Secrets & Swords Read online

  “Want to go for a stroll? They have beautiful gardens here and the horse stables are on the other side of the palace.” Roguelyn followed him, striding around the building and off across a large expanse of lawn towards what looked like hedgerows and trees in the distance.

  They wandered down a manicured path into extensive gardens filled with plants, trees, flowers, ponds, and hidden grottos with benches for cuddling up on. Other people strolled the paths as well, some well dressed as nobles, causing Roguelyn and Liam to pause and bow as they passed by. Roguelyn marveled at the variety of plants around her. They stopped briefly at a large pond with a bridge arching over the middle, two streams, one feeding it, the other emptying it on either end. They crossed to the top of the bridge, and Roguelyn paused to look down. Beneath her swam fish in colors of reds, whites, yellows, oranges, and even some blues, blacks, and greens. Some were small, and some two or three feet long. She had never seen fish like this, but she’d heard of them from her father when she was little.

  “Those are called koi fish,” Liam said, as he leaned against the edge of the bridge next to her. “The king had them shipped in from the Night Isles.” Roguelyn knew of the Night Isles and the wonders that awaited on those mysterious islands, but other than reading about the exotic fish and animals in books, she’d never seen anything from there in person. Growing up, Roguelyn had only been to court once, when she was too young to really remember, and when she and her mother had gone to beg for her father’s release. She hadn’t been there to do much sightseeing. And when her father was away campaigning or fighting, she and her mother were forced to stay at home and manage their own castle, leaving no time for traveling to court. So, her mother had recreated court parties at home, inviting all nobility within a hundred miles and putting on a display. Roguelyn had always hated those parties. Her mother had put her on display like a peacock, dressing her in bright colored dresses, painting her face, and parading her around. Roguelyn felt like a choice cut of beef and everyone was bidding on her. How her life had changed since then.

  They continued on, wandering deeper into a landscaped forest that butted up against the palace walls. It was dark and cool amongst the trees, and with the cloudy sky, it seemed like dusk in among the branches. Roguelyn breathed in deeply the scent of pine, but was startled by a loud scream coming from off to her right, followed by the sounds of a scuffle. Without hesitation, she bolted towards the sound, Liam calling after her.

  Chapter 11

  Roguelyn pushed through the underbrush and came out onto a secluded path. Before her, a young woman, maybe 25 years old, with long curling brown hair pinned up on top of her head, was struggling with the same dark-haired man from the market. He had a knife to her and was trying to wrestle a handbag from her. Her ladies-in-waiting stood behind her huddled together, clutching one another, while a second man dressed in black held a knife, threatening them. The woman struggled, yanking on her handbag as the handsome man brandished the knife and smiled, trying to pull her off her feet. It only took a moment for Roguelyn to take all this in before drawing her own knife and racing towards the little group. Despite knowing how dangerous the dark-haired man was, she charged in, and he turned as he heard her footsteps, releasing the handbag, causing the lady to stumbled backwards.

  Roguelyn came in strong, slashing left to right with her knife, forcing him back. He took large steps back, his long, lanky body allowing him the distance in stride that her shorter legs did not. He grinned at her while he did it, putting both hands up.

  “Woah, woah, young sir. No need for such violence,” he said, his voice smooth as velvet, mocking, his grin cocky. He was the type of man Roguelyn usually hated: confident, suave, handsome and knew it. This was a slightly different side to him than she had encountered in the marketplace. They often used their charms to get women into bed and destroy their reputations, leaving them heartbroken and alone. Her sense of justice for this lady he was taking advantage of made her blood boil. She slashed at him again, this time catching his wrist with her blade, and he snarled, his beautiful face transforming as blood dripped onto the dirt. His companion left the handmaids and came to help, while Liam broke into the clearing behind Roguelyn, his knife out. The four faced off, knives out, trying to see who would make the next move. Finally, the handsome rogue smiled again, looking Roguelyn square in the face.

  “It’s not worth the hassle. Until next time,” he winked, and he and his companion ran off into the underbrush towards the palace wall. Liam took a few steps after as Roguelyn straightened up, sheathing her knife.

