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Chapter 18 {Part Two}: Defensive Preparations
The warm mid-morning air was practically dancing with dust and dry bits of grass as Carina made her way back towards the field where her knights had gathered to clear the road. Colonel Isaac signaled the waiting officers who rode forward to meet them on a patch of matted grass. The Colonel was the first to dismount, the men following his example while Isaac turned to assist the Duchess from her saddle.
“Your Grace,” Colonel Isaac said once Carina had found her feet. “Although you met them before briefly, allow me to reintroduce Captain Silas, Lieutenant Hadley, and Lieutenant Quinn.”
“Duchess,” the three officers greeted her respectfully in unison.
“Thank you, Colonel,” Carina replied with an acknowledging nod to each knight standing before her. “Gentlemen, I realize the particulars of this mission have changed drastically, so please feel free to pass on any immediate needs or suggestions that would improve the safety of the Manor grounds, forest, and of course, his Majesty.”
The lieutenants glanced over at Captain Silas, who relaxed his posture slightly before replying. “Yes, your Grace. And the supplies we brought with us should more than see the men through the four-day hunt. I believe we are waiting on Viscount Gilwren for a location to set up camp.”
“We are,” Isaac confirmed as he offered a few pieces of dry apple to his bored bay roan.
“Then all that is left is to distribute the men and then split them into shifts.”
“Please, Captain,” Carina replied with a polite smile and gesture. “If you have any suggestions on how to organize the security detail, I would be grateful to hear from someone with the necessary experience.”
Captain Silas raised his brows slightly, then turned and snapped his fingers to one of the knights waiting nearby, “Sergeant Blimly, my map.”
The sergeant hastily pulled a medium-sized scroll from the captain’s saddle and brought it over. Silas knelt and spread the map open across the smothered grass, using his gloves and a few loose rocks to weigh down the corners. “Right, well, we have two main areas to cover. I would suggest that Lieutenant Hadley and his knights take responsibility for security here on the grounds.” His finger circled the forest border, which stretched all around Gilwren Manor. “That will include the camping ground of the other nobles which will likely be spread around the manor, our camp which I expect will take these two open fields here, and of course around Gilwren Manor itself.”
Silas glanced up at Lieutenant Hadley, who gave an affirming nod. “That will leave Lieutenant Quinn and his troops to handle the security of Gilwren Forest itself, a much larger area to cover and monitor.” The captain gestured vaguely towards a river that wound its way through the forest. “The hunting area expands beyond Vesper River by a good two miles. I would recommend Lieutenant Quinn split up the border area and assign his men accordingly.”
“Perhaps not quite so evenly,” Isaac mused as he toed lose a few pebbles from the grass and then picked them up. “If there is a threat to his Majesty, it’s more likely to happen under cover of Gilwren Forest.” The Colonel knelt beside Silas and placed four pebbles in different wooded sections on the map. “The hunting ground is typically separated into four quadrants to avoid accidental deaths from friendly fire. These four quadrants extend from the grounds to about here.” He trailed his finger along the red ink line which encompassed Gilwren Forest.
“So then the territories around Gilwren?” Carina murmured curiously. “Who do they belong to?”
Isaac smiled slightly before tossing a few more stones onto the map. “The West and South woodlands fall under Earl Coldwell’s oversight. Those woods belong to the royal family. The timbers harvested every other year are used for restricting the palace, the royal fleet, and other necessities.” The Colonel placed a chipped rock east of the red marker. “These western woods belong to Viscount Bennet.”
“And both Earl Coldwell and Viscount Bennet are members of the Royal Faction who support Marquess Borghese,” Carina muttered uneasily. “And above us to the north?”
Captain Silas and Colonel Isaac exchanged silent glances before the Colonel continued his detailed explanation, “More of Gilwren territory. Several cotton fields, some pastures for cows and sheep. The Viscount owns a tin mine somewhere further north, but it’s rumored to have been decommissioned recently due to constant cave-ins.”
