Page 52 of Beguiled
One of the pages murmured something to the dog before he rolled over and went back to sleep.
I remained motionless, waiting for someone else to sit up and spot me. But only the dog lumbered over, its snout in the air. It gave another soft bark, then wagged its tail. Did it recognize me? Or at the very least remember my scent?
It sniffed my legs before it plopped down, peering up at me with its ears cocked. I held out my hand and let it sniff me more closely.
“Stay,” I whispered as I started up the stairs.
It watched with curious eyes each step I took up the broad stairway, but it made no more noise or effort to follow me. When I reached the landing, I ducked behind the balcony where my mother presided over the Choosing Ball each Midsummer’s Eve.
Though I’d never attended the event, I oft peeked from the hallway, glimpsing the fairest maidens in the land dancing in their emerald gowns. The music had been festive, the clothing beautiful, and the decorations lavish. Though the queen required everyone to smile and be happy, nothing was ever able to mask the fear in each of the faces. I’d sensed that fear as palpably as if it had been a living force hovering above the gathering.
Now, as I slipped into the passageway, my thoughts turned to Mikkel’s brother Vilmar. If he was anything like Mikkel, then he was a good and brave man, and I hoped one day I’d have the chance to thank him for capturing Grendel.
I still didn’t understand why my mother hadn’t been more pleased by Vilmar’s defeat of the monster. Mikkel’s suspicions from the previous night had stayed with me. And the more I thought about them, the more I agreed. The queen had been using Grendel for her own purposes, something to do with her alchemy. Since it was the most important thing to her, everything always had to do with her alchemy. Always.
Sconces glimmered at intervals down the long hallway. Though I didn’t see any guards on duty, I stayed along the edge until I reached a doorway leading to the servants’ corridors.
Most of the castle staff would be asleep, but I remained alert as I raced through the narrow halls and reached the tower housing Ruby’s chambers. Once there, I peeked in the direction of her door. It was guarded. The queen was attempting to prevent Ruby from escaping—or perhaps had anticipated a rescue effort.
I’d suspected that would be the case. With haste, I unrolled the habit I’d pilfered from the abbey and donned it over my garments. While the gray undyed wool was scratchy and stifling and several sizes too big, it would have to do.
I hesitated but a moment before I removed the veil that had been my shield for many months. I couldn’t keep it over my face if I hoped to pass as a nun. Instead, I wound the nun’s wimple around my head and neck, leaving only my face showing as was the custom. I hoped the guards would believe I was a nun arriving to pray with Ruby.
As I backtracked through the servants’ corridors and entered the main hallway, I bowed my head to hide my face and slowed to a placid pace to mimic the silent tread of the nuns. My pulse sped with each step, so that by the time I stood in front of the two guards on either side of Ruby’s door, I was sure they could hear my thudding heart.
I bowed my head even farther and tucked my hands within the folds of the wide sleeves. “I have come to offer prayers at the request of her Royal Highness.”
“We’ve no knowledge of such a request,” said a stocky, giant guard, his voice charged with mistrust.
“She asked for a visit this eve, but the sisters were all detained until now.” I held my breath and hoped Ruby was still in the custom of seeking solace from the nuns.
The guards were silent.
Had they recognized my voice? Or had they glimpsed my profile? “You would not deny the princess the only thing she requests, would you?”
The giant guard shifted, his leather boots creaking. “She is already slumbering.”
“The child is never too tired for prayer.” Though I tried to remain calm, my muscles tightened anyway.
Ruby was angelic, and I was counting on her having won the guards over with her sweet nature so they would do anything for her, even defy the queen.
“Mayhap a short prayer time?” The other guard directed the question to his companion.
“Very well.” The giant opened the door and stepped aside. “But be quick.”
I glided forward, trying not to seem too eager even as my body hummed with anticipation.
The chamber was dark, the hearth fire banked for the night. But the light from the open doorway aided me as I wove around the maidservants abed on their pallets. The rush mats were still soft, and the herbs within were crushed underfoot so the scents of rosemary and lavender hung in the air.
As I approached the bed, I sensed the guard watching my every movement. I wished I could command him to close the door so I might speak with Ruby privately. But I would have to make the most of the opportunity and hope Ruby cooperated.
Ruby’s bed curtains were half-closed, revealing her body underneath the coverlet, a girl on the cusp of womanhood. Upon reaching the bed frame, I kept my head bowed, knelt beside her, and gently laid my hand upon her.
She awoke with a gasp, tensing beneath my touch. Though I refrained from looking at her face, I could feel her relax as she took me in.
“Sister Clare, you have come for prayer?” she asked through a yawn.
I nodded.
