Allegiance (17 page)

“She's not here. The enemy infiltrated the palace, managing to place a young Cokyrian woman in the position of Miranna's personal maid. By the time we had reason to be suspicious, the princess had been lured into a trap and was taken. We believe her to be alive and held in Cokyri.”

London's face went pale, and he stared at Cannan with a mixture of frustration and alarm.

“Why were you keeping this from me? And what plans have been made to rescue her?”

Destari moved forward in response to his friend's agitated state, probably to ensure he didn't bound from the bed and reinjure himself, but it was Cannan who replied.

“We're waiting to receive the enemy's demands. They had ample opportunity to kill her if that had been their intention, so I do not believe her life is in jeopardy. They took her for a reason, which they will make known in due time.”

“There are far worse fates than death,” London spat, his eyes flashing. “Do you not know whose hands she is in?”

The almost imperceptible clenching of the captain's jaw told me that whatever was in London's mind had already occurred to him.

“I'm going back to Cokyri,” London declared, trying to push himself into a full sitting position with his right arm.

“You can't, London,” Destari countered, gripping his friend's shoulder in restraint. “Don't even suggest it. This is the reason we didn't tell you. We knew the moment you found out that you'd no longer care about your own well-being. And we need you healthy. There is more at stake here than just Miranna's life.”

London scowled at Destari, then dropped back on the pillows as if grudgingly admitting the other man's point.

“How long has it been?” he asked.

Cannan supplied the answer. “Eighteen days.”

London flinched as though this had been a physical blow. “With no word from Cokyri?”

Silence was the only response needed.

“They will soon communicate with us,” London asserted, “for their military is now prepared to back up their demands. Regardless of my recovery, you will need me at
that point.” Then something else came to him. “Where is Halias?”

“He's confined to quarters,” the captain responded. “He has not handled this situation well.”

“I want to talk to him.”

“That can be arranged.” Cannan's voice contained the hope we all felt that London would be able to reach Halias through his layers of irrational guilt.

With nothing more to be said, Cannan turned on his heel and departed, leaving his deputy captains to stare at each other, London obviously still irritated for having been kept in the dark.

“It is my decision as to when I will be able to go to Cokyri,” he stiffly informed Destari.

“No, it is the captain's,” Destari responded, refusing to yield ground.

London glared at him. “Just leave me.”

Destari shook his head, then threw his hands in the air and left the room, the weight of his footfalls revealing his mind-set. I stared uncomfortably at my hands, struggling to decide whether I should remain or likewise exit, and what to say in any case.

“Should I stay?” I asked.

London was tense and brooding, and the fact that I was facing his profile told me he would probably prefer that I did not. His next words, though polite, confirmed my assessment.

“If you wish to stay, you may, but I warn you, I am not feeling conversational.”

I nodded, though he wasn't looking at me, and moved toward the door.

“Alera?” His voice arrested me, and I turned to see that
horrible sympathy finally present in his eyes. “I'm sorry. But I promise you, I will find a way to bring her home.”

Again I nodded, tears stinging my eyes, and I rushed into the corridor where Destari waited for me, wanting to believe London, but not quite able to do so.

LONDON CONTINUED TO HEAL OVER THE NEXT week, regaining almost full use of his left arm. Though it was tender, he could move it normally and flex his fingers; he was also on his feet the majority of the time, too restless to stay in bed. This was to the astonishment of all, Bhadran especially. Indeed, the dignified doctor seemed almost annoyed by London's unprecedented recovery, probably because the Elite Guard had yet again proved him wrong.

While London's improvement was good news, Cokyri's continuing silence was difficult to bear. I had begun to doubt Cannan's judgment that they would offer terms, for if they planned to do so, why were they waiting so long? Still, everyone to whom I spoke—Destari, Steldor, Galen, London, the captain himself—assured me this was how the Cokyrians operated; they wanted to have us so desperate for word that when they came forth, we'd accept any conditions they presented.

I went to see London every day, for he was not permitted to leave his sickroom. In between visits, I began to reinte
grate myself into palace life, finding my way to my drawing room every morning and resuming my duties. The household staff with whom I met behaved awkwardly around me at first, but quickly realized that I desired to return to a normal schedule and so acted accordingly.

As cooler September weather arrived to chase the last remnants of summer away, I finally plunged into the daunting task of catching up on my correspondence. I had been at work in my drawing room for nearly two hours, seated at my desk with quill in hand, the stack of letters seeming never to diminish, when there was a knock on the door. Before I could answer, Destari strode into the room.

“Your Highness, you must come with me to your quarters immediately. Captain's orders.”

I stood, perplexed by the directive, then went with him into the corridor to discover that two additional guards awaited me.

“What is the meaning of this?” I inquired.

“I'll explain when you are safe in your rooms,” Destari responded, guiding me toward the Grand Staircase.

