Chapter Two

 

King Ronos led his mounted entourage through a thick belt of elm trees at a canter, entering a sweeping green valley surrounded by tracts of coniferous woodland on one side and oak forest on the other. A massive army populated a veritable city of pale brown tents that dotted the grass on the far side. Cavalrymen performed complicated manoeuvres and dashing displays of precision riding. They wheeled and charged as single body, clashing blunted lances on ranks of shield-bearing foot soldiers. All activity ceased at the King’s appearance, and the men saluted their sovereign with raised weapons and a great shout. Ronos waved, sending them back to their practice as he headed for a regal pavilion set up on one side of the vale. The King dismounted amid a plethora of servants, one of whom led his stallion away, and the nobles joined him in the bright tent. The soldiers hustled Kieran in and left him to stand in the middle of it. Talsy slid off her mare and went in after them, while the Aggapae stayed outside with the horses.

Ronos turned at her entry. “Ah, my dear Princess. I regret we have no women here to tend you. This is an army exercise camp, you see.”

That’s okay,” she said. “I’m used to looking after myself.”

I bet you are.”

There’s no need for Kieran to be bound. He’s not going to try to escape amongst so many soldiers.”

The King considered this, eyeing the scowling Prince. “Perhaps not.” He gestured, and a noble stepped up to Kieran, drawing a dagger.

As he sliced the thongs that bound the Prince’s hands, he muttered, “I’d like to sink this into your black heart, you snake.”

That will do, Orland.” Ronos looked at Kieran. “You remember my son, Prince Orland?”

We’ve never met.”

Liar,” Orland said. “You’ll pay for what you did to my sister.”

Kieran rubbed his wrists. “It seems my brother really knew how to make enemies.”

Ronos snorted and turned to take a cup of wine from a serving tray as the servant who bore it passed amongst the nobles, most of whom helped themselves to a cup. Talsy waved the man away, and Kieran was not offered any. The King indicated that Talsy should sit on one of the padded chairs, and she did, aching with fatigue. Ronos settled on the chair beside her and turned his attention to her. Kieran was the only noble left standing when all the others had found chairs.

So, you are Princess...?”

Talsy.”

Allow me to introduce my entourage.” He reeled off a list of counts, dukes and lords, ending with Prince Orland.

Talsy nodded to each, impatient to get the formalities over with, then asked, “What would it take to convince you that Kieran is not Tyrander, King Ronos?”

He sighed. “Perhaps a missive from his lady mother, the Queen. But she is probably dead by his hand, as his father is.”

She’s not, but it would be difficult to get a letter from her, since she’s far away, on the other side of the mountains.”

Well, then.” The King shrugged. “You’ll just have to take my word for it. He may have fooled you with his new identity, but I met him six years ago when he wooed and won my daughter.”

Talsy shook her head. “I’ve met them both, and seen them together. I admit they were as alike as two peas in a pod, but for Tyrander’s white streak and beard. Yet if I looked closely, I could see they were very different inside. Complete opposites, in fact. Tyrander was a cruel drunkard, but Kieran was raised by a retired soldier from his father’s army, and did not know he was a prince until we came here from another continent. You see, when the Queen bore identical twins, the King gave Kieran away rather than have them feuding for the throne.”

Ronos sipped his wine. “It’s a good story, Princess Talsy, and so plausible. But Tyrander never had a twin. I’m sure you’re telling me exactly what he’s told you, and I admire your loyalty, misplaced though it is.”

Talsy groaned in frustration and raised a hand to her aching head, sickness twisting her stomach again.

The King turned to her, putting aside his wine. “My dear, you should go and lie down, you’re clearly exhausted. Orland will take you to a private tent, and I’ll have some food sent to you there.”

