43. Keelan

Chapter forty-three

Keelan

" S o, what do you make of the King?" I lay on my cot, staring at the ceiling.

After our initial audience with Alfred, Atikus and I were escorted back to the army encampment and placed in a small tent with two regulars assigned to guard their "guests." Aside from the cots, the tent was empty.

Atikus paced between the beds, the only clear space that allowed more than a stride. "He looked like the stress was starting to get to him. His daughter was kidnapped, his nation's going to war. I can't blame him for being on edge, but there was something more. I could feel it. We're missing something important."

"They weren't telling us the full truth. I didn't need my Gift to sense that."

He nodded. "We've met before, the King and I, though he likely doesn't remember. It was more than twenty years ago. The Arch Mage sent a delegation to Fontaine to offer assistance rebuilding one of their port towns after a hurricane blew everything to pieces."

"I didn't know we had good relations, other than through trade routes."

"We haven't, really, though we have never come to blows either. Velius thought reaching out in a time of need like that might lead us to a better place—show our good faith in building a stronger kinship."

"Did it work?" I asked. "It certainly doesn't look like it lasted very long if it did."

Atikus stopped pacing and sat on the edge of his bunk. "I don't know. The people of Cooper were thankful for our help, but the men around the King were less enthusiastic. It felt as though they were suspicious, waiting for us to make demands in return for our aid."

"What happened afterward?"

Atikus shook his head. "I can't recall anyone even mentioning the visit again."

"That's a shame. Sounds like a missed opportunity."

Atikus was settling into his cot when the tent's flaps flew open, and Commander Paul appeared.

"Hope you gents are well rested. The King would like to see you again."

"That was quick. We've only been back here a few hours." I sat up.

Paul chuckled. "Again, you're asking me to jump into the mind of royalty? I barely understand them half the time, but I know how to follow orders. His Majesty requires your presence. I suggest you not take long to ready yourselves."

Moments later, Commander Paul handed us off to the Royal Guard again. We were surprised when the giant leader of the King's protection force opened the door and stepped back to allow us entry. He followed and took up a position near the table where the King and his son waited.

"Lieutenant, Mage, come and sit. Would you like something to eat? Or a drink, perhaps?" The King's change in tone made Atikus's brows furrow.

"I'd love an ale, Your Majesty," Atikus said.

Alfred nodded to Justin. "And Lieutenant?"

"Uh . . . the same, thank you."

Justin rose and scampered behind the bar, returning a moment later with three ales and a glass brimming with wine. I thought it odd that a prince of the realm would fetch drinks for his father and their guests, but neither the King nor his son appeared nonplussed.

"It is amazing what one can learn when he is King." Alfred swirled his wine, eyeing me over the top of the glass. "You are quite famous on the other side of the mountains, Lieutenant."

"I suppose, Your Majesty. Crime stories sell papers, and I've been fortunate to solve a few. "

Alfred turned to Justin. "Son, that is what modesty looks like. You will not see much of it from the people swarming around our court. Refreshing, is it not?"

Justin met my eyes. "Are you really as good as they say?"

I leaned forward, holding his gaze. "I am, Your Highness."

Justin blanched and stared into his mug.

Alfred turned to Atikus. "And you, Mage, are known to us as well. I believe it has been twenty-two years since your last visit, though. Why have you avoided our hospitality for so long?"

Atikus's brows rose. "Your Majesty, I had no idea you recalled my visit. It was an honor to assist your people in their time of need; though, I had hoped we could have found more opportunities to share with each other. It saddens me to think that our next engagement may be across a battlefield."

Darkness clouded the King's eyes, and his voice strained with each word. "I never dreamed my legacy would include another war."

"It need not," Atikus said.

The King stared into a darkened corner for a long moment before returning to the matters at hand.

"Regardless, I have never forgotten your efforts, Mage Dani. Members of our guild speak highly of you. They say you are an honorable man. "

"I would think so, Your Majesty." Atikus's cheeks reddened slightly.

"Good. Very good." Alfred leaned back and paused a moment. "We need your help, and I have decided to trust you. You may refuse, but if you do, you will be considered prisoners of war and detained until our conflict ends."

