Honor's Price (5 page)

Evidently that answer pleased the duke. He picked up what looked like a pin off his desk and studied it.

“I prefer my captains to have an understanding of magic, which Sergeant Markus lacks. You, on the other hand, have great potential in that area.”

He tossed Kane the pin. “Put that on, Acting Captain Kane. The appointment isn't final. We'll revisit my
decision after you've had time to familiarize yourself with your duties. Any questions?”

“No, Sire. I thank you for the honor. I will endeavor to not disappoint.”

“See that you don't.”

Kane recognized a dismissal when he heard one. He affixed the pin to his tunic. He bowed and let himself out.

*   *   *

Back out in the great hall, Kane schooled his features, making sure that none of his inner turmoil showed. His mission had been to get close enough to keep an eye on the duke, but being named captain of the guard was an unexpected development. What was behind the man's decision? Kane had done nothing to earn such trust, so his reasons must be linked to the man's hunger for Kane's potential as a mage.

He hated that he'd missed another opportunity to kill Keirthan. But considering how Keirthan's servant hovered right outside the door, there was only a small chance Kane would've made it out of the building before anyone noticed the duke was dead. However, caution wasn't what had stayed Kane's hand.

Until Captain Gideon and their allies solved the mystery of how to counter Keirthan's magic, killing Keirthan by mundane means was too chancy. From what Kane could recall of his grandfather's never-ending lectures, killing a blood mage could be tricky if not done properly. They could run the risk of unleashing all of Keirthan's accrued power in a destructive maelstrom, killing the people the Damned were sworn to protect.

Biding his time, though, wasn't going to be easy. For now he needed to report back to Sergeant Markus. Kane allowed himself a small smile. The man wouldn't be pleased to find out that Kane would now be making all the decisions concerning the duty roster. He'd known he and Markus weren't likely destined to be friends, but he'd hoped to avoid becoming enemies until absolutely necessary.

Kane started back toward the staircase, but Markus was no longer where he'd left him. It didn't take long to spot him standing on the balcony at the top of the steps. Kane headed up to join him, still careful to maintain his calm facade. How the next few minutes unfolded would determine the tenor of his relationship with Markus, not to mention the other men who served under him.

Markus leaned on the railing and stared down at the swirling mass of people on the floor below. “I see you survived your audience with the duke.”

When he finally glanced in Kane's direction, his eyes flared wide as he spotted the duke's sigil pinned to Kane's tunic. Markus immediately stood straighter, his shoulders back and his arms rigid at his sides.

“I see congratulations are in order, Captain Kane.”

There might have even been a spark of anger in his eyes, but if so, it quickly faded. That was all right. Why wouldn't he be shocked by the turn of events? Kane certainly was.

“Thank you, Sergeant. The promotion is an honor, one I owe entirely to you.”

That much was true. If Markus hadn't interceded on Kane's behalf, he might still be wandering the streets of the city looking for a way to insinuate himself into the duke's household. He truly wished Keirthan hadn't done this. Being an officer had immediately opened up a gulf between him and the other man, one that wouldn't be easily crossed.

Markus remained at attention. “What are your orders, sir?”

Kane's immediate options were limited when he still needed to learn the lay of the land. “You were going to show me around the keep. Let's start with that, so I can familiarize myself with its layout. After that, we can review the duty rosters and discuss any concerns you have that have arisen since the death of the prior captain.”

For the first time, the sergeant showed a spark of emotion along with a slight smirk. “That would be
captains, sir, not just one. We've lost at least three over the past few weeks.”

Kane arched his eyebrows as if surprised by that news. “Really? Interesting that the duke didn't mention that. Rest assured, Markus, that I am far harder to kill than most men.”

Without waiting to see if the sergeant had anything more to say on the subject, Kane continued. “Shall we start the tour up here and go from there?”

Markus jerked his head in a short nod and walked away, leaving Kane to follow as he would.