Talsy allowed Orland to coax her from her chair, too tired to argue any further. Ronos appeared to be a kind man, and was not about to execute Kieran out of hand, so there would be time to convince him when she felt better. With this in mind, she cast Kieran a sympathetic glance as she was led past him, and he responded with a sad but reassuring smile. Orland took her to a comfortable tent, complete with a soft bed onto which she sank with a sigh. He left her to rest, and later a servant brought her a good game stew, which she picked at before letting sleep carry her off in warm dark arms.

The next morning, they left the camp with Kieran bound to a bay horse, led by a soldier. She rode next to Orland, a handsome, if rather nondescript young man with his father’s eyes and black hair, although lacking his great size. The army saluted their King as the party rode from the valley, escorted by a platoon of mounted troops. The Aggapae fell in behind, unhindered by Ronos’ men. They headed west, parallel to the distant mountains but away from the pursuing Torrak Jahar.

By late afternoon, they had traversed many leagues and crossed two rivers, entering a vast area of cultivated land. The city that sheltered within its stone walls, like so many others, was larger than Talsy had expected. This one differed in as much as the castle did not hide at its centre, but stood close to the wall, guarding the town. Another difference that surprised Talsy was the lack of a tar web. Unlike every other city she had encountered on this continent, Ronos’ home was not a tar town, and its wall was an ancient rampart built of dressed stone. The city was situated at the base of a mighty cliff, which protected its back from enemies as well as the winter storms’ wild winds. The cliff looked odd, as though the land had risen up in a great wave behind the city, poised to engulf it, but never fallen.

Within the tall brown walls, whitewashed houses with black beams lined cobbled streets, and a bustling populace filled them. Talsy glimpsed many little marketplaces in side streets, where vendors sold all manner of wares from brightly painted carts under gay awnings. Housewives hurried past with baskets of shopping, urchins played on the pavements and street sweepers leant on their brooms. Many of the pretty houses had window boxes of bright flowers that sweetened the air with their fragrance, and bright washing dried on lines strung across the roads. The cleanliness, industry and friendliness of Ronos’ city amazed Talsy. People cheered the King as he rode past, which also surprised her, for not many kings were well loved by their people.

At the castle, a towering fortress of dressed grey stone with lofty battlements overlooking the sweeping vale that led to it, servants came out to take the King’s cloak, see to his horse and brush dust from his clothes. One guided Talsy to a sumptuous suite where olive curtains framed tall, diamond-paned windows that overlooked a pretty garden. Landscapes and tapestries decorated the pale blue walls and several finely woven rugs softened the polished black slate floors. A canopied four-poster bed with a quilted crimson spread dominated the bedroom, whose pale yellow walls were home to several portraits of portly men. A variety of dainty ornaments stood on delicate carved tables, and a yellow-tinged mirror hung above the dressing table with its frilly topped stool.

A bevy of serving women arrived to bathe and pamper her with aromatic oils before dressing her in a lacy fawn gown festooned with frills, bows and flowers. She plucked at the finery in disgust, but, apart from a few protestations that were surprised out of her, she bore it with good grace. The girls washed and brushed her hair until it regained a little of its former lustre, dressed it in elaborate plaits and twists and arranged it about her face. As the women put the finishing touches to their work, a slender woman in a plain black dress came in. The serving women curtsied and left, and Talsy turned to face the newcomer. She knew who the woman was from the pain in her hazel eyes and her air of stiff embarrassment.

Princess Merina, I presume?”

The Princess nodded and sat on a stool, her hands clasped. “I had to meet you. Father says you’re Tyrander’s new bride. I wanted to assure you that you’re safe now.”

Talsy snorted. “Well, I’m not sure what from, but thanks all the same. Unfortunately, your father has made a mistake. The man he captured isn’t Tyrander.”

He told me what you said. Tyrander hasn’t mistreated you, then?”

Kieran has not, no. Tyrander tortured me and tried to kill me.”

Merina blinked several times. “I don’t know how he managed to fool you so well. Perhaps with magic, but I glimpsed the man they brought in, and it is Tyrander, I swear it.”

I’m really getting tired of this argument,” Talsy said. “Kieran is Tyrander’s identical twin. Why don’t you spend some time with him and get to know him, then you’ll see that I’m right.”

