— CHAPTER ELEVEN —

  Heel Turn

  I pushed the food around my plate, watching the steamed vegetables leave wet trails across the porcelain. The guards stood at every doorway, stiff as statues except for their eyes that tracked my every move. It had been days now since the incident with the photos, and they hovered around me like nervous parents.

  "Would Your Majesty care for the chef to prepare something different?" asked the butler hovering at my shoulder.

  "No, thank you. I'm not particularly hungry." I set my silverware down. "I think I'll retire early."

  I stood, causing the nearest guard to straighten. Two more detached themselves from their posts by the door, clearly intending to follow me.

  "I need to speak with Ambassador Bellamy." I said. "Alone."

  The guards exchanged uncomfortable glances. "Lord Cassius was very specific about security-"

  "And I am very specific now." I lifted my chin. "You may escort me to the embassy quarters and wait outside."

  They relented with reluctance, flanking me as I walked briskly through the corridors. The embassy quarters were in the east wing. The ambassador and his retinue were no longer allowed to leave without permission.

  When we reached the doors of the embassy section, I turned to my shadows. "Wait here. I'll call if I need you."

  I didn't wait for their agreement before pushing through. The embassy quarters were quieter than usual. I headed straight for the parlor. I knocked once, then entered without waiting for a response. Raphael sat at a small table, a half-eaten meal before him and a book in his hands. He looked up.

  The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

  "Your Majesty." He rose quickly. "This is unexpected."

  "Is it?" I closed the door firmly behind me. "I think you've been expecting me since you planted those photographs in my chambers."

  His eyebrows shot up. "Photographs?"

  "Don't play ignorant, Ambassador; it doesn't suit you." I paced along the edge of the room, keeping the table between us. "You were meant to arrange something with Elara, and then she vanishes. Next thing I know, there are disturbing photographs in my room."

  Raphael set his book down. "Your Majesty, I admit I was planning to help you see the city, but I never had a chance to speak with Elara about it."

  "Conveniently timed."

  "She was reassigned before I could make arrangements. From what I gathered through palace gossip, she was removed because she had become too friendly with you. Something about 'maintaining proper separation of station.'"

  I stopped pacing. "Who told you that?"

  "I don't have a specific name. Servants talk, Your Majesty, especially when they think foreigners aren't listening carefully." Raphael gestured to the chair across from him. "Would you like to sit? You look... forgive me, but you look exhausted."

  I remained standing. "And the photographs?"

  "I'm afraid I don't know anything about photographs. If you mean to think of me because of my Stardust Festival slides, I can guarantee they are different from anything you will see in this country; they were taken with a model of camera from Alba Colles. And I'm flattered you think I'm clever enough to bypass your security, but I was in meetings with the Venetine trade envoy the day the trespass was discovered. A dozen witnesses can confirm that. If there's anything I can do to help, Your Majesty, you need only ask. My position here is... precarious at best, but I remain at your service."

  I straightened, suddenly uncertain. The conviction that had carried me here was wavering. Raphael was either telling the truth or was exceptionally skilled at appearing to do so. Either way, I had learned nothing concrete, and doubted I would be able to extract anything further without firmer evidence.

  "Thank you for your time, Ambassador." I stepped back, preparing to leave. "I hope for both our sakes that you're being honest with me."

  "I'm always honest, Your Majesty. Just rarely complete."

  I turned and walked out. The guards fell in behind me as I left the embassy quarters. Perhaps I was jumping to conclusions because of that picture show he held before. Members of the housekeeping staff could have obtained access to my chambers, though the guard should have been monitoring them. Could one of them have taken advantage of Elara's absence to fill her duties and leave the photos? Which would make Elara's reassignment into what? A coincidence? An accidental opportunity? Why wouldn't they have given me a straight explanation for why she was reassigned?

  Gah, never had I seen the holes in my own awareness more than trying to find these answers for myself.