Page 24 of A Kiss of Healing & Honor (Darkstone Academy #4)

Baleares

Province of Espola

One week later

“Pray attend as we welcome esteemed guests!” announced the Duke and Duchess of Espola’s chamberlain. “Announcing Lady Karminn de Monopia and Lord Maksim de Monopia, beloved children of His Grace, Duke Ramón, and Her Grace, Duchess Sibilla. Joining them, we have the honor of welcoming Her Imperial Highness, Princess-Royal Jonquil di Severieri, and her esteemed eldest daughter, Her Imperial Highness, Princess-Royal Jacinthe di Severieri, accompanied by their distinguished retinue: Prince Boreas of the Dragon Kingdom of Kappadokia, Prince Gwydion of Dinas y Coed, Lord Tama of the Northern Sea-People, Lord Ilhan and Lady Alondra of Parrish, and Fernan de Norhas, Count of Lutèce. May their visit bring friendship between our noble houses!”

My nerves were stretched tight with anticipation as I stepped into the reception chamber of the ducal palace in Baleares at Mama’s side. Our companions walked behind us.

The large, high-ceilinged room glowed with afternoon sunlight streaming through large screened windows. Vibrant tiles in geometric patterns stretched across the floors and rose halfway up the white plaster walls.

A breeze wafted through the open double-doors, carrying the distant calls of gulls from the port and the heady scents of hyacinths and plum blossoms from the courtyard garden.

The richly dressed people crowding the reception chamber all stared at our group with unabashed curiosity.

My mind wandered back to the overwhelming relief that had washed over me a few hours earlier when a sailor announced the port of Baleares was within sight.

After a week at sea, it had been a relief to arrive in the bustling port town.

After we’d bid farewell to the Dolphin Clan Sea-People who had tirelessly worked to tow us into the harbor, Gwydion had aided Tama in a slow, painful transformation back into human shape.

Then, Lady Karminn and her brother, Maksim, led the way up to the ducal palace, perched high on a hill overlooking the town.

Large warehouses near the docks quickly gave way to whitewashed buildings with balconies overflowing with flowers basked in the sunlight, their red-tiled roofs creating a striking harmony against the brilliant blue of the sky. Everywhere, neighborhood streets were lined with shops. Crowded, open-air marketplaces shaded with brightly dyed parasols sold fresh fish, fruits, vegetables, and colorful spices.

The hills rising beyond the town walls were covered with a patchwork of olive groves and vineyards, their rows of vines leafless in winter sleep.

Everything I saw suggested Espola was a prosperous province with happy citizens. I shuddered at the thought of the death and destruction that civil war would bring to this place and everywhere else in the Dominion.

Now, I held my breath as Duke Ramón and Duchess Sibilla regarded us with astonishment. The pair were richly clad in matching high-collared robes, heavily embroidered with a pattern of flowers and vines in shimmering silk thread. They sat side by side on a cushioned divan placed on a low dais at one end of the large room.

The duchess, who looked like an older version of Karminn, frowned down at her daughter. “Karminn? What in the name of Ishkur the Stormbringer are you doing here? Did the domina-regent release you from your studies at Darkstone Academy?”

“No, Mother.” Lady Karminn sank into a deep curtsy. “I only left the island to aid the princesses and guide them here!”

“And as for you—” Duke Ramón scowled at his son. “After what you’ve done, how dare you show your face here!”

Mage Maksim flinched. “I’m sorry, Father. I only—”

“Your daughter has been a great help and comfort to us on the voyage,” Mama said. “And your son repented of his offenses and swore fealty to me.”

I nodded in agreement and smiled at Karminn.

“Very well,” Duke Ramón said. He turned his attention to his son.

Maksim recoiled visibly at his father’s icy glare.

“Do you know the harm you’ve caused our name by aligning yourself with that traitor De Norhas? The shame you’ve brought upon our house?” the duke thundered.

Maksim fell to his knees and pressed his forehead to the tiles. “I know now how wrong I was, Father.” His voice cracked. “Duke Beltrán filled my head with false promises. But I’ve renounced him now! Please forgive me. I’ll do whatever it takes to make this right.”

The duke’s expression twisted. “You sicken me, boy. I should hand you over to the imperial authorities and let you rot in prison.”

Duchess Sibilla laid a restraining hand on her husband’s arm. “My lord husband, perhaps it would be best to continue this conversation later. In private. We apparently have important visitors to receive.”