I
fre stared at the closed door for several seconds. It was a shame he couldn't slip out into the hall unnoticed to watch the stir caused by his choice of a new captain for his personal guard. For now he'd remain in his office, considering Kane's reaction to his unexpected promotion.

The mercenary had barely blinked.

An interesting man, to be sure. He probably wondered at the wisdom of Ifre allowing a total stranger to serve in such an important post. He wouldn't be wrong. Ifre knew full well how vulnerable a ruler was if those around him wished him ill.

But few things interested Ifre more than power and magic. He'd lived his entire life surrounded by mages with differing gifts and strengths. But Captain Kane was the first he'd ever met who bore the mark of a true blood mage. Given the man's powerful potential for magic, Ifre would've hired Kane anyway. But it was what Ifre had discovered when he tried to read his mind a few days ago that made it important to keep Kane close enough to keep a wary eye on him.

It took a powerful intellect coupled with a high degree of training to maintain such powerful mental shields. Ifre had run into only a handful of people who'd been able to block his attempts to invade their minds if he was determined to get in. His late brother, Armel, was one of them. Their father had been another, as was Ifre's half sister, Lady Lavinia. Even the mage Ifre's father had
hired to mentor his children had had a difficult time shielding his mind.

Kane had not only blocked him; he'd actually pushed back a little before he caught himself. Ifre had spent quite a few of the intervening hours poring through his collection of grimoires to see what he could learn about breaking through Kane's defenses. So far, his search had met with only limited success.

Eventually, he'd find a way to destroy his new captain's defenses. Once that happened, Ifre would have free access to a delicious pool of dark magic. Even now, the badge of office Kane wore was designed to link him to Ifre. The connection would build slowly until it was as powerful as the ones Ifre had used on the late and unlamented Captain Terrick and his men. Eventually, it would insinuate itself deep within Kane's mind, gradually eroding all of Kane's protections. When that happened, Ifre would own him.

He still missed the spicy taste of Terrick's power. Regrets only weakened a man, but he wished he hadn't wasted him on the failed attempt to regain control of that fool Fagan's family estate. If the venture had succeeded, Ifre would have gained another magical asset in Fagan's niece, Lady Merewen. Instead, he'd lost both her and Terrick.

Despite his frustration, Ifre smiled. He'd been afraid he'd never find a new source for the magic he'd drained from Terrick, but Kane had definite possibilities. Meanwhile, he'd also keep looking for other likely candidates. He'd tried without success to drag Lady Lavinia back to the capital for just that purpose.

The blackness in his mind stirred; the pain had him holding the edge of the desk as he waited for it to pass. His magic grew ever more demanding, more hungry. If he didn't find ways to feed the beast, he was very much afraid that—

No, he couldn't think that way. It was weak of him, and the blackness would leap to overwhelm him
completely at the first hint of vulnerability on his part. Later tonight, he would feed its needs. Until then, he'd reread the latest report from the men he'd sent after Lady Lavinia, looking for clues to her whereabouts.

Who were these mysterious allies she'd found who had held his men at bay while she escaped? She was clearly behind the vicious counterattack against the latest launch of his weapon. The only reason he hadn't been rendered totally helpless was that he'd been in his secret chambers when the backlash hit.

He'd never cared for Lavinia, although he'd pretended to as a child because his father wouldn't have stood for anything else. Now Ifre was free to hate her. So far she'd withstood his attacks, but eventually he would succeed. When he did, she would suffer tenfold for every bit of pain and frustration she'd caused him. He couldn't wait.

*   *   *

Theda sipped her tea and resumed reading while her ladies gossiped among themselves. Sometimes she yearned to enjoy the warmth and light here in her solar in solitude. If she asked her friends to leave, they would withdraw without question.

However, whenever they were away from her immediate presence, they were vulnerable. So far, none of Ifre's men had dared to lay their filthy hands on either one of her ladies-in-waiting, but it was only a matter of time. Sergeant Markus was growing more bold in showing his total disdain for her and her authority.