Merina shuddered. “I know him well enough to know that he’s a master of duplicity. He can act very well; he fooled me for a long time.”

What did he do to you?”

I’d rather not talk about it.” Merina rose. “I’ll see you at supper. The servants will guide you.”

What about Kieran?” Talsy called after her as the Princess headed for the door.

He’s in the dungeon, where he belongs.”

Merina slipped out of the door and closed it behind her. Talsy sighed. Clearly Merina had been through an ordeal, it showed in her haunted eyes and nervously twisting hands. Having met Tyrander, this did not surprise Talsy. What fate would Merina condemn Kieran to for his brother’s crimes, and when was Chanter going to get them out of this mess? He might have saved them from the Torrak Jahar, but the Riders had not even caught up and already the Prince was in danger.

Supper was fraught with peril for Talsy, since she knew none of the etiquette required, and watched the others as they dined, following their example. She was saved from drinking out of the finger bowl when Orland dunked his fingers in it moments before she reached for it. Somehow she got through the meal, though she could eat little of the delicious food and retired early to bed, weak with fatigue. Even her worry for Kieran could not keep her from the dark abyss of sleep, and she sank into it gladly.

 

 

Kieran paced his cell, cursing Tyrander. Even after his death, his deeds caused trouble for his twin. He sat on the hard bed and contemplated his predicament. At least the cell was clean, and he had eaten a good meal of roasted meat and braised vegetables in spicy sauce, so princes evidently received better treatment than most when their enemies captured them. He hoped it was not meant to be his last.

All he could count on now was Chanter’s promise to protect him. It did occur to him to call the Starsword and cut his way out of the cell, but then he would have to fight his way out of the city and deal with the Torrak Jahar, a prospect he did not relish. The sword would have to be counted on only as a last resort, and, if he did end up on the gallows, he hoped the Mujar would keep his vow. He glanced up in surprise as the cell door creaked open.

A slim woman dressed in black came in, her eyes wide with trepidation. She possessed a classical beauty, her heart-shaped face and delicate features framed by bright chestnut hair. Kieran remained seated, not wishing to loom over her, lowered his eyes and bowed his head.

She stopped just inside the open door, a guard within call, and studied him. “So, it is you.”

Kieran smiled and shook his head. “Actually, it’s not. I’m not Tyrander.”

You think your charade will deceive me? Do you think I wouldn’t recognise my own husband?”

Evidently you don’t, for I’m not him. You must be Princess Merina. I’m sorry for whatever my brother did to you, though it was none of my fault. He’s dead now, as he richly deserved, but not before he caused a great deal of trouble for my companions and me.”

I have to decide your punishment.”

He looked up. “That must be difficult for one who is obviously as soft-hearted as you.”

How well you know me. I remember the insults that stemmed from what you called my ‘lack of spine’.”

Kieran sighed. “I see that I’ve blundered. I don’t know you, Princess, merely looking at you tells me that you’re a gentle woman.”

How good you are at words that drip with honey, My Prince. I remember them well from our courting days.”

He jumped up, making her step back and bump into the wall. He swung away to stare out of the barred window. “Anything I say you’ll twist to convince yourself that I am who you think I am. Is there no way I can prove to you that I’m not?”

Look at me.”

Kieran faced her. “I’m his identical twin, Princess; even our mother couldn’t tell us apart, which is why the King gave me away. Looking at me won’t help.”

You’ve dyed your hair. Tomorrow the guards will wash out the dye, and there will be my proof.”

And when that doesn’t work you’ll have me grow a beard, I suppose, so you can say there, you have a beard, you’re Tyrander.”

Merina frowned. “If it won’t wash out, it must certainly grow out, unless you are a magician now.”

Well, at least that buys me some time. Perhaps Tyrander had some scars that I don’t?”

She lowered her gaze. “I wouldn’t know, would I?”

Surely you would? You were his wife.”