“So, the northern territories shouldn’t be a problem.”
“Pardon your Grace,” one of the knights standing behind Lieutenant Quinn spoke up with a glance to his superiors for permission.
“If you have something to share, then say it, Sergeant Walsh,” Captain Silas barked impatiently.
With a bit of prodding from Isaac, the sergeant moved forward and accepted one of the Colonel’s pebbles which he placed on the map. “This section of the Royal Forest is still being cut down and cleared of timber,” Walsh explained as he indicated the north-western section of woodlands. “If we are worried about enemies slipping in and out of Gilwren Forest, then it’s likely they’ll avoid traveling over such a large, open area where loggers and royal surveyors may be present.”
“That’s a fair assessment,” Captain Silas replied as he rubbed his jaw thoughtfully. “But we can’t be sure until we know the size of the enemy. A small group of assassins could slip in from any direction unnoticed.”
“Perhaps if your Grace could provide some insight as to the threat we might be facing?” Isaac suggested calmly as he stood up and turned to face the Duchess.
“The threat isn’t verified,” Carina responded grimly. “Someone tried to blackmail me into withdrawing from the hunt. The most obvious reason they would want me absent would be to jeopardize the security of his Majesty.”
“I see.” The Colonel folded his arms and then asked, “And is this threat in any way related to Marquess Borghese?”
“I have no evidence, but—I am very suspicious of him,” Carina admitted. “He has the means, resources, and motive to come after me.”
“Aye,” Silas muttered. “And if the rumors of a secret mercenary army are to be trusted, the Marquess has the motive to go after his Majesty.”
“If that were the Marquess’s intention, then why not seize the opportunity when his Majesty left the palace?” Lieutenant Hadley pressed curiously.
“No guarantee that Earl Hawthorne and the other nobles wouldn’t intervene—or that the Duchess would cave to their demands,” Lieutenant Quinn countered quickly.
“Either way,” Captain Silas replied with a shrug as he returned to study the map. “If his Majesty is the target, then we can focus the majority of Lieutenant Quinn’s men on the quadrant the Crown Prince will hunt in. The rest can be split up between the remaining three quadrants. We’ll have scouts from each sector report to camp at sunrise and just before nightfall.”
“If we want to avoid detection, it would be best to head out before things calm down here,” Lieutenant Quinn replied with a glance towards the sky above. “Looks like the good weather will hold.” He moved forward and gestured to a small blue line on the map. “I’ll take the main road back here and follow this creek up towards Vesper River. We can travel over the neighboring territory here to avoid scaring off the wildlife in Gilwren Forest.”
“If you settle in before mid-day, that will give your men plenty of time to scout for signs of enemy movement near the border,” Silas commented thoughtfully. “The hunt won’t start until tomorrow, so take your time searching and report back before nightfall.”
“And if I spot anything suspicious?”
Silas glanced over at Isaac, who directed his gaze to the Duchess.
“As long as there is no immediate threat to his Majesty, maintain a safe distance and report back,” Carina replied firmly. “I don’t want to allow this potential traitor a chance to worm his way clear with some convenient excuse.”
“And if there is a threat?” Quinn queried.
The Duchess raised a brow. “If you can, keep at least two of them alive to point out their Master.”
“Understood, your Grace.”
“Well then, now that we have a workable plan,” Captain Silas commented as he shook the pebbles from his map and handed it to Lieutenant Quinn. “Make good use of that.
“He won’t need it,” Isaac replied as he lifted the map from the captain’s fingers. “The border of Gilwren Forest is marked with flags for the hunt to ensure its participants don’t get lost. Each quadrant is marked with a different color. If you stay within sight of the flags, you won’t get lost.”
“That will make my job easier. Thank you, Colonel.” Lieutenant Quinn quickly saluted and then signaled to Sergeant Walsh and another knight close by to follow before heading towards the waiting ranks of knights.
