Amethyst wasted no time getting to safety since it was not safe in the yard for a female servant. She climbed up to the stable loft where the remaining Male servants stayed to avoid being the night's entertainment. The following day, the boys helped her from the loft and took her to the kitchen. Catherin checked every bone in her body for damage.
"Catherin, I am fine. Nothing happened to me. I talked to Nikolai and slept in the loft."
"You can't fault me for worrying. I have been doing it for years." All Amethyst's life, Catherin had been her mother's maid, which also meant that she had been a part of her life. Sometimes, it surprises Amethyst that even now, she is not alone, and she never has been.
"I know, and I love you for it." Amethyst hugged Catherin, verging on tearful, but she would not let herself cry. One of the girls brought over the tray for Nikolai.
"Sorry to interrupt your... um... but you normally bring the prince his food." The girl struggled not to say Your Highness and adequately address her sovereign. Amethyst smiled.
"I'll take it, and when I get back, you might be able to help me learn how to do some of the work around here. That way, I can stop watching you all work." The girl's eyes widened, but she smiled. Amethyst made a flower and wrote
'yes?' On one of the petals. She entered the room thinking he was standing by the window, but something was off. Nikolai comes over every time she opens the door. Then, there was something straighter in the way he stood, a loftier chin tilt. Amethyst froze with the tray in her arms; she had never been this close to the king of Vilencia before. The king walked over as she lowered herself into a curtsy.
"I see you are giving my son these... flowers." He grabbed the flower off the tray opening it up. "Yes? I wonder what that means?"
"Majesty?" Amethyst tried to make her voice as innocent as possible. She had to play this carefully.
"What does this mean?" He asked, getting very close to her face.
"Your majesty, I don't know what to say."
"Let us talk in my office, come along." His hand pressed into the small of her back, not giving her time to put the tray down. He smiled and talked considerately to all he passed, but there was fear in their eyes and a threat in every glance. "Come put my son's tray down and join me. Ignore my guards."
"Yes, Majesty," She placed the tray on his desk immediately, and he grabbed a biscuit and bit into it.
"So much better than the food in vilencia. Everything there is tougher from the harsh weather, but the grain grows plenty here. Not even common people miss a meal."
"Yes, majesty."
"Tell me about these flowers." He tossed all the flowers she made for Nikolai on the floor before her.
"A few years ago, Princess Amethyst learned to fold flowers from paper. She wanted to be better at it than her sister, so she constantly practiced with me."
"Beautiful story, but you are smart enough to know what I am asking."
"I don't think I can give you an answer that will not ruin my reputation."
"Oh, so you expect me to believe that my son has rendezvous with you, and you're what exactly, supporting his affections? Happy with the arrangement to the point where you seek him out?"
"Majesty, may I be honest?"
"That is what I have been asking for."
"On the night you arrive, many maids were cornered and attacked by soldiers. Some were left for dead. The arrangement I have with his highness provided an amount of security." The king laughed.
"That is another good story, but I don't believe you." The king nodded to one of the guards in the room. He shoved Amethyst to the ground. She was dragged by her hair until her shoulders and head rested on a chair. The king held a large chunk of hair in one hand, and a sword rested on her neck.
"I'm his whore; he doesn't want anyone else to touch me so that I can be there any time he wants." Amethyst cried. She wondered if she had been saved before, only to die here. The sword pressed into her skin, and the metal burned as it sliced. "Please, majesty, I am speaking the truth." The sword pulled off her skin, cutting through that chunk of hair. Crying unbashful, Amethyst waited for that final blow.
"You have convinced me," the king said. He was so close that his breath sent a shiver down her body. "I have a proposition for you." Amethyst tried not to look as disgusted at the thought of whoring since that is what she said she was.
"No, not that, though I am sure it would be fun. A vilencian man never cheats on his wife. What I need from you, my girl, is information. I have this terrible feeling my own son is plotting against me. I have since, well, that doesn't matter. Recently, he asked if he could lead a team to ride out and try to find the runaway prince of Medivia. He asked if he could bring a servant, I am assuming you." Amethyst's pulse picked up. He had found a way out.
"Your majesty." Those words tasted bitter on her tongue. "I can't imagine that he would request to bring me. I am not helpful in tracking."
"I can imagine a few reasons." His eyes ran over my body, lingering in a few places. "But that is neither here nor there. I want you to report to me on everything you see." Amethyst didn't answer right away.
"Majesty..." The king held up a hand to stop her response.
"I can make it worth your while." He dropped a bag of coins on the table. "the protection of a king is preferable to that of a prince." Amethyst was cornered, so she agreed to work for the hateful man and left when he dismissed her. Catherin was in the kitchen panicking about what was taking Amethyst so long when she walked in. Blood was running down her collar from the slice, and her hair was brutalized.
