“That was a sweet gesture.”
Inside the carriage, I spread my gray travel dress over my legs and tucked the silver mirror into a pocket in my bag. “Connor is the younger brother I always wanted.” My chest felt heavy as I glanced at the house once more, and found four faces peering out of the second-story bedroom overlooking the road. I snapped and thumped my chest, but the carriage jerked into motion before I had a chance to see if they’d noticed the salute.
“You’ve known him a long time.”
“After the One-Night War, a handful of toddlers were taken to the orphanage. Connor and Carl. The third, Ezra, died a few months ago during a mission Patrick sent him on. His older sister was killed, too.” I squeezed the signet ring on a chain around my neck. “I hadn’t wanted them to go. I thought it was too dangerous. But Patrick insisted.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I want him stopped, Sergeant. No matter what anyone thinks about me, I want Patrick Lien stopped.”
As we drove through Hawksbill, I could almost pretend this was an official state visit and something good was about to happen. Not that this was a desperate ploy to halt a war. Not that I was fleeing the Indigo Kingdom where I was unanimously reviled.
At last, we stopped at the main avenue leading out of the district. This was where I’d been arrested after my Liadian residency papers had been discovered as forgeries, and where I’d been revealed as Princess Wilhelmina, thanks to the newly solid wraith boy.
The convoy was almost ready. Bridles clanked and men called orders. Maids scurried from place to place, carrying baskets and boxes. Soldiers checked wheels, hinges, and locks on supply wagons. Indigo banners snapped in the breeze, bearing family crests and House sigils. Hawksbill residents stared out from their windows or doors; some of the ladies gave silk scarves or lace shawls to the soldiers. For luck. For protection, as though they were going to fight the wraith.
“Where will I be?” I asked Sergeant Ferris.
He handed my bag to me, Connor’s mirror peeking out from a pocket. A proper princess would have allowed him to carry it, but the idea of being separated from my emergency supplies—a change of clothes, weapons, rations—made me nauseous.
“The king ordered a wagon for you.” He pointed toward a pale wagon with red trim and wheels, and a flock of ospreys painted under the eaves.
“What a good target it will make when someone wonders if it would be easier to set me on fire than endure my presence on the way to Aecor.”
“Ever the pessimist.” Tobiah’s voice made my stomach drop, and I spun around.
“Your Majesty.” I dipped into a polite curtsy as Tobiah and James emerged from the crowd of nobles saying good-bye. “Come to see off your uncle?”
He glanced toward the fore of the convoy. “Yes, of course. But there was something I needed to discuss with you.”
I straightened my shoulders and lifted my chin. “Yes?”
“Walk with me to your wagon.” He gestured forward, and James and Sergeant Ferris took up their places behind us. “There are two things. First, I’m sending James with you.”
I turned my head so sharply my neck stung. “James?”
Tobiah gave a stiff nod. “Sergeant Ferris will stay here with the Aecorian nobles. He will be their guard.”
I hated when plans changed at the last minute.
As we strode down the avenue, soldiers and maids hurried out of our way. A few bowed or curtsied, but toward Tobiah, who wore a mourning gray suit and nothing to denote his rank. They simply knew.
Several rude looks and little fingers were aimed my way, but I ignored them.
“I have found Sergeant Ferris a more than adequate guard, and I’d hate to deprive you of your cousin,” I said at last. I kept my tone even, but I knew why he’d switched my guard: both the captain and sergeant would spy on me for him, but this way he could keep the Ospreys feeling secure. By leaving them with someone they knew, they’d speak more freely. After all, he’d been my guard. He was a trusted figure, as far as members of the Indigo Order went.
Tobiah eyed me askance. “Captain Rayner is an officer in the Indigo Order. His duty is to go where he’s needed.”
“I appreciate the consideration. I know Captain Rayner is valuable to you.” The question was, what was he looking for? What more did he think I would do, surrounded by enemies?
“In here, Your Highness.” Tobiah opened the door to my wagon. “You’ll find your belongings in order, I think.”
I hesitated. “I was brought to the Indigo Kingdom imprisoned in a wagon. I wouldn’t like to return to Aecor in the same manner, no matter how fine the accommodations.”
“I thought you might feel that way.” Tobiah waved to James, who vanished around the other side of the wagon. A moment later, he returned with a familiar chestnut horse, already saddled. “I had him brought in from West Pass Watch.”