When I was woken the next day, everything became a blur. I had two bridesmaids to help prepare me for the day, plus Secily. I sat, staring at myself in the mirror. My eyes were empty as they braided my hair and powdered my face to make it appear even paler.
The dress they helped me into was made of indigo silk. The bodice was edged with brilliant diamonds. My seashell necklace was replaced with a silver one with sapphires; the earrings dangling from my ears were made to match.
Mother was waiting outside for me. She gasped at the sight of me. She was magnificent in a light blue gown and pearl jewelry. I rolled my eyes as she beamed at me, and we made our way to the gardens where the wedding was to be held.
King Zaeden came into view when we reached the gardens. He was dressed in his finest blue velvet robes and sapphire jewels. A magnificent crown sat on his head of dark, oiled curls, as if anyone would forget who was king. His face was radiant. No one would have guessed it was the face of a madman. I had never seen him look this well, even before the death of his queen. Maybe he had a point to prove to everyone.
Mother and I curtsied deeply before he held his arm out for me to take. Mother handed me off to him and joined my bridesmaids. I tried not to glower as I let him touch me.
“You look like a goddess, Chelela. The duke is a lucky man,” the king complimented. It was unwanted. I didn’t want his praise.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” I managed to sound genuine anyways.
“We will miss you.” His squeezed my arm against his body.
It took everything in me not to pull away. “I’ll miss being here,” I replied. Not a lie.
The music changed… our cue to start walking.
An aisle was made down the center of the many guests who sat in wooden chairs on the green grass. Blooming rose bushes surrounded the area, dotting the scenery with pink and white. Large slabs of rock had been placed at the front to act as a platform. Mother stood on one with my bridesmaids, and just to the side of them, Valron Michester waited. His indigo doublet with silver and diamond buttons matched my dress perfectly—too perfectly to be a coincidence. His wavy, shoulder-length, sable hair was combed off his forehead and tied at the nape of his neck. His piercingly light blue eyes lit up as he smiled at me. He wasn’t ugly—but he wasn’t Thaimis.
King Zaeden let go of my arm and found his place beside the duke when we reached the front. I tried to focus on Secily as one of Celestia’s priestesses rattled off the rights of marriage, but Valron’s stare kept drawing my eyes back to his. I took a few deep breaths to steady myself. When it came time for me to say my part, I caught sight of Thaimis. He stood toward the back of the crowd. As soon as our eyes met, he looked away. His face was like stone.
“Chelela?” the priestess asked softly.
Everyone was waiting for my answer. I had missed my cue. “Yes? Apologies.”
“Do you swear to our goddess, Celestia, to honour your vows of marriage?”
“Yes.” I didn’t hesitate, but the word rang hollow.
The priestess smiled pleasantly and had us join hands and raise them above our heads for everyone to see. The duke’s hand was smooth and free of callouses, a sign he led an easy life.
“Celestia blesses you both. You may kiss to seal your union,” the priestess said loud enough for everyone to hear.
My stomach dropped as Valron leaned toward me. I closed my eyes and waited for his lips. When they met mine, it was with a soft, closed mouth kiss. I was glad he wasn’t forceful.
The crowd cheered, and that was it. I was now the wife of Duke Valron Michester—and the Duchess of Cansbroke.
Arm in arm, Valron and I led the way to the great hall to begin the festivities.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, wife.” Valron said with a note of humour.
I chuckled softly. Really, I wanted to run and hide, but I managed to keep up my charade of calmness. “And you, husband.”
Now it was his turn to laugh. “I’m sorry we weren’t able to meet before the wedding. Your mother was adamant we wait until today.”
My brows drew downward. “Perhaps she thought I wouldn’t like you and would change my mind.”
“Those were my very thoughts on the matter. I hope I will prove her wrong.”
“I hope so too.”
At least his reputation about him being kind was true. I didn’t believe Mother would have insisted I marry him if he were cruel, although, she barely knew him herself.
