"So we've agreed on dark forest, red velvet and vanilla."
"Must we have vanilla?" The chef frowned at the list. "It's just so mundane."
"Some of the royals from older climates don't like flavoring."
"Is it possible to have less flavoring? I mean no disrespect to your majesty's palet-no scratch that. The food you like tastes like paper; you might as well be chewing the documents you love so much."
Behind Elsa the two guards shifted. Neither Erika nor Sanderson had made any real attempts to talk with her. So though they were uncomfortable with the chef addressing her in such a manner, they didn't know her well enough to comment. Samuel had no such reservations.
"I know you cannot be speaking in such a crass manner in front of the queen. I'd hate to see you suspended."
"I'm sorry your majesty."
"It's quite alright; I know the Southern Isles love to stuff their food with all sorts of oddities. Just the other day I was hearing of something called, gosh what was it, Cajoon?"
"It's Cajun and it is the spice of the gods. If only there wasn't this idiotic trading ban you would- I'm so sorry! I don't mean to criticize. The ban really is understandable what with him trying to kill you and all. It's just-I really think your majesty would love Cajun."
"There's no need to explain yourself. I know the ban presents issues, so I'm hoping to negotiate it at the wedding. I'll make sure to mention Cajun."
"Thank you your majesty I promise you won't regret it; it goes so well with chocolate."
"Speaking of chocolate, I was wondering if I could make chocolate mousse with my left over ingredients. The staff would love to have a treat."
"Don't presume to use the palace's-"
"Of course, take whatever you need." Elsa interrupted. "Feel free to use any extras to make up a meal for everyone; they should get to celebrate too and I'm afraid the wedding just gives them more work."
"Trust me your majesty no one minds. Anna's always been such a bright girl; we're so happy she found someone."
Elsa's features softened. "It's certainly a happy time. Now if that's everything, I'll be heading back upstairs."
The chef nodded and grabbed the paper that contained his notes. Elsa gave one nod and exited the room. The guards followed suit and Elsa was forced to whisk her dress away to protect the fabric from their careless feet. Samuel followed them out the door, giving a slight sniff at their over eager behavior.
"It's been a pleasure Samuel, but I'm sure you have more important business to attend to."
"On the contrary, I need to speak to you about a delicate subject."
Oh no. "What is it?"
"I'm sure your majesty is aware that many people expect you to be married soon; it's most-hem-peculiar for such a delicate young woman to be ruling alone."
" I think I'm doing a perfectly acceptable job, without someone looking over my shoulder."
"Yes but the kingdom would feel so much more secure if you found a suitable king. Not to mention the value that certain spouses bring. I know that atheist seven eligible princes will be attending the wedding."
"Oh dear. Will I have to tell the church that we're having a double wedding? It is a bit rushed, but I'm sure they won't mind. After all who cares about knowing your husband in such a minute thing like matrimony?"
"You mock, but I urge you to keep an open mind. A suitable match could help the economy and provide greater security."
Elsa nodded and smiled, carefully hiding her hands in her dress so no one could see the frost that covered her finger.
…
"So based on the angle of injury and place of attack the arrow should have come from here." Stick scanned the small room for any offending objects. "According to the maid it hasn't been used in several years."
Jack ran his finger along the dresser. If this room wasn't being used, he'd be fine with taking care of it. So many valuables, it would make sense to have a guard in the room at night; just to make sure nobody tries to take them.
"Good catch Jack." Stick stood over his shoulder. "It's clean; someone must have been in here recently."
"Yes. I was observing and-uh-detecting the…dirt." Jack coughed. "Who do you think cleaned it?"
"They must be cleaning all the rooms for the wedding."
"So who cleaned the room?"
"I'll go ask; the maid is just in the next room. You stay here and see if you can find any more clues."
Jack watched Stick leave and walked to the window. He stared out at the small balcony where Elsa had been shot. Stick really was a fantastic guard; he'd been able to replicate the scene just from the injury and Jack's description. The wind slithered through the window and ruffled Jack's hair. Jack ushered it out, nervous for the pristine sheets. He loved the wind, but it was so persistent-
The wind had been there that night; the wind had deflected the arrow. That meant Stick's calculations had been off. The attacker would have been a few meter to the left. Jack peered out. The only other window belonged to the guard tower that framed the castle.
I couldn't be.
It probably wasn't. Doubtless tons of people had access to the tower; it could've been anybody.
"So apparently the maid cleaned over a week ago. She gave the keys back when they were done. Only the butler, head of house and nobles had access to them. I'm going to ask around and see if anyone saw something. Could you check with local locksmiths to see if the maid tried to copy the key?"
"Yeah sure, of course. Hey St-Nelson, who has access to the guard tower?"
"Whichever guard is on patrol at the time. They carry a set of keys around with them. I do keep a second set in my office, but those never leave my drawer. What does it matter?"
"Pure curiosity, you know me. Silly Jack."
The would-be killer was someone Jack knew. Someone he'd eaten beside, someone he'd worked beside. Had jack talked to him? Had they laughed together? Why hadn't Jack known?
Jack shook his head. There was no way he could have realized and blaming himself was pointless, but now he had not only a lead, but a way to get close to the guy. Jack would find Elsa's assassin.