Spying on the Queen

Reaching the wall, Adolphus doubled back, creeping along the hedge until he was only yards from the guard’s back. He heard voices.

“Why can’t he speak for himself?”

That was the queen, shrill with excitement.

“My beloved Queen and cousin,” soothed an oily voice, “it is for your own protection. The magic is so strong in him that it slips out if he speaks above a whisper. Anything might happen.”

“Let him whisper to me!” She sounded petulant.

“Majesty! You as brave as you are beautiful,” the oily voice replied. “But I am sure your dedicated advisors-” He paused. “And all who love you must beg you to deny yourself that particular terror. Just last week, Great Lady, the Magician spoke too hastily into my ear, and turned all the hair on my head into snakes.”

Adolphus heard exclamations from the queen and a man. He deduced the gasp came from the chamberlain or some other functionary; the Capsicum Chief was too stoic to gasp. He did not recognize the oily voice, and harbored dark suspicions about the one who refused to speak aloud.

“He was able to restore me, of course,” Oily continued, “but not before one of them bit me.”

“If his magic is so dangerous, we cannot expose Queen Drysi to it.” Dash it! Adolphus recognized the voice of the Capsicum Chief.

“The Magician and I agree wholeheartedly, noble sir, and have devised a plan whereby my royal cousin may enjoy the benefit of magic without exposing her cherished person to danger. Majesty, if you will give the Magician a space to work here at the palace, he will produce objects imbued with his magic for you, like the knife he has already bestowed upon your protector. You will have riches and power beyond-”

Adolphus was grabbed by the collar and hauled onto his feet.

“Hello, could you help me?” He gave the guard his most charming smile. “My ball seems to have rolled into the shrubbery.”

The guard looked at the ground, nudging the ball with his foot. Adolphus had left it behind him.

“Oh there it is. Thanks!”

The guard smiled in return, but it was more a nasty smile than a charming one. The firm and despised voice of the Capsicum Chief boomed through the shrub wall.

“Bring him in, Braith.”