Page 56 of Beguiled
Gregor and I searched the city throughout the night, questioning everyone we met about whether they knew of another way into the castle, perhaps a secret passageway. The architects had surely planned for a second entrance and exit, knowing that having only one so high up the mountain might prove deadly during a siege.
If there was another way inside, no one knew of it. Growing weary and frustrated, we returned to the tavern at the first hint of dawn, ready to quench our thirst and sate our hunger before we climbed up to the gatehouse and waited for it to open.
As soon as we stepped into the dim interior, I sensed the change in atmosphere from the proprietor and other patrons who were already awake. Gone was the friendliness. Instead, hostility spiked the air, and I sensed we were no longer welcome there.
The tavern owner handed me a rolled-up parchment. “This came for you while you were gone.”
As I took it, I followed his gaze to a deep-red wax seal. It bore the imprint of two lions standing rampant, forelegs raised, ready to strike.
“From the queen herself.” His voice was accusatory.
How had the queen discovered our presence here at the tavern? Had someone we talked to during the night notified her of our questions? Worse, had she forced Pearl to tell her?
My gut churned at the prospect that Pearl’s mission had failed. Though I wasn’t pleased she’d gone into the castle on her own, I’d held out hope that her plan to kidnap Ruby would prevail. After all, Pearl was intelligent, quick-thinking, and capable. If anyone could achieve the daring feat, she could.
“When did this come?” I asked.
The proprietor glared at me. “A few hours ago. Soldiers came for Prince Mikkel.”
I didn’t confirm or deny the man’s silent question about my identity. Instead, I slid my finger into the seal and broke it. Unrolling the missive, the first thing I noticed was Pearl’s signature near the bottom.
My worst fears had been realized. The queen had captured Pearl.
I wanted to slam my fist into something but forced myself to remain calm. I scanned the sheet, all the while aware that every pair of eyes in the room was upon me, gauging my reaction.
“You are officially invited to attend a banquet in the royal palace. Her Royal Highness, Queen Margery, requests the opportunity to meet you before giving Ruby over to your guardianship.”
Pearl’s note was impersonal, almost cold, with an invitation from the queen at the bottom. It was obvious the queen was manipulating Pearl into doing her bidding, no doubt using Ruby as leverage. It was also obvious Pearl had bargained with the queen so she would release Ruby to me. Likely she’d offered her own life to save Ruby’s.
Protest burned in my chest.
The tavern owner cleared his throat, but once again I refused to acknowledge him. This wasn’t his business, and the less he knew about it, the safer he’d be.
I’d attend the feast, but I wasn’t leaving with just Ruby. I’d make my offer of an alliance with Scania, but with the stipulation that the queen release Pearl to me as well. Of course I wanted to help Ruby escape to safety. But I wanted to save Pearl more than anything.
The simple truth was that I loved her.
I sank to the nearest bench, the revelation too overwhelming and the prospect of losing her too staggering. Somehow over the past weeks, I’d fallen in love with Princess Pearl.
It didn’t matter anymore what was beneath her veil. Even if she was scarred worse than Gregor, I still loved her. I loved her for who she was and not for how she looked. Wasn’t that what I’d been learning in my Testing—not just to accept people who were different but to actually love and cherish them for their uniqueness?
I sat up taller, straightening my spine and resolving to love and cherish Pearl as long as we both lived. She was worth more than a country. She was worth more than a kingship. She was worth more than my own life. She was priceless. And I’d do anything for her.
“I shall need a bath and clean garments.” I directed my request to Gregor. “Come what may, I must dine with the queen and shall present myself to her as favorably as possible. If I am to negotiate for the release of Princess Pearl and Princess Ruby, I shall need every advantage.”
All I had at my disposal was negotiation. I would have to work hard to bargain with the queen and pray she would accept.
Chapter
20
Mikkel
As the doubledoors of the great hall swung open, I straightened the royal-blue tunic along with the fashionable breeches and hose Gregor had managed to find. I didn’t ask him how he tracked down the garments, but he had likely gained the cooperation of the tavern owner.
Gregor had assisted me with bathing and shaving as well as trimming my hair. When finished, he plaited one thin strand on the side and left the rest unbound. For the first time since sailing away from Scania, I had the appearance befitting a prince.
During a moment of wishing for a mirror to examine myself, I’d realized how much I always relied upon my appearance for confidence. As part of my Testing, not only had I needed to see past the appearances of others, but I’d needed to see deeper into my own motives. In comparing myself to Vilmar for so many years, I’d tried to compensate by making myself look better. Now it was past time to accept our differences, and in particular, accept myself.
