was on the brink of release from Rittylworth.’
‘What is your point?’ Florentyna asked, frowning.
‘You had her killed, didn’t you?’
‘What?’ the queen and Burrage said as one. Florentyna threw him a sharp look. ‘Darcelle, listen to me now, you silly child. I have been lenient with you because this is an emotional time and no bride-to-be should learn of the death of someone she loves on the brink of betrothal festivities. However, I will no longer tolerate your attitude. You risked my anger only a day or so ago and I forgave you. No longer! I’ll ask you to remember whom you address right now. Your queen, and she commands you to beware of that sharp tongue of yours. It may cut too deep and it might not be me who bleeds. I told you I would give you the facts. Here they are.
‘Saria died as I was trying to keep her safe from attackers. We had no idea what was underway other than a hail of arrows that felled Felyx and another soldier as our party arrived into Rittylworth. We couldn’t risk the dowager being kidnapped, or her life being put in danger if she was used as a bargaining tool, so in the little time we had we came up with a plan to get Saria and myself away from the monastery over the hills on foot. It nearly worked. Two other loyal men died trying to keep our stepmother and myself safe. I had to watch a brave guard die in front of me and Saria was cut down cruelly and unnecessarily. I held her as she died and her final words were ones of love … for you and for our father. It only took a few moments for me to understand just how much she loved you both. She died courageously, determined I should prevail. If not for Cassien, Hubbard would have defied her dying wish.’
Cassien saw it. Had the others? The flare of recognition. Darcelle had schooled her features within a blink, but he’d seen it: she knew the name Hubbard. He was sure. She was looking at him now and he pasted on a blank expression that revealed nothing of what he suspected.
‘You saved my sister?’
He nodded.
‘How did you know?’
He squinted slightly. ‘Know that she would be attacked?’
Darcelle nodded.
‘I didn’t, your highness. I happened along,’ he said carefully.
‘Blind luck. Not in time to save Saria, although every fibre of my being wishes it different,’ Florentyna impressed, searching Darcelle’s face as she reached for her hands and took them. ‘I don’t know why this happened but I will get to the bottom of it … if just for Saria’s sake. Someone knows something. This man was not sent by anyone with a shallow purse. He had been promised wealth for my head.’
Cassien could see Florentyna was having very little impact on her sister, whose expression had become unreadable.
‘What happened to him?’
‘Who?’
‘Hubbard.’
Cassien was impressed that she remembered the detail of his name amidst the emotional turmoil … it was all the more obvious that she already knew it.
‘Cassien killed him,’ the queen replied.
Darcelle flicked a gaze around the three of them. ‘So you didn’t learn who was behind this attack?’
Florentyna shook her head. ‘No. More’s the pity. He was never going to allow himself to be taken alive. He mocked us.’
Burrage moved to practicalities. ‘Your highness,’ he said, addressing Darcelle. ‘We must look out for your safety too. A special guard has been organised for yourself and King Tamas.’
‘Tamas,’ Darcelle whispered. ‘He was so looking forward to meeting Saria. I can’t believe this has happened.’ Cassien heard the false concern. Did the others hear it too?
‘We’re all trying to come to terms with it,’ Florentyna said gently. ‘I felt you needed to know this now, in spite of the upset it causes you. Now is exactly the time when you must show yourself to be strong in the fashion of our forebears.’
They were rallying words but to Cassien, Darcelle looked unimpressed. She licked her lips and looked far from crushed by grief.
‘I will be fine,’ Darcelle insisted, sounding to her sister as though she was already rallying. ‘We must cancel this evening.’
‘Surely not …’ Florentyna said, her voice trailing off with indecision. ‘Is that your wish … truly?’
Darcelle nodded. ‘It is. I wish to grieve. I need some time alone, maybe a quiet supper with Tamas. Will you forgive me?’
‘Oh, my darling,’ Florentyna said and swept her sibling into her long arms, wrapping them around her to protect and console. ‘Of course, whatever you want.’ She looked over Darcelle’s golden head to where Burrage stood by. She nodded at him. ‘Make our apologies. Everyone is to eat and enjoy the food and wine that the palace has prepared, but we should cancel the entertainment. Those coming will understand that our family is grieving.’
Burrage nodded and left the room, glancing at Cassien. Perhaps he expected him to leave as well, but Cassien was going nowhere.
Darcelle sniffed. He could see her cheeks were wet as she pulled away from the queen. ‘Is my mother here?’
