Ravaged Reign: Court of Mystery, #11

Ravaged Reign

A Court of Mystery Novel

Sarah E. Burr

Spotlight Publishing Productions

Copyright © 2020 Sarah E. Burr

All rights reserved

The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

Cover design by Sarah Burr at Spotlight Publishing Productions

Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Epilogue

Acknowledgments

About The Author

Other books by Sarah E. Burr

The Court of Mystery series

The Ducal Detective

A Feast Most Foul

A Voyage of Vengeance

A Summit in Shadow

Throne of Threats

Paradise Plagued

Burdened Bloodline

Sovereign Sieged

Crown of Chaos

Harrowed Heir

Ravaged Reign

Innocence Imprisoned

Ardent Ascension

Eternal Empire

More Cozy Mysteries by Sarah

Trending Topic Mysteries

Glenmyre Whim Mysteries

Book Blogger Mysteries

www.saraheburr.com

Welcome to the Realm of Virtues…

Centuries ago, priests of the Ancient Faith lorded over the continent, building their empires on fear and greed. Poverty and sickness ravaged the world, forcing a faction of rebels to rise and overthrow these tyrants preaching in the name of silent gods. The leaders of this movement, known in the annals of history as the Rebirth, proclaimed the realm would no longer answer to nameless demons and gods, but to the virtues of bravery, humility, kindness, and intelligence. Sealing their pact, these newly anointed leaders drank the dew of the fabled kingsleaf flower, marking them and their offspring forever as destined rulers of the realm with their royal eyes. Under their care and guidance, the dukedoms flourished for over five hundred years.

Now, greed and oppression have seeped back into the Realm of Virtues, as the ruling dukes and duchesses of each region lust for more and more power. Fearing the duchies were going the way of the all-but-extinct Ancient Faith, Duchess Jacqueline Arienta Xavier, the self-appointed protector of the realm and ruler of Saphire, has put a plan into motion to secure the freedom and prosperity of the world, despite growing opposition to her cause.

Chapter One

Duchess Jacqueline Arienta Xavier folded the crinkled parchment in her hands, her unease growing at its contents. Her amethyst gaze trailed across the desert sands that stretched beyond the horizon for as far as the eye could see. Even in the shade of the balcony’s overhang, her cream-colored skin perspired in the blazing Kwatalarian sun.

With a ruffle of golden feathers, one of her trusty crowned falcons took flight, having safely delivered its message. Jax watched in contemplative silence as she marveled at the bird’s majestic strength against the vibrant sky.

And you trust this source? Jax’s gaze moved from the piece of parchment in her hand to the lethal warrior standing beside her on the balcony.

Ziri Axesinger nodded. With my life, Duquessa. Montclair is an acolyte with the Knights of Grace.

Jax raised an inquiring eyebrow. She hadn’t known her spymaster kept in touch with any members of the Knights other than her friend and mentor, Prelate Brath.

There is an outpost in Zaltor, Ziri continued, her dark olive skin coloring slightly. I thought my former brethren might be helpful informants in my role as spymaster, so I sent inquiries.

Jax pocketed the correspondence Ziri had received by falcon moments ago before giving her friend a satisfied smile. I am exceedingly glad you did, since our diplomatic attempts to inquire about Lady Amia’s welfare have been in vain.

I take it Ziri has tracked down some news? A curious voice spoke out from the shadows of her royal suite.

A smirk twitched on Jax’s lips before she turned to greet her eavesdropping lady’s maid. "Even better. Ziri’s informant writes with good news. Lady Amia has been located and appears to be unharmed."

Lady Sabine Arceneaux’s features relaxed, her relief obvious. Thank the Virtues. She put away one of Jax’s freshly laundered gowns before joining the two women out on the spacious balcony overlooking Kwatalar’s capital city.

Jax raised an eyebrow. You almost sound as if you doubted Ziri would succeed.

Splotches of pink shame marred Sabine’s porcelain skin. O-of course not! I... Her violet-rimmed golden eyes widened, mortification growing on her face as she avoided Ziri’s bemused expression.

Jax giggled. I’m just teasing you, my dear.

Ziri cleared her throat. I’m due to report in the with palace guards. I’ll find you later, Duquessa. She bowed her head to Jax, despite the many times Jax had assured her such protocols were not necessary in private. As Ziri prowled away with her usual leonine grace, Jax noted how her fingertips lingered a moment on the gauzy skirt of Sabine’s gown.

