The Purple Emperor

CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT

Pyrgus climbed sluggishly out of a deep, black pit to find himself watched by the most beautiful pair of violet eyes he'd ever seen. The girl, he thought, was absolutely gorgeous. His heart was racing and his body trembled uncontrollably. He wondered in passing if he might be in love, but decided it was far more likely he was dying. His head felt as if there were bits missing inside, like a cheese with holes in it. His eyes kept slipping out of focus and recurring bouts of nausea threatened to make him throw up.

The girl must have noticed his eyes were open because she leaned forward and said quietly, 'I'm sorry, but I was worried you might use that dagger. It was only a stun wand.'

He allowed his eyes to roam around without moving his head and discovered he was surrounded by trees. He seemed to be lying on a bed of pine needles in some forest clearing. There were green-uniformed figures swimming out of focus beyond the beautiful girl. For a moment he was too fuzzy to figure out what had happened, then it hit him like an avalanche – he'd been captured by Hairstreak's forces!

Pyrgus closed his eyes again and concentrated on pulling himself together. He wondered if Blue and Mr. Fogarty were still alive, but there was nothing he could do about them for the moment. He was weak as a kitten, but he noticed his arms were free, which was a huge mistake on Hairstreak's part – the man must have thought he was dead. He gave a theatrical groan. If they believed him to be more badly hurt than he actually was, he might be able to take them by surprise when his strength returned.

Could he attack such a beautiful girl? Pyrgus thought about it for a moment, then decided he could. If it was to save Blue and Mr Fogarty he definitely could. What was the girl doing working for Hairstreak anyway? He opened his eyes a slit to find she was still bent over him, a look of concern on her sweet, delicious features. Pyrgus groaned again and this time it was more heartfelt. Of all the luck to meet the first girl he really fancied and find she was working for the most dangerous -

'I think he's coming round,' the girl said. She had a cool, clear voice, like temple bells.

Maybe he'd overdone the groaning – he didn't want to attract too much attention yet. Maybe he could pretend to faint. Maybe -

There was something wrong with the girl's violet eyes. He couldn't quite work out what it was, but something wasn't as it should be…

He could see other figures gathering around him. One was cloaked and hooded all in black and he knew from the man's size it had to be Lord Hairstreak. The hooded man leaned over him and suddenly Pyrgus realised he was being presented with the opportunity of a lifetime. If he could just make his body obey his will, he could have Hairstreak by the throat in seconds. With any luck at all he could strangle him, or break his neck before his troops could intervene. It was perfect. It was better than perfect – Hairstreak had committed an unlawful act by attacking Pyrgus and his party when they'd been ordered into exile by the Emperor Elect. If Hairstreak died at Pyrgus's hand, there wouldn't even be serious political repercussions.

But would his body obey him?

Pyrgus gathered his reserves. A part of his mind was vaguely aware that this could well be a suicide action. Even if he managed to kill Hairstreak his chances of getting away were slim. Hairstreak's men would cut him down in an instant. At the same time, if he did get away – chance in a thousand though it might be – he would have changed the whole balance of power in the Realm.

The thought galvanised him. Pyrgus exploded into action. He jackknifed upwards, lips drawn back in an unconscious snarl. His hands caught Black Hairstreak by the throat. Hairstreak jerked and his hood fell back.

'My deeah, where are your manners!' a shocked voice gasped.

'Oh my God!' Pyrgus exclaimed. 'I'm so sorry, Madame Cardui.'