“But I didn’t do anything!” Josef cried.
“I believe you,” the queen said earnestly. “And I have no doubt our inquiry will absolve you of all guilt, but I cannot shield a known murderer from investigation just because he is my son.”
“I never murdered anyone,” Josef said hotly. “I killed swordsmen in battle. There’s a difference.”
“A subtle one,” the queen said. “Countries on the brink of war that’ve just seen their duke murdered don’t appreciate subtlety.”
“I don’t care what they appreciate,” Josef sneered. “I’m not going to let you lock me up for something I didn’t do.”
“You don’t have a choice,” Theresa said. She turned to her guard. “Take his swords. The prince is under arrest.”
“Are you out of your mind?” Josef roared. “You’re not taking my swords!”
“I am queen!” Theresa roared back. “I take whatever I—”
The queen’s words dissolved into a coughing fit as she doubled over, heaving into her handkerchief. Several of the nobles started to run forward, but Lenette was there first, waving the rest away.
“The queen’s medicine!” she yelled. “Hurry!”
A servant grabbed a kettle, a cup, and a folded paper sachet from the tray in the corner and ran to Lenette, pouring the steaming water into the cup as she went. Lenette grabbed the sachet and the cup. She shook the folded paper open, dumping green powder into the hot water. She stirred it once with the spoon the servant offered and then, grabbing the queen’s convulsing shoulders, pushed the cup to her lips.
The queen drank, choked, and drank again with Lenette’s help. Her coughing subsided, and she slumped back into the chair. For several minutes she did nothing but sit with her eyes closed, breathing as though taking in air were the hardest task she’d ever attempted. When she did finally open her eyes, they looked immediately at Josef.
“My order is final,” she said in a strained, husky whisper.
Josef stared at her, helpless, and then looked plaintively at Eli, but the thief was already a step ahead of him.
“My lady,” Eli said gently, stepping forward. “Think a moment. Someone out there is knocking off members of the royal family. Do you really think disarming the prince at such a time is a wise—”
“I will not be disobeyed,” Theresa said, closing her eyes again. “This meeting is over. Take the prince to his chambers and make sure he stays there.”
The guards bowed and moved to Josef’s side. With a final glare at his mother, Josef raised his hands and let the guards guide him toward the door. Eli followed with his own escort. Looking back, Josef caught a final glimpse of his mother slumped between Lenette and the serving girl, and then the door closed and he saw no more.
The palace seemed empty as the guards marched Josef and Eli back to the prince’s suite. The usual bustle of nobles and servants rushing on Osera’s business had been replaced by grim-faced guards standing in knots wherever corridors connected.
When they reached Josef’s rooms, the entire squad circled round as Josef disarmed to make sure he surrendered every blade. It took a good thirty minutes, partially because Josef was taking his time about it, but mostly because he wore a lot of weapons. It took two men to hold Josef’s arsenal of daggers, throwing knives, and short swords, and Josef spent the entire time making it very clear what would happen if every one of those blades didn’t return to him.
When he finally announced he’d handed everything over, the guards stepped in to pat him down, just in case. This uncovered another two blades, one at the small of his back below his belt and one tucked into the heel of his shoe, both of which Josef claimed he’d forgotten. The guards gave him a sour look and added the blades to the pile. Then they came to the main bone of contention.
“The sword on your back,” the soldier said. “Hand it over.”
“This?” Josef lay his hand on the wrapped hilt of the Heart of War. “I don’t think so.”
The soldier crossed his arms. “The queen said every blade, Prince Thereson.”
Josef smiled at him. “Fine,” he said. “You want my sword?” He reached up to his shoulder and undid the strap that held the Heart on his back. “Take it.”
The Heart fell to the floor with a crash that rattled the windows. The soldier jumped back in surprise, and Josef, still grinning, stepped aside so the guard could retrieve the Heart. The soldier glowered and reached down, grabbing the Heart by the hilt to lift it onto his own back.
Nothing happened.