As Ziri slinked away, Sabine’s gaze remained on the spymaster’s retreating figure a moment before she realized Jax had caught them in a private exchange.

With a dramatic sigh so characteristic of her twenty-five-year-old whims, Sabine leaned her elbows on the stone railing, sticking out her tongue toward Jax.

Giggling, Jax placed a palm on Sabine’s slender shoulder. Please forgive me. With Carriena engaged and Uma happily involved with Yanis, my attention is now solely on your budding romance.

Sabine made a most unladylike grunt. I’d hardly call it a budding romance. Virtues, we were reunited in Hestes for a single day before Ziri’s attention was snatched away by this matter with your aunt.

Jax caught the bitterness in Sabine’s confession. And for that I am sorry.

You don’t need to apologize, Jax. Sabine released a long breath. Finding and rescuing your aunt is much more important than my getting to spend time with Ziri.

Jax placed her hands on her hips. Never belittle the importance of love, my dear.

Sabine’s cheeks darkened to crimson. Who said anything about love? Virtues, I’ve known Ziri for little more than a month. I-I’m still figuring out how I feel. She glanced down at her delicate entwined hands.

Several weeks ago, the day before Jax had been crowned the Duchess of Hestes, Ziri had asked for a private audience with her. Worried that Ziri had come to regret her new role as Saphire’s spymaster and wanted to return to the Knights of Grace, Jax had entered the meeting with a heavy heart. But the Virtues must have been shining down on her, for Ziri had only wanted to request Jax’s permission to pursue a romantic relationship with Sabine. As both young women were members of Jax’s inner royal circle, Ziri believed she needed consent from the Duchess of Saphire before making her intentions to Sabine known. Jax, of course, had responded that Ziri did not need, nor would she ever require, permission from the Crown when it came to matters of the heart. Ziri was free to court whomever she wanted.

Nevertheless, Jax was delighted to give Ziri her blessing, although at the time, she wasn’t quite sure how Ziri’s declaration would be received. Just the previous autumn, Sabine had been hopelessly besotted with the Saphirian royal physician Charles Montivarius, but their relationship—if it could even have been called that—had petered out with the War Council looming over their heads. Was her lady’s maid looking to rekindle her romance with Charles, now that the conflict had passed? In addition, Sabine had never voiced interest in pursuing the companionship of a woman while in Jax’s presence. Yet, in the weeks that followed Ziri’s surprising confession, it was certainly clear to Jax whenever she witnessed their interactions that Lady Sabine Arceneaux was very much taken with Ziri Axesinger.

I feel silly, not understanding my own heart, Sabine continued, her voice soft and delicate. Ever since I can remember, my mother and Duchess Penelope spoke of me marrying one of my cousins, and I thought that was my destiny in life. She turned once more to Jax, glimmering tears shining in her golden eyes. But ever since meeting you, Jax, a future I never thought possible has unfurled before me.

The daughter of the late Duchess Penelope’s lady-in-waiting, Sabine had grown up alongside the seven Pettraud sons, and up until last summer, Sabine was prepared to marry the Crown Prince of Pettraud, Philippe. However, dark schemes had ended Philippe’s life, allowing Sabine the freedom to choose her own path going forward.

Even after Philippe’s death, I assumed I would be partnered with some advantageous nobleman, Sabine concluded.

Jax cocked her head. Despite being rather close with her lady’s maid, there was still much she didn’t know about the young woman. Is that why you were interested in Master Charles? Why you pursued his company when we were in hiding at Galensmore?

Sabine shook her head, frustration marring her pretty features. Perhaps. He’s delightful, and awfully kind. Any woman would be lucky to have him for a partner…

Just not you? Jax asked softly.

Sabine twirled a lock of her white-blond hair. "If I had to marry a nobleman, I certainly wouldn’t complain about being tied to him. She snorted at her callous view of marriage. But ever since Ziri entered my life…well, I know now I’ve been forcing myself to be flirtatious with all the men I’ve met, simply because it was expected of me."

"The only thing expected of you in my company, Sabine, Jax replied, is for you to find happiness."

A tear escaped Sabine’s big doe eyes. And by your side, I believe I shall find it.

Jax pulled her petite friend in for an embrace. I’m sorry Ziri has been so preoccupied after our return from our adventure at the Academy, but the good news is, thanks to her and the Knights of Grace, I believe this matter will be wrapped up very soon.

Sabine stepped out of Jax’s arms. Are the Knights escorting Lady Amia back to Mensina?

Not exactly. Jax glanced off to the side, surveying the bustling city below them.

