The Ring Keeper, page 25
Weeks passed, and one night an urgent plea for help came to the palace. The man was a young tradesman who loved his wife dearly, and she was in danger of dying during the birth of their first child.
Allia looked at Callonen.
“You wish to go?” he asked.
“Yes. He feels the same way for her that I feel for you. I want to help.”
“Then we’ll go together.”
Callonen had taken four guards with them, and he and Allia had worn cloaks and hoods, trying not to be recognized on the way.
When they reached the little home, Allia could tell at once that the situation was dire. The woman had delivered the child, which seemed to be doing well. But the mother was nearly gone by the time they got there. Allia’s last memories were Callonen beside her and the pain as she reached out to touch the woman.
Sunshine streamed through the tall windows of her room in the palace when Allia woke. She didn’t recall anything after healing the tradesman’s wife, but hoped the woman was doing well now and her baby continued to thrive.
Allia ached in every bone and couldn’t get out of bed. Still, this would go away in a few days, and a life had been saved. She slipped back into a doze.
“Wake up, Allia.” It was Tess. Allia opened her eyes to see her friend’s concerned face above her. “Prince Haldreth is here to see you.”
Her eyes widened in surprise. What could he possibly want? Had he somehow discovered she’d eavesdropped? Could he tell that she knew about his plans? Her heart beat faster.
Prince Haldreth came to her bedside, a bunch of flowers in his hand, and smiled pleasantly at her. She hadn’t spoken directly to him since her first few days in the palace when she had run into him in the hallway.
He had looked exactly like Callonen at first, but she could tell them apart. His eyes were the same dark brown, but the expression in them was different. They held secrets, which Callonen didn’t keep from her. The first several times she had been near Haldreth, she’d been able to sense the darkness he concealed. Now, she didn’t feel anything except that he was glad to see her.
He smiled.
Allia stared back at him, scanning his eyes for the anger she could usually sense. “I apologize for not getting up, Your Highness. How can I help you?”
“My lady.” He bowed low enough to take her hand and kiss it. “Are you well this morning?”
“I will be. Thank you, Your Highness.” She kept her tone calm, even though she felt uncomfortable in his presence.
“I heard about the carpenter’s wife and her child,” he said. “I felt it was appropriate to thank you for the work you’ve done for our people. It doesn’t seem to matter what sort of ailment afflicts them. At your touch, they are whole again. Can you really heal any sort of injury?”
“As far as I know.”
“You are very caring to do it.” The pleasant expression on his face almost made him look like Callonen.
“I want to help those in need,” she said.
“You have already helped many people,” he said smoothly. “I brought you these.” He held the flowers out to her.
“That’s very kind of you,” she said, motioning to Tess to take the flowers.
“Since my brother plans to marry you, I felt you should know that I support his choice. You have already more than earned your place in the palace. Rest well.” His dark gaze was unsettling. He kissed her hand again and then departed.
As soon as he’d left, Tess returned. “What was he doing here?”
Allia couldn’t shake the uneasiness growing in her belly. “I don’t know.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Year of Warding 21, White City, Sarine
Allia
OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS, Allia saw much more of Haldreth. He gave no sign that he knew she had overheard his plans. But his presence made her very uncomfortable. She had vastly preferred being ignored by him. Now he treated her with flawless courtesy, only appearing when Callonen was not with her. Apparently, Haldreth knew his brother’s schedule and arranged to turn up when Callonen was away.
Allia didn’t know what to do. Her first impulse was to accuse Haldreth of pursuing her and demand he leave her alone, but she had no proof. He would surely claim that they had only run into each other by accident.
Haldreth wanted something from her. Even though she couldn’t sense it, her heart told her he hadn’t changed. But what could it be? He was still jealous of Callonen, but she’d thought that involved the crown and the Warding, not her. Haldreth had another reason for his sudden interest. Allia needed to know what it was.
One evening, as Allia stood on the tower watching the sunset, she heard footsteps behind her and turned to look. Her heart leapt as she thought it was Callonen, but as he came to stand beside her, she realized it was actually Haldreth.
“Your Highness,” she said, curtsying.
“My lady,” he said, bowing and kissing her hand. “I’m sorry to disturb you. I didn’t know anyone else would be up here.”
“Did you want something, Your Highness?” She didn’t want to spend time with him, but this could be her chance to discover his motives.
He rested his arms on the railing, looking out over the city. “I hoped we might share a conversation.”
“What do you want to talk about?”
“Have you lived inside the Warding all your life?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“Of course, I have lived here since Sarine was founded, but in the last few years, I have had the opportunity to travel and visit other kingdoms. They are very different.”
“Sarine is unique,” she agreed.
He smiled. “That’s one way of putting it. Haven’t you ever considered how disturbing it is that my father knows what everyone is doing? He’s more than just a ruler. He’s tried to make himself a god, setting himself above everyone and judging their actions.”
