by Jay Lynn
Garth steadily held eye contact.
Lip quivering, Jade blinked rapidly and turned away. So, he does know. I wondered if he might have discovered it. More people guessed her and Alec’s feelings than she liked, but Garth’s words warmed her too much to fret about it now.
“You really think so?” she whispered.
“Look here.”
Garth rose and removed a plain wooden box from his desk. Returning to Jade’s side, he pulled off the top and held it out to her.
“He doesn’t come right out and say it, but every one of these letters have thoughts of you.”
“Indeed?”
Taking the box, Jade gently set it on her lap. Picking up the pages she read through them one after another as Garth lowered himself into his seat. Her movements were slow, hesitant at first. Jade had no problem reading Alec’s messy script. The more she absorbed his words the faster her heart began to race.
Hope your sword lessons aren’t becoming too dangerous. Wood ones might be better.
You should see the ocean out here. The green color reminds me of Stafford.
Cloud and I miss our daily rides.
Jade stared at the words unable to look away. On the surface, his comments might not appear special, but Jade could see what Garth meant. Alec was talking about her! She was the only one Alec used wooden swords with regularly. Alec once compared the shade of her eyes to the ocean and Alec always escorted her on her daily rides.
“I miss you, too,” Jade whispered to the pages, gripping them tighter. Holding something he touched as well warmed her as if it connected them together. “Then who is this Isabelle?” she questioned, peering over at Garth.
He smiled indulgently. “She’s a fellow sorcerer that Alec met at the East Circle. At first, he seemed to find her annoying. They’ve been training together here and there since he left. She was recently made his partner after joining the Emerald Sages. Isabelle is a friend and someone he appears to trust. It’s good for him to find some allies. Alec’s going to need them in his line of work. You have nothing to worry about Jade.”
So he says, Jade thought bitterly, thinking about how this other woman was traveling all over Malyndor with her Alec. Jade sighed. Realistically, she couldn’t be jealous of every faceless woman he worked with. Sometimes love could feel like a curse instead of a blessing. Garth was right. Alec needed allies. In the end, all that mattered was that he returned safely.
In the blink of an eye, Saturday descended upon Jade with a whirlwind of activities. Trying to enjoy the celebration, she allowed herself to get carried away with the festive diversion all week.
By the night of the closing dance and feast, she almost forgot the lingering ache in her chest. Almost. Sitting at the high table, Jade gazed at those twirling around the room with a well-practiced smile. It was here, only a year ago, she danced with Alec.
A warm breeze caressed her skin, reminding her of his gentle touch. Jade’s eyes lowered to the table while she clutched her hands together.
Appearing through the crowd, the Thornbrook children suddenly rushed to the noble’s side. Hearing their voices, a real grin found its way to Jade’s lips. There was not a day in which she wasn’t pleased to see them. Within moments, the noble found herself spinning the three younger ones across the polished stone floor.
Linus stood to the side, arms crossed, as he watched the others quietly. The children knew Alec was working as a King’s Sorcerer, but his inability to join them at the festival dampened their spirits.
Lia and Simuel didn’t understand the importance of the warrior’s new position.
While Linus did, his dreary mood had yet to lighten.
Jade sympathized. Ever since Alec saved Lia from that fire he’d become a hero to the boy. Being a wizard hadn’t lessened Linus’s admiration. It seemed in his mind, there wasn’t anyone who could compare to the warrior from his homeland.
Grasping the boy’s hands, Jade pulled Linus out into the throng with the other dancers. As he tried to pull away, she spun them in a continuous circle. A few seconds later, he was laughing along with Jade.
Later in the evening, Jade strolled back to her table after bidding her favorite children farewell. Her father was awaiting her there and he was not alone. Jade’s smile faded.
Not another suitor, she inwardly groaned.
Instead of the parading of possible husbands lessening after the incident with Lord Percy, it had gotten worse. For Jade, it seemed as if every week one man or another was brought before her. Shouldn’t Malyndor have run out of eligible nobles by now? As the introductions were made, Jade pasted on a hollow smile. Her mind drifting, she paid zero attention to what was actually being said. Jade couldn’t remember the lord’s name even if her life depended on it.
