Chapter 62: The Web Tightens

The events of the night stirred Reika. She paced her chambers, the light of candles dancing on restless shadows cast on the walls. Daisy was perched on a nearby chair, regarding her queen with concern. "You have been pacing for an hour, Reika," Daisy said softly. "You need rest. "How can I rest when the enemy is slipping through our fingers?" Reika snapped and immediately sighed. "I'm sorry, Daisy. I didn't mean to take it out on you." "It's fine," Daisy said, rising to smooth the creases in her dress. "But if you collapse from exhaustion, who's going to outsmart this 'larger game'?" Reika allowed a wry smile. "Sometimes I wonder if the Moon Goddess cursed me with you to keep me in place." "Cursed? Absolutely not. Blessed? In fact." Daisy beamed with her infectious grin; the tension dissipated somewhere in the room for some time. The morning had subdued the palace, though Reika knew the calm was an illusion. Ileus was gone off to one council or another; she was left to business as usual. She sat in the throne room, her face firm and unyielding to the weight of exhaustion. The first business of the day presented itself in the form of Captain Harren, who inclined his head as he approached. "Your Majesty, the security around the palace is tightened. No one enters or leaves without scrutiny." "Good," Reika said, leaning forward. "What of the figure from last night?" "No trace, my queen," he replied. "As if into thin air." "Keep digging," Reika said. "I want answers." He nodded and retreated, making way for the next petitioner in line. The late afternoon, Daisy walked into Reika's chambers, carrying a tray brimming with tea and biscuits; her cheer was just an extreme opposite of the grim deals that morning. "Tea and biscuits, your favorite distraction," she said, managing to set the tray onto the table. Reika laughed lightly. "I really ought to make you royal chef." "Oh, please don't. I'd burn the whole kitchen," she added with much exaggeration, sending Reika into peals of laughter. Their light-heartedness was cut short, though, as a knock sounded at the door. One of the palace guards came in, bowing low. "Your Majesty, a messenger from the Northern Clans has come. He says it's urgent." Reika furrowed her brow. "Bring him in." The guard nodded and left, returning moments later with a man clad in travel-worn clothes. He knelt before Reika, his head bowed. "Rise and speak," she said. My queen, a dispatch on the northern territories; whisps of rebellion. The northern clans look for allegiance in those opposing Your Grace. Reika's stomach fell. The Northen Clans were never dependable to begin with, but uprising is serious trouble. "Have there been any mentions as to the leadership involved?" Thus asked, the messenger knelt. "Rumors. of Riftan involved." The Queen was taken aback with shock. Daisy tautened beside her. "That's impossible," Daisy cut in. "Riftan is locked in the dungeons." "Rumors can be dangerous," Reika said, her voice smooth even as her insides roiled. "We'll investigate. Thank you for bringing this to my attention." The messenger bowed again before leaving. --- Once they were alone, Daisy rounded on Reika. "This has got to be another ploy to rattle you. Riftan couldn't pos­si­bly- "Couldn't he?" Reika cut in sharply. "You know how manipulative he is. If anyone could figure out a way to affect events from the dungeons, it would be him." Daisy frowned but said nothing. Reika paced around the room, her mind overworking. If Riftan were behind it, that would indeed mean her problems were far from over. But if it was some kind of fabrication, then at least another person was taking his name to wreak destruction. Whichever way it was, an action should be taken. --- That night, Reika made her way down into the dungeons. Chilly, damp air clung to her skin, and the torches which lined the walls danced weakly along. Riftan's cell was at the far end, guarded by two soldiers. "Open it," Reika said. The guards exchanged a look and, a little reluctantly, obeyed. Wariness danced in their eyes as the heavy iron door creaked open to reveal Riftan sitting on a crude bench inside. He looked up, a smirk tugging at his lips. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit, dear sister?" he drawled. Reika stepped inside. Her face was cold. "Spare me the theatrics, Riftan. I want answers." "To what question?" he returned, feigning innocence. "There is talk of rebellion in the northern territories. Your name has been spoken." His smirk spread. "Ah, even chained and bound, my reputation precedes me." "Enough games!" Reika exclaimed, her voice echoing off the cell walls. "Are you involved? "Do you really think I'd tell you if I were? Reika's hands curled into fists. "You're playing a dangerous game, Riftan." "And you're out of your depth," he returned. "But let me make one thing clear, sister-I don't need to lift a finger to bring chaos to your reign. You're doing that all on your own. Reika's jaw clenched, but she wouldn't let him see her anger. "I'll find out the truth," she replied coolly, "and if you are involved in it, I will see to it that you never leave this dungeon alive." She had her back to the sound of Riftan's laughter as she left the cell. --- Daisy was waiting for her in her chambers, her expression anxious. "Well?" Daisy asked. "He's hiding something," Reika said. "But I don't know what. "Perhaps we ought to be focusing on the rebellion itself," Daisy said. "If Riftan is involved, then his allies will slip up eventually." Reika nodded. "You're right. We can't let this get the better of us." --- Night wore on, but sleeplessness stirred in her mind that would not pass. The words of Riftan gnawed upon her mind, and that possibility of rebellion loomed big. Lying in bed, staring at the ceiling until that one thought came in-to be truthful-causing a chill running down her spine: What if imprisoning Riftan wasn't enough to ward off his influence? And what if a rebellion was only just a starting point?