Page 53 of The Faceless Mage

It was a decided relief when no one gave her so much as a second glance as she made her way through the halls of the palace, out into the courtyard, and across it to the barracks on the other side. She paused once or twice, pretending there was something in her shoe in order to check behind her for any sign that the Raven had followed after all, but saw nothing. Which proved nothing, but enabled her to continue on.

Once she knew she was in the right place, Leisa stopped a Garimoran page and asked for directions, claiming to have a message from the Farhall princess for her guards. Well, not just claiming, since it was actually the truth.

The page was very obliging and trotted ahead of her all the way into the barracks. They passed through the dining hall, up a set of stairs, and into a common room where an argument seemed to be taking place.

And no wonder. Kip, it seemed, had already returned, and was in the midst of being verbally flayed by Zander for his indiscretion in sneaking around the palace.

If only Zander knew what he’dactuallydone. Leisa doubted poor Kip would survive the aftermath.

She dismissed the page and cleared her throat gently.

“I beg your pardon,” she said, in what she hoped sounded like Lady Piperell’s quiet, well-modulated tones, “but I have a message from Her Highness.”

Zander jerked around to face her, and Leisa instantly felt remorse as she took in his expression. He was worried. Afraid. Exhausted. And about to go mad with his inability to doanythingto help or protect his princess.

Despite her external protestations, it had been an easy matter for Leisa to accept Garimore’s restrictions on her guard—unlike Evaraine, she had never relied on them to protect her. Protecting herself, seeing to her own safety, was far more natural than worrying about whether her bodyguard remained close.

But Zander had no idea that she wasn’t his fragile, easily exhausted princess. He no doubt imagined her isolated and terrified, and himself helpless to do anything to change it. She should have thought to offer him some reassurance in the note, but she’d been too preoccupied.

“Thank you, my lady,” Zander said, moving forward and bowing less deeply than he would have to Evaraine. He accepted the note as his eyes searched her face. “Can you tell me whether she is well? Is she eating? Resting? Content with her situation?”

Leisa suspected he wanted to ask far more pointed questions but knew better than to imagine Lady Piperell could answer. A lady in her position had no more power than he did. And, from the softening in his expression, Lesia suspected he rather liked her.

“She is well,” Leisa said carefully. “If perhaps feeling worn out by the events of the day. Her Highness remained in her room this evening and sent her regrets for the planned family dinner and masqued ball.”

Zander seemed relieved to hear it. “I look forward to seeing her in the morning then, and will pray that we find her well-rested.”

Leisa nodded and gestured to the note in his hand. “Her Highness indicated that she would expect a response. If it is not too much trouble, I am happy to wait and return it to her in person.”

Zander’s hesitation was evident as he glanced down at the paper to confirm the seal, as she’d guessed he would. An unsealed note from the hand of a stranger—especially one containing the instructions this one did—would have done nothing but arouse his suspicion.

“As you wish, my lady,” he said finally, bowing again and retreating to the next room.

She waited, and the three remaining guards quite pointedly did not offer her a chair. Whether the real Lady Piperell would have been offended by this, she had no idea, but a bodyguard was rarely allowed to sit, so it didn’t bother her to remain standing.

It did begin to concern her when Zander did not reappear for some time, though she knew her note had been anything but reassuring.

Zander,

I have become aware of some alarming information and would ask you to personally investigate. A full regiment of Garimoran soldiers is being dispatched, almost immediately I fear, to hunt down a mage somewhere in the kingdom. I do not know the full details, only that they intend to send archers to shoot this person down “from a distance” and implied that the mage in question may have origins in the Empire. Given that I have been offered nearly overwhelming evidence that Garimore harbors enmity and prejudice towards mages in general, and towards boundary mages in particular, I feel that understanding this situation may be vital to any decisions we might make concerning an alliance. If the mages among our people will be endangered by my marriage, I cannot in good conscience move forward. But I also cannot return home without proof, which is why I beg you to aid me in this. I know that what I ask of you is not without danger, so please be safe. I will await word of your return.

Her Royal Highness,

Evaraine

Eventually, Zander did emerge, his face set into an icy mask.

“For Her Highness.” He placed an unsealed paper in Leisa’s hand. “Thank you for your kindness to her, and to me, in delivering this note.”

Leisa nodded as regally as she knew how and turned to go, feeling his eyes on her back but not knowing what else she could offer him. They both courted danger, and that would not change until they were safely back across the border into Farhall.

Once outside, she hastened through the courtyard to an out-of-the-way corner and paused to read what Zander had written. She could not risk going further if he’d said anything that might arouse suspicions if it fell into the wrong hands.

I thank you, Your Highness, for your reassurances. It is a relief to know that you have found your visit thus far to be both restful and enlightening. Please know that we stand ready to fulfill your slightest wish at any time and look forward to the day when we may return to His Majesty with news of this future alliance. Be brave, my princess, and Farhall will never fail.

- Zander

A sigh of relief escaped her as she read over his words again. He’d managed to cleverly disguise his response, but he was as concerned as Leisa and would do as she’d asked. Now it was her turn to wait in an agony of nerves until she heard from him again.

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