“We’re not sure how but Heinrich is using some forbidden magic or stardust to bend the court to his will. You heard it from Ludwig: some people it gives power to, but you alone seem to be immune to Heinrich, as am I, but I cannot stop him as my hands are tied. But more importantly, your ability seems to neutralize his hold; somehow, if you can convince your family, then my men and I can do the rest.”
Liane sank back into her chair as she processed the words, and a hand squeezed around her heart. It was magic all along; that’s why Aristea stayed, why Mother believed him despite his obvious lies.
“Why are you telling me this now?”
“Because I wasn’t sure I could trust you. This power is dangerous, and you can never be certain who might be under its influence.”
She took another shuddering breath. Then she’d have to convince her family, and some way, somehow, break the spell. Maybe if they were confronted with his mistress, it would jolt them. And if Liane was wrong… Liane shook her head. It’d have to be enough because the alternative was unthinkable.
“I think I have a plan.”
“Good, there isn’t much time. Whatever he’s planning, it is happening on the solstice. I fear there are others like Ludwig, who’ve gained power from the stardust, and he’ll use them as his soldiers. I can have my men on alert, but I’d rather the problem be neutralized before then.”
Two days. She’d have to stop him before then.
25
With the threat of rebellion hanging over her, Liane was more restless, hot, and sweaty than usual as she paced, waiting for Heinrich’s mistress to arrive. If the woman didn’t show, she’d have to find another way to convince her family. She was about to give up when she noticed a lone figure surveying the gates with uncertainty. She cautiously approached and trembled as if the slightest breeze might send her running in the other direction. Before she could change her mind, Liane rushed to greet her.
“I’ve been expecting her; let her through,” Liane said to the guards, hoping to wave the woman through without the usual search. There wasn’t a moment to waste.
“Yes, Princess. But first, we must inspect her for weapons,” the guard said, his tone slightly annoyed.
“Princess?” the woman gasped, color draining from her face as she looked at her wide-eyed.
“Yes, yes. Hurry up,” Liane said to the guards, tapping her foot as she waited for them to make certain the woman wasn’t a threat.
When they were finished, she stepped out, eyes lowered to the ground.
“You didn’t mention you were a princess…” the mistress said, eyes lowered as if she feared looking directly at Liane.
“That’s not important right now. There’s someone you need to speak with.” She grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her toward the palace.
When they entered the grand hall, courtiers cast strange looks in their direction, which Liane ignored. With the Sun Ceremony mere days away, the palace was bursting at the seams with visitors, and it made bringing a guest inconspicuously impossible. Not that it mattered anymore. Heinrich knew she was onto him, and as long as she got to Aristea first, he couldn’t do anything else to hurt her.
She found Aristea in the hall of entertaining, holding court with a few foreign dignitaries visiting for the Sun Ceremony. Not wanting to make a spectacle out of an innocent woman by dragging her into the middle of the room, Liane left her by the door, promising to return for her before approaching Aristea. She had to push her way through the crowd until Aristea noticed her and motioned for them to make way.
“We need to talk,” Liane whispered in her ear.
“Liane, now isn’t the time,” Aristea said with an unflappable smile. Then to the woman speaking, she said, “Lady Beltrod, you were saying.” She gestured to the woman Liane had interrupted.
The woman wrinkled her nose at Liane for her interruption, but Liane ignored her.
“It’s urgent,” Liane said, not bothering to whisper this time.
“Even so,” Aristea said out of the corner of her mouth.
“There’s someone I need you to meet.” Liane pointed to Heinrich’s mistress, who was standing in the doorway to the hall, eyes large and round and mouth agape as she took in the gilded ceilings and painted murals on the wall. When several heads swiveled to look at her, she stood up straighter and rolled her shoulders back. Liane snapped her attention back to Aristea, who was flushed for a brief moment, before her courtier’s mask slid back into place. With a few muttered excuses, she stood, grasping Liane by the elbow and guiding her out of the room.
“You follow,” Aristea said to the woman in a tone that was not to be disobeyed.
They took shelter in the closest, empty room, and Aristea slammed the door behind them. Not since they were children had Liane seen her this angry. At times when she was frustrated at Liane for not listening, she’d fly into a rage and stomp and growl. When she turned to Liane in that moment, she was reminded of the tantrums Aristea used to throw.
“What are you thinking bringing Heinrich’s mistress into the palace?” she seethed.
Liane’s mouth hung open, and she struggled for words for a moment. “You knew?”
“Of course, I knew. Do you think I’m a fool?” Aristea hissed, “Now take her out of here before anyone else sees.” Aristea shook and wouldn’t look at the woman directly, but her skin flushed red, making her golden hair illuminate softly.