Atikus and I gaped at each other, dumbfounded.

The King spoke before we could voice our confusion. "You already know that my daughter and heir, Princess Jessia, was kidnapped some time ago. She and her captors were spotted on the King's Road headed in this direction but have not been seen or heard from since. There have been no demands, and I fear she is being taken to Irina's Seat, following your Healer's path.

"What only a few outside this room know is that my wife, Queen Isabel, also went missing a few days ago. She may have used an amulet to Travel in search of Jess. She and I argued about that option, but she has never been one to follow anyone's advice."

He sat back, shaking his head.

"We cannot discount the possibility that she was also kidnapped. If that is true, we have some serious issues with our personal security, because she would have been taken from the royal caravan in the midst of our army while we traveled here, and I have a hard time believing that theory. Either way, the Queen and Princess are missing. I want you to find them and bring them back to me. Do this, and you will be free—and I will be in your debt."

I was stunned. "Your Majesty, I'm sorry for your daughter and wife. I truly am, but . . . this makes no sense. What would your own Constables think? Your High Sheriff? And . . . you're preparing to invade our country. Your people are riled up. How do you expect anyone to cooperate with an investigation led by two Melucians ? We wouldn't even be able to talk to people without raising suspicion, and I can't recall ever leading a successful investigation without interviewing witnesses."

Breathing quickly, I sat back and ran my hand over my head while I stared at the King.

Alfred leaned forward and spoke deliberately. "The High Sheriff and his men are doing what they can, but some among them have been compromised. I need men . . . independent of political concerns here in the Kingdom."

Atikus reached over, placed a hand on my arm, and spoke into my mind. "Keelan, I know this sounds impossible, but what choice do we have? He'll just throw us in jail until the war's over. I get the impression he doesn't want the war, so we may be able to prevent something terrible. Hear him out."

"Keelan, if you were to agree to the King's investigation, how would you go about it?" Atikus's fatherly tone caused the King's brows to rise, but he remained silent as he sat back .

I paused a moment to gather my thoughts. "Well, I would need all the basic information. Someone who knows the facts would have to let me question them for as long as it took."

Alfred leaned forward again. "What would you need to know? There can be no higher priority for the Crown than finding the Queen and heir."

"What happened? When? Where? Were there any witnesses? Who were they? Where are they now? Was anything found at the location where each was taken? I'll have a hundred other questions once we get into it."

"I can answer most of those questions. Begin," Alfred ordered.

I leaned my head toward Atikus, who said in my mind, "I believe the King just gave you permission to question him."

"Your Majesty, you said the Princess was taken from the road. How long ago was that?"

"Nine days ago."

"Were there any witnesses? Did your teams see anything?"

"Jess ran away with her boyfriend, Danym Wilfred, the High Sheriff's son. One of our teams tracked them from the town of Spoke up the King's Road. There were several units patrolling nearby, so the commander ordered a whistler to mark their location. That spooked the pair, and they fled. Our units searched the area but found no trace of them. They simply vanished. "

No wonder he needs an outsider's help.

My mind reeled at the notion of the High Sheriff's son being involved in the kidnapping of the monarch's daughter. Did that implicate the Sheriff, too? Or other members of the King's Privy Council? Had we stumbled onto a coup-in-the-making?

"Tell me about Danym."

"I barely knew him. Isabel and I did not even know they were seeing each other until a week or so before they disappeared. The pair had been meeting secretly in the woods just outside the Palace grounds." Alfred turned to Justin. "Anything to share?"

Justin cleared his throat, and all eyes turned to him.

"I like Danym. He's funny and smart, and he treats Jess like a queen. Well, she will be—you know what I mean." He fidgeted with his hands.

"Do you know how long they had been meeting in the woods?" I asked.

Justin shot his father a glance, then stared back at his hands.

"Now is not the time to go quiet, Justin. Your sister's life is at stake," Alfred said.

"A little over a year."

The King leaned back so fast he almost tipped his chair backward. "A year ? Are you sure?"

Justin's head rose, and he nodded .

Alfred threw his elbows onto the table and planted his face in his palms in a most un-kingly gesture.

I studied the interplay between father and son without reacting but decided it was time to save the King. He clearly hadn't known his daughter was carrying on behind his back until recently.

