Queen of Hearts: The Crown (Queen of Hearts Saga #1)(25)
“There was someone there,” he whispered. “I heard him.”
Dinah gave a nod. Wardley gave her a look of defeat, his face coated with a fine layer of brown dust. “Fine,” he hissed. “I’ll go to the Black Towers with you, but I’m not going to enjoy it. You’re right—something is amiss. I hear whispers at the stables, and amongst the Cards. A Spade told me that the King fears for his life and is gathering his Cards all around him. But why?”
“You’ll go with me then?”
Wardley nodded, his ear cocked, listening to the watch. Dinah was glad to see them go, but the mortification of kissing him slowly returned now that the danger had gone.
“Wardley, I’m sorry about the—”
He cut her off. “Don’t worry about it.”
They heard the doors to the chapel slam shut, and suddenly they were alone again. Wardley grabbed her hand and yanked Dinah to her feet. “It’s time to go. Now.” They climbed quickly down the ladder, Wardley wrapping his arms around Dinah’s waist at the bottom and putting her on the ground. “Go, now. Go back to your chambers. Take the servants’ passage. We will talk about this later. Come see me at the stables tomorrow. We are not going to meet here again. Ever. I can’t believe I’m going to do this.”
Dinah didn’t need to be told twice, but she didn’t want to leave him, not now, not while he was so upset. “Wardley, you don’t have to go to the Black Towers. I see now that I shouldn’t have asked you. But I must go. I am not a child anymore, and I need to know what is happening in my kingdom. Can you understand?”
Wardley glanced over at her like she was insane. “If you are going to be the Queen of Hearts,” he deadpanned, “you should try not to be so daft. I have no choice. If you go, I will go. You’re not as good with a sword as you think. Besides, if you die, your father will have my head one way or another. It might as well be for doing something brave.”
Dinah gave him a quick smile. “Brave? Or a fool’s errand?”
Dinah had played Wardley—she knew he could never resist an adventure. Wardley glanced around the empty room. It was silent.
“We’ll make a plan later, but we will take our time doing it. Now, GO.”
She wanted to kiss him again, kiss him always, forever. But that was not happening tonight, so she picked up her skirt and ran as fast as she could to her bedchamber. It wasn’t until she lay in her bed that evening, replaying the kiss in all its awkward loveliness, the cool Wonderland breeze dancing over her skin, that she realized they had left the vial in The Box, along with a drawing in the dust of a wavy triangle. It was there alone, in the darkness, waiting to be discovered.
Chapter Eight
Exactly one month since her whispered conversation in The Box, Dinah rubbed the sleep out of her eyes as she glanced wearily at the ticking clock tucked into her bookcase. Today is the day, she thought, pushing herself onto her elbows. Today I see the Black Towers, and I learn who Faina Baker is. She sat up in bed, holding her cool palms against her warm cheeks, and allowed herself several deep breaths. I must be calm or this will never work, she thought. It must appear as every other day to everyone except Wardley and me. She gave an exaggerated yawn as Emily came bustling in with her fluffy bathing towels.
“How are you, Your Grace?”
“Just fine, thank you.”
The morning dragged on as usual: an elaborate bath followed by dressing and chatting idly with Harris and Emily. As Emily laced up the back of her gown, Dinah cleared her throat. “I’ve been invited to have tea today with Vittiore. I think I might attend in the afternoon.”
Emily stopped lacing. “With Vittiore? But . . . ?” Emily was well aware of Dinah’s deep hatred of Vittiore.
“It might not be a terrible idea to get to know her better. I’m to be Queen soon, and I should make peace with her. I can’t resent her forever. She is my subject.”
Dinah felt her voice edge up as the lie felt sour against her tongue. Harris stared at her from across the room in shock.
“I’ll make sure to dismiss Palma and Nanda.” Emily bit her lip angrily. She hated Vittiore’s two silly, stupid serving girls, Palma and Nanda; something that made Dinah love Emily even more. The servants never spoke to each other, not even on the palace rounds of gathering sheets, dresses, and daily linens. Dinah didn’t understand the deep hatred that the women had for each other, but for today at least, it was perfect that they wouldn’t even look the other in the eye. Harris hopped in happily from the other room.
“Did I hear that you will be taking tea with Vittiore today? Dinah, that is a magnificent idea, how wonderful! It is time that you two put aside your differences. You might see that she is the sister you always wanted.”
Ribbons tightened around Dinah’s ribs as Emily laced her up.
“A little lighter Emily, I don’t want to seem strained at tea today.”
Emily gave a frown. “I didn’t think about that Your Majesty; my apologies.” There was a heartbeat of silence, and then the pressure was relieved. “Why don’t we skip the corset for today, especially if you will be seated for a long period of time? But let’s go with a brilliant gown then, something that will remind the Duchess that you are the future Queen.” Emily opened Dinah’s white wardrobe and pulled out a magenta silk gown, all rosettes and layers. “This will make your black hair look radiant.”