  “What were you thinking?” Liam asked, anger and worry plain on his face. “You had no idea what you were running in to.” He put his knife away with frustration.

  “I was thinking there was someone in trouble,” Roguelyn spat at him. Anger still boiled inside, and she wasn’t about to be treated like a child by this man. “I can handle myself you know,” she said defiantly.

  “Clearly,” a voice said behind them. Roguelyn turned, having completely forgotten about the woman. She stood behind them, her ladies still cowering and crying behind her. She was brushing dirt from her dress and tucking stray locks of brown curly hair behind her ears. “I appreciate what you did for me, young man,” she said, striding forward, and extending her hand. Roguelyn took it, unsure of what the lady wanted, completely forgetting her courtly manners. The woman smiled. “You don’t know who I am do you?” Roguelyn shook her head. “I am Duchess Galiena Collingwood.” A shock went through Roguelyn. This woman was her equal, at least in title, and she was supposed to bow and kiss her hand. Roguelyn belatedly bowed and planted a light kiss on the woman’s hand. The duchess tinkled a laugh and took her hand back.

  “I’m sorry, your Grace,” Roguelyn said, bowing again. Liam bowed next to her and took the lady’s hand. Once they were both standing straight again, Galiena looked them up and down, appraisingly.

  “You both look like fine young men,” she said, pulling out a pouch from her purse. “I would like to give you each a reward for saving myself and my money from those scoundrels,” she reached inside and began digging around. Liam began protesting, and Roguelyn began to wonder how she could use this situation to her advantage. This woman had power, influence, and a place at court. Maybe she could use her influence as a way to get in to the castle and find out about her father. As Galiena pulled out two gold coins, Roguelyn cleared her throat.

  “Your Grace, may I ask a different favor instead?” The lady paused and nodded, curiosity lighting up her face. “I have a sister who is hoping to come to the capitol, and she needs a position as a lady’s maid. Would you have such a position for her?” Roguelyn stopped, holding her breath, waiting for an answer. Galiena swiped at a spot on her deep blue dress, considering. Liam was looking at Roguelyn, a wondering look on his handsome face.

  “Yes, I think that could be arranged. What is your sister’s name? And when can I expect her to call at court for me?” Galiena slid one of the gold coins back in to her bag. Roguelyn thought fast. When she was younger, she and Will had played at being knights and princesses, and even though she much preferred playing the knight, sometimes Will made her be the princess Sara. Princess Sara was a historical figure in Rayaven. She had died before taking the throne, but during her time alive she had many adventures, adventures Roguelyn and Will had enacted many times. It was a name she was familiar with and responded to.

  “Her name is Sara your Grace. And you can expect her in one week. She sent me a letter yesterday saying she was coming to town,” she bowed low, graciously, and upon standing up, looked Galiena straight in the face. “Thank you, your Grace. It means the world to me to see her settled in a position.” Galiena nodded and turned to Liam.

  “And what, sir, will you ask of me?” she said, a little grin on her beautiful face. Liam bowed low and held out a hand.

  “Why, nothing but a kiss of your sweet hand, your Grace. Nothing would please me more.” Galiena giggled and offered her hand, her maids behin
d her finally calmed enough to titter at this request. Liam kissed her hand gently, and Roguelyn felt a twinge of jealousy run through her. She wished for a brief moment she was Duchess Galiena’s hand, not standing here beside Liam dressed as a man. But maybe this gave her the opportunity to be a girl once again. And, maybe, she could show Liam who she really was. Excitement started in her gut, making it churn. She would need help to pull this off.

  “Until next time, young sirs,” Galiena said, and moved off along the path with her ladies gossiping behind her. Roguelyn stood watching her go, running through plans in her head. Liam stood beside her, scratching his head.

  “What are you playing at?” he asked. Roguelyn turned to face him. He was frowning, an eyebrow raised in question.

  “What are you talking about?” Roguelyn asked, feigning nonchalance. “My sister needed a posting, so I got her one,” she turned to walk back the way they had come. “Now. Show me those stables.” Liam followed behind, a marveling look on his face.

