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  "Why?"

  "My Lord, the Earl of Chadwick commanded me to take Melengar. I was following his orders," Breckton replied.

  "So the crucial demands of battle prevented you from breaking away until now." Ethelred nodded.

  "No, Your Lordship. Only the fall of Drondil Fields remains and the siege is well tended. Victory is assured and does not require my attention."

  "Then I don't understand. Why didn't you come when I ordered you to appear before me?"

  "I do not serve you, Your Lordship. I serve the Earl of Chadwick."

  Archibald's disdain for Breckton did not diminish his delight at seeing Ethelred verbally slapped.

  "May I remind you, sir knight, that I will be emperor in just a few weeks?"

  "You may, Your Lordship."

  Ethelred looked confused. This brought a smile to Archibald's face. He enjoyed seeing someone else trying to deal with Breckton and knew exactly how the regent felt. Was Breckton granting Ethelred permission to remind the knight, or had he just insinuated the regent might not be emperor? Either way, the comment was rude yet spoken so plainly and respectfully that it appeared innocent of any ill intent. Breckton was like that-politely confounding and pointedly confusing. He had a way of making Archibald feel stupid, and that was just one of the many reasons he despised the arrogant man.

  "I see this is going to continue to be an issue," Ethelred said. "It demonstrates the point of this meeting. As emperor, I will require good men to help me reign. You have proven yourself a capable leader, and as such, I want you to serve me directly. I am prepared to offer you the office and title of Grand Marshall of all Imperial Forces. In addition, I'll grant you the province of Melengar."

  Archibald staggered. "Melengar is mine! Or will be when it is taken. It was promised to me."

  "Yes, Archie, but times change. I need a strong man in the north, defending my border." Ethelred looked at Breckton. "I will appoint you the Marquis of Melengar. All too fitting, given that you were responsible for taking it."

  "This is outrageous!" Archibald shouted, stomping his foot. "We had a deal. You have the imperial crown and Saldur has the imperial miter. What do I get? What is the reward for all my sweat and sacrifice? Without me, you wouldn't have Melengar to bestow to anyone!"

  "Don't make a fool of yourself, Archie," Saldur said gently. "You must have known we could never entrust such an important realm to you. You are too young, too inexperienced, too…weak."

  There was silence as Archibald fumed.

  "Well?" Ethelred turned his attention back to Breckton. "Marquis of Melengar? Grand Marshall of the Imperial Host? What say you?"

  Sir Breckton showed no emotion. "I serve the Earl of Chadwick, just as my father and grandfather before me. It does not appear he wishes this. If there is nothing else, I must return to my charge in Melengar." Sir Breckton pivoted sharply and strode back to Archibald, where he knelt once more.

  Ethelred stared after him in shock.

  "Don't leave Aquesta just yet," Archibald told the knight. "I may have need of you here."

  "As you wish, My Lord." Breckton stood and briskly departed.

  The hall was silent as they listened to the knight's footfalls echo and fade. Ethelred's face turned scarlet and he clenched his fists. Saldur stared after Breckton with his usual irritated glare.

  "It seems you didn't take into account the man's unwavering sense of loyalty when you made your plans," Archibald railed. "But then how could you, seeing as how you obviously don't understand the meaning of the word yourself. You should have consulted me first. I would have told you what the result would be. But you couldn't do that, could you? No, because it was me you were plotting to stab in the back!"

  "Calm down, Archie," Saldur said.

  "Stop calling me that. My name is Archibald!" Spit flew from his lips. "You're both so smug and arrogant, but I'm no pawn. One word from me and Breckton will turn his army and march on Aquesta." The earl pointed toward the still open door. "They're loyal to him you know-every last one of the miserable cretins. They will do whatever he says, and as you can see, he worships me."

  He clenched his fists and advanced, maddened that his soft heels did not have the same audible impact as Breckton's.

  "I could get King Alric to throw his support behind me as well. I could return his precious Melengar in exchange for the rest of Avryn. I could beat you at your own little game. I'd have the Northern Imperial Army in my right hand and what remains of the Royalists in my left. I could crush both of you in less than a month. So don't tell me to calm down, Sauly! I've had it with your condescending tone and your holier-than-thou attitude. You're as much a worm as Ethelred. You're both in this together, weaving your webs and plotting against me. You just may have caught your own selves in your sticky trap this time!"