When the man asked her to dance, she was obligated to consent. He slowly twirled her around the floor, watching the expressions of the other nobles present.
Jade distinctly felt like a doll on display. Her body fought the urge to recoil from his touch. I cannot take much more of this.
When he spoke to her, the man only carried on about himself. He didn’t even seem to notice Jade’s lack of interest. Each second she was forced to spend in the lord’s company condemned him in Jade’s mind. He didn’t have a hope of making a match with her.
Somehow, she made it through the remainder of the evening. The joy Jade felt at the start of the celebration long since dissipated. When she was finally able to escape, Jade laid in bed for hours, unable to drift off to sleep. In the times she did doze, her mind tormented her with vivid dreams of Alec. Why did spending time with these men cause her to feel as if she was betraying him? The infuriating man never said he loved her!
But he refused to say he did not, her mind countered reasonably.
Jade let out a ragged sigh. The words hadn’t been needed. Jade knew how he felt and more importantly, the feelings in her own heart. Her father’s poorly disguised match-making could not continue. It appeared to be time for Jade to speak with him about this matter.
Walking the corridors the next morning, without meaning to, Jade found herself in front of Edmund’s study. She was trying to decide how best to make her case. Taking a deep breath, Jade knocked on the door before she lost her nerve.
Calling for his visitor to enter, Edmund glanced up, then grinned. It had been awhile since Jade stopped by his office.
Last night must have gone better than I thought, Edmund happily mused.
So far, Jade had yet to show any interest in the lords who visited the castle. At times, she seemed to be willfully trying to scare them off. He recalled Lord Percy’s reaction after Jade’s training session with Garth.
Young women are such a mystery.
Wasn’t getting married and having a grand wedding one of their greatest desires? It would appear he thought wrong.
Focusing on the slight woman standing in front of his desk, Edmund noted the determined gleam in her eyes. Edmund held back a sigh. It would seem she hadn’t come to announce her infatuation for anyone.
His eyes quickly traveled the length of his daughter. Jade had grown and changed much since her journey to Zerrok, but it appeared the transformation had not ceased. An air of confidence shrouded her. For the first time as he gazed upon his daughter, Edmund saw not his little girl, but a woman capable of leading their people. When did this happen? Despite her stubbornness, he was proud.
Rising, the noble gave her a hug all the same. He could feel Jade squeeze tightly, desperately, in return. Pulling back, he gently led her to their favorite spot by the windows.
“Tell me my jewel, to what do I owe the pleasure of your company this morning? I trust you found the festival diverting.”
“I found it fairly adequate.” She flashed him a small smile prior to taking a deep breath. “In fact, it is in regards to last evening which brings me here.”
Edmund instantly perked up. He must have misjudged the light shining in her eyes. Which lucky lord could it be?
<
br /> “Pray, continue. You know you can tell me anything.”
I hope that is true, Jade thought, gripping the skirt of her dress. Smoothing out the fabric, she let the words trapped within her flow out.
“Father, I love you very much. I know you are merely seeking what you believe to be in my best interest, but pray, I ask for you to discontinue with your matchmaking hence forth.”
Edmund’s expression morphed into a scowl. “If you are aware it is for your best interest, then why request me to cease with the introductions? Do you not desire to make a proper match?”
“Of course I do, Father.” Jade clutched her hands together and peered out at the rain splattered glass. “More than anything, I seek a man who will be the best match for not only myself, but Stafford as well.” She turned back to gaze at her father. “These lords as of late are not the right fit for me or our people.”
Crossing his arms, Edmund’s eyes narrowed. “Is that so? And what was so exceedingly wrong with my choices?”
Jade shook her head. “I mean no offense. It is not easy to find someone with the proper character to follow in your footsteps. Should I not, at the very least, like the man I am prevailed upon to marry?”