I never saw you unclothed, and well you know it.”

Not me, no...” He raised his brows. “You never saw Tyrander?”

How dare you taunt me like this?”

I’m not...” Kieran stepped towards her, but stopped at a warning flash of fear in her eyes. He raised his hands. “I’m sorry, Princess. Under the circumstances you must think me callous, but I’m not privy to the things my brother did to you, forgive me.”

Tears shimmered in her eyes as she gazed up at him. “You are a consummate liar, as I well know. It was lies that wooed me, lies that made me love you, and now I hate you for it.”

Merina spun and fled into the corridor.

Wait!” Kieran started after her, but stopped when a guard blocked the doorway, a spear aimed at his belly. He retreated, and the door slammed in his face, the key grating in the lock. He banged his fist against the wall. “Damn!”

 

 

Talsy woke with bile crawling up her throat and rolled over to vomit into a basin beside her bed. The retching went on long after her stomach was empty, leaving her gasping and weak, cold sweat on her brow. A maid came in and removed the basin, then returned with a clean one and a damp cloth to cool her brow. Talsy enjoyed the pampering, almost glad that Chanter had delivered them into Ronos’ hands, for now she was far too ill to travel. She was a little better by the time Merina came to visit her, and the maid left at a glance from the Princess.

Merina sat on the bed. “How do you feel?”

Not too good.”

The Princess smiled. “It will pass. It’s only morning sickness. Most women get it.”

Talsy forced a wan smile. “That’s nice to know.”

You do seem a little sicker than most, though. Mine was not nearly as bad, thank goodness.”

You’ve had a child?”

Merina nodded. “I am married.”

Tyrander’s child. Of course.”

Does it bother you?”

Talsy shook her head. “Why should it?”

Well, they would be half siblings, and, since he’s still married to me, yours will be illegitimate.”

Talsy snorted, then remembered that Merina thought she carried Kieran’s child. “They’ll be cousins. Although, since Tyrander was Kieran’s twin, they would almost be half-brothers.”

A look of deep sadness crossed Merina’s face. “You really believe his lies, don’t you?”

They’re not lies.”

Merina patted her hand. “Let’s not talk about him. I don’t wish to upset you.”

You’re not upsetting me. It’s just so silly.”

I know you must think so, but be glad we caught him before he did to you what he did to me.”

A knock came from the door, and a maid poked her head in. “Excuse me, Highness, Prince Orland asks if Princess Talsy can meet the King.”

Merina glanced at Talsy, who shook her head. “I’m not feeling that well.”

The Princess turned to the maid. “Tell Orland that Princess Talsy is unwell at the moment.”

The maid curtsied and left, but returned a minute later. “The Prince asks if he may enter and speak to Princess Talsy. The matter is urgent.”

Merina shot Talsy a curious look and helped her to arrange the bedclothes and frilly nightgown before nodding to the maid.

Orland entered, looking embarrassed and shy, his eyes clinging to the toes of his boots. “I’m sorry to worry you, Talsy. This morning a black army came to the city gates and demanded entry. Naturally we denied them, whereupon they demanded that we hand over your entire party, Tyrander, and a stone they claim you have.”

What did you tell them?”

That we would discuss it.”

If you hand us over, they’ll kill us.”

The King wishes to know why they’re pursuing you, and what this stone is.”

Talsy thought quickly before replying, “The stone is sacred to my people. Queen Larina stole it, and we took it back. They have no right to it, or to us.”

Orland glanced at her and nodded. “My father said they were probably Larina’s bunch. We’re not friends of Queen Larina, and fear not, you will not be given to them. But the King is quite taken with the idea of giving them Tyrander.”

No!” Talsy sat up in horror, forgetting the bedclothes. “You cannot! Kieran is not what they really want. They want the stone more than him, but they’ll kill him.” Orland glanced at Merina, and Talsy realised that it was the Princess’ decision. She grabbed Merina’s hands. “Don’t! At least give him the chance to prove that he’s not Tyrander.”