We climbed to the second floor, my apprehension growing with every step and with every moment of my bodyguard's silence. When we reached our destination, the Palace Guards remained in the corridor while Destari and I entered my parlor. When the door had closed behind us, I faced him, thinking that the only other time I had been told to take such action was when the message had come that the High Priestess desired an audience. Had contact at last been made by the Cokyrians?

“Tell me now,” I demanded.

“One of our soldiers on patrol at the bridge has brought word that a Cokyrian is on her way to speak to the King.”

Light-headed, I sank onto the leather sofa. Kitten jumped
up to join me, rubbing his tiny body against my hand, seeking attention that I was not alert enough to give.

“So this is it? We'll finally know the reason they took Miranna?”

“Most likely,” Destari said, and it seemed for a moment that there was more he wished to impart, perhaps words of reassurance, but he did not speak again. Now that the time had come, it was hard to have confidence in promises that had been made before.

An hour painstakingly passed. Destari remained by the hearth, occasionally stirring the fire, while I alternately examined my hands and the rug beneath my feet. A loud knock startled me, and I looked to my bodyguard, suddenly not ready to hear the news the person behind the door carried, for these could be the last seconds I would call myself a sister.

“It's too soon…” Destari muttered, moving to the door to open it, and I stood to see Cannan cross the threshold.

“Your Majesty, we have an unusual situation.”

I took a few steps toward him, trying to steady my shaking hands as I waited for him to elaborate. He did not look as if he bore bad tidings. But still, why would he personally come to see me?

“The Cokyrian messenger has arrived and demands to see the Queen. She says her message is for you alone, and that she will relay it to no one else. She has informed us that she has but three hours to return to her encampment on the other side of the river, or the Cokyrians will assume that we have no interest in communicating.”

“
I
must speak with her?”

“Yes, and it must be soon. You will meet her in the Throne Room. I will be there, along with Steldor and numerous other guards, but the message will come directly to
you. I can't say for certain what it will be, but I believe that the Cokyrian comes to arrange a time and place for negotiation. All you
must
do is hear the message—Steldor and I can take over from there. However, if you can manage more, it might be best if our response comes from you. If she suggests a meeting, and you decide to make answer, try to give us at least three days' time. And Alera, this is key—demand that they bring Miranna.”

I dipped my head slightly, unable to even nod, and Cannan glanced at Destari for assistance. The Elite Guard came forward and put a supportive hand on my arm, steering me into the corridor after his captain. We went down the royal family's private stairway rather than the Grand Staircase, since the Cokyrian envoy was waiting in the antechamber, and accessed the Throne Room through the King's Drawing Room. The Hall of Kings was lined with eerily unmoving Palace Guards in their uniforms of royal blue and gold, with the customary arc of Elite Guards to the left and right of the thrones. I noticed London was among them, as always the maverick who did not wear the requisite royal-blue doublet, Cannan and the doctor finally having allowed him to venture forth from his sickroom.

I mounted the dais to stand in front of my throne, certain I was having some strange dream. Destari took up position at my left, and the captain, clad in his black leather military uniform, went to stand at the King's right. Steldor, likewise clad in black and every bit as intimidating as his father, especially with the King's crown upon his dark hair, gave me a supportive glance which did little to convince me that I was capable of doing what they wanted. I wished I were dressed more regally, or at least had my crown, but there had been no chance for preparation or protest.

I tried to repeat Cannan's instructions in my head, at least
until the antechamber doors were opened by two Palace Guards, and a petite yet somehow commanding woman walked forward. She was dressed in black, as was typical of Cokyrian soldiers, and carried a sheath at her hip and a bow absent of arrows—she had been disarmed before being permitted entry. Even as she walked, Cannan held up a hand and ordered a guard to remove the pendant from around her neck, which no doubt concealed a smaller blade—the Cokyrians tended to have clever and unusual weaponry. The woman's golden hair was but slightly darker than her skin, falling in graceful waves to her shoulders, and reminding me with a stab of sorrow of my sister.

As the messenger approached, I steadied myself, matching my breathing with every other of her footfalls. She stopped perhaps ten feet in front of the dais and fell briefly to one knee, then stood, directing her attention to me without sparing a glance for the King. I pictured my father and the posture he had assumed when the High Priestess herself had come to the palace, and purposefully mimicked it, my expression stern, my eyes focused on the woman's face.

“Your Majesty, Queen of Hytanica,” she began, voice clear and strong, her accent reminiscent of Narian's. “I come to you with a message from my celebrated ruler, the High Priestess of Cokyri.”

She paused, and it took me a moment to realize that I needed to give permission for her to continue.

“Then share it as she bids you,” I said, hoping my voice would not betray my nervousness.

“The High Priestess will deign to hear your pleas for the release of your princess.”

She reached into a pouch at her side, prompting several guards to close ranks, but she held up a hand to assure us of her innocent intentions. Without a word, she withdrew a
long lock of curly strawberry blond hair, dangling it high for all to see, and I struggled to contain my surging emotions.

