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Midnight, and that includes the Regent. His food is prepared freshly every day, under Robert Argent's
supervision. Up until he left with Count Roderik, Argent even went so far as to taste the Prince's
food first, in his presence. Since Argent is still well and hale, I think we can rule out poison. I don't see
what else Security can do, my Lady Heather. As far as any of us can tell, Prince Viktor has simply
contracted a rather nasty illness, and that is the province of the Castle surgeons, not Security.'
'The surgeons are doing everything they can, Heather,' said Roderik. 'We all are. It's only a matter of
time . . .'
Heather sniffed disparagingly, but said nothing more. Viktor roused himself, and fixed Roderik with his
feverbright eyes.
'Gawaine tells me we're no nearer finding the crown and the seal. Are you sure you've checked all the
places I suggested?'
'Yes, your highness,' said Roderik. 'There's still no sign of them. But then again, there's nothing to
suggest your brothers are any closer to finding them either.'
Viktor stirred irritably in his chair. 'They've got to be here somewhere. I thought I knew all Dad's secret
hiding places . . . but then, anything I know, Lewis and Dominic would know ..."
'Wait a minute,' said Jordan excitedly. 'I've just had an idea! Castle Midnight is lousy with ghosts, right?
So why don't we just call up King Malcolm's ghost and ask him where he hid the crown and seal?'
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Everyone in the room looked at him with varying degrees of exasperation.
'Don't you think we would already have done it, if it was at all possible?' said Roderik cuttingly. 'All
members of the royal line are protected by spells from their birth, precisely to make sure that their rest
won't be disturbed once they've died. There's nothing like everyday contact with ghosts to make you
very determined never to become one.'
Viktor snorted angrily, and everyone turned their attention back to him. He was still scowling, and
rubbing his hands slowly together, as though they were bothered by a vague ache. 'Everything's getting
out of hand, and I'm helpless to do anything about it. Ah well, just means we'll have to work harder,
that's all. Roderik, they tell me Dominic's been busy at
Court. Him and his tame bitch, Elizabeth. He's making too many friends. We can't allow that. You,
actor!'
'Yes, your highness?'
'Do you think you're up to appearing as me at Court?'
'I'm ready, your highness. What do you want me to do?'
'Sway some of those fools at Court over to our side. Be calm and charming and persuasive. Promise
them anything, for now. Roderik, dig up all the dirt you can on Dominic, and see that it reaches the right
ears. If you can't find anything nasty enough, invent something. We haven't time to be fussy. Lewis has
magic on his side, with Ironheart and the Monk. Dominic has Elizabeth's cunning, which is no less
effective for all its deviousness. And both Lewis and Dominic have a great many guards and men-at-arms
under their command. I have one company of guards, a little sorcery, and damn all support at Court. All
of which means we have to work twice as hard, and twice as dirty, just to stay in the race.' He cocked a
sardonic eye at Jordan. 'You look surprised, actor. My body may be ill, but I assure you that my mind is
still sound. Gawaine!'
'Yes, Sire.'
'Talk to the unattached guards and men-at-arms. Sound out how many might be willing to fight for us,
and how many more might be swayed by promises of loot or patronage. When you've done that, start
thinking of ways to get at my dear brothers. I've no doubt their protection is as good as mine, if not
better, but there's always the chance they've left some small opening we can take advantage of. I won't
feel secure until Lewis and Dominic are dead and safely buried in their graves.'
'You'd kill your own brothers?' said Jordan slowly.
Viktor looked at him tiredly. 'My God, you're actually shocked. Listen, fool; either Lewis or Dominic is
almost certainly responsible for the death of our father. He and I may have had our disagreements, but I
was still fond of the old man, and I will avenge his murder. No matter what the cost. Besides, Dominic is
barking mad, and always has been. And Lewis ... I think I'd prefer it if he was mad. It might make some
of his excesses easier to stomach. I've no love for my brothers, actor. I know them
too well. The world will be a better place for their passing.' Viktor suddenly stopped and smiled
crookedly. 'And anyway, they stand between me and the throne. I've waited a long time for this chance,
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and I won't be stopped now, not by anything or anyone. I will sit upon the throne of Redhart if I have to
see all the corridors of this Castle awash in blood to do it!' He broke off suddenly, racked by a long
coughing fit. Heather spoke to him softly and comfortingly, and dabbed the sweat from his forehead with
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