So I Married a Sorcerer (The Embraced #2)(84)

Dead. Brigitta sat across from her sister. She would miss the Rupert she knew.

Luciana sighed. “Brody really should have warned you.”

“I think he did. I just didn’t hear it.” But Rupert must have known. He could have blown those soldiers away and escaped if he’d wanted to. But he had played along. And that was why he had worn the old disguise. So now Rupert would be dead. Brigitta shook her head. “I don’t know what to call him. He’ll always be Rupert to me.”

“You must be careful,” Luciana warned her. “You can never call him by that name in public.”

“Is he coming back here? When will I see him again?”

Luciana hesitated a moment before speaking. “My father is traveling with them. At the cabin, Rupert will change into the clothes of a nobleman. Then my father and Rupert will ride to Ebton Palace together as the Duke of Vindalyn and his vassal, Baron Suffield. That way, my father can introduce Rupert at court. It’s the best way to validate Rupert’s new identity. And it’s very important that the Tourinian ambassador and his spies see him as the baron.”

Brigitta nodded. “I see. So we’re taking the barge back to the palace? I’ll see Rupert there?”

With a sigh, Luciana sat back in her chair. “You won’t see him again until he arrives in Lourdon for the competition.”

“What?” Brigitta jumped to her feet. “But we didn’t get to say good-bye.”

“We can’t risk anyone seeing you with Baron Suffield,” Luciana explained. “You’re not supposed to know him.”

Brigitta frowned. “Do we really have to be that careful? Surely, there’s a private place—”

“You don’t know what’s been going on since Leo and I became king and queen. For the most part, our people seem really happy with us, but unfortunately, there is a faction that wants to kill us and take over the throne.”

Brigitta’s eyes widened. “Are ye in danger?”

“Nevis and his father, General Harden, are doing their best to keep the peace. And Leo’s lightning power keeps us safe. The problem is the royal order of priests who used to work as spies for the crown. We disbanded them. Our people are delighted that they no longer have to live in fear. But the priests hated losing the power they wielded over everyone. Their leader is Lord Morris, who was chief counsel to the late king. Lord Morris and the disgruntled priests have allied themselves with your brother, King Gunther of Tourin.”

Brigitta sat back down. “I don’t like to think of him as a brother.”

Luciana nodded. “By all accounts, he is a cruel man. He’s been hoarding gold for years while his people starve. And he’s using that gold to pay Lord Morris and his priests to spy on the Eberoni people and cause unrest.”

Brigitta winced. “No wonder ye want rid of him.”

“Gunther has provided the priests with enough gold to pay for information all over Eberon. The end result is there are very few people left whom we can trust.”

“So that’s why you staged that show?”

“Yes. The villagers saw our soldiers capturing the pirate Rupert and dragging him away. The news will spread, and Gunther will hear about it.” Luciana sat forward. “Are you sure you want to go through with this? Gunther is a dangerous man.”

“Brody will be with me. And Sister Fallyn.”

“But I won’t be there.” Luciana winced. “When I picked those Telling Stones eight months ago, I sensed danger. I kept hoping I was wrong. I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you to spend all those months worrying about it.”

Brigitta gave her a wry smile. “I worried anyway. I didn’t want to be the prize for a contest.”

“You could still back out. You don’t have to do this.”

“I know. Rupert could take the throne by force. When I thought fate was forcing the competition on me without my consent, I was thoroughly opposed to it. But now I realize it is a choice, and it’s the right choice. It will save lives. I can right the wrongs done to Rupert by my family. And I can prove to him that he can trust me.”

Luciana’s eyes glimmered with tears as she rose to her feet. “I’m so proud of you. I know you’ll do well.”

Brigitta jumped up and gave her a hug. “Thank you.”

“I’ve missed you so much.” Luciana wiped away a tear, then motioned to a small trunk next to the sideboard. “I’ve packed a few of my gowns for you to use.”

“Thank you. I missed you, too.”

“Nevis and his second troop will take you to the Tourinian border. Gunther will meet you there.”

Brigitta took a deep breath. “All right. When do I leave?”

“As soon as Nevis returns.” Luciana squeezed her hand. “Today.”

*

That evening, they arrived at the appointed meeting place, a bridge that crossed the Norva River at its narrowest point. The Norva began in the mountains of Norveshka, then flowed west toward the ocean, marking the border between Tourin and Eberon.

Brigitta was relieved that the uncomfortable ride in the small carriage was over, for the constant jostling had made her stomach ache. But her relief was short-lived. One look at the Tourinian army camped across the river, and her stomach lurched.