Her beautiful brown eyes, the exact shade of oak leaves in autumn and heavily lined in dark kohl, studied Mama and me with open skepticism.

My heart sank at her scrutiny. How could Mama possibly prove who she was?

Almost everyone in the Dominion believed she had died in an accident the year before my birth.

And I’d inadvertently shattered Lady Erzabetta’s priceless, one-of-a-kind Truth Jewel while fighting to save my friends from her cruel punishment.

At least we were dressed appropriately for this audience. I wore the beautiful gold gown the Duke de Norhas had provided on my first day aboard his ship. Beside me, Mama wore the emerald silk confection, with diamond hairpins studding her braided crown of hair.

“You claim to be Princess-Royal Jonquil, miraculously returned from the dead?” The duchess shook her head. “Forgive our disbelief, but your claim strains credulity.”

Mama inclined her head slightly and spread her hands. “I understand your skepticism, Your Graces. It’s a fantastical tale, to be sure.”

The duke’s gaze flicked to me, eyes narrowing. “As for this girl—your supposed daughter,” he drawled. “With that red hair and dark complexion, she looks more like a trader from the southern lands than a scion of the imperial line to me.”

Mage Armand stepped forward. “Your Graces, I can attest to Princess Jonquil’s identity. I knew her well in her youth. I was her instructor and mentor at the Imperial Academy for the Magical Arts in Neapolis Capitola.”

Duchess Sibilla’s eyes widened. “Mage Armand? Is that really you?” She turned to her husband. “Ramón, this is the renowned Niccolò Armand, former Chief Court Healer to Their Imperial Majesties! I saw him many times when I attended court with my parents.”

I held my breath as Count Fernan stepped forward and bowed to the duke and duchess.

“Your Graces, my father, the Duke de Norhas, vetted Princess Jonquil’s identity before, ah, before he wooed her as his bride.”

Mama stiffened at the mention of wooing. I felt a renewed spark of anger at the memory of that foul compulsion charm.

Fernan continued, “Father established beyond any doubt this woman is the lost princess-royal. On my honor, I swear it!”

Duke Ramón stroked his short black beard, his eyes sharp as he assessed us. Duchess Sibilla leaned in to whisper to him.

As the duke and duchess conferred, I caught Mama’s eye. I saw hope warring with anxiety in her gaze.

At last, the duke spoke. “Princess Jonquil, Princess Jacinthe, forgive our doubts.” He inclined his head to us, a rare show of respect. “We welcome Your Imperial Highnesses and your retinue as our guests here in the palace for as long as you require. Is there any other way we may assist Your Highnesses?”

“Your Graces, I thank you for your hospitality.” Mama dipped into a shallow curtsy. I followed her lead. “I have a most urgent message to send to my esteemed mother, Domina-Regent Jacinthe. The Duke de Norhas is marching on the capital with six turncoat legions. Count Fernan informs me that his father intends to usurp the throne.”

The duke’s thick, dark brows shot up in surprise.

Mama continued smoothly, “And we would be most grateful for your help in repairing and provisioning our ship, so that we may continue our journey north to the capital.”

As the weight of this revelation settled over the onlookers, whispers and murmurs of alarm filled the air.

Duke Ramón’s voice cut through the tension. “Everyone except the Princess-Royal and her party—get out!” He made a sharp shooing movement with his hand. “This audience is now private.”

When the room had been cleared and the doors closed, the duke leaned forward and braced his hands on his knees.

“Tell me what happened,” he demanded.

Mama recounted how the Duke de Norhas had discovered her identity and kidnapped her, then used black magic to keep her compliant while he wooed military officials and imperial bureaucrats in her name. She ended with a summary of the past week’s events.

“This is outrageous!” Duke Ramón thundered when Mama finished speaking. “Suborning imperial legions, invading our province, abducting members of the imperial family—the Duke de Norhas goes too far!”

Duchess Sibilla leaned forward on the divan, her eyes flashing with indignation.

“Your Imperial Highnesses, please rest assured you are under our protection. We will do everything in our power to protect and assist you.”

A wave of gratitude washed over me, mingled with guilt at the danger we’d brought to their doorstep.

“I’ll send messengers and courier birds north to the capital immediately,” Duke Ramón said, his voice tight.

My heart leaped at the prospect of help.