Crowds of people milled about their day, traveling to and from the elaborate marketplace in the heart of the Kwatalarian capital city of Kaito. Her city. Her people. She still found it hard to believe. Little more than two months ago, she had been the Duchess of Saphire and the Isla DeLacqua isles. Now, with the grisly events of the War Council behind her, she was the sovereign of five nations. Six, if she counted the secret acquisition of the Duchy of Cetachi, bestowed to her by her uncle, Darian Fangard.

A month had passed since she had ascended to the Hestian throne in a grand ceremony involving all the citizens of its capital, Lamartre. Sabine and Uma, Jax’s lady-in-waiting, had outdone themselves planning an event laden with splendor. The coronation had been a spectacle for the Hestian people, filled with food, music and dancing, daring performances, and a breathtaking display of fireworks. As much as Jax would have appreciated a small, quiet ceremony as a sign of formality, she had greatly enjoyed the festivities and had been delighted by the smiles it brought the Hestian people.

However, she didn’t get to enjoy Hestes for very long. Almost immediately after the celebration had wound down, Jax had been whisked away by her royal delegation and had set out to claim the throne of Kwatalar, a throne that was rightfully hers by the Code of Succession. The late Duchess Amyra had fallen victim to a foul plot while attending the War Council, and the events that followed had ultimately left the Duchy of Kwatalar in Jax’s hands.

Buffeted by her faithful army, Jax and her entourage had traversed the realm over the course of a fortnight, all the while worried they would find Kwatalar a hostile place upon their arrival. Prior to the War Council, Duchess Amyra had sided with the Coalition of Right, an alliance led by Jax’s most vexing adversary, Duke Qylvard Savant. The Coalition stood against Jax’s goal to change the inequitable hierarchical structure that had governed the realm for so long. Since the Rebirth—the era when the Realm of Virtues had been established—the people of the continent had been divided into three classes: the common-born, the nobles, and the ducal families. Those who were common-born were identified by their brown eyes; the nobles were bred with eyes of golden amber. Jax’s amethyst eyes marked her own royal heritage, descended from the first Virtuous leaders who led the fight against the corrupt Ancient Faith centuries ago.

For most of Jax’s life, she had never known there to be a problem with the way the Realm of Virtues was governed. However, once she took the throne, she discovered that things were not as idyllic and peaceful as her beloved father, Duke Richard, had made them seem. The common-born had become oppressed in their own right, as much as the Children of the Virtues had been oppressed by the Ancient Faith in days of old. Chained to a system that was not designed to work for them, the common-born suffered in silence, while the nobles grew rich and benefited at their expense. It was Jax’s friendships with several common-born people that had opened her eyes to the bleak reality her subjects faced. And since that awakening, she had been their champion, striving to bring equality and opportunity to all, regardless of their status at birth.

The leaders of the Coalition of Right reviled these democratic changes and had banded together to bring Jax down, but she had thwarted them at every corner…so far. After a bloody ambush that had ended the lives of several of the realm’s sovereigns, Duke Qylvard Savant continued to evade capture. As long as he roamed free, the Coalition of Right’s tyrannical ideals lingered, leaving Jax continually on edge as to where the devious, despicable man might strike next.

She worried, upon her arrival in Kwatalar, that Saphire and her forces would be met with resistance, given Duchess Amyra’s allegiance to the Coalition of Right. Yet, Jax was proud to discover that the citizens of Kwatalar had heard stories of her plans to free the realm of oppression and, as a result, had welcomed the Duchess of Saphire through the gates of Kaito with victorious cheers.

What do you mean? Sabine’s question brought Jax to the present. Will Ziri be the one escorting your aunt back to Mensina? Her voice trembled slightly, revealing her anxiety at being parted from her new lover.

Just before Jax’s coronation to the Hestian throne, her Aunt Adelaide had written with distressing news: Jax’s youngest aunt, Amia, who was only a few years older than the thirty-year-old Jax, had gone missing during a diplomatic mission to the Duchy of Zaltor. Having heard news from the Knights of Grace that the duchy was embroiled in a civil war, Jax feared for her aunt’s safety and had instructed Ziri Axesinger to use her network of spies and informants to track down her missing aunt. Originally, Jax had planned to send Ziri to Zaltor to conduct the investigation in-person, but other issues had thwarted those intentions. Luckily, Ziri had done commendable work from afar; the message in Jax’s dress pocket proved as such. Yet, while she was beyond relieved Amia had been located, her troubles didn’t end there.