"Get me a wet rag!" Catherin shouted, "My darling, what happened did the prince..."
"No, it was his father. He was waiting for me. I convinced him that I was Nikolai's whore, but now he wants me to spy on Nikolai for money and protection." Amethyst hissed as the rag touched her cut. She was used to sword wounds from her swordplay growing up.
"Ama... um, cerci." A panicked voice came from the kitchen entrance as Nikolai ran in. Amethyst was sure the kitchen staff was never so entertained. Nikolai ran his hands down her arms, looking for any place she was hurt, until Catherin whacked his hand for inappropriate touching. "My father sent me to work early. I told someone to tell the kitchen where I was. When someone else came, I knew he was up to something. I am so glad that you are still alive." He hugged her so tight that it stung her new cut.
"Well, my darling, there is not much we can do about your hair except to try to cut it even," Catherine announced. Amethyst knew it would be the case, but she didn't want it to be. Amethyst played with one of the long pieces that the king didn't cut.
"You will always look like the most beautiful girl I have ever seen, no matter how long your hair is." Nikolai kissed her cheek.
"Nikolai, go see your father. He will tell you that you can go on your search."
"He told you that? Did he say if he is letting you go?"
"He is sending me to spy on you." They shared and laughed, and he kissed her again before leaving the kitchen.
"You are going on a trip with that boy?" Catherin said unapprovingly.
"We are going to find my brother."
"If you are going to pull off being a servant for all of the guards, then you need to learn how to do the chores. If I could teach you to hold your tongue, I would." Catherin looked for someone in the room. "Lauren, I need you to teach this girl to start a fire as fast as possible and any other skills you think she might need." Lauren was a strict teacher. We didn't take any breaks until I started a fire. Then she talked me through what order to eat the supplies for the trip so no one gets sick from bad food. By nightfall, Amethyst was tired but prepared to leave for the trip. Everyone in the group carried the bare minimum of what they needed. They wore clothes that allowed them to blend in. Nikolai set out to travel to the country's southern end, as far away from the palace as someone could get without leaving. As we traveled the journey, I slept in the same tent as Nikolai so he could be sure that none of the other men touched me. Nikolai could protect me, but he couldn't stop the men from setting fires to homes as we went. It was their punishment for not talking about the prince. I held in my tears as best as I could and moved on. There was nothing that I could do.
The night I was supposed to run away, we sat up in his tent, waiting for the others to be asleep since it was Nikolai's watch.
"What are you going to tell my father?"
"That you rode south, and you didn't look happy when the men burned villages down. After I tried to run, you caught me, and that is how I got my black eye. Which you are going to give me when I get back."
"Then, when my father asks, I'll say I didn't want our numbers or defenses to get to the other side. I found you at the docks, so you were trying to escape. Am... Circe, I don't like telling my father that you ran away. What if he tries to kill you as punishment."
"That is a risk I am willing to take."
"I'm not, I won't let him kill you. I won't let anything bad happen again." Amethyst felt the point of no return getting closer and somehow further away. The memories of her family and her people came to her mind, and she turned her head. He stared at her as her mind raced, but before she decided on how she felt, he kissed her. He hadn't kissed her since the solstice. This was gentle, a ghost of a kiss, but Amethyst didn't need any more ghosts. Her hands slid around him, pulling him closer until they were pressed against each other. Then, with his hands on her waist, he pushed her away.
"I'm going to kick myself for this, but you should go before my shift ends." He kissed her one last time before pulling her to her feet. She climbed up on the horse, his hand resting on her thigh. "You know the way, and I will see you tomorrow at the docks at sunset."
"I would never miss my first black eye."
"I find it hard to believe that no one has ever given you a black eye with that sharp tongue of yours."
"Most find it endearing." Then she was gone, pushing her horse as fast as it would move. The other men were getting up, and it was supposed to look like I ran during shift change. Amethyst ran the plan through her head as many times as she could. She had too much and not enough time to think during her ride to the Dubree manor. That kiss kept breaking her concentration with questions that were best left for another time. A time when she wasn't fighting for her life.All her thoughts, productive or otherwise, stopped once she reached the manor. There were people everywhere, and tents set up all over the lawns. The sight got her anticipation flowing. The adrenaline started with the sword pointed at her or the notched arrows at her heart. Not the warm welcome she was hoping for.
"Who are you, and what business do you have?"
"My name is Circe; I was in the palace during the attack. I got out of their hold to tell the prince of their numbers and of a way in the castle."
"Tell me, and I will give him the message."
"I mean no disrespect, but this is complicated, and I prefer to explain it myself."
"We don't let anyone see the king tell me or leave."