Merina looked undecided, then shook her head at Orland, who grimaced.

Talsy slumped with relief as he left. “What will happen now?”

Merina shrugged. “They’ll probably go back to Larina.”

What if they don’t? What if they lay siege?”

To Malatar?” Merina laughed. “They’d lose.”

They’re undying.”

They’d still lose. My father has one of the mightiest armies in all the kingdoms. Black armies may be hard to beat, but burning oil works well on them, I’ve heard, as do great rocks thrown down on their heads. On the field they’re invincible, but under a city wall, they can be crushed.”

Oil?” Talsy raised her brows in surprise. “Your streets are not paved with tar, but if you have oil, how have you survived the war with the land?”

Not the black oil. We’ve never used that. My father will not allow it in the city. We use oil extracted from certain trees, without harming them. My father claims that to injure the land is wrong, and the black oil carries a curse to all who use it. We heard tales of other towns that were destroyed because they used it. In fact, Queen Larina was forced to tar her streets after she imported the black oil.

When the land started swallowing people around her city, smaller towns nearby bought tar to pave their streets too. Our people were frightened that it would happen here, and begged my father to buy tar for the roads. He refused, saying that as long as we didn’t use it, we’d be safe, and we were. No one was attacked in or near Malatar.”

Your father’s a wise man. But...” Talsy frowned. “How do you know how to fight Larina’s black army? Have you fought them before?”

Merina smiled. “No, our walls are too high and strong for them, but she has attacked other cities, some of which survived by using burning oil and rocks thrown down from their walls.”

I see. What if they cut us off and starve us?”

That would take many moons. They’d starve before we did.”

Talsy nodded, remembering what Chanter had said about the Riders needing the sustenance of blood and souls to survive. “Thank you for not giving Kieran to them.”

I haven’t decided his fate yet.” Merina rose. “Rest now, I’ll come and see you again later.”

Talsy closed her eyes as the door shut, another wave of sickness making her empty stomach twist.

 

 

Merina went to her father’s cosy, book-lined study, where she found him seated behind his polished oak desk, bent over a pile of scrolls. The heavy green velvet curtains were closed to keep out the chill, but a fire crackled in the hearth, imparting its warmth and light to the atmosphere, and Ronos’ favourite wolfhound snored on the sheepskin rug in front of it. He smiled and invited her to sit in the padded leather chair in front of his desk.

How’s Talsy?”

Not too well. She has bad morning sickness, it seems to last all day.”

Poor lass; and soon her child will be fatherless, like yours.”

It worries me, Father. She obviously loves Tyrander. The shock of his execution could harm her.”

Ronos raised a brow. “Are you sure it’s not you who’s unwilling to punish him?”

No, although he seems changed.”

That does not excuse his crimes.”

No.” She looked down at her clasped hands. “But it seems unfair to make Talsy suffer.”

The King’s expression softened. “You always were a kind lass. Perhaps you should tell her what he’s really like, then she won’t mourn his passing.”

That won’t help. She’s convinced that he’s not Tyrander, so nothing I tell her will make any difference to the way she feels.”

Then we must prove to her that he is Tyrander.”

How? She claims to have met him, yet somehow he has fooled her.”

Ronos pondered this. “The dye didn’t wash out?”

No.”

Then it will grow out.”

The Princess nodded. “That means waiting until it does.”

Are you in a hurry?”

No, the longer he suffers at the thought of his impending execution, the better.”

Ronos leant on his desk and steepled his fingers. “Then we wait.”

Orland wandered in and flopped down in a chair, smiling at them. “Well, the black army didn’t much like our reply to their demands.”

What are they doing?” Ronos asked.

Milling around, trying to decide what to do next, I suppose. The leader threatened to tear down our city, stone by stone, so I told it to try. They’ll be gone by the morning, I’d say.”

The King frowned. “They must want that stone pretty bad.”

They claim that our guests stole it from Larina.”

