I was closing the door when I heard Tova’s voice. ‘You’d better keep that hand to yourself. If the king doesn’t rip it off, my Drah’sa surely will.’
His indignation made me chuckle despite the circumstances. However, the further I walked, the more my mood sobered. All our recent problems were building up, causing my heart to race so fast I could feel its pulse drumming in my ears. Another little pebble in the mountain of trouble and fear that hung over my head.
I held my composure as I walked along the university’s decorated corridors, where magical symbols and wards lit the walls as I passed, aethereal threads interwoven through each one like strange, ephemeral lightning, highlighting the portraits of famous mages.
‘I want to be alone. I’m sure a distinguished mage like you has more important tasks to spend his time on,’ I said to Ansel. He opened his mouth to protest, but my hand was already pushing the door open, the bitter wind that greeted me taking my breath away.
Thick flakes fell lazily down from dusk’s darkening sky, swirling past countless fae lanterns, giving the university courtyard an otherworldly feel. The evergreen cherry tree stood proudly in the middle, in all its timeless. This time, the sight of its beauty filled me with a deep melancholy.
The icy breeze danced among the blossoms, teasing the ensnared petals from their enchanted prison into an entrancing ballet of freedom that eased something in my soul. I approached the tree, touching its smooth bark. Earthy, rich aether drifted over my hand, and the tree trembled, showering me with petals.
‘My mother would love you…’ I whispered, embracing the trunk, closing my eyes and inhaling slowly. The peace and gentle touch of the tree’s magic flowed through me, drawing out memories of my mother.
The tinkling of the tiny bells attached to her ankles as she danced in the orchard. The bittersweet memory of her laughter, her gentle touch making trees blossom and bear fruit while sheheld my hand. We’d sat for hours as she regaled me with tales of the vast steppe and the world beyond, forever hidden from human greed.
I don’t know how long I stood embracing the tree, feeling a connection with my mother I’d thought long lost. Eventually, the images of the void and the creature that crawled out of it faded, and I could breathe again.
‘Thank you,’ I said, smiling at the branch that brushed against my hair as I walked away, calm enough to face Riordan.
After leaving the university, I took a coach to the palace, asking the driver to take the scenic route. I needed time to plan. The rhythmic rocking and the sound of the wheels rolling over the cobblestones cut me off from the outside world, allowing me to think.
Reynard had given me unrestricted access to the palace and royal quarters before heading north. I rarely visited during his absence, but it came in handy when I asked the guard for the royal mage’s location.
The door to Rey’s study was partially open, giving me a glimpse of the soft light inside. I entered, hoping I wasn’t disturbing the mage. To my relief, Riordan was alone. He sat at the desk with notes and manuscripts covering every available space. The room hadn’t changed since the last time I’d been here… not physically, at least. An aura of defeat and despair hung like a dark cloud over everything.
Despite the fae lights, darkness lurked in the corners, but my gaze was on Riordan, who rested his head on his hands, not even looking up when I entered.
‘Roksana, what can I do for you?’ he asked, still staring at the paperwork below.
‘How did you know it was me?’ I couldn’t resist, and he snorted with bitter laughter.
‘I’d be a piss-poor psychic mage if I couldn’t recognise your mind’s signature by now. So, what can I do for you?’ He cut to the chase again, but this time looked at me, and I gasped at the dark circles marring his pale complexion.
‘Order a search of the city? The artefact discovered in the village opens a portal to the Void. Most mages will know not to touch it, but many mundane people will greedily reach for something that looks so expensive.’ I dropped into the chair across from him and pointed to the stack of papers. ‘I see you have your own problems. What’s happening?’
A half-empty bottle sat on the desk, tempting me with its aroma. Without a second thought, I picked it up and took a sip of the sweet summer wine.
‘Of course, help yourself!’ Riordan’s voice dripped with sarcasm, but I didn’t react, so he picked up a report from the pile. ‘Tivala’s flunkies called for a special hearing of the royal council tomorrow.’
I didn’t understand why this was a problem. It wouldn’t be the first time Tivala’s lackeys had tried sowing discord at court.
‘Why’s that more important than the enemy having dangerous artefacts?’ The wine flowed pleasantly over my tongue when I sipped it, waiting for his answer.
Riordan huffed, pulling the bottle from my hands and taking a large gulp. ‘It’s not. I’ll order a search tomorrow.’ He leaned forward, looking at me with such reluctance that I dreaded what he was going to say next.
‘I have a spy, a female psychic mage who infiltrated the household of Tivala’s confidant. With the army tied up fighting Wiosna, they plan on presenting Rey’s marriage contract to thecourt and using it as an excuse to take over Truso. After all, what better way to secure the capital’s safety than having your father-in-law’s army impose his so-called order?’
‘Oh, for fuck’s sake.’ I sighed. ‘What can we do to stop them?’
‘Gather together those loyal to the king, and threaten or bribe those hedging their bets. If that doesn’t work, defend the city with every soldier I have left while denying the claim on Rey’s behalf,’ he said bitterly before passing me a list. ‘Look at those names; almost a quarter of the council sits in Tivala’s pockets or under his fist.’
I glanced at the parchment. Most names were of southern nobles, but there were a few from the regions bordering Lumivitae and Care’etavos. Predominantly smaller households, with two notable exceptions, and I suspected those would be leading the coup.
‘Want to trade problems?’ I asked without giving the paper back to him. ‘I have just the right poi–’
‘Roksana?’
‘The less you know, the better,’ I answered, a plan already forming in my head. ‘Ansel, the battlemage from the university, will lead the search for the artefacts. He’ll need men, non-magical soldiers and workers. Arrange that, and I’ll handle these treacherous arseholes.’ I paused, pondering for a moment. ‘Tonight, remove all guards from the noble quarter. Once I’ve finished, I’ll come to the council meeting. I’ll be wearing the Deadly Nightshade’s mask. Introduce me as the king’s shadow, please.’