"Justin, I need to know everything you can tell me about Danym, including any conversations the Princess may have told you about. Anything, even something small, could be helpful."

Justin started to say something a couple of times but seemed to lose his nerve.

Atikus leaned toward the King. "Your Majesty, I know this is a difficult situation, but perhaps we should let the Prince and Keelan speak alone."

Alfred looked up, but Justin chimed in before he could speak. "That would be great. Perfect. Yes, let's do that."

"Fine. You two go somewhere else while the Mage and I talk." Alfred's tone sharpened as his eyes bore holes through his son. "The Royal Guard goes with you everywhere, understand?"

Justin bolted out of his chair and grabbed me by the arm. "Let's go, Lieutenant, before he changes his mind."

I grunted and gave the King a sympathetic glance as Justin dragged me out of the common room. We were immediately surrounded by guards, all of whom eyed the Prince with curious gazes .

"The Captain is with my father . . . er . . . the King. You are to accompany us . . . to . . . wherever we go." Justin shot me a questioning eye.

I leaned down and whispered, "They work for you. Remember that, and keep your head up. You'll get the hang of this, Your Highness. "

Justin nodded nervously. "I've never struggled to win them over. This whole mess just has me thrown. Besides, second children aren't used to being in charge of anything."

"What was that about holding your head up, soldier?" I grinned. "Now, where to?"

"Why don't we go down by the lake? I'd rather not be overheard talking about . . . you know who ."

"So, while we're walking, why don't we start with how you know who . . . met the other you know who ?"

Justin chuckled, then began recounting memories. "I don't know when they met, just that Jess thought our mother would hate it if she found out. Jess would go riding a lot just to get out of the Palace, so it wasn't a stretch for her to ride into the woods. She and Danym found a clearing where they'd meet and have picnics. She took me there a couple of times."

When we reached the edge of the lake, Justin walked aimlessly along the shoreline, clearly debating how much to tell me, but once he started talking, everything came tumbling out .

He confessed that he did remember when they'd met.

"Try to remember how Jess described it to you," I said. "Just take a breath and play back her words, how she told the story."

Justin nodded. "I'll try."

Long moments passed with nothing but the breeze and the rippling of the lake's surface to break the silence. Suddenly, in a faraway voice, Justin began recounting Jess's tale, beginning with the Queen's birthday ball held every spring, the social occasion of the year for Fontaine's elite.

"Danym didn't want to attend, but his father insisted. How would it look if the son of a Privy Councilor refused to show his face at the Queen's favorite event?

"For most of the night, Danym clung to the walls, desperate to avoid the eyes of the revelers. Most of the women wore ridiculous plumed hats with white or black lace covering their eyes. Hundreds twirled about the floor in their lavish gowns and tailored long coats. The music was loud, and the people were louder, especially as wine and ale flowed freely. The whole thing was a pompous, drunken circus, and he wanted nothing to do with it. That's what he told Jess.

"Then she noticed him."

Justin hesitated, so I asked, "What made her notice him?"

"Jess wore a simple green gown. She refused to plume herself like others strutting about, preferring her traditional diamond-and-ruby tiara with matching earrings and necklace. The evening might've been held in our mother's honor, but I remember how Jess stole the show from the moment she stepped into the ballroom."

"She sounds beautiful," I said.

Justin nodded but didn't shift his gaze from the lake. "Danym later told her his breath caught when he noticed her looking at him.

"Bachelors of all ages assaulted Jess, begging for a dance or a stroll. They always did, but that night, it was like a swarm. She loved the attention but told me she was never sure if they were more interested in her or her crown.

"Danym was so quiet, so shy, openly hiding from the swirling mass of socialites. Her ladies mocked ‘the weird boy in the corner,' but Jess thought awkward shyness was his most endearing trait. She thought he was handsome. Jess talked forever about his wavy hair and grassy eyes."

"Grassy eyes?" I raised a brow and grinned down at the Prince.

"That's what she said." He shrugged, his expression unwavering. "Anyway, she said Danym was staring into his cup when she glided up beside him and commanded him to dance. He looked up and met her eyes. In that gaze, she said she'd found a boy who wanted to know the girl rather than her title.