Ronos shrugged. “It’s a moot point, but I wouldn’t give those abominations the time of day. I don’t understand why they’re making so much fuss about a piece of stone.”

Talsy says it’s sacred to her people,” Merina offered.

Well, I’d rather she had it than that witch Larina.” Ronos looked at his son. “Keep an eye on them; you never know what mischief they may be planning. I don’t like having a black army on my doorstep. If they don’t leave, I’ll send a courier to Larina. I know she doesn’t want to start a war with me.”

 

 

Kieran sat on the hard bed and rubbed his head, which ached from the rough scrubbing the guards had subjected it to, trying to wash out the non-existent dye. By the time they had given up, Kieran was sure most of his hair had been torn out by the roots. He gazed morosely out of the window, through which a portion of darkening sky was visible. He looked around as the key grated in the lock, and the door creaked inwards. A willowy female figure stood silhouetted in it, then entered, leading a small child by the hand. Kieran raised his gaze to Merina’s fearful, defiant face.

Before you die, I want you to meet your son.”

Kieran groaned. “My nephew, Princess.”

Don’t you think you’ve lied enough?”

Kieran studied the child, who appeared to be about five years old, and possessed his dark brown hair and black eyes set in a delicate face. The boy regarded him warily, his thumb plugged into his mouth.

Kieran smiled at him. “What’s your name, lad?”

The boy hid behind his mother’s skirts, and she replied, “Urlik, after my grandfather.”

A fine name.”

Merina pulled the child forward. “Urlik, this is your father.”

I’m not!” Kieran protested. “I’m his uncle!”

You’d lie to your own son? I thought perhaps you would admit the truth when confronted with him.”

Kieran gave a low growl and lay back, stretched out one leg and bent the other, staring up at the roof. “If you won’t believe me, Princess, kindly leave me alone. You can wait until doomsday for that lock of white hair to sprout, because it won’t.”

We’ll see about that.”

Kieran looked up at her. “How’s Talsy?”

She has the morning sickness badly, but she’ll be all right.”

There’s a bottle of tonic I bought for her in one of the bags, will you see that she takes it? I was trying to pluck up the courage to give it to her, but I was afraid she’d try to beat me to death with it.”

Merina’s brows rose. “You bought her a tonic?”

Is that so strange?”

From you, yes.”

A bitter smile curled his lips. “I couldn’t imagine Tyrander buying tonic for his wife, I suppose.”

And you couldn’t pluck up the courage? It sounds as though you’re afraid of her.”

I am. Talsy doesn’t like being told what to do.” Kieran’s smile widened and Merina stared at him in patent astonishment, which puzzled him until he remembered that Tyrander had had yellow, decayed teeth while his were white and even.

I suppose you’d have me believe that she’s hit you.”

Hit me?” He chuckled. “She’s given me a black eye, maybe two, I can’t remember.”

You’re lying! You beat me!”

Kieran rolled onto his side. “Ask her then. I didn’t beat you, Princess, I only met you yesterday. I’ve never lifted a hand to a woman; my father taught me better than that. And I don’t pick on anyone smaller than me.”

That must be hard,” Merina retorted. “There aren’t many bigger than you.”

Well, they don’t have to be bigger, just not a foot shorter and less than half my weight.”

That didn’t stop you before!” Her eyes glittered, her fierce expression at odds with her gentle features.

Kieran rolled onto his back again and covered his face with his hands, driven to distraction with frustration at the unending disbelief. “Aargh! Go and talk to Talsy, Princess, maybe she can remember how many black eyes she’s given me.”

I’m sure you’ve coached her well.”

Oh, god.” Kieran lowered his hands and stared at the roof. “Don’t condemn me for my brother’s sins, please. It’s bad enough that he tried to kill Talsy and me. Don’t let his curse live on after his death. Wouldn’t it be ironic that you might do the very thing he wanted to, because he hated me for being the brother he never knew? I think he was so twisted because he knew he had a twin, but never met me, while I was ignorant of that. It’s as if his hand is reaching from the grave to try to drag me in there with him.”