‘She’s lying in the chapel, darling. She looks very peaceful.’
‘That is where I should be. I will mourn her this night and tomorrow I will be ready to face our guests.’
Florentyna shook her head and smiled. ‘Shar, but I’m so proud of you. I didn’t want to make any decision without you, but this is the right one. Tamas will understand too. Would you like to tell him or do you need me to do so?’
‘I can tell him. He can sit with me in the chapel for a while.’
‘Would you like any other company …’ Florentyna asked softly, tentatively.
Darcelle shook her head, weeping slightly harder. Cassien wasn’t feeling proud of himself for being so cynical, but he heard only empty tears. He had no doubt that Darcelle was sad at the loss of Saria. He was also certain this was a charade — an act for the sake of Florentyna.
‘I must change into mourning clothes,’ Darcelle whimpered.
Florentyna nodded. ‘Just for tonight, dear one. Then I would like to see you in your finery looking splendid for Tamas. Listen to me now,’ she said, putting an arm around her sister’s shoulder. ‘Saria wanted you to be joyful. You owe it to her to fulfil that wish. You must continue with your marriage arrangements and permit yourself to be happy.’
‘But what will everyone think of me?’
Florentyna gave a scoffing sound. ‘As far as the rest of the empire is concerned, the dowager willingly took herself off to Rittylworth to mourn the passing of her beloved king and husband. She has been out of sight for long enough that she has slipped from the tongues of the gossips and from the minds of most. I will make an announcement and I know everyone will understand why we do not have some days of mourning, given the distance that Tamas has travelled to present himself at our court.
‘There will be time for mourning when you’re married — it’s how she would want it. We must ensure Tamas has a special time here with you and that the people of Morgravia and those who have travelled from Briavel and from the mountain regions can also celebrate with you.’ She smiled. ‘You must not allow anything to dissuade you that you are not behaving entirely as I consider appropriate. If anyone wants to complain — they can come and present themselves to me. All right?’
Cassien watched Darcelle give a wan smile before nodding. ‘I’ll be ready for the picnic tomorrow.’
Florentyna kissed her head. ‘That’s the spirit.’
Darcelle made to leave and then turned back. ‘What are you going to do about the attack? I mean, do you think whoever is behind this will stop?’
The queen shrugged a shoulder. ‘I doubt it. But that’s why Burrage is having everything that passes my lips tasted first …’ Darcelle opened her mouth with astonishment ‘… and why Cassien will shadow my every move from now on.’ Darcelle flicked him a burning gaze. ‘I will just have to be very mindful until my enemy is discovered.’
Darcelle’s eyes fluttered for moment. ‘So you still plan to hunt him down.’
Cassien pushed off from the wall. ‘He or she,’ he said quietly.
He watched her swallow beneath his gaze. She turned back to her sister. ‘Where do you begin? Do you have any clues? We’re safe in Stoneheart, surely?’
‘That’s just it. I believe the danger comes from within.’
Cassien wished the queen had not played this card. Nevertheless, he was intrigued to see Darcelle visibly pale and raise a trembling hand to her forehead as though suddenly overcome.
‘I will be in the chapel if you need me,’ she said.
Cassien bowed as the princess lifted her silk gown a fraction and rustled out of the solar.
When she’d gone, he watched Florentyna take a deep breath, her hand placed against her belly as if to steady its churn.
‘Can I get you a water, majesty?’
She smiled bleakly. ‘No, I’ll be fine. I’m just sad it took death to remind me just how much I love Darcelle. She’s all I have left. We argued before I left for Rittylworth. It was the most unpleasant exchange I’ve ever experienced and it was over Saria, of course. I don’t want to ever see my sister look at me that way again and I don’t ever want to feel such loathing for her attitude either. Saria’s passing has forced me to forgive.’
Cassien nodded, kept his own counsel on his suspicions for now. ‘Majesty, I realise that this event has caused anxiety and upheaval for everyone, but may I urge you not to lose sight of the bigger threat. We need to be ever-watchful.’
‘Yes, I understand. I had better go and make personal apologies to Tamas.’
‘Forgive me if I’m overstepping my place, majesty, but how are you holding up?’
She gave him a smile and sighed. ‘I’ve read the history books that spoke of my great-grandmother’s heroics in her time. I’m keeping in mind that she must have been terribly frightened, but she never once compromised her position. I will take heart from that.’ Then she added quietly. ‘Besides, I have you now.’