“I bring this so that you may be certain she is in our hands. To ensure her safety, you must follow my instructions exactly. Five days hence, at high noon, the High Priestess will come to the bridge and await you with her guards. She will speak, as I have, only to the Queen. If the Queen does not attend, the High Priestess will not engage in negotiations.”

There was a low buzz in the hall following this, but Cannan silenced everyone with a dark glower. Steldor stiffened, but I did not pay him any heed. My mind was working quickly, recalling what Cannan had stressed as most important, and then the approach I should take came to me, along with a profound calmness.

“Very well—I will meet with your ruler. But I will not make the journey unless Princess Miranna does also.”

The Cokyrian's lips pursed in displeasure.

“You imperil the princess's life by playing these games,” she warned, squeezing the lock of hair to demonstrate the risk I was taking.

“Do not tell me I imperil her life! You have brought me no assurance that she is even alive as we speak—that strand of hair could have been taken from a corpse. I will not negotiate until I have been given surety that my sister lives.”

The messenger did not respond for an almost embarrassingly long time, and I wanted desperately to look to Cannan. I refrained, both because I did not want to appear indecisive and because I feared I would not see the reassurance I sought.

“Come to the bridge and attend the meeting, Queen of Hytanica,” the Cokyrian finally said, tone intractable.
“I will speak to the High Priestess and inform her of your request.”

“See that she grants it.”

The woman scowled, then fell to one knee in a final bow before stalking from the hall.

Once the antechamber doors had closed behind her, I began to tremble, all my energy leaving at once. Steldor reached out a hand to steady me, and I sank onto my throne. London came to my side, placing a hand on my arm and giving me a triumphant smile. Cannan also came toward me, his eyebrows raised in a rare show of surprise, while Steldor took his seat, observing me with a peculiar expression.

“You handled yourself very well,” the captain praised. “I'm impressed.”

“Never a doubt,” London added, his pride evident.

Cannan glanced around the Throne Room at the dozens of gathered guards and seemed to decide that we needed a more private place in which to talk.

“We have much to discuss,” he said, motioning to the strategy room on the east side.

Cannan, London, Destari, Steldor, Casimir and I stepped down from the dais and moved toward the indicated room. Halias, who like London had been given leave to return to duty, took it upon himself to accompany us. Cannan also gestured for Galen, and the young Sergeant at Arms hastily complied. Once inside, everyone took a seat, and the captain closed the door to block out the babble of those still in the Hall of Kings. He came to the table, once more in charge.

“Now that we have our meeting, we must try to anticipate what the Cokyrians will demand and what concessions we would be willing to make. We must also decide who will represent us at the meeting.”

“Alera must go,” London declared, before anyone else could speak.

“No, she won't,” Steldor interjected, an edge to his words that made me uncomfortable.

London did not appreciate the interruption and continued as though the King had not spoken, failing to recognize his sovereignty and giving him no opportunity to argue his point.

“It is imperative that we meet the Cokyrians' most basic demand. The High Priestess is not bluffing. She will not engage us unless the Queen is present.”

“Do you truly believe she'll jeopardize the negotiation because we do not comply with a request that we
know
does not come from her? The Cokyrians have respected our culture in the past and have never requested our Queen. There's only one Cokyrian who would make a stipulation like this, and the High Priestess has good reason to want him happy.”

Steldor obviously believed that Narian had been the one behind the demand, and I experienced a strange flutter in my stomach at the thought that he would almost certainly be in attendance. While London had said I
needed
to attend, I suddenly
wanted
to attend. My thoughts and feelings about the young man were so confused, and seeing him would be a chance to find out who he had become. The fact that the request had been for the
Queen
meant he knew I was married, and I realized that Narian might likewise be confused about me.

I expected a hush following Steldor's pointed comment, but Cannan did not allow it.

“It may be that the demand comes from Narian, but whether it does or does not, we must act in the way that will best ensure Miranna's safety. We can't take the chance
that the High Priestess will be true to her word, especially when accommodating the request is relatively simple.”

“You're right,” Steldor said through gritted teeth, making the decision as a king and not a husband. “She'll have to come with us.”

Cannan, London and Destari shared a glance, which went unnoticed by Steldor, but I could sense a change in the mood in the room, like the men were bracing for a coming storm.

“It will only be necessary for one member of the royal family to attend. There is no reason to endanger both the King and the Queen.”

The room itself seemed to hold its breath in response to Cannan's statement, waiting to see if the fiery temper for which Steldor was famous would erupt.

“I
am
going,” Steldor asserted, staring at Cannan in disbelief. “Father?” he prompted when the captain merely met his gaze, his opinion apparent.

“I'm not going,” the King concluded. He sat back, and I sensed he was trying not to show how much this development bothered him. As a military man, he wanted to be involved, but on some level, he knew Cannan was making sense.