Chapter Twenty-Nine

T he journey back to Lucinne passed in a blur for Evienne; she could barely keep her eyes open. Expending so much power always took a physical toll.

When they returned to the palace, medics were on hand to treat any minor injuries the delegations had suffered in their flight back to the station. Thankfully no one other than the town guards and Orion had been seriously injured.

“What happened out there?” Orion’s voice was full of confusion and disbelief, but not reproach. They had made their way back to his room in the guest wing as quickly as possible when they arrived in Lucinne. Evienne knew she didn’t have long before she would need to seek out an audience with the queens to give her report of what had occurred. The attack had been unexpected and was certain to have everyone on edge.

“You remember I told you about how I sometimes see other people’s memories?” Evienne began. Orion nodded, but Evienne hesitated.

“You know I’ll believe you, love,” Orion took her face gently in his hand and turned her toward him. The certainty she felt in her soul at his statement was…a revelation. It took her breath away.

“Yes,” she said, surprised at her own soul-deep surety. “I do know that.”

Orion nodded, placing a kiss on her temple and pulling her close.

“Well, a few times it hasn’t been memories at all; it’s been similar to what happened today. It’s as if…” she trailed off, afraid to give voice to the words that had haunted her since that first time in the alley with Cecelia.

“It’s as if I’ve stolen the life right out of someone,” she said, barely a whisper. “Like I’ve taken hold of every moment remaining in their life and yanked it away until all that’s left is dust.”

Orion considered what she had said, his thumbs tracing circles gently on her shoulders where he still held her.

“Moments. You said moments when describing the way this has manifested,” he said finally.

“Yes, I suppose I did,” Evienne answered. “That’s what it feels like,” she continued. “Like I can walk through the seconds of people’s lives when I see their memories, or simply rip them away like I did this afternoon.”

“You have time magic,” Orion whispered, a look of realization on his face.

Evienne was silent, the words sinking into her spirit. She had known intuitively, of course, but hadn’t let herself look closely enough at what had happened to name it.

“I have time magic,” she echoed. “I didn’t think it was real; did you know it was real?”

“It comes up in fables about the Contrapensae and mythological texts every so often, but I don’t know of any recent historical accounts that mention it,” Orion answered.

“Alright, time magic, then. That’s… something,” Evienne struggled to adjust to the reality that she harbored some sort of rare, deadly magic.

She knew her blood magic was dangerous, but she had rules and other mages to keep her accountable in how she used it. The knowledge of this secret magic she contained and the implications of its power weighed on her heart.

“I have to go give my report to the queens. We can only hope the news of your shifting didn’t make it back to them,” Evienne said, pulling the pieces of herself back together. If they were going to get anywhere with their investigation, all needed to appear normal for as long as possible, and that meant giving her report, not lingering here with her lover.

Orion kissed her again. “We’ll figure it out together, alright? Thank you for telling me,” he said, taking her hand and giving it a soft squeeze. She nodded and turned toward the door.

·

T he queens’ sitting room, which usually felt so warm and familiar, today felt uncanny. Evienne supposed her suspicions about Ichorna’s relationship with their northern neighbors had cast an uneasy light on her usually comfortable existence here.

Evienne didn’t have to wait long before the heavy wooden door swung open, and Léhiona, always the first to their meetings, glided into the room.

Even she, usually so soft and warm, had an air of worry and tension about her today. The attack had clearly shaken her.

“Evi, are you alright?” Léhiona asked, breathless, as she moved swiftly to Evienne’s side at the center of the room.

“Yes, I’m fine. Is all well with you?” She answered, taking her friend’s hand. It trembled slightly, and Evienne glanced down, taking in the sight of Léhiona’s tattooed wedding band and letting the chill of her friend’s hand seep into the warmth of her own.

“I suppose so, yes,” Léhiona answered softly. “Though I worry that all our guests do not feel safe here now.”

Evienne nodded in understanding, giving her friend’s hand a light squeeze.

The door opened again, and the crisp click of Aldith’s heeled shoes sounded through the room as she strode over to them.

“Evienne, I’m glad to see you unharmed,” she said, voice even.

“Thank you, your majesty. I am here to give my report on the attack in Brunoy,” Evienne said, her professional persona taking over.

Aldith nodded, her expression encouraging Evienne to begin her report.

She began recounting the events, focusing on concrete details and providing her assessment of how the guards and Sangviere handled the attack. She left out the part about Orion shifting during battle; she wasn’t sure what the queens’ response would be, and she preferred to avoid provoking their suspicions as long as possible. She said only that Orion had been injured in the attack, but would make a full recovery.

“Do you have any idea how the Gevaud were able to approach without earlier detection?” Aldith asked, always the pragmatist.

“I do not currently have any theories; only that I assume they are becoming more strategic in avoiding detection from our watchpoints,” Evienne offered.

Aldith considered this, her face creasing with worry. “I see. What do you suggest as preventative measures to avoid a repeat attack?”

“Additional temporary lookouts, for the time being,” Evienne answered. “Until we understand their motives for attack, vigilance is our only defense.”

“I am aware that efforts to determine their motive and origin have been, as of yet, unfruitful, but I would like us to redouble our efforts. We need to understand our enemy, and this unexpected attack would suggest they’re not just the mindless brutes we’ve always thought,” Aldith said, pacing her usual route across the center of the room.

“I understand; I will lead the investigation myself,” Evienne answered.

“No, you must remain focused on your current task monitoring the Beitarans. We’ll have Dominique handle the investigation. Have you managed to learn anything about the Beitarans’ motives for being here?” Aldith asked, her dismissal clear. Evienne chafed at the thought of Dominique taking over where she had been unable to make progress.

“Beyond the Professor’s desire to access our library for his research, I’ve not seen anything that would indicate an ulterior motive,” Evienne said, the lie rolling off her tongue easily in the wake of Aldith’s brusque demand for information and casual mention of Evienne’s former wife.

Aldith considered, and Evienne added, “I will continue to ingratiate myself with them in order to learn more.”

“And do you, Evienne, think me a fool?” Aldith asked, her tone now icy.

“Your majesty?” Evienne cast a glance at Léhiona, who was staring off into space, clearly not engaged with the conversation.

“There were reports of a snow leopard at the confrontation today. Were you planning to mention that, or did you think it unworthy of discussion?”

Evienne began to answer, but Aldith cut her off. “Don’t answer that. I have also heard reports of your nighttime escapades with Professor Doehlan. I take no issue with you seeking your pleasure, Evienne, especially when it is a means to an end. But see that your efforts produce the information we need. I will not have you keeping things from me. This will be your only warning.”

She turned to Léhiona then.

“Come, my love, we should prepare for this evening’s events,” Aldith said, taking Léhiona’s hand. Evienne noticed her absently running her thumb over Léhiona’s tattooed wedding band. A similar one marked Aldith’s left ring finger.

Evienne bowed to the queens as they took their leave, and as she raised her head, she caught Léhiona looking back over her shoulder, worry lining her face.