"They talked for a while, sipping wine at the edge of the ballroom. Jess tired of the constant stream of suitors begging to pull her back onto the dance floor and suggested Danym escort her through the Palace gardens. They strolled for hours.

"Danym's father found them sitting on a bench beside a weeping willow, interrupting their conversation just as it became morning. Jess ran back inside and woke me, breathless as she described the night."

As I listened, I found that Justin wasn't what I had expected of a royal son. He was humble and appeared good-natured, almost shy, but there was also strength and intelligence behind his eyes. His memories were clear and vivid as he replayed his account with the skill of a bard. It was also hard to dislike the Prince, making me wonder if his Gift involved Persuasion or Charisma.

"Did you ever spend time with them?" I asked when Justin fell silent.

"A few times, but they were a lot. Jess turned from a strong future queen into a lovey, giggly girl so sweet my teeth hurt. I could only take so much."

"I bet," I said, unsure how to address a royal case of puppy love. "Tell me about Danym. What's he like? Not what Jess told you, but what you saw when you were together."

He reached down, picked up a flat rock, and skipped it across the lake, then turned to face me. "He's quiet, kind of reserved, but once you get to know him, he can be funny. I like him."

"What else? What kind of things does he like to do? "

"Oh . . . well, being the High Sheriff's son, he gets to train with the Palace's Armsmaster. I only saw him sparring a few times, but he's good. He's fast, too. You can tell that he's great at reading an opponent, anticipating their moves. I think he won a few local tournaments.

"Jess told me about how he wanted to go up into the Spires to get away from the city and just hike or camp. She loved the idea of getting away, but I don't think Her Highness would've loved the camping part."

"Did you ever see him get angry? Did she ever mention anything like that?"

"No, not at all. He really is the nicest guy. I was only with them a few times but never even heard him raise his voice. If he was ever angry with Jess, she would've told me. I'm the one person she tells everything."

Justin resumed meandering along the waterline.

"You two sound pretty close, you and the Princess."

"She's my best friend, always has been."

"What about the rumors that you want to take her place in the succession? I live hundreds of leagues from Fontaine in a different country, and even I've heard those stories."

Justin laughed. "That's always been a joke with us. I don't know where it started, but I've never wanted the throne. Have you seen the life the King has to live? The prison he's trapped inside? With petty little nobles nipping at his heels night and day? I don't want to be some wandering adventurer or anything, but I've never wanted to be King.

"Besides, Mother and Father have been grooming Jess since she was old enough to talk. I think they actually put a tiara on her head as a baby so she could get used to the weight." He grabbed another rock and tossed it into the water. "She's good at it, too, at least the parts she's been allowed to do so far. She sees a bigger picture, and people like her when she's not acting like, you know, a teenage girl." He gave me a wan smile, then turned to continue strolling.

"Did Jess have any enemies? Anyone she mentioned who might want to hurt her?"

Justin's eyes widened. "She's sixteen and hardly ever leaves the Palace. How could she have enemies?"

"Well, how do the people feel about having a queen next, instead of a king like they've had for centuries?"

"Okay, there is that. I guess that's where the rumors about me wanting the throne came from, too. From what Father says, there's a group of people out there who hate the idea of a woman ruling the Kingdom. It all seems stupid to me, but I guess if somebody was angry enough about that, they might want her out of the way."

"And Sheriff Wilfred? What does he think about a woman on the throne?"

Justin spun around to square with me so fast I felt the guards behind me take a step closer. "The High Sheriff? You think he had something to do with this?"

I shrugged. "Do you?"

"Of course not! He's my godfather. He's been one of Father's closest friends since the day he took the throne. He's family ."

"Family that your mother openly dislikes?"

"Mother hates everybody, except Lord Sneak—I mean, the High Chancellor."

I grunted. "Why do you call him Lord Sneak?"

"Please don't tell my father I said that. It's probably not fair. He does a lot for the Kingdom and my parents, but something about him makes my skin crawl. It always has."

"All right. What about the other members of the Council?"

"Until Jess went missing, I never attended Council meetings. I avoid the court as much as possible. Jess would know, though. She knew every tiny secret and enjoyed the games all those people play, even though she said she hated them."

