The Turncoat's Gambit

  Linnet suddenly stopped. “No!”

  The despair in Linnet’s cry made Charlotte’s skin crawl. A moment later she knew why.

  Nothing lay beyond the shops at the edge of the platform. The docks were gone.

  They stared into the emptiness. Pip was still crying softly, her head tucked against Birch’s shoulder.

  “What do we do?” Scoff murmured.

  A shape swooped overhead accompanied by the buzz of an engine.

  “We need to take cover!” Linnet pivoted, searching for shelter.

  “Wait!” Charlotte peered into the smoke. The aircraft was circling, descending. It was moving too slowly to be a fighter.

  A bulbous silhouette appeared faint in the sky. A Scarab.

  “Jack!” Charlotte screamed. She began jumping up and down, waving her arms. “Jack! We’re here!”

  “Helm of Athene,” Linnet gasped. She joined in Charlotte’s frantic shouting.

  The Scarab continued its descent. Its propellers cleared away some of the smoke. Jack’s face became clear in the cockpit. He waved, and Charlotte began to cry.

  33.

  Two Weeks Later

  CHARLOTTE SAT ON the edge of the bed, holding her father’s hand.

  His eyelids flickered, then opened. “Lottie.”

  “I didn’t mean to wake you,” Charlotte said.

  Charles Marshall smiled at his daughter. “I sleep far too much as it is.”

  “The doctors say that’s the only way you’ll recover,” Charlotte told him. “And you can’t rush the healing process.”

  “The doctors always have plenty to say.” He smirked. “Their verbosity notwithstanding, I am grateful for the attention.”

  “Good.”

  When her father propped himself up on his elbows, Charlotte adjusted his pillows so he could sit upright comfortably.

  “Tell me what’s happening in the world.”

  Charlotte sighed. So much was happening. All the time. “Ash says the Resistance delegates have almost reached an agreement with the French,” she told him. “They won’t get everything they hoped for, but he says the leadership seems happy with the terms.”

  “Not an independent nation, then.” Charles raised one brow.

  Charlotte nodded. “A territorial province. But with the autonomy to set up its own government and elect its officials.”

  “That doesn’t sound too bad.”

  “I think it will work,” Charlotte said. “Ash is certainly enthusiastic.”

  “Your brother is on the verge of becoming a political,” her father said with wry smile. “He’s a natural leader. Your mother has told me he’s made quite the impression on both the Resistance leadership and the French dignitaries.”

  Charlotte tilted her head, asking hesitantly, “How are things with you and Mother?”

  “You don’t have to be afraid of asking me about your mother,” Charles told her. “I think you understand that it’s a complicated situation.”

  Giving her father’s hand a squeeze, Charlotte said, “I just want you to be well again. And to be happy.”

  Charlotte had seen her mother break down when Charles Marshall was carried off a transport ship after the liberation of the Crucible. Admiral Winter had been true to his word: Charlotte’s father had been found in a medical ward that served the prison, receiving treatment for his illness. But even now that her husband was recovering from his ordeal, Caroline couldn’t be in his presence without a haunted cast creeping over her features. Charles had forgiven his wife, but Caroline had yet to forgive herself. Charlotte didn’t know if her parents would ever reconcile, or even if they should.

  Charlotte leaned down and kissed her father’s cheek.

  “Is that a good-bye?” he teased. “We’ve barely spoken, and I’m already boring you away.”

  With a laugh, Charlotte said, “Don’t be silly. I have a prior engagement.”

  “That sounds quite important,” her father said.

  This time Charlotte’s smile was bittersweet. “It is.”

  • • •

  The Garden quadrant was redolent of jasmine and dogwood. Birds flitted overhead and darted in and out of the flowering shrubs in an endless game of hide-and-seek. That afternoon Io’s body had been committed to the earth. It had taken a good deal of negotiation to gain permission to bury Io in the city gardens. But when Lord Ott entered the fray on behalf of Birch’s petition, a significant amount of bureaucratic nonsense had been handily set aside.