“Let Quinn’s men have first dibs from the supplies, Captain,” Isaac suggested as he rose gracefully to his feet and brushed off his knees and cloak. “The less back and forth they have to do, the better.”
“And if we’re trying to trap a rebel, it would be best if they avoid carrying anything that requires lighting a fire,” Silas replied with an affirming nod. “Lieutenant Hadley, give them a hand and remind Lieutenant Quinn to prioritize subtlety and have the men dress down accordingly.”
“Will there be any issues with traveling through Earl Coldwell’s lands?” Carina asked curiously after the Lieutenant left to carry out his orders. “Gilwren technically lies within Duke Hargreve’s territory.”
“Yes, but His Majesty put you in charge of the Royal Hunt’s security,” Isaac replied with a dismissive shrug. “As long as we don’t cut down any trees or disrupt the hunt without cause, I doubt the Duke or even the Earl will have room to complain.”
The Duchess nodded, then glanced over to where Hana and Ivy’s carriage was finally pulling into view with an escort of 50 knights. “Then, if you’ll excuse me, Colonel.”
“I’ll handle things from here, your Grace,” Isaac replied and then motioned for two waiting knights to follow behind her.
‘Strange to see him delegating my security to others,’ Carina mused as she dragged her heavy dress through the tall grass and headed towards her waiting mare. ‘I wonder if this means he has more faith in my ability to defend myself?’
“Your Grace?” A voice followed by hoof beats turned the Duchess around to where Lord Bromwell was quickly gaining on her. “There you are. With so many knights about, you were hard to spot.”
“Was there something you needed?” Carina replied with an impatient sigh as she watched the nobleman dismount.
“Lord Rykard asked that I give you this map. He said that you are free to use the fields on either side of Gilwren’s main road to set up camp,” Bromwell explained as he offered her a folded map. “He also asked me to inform you that a room has been prepared inside the Manor if you would like more comfortable lodgings close to his Majesty.”
‘And add more fuel to the noble’s gossip.’ The Duchess smirked as she opened the map and noted the two small x’s drawn in the area Captain Silas had indicated before. “Tell the Viscount that I appreciate his offer, but as I have other guests staying with me—” she gestured towards the carriage bearing Bastiallano’s seal, “—I will be more than comfortable in my tent.”
“Well, if your Grace is comfortable—”
“Hand this to Lieutenant Hadley and let him know we have permission to set up camp,” Carina interjected as she passed the map to one of her knight escorts.
“Yes, your Grace.” The knight bobbed a quick bow, then turned to jog somewhat awkwardly towards the bustle of military carriages and carts already being unloaded.
Carina turned back to find Lord Bromwell waiting with a patient smile. “Was there—anything else?”
“Just one other thing, your Grace,” Walter replied with an annoyingly bright smile. “The nobles will soon be gathered to the large tent there by the pond.” He gestured towards the red and white canopy set up in the center of the circle driveway formed around a small pond. “The hunting groups will be formed there. Each group will be assigned a section of the forest to hunt in, along with a huntsman to serve as guide and referee.”
“Ah. I hear there are only four quadrants,” Carina murmured thoughtfully. “How exactly are the hunting groups arranged?”
“Typically, the highest-ranking nobles are given the first opportunity to lead each group,” Walter explained. “For example, his Majesty will likely form one group, and then your Grace would be given a chance—”
“I will be riding with his Majesty,” Carina interrupted.
“Of course. That would leave Marquess Borghese and Marquess Winifred to lead two of the remaining groups.”
“And what about her Highness, Princess Eleanora?”
Walter tilted his head thoughtfully. “Technically, her Highness could lead a hunting party, but typically the King’s spouses and mistresses ride with him—or remain at the Manor to socialize with the other noble wives and daughters.”
The Duchess smiled grimly at the thought of Eleanora drinking tea with the likes of Priscilla Borghese and Sophya Turnbell. “After the four groups have their leader, what then?”
