The Glowing Knight (2 page)

THE TRIALS LASTED
another five hours, with the final matches scheduled for the following day. It was perfect timing, really. A sudden storm blew off the western mountains and sent all the nobles scurrying back to their homes.

After changing into a suit that wasn't soaked with rain and sweat, I headed to the private dining room in the Dragon Wing. The thrum of rain on walls and windows filled the palace. Lightning flared white across the sky, silhouetting trees and mountains for a blinding second.

My parents were already at the table, with Aunt Kathleen and James, the three Corcorans, and Gerald and Georgiana Hensley.

I hesitated only a moment before taking my seat between James and Lord Hensley. “Good evening.” I kept my voice light, even as I cursed Father for the seating arrangement. He hadn't forgiven me for last week, so he was forcing me to sit next to the
man I'd insulted. Maybe he hoped I'd apologize.

Unlikely.

Lord Hensley bowed his head. “Your Highness.”

As Father gave the blessing, I glanced at all the bent faces around the table. Did Aunt Kathleen know that she was dining with Lord Roth's murderer? Probable murderer? And how did James feel, with just me between him and the man who killed his beloved stepfather?

Father and Mother didn't know, or if they did they weren't doing anything about it, and I couldn't believe that. Father despised magic as much as anyone, and if he'd known, Lord Hensley would be in prison now.

As for Lord and Lady Corcoran, I doubted they had any knowledge of Hensley's nefarious nature. They, along with Lady Meredith, arrived in Skyvale just recently, though I remembered them all from a visit years ago. Lady Meredith had scolded me for announcing my intent to forego clothing for the rest of my life, unless my opinions on style counted for something the next time I went to the tailor. Lady Meredith had been disgusted with me, but I'd finally gotten clothing I liked.

I couldn't tell whether she remembered that.

Anyway, the real question was whether Lady Hensley knew that her husband was a flasher. And if so, did that make her an accomplice? Or another victim?

As the prayer ended and everyone lifted their eyes, I stuffed down the seething hatred. How could anyone use magic when the wraith was slowly destroying the entire world?

“I was quite impressed with your performance this afternoon, Cadet Rayner.” Meredith smiled sweetly as the first
course was served. Crab puffs and cheeses graced the dainty glass plates.

“Thank you.” James stabbed a puff and ate it whole; I understood the impulse. After exercising all day, these tiny portions were teases. “My opponents were all more than worthy. It's an honor to ascend to the next bracket.”

Lord Hensley leaned so he could look around me and smile at James, but the expression came off more predatory than anything. “Indeed, there were many fine swordsmen, but you were the clear best, Cadet. I was impressed by your skill.”

“We're all very proud.” Father took a sip of wine and exchanged a quick, guarded look with Mother.

Aunt Kathleen, if she noticed all the praise for her son, didn't look up from her untouched plate. James cast her a quick frown, but didn't say anything; he'd stopped expecting anything from her two weeks ago.

Thunder rolled outside, causing the windows to tremble in their frames. Wind sang around the palace as the conversation turned toward speculation.

“It seems the storms are getting worse, doesn't it?” Lord Corcoran glanced toward the window, where rain lashed against the glass.

“I think so.” Lady Meredith rested her hands in her lap, and a servant whisked away her half-empty plate. “I don't recall the storms being quite this severe last time we visited, and Chey Chuter says that her friend in the west reported the most powerful storms she'd ever heard of when they last wrote. I'm certain the wraith is affecting us too, even from this distance.”

I risked a glance at Hensley, but if he felt guilty for his use
of magic, he didn't show it. He just accepted the next course—soup thick with vegetables and spices—with a slight nod at the servant and began eating.

James lifted an eyebrow. “Unfortunately it seems to me there's not much we can do to halt the wraith's approach, but there's plenty we can do to mitigate it. Firmer laws on magic, perhaps.”

“The laws are already quite firm.” Mother stirred her soup. “And the punishment even more so.”

“What is the punishment?” I kept my eyes on her, not looking at Hensley or James.

“It's nothing for you to worry about right now. And certainly not a topic appropriate for dinner.” She smiled and turned to Lady Corcoran. “What did you think of the crab puffs? I asked the chef . . .”

I glanced at Lord Hensley. “Did I see you with Professor Knight during the trials?” I asked.

“You did.” Hensley's eyebrows rose. “I was so pleased to find him moving about after his mishap last week.”

His mishap. As if he'd tripped and bumped his head. “Indeed. I'm looking forward to discussing it during my lessons tomorrow. I feel partly responsible since I'm the one who found him.”

And left him, said Father's sharp look.

“I truly hope the police apprehend his attacker.”

“As do I. To think, attacked in Rayner Manor, of all places.” Hensley shook his head. “I suppose even our own homes aren't as safe as we hope; isn't that right, Cadet?”

James's face darkened, but if Aunt Kathleen noticed the remark, she didn't react. “My thought,” said James evenly, “is
that the perpetrator was already at the party. Which is embarrassing to admit, since I wrote the guest list, but there were a lot of people invited due to rank or connection. As awful as I feel for Professor Knight, however, I'm just grateful no harm befell my cousin.”