  Both of the Otts were present at the service. As were Linnet and, to Charlotte’s surprise, Jean-Baptiste Lachance. Charlotte joined Jack, Ash, and Meg at the graveside. Scoff and Pip stood together while Birch read one of his aunt’s favorite poems. Like so many things Io was fond of, it was strange.

  No up nor down

  No right nor wrong

  Life is no more

  Than a favorite song

  Tra la la la

  Tra la la la

  When Birch finished the reading, Pip set a dozen mechanical butterflies to flight. She’d crafted each of them herself.

  At the end of the service, Charlotte fell into step with Linnet. With arms linked, they meandered through the garden.

  “Is Sang d’Acier at port for business or pleasure?” Charlotte asked.

  Linnet laughed. “I believe he would answer that he refuses to do business without pleasure.”

  “That sounds about right.”

  “He’s about to undertake a major voyage,” Linnet said. “The Perseus will sail around the southern tip of the Americas to reach a place called California.”

  “By Athene,” Charlotte said. “That will be an adventure.”

  “Indeed.” Linnet’s voice was soft.

  Charlotte stopped, turning to face her friend. “You’re going with him, aren’t you?”

  A blush crept into Linnet’s cheeks. “Yes. I’m afraid I have finally surrendered to my pirate.”

  “This is no surrender,” Charlotte said with a laugh. “You know that, and Lachance had better know it too if he plans to keep you.”

  Mischief flashed in Linnet’s eyes. “You know me too well, kitten.”

  “Only what you’ve taught me,” Charlotte replied.

  “Would you like those lessons to continue?” Linnet asked, her gaze intent.

  Charlotte frowned.

  Linnet leaned close, whispering in a conspiratorial tone, “Come with us.”

  Charlotte laughed again. “You want me to be a pirate?”

  “That’s just a name,” Linnet shrugged. “It means nothing. I’m inviting you to see the world.”

  “Does Lachance know about this invitation?” Charlotte asked.

  “It was a condition of my agreeing to join him,” Linnet replied. “That’s an awfully long time to be aboard a ship without my dearest friend.”

  “Oh, Linnet.” Charlotte hugged the other girl.

  “It’s just the truth,” Linnet said with a smile. “And it wasn’t a hard bargain to drive. Lachance is quite fond of you.”

  Charlotte’s spirit had leapt at the notion of such an incredible adventure, but accepting Linnet’s invitation wouldn’t be without its costs.

  “When must I give you an answer?” Charlotte asked.

  “We sail in a week.”

  34.

  LATER THAT EVENING as Charlotte sat gazing out her window at the lazy flow of the Mississippi, a knock sounded at her door. Smiling to herself and feeling her skin warm, Charlotte answered the door.

  “Ashley!” Charlotte blurted out in surprise.

  With a knowing smile, Ash said, “You were expecting Jack.”

  Charlotte averted her eyes. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “No need to dodge the question, Lottie,” Ash told her. “
You have my approval.”

  “How magnanimous of you, dear brother.” Charlotte laughed. “Please come in.”

  She returned to her chair near the window, gesturing for Ash to sit in its nearby partner.

  “You must have something to tell me,” Charlotte said. “Given the surprise visit.”

  “Quite a lot to tell you, actually,” Ash replied. “We reached terms today. I thought it would be in poor taste to bring it up at the memorial, but I very much wanted to tell you myself. Things will move quickly now.”

  “How exciting,” Charlotte said, giving her brother a warm smile.

  “They’re saying Jefferson will return from France to lead the new government.” He was breathless with excitement. “A new beginning, Lottie. It’s incredible. All we’d hoped for.”

  “You want to be part of it.” Charlotte admired the vivaciousness in her brother’s voice. “I’m happy for you.”

  Ash’s smile was full of bright hope, and Charlotte was sorry to see that fade as he waited for her to join in an enthusiasm she couldn’t share.

  “You don’t,” he said.