“The rest of the nobles apply to their respective group and become its member. As long as the hunting group leader accepts them into the group, there are no restrictions.”
“Interesting,” Carina murmured. ‘I wonder if Eleanora will form her own hunting group or ride with Nicholas?’
“Ahh,” Walter lifted his right hand suddenly, “Speaking of which, his Majesty is likely to pick the western quadrant since he’ll have the first choice.”
The Duchess narrowed her eyes sharply. “Why?”
The nobleman shrugged. “That section of the hunting grounds connects to the Royal Forest and tends to contain a dense population of deer. It was the late King’s favorite hunting ground as well.”
‘Of course. No doubt all the nobles who hunted with the late King are aware of that fact, making it even more likely Borghese will make his move there.’
“Thank you, Lord Bromwell. This information was incredibly helpful,” Carina murmured with a faint smile and then turned to leave.
“You’re welcome—Ah! Your Grace?”
The Duchess sighed again and turned her head with a questioning look.
“Did you—want to know—how your sister was doing?”
Carina blinked and then offered him a blank stare before responding with a simple, “No.”
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“That insufferable, egotistical, selfish little prick!” Eleanora seethed as she marched past the line of servants carrying trunks into a large bedroom at Gilwren Manor. “Augh! I could just—strangle him!” The Crown Princess grabbed one of the throw pillows from the sofa in the middle of the room and proceeded to squeeze it as she sank down against the cushions. She ignored the look that passed between Lady Evelynn and Lady Meredith as the attendants removed their cloaks and found an empty closet to hang them in. Instead, Eleanora focused on her present accommodations. The dull blue-gray walls contained a rather tacky assortment of paintings, most of them miniature scenes of the countryside right outside the window.
“And what is that?” Eleanora gestured towards a rather large painting of a pale, beautiful woman with blonde curls disrobing before a lake while two shepherds hid out of sight behind a bush close by. “Between the cringy decoration and cold reception—I’m feeling miserably underwhelmed.”
The Crown Princess hugged the pillow against her chest with a frustrated sigh as she sank deeper into the comfortable sofa. A moment later, she propped her dusty boots on top of the table and eyed the prepared tray of wine and glasses beside them. “And why does Nicholas need his own room? What is the point of having separate bedrooms when we’re a married couple? Is he planning to sleep with that bitch Serilda, or perhaps it’s the treacherous half-blood?”
“Your Highness, please,” Evelynn whispered with a worried look at the servants still setting down the chests of clothes and other necessities. The attendant approached the Crown Princess carefully and added in an encouraging tone, “His Majesty’s room is just down the hall. I’m sure you’ll have the opportunity to visit him when—”
“Visit!” The royal boots slammed against the carpet floor, and Evelynn winced as the Crown Princess glared at her. “Visit? I’m his wife!” With a cynical laugh, Eleanora left the couch, unbuttoned her hunting jacket, and then flung it onto the edge of the large regal bed. “I will not be disrespected by her. I will not be insulted by either of them!”
“Eleanora!”
Evelynn rose to her feet while the Crown Princess turned around at the sound of her father’s voice. Eleanora’s anger quickly stifled beneath the Viscount’s disapproving glare.
“What were you thinking running off like that?” Alastair snapped as he strode towards her. “As if picking fights with his Majesty in front of the nobles wasn’t bad enough, you then abandon your husband to chase down a deer before the Royal Hunt has even started?”
“What is his Majesty offended that I claimed the first kill?” Eleanora retorted as she crossed her arms defensively. “I saw a stag and went for it. Isn’t that why we came here, to hunt?”
“You know full well the creatures in Gilwren Forest are off-limits until tomorrow morning. This is a competition the nobles of Lafeara take pride in, not some rowdy free-for-all, where the rules go out the window the moment you spot a target!”
‘I can’t believe he’s so worked up over one lousy deer.’