The great hall was decorated with splashes of blue, white and silver. Servants came around with trays as guests began to fill the hall. We were offered a variety of fruits and cheeses. Goblets of white wine were filled and passed around. A great deal of effort had gone into this celebration. Too bad I couldn’t have enjoyed it, but it seemed to me we were all celebrating my departure.
People approached me to offer their congratulations and well wishes. I accepted them all with grace. It was easy to slip behind a mask of joy.
“What a beautiful wedding… a shame your brother cannot be here to celebrate with you,” King Zaeden commented, tilting his head and searching my face with eyes that held no warmth.
I squeezed the goblet I held in my hand so tight I thought it might shatter. “Yes, Your Majesty, I do miss him. I wish he were here now.” I pasted a smile on my face and looked straight into his probing stare.
The king, still keeping his eyes on me, replied, “I see…”
I curtsied. “Your Majesty.” I excused myself before I could say something I’d regret.
Fuming, I wasn’t watching were I was going and almost walked right into Thaimis. Great, this day just keeps getting better and better.
He stood rigid.
“Er, sorry,” I apologized awkwardly.
“I was actually looking for you.”
“Oh?” Maybe he’d come to his senses. Please take me away from here.
“I wanted to offer my congratulations and wish you luck with your marriage.” The words fell from his mouth like mud. There was no emotion behind them.
I placed my hands on my hips. I’d had enough of pretending to be happy. “Oh really? You do? You wish me all the luck in the world? So that I may live a wonderful life being the wife of a duke I’ve just met? Well, take your congratulations and throw it to the hounds!”
He blinked slowly. I thought he might answer, but then he turned and strode away.
I stared after him, fuming like a stoked fire. Why would nothing get through to him? It was as though he wasn’t even the same person anymore. He lacked all the jovialness and passion I had begun to fall in love with.
The musicians took up a soft ballad and I was pulled from my thoughts by my new husband’s words. “I believe it’s up to us to start the dancing.” He offered his hand.
I gathered myself and put my mask back on. Smiling at Valron, I let him lead me to the dance floor.
I had to admit, he was a good dancer. I let him guide me through the motions of the dance.
I managed to get through the rest of the celebration without seeing Thaimis. Perhaps he’d retired early. I was grateful for it. Unfortunately, King Zaeden still lurked about, watching his subjects like a hawk watched its prey. I did my best to ignore his presence.
When the feasting and dancing were over, and my feet had blisters, it was time to retire to our bedchamber. Tomorrow, Valron and I would be travelling to Cansbroke—my new home. Tonight, I would be staying in the guest chamber that was prepared for Valron inside the palace.
The thought of lying with this man I barely knew made me feel ill. I didn’t know if I could do it… not yet. I’d only been with one other person in such a way, and he’d betrayed me.
After one of the maids assisted me with preparing for bed, helping me out of my gown and undoing my hair, I curled up on the edge of the mattress.
Valron came in shortly after. As he settled in underneath the covers, he chuckled to himself. “Don’t worry, wife. I won’t make you do anything you’re uncomfortable with.
Get some sleep. I want you to be well rested for our travels home tomorrow.”
I relaxed a little, and soon enough, the sound of his soft snores filled the room. After I was finished feeling sorry for myself for the night, I fell asleep too.
Chapter 12
The horses and carriage were ready for us by the time we’d broken our fast. My mother had come to see us off. Tears shone in her deep blue eyes.
“What will you do, Mother?” I asked, clasping her hands.
“Oh, don’t worry about me. Just remember to write. You remember our code?” She whispered the last part.
I bit my lip and nodded.
“Good. I will tell you if anything important happens here. I do hope you enjoy your new home. I’ll miss you, my beautiful girl.”
“I’ll miss you too,” I choked out, holding back tears as we embraced.
Valron waited patiently until we were done saying our goodbyes. He helped me into the carriage once I was ready—ready to leave my home… ready to leave the sea. I swallowed hard.