  Chapter 12

  Roguelyn had one week to figure out how to play both Rawlin and Sara, and suddenly she realized how complicated things were getting. She barely slept, the stress and worry consuming her every waking moment. Two days in, she was so preoccupied that she didn’t tighten the girth properly on a horse, and a merchant staying at the inn fell off his horse as soon as he got on. Luckily, Roguelyn was right there and helped to stop his fall, but it made her realize that she wasn’t doing her job properly. That night, she finally asked Henndo for some help.

  “So,” he said, taking a large bite of an apple as he lounged across from her in their room. “You want to pose as your sister, as well as pose as a boy, when in reality you’re a girl? Are you going to pretend to be twins or something?” Roguelyn hadn’t thought of that; of course she would have to be her own twin, otherwise this wouldn’t work. She nodded. “Okay, that’s easy enough.” Henndo nodded sitting up straight.

  “It is? How?” Roguelyn leaned forward, eager to hear this plan.

  “Yea! We buy you some dresses, say Rawlin went back home to help his family, and you play a girl from here on out. Simple,” he said this, tossing the apple core from hand to hand like he was juggling. Roguelyn nodded slowly. It could work.

  “But then I’d be at the castle all the time. What if I need your help?” she had grown used to living as a boy, and to living with Henndo. His companionship was warm and comforting, and he was like a big brother to her.

  “You can visit, as either Sara or Rawlin, whichever you prefer. I’m always here for you, darling,” he winked at her. “Now!” he said decisively, standing up. “We need to get you kitted out like a proper girl again.” Roguelyn grinned. She was looking forward to meeting Liam as a girl. She wondered how he’d react.

  Henndo took her into town later that week, stopping at a few shops and stalls along the market road. Roguelyn caught sight of the dark haired, dark eyed man watching her as they picked out a few hair ribbons. He grinned at her when she caught his eye; she rolled hers and looked away. The next time he saw her she’d be dressed as a girl, and it’d prove him right. Roguelyn sighed.

  Finally, they found a small shop that Henndo said he knew the owner of personally. He assured Roguelyn it would be safe to let the owner know her secret. When they entered the small shop a tiny bell tinkled somewhere farther inside. Walls were piled high with rolls of fabric in every shade imaginable. And on a few selves were ready made clothing, especially pants and shirts made of a thick fabric for hard working men. As Roguelyn was fingering a deep green silk, a squat, old woman came bustling out of a back room. She had strawberry blonde hair turning to white.

  “What can do for you boys?” she asked. She stopped, squinting up at Henndo. “Henndo Anson, is that you? My word, how you’ve changed!” she threw her arms out, and Roguelyn noticed that she had the same dancing green eyes as Henndo.

  “Hello, mother,” he said, sweeping her up into a hug. Roguelyn’s mouth hung open. His mother was right here in town? After their embrace, Henndo placed his mother back on the ground and Roguelyn saw her wiping her eyes.

  “Well, come in, come in. You sure are a sight for sore eyes, my dear.” she motioned them towards the back of her shop and they followed her through a doorway into a small sitting room filled with colorful poufs and chairs upholstered in bright patterns. She motioned for them to take a seat around a low table as she bustled into the next room where Roguelyn could hear mugs clinking and water beginning to boil.

  “Your mother?” she hissed at Henndo. He smiled serenely.

  “Yes. I’ve been busy, or I would have been by sooner. But whenever I’m in the city, I visit her,” he settled back onto a soft blue poof and looked at her.

  “I thought you were from somewhere else in the kingdom?” she realized she was never sure he’d told her where he was from.

  “We are. But I moved to the capitol with my mother some years back, and have been wandering since,” he began to pick his teeth with his knife that he’d pulled out of a sleeve. Roguelyn shook her head, bewildered.

  Henndo’s mother bustled back into the room a few moments later, carrying a tray with three mugs and a small teapot that was steaming. She set them down on the table and reached out to caress Henndo’s hair before she sat down. Roguelyn was perched precariously on top of a purple satin poof, trying not to slide off onto the floor. Henndo’s mother handed her a cup of tea.

  “Now, who’s your friend, Henndo?” she asked, looking curiously at Roguelyn.