  “No.” Even though she’d known the answer, Charlotte was surprised to hear herself say it.

  But she knew why.

  Every night before she drifted into sleep, images filled her mind. The scene that had unfolded as Jack piloted the Scarab away from New York. The world was in flames, and it fell to the earth in pieces. Jack’s mother screaming while Charlotte held her tightly, to keep her from harming herself. The sky that had been home to the Floating City had been emptied. That glory of Britannia lay strewn across the island of Manhattan, a ruin of smoke and fire.

  She would never forget that sight, and to stay in this place, to join this new province, would be to forever tether her to that destruction.

  “Then what will you do?” Ash sighed. “Go west? Or north on the Mississippi to join the river trade?”

  “I’ll let you know when I’ve decided.”

  Ash drew a long breath. “Would it make a difference if I told you I’m going to ask Meg to marry me?”

  “That’s wonderful!”

  “Do you think she’ll say yes?” he asked. She heard true fear in the question. Charlotte wondered if Ash would ever get over Meg’s decision to join the Temple, leaving him behind.

  “She will say yes,” Charlotte told him.

  “And?”

  “And what?” Charlotte parroted.

  “Will it make a difference?” Ash asked.

  “No,” Charlotte admitted with a bit of regret. “But it makes me very happy.”

  Sadness flitted over Ashley’s face, but he smiled. “Thank you.”

  He cleared his throat, looking out the window.

  For a moment, Charlotte thought he was resentful of her words, but then her brow furrowed. “There’s something else, isn’t there?”

  “There is,” Ash said. “It’s about the prisoners.”

  Charlotte stiffened. “You mean it’s about Coe.”

  “Yes.” He met Charlotte’s gaze. “They’re moving the highest ranking prisoners to the Crucible.”

  With a scowl, Charlotte said, “The Crucible should have been destroyed.”

  Ash didn’t argue.

  “After they’ve been transferred,” he went on, “they’ll be sentenced. Those sentences will be carried out swiftly.”

  “I gave him my word, Ash,” Charlotte said quietly. “We promised his life in exchange for information.”

  “The leadership has decided you and the others didn’t have the authority to make that judgment,” Ash said.

  “Mother asked you to tell me, didn’t she?” Charlotte gave him a jaded smile. “To ease the blow.”

  “He’s the greatest of traitors.” Ashley didn’t answer her question. He didn’t need to. “He cannot be suffered to live.”

  There was no sense in arguing.

  “I understand,” Charlotte told Ash.

  “I know you’re disappointed, Lottie,” Ash said. “And I’m truly sorry for that.”

  “It’s not your fault,” Charlotte said, meaning it, but her mind had moved on to other things.

  Much later, though, she was still gazing out her window when another knock sounded at her door.

  “You’re very late.” Charlotte greeted Jack, who was leaning in the door frame.

  “And I’m horribly sorry about it,” Jack said. “May I come in, or am I banished?”

  Charlotte laughed and pulled him into her room.

  • • •

  Later still, when Charlotte was folded in Jack’s arms, she said. “Ash was here this evening.”

  “How is old Ash?” Jack asked. “He’s so busy being important I barely see him.”

  “He’s well,” Charlotte said. “He’s happy with the terms they’ve reached with the French.”

  “Good for him.” Jack leaned over to kiss her ear.

  “Are you happy with the terms?” She turned in his arms so she could look at him.

  “To be honest, I’m not that concerned about it,” Jack replied. “I hope that doesn’t disappoint you.”

  “It doesn’t,” Charlotte said. “How do you feel about building a new government?”

  Jack answered with a grin. “It all sounds rather tedious, doesn’t it?”

  “I suppose it does.” Charlotte began to smile. “So tell me this: how do you feel about piracy?”

  35.

  WHEN CHARLOTTE AWOKE the next morning, her heart had made its decision. Six days would be enough time to make what arrangements were necessary, to say her good-byes. But before she could give Linnet her answer, Charlotte needed to speak with one more person.

