Read Online Wintertide by Michael J. Sullivan - Free Book Online Page A

seedy inn for entertainment, but too many visits could appear suspicious.
    “Genny introduced me to the empress’s secretary,” Albert said. He was dressed in a heavy cloak, which hid his lavish attire beneath simple wool. “The girl cried tears of joy when Genny told her the news about her family. I think it’s safe to say that Lady Amilia loves the duchess and at least trusts me. You should have seen Genny. She was marvelous. And her chambers are exquisite!”
    “What about Leo?” Hadrian asked.
    “He’s quiet as always but playing along. If Genny is all right with it, so is he. Besides, he’s always hated Ethelred.”
    The two sat at the table. The dim, flickering light revealed not much more than their faces. For over a week Hadrian had tried to find out what he could in town, but he was not getting very far. He did not have the head for planning that Royce did.
    “And you know how Genny loves intrigue,” Albert added. “Anyway, she got me appointed as the official wedding planner.”
    “That’s perfect. Have you learned anything useful?”
    “I asked Lady Amilia about places that could be used to temporarily house performers. I told her it’s common practice to utilize empty cells since tavern space is hard to come by.”
    “Nice.”
    “Thanks, but it didn’t help. According to her, the palace doesn’t have a dungeon, just a prison tower.”
    “Prison tower sounds good.”
    “It’s empty.”
    “Empty? Are you sure? Have you checked?”
    Albert shook his head. “Off limits.”
    “Why would it be off limits if it’s empty?”
    The viscount shrugged. “No idea, but Lady Amilia assures me it is. Said she was up there herself. Besides, I’ve watched it the last few nights, and I’m pretty sure she’s right. I’ve never seen a light. Although, I did see a seret knight go in once.”
    “Any other ideas?”
    Albert drummed his fingers on the tabletop, thinking for a moment. “The only other restricted area is the fifth floor, which I’ve determined is where the empress resides.”
    “Have you seen her?” Hadrian leaned forward. “Have you managed to speak with her?”
    “No. As far as I can tell, Modina never leaves her room. She has all her meals brought to her. Amilia insists the empress is busy administrating the Empire and is still weak. Apparently, the combination leaves her unable to receive guests. This has been a source of irritation recently. All the visiting dignitaries want an audience with the empress—but all are denied.”
    “Someone has to see her.”
    “Lady Amilia certainly does. There is also a chambermaid…” Albert fished inside his tunic pulling out a wadded bundle of parchments, which he unfolded on the table. “Yes, here it is. The chambermaid is named Anne, and the door guard is…” He shuffled through his notes. “Gerald. Anne is the daughter of a mercer from Colnora. As for Gerald, his full name is Gerald Baniff. He’s from Chadwick. Family friend of the Belstrads.” Albert took a moment to flip through a few more pages. “Was once personal aide to Sir Breckton. A commendation for bravery won him the position of honor guard to the empress.”
    “What about the regents?”
    “I assume they could see her, but as far as I can tell, they don’t. At least no one I’ve talked to reports ever having seen them on the fifth floor.”
    “How can she govern if she never takes a meeting with Ethelred or Saldur?” Hadrian asked.
    “I think it’s obvious. The regents are running the Empire.”
    Hadrian slumped back in his seat with a scowl. “So she’s a puppet.”
    Albert shrugged. “Maybe. Is this significant?”
    “Royce and I knew her—before she became the empress. I thought maybe she might help us.”
    “Doesn’t look like she has any real power.”
    “Does anyone know this?”
    “Some of the nobles may suspect, although most appear colossally unaware.”
    “They can’t all be that gullible.”
    “You have to keep in mind that many of these