Tyrander -”

Kieran.”

Changing your name doesn’t convince me of anything, but you spin a good yarn.” Merina turned to leave.

Princess.” Kieran sat up.

She paused in the doorway. “Yes?”

Please tell me if Talsy gets any worse. I worry about her.”

How touching.” Merina vanished through the door, which slammed in her wake.

Kieran lay back with a sigh. “Of course, you don’t believe that either.”

 

 

Merina handed Urlik to his nanny and marched to Talsy’s room, finding her picking at a plate of roast fowl and steamed vegetables smothered with gravy.

Merina settled on the bed beside her. “How are you feeling?”

Talsy shrugged. “Rotten.”

Which is Tyrander’s pack?”

Tyrander’s dead, but Kieran’s is over there in the corner.”

Merina went over to the three satchels and found two dark bottles in the first one she opened. Taking one back to the bed, she uncorked it and sniffed the contents, her eyes watering at the powerful metallic scent. It certainly smelt like a tonic.

She handed it to a hovering maid. “Take this to the doctor and ask him what it is.”

The maid bobbed and departed, and Talsy eyed the Princess. “What was that?”

Tyrander says that he bought you a tonic.”

Have you been talking to the dead?” Talsy said, becoming fed up with the situation. “Kieran’s got a cheek. Does he think I look so dreadful?”

You are a little pale.”

I feel a little pale. If he was here, I’d make him drink the foul stuff himself.”

Merina frowned. “You don’t respect him?”

Sure I do, when he doesn’t trample on my toes.”

He has hit you!” The Princess looked triumphant.

Did I say that?” Talsy laughed. “He’s a pushover! I’ve given him one or two black eyes myself. Kieran would never hurt me. I must admit, to begin with I was a little afraid of him. After all, he’s rather large. He was very quiet until I got to know him better. Then he kept trying to rescue me, and usually ended up making things worse. I gave him a pretty hard time, poor man. I still do. We’ve had a few fights, and I usually win, because he doesn’t want to hurt me.” She snorted. “The moron.”

Merina shook her head in disbelief. “Tyrander beat me. He... he locked me in a room and came to me... when the urge took him. If I tried to fight, he would get more violent. I have scars...”

Talsy took the Princess’ trembling hand. “That was Tyrander, not Kieran.”

They’re the same person!”

They’re not! I saw them together.”

Merina covered her mouth to stifle a sob, and Talsy squeezed the fragile hand she held. “I’m sorry. How did you escape?”

My father. I sent a message to him with one of the servants I had brought with me. Two died trying to get out, the third succeeded. My father came and demanded that Tyrander release me, but he refused. My father was afraid that if he went to war with Tyrander, he might kill me, so he sent assassins. Twice Tyrander was wounded, and in the end he... he put me on an old horse and sent me into the desert. I think he wanted me to die, but my father’s men found me.”

Talsy put aside her plate. “It’s okay, he’s dead now; he can’t hurt you anymore.”

He’s in the dungeon. You’ve got to believe me. I don’t want you to be upset. He’s fooled you by being nice to you, but that’s Tyrander down there, I’d stake my life on it.”

Well, let’s hope you don’t have to,” Talsy muttered with a sigh.

I know you love him.”

You do? I mean, of course I do.”

Merina leant forward. “That’s why he’s been able to fool you. Love is blind!”

It may be blind, but it’s not completely stupid.”

He fooled me too, when he courted me. I thought he was wonderful, so dashing, charming, and utterly handsome.”

Talsy snorted. “I suppose he’s not bad, if you like his type.”

Merina did not seem to hear. “Every time I go down to the dungeon, and he’s so pleasant and kind, I remember how much I loved him. I want to throw myself into his arms...”

Talsy smiled. “Maybe you should try it sometime. He’ll probably faint from shock.”

I wish you’d believe me,” Merina mourned.

