Page 20

A Change in Circumstance

Adelina paced the length of her chamber floor, her hand planted on her hips. She needed answers. Something about Filip seemed off, but she couldn’t put her finger on it.

She flung open her door, then hurried along the corridors in search of Natasha.

Natasha was in Salma’s room—the door open—straightening the covers and plumping the cushions.

Salma, midway through tugging off her coat, glanced at Adelina. “Dear, you look like you’ve seen a ghost. What in the heavens is wrong?”

Smoothing the fabric of her sarafan, Adelina slipped into the room and closed the door behind her. “I must speak with you.”

“Of course, dear.” Salma gestured to the armchair opposite her. “Whatever is the matter? ”

Blowing out a deep breath, heat rose in Adelina’s cheeks. She sunk into the chair. “Can you promise to keep a secret?”

“Certainly.” Salma slid into her own chair—a worried frown wedged between her brows.

Adelina’s gaze wandered to Natasha. “I’m going to need your help, too. You’ve been my personal maiden for the past three months, and I believe I can trust you.”

“Yes, miss.” Natasha abandoned her cleaning duties, then positioned herself close by.

“I think Filip is hiding something from me—I’m not sure what, exactly, but I must investigate while he is away,” Adelina said.

“What’s given you this impression?” Salma kept an even expression, not a hint of concern on her face. Perhaps it was her way of maintaining a calm atmosphere until there was something to worry about.

“He’s seemed…on edge around me.” Adelina shook her head. “When I told him about my amulet, he sounded distant, irritable—I’m not sure.”

“His mood could be caused by anything, dear,” Salma said. “Why does it cause you concern?”

“I fear there’s more to it.” Adelina tapped her foot.

“He’s been courteous and pleasant for the last three months, but over the past few days, I’ve noticed cracks in his demeanour.

Something is definitely on his mind. Natasha, has there been any gossip amongst the servants?

” She glanced at her maid, whose cheeks were flaming red. “What is it?”

“It’s just…” Natasha cleared her throat. “There has been some speculation—”

“Speculation of what?” Adelina jumped to her feet .

“Well, Filip—at least what the ladies have said—plans to wed you.” Natasha’s shoulders tensed as if she held in her breath.

“Wait. Did you say wed ?” Adelina’s gaze darted from Natasha to Salma, then back again. “What in the realm for?”

Salma’s eyebrows shot skywards.

“I don’t know.” Natasha shrugged.

“I don’t think your parents would take kindly to such a proposal. Especially from a man they hardly know,” Salma said. “A marriage was not part of the agreement. After all, I have stayed with you throughout your training to ensure your virtue is not besmirched.”

“Perhaps I could bring you his journal. I’ve often seen him scrawling in it,” Natasha said.

“I’m due to clean Filip’s office now; I can hide the journal in my basket of dusting cloths.

There’s a master key to all the drawers and cupboards—I’ll bring you what you need, then put it back. Filip wouldn’t know.”

“Won’t you be caught?” Adelina said.

“No one will suspect me,” Natasha said. “I’m often assigned to that part of the palace.”

“All right.” Adelina nodded. “Salma and I will wait here.”

“I’ll be quick.” Natasha dashed from the room.

Adelina pressed her fingers to her forehead and paced the length of her chamber. “Can you believe this, Salma?”

“I’m sure there is some misunderstanding.

Look how well Filip has treated you.” Salma rested her palms on her lap.

“Although his planned proposal has come as a shock, thinking about it, your parents might offer their blessing. After all, he is wealthy, has a good position, owns property and land. Perhaps he could be good for you.”

Halting, Adelina shot her chaperone a stern stare. “Wait. You mean to tell me you approve ? How has your mind changed in the last five seconds? This is absurd. I have no idea how old he is, what his intentions are. There will be no chance of a long and proper courtship.”

“Marrying Filip will solidify your prospects as well, dear.” Salma leaned forwards.

“What about…Damir?” Adelina’s voice was small. Although she’d no idea what he felt for her, she couldn’t disregard her own affection for him.

“Oh, dear, I know he is a good friend of yours, but he is only an apprentice,” Salma said.

“I can’t believe you’re saying this.” Adelina stared straight at Salma.

“Well, if Filip does mean to propose, it is my obligation to inform your parents,” Salma said.

Natasha entered the room—her basket of cleaning supplies resting on her bent arm. She positioned the basket on the low, wooden table between the armchairs, then scooped the thick journal from underneath the cloths.