No. Jax sighed. Ziri’s informant has located Lady Amia, but unfortunately, he has not been able to make contact with her.

Sabine’s perky nose wrinkled. Why?

Jax pulled the cryptic note from her pocket, scanning the fluid script once more. This Montclair fellow tracked Lady Amia to an Ancient Faith temple, deep in the Zaltorian jungle. She’s being kept there, heavily under guard.

Sabine gasped. A prisoner? I thought she traveled to Zaltor to help the Ancient Faith in the wake of Duchess Katalina’s death?

Jax slid Montclair’s note back into her pocket, her expression grim. That’s what my Aunt Adelaide believed to be her sister’s mission. Why Amia is being held at this temple, I do not know. Let’s find the others, and I’ll fill everyone in all at once. Acolyte Montclair’s letter greatly troubled her, and while she knew in her heart what she wanted to do, she needed the guidance of her closest friends and advisors to help her decide what was best for the realm.

Sabine skipped ahead of her. I’ll rally everyone to the conservatory. She paused and turned around before asking, Should I request Iyaan’s presence?

Jax shook her head. I don’t want to involve him in this matter just yet.

Iyaan Haik had been the first to welcome Jax at the steps of the Kaito Palace when she arrived in Kwatalar. He was the only remaining member of Duchess Amyra’s court, for the other advisors had fled the palace upon learning of their sovereign’s demise during the War Council. Iyaan explained that his fellow courtiers feared Jax would take revenge against them for allowing Duchess Amyra to side with the Coalition of Right, and thus they abandoned their posts.

Due to his candor and willingness to face judgment head on, Jax had appointed Iyaan the duchy’s interim High Courtier. For now, she needed someone at her side who understood the issues facing Kwatalar, and Iyaan had done an admirable job bringing her up to date and keeping her informed. He also genuinely seemed interested in her democratic ideals and was already facilitating preparations to hold elections to select village and town premiers. A new era is upon us, Duchess, he had said when she questioned his eagerness to erase the very court he had spent his life serving. I would rather welcome it than fight it. His response had pleased her. She would encourage the man to run for Governor Royale of the region when the time came.

Sabine nodded understanding before biting her lower lip. What about Perry?

Jax stiffened at the mention of her husband’s name, the reaction filling her with immediate sorrow. You gather the others. I’ll go find Perry.

If Sabine sensed Jax’s change in attitude, she didn’t show it. I’ll have everyone in the conservatory in ten minutes’ time. She gave a quick curtsy before dashing out of Jax’s regal suite.

Jax glanced at the clock perched on the mantle of the impressive fireplace that adorned her sitting room. It was late in the afternoon, and she’d not seen her husband at all today. When she’d gone to his chambers to wish him good morning, she’d been informed he was too busy to see her. Busy doing what? she wondered. Perry was supposed to be recovering in peace, hence the reason for his own private apartment in the Kwatalarian palace. He had been gravely wounded during the ambush by the Coalition of Right and had failed miserably thus far at allowing his wounds to heal.

Jax reached for the faint scar seared into her skin above her right eyebrow, the echoes of pain lingering under her delicate touch. She, too, had been injured, falling from her horse and hitting her head. The Virtues had blessed her, though, with a more successful recovery. A light pink scar remained, but the headaches that had assaulted her frequently in the weeks that followed had all but vanished. She knew she had Charles Montivarius to thank for that. She had summoned her court physician and friend from Saphire, requesting that he join her delegation in Kwatalar, where he had been tending to both her and Perry.

If only Perry was showing the improvement I have, Jax muttered to herself, her amethyst gaze trailing to the open double doors leading into her bedroom. How she missed her husband’s comforting embrace. But until he could walk without pain, Charles had insisted Perry remain alone in his bed.

Have patience, Duchess, Charles had reassured her only yesterday. His physical strength has been rapidly returning. You will soon be together again.

The thought of being alone with Perry both elated and terrified her.

Smoothing the skirts of her cream-colored gown, Jax held her head high as she left her chambers in search of her husband. She didn’t need to look far. Perry rarely left his rooms these days, much to his own chagrin.

A refreshingly cool breeze floated through the domed hallways of the palace, laced with the smells of citrus and lotus flowers. Built with inspired design, much of the Kwatalarian palace opened to a magnificent garden in the center of the citadel. When Jax had first toured the castle, she had been reminded of a sun, with the lush citrus garden as the building’s source of power, and the halls and various attached rooms radiating outward. From where she stood now, she could see the open-air garden at the end of the corridor, beckoning her to walk among its green leaves and bright, tangy fruits. She resisted, instead turning left and walking along the outer rim of the palace’s maze of hallways.

