Chapter Six - Lies

You're too proud to say that you've made a mistake

You're a coward 'til the end

I don't wanna admit that we're not gonna fit

Why don't we just pretend?

Jeb waited until the army of dressmakers and assistants left Azkedellia's suite before he approached her. Saria had brought her a pot of tea, and Azkedellia was curled up in her oversized chair with her hands wrapped around a cup and her eyes closed. Loathe as he was to disturb her, Jeb needed to clear up a few things. Mostly about living arrangements.

"Is there something you needed, Captain Cain?" asked Azkedellia. "You've been staring at me for the past five minutes."

"There are a few things on my mind," said Jeb. "I think we need to have a talk about them and clear them up."

"My wards," said Azkedellia, opening her eyes.

"That is one of the topics," agreed Jeb. "Tell me about them."

"If you hadn't noticed," said Azkedellia, "there are two sets. The one on the Princess Hall - which is where we live - is as old as the palace itself. It is embedded into the stone and responds to threats on the residents."

"Why does Glitch live in this hall then?"

"Uncle Ambrose is Mother's younger brother. He can't inherit, but in a pinch his daughters would do as Queens. If he had daughters, which he does not. Uncle Ambrose has always been very careful with his lovers."

"I see. And the second ward?"

Azkedellia sighed. "Those who mean me and mine harm cannot find this suite. From the inside or the outside. Those not keyed to this ward or the other ward, or intend to harm me specifically, are forcefully ejected from the palace grounds if they are inside these rooms."

"So if I meant to hurt you, I would find myself outside of the palace walls?"

"With a few broken bones, yes. I did say it was forceful."

"You can do that?"

"I protect myself as best I can. And I protect my household with me."

"Thank you." Jeb drew a deep breath. "Glitch mentioned something interesting this morning when I was visiting with him and Dad."

"And that was?"

"That having heads of security living with their charges is a Lurlinian tradition, not a Gale one. And that in Lurlinian tradition, heads of security were also the royal lovers."

Azkedellia smiled. "That is true. I have always loved the Lurlinain period, with its wildness and its magic. I have believed for a long time that the OZ lost something when the Ozmas reigned."

"Why am I here, your Highness?"

"Here, having this conversation with me? Or living here at my request?"

"Both."

"Because I wanted to keep people close to me. The Witch did not, and I am uncomfortable being alone. For my sanity, I felt it was best to have friendly souls closer than across the hall." She paused. "And I suppose I wanted to get to know you."

"Why?"

"If you are going to be my stepcousin, I may as well know a little bit about who you are."

"What." Jeb could only stare at Azkedellia in surprise.

"I see the way Uncle Ambrose looks at your father," said Azkedellia. "And I see the way your father looks back. Either I am very mistaken, or they are still working out what they mean to each other."

"It's possible," admitted Jeb. "But not relevant to this conversation."

"On the contrary," said Azkedellia, "I rather think Uncle Ambrose's explanation was meant as much for Mr Cain as it was for you. As a confession without confessing. My uncle does like his little riddles. Or at least, he did."

"Before the Headcasing," said Jeb.

"Yes," said Azkedellia. "Before the Witch robbed him of himself. They were both irreparably damaged by the Dark Annuals, just as we were. Let them help each other heal."

"Have you found any of the research you were doing on reversing Headcasing?" asked Jeb.

"Some of it," said Azkedellia, sipping her tea. "Not enough of it. And people are wary of government experiments after what the Witch and her Alchemists were up to. And I refuse to discuss that right now. It can wait until DG comes back from her trip."

"Are you sure that's a good idea? Sending her away."

"If we don't, she will do something dangerous and reckless that will put us all at risk. Better that she has a task to concentrate on than be left to her own devices."

"Would it really be so bad?"

"It was one of her adventures that got me possessed."

"Very bad then. Won't you miss her?"

"I missed her for the annuals I thought she was dead. Knowing she's alive and close is enough. I will miss her when she goes, of course, but I know that she will come back. As will Uncle Ambrose and Mr Cain."

"You aren't sure of that."

"I must believe that. My sister has good friends, and each of them is strong in their own way. I must have faith that DG can do this. I must believe that she is brave enough to be the Queen of the OZ."

Jeb lifted his eyebrows. "You don't think your mother is brave? That you're brave?"

Azkedellia's lips curved wryly. "Her brave face looks like she is going to cry. She herself never faced down the Witch or any other threat to the OZ. As for me, well, I shall never be Queen. I will be remembered as Azkedellia the Sorceress, usurper and murderer. The bravest I can be is making a public appearance."

"I seem to recall you working through pure panic to get to the Tower so we could retrieve the Witch's documents."

"I did. I suppose I am somewhat brave then."

"As brave as any Resistance fighter."

"Thank you. Truly."

"There was one other thing."

"What might that be?"

"Would you consider hosting a card night here? For just a few people?"

"It seems like a good idea. Not tonight though."

"I wasn't thinking tonight. Maybe after a calmer day, though."

"I like that idea." Azkedellia finished off the last of her tea and uncurled herself from the chair. "I am going to nap before dinner. Remind me to show you what I've come up with for DG so far."

"She hasn't even left yet though," protested Jeb.

"It'll be good for her to know at least one of the things she's wearing," said Azkedellia firmly. She retreated to her bedroom. Sighing softly, Jeb went to his own room. He'd have to start reading up if he was going to keep up with this princess. For now, he had paperwork to handle.