  He headed for the door.

  "Archi-I mean Archibald!" Ethelred called after him.

  The earl did not pause as he swept past Chancellor Biddings, who was just outside the throne room and gave the earl a concerned look. Servants scattered before Archibald as he marched in a fury through the doorway to the inner ward. Bursting into the brilliant sunshine reflected by the courtyard's snow, he discovered he was unsure where to go from there. After a few moments, Archibald decided that it did not matter. It felt good to just move, to burn off energy, to get away. He considered calling for his horse. A long ride over hard ground seemed like just the thing he needed, but it was cold out. Archibald did not want to end up miles from shelter freezing, tired, and hungry. Instead, he settled for pacing back and forth, creating a shallow trench in the new snow.

  Frustration turned to pleasure as he recalled his little speech. He liked the look it put on both of their faces. They had not expected such a bold response from him. The delight ate up most of the burning anger and the pacing dissipated the rest. Taking a seat on an upturned bucket, he stomped the snow from his boots.

  Would Breckton turn his forces against Aquesta? Could I become the new emperor and have Modina for my own with just a single order?

  The answer formed almost as quickly as the question. The thought was an appealing dream but nothing more. Breckton would never agree and would refuse the order. For all the knight's loyal bravado, everything that man did was subservient to some inscrutable code.

  The entire House of Belstrad had been that way. Archibald recalled his father complaining about their ethics. The Ballentynes believed that knights should take orders without question in exchange for wealth and power. The Belstrads believed differently. They clung to an outdated ideal that the ruler-appointed by Maribor-must act within His will to earn a knight's loyalty. Archibald was certain Breckton would not consider civil war to be Maribor's will. Apparently, nothing Archibald ever really wanted fit that category.

  Still, he had rocked the regents on their heels, and they would treat him better. He would finally have respect now that they realized just how important he was. The regents would have no clue that he could not deliver his threats, so they would try to placate him with a larger prize. In the end, Archibald would have Melengar and perhaps more.

  Chapter 4

  Wedding Plans The Duchess of Rochelle was a large woman in more than just girth. Her husband matched her, as they were both rotund people with thick necks, short pudgy fingers, and cheeks that jiggled when they laughed, which in the case of the lady was often and loud. They were like bookends to each other. A male and female version, cut from the same cloth in every way except temperament. While the duke was quiet, Lady Genevieve was anything but.

  Amilia always knew when the duchess was coming, as the lady heralded her own arrival with a trumpet-like voice that echoed through the palace halls. She greeted everyone, regardless of class, with a hearty, "Hullo! How are you?" in her brassy voice that boomed off the dull stone. She would hug servants, guards, and even the huntsman's hound if he crossed her path.

  Amilia had met the duke and duchess when they first arrived. Saldur was there and had made the mistake of
trying to explain why an audience with the empress was not possible. Amilia had been able to excuse herself, but she was certain Saldur had not been so lucky and probably was delayed for hours. Since then, Amilia had been avoiding the duchess, as the woman was not one to take no for an answer, and she did not want to repeat Saldur's mistake. After three days Amilia's luck finally ran out, when she was leaving the chapel.

  "Amilia, darling!" the Duchess shouted, rushing forward with her elegant gown billowing behind her. When she reached Amilia, two huge arms surrounded the Imperial Secretary in a crushing embrace. "I've been looking for you everywhere. Every time I inquire, I'm told you are busy. They must work you to death!"

  The duchess released her grip. "You poor thing. Let me look at you." She took Amilia's hands and spread her arms wide. "Oh my, how lovely you are. But, darling, please tell me this is a washday and your servants are behind. No, don't bother. I am certain that is the case. Still, I hope you won't mind if I have Lois, my seamstress, whip you up something. I do so love giving gifts and it's Wintertide, after all. By the look of you, it will hardly take any material or time. Lois will be thrilled."

  Lady Genevieve took Amilia's arm and walked her down the hall. "You really are a treasure, you know, but I can tell they treat you poorly. What can you expect with men like Ethelred and Saldur running the show? Everything will be fine, though, now that I'm here."