I stared out the carriage window as we left Aquila until my mother became a small dot in the distance. I closed the white curtain and sat back with a sigh.
“I know this must be difficult… to leave your home behind. I know you’ll grow to like Cansbroke though. Perhaps you’ll even love it one day. I have the kindest staff, and the scenery is breathtaking.”
“Thank you, Valron. You don’t have to be so kind to me, but you are. I appreciate that.”
“What kind of husband would I be if I treated my wife poorly?” He looked at me aghast.
“A wretched one.”
He smiled sweetly and placed a hand on my knee.
It turned out his words were true. The land around Cansbroke’s palace was a sight to be seen, as was the palace itself. Weeping willows shaded the pathways around the outside of the palace, which had many large windows to allow the light inside.
I was met with kindness, as Valron had promised. All of his staff welcomed me with open arms. I grew to adore each and every one of them.
Valron did his best to be a good husband. I did grow to care for him by winter, but it was nothing compared to the way I’d felt about Thaimis. I didn’t know if I’d ever feel that kind of passion again.
There was one thing I did hate about my new home… it wasn’t by the sea. I missed the sea as much as I missed my family. I felt confined in the palace… between the towering mountains it sat between. Sure, the sea wasn’t far away, but I couldn’t hear its waves kissing the shore from my chamber as I could in Aquila.
One night, as I sat bored in my chambers, I concentrated on my cup of tea. I willed the hot liquid into a sphere and floated it through the air. Powers were like muscles. They needed to be exercised if they were to be effective. I didn’t know when or if I’d ever need mine, but I didn’t want to lose control of them.
The sound of the door latch tore me out of my hypnotic state. I let the tea fall to the floor and scrambled back onto the bed.
Valron looked down at the puddle on the floor and cocked an eyebrow.
“I spilt my tea,” I lied.
“Would you like me to have Lamar fetch you more?” Of course he believed me. He took the cup from me. Lamar was Cansbroke’s head servant and the first person who had welcomed me to the palace.
I shook my head. “No, it’s alright.” I’d have to be more careful. I hadn’t told Valron about my powers, and I didn’t plan to. Only three people knew about my ability to manipulate water; my mother, Percifal and Sreda. I had thought about telling Thaimis. I was glad I didn’t.
Valron handed me a sealed envelope. “This arrived for you today.”
I recognized the seal right away as my mother’s. We’d written each other regularly since I’d left Aquila. I placed it on the table beside the bed. “Thank you. I’ll read it tomorrow. It’s late.” I patted the bed beside me for him to join me.
“I’ll be away tomorrow,” he informed, climbing into the warm blankets. “It looks like Gervase shorted us a sack of grain on our last order.”
I curled up beside him, and he stroked my arm. “But it’s so dreadfully cold out right now. Can’t you wait ’til it’s a little warmer?”
“We need it now. It’s sweet of you to worry, but I’ll be alright. It’s only half a day’s ride. I’ll wear enough furs to keep me warm.”
“Perhaps I’ll join you.” I peered up at him. His loose brown hair framed his face.
He shook his head. “No, stay inside and keep yourself warm.”
I leaned my head back against his chest and closed my eyes. It would’ve been nice to have something to do though. I was growing restless with being cooped up inside all winter, but I didn’t argue. Though it didn’t snow much in this part of Sarantoa, the coldness was damp and seeped into one’s bones.
When I woke, Valron was already gone. I leaned over, grabbed the letter from my mother and tore it open. It was written in the code we had come up with before my wedding. I fetched a quill and ink and began decoding my Mother’s words.
My dear daughter,
I hope all is well with you in Cansbroke. Everyone is on edge here. Whispers about war still echo throughout the palace, but it seems King Zaeden has no plans to send his army out this coming spring. I was beginning to wonder if perhaps this war won’t happen at all. Perhaps the king’s truly too afraid to wage war against the other kingdoms. I was wrong. He is waiting for something. I’ve seen him making regular visits to the tower where Sreda is being held late at night. I can only imagine what he might be doing with the sorceress. My only relief is that you aren’t here. I will keep you informed if I find out anything more. Until then, take care of yourself.