The door to Perry’s suite loomed before her minutes later. He had requested to be located on the eastern side of the palace, so that he might rise with the sun each day and begin his work. What work he so diligently attended to, she did not know, for he refused to share what he was working on, claiming it to be Pettraud business and none of Saphire’s concern.

That’s how most of our conversations go these days, she thought sadly. Ever since Perry had been crowned the Duke of Pettraud in an unexpected turn of events, a side she never knew existed within her husband had begun to emerge. Her Perry, the Perry she had fallen in love with by the grace of the Virtues, never cared about power and legacies. He never wanted to be Duke. He was happy being by her side and helping their people. He cared about doing what was right. He cared about protecting those he loved. Yet, in the weeks following the War Council and his brother Ivan’s death, Perry’s priorities had changed in a sudden and confusing manner. She understood he was under immense pressure, being thrust on the throne of a duchy he never expected to rule, but she thought that together, they could weather the storm and bring prosperity to the realm.

She had been terribly wrong. Perry wanted nothing to do with the help she so freely offered. He’d made it very clear to her that while Pettraud would always be a Saphire ally, he would do whatever he could to ensure Pettraud was not overshadowed by Saphire. Perry had even gone to the extremes of deeding the duchy to his brother Galahad through the Code of Succession, should he ever vacate the throne. He’d stripped his future offspring of their legacy, simply because they’d be tainted by Saphire through Jax. Once, Perry had called Saphire home. Now, whenever the name of her nation sailed across his lips, bitterness laced his words. Somewhere along the way, Perry had gained an acrimonious ego, one poisoned against her, and it worried Jax more than any of her other numerous problems. While she had always prided herself in her ability to put duty to her nation above the desires of her heart, Perry was family. And after losing her beloved parents to a vicious political plot, Jax sought to protect her remaining family at all costs.

Growing up, Jax had often butted heads with her fierce and domineering mother. Duchess Amaryllis was a refined woman whose values were steeped in tradition. Jax saw the world very differently than her mother, and it wasn’t until Jax had gone off to the Academy that she had come to accept their differences as a blessing, not an obstacle. By challenging her daughter, Duchess Amaryllis had strengthened Jax’s resolve to make her own way in the world. By challenging Jax, Duchess Amaryllis had ensured her daughter’s convictions were true, that Jax was willing to fight for what she believed in. For years, Jax assumed she had gotten her strength and, albeit, stubbornness from her father, when in fact, her mother had been the one to instill those priceless values within her.

Her father, on the other hand, had taught her the true meaning of duty and protecting those under her care. How she missed his brilliant smile, his calming words of wisdom. She wished he were here to guide her through these troubling times…and by that she didn’t mean the turmoil in the realm. That, she could handle. No, what tore at her heart was the strain that had settled over her relationship with Perry, now that he was the Duke of a foreign nation.

Jax wondered if her father would have had any advice for her on the matter. Duchess Amaryllis had been in line to inherit the Crown of Mensina, as her father was its formidable Duke. Yet, she had not lived long enough to ascend its throne. If her parents had lived, Jax wondered if their strong union would have been put to the test the way hers and Perry’s was now. Once, Saphire had been at the forefront of Perry’s mind, yet now Pettraud’s future and legacy consumed most of his waking hours. How would the two of them ever find peace in each other’s company if their own duchies were continually pulling them apart?

Chapter Two

Jax lifted her hand and tapped her knuckles lightly on the door of Perry’s suite. The sound of hurried footsteps greeted her, and her heart soared with relief. Perry hadn’t moved that quickly in weeks. Perhaps the therapies Charles was using on him really were working—

The door opened and revealed a lanky man with straw-colored hair.

Jax’s hopes fell at the sight of his stony expression. Hello, Hendrie. She quickly recovered and plastered a smile on her face. How are you today?

Perry’s longtime valet did not return the friendly greeting. Greetings, Duchess. May I help you?

Jax contained a burdened sigh. She should have been used to Hendrie’s cold, formal greetings by now. There had been a time when she believed them to be friends, but after the budding romance between Hendrie and Uma had soured, Hendrie had retreated into himself, choosing to keep his distance between Jax and her entourage. Uma had repeatedly reassured Jax that things between her and Hendrie were civil and altogether friendly, leaving Jax to wonder if Hendrie had chosen to take his anger out on her.

"I was hoping Perry might be available for