Eleanora sighed, then quickly held up a hand when she realized he hadn’t finished. “Please, Father. At least wait until I send the servants outside before you lay into me.” She turned her amber eyes sharply towards Evelynn and Meredith, who curtsied and made their way towards the door while the rest of the staff hurried out into the hall.
Alastair turned stiffly in place and thankfully waited until Meredith shut the door before uttering another word. “You need to control your impulses, Eleanora. Especially at an outing such as this where every noble family will be present to judge your actions.”
“They judge me no matter what I do, Father. I’m little more than a foreigner they tolerate.”
“Well, the least you could do is not make it easy for them. Show them that you respect their traditions instead of breaking whatever rule suits you.”
“Fine,” Eleanora sighed and held up her hands in defeat. “I won’t go hunting outside of the hours permitted.”
“And no drinking until after supper!”
“What? Since when was that a rule?”
“It’s a rule we follow during the Royal Hunt to avoid accidental injuries,” Alastair explained bluntly. “Nobles participating in the hunt are only allowed to drink between the hours of dinner and midnight curfew.”
Eleanora refrained from rolling her eyes and slumped back down on the couch instead. “So much for a relaxing holiday.”
“You’ll enjoy the hunt more if your sober,” Alastair replied reasonably. “And you should be making the most of this opportunity to charm the nobles to your side. Unless you want to be queen in name only, Elly, you will need their support.”
“Now, you sound like Nicholas.”
“Then perhaps you should be listening to your husband instead of provoking him.”
“Provoking him? Me?” The Crown Princess laughed and tightened her grip on the pillow crushed against her abdomen. “Why do I always have to be the one to look away and stomach his behavior?”
“Elly!” The Viscount dragged a hand down his face and sighed in exasperation. “Nicholas is trying. Why can’t you see that? Stop obsessing over his relationship with Duchess Kirsi and try winning her back to your side.”
“My side? Ha!” Eleanora shook her head with a cynical smile. “You weren’t there, Father. You didn’t see how Maura abandoned and betrayed me. She turned Hana against me! Now I have no one by my side that I can trust.”
“You are being unreasonable.” Alastair shook his head. “I know how much you care about Hana, but she couldn’t remain by your side forever. She’s a Viscountess now with lands, estate, and servants of her own. You should be happy for her.”
“How can I be happy when I barely get to see her.” The Crown Princess’s low voice wavered as she blinked back tears. “Hana hasn’t responded to a single letter I’ve sent. She’s turned her back on me completely.”
The Viscount sighed as he sat in a chair opposite Eleanora and then tapped his lips thoughtfully. “It’s understandable that you would feel lonely with Hana gone. You need someone by your side that you can trust. Perhaps I can find someone suitable from the Twilight Coven to enter the palace as your lady-in-waiting.”
Eleanora snorted and brushed back her hair with a look of disinterest. “You want me to trust a Coven of Lafearian witches that rejected you as their leader.”
“Veles’s breath! I never even wanted that position. The Twilight Coven rightfully belongs to Serilda.”
“That psycho who tried to become a queen herself and failed!?” Eleanora snapped incredulously. “I’ve seen the way she looks at me. Serilda is just waiting for the opportunity to drag me down to her level.”
“You are family, Elly. You shouldn’t be fighting with one another.” The Viscount pulled a gold pocket watch from his waistcoat, checked the time, and then tucked it away. “We can discuss a new lady-in-waiting later. It’s almost time for the nobles to gather outside.” Alastair rose to his feet with a resigned sigh and studied her. “Besides, even if you don’t get along with Serilda, you have known her long enough to know that she would never cross Lord Percy.”
“I’m not sure I trust Percy either,” Eleanora retorted bitterly. “You’ve seen how much he dotes on that half-blood.”