“Thank you, Your Grace,” Mama said. I saw the tension in her shoulders ease with the duke’s promise of aid.

“However,” he cautioned, running a hand through his dark hair, “there’s a good chance Duke Beltrán will intercept our messages before they reach the capital. He’s got a reputation for thoroughness. He’ll likely have troops or agents stationed along all the roads leading north.”

The gravity of our situation crashed over me anew. We were safe but isolated here. I glanced at Mama, seeing my own worries reflected in her hazel eyes.

“What do we do now?” I asked. “According to Captain Jaquob, our ship will need a lot of repairs, a set of new sails, and provisions before we can sail it to Neapolis Capitola.”

“How much help can we really offer the domina-regent, Your Highness?” Ilhan asked. “We’re only seven people. What can we bring her Imperial Highness that would be useful?”

“How about an army of Wind-Walkers?” Boreas asked. He grinned, revealing sharp teeth. “Why not ask King Menelaus for aid? The Kingdom of Kappadokia is only a short distance to the south of here.”

“Travel to the Dragon Kingdom, Your Highnesses?” Duchess Sibilla’s eyes widened in surprise. “Prince Boreas, how can you be sure your King Menelaus would offer his aid to humans?”

Boreas puffed out his chest, radiating confidence. “Of course he will,” he boomed. “Princess Jonquil is his mate and his hatchling Jacinthe is a member of my aerie. And the rest of you,” he gestured to our group, “are bound to her by blood, magic, or loyalty. You’ll all enjoy King Menelaus’ hospitality.”

My heart raced at the possibility. Could getting the help we need really be that simple? I glanced around at my companions, gauging their reactions.

Ilhan spoke up first. “I agree with Boreas,” he said to my surprise. “Wind-Walker allies are our best chance to keep the Duke de Norhas from taking the throne with his legions.”

“I agree,” said Gwydion, his silver eyes gleaming. “He’ll never see that coming!”

“I agree also,” Alondra said. “If Prince Boreas thinks we’ll be safe in Kappadokia. I mean, Wind-Walkers are technically our enemies.”

Mama looked around the room, her expression a mix of determination and worry. “Very well then,” she said. “I will go. Who will come with me?” She smiled. “After all you’ve done for me and my daughter, I won’t be disappointed if any of you choose to remain here in Baleares.”

One by one, our hands went up. First me, then Boreas, who was grinning from ear to ear. Next, Ilhan, his jaw set with resolve. Alondra followed, a hint of excitement in her eyes. Fernan, looking both relieved and terrified.

Mama beamed at us. “Thank you all.”

“If you follow the coast road south, Your Highnesses could reach the border in three days, maybe four,” said Duke Ramón.

“Why ride horses when we could fly there?” Boreas asked. “We still have my saddle back on the ship, along with my excess mass.”

Mama nodded. “We’ll depart tomorrow morning.”

“Your Graces, before we leave here, could you ask your servants to repair the broken safety harness on the saddle?” Alondra asked anxiously.

“Of course,” the duchess replied.

As the reality of our decision settled over us, I noticed the mix of emotions playing across Mama’s face.

“I hope you will at least join us for supper and stay the night!” Duchess Sibilla leaned forward, smiling. “We invite you to make our humble home your own. And if there’s anything we can provide to ease your journey, you have only to ask, and it will be given to you.”

As the ducal audience drew to a close, I followed Mama and our companions out of the reception chamber. A servant led us through a maze of corridors to the guest suites on the other side of the palace.

I looked at Fernan’s solemn profile. I wondered about the future of the shipboard romance that had sprung up between Karminn and Fernan over the past fortnight.

Would anything become of it now that she was home again? Especially since Fernan planned to accompany us south to Kappadokia tomorrow?

And even if the romance prospered, would the Duke of Espola risk uniting his house with the Duchy of Norhas, tainted by treason?

Of course, Fernan and I were still blood-bound by the missing betrothal contract. Neither of us could marry anyone else until we nullified the binding spells by mutual consent, or face the consequences of a crippling blood curse.

I turned my attention to Mama, walking beside me.

Outwardly, her expression was serene. But I could sense the tension thrumming through her body.

I realized she was probably thinking about her impending reunion with her former lover, King Menelaus.

The idea of finally meeting my father both thrilled and terrified me. Would he acknowledge me? Or reject me as a half-blooded abomination, just as my grandparents had?