  They rounded a corner and Amilia was amazed by the woman's ability to talk so quickly without seeming to take a breath.

  "Oh! I just loved the invitation you sent me, and yes, I know it was all your doing. It's all been your doing, hasn't it? They have you planning the whole wedding, don't they? No wonder you are so busy. How insensitive. How cruel! But don't worry, as I said, I'm here to help you. I've fashioned many weddings in my day and they've all been wonderful. What you need is an experienced planner-a wizard of wonder. We aristocrats expect panache and dazzle at these events and we hate to be disappointed. Being that this is the wedding of the empress, it must be larger, grander, and more amazing than anything that has come before. Nothing less will suffice."

  She stopped suddenly and peered at Amilia. "Do you have doves to release? You must have them. You simply must!"

  Amilia thought to reply, but the concern fled the duchess's face before she had a chance. Lady Genevieve was walking once more, pulling Amilia along. "Oh, I don't want to frighten you, darling. There is still plenty of time given the proper help, of course. I am here now, and Modina will be thrilled at what we will achieve together. It will simply astound her."

  "I-"

  "How many white horses have you arranged for? Not nearly enough, I'm sure. Never mind, it will all come together. You'll see. Speaking of horses, I insist you accompany me on the hawking. I won't stand for you riding with anyone else. You'll love Leopold-he's quiet, just like you are, but a real pumpkin. Do you know what I mean? It doesn't look like you do-but no matter. You two will get on marvelously. Do you have a bird?"

  "A bird?" Amilia managed to squeeze in.

  "I'll let you use Murderess. She is one of my own goshawks."

  "But-"

  "No worries, my dear. There's nothing to it. The bird does all the work. All you need to do is just sit on your horse and look pretty-which you will in the new dress Lois will make. Blue would be a good color and will go wonderfully with your eyes. I suppose I will have to arrange a horse as well. We can't have you trudging through the snow and ruining the gown, now can we? I just know Saldur never thinks of such things. He appointed you Secretary to the Empress, but does he realize the need for clothing? A horse? Jewelry?"

  The duchess paused again still gripping her arm like a cider press. "Oh, my darling, I just realized you aren't wearing any-jewelry that is. Don't be embarrassed. I understand perfectly. Otto is a fabulous jeweler. He can set a sapphire pendent in the blink of an eye. Won't that look stunning with your new blue gown? Thank Maribor I brought my full retinue. Lord knows the local artisans could never keep up with me. When you think about it, who can?" She laughed, and Amilia wondered just how much longer she could go on.

  With another pull, they were off again. "I tend to be a bit much, don't I? It's the way I am. I can't help it. My husband stopped trying to turn me into a proper wife years ago. Of course, now he knows that my exuberance is what he loves most about me. 'Never a dull moment or a moment's peace,' he always says. Speaking of men, have you chosen a champion to carry your favor in the joust?"

  "N-no."

  "You haven't? But, darling, knights just adore fighting for pretty, young things like you. I'll bet you've driven them mad by waiting so long."

  There was a pause that startled Amilia into speech. "Ah, I didn't know I was supposed to."

  "Ha hah!" Lady Genevieve laughed delightedly. "You are a marvel, darling. Simply fabulous! Ethelred tells me you're new to the gentry-elevated by Maribor himself. Isn't that delightful. Maribor's Chosen One watching over Maribor's Heir. How amazing!"

  They turned the corner into the west wing where a handful of chambermaids scattered like pigeons before a carriage. "You're a living legend, dear Amilia. Why, every knight in the kingdom will clamor for your favor. There will be none more sought after except the empress herself, but of course, no one would dare insult Ethelred by asking for her favor just weeks before his wedding! No one wants to make an enemy of a new emperor. That makes you the darling of the festival. You can have your pick of any eligible bachelor. Dukes, princes, earls, counts, and barons are all hoping for the chance to capture your attention or win the honor of sitting next to you at the feast with a victory on the field of Highcourt."

  "I wasn't planning on going to either," Amilia stated.