And why shouldn't he when the duke publicly treated her with such contempt? She'd taken to carrying a knife tucked in a secret pocket of her dress, but that would do her ladies no good if one of them was caught out alone by Markus or one of his cronies.

She closed her book and set it aside, its words not holding her attention. Perhaps later she would be able to find time to read in peace. For now she reached for one of the sweet cakes Margaret had brought to share with the group.

“Lady Theda, did you watch that final match yesterday?” Margaret babbled on without waiting for her answer. “It was the most terrifying thing I've ever seen.”

Theda's own reaction to the fight was powerful as well, but terror wasn't exactly how she would have described her feelings on the subject. The memory of the dark warrior with his pale eyes had haunted her thoughts long after she'd returned to the keep once her duties as Ifre's hostess had ended.

It had come as a shock to see him standing with Sergeant Markus in the great hall when she and her ladies had returned from their stroll through the gardens. The sergeant had been his usual sneering self, but somehow she'd gotten the impression his companion had disapproved of Markus's behavior.

That was no doubt wishful thinking on her part. It had been far too long since anyone had taken up her cause in anything. Her marriage to Armel had been a political alliance, but they'd come to care for each other well enough. She missed him for a lot of reasons, but mostly because if he were still alive, his brother wouldn't have control of her life.

Margaret was still going on and on about the dark warrior's match. Theda was very fond of her young friend, but Margaret was given to exaggerations. It was time to slow her down.

“Margaret, I agree the redhead was a big man, but he hardly qualifies as a true giant.” She smiled at the other woman, to keep the moment light. “As for the other man, he was a well-trained warrior, nothing more. His prowess with a sword was due to practice, not magic.”

“But what about that mark on his face? And those eyes? I heard whispers that they mean he's a—”

“Enough, Margaret. He's a man, nothing more.”

Margaret looked as if she wanted to argue the point, but at the moment the door to the solar was opened with enough force to send it banging against the wall. Theda's
two friends squeaked in surprise while she leapt to her feet, gripping the knife in her pocket.

She glared at the guard standing in her doorway. Markus was the only man who would dare intrude on her privacy in such a manner. Theda stepped forward, putting herself firmly between him and the others. Before she could rail at him for his outrageous behavior, she realized he was not alone. She bit back her fury but still made her displeasure known.

“Sergeant, in the future, knock before entering my solar.”

“Duke Keirthan has just appointed a new captain of the guard. He asked to be shown around.” Markus didn't act in the least bit apologetic as he moved aside to reveal his silent companion. “Captain Kane, this is Lady Theda and her ladies-in-waiting. She's in charge of making sure the duke's household runs smoothly. Come to her if you have problems with the servants or need clean linens.”

She wanted to slap Markus for his impudence. It was true that Ifre treated her as if she were little better than a common servant, but few were daring enough to echo his behavior to her face. She was helpless to change her circumstances; she could only pretend the slights didn't hurt.

Kane remained outside the door, his face impassive. Even so, there was something about the set of his mouth that hinted Captain Kane did not approve of his companion's behavior any more than she did.

He met her gaze only briefly, but once again she felt the same jolt of awareness she'd sensed the day before. “Lady Theda, it is my honor to meet you. I hope you will forgive our unexpected intrusion.”

She managed to nod. “Congratulations on your new position.”

What she really felt was disappointment. Ifre didn't appoint men to positions of authority who weren't willing to carry out his orders without question. She would
warn her ladies to be wary of the man until she had sufficient opportunity to evaluate his character.

Markus was too busy staring at Lady Margaret to make any move toward leaving. She was about to suggest they leave when Kane took charge.

“If you'll excuse us, ladies, we should continue on our tour.”

When Markus didn't immediately respond, he snapped, “Now, Sergeant.”