“Indeed.” Hensley's tone turned grave. “I suppose that would have put a stop to your designs of becoming Prince Tobiah's bodyguard. What a
shame
that would have been.”

Was there a threat in there? Maybe I heard things because I didn't trust him, but maybe . . .

James heard it too.

His eyes were hard and his voice deeper than usual. “I assure you that even without the formal title, I put the prince's life above my own every time we're together. There is no one I would not kill if it meant keeping him safe.”

Mother and Lady Corcoran paused their conversation. “James.” Mother's tone was sharp.

James didn't look away from Lord Hensley.

Lady Meredith held her spoon halfway to her mouth, then lowered it. “Your devotion to your cousin is admirable, if perhaps frighteningly stated.”

After a heartbeat of realization, James sucked in a breath and smiled. “My apologies for alarming anyone.” He bobbed his head toward Lady Meredith.

Mother glanced at Father, her eyes narrowed with . . . what? Anger?

Rain pattered on outside as more courses were served, and talk turned to lighter subjects. Renovations of Hawksbill houses, Aunt Kathleen's upcoming return to Hawes—a conversation in
which she did not participate—and even Lord Chuter's affinity for his dogs and the hope that they might be trained to sniff out shine in the city.

“What a clever idea.” Lady Hensley leaned back as a plate of sugar-covered pastries was placed in front of her. “And these dogs—could they be used for finding the people who use shine, as well?”

“Presumably,” I said, “though I imagine a man who used shine in the last several days smells quite different than his stash. So the police might need different dogs for the various tasks. I'm not sure. I'm hardly an expert on the subject.”

Father sat back in his chair, not even looking at his dessert. “I'll be sure to speak to Lord Chuter about it. Of course I'm interested in anything that will help put a stop to the plague of shine. And that new variation.”

“Firefly, I believe.” Lord Hensley released a long sigh. “Such a shame, what people are willing to put into themselves. It's such a waste of life.”

Finally, the meal came to a close and James and I excused ourselves, stopping by my rooms to grab our training gear. We had to go over every one of today's bouts in detail, and work out how he might have disarmed his opponent more quickly or blocked a particularly tricky attack.

By the time we started down the grand stairs in front of the palace, the storm had faded and the sun dipped toward the horizon, its honeyed light shining beneath the line of black clouds. The sky turned molten gold and every mirror in Hawksbill illuminated with reflected glow.

The heat had broken, leaving the evening cool and damp.
Rain-glazed paving stones gleamed.

The training building loomed ahead, a big block of a structure. It wasn't quite disguised into beauty with carved designs representing the four houses and stylized knots that had been all the fashion two hundred years ago. My guards entered first, checking for danger, as always. The room was safe, of course, but even practice needed to be supervised by the best men in the Indigo Order.

Gaslights hissed overhead as we stomped the water from our boots and tossed our bags by the wall. On the far end with mirrors, our reflections moved with us, reminding me of the night I'd spotted Hensley by noticing him in the mirror.

Maybe I could learn to use that to my advantage—if I could learn to keep out of the mirrors myself.

I snorted a laugh as I stretched my arms across my chest.

“What?” James frowned, echoing my movements.

“Nothing.” I glanced at the guards. “Why don't you wait outside? Get some fresh air.”

“We're not supposed to let you out of our sight.” Stewart didn't move. None of them did.

“There's only one door, and you've already cleared the room. Anyone who wants to come in and kill me will have to go through you.” I frowned. “Anyway, it's not fair for you to watch James practice before tomorrow's matches. You might be his opponents.”

“We've been watching you and Rayner practice for years. Nothing you do tonight will change anything tomorrow.” Thomas crossed his arms and smirked. He was definitely fighting James tomorrow.

“Fine.” I moved deeper into the room, away from the guards. James followed, and we drew our practice swords. “The mirrors made me think of last week, and trying to stay out of view.”

James pulled his sword, too. “Do you think that's a skill you'll need to pick up?”

“Need or no, it'd be a handy skill to have.” I raised my voice to a normal volume and held my sword at guard. “Ready?”

James mirrored my movements. “Born that way. Let's start with the match against Cadet Harvey. You be him. I'll be me. I want to figure out how he almost disarmed me.”

“All right, then I attack first.”

We practiced that way for two hours, until both of us were satisfied James was prepared for tomorrow morning's bouts.

Exhausted, but pleased with the day's progress, we returned to my apartments in the Dragon Wing. But just as we stepped into the parlor, the thud of footfalls in the hall made me look back.

Thomas scowled into the hall. “What is it?”

“I'd like to speak with Prince Tobiah.” Professor Knight had never come to see me in my quarters, but I'd know his voice anywhere. I signaled James to wait and sheathed my sword.

“Send him in,” I called.

I was ready for answers.

PROFESSOR KNIGHT STRODE
across the parlor, his boots clomping on the rugs. “You two smell like sweat.”

“And here James and I thought we smelled rather pleasant today.” I smirked and motioned for him to sit, and then, somewhat hurriedly, waved the guards to take their places in the hall.

