“After defeating your enemies, Katya did a reading of the cards. And the message that they gave her to pass on to you was a momentous one.”
She heard him suck in a sharp breath as she unfolded the impressive illustration that Mrs. Schuyler had created for her. A gift for drawing was yet another weapon in the American’s arsenal of skills.
The paper crackled as Arianna smoothed out its creases. “Summoning the cosmic forces required an elaborate ritual. The order in which Katya drew the cards dictated which three held the key message.”
A blatant lie, but one that was for the Higher Good. Mrs. Schuyler had in fact fabricated the fanciful images in order to create a compelling story that would appeal to the Tsar’s penchant for melodrama.
“As you see, the first is the Red Emperor seated on a throne of gold, which signifies that your reign is no longer under threat. The second image is the Sun in Splendor radiating a blaze of light, which means you have a bright future ahead.”
“And this?” Tsar Alexander tapped a finger on the upside-down lady in flowing robes, holding a handful of stars.
“That is the Enchantress Reversed.” Arianna paused for effect. “Which means her work with you is done and it’s time for her to move on.”
“I feared as much,” he whispered. “I could feel in my bones that the psychic bond between us was growing more tenuous.”
“The workings of the universe may decree that Katya leaves you, but you’ll have other wise and loyal advisors to give you sage advice. Prescott has decided to remain in Russia. He can be trusted to help you in forging strong alliances and economic opportunities for your empire.”
“I shall miss her. Truly and deeply.” The Tsar released a soulful sigh. “She walks in beauty like the night; Of cloudless and starry skies; And all that’s best of dark and bright; Meet in her aspect and her eyes. . .”
Only an incorrigible romantic would quote Lord Byron’s poetry at such a moment. Arianna had a feeling that his peace of mind still faced a number of challenges.
“The cosmos must feel you are ready to move to a higher plane on your own,” she responded.
“You think so?” He pursed his mouth in thought and suddenly rose from the couch and began to pace. “I do feel that she has helped me to summon inner strength in times of trouble.”
That’s what friends do, thought Arianna.They reach out with a steadying hand when one is stumbling around in the dark.And for all her smoke and mirrors, Mrs. Schuyler had proven herself to be a stalwart friend of the Tsar.
“I believe it with all my heart, Your Majesty,” she replied. “Go forward with confidence.”
He smiled.
“There is just one last thing, Your Majesty.”
The script that she and Mrs. Schuyler had concocted had worked out to perfection. But a sudden idea had occurred to Arianna, and so she decided to improvise.
“Along with the Rurik Medallion, I also recovered this diamond bracelet, which your private secretary identified as having come from your Jewel Room.” Arianna held it up. “It occurred to me that it would make an appropriate parting gift to Mrs. Schuyler as a token of gratitude for her bravery in helping to save the throne. Her courage and resourcefulness played a big part in thwarting your enemies.”
Using only a few embellishments, and glossing several inconvenient details, she recounted the American’s part in defeating the conspirators.
His face lit up. “What a splendid idea! I knew all the naysayers were wrong and that Katya would never betray me. And now, she has proven to be a heroine, as well as a good and loyal friend.”
“Indeed, she is an extraordinary individual.” Arianna rose as well and dropped into a deep curtsey. “And now, I ought not to take up any more of your time, sir. You have much to do in rounding up the remaining conspirators and putting the Imperial Court in order.”
“Indeed.” His jaw clenched as he fingered the medallion in his pocket. “I shall not wait another moment to begin.”
“Which means that my stay here is at an end, too. Saybrook and I, along with our friends, will be sailing home on the first available British naval dispatch ship.”
Tsar Alexander nodded, a wistful smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “I hope we shall meet again, Lady Saybrook.”
“As do I, Your Majesty . . .” Arianna paused. “But may it be simply to enjoy each other’s company while savoring a selection of my chocolates, rather than because of yet another diabolical political intrigue.”
Chapter24
The crackof canvas sounded as the wind caught in the unfurled sails and pushed the naval packet ship away from the wharf. The sea was calm, and sunlight warmed the wintry air, glittered like diamonds over the gently rippling harbor waters.
“Perhaps this placid beginning portends a quick and tranquil voyage home,” murmured Saybrook as he joined Arianna at the quarterdeck’s taffrail.
“I thought you didn’t believe in omens—or any of that cosmic habble-gabble,” she replied.