I wish that was Tyrander down there, waiting for the chop. But it’s not, it’s Kieran. I only wish I could prove it. Unfortunately, I can’t, because they’re identical. If I showed you Kieran’s scars, you’d just say they were new. The only difference was that lock of white hair, which Kieran doesn’t have.”

Yes,” Merina agreed. “When it grows back, you’ll see that I’m right.”

When it doesn’t, you’ll feel rather silly, I think.”

If that’s not Tyrander, I’ll... I’ll...”

Careful,” Talsy warned, “don’t promise something you wouldn’t like to do.”

I’ll kiss him. On the mouth.”

He might like that.” Talsy giggled, imagining Kieran’s embarrassment, then lay back with a sigh.

Merina rose to her feet. “You’re tired. I’ll leave you to sleep now. Don’t worry; I won’t have him executed until you believe me.”

Oh good,” Talsy murmured, “then he’s safe.”

 

 

The following morning, a maid approached Merina in her morning room, where she was busy with her embroidery, to inform her that Princess Talsy was far sicker, with a high fever, headache, palsy and chills, and had already vomited upon waking. Merina hurried to Talsy’s bedchamber, the frightened maid trotting behind her, and raked the Princess’ pale features with a worried glance before ordering the maid to fetch the doctor. By the time he arrived, Talsy tossed in a restless sleep, trying to push away the covers. Merina chewed her lip while the doctor examined Talsy, shaking his head in confusion and pessimism. He mixed a foul smelling concoction in a cup and trickled it into the Princess’ mouth, his brow furrowed. When he finished, Merina confronted him.

What’s wrong with her?”

I have to say I’m not sure, Highness. She has a fever, and I’ve given her something for it, but I don’t know what’s causing it.”

What was in that bottle I sent to you?”

A strong tonic, very good, I should think. If she recovers, she should take it. It will build her strength.”

If?” she demanded, alarmed.

She’s gravely ill, Highness.”

She might die?” Merina’s heart quailed at the thought. “She’s pregnant!”

I can’t help that, I’m afraid.”

Merina gazed at the sweating girl in the bed as the doctor left, her brow wrinkled with worry. Two maids tended Talsy, wiped her face with damp cloths and covered her when she threw off the sheets. After a few minutes of indecision, Merina hurried out.

 

 

The rattle of keys in his cell door roused Kieran from his doze, and he sat up as Merina came to stand at the foot of his bed. She looked worried and upset, but he waited for her to speak.

Talsy’s very sick,” she blurted at last.

He jumped up and reached for her without thinking. “Take me to her!”

No!” Merina jerked from his hold. “What can you do? You’re not a doctor.”

Is she being treated?”

Of course!”

He swung away, muttering, “It’s that damned child.”

I beg your pardon?”

The baby! It’s making her sick.”

Don’t be ridiculous. She has a fever; she’s ill!”

He’d better come,” he said.

Who?”

I must see her, Princess.”

Merina shook her head. “You can’t help her, and you’re a prisoner. I only told you because you asked me to.”

Thank you.” Kieran strived to remain calm. “Would you do something else for me, please?”

What?”

He hesitated. “I know this is going to sound bad, but try to understand. I want you to leave her alone, get everyone out of the room. Will you do that?”

You want her to die,” she said. “She needs care!”

No!” Kieran lowered his voice when she stepped back. “Listen to me. I love her. I would never harm her, I swear! I promise you, if you leave her alone in her room, with the window open and the door locked, just for a few hours, she’ll recover.”

How’s that possible?”

I can’t tell you, but it is. If you care for her at all, if you have any kindness in you, please do as I ask.”

Merina eyed him. “I’ll think about it.”

Thank you. It’s the only way to save her.”

At least your tonic was just that, and not poison.”

His brows rose. “Of course it was. Why would I wish to harm her?”

Why did you beat me?” She swung away.

I didn’t!”

The door slammed in his face and the key grated in the lock. Consumed now with worry, he paced around, cursing.