Despite myself, a spark of interest stirred. The bustling streets of the commoners’ district had a productive hum without hint of desperation that told me much about this kingdom and its rulers. And my stomach gurgled in response to the delicious smells from the marketplaces that were tucked just off the main street, their courtyards and stalls visible in brief glimpses down side streets. How long had it been since I ate?
I glanced uneasily at Sierra who watched with interest out the other window. Until now I had been more concerned with her broader plans, but my rumbling stomach made me question my immediate future. What were her intentions for me now I had made it clear I would not playact as her personal maid?
Chapter 4
The sun flashed off a thick wall of white stone, drawing my attention back to the window. We had climbed through the city to the peak of the hill, and our carriage now passed through an enormous archway and rolled into the vast yard of the palace.
One of the guards in our escort was already calling for reinforcements to assemble, and the space outside the window quickly turned into a chaotic confusion of bodies and voices. A footman appeared and opened our door, lowering a step and holding out his arm to assist the supposed princess to alight.
Sierra hopped down without a backward glance, but the footman remained in place to assist me as well. I gave him the first smile I had been able to muster since Sierra’s treachery was revealed. His behavior toward a mere maid was another count in favor of this kingdom.
My smile fell away. Arcadia was peaceful and prosperous, just as we had been promised, but I had inadvertently brought evil into its heart. Even if I could find a way to foil Sierra, would Arcadia forgive Eldon for the deception? Sierra was being accepted among them because of their trust in my kingdom, and I had no idea how she might betray that trust.
The yard around me already looked more ordered than it had a moment before. A stream of grooms led away the horses that had been ridden in by the guards, their riders forming into an orderly group to one side. More guards hurried into the yard to swell their number, and as the first fresh mount appeared, they began to swing back into the saddle. I watched them with relief, glad to see that both the guards and the grooms were well trained enough that they would be gone again without delay.
“What goes on here?” called a commanding voice across the noise and busyness of the scene.
I swung around to see a middle-aged couple standing at the top of a short flight of stairs that led to the great doors of the palace. They made an impressive sight, framed by the white stone building, topped with soaring towers and graceful spires and accented with the dark slate of the roof. I didn’t need the subtle circlets they wore to tell me I was beholding King Henry and Queen Eleanor of Arcadia.
In the back of my mind I noted the queen’s beauty, her age lending her maturity and elegance without stripping away her arresting loveliness, and the way her arm rested in the king’s. They stood as if they were true partners, her face reflecting the concern that echoed in his voice. They made an impressive pair, his dark hair a complement to her golden head.
“Captain Markus’s orders,” called back one of the guards, separating himself from the mass of guards and jogging to the foot of the stairs.
The king gestured for the guard to ascend the steps to join him, and a hushed conversation ensued, too quiet for me to follow. It didn’t last long, however, and both monarchs directed thunderstruck expressions toward Sierra where she still stood beside our carriage.
The queen started down the steps toward us, her hands outstretched, and King Henry was only a step behind her. Sierra moved forward to join them, a stricken expression on her face that hadn’t been there in the carriage. I trailed behind her, not sure what else to do.
“My dear! How awful!” Queen Eleanor clasped both Sierra’s hands, all thought of formal introductions forgotten. “We’re so sorry that such a thing should have befallen you within our borders.”
Sierra managed a brave, tremulous smile.
“Thank you, Your Majesty. I will admit I feel rather overset.” She cast down her eyes. “And greatly worried for my traveling companions.”
“Of course!” said the king. “But please know that Captain Markus has my full trust. We will spare no efforts to make this right.”
“You are very kind,” Sierra said.
“It is our duty and responsibility,” the queen said gently. “You are a guest in our kingdom. Give me but a moment, and I will have a word with our housekeeper. We will cancel the evening meal we had planned for you and have food delivered to you in your room. I am sure you will wish to rest and will not wish to be meeting a roomful of people after such an ordeal.”
She stepped away, beckoning for an upright older woman with an air of calm authority. The two fell into quiet conversation, heads bent close together. The king’s attention was captured by the same guard who had spoken to him earlier, leaving Sierra’s attention free.
She glanced around, her eyes gliding over me without stopping and latching onto a groom.
“You!” she said, calling for his attention.
The man paused, glancing around with a puzzled expression before apparently deciding the princess must be talking to him. He bobbed his head and directed an inquiring look at her.
“Your Highness?”
“My horse is here somewhere. He has a golden coat and arrived without any sort of saddle or harness.”
The groom nodded. “You can be sure we’ll take excellent care of him, Your Highness.”
I looked around, trying to locate Arvin, but he seemed to have disappeared, whether merely obscured by all the activity in the yard or already departed for the stables, I wasn’t sure.
“Well…” Sierra looked down, an assumed expression of sadness on her face as she hesitated theatrically. “I’m afraid he isn’t well. I couldn’t bear to part with him on the ship and have him tossed into the ocean, but now that we’re on land, I cannot keep him in pain any longer.” She hesitated again. “I assume you can make the necessary arrangements? It will be nice to know he is buried in such a beautiful land as this, and I will appreciate the chance to visit his grave while I am here.”
The groom, visibly taken aback, didn’t seem to know what to say at first. But he quickly found his voice, once again bobbing his head respectfully.
“Of course, Your Highness. You may safely leave the matter in our hands.”
She nodded once, apparently dismissing the matter from her thoughts. But as her gaze skimmed back over the yard, it caught on me briefly this time, the ghost of a satisfied smile crossing her face before swiftly being suppressed.
My hands balled into fists in my skirts as I glared at her back. The queen, turning back toward Sierra, saw me, her smile faltering for a moment. I quickly schooled my expression into a semblance of calm, but her brow creased, an expression of confusion lingering on her face.
I hadn’t actually tested the efficacy of Sierra’s enchantment, so I opened my mouth, forming the words to tell the queen the truth. But just as in the carriage when I tried to call on my godmother, no sound emerged.
The confusion on the queen’s face deepened.
Sierra followed her gaze, narrowing her eyes at me before turning back toward the queen. Stepping forward to meet her, she spoke in a voice that was just loud enough for me to hear.