  “This is Sara,” Henndo said. His mother’s eyes went wide as Roguelyn took a tentative sip of her tea. It was a pleasant rose and chamomile blend and very calming. “And we need your help.”

  “Oh! Darling. What are you wearing? You look like a boy!” she exclaimed! Roguelyn grinned and ducked her head. “Oh, where are my manners. I am Tilla, Henndo’s mother, of course.” She reached over and patted Roguelyn’s hand. “Now dear, how can I help?”

  “She needs some dresses fit for a lady’s maid, and all the things that go with it,” Henndo said, sipping on his tea, green eyes dancing. Roguelyn nodded and clutched her mug tightly, nerves running through her. She wanted so badly to dress like her own sex again, but was terrified of giving up the anonymity that being a boy give her.

  “I think that can be arranged. Come with me dear,” Tilla reached out a hand and snagged Roguelyn’s wrist, dragging her up.

  The next hour was a whirlwind. Tilla presented fabrics to her faster than Roguelyn could decide, and soon she was being measured and fitted into a plain dress Tilla had made for a customer who never came to collect it. It was way too big, but Tilla quickly had it pinned and measured and while she began sewing, Henndo and Roguelyn sat down for a second cup of tea. Roguelyn’s head was spinning. Even dress fittings back home were a much less exciting affair. Her mother always insisted on a new dress for every party, but the seamstress usually came to measure Roguelyn and then she didn’t see them again until the day of the party. They rarely did much altering and she rarely had any say in the dress styles or colors. But Tilla had asked her opinion on everything, and by the end, Tilla had taken in the plain brown dress for Roguelyn and was planning on making three more, one each in green, blue, and a burgundy red. Tilla provided her with undergarments, underdresses, and some bodices that held everything in. Before they left the shop, Tilla also found a long brown wig amongst her things.

  “This wig belonged to Henndo’s grandmother. She was a part of a traveling troupe of actors. She was quite a character, you know,” Tilla winked at Roguelyn. “She would to go on and on about how she used to be some grand duchess, but that she ran away from a marriage with an older man to join the troupe of actors. No one was ever able to prove her story, of course. She wore this wig on stage a few times. But I think you could use it now,” she placed the wig on Roguelyn’s head, tucking in the stray strands of her hair underneath.

  The color wasn’t that different from Roguelyn’s own, and it brought back memories
of her long hair, before she had cut it off and run away. Roguelyn sighed wistfully as she fingered the coarse wig. Next, Tilla dressed her in a cotton under dress, followed by the brown over dress, and finished with a tight dark green bodice on top. It held her in nicely and made her feel feminine and solid. She admired herself in a burnished mirror that Tilla had in the back of her shop.

  “You look a proper lady now, Sara,” Tilla smiled, her green eyes twinkling. Henndo came in to the room then, and stopped dead. Roguelyn looked up at him through the mirror, a shy smile spreading across her face.

  “Well? What do you think?” she asked. Henndo grinned.

  “You look lovely,” he nodded. He reached out, offering his hand and she used it to step off the stool she had been standing on while Tilla hemmed her dress. “Now, shall we introduce you to Liam?” he winked, and Roguelyn’s face drained of color. Henndo guffawed loudly. “Oh darling, your face is too good. But you’ll have to face him and pretend you don’t know him. Can you do that?” Roguelyn gulped, but nodded. They said goodbye to Tilla and Roguelyn promised she’d be by in a few days for the other dresses. The old woman gave her a big hug and Roguelyn was grateful for the woman’s kindness.

  As they stepped outside, Roguelyn looked up, straight into the eyes of the dark-haired man. He stood across the street, leaning against the stonewall of the building opposite, his arms crossed. He smiled a smug smile at her, his dark eyes laughing. Roguelyn stuck up her nose at him. She may have just proved him right but she wasn’t about to be embarrassed by his cockiness. She didn’t look back as she and Henndo walked away. She steeled herself as they walked back to the inn, excitement and fear warring inside her chest.

  It was dark when they reached the inn and it was clear it was packed. Henndo stopped outside.

  “Now, let me do the talking for a minute. I need to explain your presence and why Rawlin has gone so unexpectedly,” he patted her hand as he took it into the crook of his arm and walked her inside.