Sergeant Markus flushed red. He shot Theda a look that warned there would be retribution for the rebuke. They both knew he wouldn't dare take his temper out on Kane, not after having seen the man fight. No, this was just further reason for him to make her life more miserable.

When the two men left, she locked and barred the door. “Ladies, from now on, it would be best if we kept the door locked at all times. Also, when you want in, knock twice, pause, and then knock one more time. I think we'll all feel safer if we know whether or not it's one of us wanting in.”

They all exchanged looks and then nodded. Not one of them hadn't experienced a moment or two of fear around the guardsmen. It didn't used to be that way, but things were definitely getting worse. She didn't know if Ifre openly encouraged such behavior in his men or if they simply knew they could get away with almost anything and he wouldn't care.

“You both may remain here for now, but it is time for me to go check to make sure everything is ready for the midday meal. Don't forget to lock the door after I leave.”

Theda peeked out into the hallway, checking both ways before pulling the door closed behind her. She was in no mood to confront Markus and the captain again so soon. Before moving on, she listened to be sure her friends took her seriously about locking the door. Satisfied they were as safe as she could make them, she drew a calming breath and made her way to the kitchen.

*   *   *

The cook had things well in hand. Ordinarily, Theda would have simply checked to make sure there were no problems she should be aware of and then leave. This time the cook was lying in wait for her.

“Lady Theda, I had to purchase more supplies today because of the number of them nobles staying on. I thought you'd want to know the miller and the butcher would be looking to get paid extra this week.”

“Thank you for letting me know. I'll see to it that payment is made.”

She walked away, her already tumultuous emotions surging to new levels. Theda didn't question the necessity of the additional purchases, but she didn't look forward to justifying the unexpected expenditures from the household budget. Ifre had never once refused any extra money she requested, but he also never missed an opportunity to make her practically beg for the funds.

She would've paid the bills out of her own money, but he controlled that as well. He'd taken charge of her wealth after Armel's death and would control it until such time as she remarried. He would also choose her next husband for her.

No doubt he would auction her lands off to the highest bidder. He had hinted at a few men he was considering, each of them with a reputation for cruelty and brutish behavior. She could still remember the chills his words had given her.

If she hadn't already hated Ifre before that moment, she did then. She had no claim on any of his family's property, but she'd inherited several estates and titles that had been handed down from both sides of her own family.

Her personal wealth had equaled or even exceeded her husband's on the date of their marriage. Armel had seen her as a full partner in their marriage, often seeking her counsel when it came to ruling his land. Ifre saw her simply as chattel, something that could be bought and sold like any other possession he owned.

And they both knew her time of mourning was quickly drawing to a close. Even Ifre wouldn't flaunt his power by forcing her into marriage before the traditional time had passed. But all too soon, it would be over and she'd be even more at risk than ever.

Just as she returned to the great hall, Ifre loomed up behind her as if she conjured him out of the dark turn her thoughts had taken. “Ah, Theda, there you are. I've been looking for you.”

She swallowed her fear. “I was visiting the kitchen to make sure that the midday meal would be served on time.”

He dismissed her comment with a wave of his hand. “I would like you to join me at my table for today. I have a couple of guests who would like to meet you.”

“I will be there.”

Then in another abrupt change of topics, he went on. “Have you met the new captain of my guard? I think my brother would have found Kane interesting or, on second thought, perhaps not. Kane bears the mark of a blood mage, a gift from his maternal grandsire. Armel's interest in magery always had a rather narrow focus.”

Meaning he'd never allowed his interest in his gift to stray into the dark and twisted paths that Ifre currently explored. She saw it as a strength, but her brother-in-law would have scoffed at that idea.

“I should return to my quarters and freshen my attire if I am to join your guests.”

“Do that. I want you to look your best for them.” He reached out to brush his fingers across her cheek, smiling when she flinched. “A lady should always make a good first impression.”