Hey, I was already working my ass off pretending to be the duchess. How could I remember to lock doors, too? I whispered, “It’s not my fault this time, the guards should have done that.”
Araceli glared at Ma’qas. “And you! You should know better than to attempt a frontal attack on the Blood Duchess. If she were the real thing, you’d already be dead. Speaking of which, she’s not—”
“I knew you’d noticed me,” Ma’qas said. “You’re so confident, you didn’t even bother to lock the doors. There’s no point in stealth, so let’s see if your trap can kill me.” A chain whip unfolded from her hands and lashed at me.
I yelped. Araceli shoved me sideways. I landed on my hands and knees on the carpet. The whip shattered the sun globe hanging over the throne. Bits rained down on me, and I felt grateful for my lack of exposed skin.
Araceli leapt between us, holding out her hand. A diamond on her pinky glowed, forming a shield.
Ma’qas stared. “You have her rings. The Blood Duchess gave you her rings.” Her tone turned from stunned to furious. “I’d almost dared hope it was all a pretense, but you must be truly bound to her. Was that act back there real, too? Did you fall in love with the woman who murdered your parents like something from a bad play? I never took you for someone so shallow and pathetic.”
“Listen to me, please,” Araceli shouted. “She’s not the duchess.”
“Tell me more—” Ma’qas leaned in as if listening, then she lashed out with her whip.
The metal dagger at the end of the whip curved at my neck, so fast it must be a relic, too fast for me to duck. A beam of light blasted from Araceli’s hand, severing the metal in two.
With no more words, Ma’qas dropped the whip and drew a longsword from her back.
I ran and crouched behind the throne. I wanted to help Araceli, but I knew I would only get in the way if I acted recklessly. Should I throw something? But I might hit Araceli. I always made my siblings chase after the ball when I threw it too far off during games of catch …
A beam of light extended from Araceli’s ring. Gripping it like a sword, she blocked an attack. The two combatants strained as they locked weapons. They seemed to have once been friends. Would Araceli be upset if I summoned the guards and they killed Ma’qas? What should I do?
“Just give me a moment to explain,” Araceli cried. “You know I’d never forgive the Blood Duchess.This isn’t Duchess Hedri!”
Ma’qas’s lack of reply was a refusal to listen. She dodged sideways, trying to stab Araceli between the ribs.
Araceli sidestepped, the blade sliding past her. “Can’t you trust me just a little? I know we were always rivals, but I thought we respected each other.”
“I could almost believe you mean what you say.” Ma’qas eyed her opponent coolly as she came to a halt. “Mind control?”
“Please let her talk. She’s nothing like the duchess.”
“Are you kidding me? That stunt back there was exactly like the Blood Duchess! Who else would dare throw Ava’s sacred treasure or take the Holy Maiden hostage?”
I was a little flattered that my performance had been so convincing. But now wasn’t the time for such thoughts. While distracting us with talk, Ma’qas’s left hand reached for a dagger strapped to her back. A green light glowed from her fingertips.
“Look out!” I screamed. Fearing my warning would be too late, I lunged forward and grabbed Ma’qas’s ankle, yanking hard.
The dwarf tumbled to the ground. Kneeling over her, I said, “I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to hurt you, I just had to stop you.”
Ma’qas leapt to her feet, but she didn’t attack. She stared at me. “What did you just say?”
“Um, I’m sorry. I’d like to make a good impression on Araceli’s friends.” I smiled winningly.
Ma’qas’s whip went limp. “Whoa, that’s not the Blood Duchess.”
Araceli nodded. “I know, the apologies convinced me, too.”
“I should have figured from the unlocked door.” Ma’qas shook her head. “Seeing that expression on her face is creepy.”
“I’m sorry!” I cried.
“Extremelycreepy,” Ma’qas mumbled. In a louder voice, she asked, “Is this a magical disguise? Did you kill the real duchess? I’d be disappointed at missing out myself, but it would still be good news.”
Man, it was a little embarrassing how everyone kept catching on to my act, but at least this time it turned out for the best.
Araceli shook her head. “A body swap. Unfortunately, the real thing is still roaming free in Bora’s body. Ah, by the way, this is Bora.”