  In addition to her quarters in the Daedalus Tower, Aunt Io had kept a more spacious and more comfortable house in the Garden quadrant of New Orleans. Upon her passing, that house had become Birch’s. He’d made it his residence, and he’d invited Pip, Scoff, and Grave to live there as well if they so wished. Each of them accepted his offer.

  At first, Charlotte had found it odd to be in the same city as Grave but to see him with less and less frequency. She missed his odd company sometimes, but she was encouraged to see him building a life of his own.

  When Charlotte knocked on their door that morning, Pip answered. “Charlotte!” Pip’s braids were no longer green, but a deep violet.

  “Good morning, Pip. Is Grave here?” Charlotte asked. “There’s something I need to speak with him about.”

  “He’s in his room.”

  After exchanging a few more pleasantries with Pip, Charlotte climbed the stairs to the second floor of the house. She gave a few light raps on Grave’s door.

  “Hello, Charlotte.” Grave smiled at her.

  “May I come in?”

  “Yes.” He moved aside so Charlotte could enter.

  Grave’s room was almost empty. He had a bed, though he didn’t need to sleep, as well as a desk and a chair. Charlotte opted to stand.

  “I have some news, Grave,” Charlotte began. And she told him about Linnet’s invitation and her decision to accept it. She was about to offer him a place aboard the ship, when Grave interrupted her.

  “I want to stay with Birch, Pip, and Scoff,” he said.

  “You do?” Charlotte blurted out, taken aback by the firmness of his declaration.

  “They can help me understand who I am, to find my place in this world. And I want to help Birch continue Aunt Io’s work.”

  “If you ask me to stay, I will,” Charlotte said. “I won’t leave you here.”

  Grave shook his head. “You should go. You’ll be happy with Linnet.”

  He paused, then asked, “Is Jack going?”

  “Yes,” Charlotte replied. “His mother is being well cared for here, so he doesn’t feel obligated to stay.”
br />   She didn’t add that Lady Winter’s mind had been so addled by laudanum and the trauma of witnessing the Floating City’s destruction that she no longer recognized her son. When they’d returned to New Orleans Jack had been wracked by guilt, blaming himself for his mother’s condition. Linnet had been the one to persuade Jack otherwise. With Lord and Lady Ott’s assistance, an apartment overlooking the gardens and a full-time caretaker had been arranged for Jack’s mother. When Jack saw her now, he said she seemed at peace.

  “Good.” Grave smiled at Charlotte. “Jack makes you happy, too.”

  When she didn’t respond, Grave asked, “Are you angry?”

  “No,” Charlotte said quickly. “I’m not angry, Grave. Not at all.”

  Surprised? Yes. But Charlotte couldn’t even claim to be perplexed by Grave’s choice. In many ways it was a relief, but not in the selfish way that meant Grave’s staying absolved Charlotte’s sense of responsibility for him. No. Her relief came from the knowledge that by exerting this autonomy, he was demonstrating his capacity to truly be part of the world, not subject to it or to any one person. It was choice itself that set Grave free.

  But it wasn’t as though he hadn’t made choices before, she reminded herself. He’d chosen loyalty to Charlotte. He’d fought for her, beside her, been subjected to torment because of her. Grave had made so many choices, all for Charlotte’s benefit.

  As much as Charlotte had felt responsible for Grave, he’d taken responsibility for her.

  And now whatever symbiosis had existed between them was complete.

  The time to part ways had arrived.

  “I wish you well, Grave.” Charlotte took his hands in hers. “Always.”

  “I wish you well, Charlotte,” Grave said. He smiled in a way she’d never seen. A smile that touched his eyes and revealed part of his soul. Grave might never be fully human, but he’d become something close. Someone who made the world better for being in it.

  With that thought, Charlotte’s heart twisted at what she was about to ask of him.

  “Grave, there’s one more thing. A favor I need your help with.”

  “I’ll help you, Charlotte,” Grave said.