This, at least, was one place they wouldn't shadow my every move. I didn't like the idea of a quartet of heavily armed men standing around while I slept.

When the door shut with a low click, I turned back to Professor Knight. “How are you feeling?”

The thick pad of bandaging made his sleeve tight, but when he glanced at the injury, he shrugged it off. “Better, thank you.” His chair creaked as he leaned back. “The physicians have done everything they can and the rest will just take time to heal. But there shouldn't be a scar.”

“Thank saints.” I grinned and sat across from him.
“Everyone knows how vain you are.”

He chuckled and turned to James, who was leaning against the table. “I had the pleasure of watching you fight earlier. You did quite well, as far as I could see. Everyone says you're the favorite for the top positions this autumn.”

James bowed a little. “That's kind of you to say, but I know I made mistakes today. I won't make them tomorrow.”

“Good, because I've put some money on you winning. Don't let me down.”

“Of course not, sir.”

“I hope you're returning to classes tomorrow, Professor.”

“Indeed, I'll be in our usual room at the usual time. But that's not what I came to discuss.”

“Oh?” Finally. Maybe I could get some answers without even having to ask the questions.

“This won't take long. I have errands to run before I return to the Academy.” He paused, as though regretting saying that. “I wanted to ask what you saw the night of your birthday party. Every detail.”

I knew a test when I heard one. He wanted me to agree it hadn't been Lord Hensley who'd attacked him, but I wasn't going to lie.

I covered my hesitation by pretending to be distracted by the ticking of the mantel clock. “Ah, well, I'm sure you've already heard about that.”

“Everyone knows that you had Gerald Hensley arrested and brought before your father.”

My face went hot at the memory.

“I'm more concerned with what you actually saw. You didn't
see the man's face while he was in the house? Or after?”

“No, unfortunately.” Not that me seeing his face would have made a difference. I
knew
it was Hensley. “What about you? Any idea who he was?”

“I'm afraid not, though I've been assured that the Indigo Order is doing their best to find him. I've given as complete a description as I'm able, but that's as much as I can do.”

“So you don't think it was someone from the party?” I asked, and glanced at James.

“Oh, certainly not. I'd have been able to identify them.” Professor Knight leaned one elbow on the table, not quite managing to look casual. “I have to say, Tobiah, while I'm touched that you went to such lengths to apprehend my attacker, I'm a little embarrassed that it was Lord Hensley you caught. Of course
he
would never do anything to harm anyone.”

I wanted to ask how long he'd been practicing that denial, but that probably wasn't the best way to get real answers. “What were the two of you talking about during the tournament this afternoon?”

Knight scowled. “You, of course. He knows we're close and was hoping that I could persuade you to apologize for the allegations.”

“Lord Hensley doesn't seem like the kind of man who requires an apology in order to live a satisfying life.” I didn't add that apology-seeking
wasn't
what Hensley had told me they discussed.

“I think you underestimate his respect for you, Your Highness. When you accused him, you hurt him quite deeply. Plus, his peers look at him differently. If you do not respect him enough
to apologize for a simple mistake, why should they respect him at all?”

“Ah. I see. Well, I'm afraid I cannot offer an apology, as it would be insincere.” It was a risk, but I said it anyway. “I'm still quite certain it was Lord Hensley who attacked you. I saw the way you flinched when he touched your shoulder this afternoon. And when I saw him at dinner, he said he'd simply wanted to inquire about your health.”

Knight's expression turned stormy. “Of course he wouldn't admit to you that he wanted an apology, sire. And as for this afternoon, I think anyone would be jumpy when they were attacked just a week ago.” He shook his head. “I'm disappointed. I hoped you would see past your biases.”

“And I hoped you would be honest with me.” The words were out before I'd considered the wisdom, but I wouldn't feel guilty. He'd been my professor for years and I'd always believed he'd never lied to me. He'd told me about his history of shine use, how he'd gotten into it, and why he continued. All the things I'd thought were the darkest parts of him.

But he wouldn't tell me the truth about his attacker when I might be the only one who'd believe him? The lie made me question everything he'd ever told me.

“I'm sorry you feel that way.” Professor Knight's face closed up as he pushed himself to his feet. “I'll let you get prepared for bed. I need to go.”

“Why was Hensley leaving Hawksbill that late at night?” I stood, too.

“He's working for your father. Of course. And I'm certain that if Hensley's business was any of yours, your father would
have told you by now.”

Knight marched through the room, not waiting to be dismissed from royal presence. Not that royal dismissal meant that much to me, but the insult in this neglect was clear.

I glared after him until he vanished out the door. My guards shot interested looks, but I let the door shut before anyone could get too nosy.

“That was harsh,” James muttered.

“Him or me?”

“Both.” James nudged me with his elbow. “Don't let his jabs get to you. He's scared. That's why he said those things.”

That was true. He was scared of Lord Hensley. I'd seen that much this afternoon.
Midnight
, it had looked like Knight repeated. After
I'll do it.

Professor Knight had said he needed to run an errand. An errand for Hensley?

It was dangerous. Maybe stupid. But I know it was right.

I turned to James. “I'm going to follow him.”