Holding Jade’s unwavering gaze, the duke exhaled deeply through his nose. “What type of man might that be?” he questioned a little too sharply.
“One that is not completely self-centered would be a welcome start,” Jade nearly snapped in return.
Their tempers were much more alike than either one was willing to admit.
Jade refused to advert her eyes. She wanted— no needed, her father to understand.
“My entire life, you and mother have spoken of what is proper for those of privilege. I do not think it is unreasonable to seek a husband who bears those qualities. I seek someone who is smart, strong and courageous, yet still kindhearted enough to see people as people, not merely a means to get what he wants. Someone who sees me as more than an asset to trade for greater wealth and power. I deserve that and so does Stafford.”
The duke could feel his jaw tense. Jade’s speech wasn’t fooling him. As heartfelt as her words might have been, he could still see the hidden meaning behind them. Her list of qualities wasn’t designed for any lord to live up to. They were derived from an already chosen suitor.
It didn’t matter if he paraded a hundred, or even a thousand men before her. Jade’s mind was already made up. After all these months, she hadn’t forgotten about Alec. He knew Garth was the only one to receive any type of correspondence. Therefore, Edmund couldn’t fathom how the warrior was influencing her despite the distance between them. There was no denying it. It was lingering still, from Jade’s lessons with a blade, to the defiance dancing in her eyes like a flame. I should have done something sooner. Had he been aware of this unhealthy infatuation with a man of lower birth, Edmund would have.
Hands curling around the arms of the chair, Edmund slowly rose to his feet. Face twitching, he stared at his daughter like a looming thunderstorm.
“As your father and patriarch, you shall heed my words, Jade. You are the daughter of a Duke, and as such, you will marry a man of noble blood and only a nobleman. I shall not give my blessing for another. So forget him.”
Him. Jade knew at once to whom her father was referring, even though his name was yet to be said. Leaping to her feet, she glared up at him.
“Why do you disapprove of him? I thought you liked Alec? Did he not save your life?”
“He might be a great warrior, but he is not worthy of you!”
Tears welled up in her eyes as Jade raised her chin. Finally, she understood why Alec left to make a name for himself. He was right. Edmund would never approve of him even after all he had done.
“He is the only one worthy,” Jade managed.
With a choked sob she fled the chamber, nearly crashing into her mother who was standing on the other side of the door. Sailing past her, Jade didn’t trust herself to speak as she raced back towards her room.
Closing the solid wooden door with a soft click, Leona glided over towards the desk and took a seat.
Edmund plopped down in his chair behind the massive piece of furniture. Eyes closed, his fingers rubbed his right temple while the noble released a frustrated groan.
“Are you proud of yourself dear?” Leona questioned smoothly in a calm voice.
Edmund’s hand froze. Blinking, he peered over the desk’s polished surface to look at his wife. His arm dropped.
“Not you as well, Leona. You cannot possibly approve of her choice. You more than anyone have taught her the importance of marrying someone suitable.”
She nodded gracefully. “Indeed, I have. I admit, my love, I was a trifle surprised to see them growing so close.”
“You knew about this?” he growled in return.
“Anyone with eyes could see it.”
“And you allowed it to continue?” Pounding a hand on the desk Edmund turned the chair so he could face his wife. “Leona what were you thinking? Our daughter refuses to even consider another suitor because of him.”
Ankles crossed and hands resting lightly on her lap, the duchess waited a few moments prior to asking, “Why do you disapprove of Alec so greatly? I distinctly recall you being quite fond of him.”
“I have nothing against him as a swordsman or even as a sorcerer,” Edmund began, leaning over the desk. “But for our daughter! Come now, he was a slave fighting as a gladiator. He cannot possibly compare to the lords I have selected.”
Edmund’s head jerked back as he distinctly heard Leona emit a noise which sounded very much like a snort.
“My love, you are misguided. I do not include you when I say this, but having noble blood does not automatically make you above reproach. Too many are driven more by their ambitions than a desire for a respectable companion. Having lived through a similar experience myself, I understand her distaste in being treated like a mindless doll. Far too many are vain, selfish and see women as beneath them. It is no wonder Alec earned her affections; her other suitors pale in comparison.”