“Your father is a good man, Your Highness,” Allia said.
“Is he? Would you still think that if you tried to do something he disagreed with?”
Allia didn’t know the answer to that. “I believe he tries to rule fairly.”
“Fairly? Maybe, but he rules in absolute power. No one can even think of opposing him. What would any of us do if he oppressed us? Or oppressed us more than he already does by spying on our feelings and actions. Haven’t you ever wanted to live free of that?”
“I can understand your viewpoint,” Allia said, needing to sound reasonable.
“It would be freedom, Allia. Isn’t that an amazing idea?”
“Of course. But I have no desire to leave Sarine.”
“I understand. You’ve allied yourself to the power of the Warding.”
“That’s not why I promised to marry Callonen!” she protested.
“No? You’re an intelligent girl. You identified the man who will rule this nation and found a way into his heart.”
His accusation made her furious. “That is not what happened.”
He smiled. “You don’t have to explain yourself to me. But Callonen isn’t the only one who is powerful. If control is what you really want, you should consider getting to know me better.”
Her mouth dropped open in surprise. How had he expected her to react to that? “I’m very sorry, Your Highness, but I’m afraid I have another appointment.” She stepped away from the wall.
He caught her hand. “Don’t go yet,” he protested.
“I can’t stay,” she said, pulling her hand from his.
“And if I order you to stay? What harm is there in spending a few more moments with me? I offered you the opportunity to become better acquainted.”
She looked into his dark eyes and he stared back, challenging her, waiting to see what she would do. The ability to tell what others were feeling, never absent before, seemed to have deserted her. Now, when she needed to know what he felt, she sensed nothing from him. She retreated a step toward the staircase.
“You came here as a servant. It’s your place to do as I command.” His voice was hard.
“No. I am no longer a servant. I am the future Empress of Sarine,” she said, taking another step backward. She heard footsteps on the stairs. Someone was coming.
Haldreth lifted his head and turned toward the top of the stairs. He had heard them too. In a moment, five members of the emperor’s court appeared.
Allia walked swiftly toward them, forcing herself to smile and nod at them, while wishing them a pleasant night. She hurried down the stairs and through the halls as fast as she could without attracting attention. She wanted to get back to her room and bolt the door behind her.
Haldreth hadn’t revealed the details of his plans to her, but he had made it clear he wanted her to participate in some way. That would not happen. She wanted no part of his schemes, no part of him. How could he think that she only wanted Callonen because of his power?
She paused at the door to her room. Someone was coming along the hall from the other direction. She started. It was him! She fumbled with the door latch, but her hands were all thumbs, and he was already beside her. Panic welled up in her.
“Allia? Allia, what’s wrong?”
She stared up at him with wide eyes, every muscle tensed for flight. Her sense of his feelings slowly penetrated her fear. He was worried. Callonen. Her shoulders sagged in relief.
“Allia, what’s wrong?” Callonen asked, putting his arms around her.
“I’m all right,” she said, trying to regain control of herself.
“You’re shaking. What happened?”
She clung to him. “I’m all right now.”
“You looked at me as if you were terrified,” he said slowly.
She could sense how much that had hurt him.
“My love, why would you ever be afraid of me?”
“Not you,” she whispered. “Your brother.”
“What has he done?”
“He’s everywhere I go, and he’s been paying more attention to me than I’m comfortable with. I didn’t know how to tell you. I never wanted anything but for him to go away. You must believe me!”
“Of course I believe you. And when you saw me, you thought I was him.”
“Only for a moment. I’m sorry.”
“You have nothing to apologize for. It’s all right,” he said, stroking her hair. “What has he done to make you afraid?”
She took a deep breath, savoring the safety she felt in his arms. “Other than threaten you? The more I learn about his plans, the more frightened I am. There is something he wants me to do for him, and I don’t know what it is. But there is terrible darkness in him. Even though I can’t sense it anymore, I know it’s still there. Your father would be wise to lock him up.”
“But… he’s my brother.” Callonen shook his head sadly. “My father and I have already spoken many times about Haldreth and his plans, but I’ll speak to him again.”
Two days later, just after breakfast, somebody knocked at Allia’s door. She rested her hand on the knob until she could sense that Callonen stood on the other side. When she opened the door, he smiled.
“Are you ready to go out?” he asked eagerly.
“I guess I am. Why?” she asked, sensing his excitement.
“Quickly,” Callonen said, pulling her hand. “I have something to show you.”
She couldn’t help but smile. “What is it?”
“A surprise,” he replied, and she went with him out through the gate and along the palace walls, where there were many gardens.
Callonen led her along a stone path bordered by green grass. They came to a wall about twelve feet high that extended out from the soaring height of the palace wall. Callonen took out a large ornate key and unlocked a door.
“Close your eyes,” he whispered in her ear. Her heart sped up at the feel of his breath on her skin.
Allia heard the door creak, and Callonen led her through it. “Can I open them now?” she asked.