“Half-blood? Eleanora, listen to yourself!” Alastair closed his eyes and pinched his brow with a troubled sigh. “Since when did you care so much about bloodlines or status?” He dropped his hand, looked at her worriedly, and then turned away. “I remember when you used to scold Tristan whenever he so much as ignored a servant. And yet here you are parroting the discriminatory comments spouted by mortal fools!”
“I—” Eleanora stammered out uncertainly and then retreated behind her pillow as his stern gaze returned to her.
“What’s happened to you, Elly? Is this who you want to become? A Queen who trusts no one and determines her allies and enemies based on their background and bloodline? If you can’t even trust your family and the Covens who support you, then who will you trust?”
The Crown Princess clenched her fists and shook her head stubbornly as a single tear spilled down her cheek.
“Oh, Elly!” The Viscount quickly joined the Crown Princess on the sofa and pulled her into a gentle hug. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have raised my voice. I’m just very, very worried about you.”
“Am I—a terrible disappointment to you, Father,” Eleanora whispered out weakly.
“No! No, Elly,” Alastair murmured as he kissed her forehead and rubbed her shoulder soothingly. “I know how hard this marriage has been on you, but you can’t let fear or the past continue to hold you back. If you truly want to be Queen of Lafeara, you must commit to the part. Stop cowering behind your resentment and insecurities.”
The Crown Princess choked on a sob and nodded against his shoulder. She remained there, wrapped in the security of her father’s love, content to just be held and let the world fall off her shoulders for as long as the moment would last. The Viscount waited, occasionally patting her shoulder until Eleanora finally lifted her head and hastily wiped her cheeks.
“I don’t know why I’m such a silly mess,” Eleanora joked half-heartedly. “I can’t seem to sleep anymore without having the same horrid nightmare.”
“Nightmare?” Alastair echoed with a questioning frown as he leaned back to study her.
“It’s just this strange, awful dream that started after Lady Maura left. I get lost somewhere below ground—below the palace. I’m running from—something—or someone. And then, just when I think I’ve found a path to escape—she pushes me back. I fall into a pit—and then I just keep falling.”
Alastair narrowed his eyes before smiling reassuringly, “It’s just a nightmare, Elly.”
“I know,” Eleanora whispered with a sigh. “It’s just—so relentless—sometimes it feels like a warning.”
The Viscount pursed his lips together thoughtfully and then nodded. “Well, I do know of a few charms that are useful for warding off bad dreams. I’ll bring one over for you tonight. Just—keep it out of sight, somewhere close to your bed.”
“Thank you,” Eleanora whispered, grateful for his nonjudgmental support.
“And I’ll find someone in the family to support you here in the palace,” Alastair continued as he rose to his feet. “There are a few distant relatives with appropriately titled daughters who would be suitable.”
A knock on the door preceded the return of Eleanora’s newest lady-in-waiting. “Pardon, Crown Princess. But a steward has just informed us that the nobles are gathering outside.”
“Ah, yes. We shouldn’t keep them waiting.” The Viscount dipped gracefully at the waist as he took Eleanora’s hand and kissed the back of her glove. “I will see you outside shortly, your Highness.”
“Yes, Father,” Eleanora replied obediently and rose to her feet as the Viscount left the room. “Ladies, if you would help me wash my face and tidy up.” The Crown Princess hurried towards the vanity desk, where she frowned at her tear-streaked reflection. Usually, crying left her feeling drained and worn out, but oddly enough, this time, Eleanora felt lighter and even strangely refreshed.
‘Perhaps it’s because I’m away from all the troubles at the palace?’
Eleanora quickly shook her head at the notion, then accepted the damp cloth Evelynn provided her. A quick but gentle scrub soon cleared her eyes and cheeks. The Crown Princess leaned back and closed her eyes as Evelynn fanned her face dry while Meredith prepared the necessary makeup.
“Make sure you draw the lines perfectly,” Eleanora murmured as the attendant began touching up the makeup around her eyes. “I’ll show them what a true Ventrayna Huntress looks like.”