"Ask your king? I can tell him a way into the castle. How many people are alive. What happened to the servant who saved his life and his younger sister. Ask if your king wants you to send me away?" One of the guards walked towards Amethyst. She held her stare at the guard, denying her entrance. Her horse got skittish and tried to move while she stared. The closer guard ripped the reins from her hands and held the horse.
"What was your name again." She finally looked at the closer guard and refused to flinch at his tone."Circe, maid to the princess Amethyst Mirabella of Medivia." The guard waved to the one who refused at first, and he ran inside the gates towards the manor.
"We will walk you inside, maid. If the king wants to see you, then he will. If not, we can water and rest your horse when you are here." The guard helped her down for the horse. Several guards walked her into the house, a reception area where they tossed her at a chair. She didn't think she was such a threat that she needed that many guards. No one touched Amethyst, but they kept their hands on their swords and their eyes on her in case she tried something. Malicart and Lady Grace raced down the stairs from the second floor. Leaving Lord DuBree looking like he wished his daughter stayed with him. A guard nearby dragged Amethyst to her feet and tossed her to her knees.
"A servant should kneel to the king and queen of Medivia." Amethyst was surprised that her brother got married without her. She was now looking at her new queen. When Grace and Malicart got closer, they froze in their steps, looking like they saw a ghost that they had. As if sensing the tension, the guards grabbed Amethyst by the collar, hoisting her to her feet, ready to toss her out at Malicart's command.
"Hello, brother," Amethyst spoke, breaking the palatable silence.
"Thank the lord," Grace threw her arms around Amethyst. The guard released her and stepped back. Grace had hit the cut on her neck, and Amethyst flinched. "Are you ok? How are you here right now?"
"Someone ready a room, and we will need a handmaiden." Malicart looked her over, pausing at her chopped hair, and then cut it exposed; he said nothing about that. "Are you hungry? Do you need food? You obviously need a bath and new clothes."
"Brother, take a breath, I am alright." He didn't take a breath; instead, he pulled Amethyst into his arms.
"You died; I was told they hung your body on the side of the castle. Does that mean that mother and father?" There was so much hope in his eyes that her heart broke to tell him the truth.
"That information was true. The soldiers mix Circe up with me, which is how I survived." Malicart hugged her again. He struggled to believe that his sister was standing before him.
"Well, at least you are alive and here, safe. I'll send you and Grace to Bettelwood as soon as I can. I won't let you get caught up in any more of this."
"No," Amethyst pulled away, forcing him to look her in the eyes. "I came here to give you information to help you fight for our home. Please, where are your advisors? We have to act quickly."
"That is right; you would know how many soldiers he has in the palace." Mailcart turned to the nearest guard and said. "Get General Cooper in here and anyone he tells you to wake."
"Thank you, brother," Amethyst relaxed, breathing in and out more manageable. Malicart led Amethyst into a room with maps on every flat surface. Reading the maps at a glance, she saw that they marked water supplies, population, and topography. This information was used by the military to plan an attack. Grace followed them in but positioned herself one step behind Malicart. She was a shadow waiting until she was dismissed. Amethyst almost laughed at the sight. A few weeks ago, her most significant issue was that she thought her behavior would be too hard to endure. General Cooper and several other officers entered the room.
"Majesty." The general paused his bow at all of our appearances. Malicart was still wearing his sleeping clothes. "This is highly unusual. Is anything wrong?"
"My sister has returned to us from the castle, and any information she had may be helpful."That is amazing news." The general gave Amethyst an appraising look. "Why don't you sit at the table, my lady, and we will see what you can tell us." Everyone found a seat, and the general sat across from Amethyst. Then, he immediately stood back up to look at one of the maps. "How many men do they have?"
"Not counting the Prince and the King, about 100, 93 to be precise."
"What weapons do they carry?"
"Nothing large or bulky, swords, knives, bows, that sort of weapons."
"How many men do we have in there?"
"most of the male servants were killed the first night. May I add that many women were attacked the first night as well? Counting all the staff, there are 57. Out of that, 15 are men."
"How did they get in?"
"The back gate was never as guarded as the front. Several well-aimed shots, and they were in, but now both gates are under guard at all hours."
"My king," The general said, looking away from Amethyst to Malicart. "I think that is all we need at this time. It would be best to send the women away. Military talk can be too much for their delicate constitutions." Malicart dismissed Grace and Amethyst with a nod, but Amethyst did not move a muscle.
"sir, thank you for considering my constitution." Amethyst held this general's attention while waiting for his inferior to leave. "But seeing as my constitution has bared up to living through the invasion of my home. Watching murder and rape night after night. My parents and best friend's bodies were stuck on pikes and hung on the palace walls, and a sword to my own neck this week. I think I can handle a conversation about how we will remedy that situation. To that point, I also have a mind and may assist in your task. Your interrogation of me failed to allow me time to inform you that the Vilencian army was marching. They should be entering our northernmost province in a week." Everyone stared at Amethyst. While she was sometimes known to be wild, she had never known to disobey a direct order. She eyed the men in the room, arguing that they would have to do it forcefully if they wanted her out.