“Here you are, miss.” Natasha handed the stack to Adelina.

“Thank you.” Adelina smiled. “Please stand outside and ensure no one enters this room.”

Curtsying, Natasha did as she was bid.

Adelina lowered into the armchair opposite Salma, then traced her fingers along the padded surface of the diary.

“Best get on with it, dear,” Salma said .

Adelina opened it. The pages were full, covered with notes, with no blank pages or spaces at the end. He’d likely have started a new one, one he’d perhaps taken with him on trip to see his father, but she hoped she’d find useful information in the one in her hands.

February, training month one. Below notations to be written and distributed to my father and all benefactors at earliest convenience.

Adelina’s time at the Embassy was a success. She was confident in answering questions, and I feel she will develop into the young warrior we need in order to succeed in our mission.

Her training is going as planned—I do not doubt Yelena’s ability to teach her.

Next month, she will practise her skills in the prism world, where we will get a true reflection of the damage her magic can cause.

Gaping at the texture, Adelina fixed her stare on a single word. Damage.

“What is it?” Salma leaned forward, took the book, then scanned the cursive.

“Oh, this is harmless, dear.” Salma waved her hand. “There is nothing to worry about.”

Frowning, Adelina turned her attention to the next paragraph. Maybe Salma was right—there was nothing to worry about. Her fears were simply irrational.

A boy, by the name of Damir, has written to Adelina, wishing to take her hand in marriage. I plan to make my own proposal. My most pressing concern is to ensure a line of succession. This Damir will be dealt with. His letters will never be seen.

Personal notes: the Embassy believe I will hold an interim Presidential position while Adelina and I unite the countries.

However, once we are in power, I’ll assert a permanent Emperor title.

Adelina can rule by my side, and our children will never be challenged—they’d inherit my position and estate.

Father’s health: I have ordered the finest physician from Toichrist to visit him at once. I hope he can curb these pains of his, otherwise I’ll need to make my own visit.

Adelina froze, each muscle tensing and tingling. She parted her lips, but no breath escaped them.

“What is it?” Salma grasped Adelina’s hand. “You’re shaking and your face has turned the colour of ash.”

Adelina couldn’t speak. Instead, she handed her chaperone the journal.

Salma scanned the writing. “Damir has written? Where are the letters? Natasha!”

The servant entered the room, her gaze flicking from Adelina Salma. “What is it, miss?”

“Did you find any letters in Filip’s office? From a man by the name of Damir Litvin?” Salma said.

“No, miss,” Natasha said. “There was nothing else in his desk drawers that would’ve interested to you.”

“He must have destroyed them.” Salma knelt beside Adelina, then clasped her hand. “Dear, why don’t you read another of Filip’s entries to see if there’s more information?”

“I-it’s a power play,” Adelina muttered, her voice barely audible. “He wants to m-marry me to secure his position.”

“I know, dear.” Salma smoothed Adelina’s hand lightly, keeping her voice light and level. “We must collect all the facts before drawing conclusions. ”

Shaking, Adelina gave the book to Salma. “I can’t.”

“I’ll bring you some water, miss.” Natasha dashed from the room.

Salma reclined into her armchair, flipping to the next page, then read its contents.

Her nerves settling, Adelina glanced upwards. “What does it say?”

“Well…it’s about your magic.”

“Go on.” Adelina pressed her lips together as her stomach muscles clenched.

“He documents the amulet and…” Salma arched a brow.

“And?” Adelina shunted to the edge of her seat, gripping on to the armrests for dear life.

“He says it interferes with his plans to use your magic in its natural, uncontrolled state, and he must devise a plan to rid you of the amulet’s hindrance.” Salma shook her head.

“My magic’s natural, uncontrolled state?” Adelina said. “What do you mean? It was never meant to be controlled?”

A deep frown formed between Salma’s brows. “This is a big problem, dear. Further down, he mentions preparations for battle against Saintlandsther and Temauten—he means to take the countries by force, and with you by his side.”

“What!” Adelina leapt to her feet, pinching the journal from Salma’s grasp. She scanned the words.

Natasha entered the room with a tray—a pitcher of water and two glasses rested on it. She set it on the table, then poured the drinks. “Here you go, miss. ”

“You must put this back, straight away.” Adelina thrust the diary towards Natasha. “Exactly as you found it, as not to rouse suspicion.”

“Yes, miss.” Natasha tucked it into her cleaning basket. “Right away.”

She darted from the room.

“What are you going to do?” Salma frowned.