  The mere idea of noblemen chasing her was beyond frightening. While courtly love might be honorable and romantic for princesses and countesses, no noble ever practiced gentleness with a common woman. Serving girls who caught the eye of any noble-whether a knight or king-could be taken against their will. Amilia had never been attacked, but she had wiped tears and bound wounds for more friends than she cared to count. Although she now possessed the title of Lady before her name, everyone knew her background, and Amilia feared her flimsy title would be a poor shield against a lust-driven noble.

  "Nonsense, you must attend the feasts. Besides, it's your duty. Your absence could very well start a riot! You don't want to be the cause of an insurrection in the weeks leading to your empress's wedding, do you?"

  "Ah, no, of course-"

  "Good, so it's all settled. Now you just need to pick someone. Do you have a favorite?"

  "I don't know any of them."

  "None? Good gracious, darling! Do they keep you a prisoner? What about Sir Elgar or Sir Murthas? Prince Rudolph is competing, and he is a fine choice with an excellent future. Of course, there is also Sir Breckton. You couldn't find a better choice than that. I know he does have the reputation of being a bit stuffy. It is true, of course. But after his victory in Melengar, he's the hero of the hour-and quite dashing." The duchess wiggled her eyebrows. "Yes, Breckton would be a perfect choice. Why, the ladies of several courts have been fawning over him for years."

  A look of concern crossed Lady Genevieve's face. "Hmm…that does bring up a good point. You'll probably need to be careful. While you are certainly the object of every knight's affections, that means you're also the target of every lady's jealousy."

  The duchess threw a meaty arm around Amilia's neck and pulled her close, as if she was going to whisper in her ear, but her voice did not drop a bit in volume. "Trust me, these women are dangerous. Courtly love isn't a game to them. You're new to politics, so I am telling you this for your own good. These are daughters of kings, dukes, and earls, and they are used to getting what they want. When they don't, they can be vengeful. They know all about your background. I am certain that many have sent spies to visit your family, trying to dig up what dirt they can. If they can't find any, trust me, they will invent some."

  Lady Genevieve tugged h
er around another corner, this time toward the northern postern and up the steps to the third floor.

  "I don't understand what you mean."

  "It's quite simple, my dear. On the one hand, they think belittling you should be easy because of your common roots. But, on the other, you've never made any pretense of being otherwise, which negates their effort. It's difficult to demean someone for something they're not embarrassed of, now isn't it? Still, you must turn a deaf ear to any jibes told at your expense. You may hear name calling like swine herder and such. Which, of course, you're not. You must remember you're the daughter of a carriage maker and a fine one at that. Why, absolutely everyone who is anyone is beating a path to your father's door. They all want to ride in a coach crafted by the father of the Chosen One of Maribor."

  "You know about my father? My family? Are they all right?" Amilia stopped so suddenly that the duchess walked four steps before realizing she had lost her.

  Amilia had long feared her family was dead from starvation or illness. They had had so little. She left home two years ago to remove an extra mouth from the table with the intent of sending money home, but she had not counted on Edith Mon.

  The head maid had declared Amilia's old clothes unfit and demanded she pay for new ones. This forced Amilia to borrow against her salary. Broken or chipped plates also added to her bill, and in the first few months, there were many. With Edith, there was always something to keep Amilia penniless. Eventually the head maid even began fining her for disobedience or misbehavior, keeping Amilia in constant debt.

  How she had hated Edith. The old ogre had been so cruel that there had been nights when Amilia had gone to sleep wishing the woman would die. She fantasized that a carriage would hit her or that she would choke on a bone. Now that Edith was gone, she almost regretted those thoughts. Charged with treason, Edith had been executed less than a week ago, with all of the palace staff required to watch.

  In more than two years, Amilia had been unable to save even a single copper to send home and had heard nothing from her family. While the empress was trapped in her catatonic daze, the regents sequestered the palace staff to prevent others from learning about her condition. During that time, Amilia had been as much a prisoner as Modina. Writing letters home had been useless. The palace rumor mill maintained that all letters were burned by order of the regents. After Modina recovered, Amilia continued to write, but she never received a single reply. There had been reports of an epidemic near her home, and she feared her family was dead. Amilia had given up all hope of ever seeing them again-until now.