"What about your mother? Anyone want to hurt her?" I asked.

"Only half the Kingdom." Justin laughed. "Mother can be . . . well . . . something. She's strong and stubborn, but what queen isn't? If people knew half of what goes on, especially around the Council table, they'd see her differently. Father's the King, and he makes the final decisions, but he leans on her a lot. I've heard him tell Jess the most important decision she'll ever make is who she chooses to sit on the throne beside her. It's ironic how they tried to choose a husband for her after telling her that."

I let that hang a second before asking, "So, tell me about that. Who did they try to set her up with?"

"I wasn't there for any of it, but Jess told me about it. I've never seen her so angry. That's why she and Danym ran away in the first place. I know Mother and Father had dinner with Jess and three suitors, but she left before she could tell me anything about that night. I tried to find out what happened but couldn't get Mother or Father to tell me anything, either. Mother was in one of her moods, so I stayed out of it."

Justin stopped walking and stared across the lake as he elaborated.

He described the day Jess was introduced to her potential suitors in the Throne Room. She had dressed for the audience, determined to show the Queen that she could rise above, be a monarch, even when she faced a terrible situation. Then Lord Parna had waddled into the room, and her fa?ade had cracked. The arrogant, garish little man was disgusting. He might have commanded Fort Huntcliff and the eastern lands, but immense power couldn't overcome his immense ego .

Then they ushered in Treasurer Dask and General Marks, two of the King's Privy Councilors. When General Marks, whom the royal children called "Uncle Ethan," was introduced as a potential suitor, Jess spiraled into a dark mood that remained until she ran away.

"I can understand why Duke Parna was on the list, but why the Treasurer or General? Any ideas?" I asked.

"You'd have to ask my mother, but I guess she wanted to offer Jess someone familiar. General Marks is a good man—one of the best. Jess might be a hundred years younger, but she wouldn't have to worry about him mistreating her or trying to take her throne. He would make a good King-consort. Treasurer Dask is beyond rich. Mother might have wanted to tie that wealth more closely to the Crown, but that's just my guess."

I switched tracks again. "Did Jess ever mention anything about running away? Where she might want to go if she did?"

Justin rolled his eyes. "She's sixteen. She talked about running away once a week. Nobody took her seriously. I mean, really, she's going to be Queen of the Spires. Who runs away from that?"

I smiled. "You sound like someone else I know who might run from the throne."

"Oh, I'd sure want to, but our family has a duty. It's hard for others to understand, but we believe in that duty. It's sacred. That's drilled into us before we can speak our first words. I still can't believe Jess—"

"So, she never talked about somewhere else she might want to live? Just in a daydream?" I pressed.

Justin thought a moment. "She's been on a few trips with Mother and Father, but I can't remember her ever really mentioning anywhere special. She did talk about Melucia and the border states a few times, but we all talk about stuff like that. I never thought she meant anything by it."

I turned and began walking back toward town, and Justin followed my lead. "We'd better get back before your father thinks I stole you away. Everybody's a bit jumpy these days."

"You can say that again."

"Oh, one more question. Have you ever heard of the Children?"

"Sure. They're the nuts who worship Empress Irina. Their town is just across the lake. They even named the place after her, like she wasn't some evil witch." He pointed across the water toward Irina's Seat. "Tutors mention them when they teach about the Kingdom War, but I don't think I've ever seen one. They're really secretive."

"Sounds about right," I said.

As we reached the inn, we were passed from one group of Protectors to another. I hesitated at the door, but Justin didn't break stride, used to being surrounded by the heavily armed guards. The King and Atikus were talking quietly when we entered.

"Come, sit. Was Justin helpful?" The King motioned to the chair beside Atikus, then looked to his son as if trying to read how our conversation went.

"You have a fine son, Your Majesty. He was most informative."

"Excellent. So, will you help find my wife and daughter?"

I looked to Atikus, then met the King's gaze and bowed. "Of course, Your Majesty. I am a Lieutenant of the Guard. My life is bound in service . . . to whomever may be in need."

The King smiled, then nodded his approval.

All I could do was hope this didn't backfire on us terribly.