“Now,” he said.
They stood in a beautifully tended garden. A fountain bubbled in the center with a large tree nearby. A table and chairs were placed in the shade of its branches.
“It’s beautiful!”
“It’s yours,” he said, smiling at her.
“Mine?” she asked in wonder. “The whole garden?”
“Your very own!” He handed her the key. “You can plant whatever you wish here and entertain whoever you want and come here whenever you please. You don’t have to let anyone in here who you don’t want to see, including Haldreth. No one will enter without your invitation. And, with your permission, I will keep the only other copy of the key. No one else will be able to come in without your knowledge.”
“Then you can come and find me here anytime you want.” She threw her arms around his neck, laughing. Her own garden. Amazing. He knew she loved growing things. How thoughtful he was. “I am so lucky.”
“To have such a place?”
“No. To have you.”
A few days later, Allia and Tess decided to have lunch in the garden. They could have ordered food served to them there, and someone would have come, bringing their meal on a silver tray. But Allia just couldn’t ask for that. The person serving them would be someone they knew, one of their friends. So, they went to the kitchen themselves and made their own lunch, then packed everything into a basket and carried it to the garden.
“When you are empress, will you still run to the kitchen yourself every time you want something?” Tess asked as they set everything out on the table under the tree near the fountain.
“I don’t know,” Allia said. “I haven’t figured that out yet. But I feel awkward ordering anyone around, especially Mara. I don’t want to give the impression that I think I’m better than they are.”
Sitting comfortably in the shade, Allia and Tess lingered over the last of their lunch. They sat, enjoying the autumn sunshine, laughing and talking.
Finally, Tess left, remembering a few tasks remaining undone. Allia remained alone in the garden. She wanted to see Callonen this afternoon, but he was stuck in a long, necessary meeting. They would have a late dinner together when it was finished.
In the meantime, Allia enjoyed the quiet of her garden. The peace and beauty of it relaxed her, and she leaned back in her chair and put her feet up. Before she knew it, she had dozed off.
Allia drifted into a dream where she and Callonen were together. They were walking through the palace hand in hand.
“I don’t want you to go,” Callonen said.
“I would never leave you,” she assured him.
“No,” he said. “You can’t leave.” He pulled her close.
Allia felt a gentle kiss, and still lost in the dream of Callonen, she responded without opening her eyes. Fingers caressed her face, and a mouth wandered across her cheek and down her neck.
Her breathing quickened.
He kissed her on the lips again, hard and hungry, and it felt very wrong. Kissing Callonen didn’t feel that way.
Allia sat up with a start, staring in horror at the man who’d been kissing her.
“Haldreth!” she cried.
He stared back at her, his expression insolent and amused. “What’s the matter?” he asked.
She jumped to her feet and backed away from him. “What are you doing?” she demanded. How had he even gotten in here? She had watched Tess close the door on her way out, and from the outside, it was locked. Glancing at the door, she saw it was still closed. How had he gotten in? And why?
“I came to see you,” he said, as if answering her unspoken question. “This is an important day.” He stepped nearer.
“What day is that?” she asked.
“My future begins,” he said. “Today I will start a new life and come into my birthright.”
Allia moved away from him. The look on his face sent a chill down her spine. She retreated until she bumped into the tree trunk.
“Leave now,” Allia ordered in her most commanding tone, pointing at the door.
He laughed derisively. “You think a serving girl can tell me what to do? I am a prince, and soon I will be a king. There’s only one more thing I need.”
“And what is that?” she asked, her heart pounding. She dreaded hearing his answer.
He came closer until he stood uncomfortably near. Then he reached out to take her hand. She tried to pull away, but he tightened his grip until it hurt. Leaning nearer, he whispered in her ear. “I need the power of your ring,” he said. “And you’d be wise to join me yourself.” He pulled her closer still and put his arms around her.
She shoved him back. “Get away from me!”
As she tried to flee, he grabbed her arm and drew a knife from his belt. Allia felt the blade against her throat.
“Don’t struggle,” he commanded. “I’ll kill you if I have to and chance that the ring will work the same on someone else.”
“But… the Warding… Your father will know what you’ve done. You won’t get away!”
“It’s true. If I go that far, my father will finally realize. The veil concealing my actions can only cover so much. But after today, it won’t matter anymore. I will be long gone before he can stop me. I’ve been preparing for this day for years. He won’t be able to act fast enough to keep me inside the Warding anymore.”
The cold steel was sharp against her neck. Would he really kill her? Would he?
“You have a choice, you know,” he whispered. “I told you before that you don’t have to take Callonen. I can give you a throne too. Anything he can give you, so could I. My empire will be greater than his. Join me. When you kissed me, I could tell you wanted me.”
“No!” Allia cried, “I thought you were him.”
“I don’t believe you,” Haldreth said, pulling her closer.
“Let me go!” Allia yelled. She tried to gouge him with her fingernails.