Love,
Mother
I stood and threw the note into the hearth that warmed my and Valron’s bedchamber. So the king was waiting for something. My brow furrowed as a sick feeling settled in the pit of my stomach. If the king was making Sreda use magic to help him win his war, there had to be something I could do… find the other elementals. I’d promised Mother I wouldn’t do anything without help from them. Perhaps it was my duty to seek them out.
A soft knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. “Breakfast is ready, Your Grace.” One of the maid’s voices called through the thick oak door.
“I’ll be right down!”
I slipped on a simple linen dress, threw a wool robe over top and went downstairs to the parlour.
We didn’t use the palace’s hall during the winter as we had no peers staying with us during the cold season. I preferred the peace of the parlour over the dining hall.
When one of the maids brought out my meal of steaming oats and bread, I touched her arm. “Would you fetch Maybel for me?” Maybel was the head of the maids at our household. She was the one the other maids listened to. She reported directly to Lamar.
“Of course, Your Grace.” The shy maid curtsied and left to find her superior.
I dug into my meal while I awaited Maybel. She came as I sopped up the last of my oats with a piece of bread.
“Your Grace, Anette said you wish to see me.”
“Yes, Maybel. I was thinking it would be nice to have a small feast tonight for Valron when he returns… a nice surprise. The servants are all welcome to join us. I find myself restless these days and could use something to look forward to. Can you make that happen?” I inclined my head at her.
“Yes, Your Grace. I’ll tell the cook to prepare a fine meal and ensure the rest of the staff prepare for tonight’s supper.”
“Thank you. Ensure everybody does their part so everyone can partake in the meal tonight. Once the food is out, we’ll all serve ourselves.”
“You are very kind, Your Grace.” She bobbed a curtsy.
I smiled at her.
She took my cue for dismissal.
Now, to find something nice to wear for the night.
I sat in my velvet, turquoise gown with a silver embroidered bodice, picking at my supper. We ha
d waited until the food was at risk of becoming too cold before the staff and I decided to eat without Valron.
“What could be keeping him so long? He should’ve been back before supper.” I pushed my plate away, giving up on forcing myself to eat without an appetite.
“Perhaps the farmer and he decided to share a drink or two,” Maybel offered.
I frowned. “Well that’s rude of him; to cause us all such worry.”
A thin smile formed on Maybel’s lips.
I stood and began clearing plates.
Maybel stood up too. “Oh no, Your Grace. You must let me do that.”
“No, I mustn’t. I need to keep myself busy. I will take these to the kitchen. You just relax.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.” She sat back down and fiddled with her dress, not sure what to do with herself.
I took the plates from the rest of the staff and headed to the kitchen. Just as I set my armful of dishes down, I heard a holler boom, “He’s here! Your Grace! The duke has returned!” It was Lamar’s voice.
I gathered up my skirts and sprinted to the entrance and found Lamar helping Valron inside. I rushed to his aid.
Valron looked up at me, shivering so hard he could barely speak. “I—I’m s—sorry.”
“Never mind. What happened to you?” I demanded, taking in his poor state.
“Th—the horse. Threw me and then t—took off…had t—to walk back.”
“Dear Celestia. You’re frozen! Lamar, help me get him into bed.”
The tall, lanky servant grabbed one arm and I grabbed the other. We hauled him up to his bedchamber we shared. Once Valron was sitting on the bed, I turned to Lamar. “I’ll get him out of these wet clothes. Would you get one of the maids to fetch us some tea? Not Maybel though. I told her to relax tonight.”
“Yes, Your Grace.” He bowed and turned to leave, but not before I caught the concern on his face.
I immediately began helping Valron undress. “So did that stupid horse cost us our grain too?” I scowled whilst unbuttoning his tunic.
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