Edmund blinked rapidly. Did she just say Alec was better than these noblemen? That he was better than the men Edmund was choosing for their daughter? The duke raked his fingers through his hair.
“Do not be so foolish, Leona. You have been blinded by that man’s charm.”
“Lord Vincent was charming, Alec is anything but.”
Edmund scowled at her.
The duchess fought a smirk. “Tell me Edmund, what qualities do you seek in our daughter’s suitor?”
Slumping in his chair the duke’s eyes momentarily dropped to the desk. He took several slow, deep breaths. When he began talking again he started out quietly, as if speaking to himself.
“The man must be intelligent to begin with and treat Jade well. Strong...a good leader...a fine warrior would not hurt. More than anything he should be someone our people can rely on, look up to, no matter if it be times of privilege or strife. I want the next duke to rule as we have, with a just fist and a compassionate heart.”
Leona smiled fondly. “You are a fair and just man, Edmund. I am proud to be your wife.” She stood and rounded the desk, lingering by his side. “Name one of those qualities Alec does not possess. I could understand your disapproval if the man in question was a simple farmer, or one of the footman, but he is not. Look at what Alec accomplished. The impression he left behind, from Leos to Malcolm. Grandmaster Malcolm, the greatest sage of our time, took Alec as only one of three apprentices. Perhaps, you should think of that instead of the slave from Zerrok.”
Bending down, Leona placed a gentle kiss on his forehead prior to leaving the study.
Edmund leaned his head against the back of the chair. “Women!” he muttered to the empty space.
When had his wife shifted her alliances? He never would have imagined her approving of Alec over any of Jade’s other suitors. Was the kingdom going mad?
Running a hand over his face, Edmund stared bl
ankly at the wall. Was it possible Alec had more worth than he gave him credit for? The man could not help the situation to which he was born. Yet, during his time here Alec certainly left an impression as Leona said.
At first, Edmund considered him a possible threat. After Alec saved him and his men in the Rios Forest, he came to see him as a great warrior. Quiet and slightly withdrawn, the man gradually came out of his protective shell to become a major part of the running of Stafford. His impressive skills in combat with both sword and sorcery were matched by his strength as a leader.
Tapping his fingers on the arm of the chair, Edmund was forced to admit Leona was at least partially right. Malcolm did take a special interest in Alec. He could have easily let another train the new sorcerer and even left with Alec when he departed for Marcia. There wasn’t a single time Alec showed off his powers or abused them.
In his mind’s eye, Alec’s history with the Stafford’s Guard seemed to flash before him. Edmund was reminded of when Alec nearly drowned in the creek, his restraint against Vincent, and the way he helped Jade overcome her fear after she was attacked. Perhaps, it was time to stop thinking of him as a former slave, and see him in a different light. In that regard, part of him was as equally guilty as some of his men.
Chapter 5
Carefully shifting his feet on the roughly tied logs, Alec gripped his knife as he studied his new battlefield. Begrudgingly, the warrior had to admit Markus outdid himself for Alec’s first ever water match.
The entire arena was flooded to create a man-made lake. The only area within the stone pit which could be considered land was a sand mound pressed against the upper right corner. A tall thick pole jutted out of the sand against the wall to hoist what was considered the “prize” of this particular competition.
Upper body bound by ropes, Isabelle kicked her legs as she swung unhappily from near the top. Whoever was deemed the winner would get to keep her in their cell. Alec would be damned before he allowed that to happen.
The warrior shifted his focus back to the more pressing problem at hand: his battleground. A total of four gladiators armed with knives were positioned at the corners of a large, thirty-foot platform. The structure was nothing fancy, just heavy timber lashed together. Water seeped through the cracks around his feet. Worse, every time one of the fighters moved, the whole platform bobbed. Keeping it from flipping over entirely would be a feat in and of itself.