"Right now, there is an army, and who told a servant girl this?" The general rolled his eyes and looked to the other men in the room, waiting for them to laugh at her.
"Do not talk down to me, sir. I have seen more deaths this week than my brother has in his whole life. I have risked my life to bring this information so you can arrange a well-informed attack mode. That dedication to the lives of the Medivian people deserves your respect."
"You want my respect for running away and leaving your people behind?" The general and Amethyst were standing at opposite sides of the table. Neither looked ready to go down without a fight. Malicart rose at that comment that he had likely heard on many occasions.
"I did not run. You need the information, so I came. There is a difference. I plan on going to the fight and standing for my people, fighting for my nation, and dying if I must to free us. So, I fail to see my cowardice." The general glanced at the king and then at Amethyst, appraising her sentiments.
"No, you are not returning to the castle or any battlefield. You are going to Bettlewood with our sister, where you will be safe."
"This is my home. I will not be sidelined. I have as much responsibility as anyone to fight for my beliefs. Besides, I am in a position to help you in the castle.
"Why would a serving girl be helpful," The general asked.
"I told the king I was his son's whore, and now he is paying me to spy on his son." The men in the room made choking noises at the mention of whoring. The general was thinking about the statement again and how he could use the advantage.
"You told him what? Why would you do that to your reputation." Malicart slammed his hand on the table, silencing the other men who now found the floor interesting?
"I wasn't considering my reputation at the time. I had a sword pressed to my neck. Telling him that his son turned against him and was actively helping me plan his downfall seemed like the wrong answer."
"The prince of Vilencia?" The general cut in, "He is your ally in this; how can we trust anything you know to be the truth?"
"He saved my life and wants a peaceful solution to these issues. He has earned a bit of trust. Nikolai treats me as an equal, a partner. Besides, I am not asking you to trust him; I am asking you to trust me."
"Amethyst, this is an infatuation. Furthermore, this argument means nothing since you will be safe with Grace."
"People, your people need to know they are not forgotten."
"Saving them will be enough!"
"Saving them or the throne?"
"You will do as you are told, and this conversation is over!"
"but..."
"I AM THE KING!"
"And what kind of king will you be!" Amethyst heard a small gasp from Grace as she hid in the doorway waiting for her.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"A wise king, like father, would listen to me even though I am a woman. If I can help, that would be enough for him. Can't you at least listen?" Malicart nodded and raised his hands to silence the general's objections.
"First, the castle occupation is the least of our concerns. If my information is right, we must intercept that army heading south. You should send your armies as soon as possible, but send riders ahead to warn the people. Based on what Nicolai has told me, Vilencia is a barren place. This means that they are hoping to rely on Medivian food stores. So, the riders should tell the people to take what they can and burn the rest to weaken the army. As Father said, a weak army is one battle already won. To deal with the siege, a surrender may be possible; we starve them out. One night burns the food, throws the pitch in the well, and then swims out with the cellar water. An underground stream in the cellar leads to a waste pipe in the river. It is dangerous, but we can get the last servants out that way. Once hungry and thirsty, they should surrender to Malicart and a small group of soldiers. Then we all ride up, stop the fighting in the north, and send the invaders home."
"Majesty, this plan is incomplete at best, a disaster should it go wrong." The general said.
"It sounded well thought out for someone with no military training." Malicart was studying the map and praising Amethyst. She had no idea how much she desired his acceptance.
"Yes, but we should assume that all this information is corrupted and shared with the enemy." The general still looked down his nose at Amethyst; she had had enough of it.
"I told Nikolai I was having the whole army come to the castle. I have said nothing about intercepting the army marching south. If they think I am as stupid as you seem to think, sir. They may think I believe the key to saving the country is in a seat, not the people and the lands."
"I do not think you are stupid, my lady." The general was looking at Malicart, waiting for him to step in. Amethyst ignored him and walked over to her brother.
"I just got you back from the dead. I remember the day you were born, and when I thought you died, part of me died with you. I was furious that I couldn't protect you, and now, when I can, you want me to let you go again?" Malicart held Amethyst's gaze. "You have to, don't you? You are the most infuriating person in the world."
"I think I know someone who would agree with you." Amethyst smiled despite herself but stopped when Malicart gave her a knowing look.
"Do me a favor. Go with Grace, get cleaned up, and eat if you are hungry. We will work out the plan's details and then let you know what we need from you."
"I am supposed to be at the docks tomorrow. Nikolai and I are making it look like I was trying to get on a ship."
"I understand. Give us time to work out the details." Amethyst nodded and followed Lady Grace out.