by Jeanne Hardt
She looked down and away from him. “I believed our kisses to be real.”
“They were real, which added to my turmoil.”
As much as she wanted to accept his words as truth, she refused to be deceived again.
Without looking at him, she stood upright and secured his knife in her pack. If she returned it to him, she feared he might eventually be foolish enough to use it.
She mindlessly stroked her mare’s mane. “I believe our horses have rested long enough. We should be on our way.” Her emotions had grown numb, and she spoke without feeling.
“You still wish to offer me shelter?”
“I said I would help you, and that has not changed. However, because of your revelations, I have altered my intentions on one particular issue. I must stop my brothers on their way to Basilia and warn them of Angeline’s deceit. Long ago, I overheard her talking with our father. She always tried to make herself appear to be a better person in his eyes, and even proclaimed herself to be the woman foretold in Masa’s prophecy.”
“Masa?”
“Yes. Are you familiar with his writings?”
Tesher sat a bit taller as if it helped him to speak of someone other than himself. “As a child, I was told stories written by Masa. Are you referring to the tale of a promised high queen who would be the savior of the lands? It was presented to me as a myth, not a genuine prophecy.”
“Yes, that is the one, and it is quite genuine. All of Masa’s prophesies have come to pass, except that very one. If my sister believes she is the foretold savior, and she plotted King Frederick’s death, she is manipulating events in order to fulfill the prophecy. According to Masa, all kings must die.”
Carmela’s aching mind spun. “I understand now why she was so blissful when she learned of King Boden’s death. Yes, she is heartless, but it was more than that. She reveled in his passing. If she assumes her destiny is to reign supreme, his death brought her another step nearer.”
“It cannot be! If you speak truly, then my own father is at risk.” His brows dipped low. “You have to be mistaken. No one can be so evil as to kill every king for no reason whatsoever. Not even Angeline.”
Carmela frowned and stared at him. “Listen to yourself, Tesher. After all you have just endured, do you not see what she is capable of?”
Ever-so-slowly, he stood and moved toward his horse. He placed a foot in the stirrup and swung his leg over the animal’s back. As he sat upright, his face paled. “You cannot tell your brothers Angeline is responsible for Frederick’s death.”
“Why? Granted, they are her kin, but Talman is also a king and would need to die for her to fulfill the prophecy. My brothers must know of her sinful acts, so she can be put in her proper place. Hopefully, in the darkest of dungeons.”
“If they approach her, she will tell them I killed her husband because of my love for her. If I am confronted, I cannot lie. Even if they believe she misled me, I alone put the poison in the wine and made certain it was given to Frederick. I fear what would become of me.”
She mounted her horse and guided it close to Tesher’s. Everything he had revealed tormented her thoughts, and her conflicted feelings for him added to her confusion. “Did you not only moments ago ask me to kill you? And yet now you fear punishment?”
“I confess, I am weak and not fit to be called a man. It is pain that terrifies me, and in all honesty, I do not wish to die.” He turned his head. “I am a coward.”
She stretched out her arm and rested a hand on his shoulder. “My sister damaged you, but you are not beyond hope.”
He eyed her hand. “Why do you show me any form of sympathy? Do I not repulse you?” He shut his eyes. “I most certainly despise myself.”
“My heart will not permit me to see you as you see yourself. Perhaps, I, too, am a fool.” She nudged her mare with her knees and urged her forward. “I will caution my brothers to be wary, but I will keep what you have told me between us. However, if she harms them, I would find myself feeling as you do. I could not forgive my inaction.”
He guided his mare beside hers. “I thank you, Carmela. For everything. Though I do not know how, someday, I will repay your kindness.”
She looked him straight in the eyes. “All I ask of you is truthfulness, from this day forward. Just as you are struggling with what is and is not genuine, I fight the same enemy.”
He placed a hand over his heart. “I vow it. I have always been very poor at lying, and I hated hiding the truth of my intentions with Angeline from my family. I was so desperate to show my father that I was a man, I forgot what characteristics made a man honorable. I know not how I will face my parents again.”
“Much damage has been done, yet time may reveal a way.”
They continued on silently at a slow pace. It seemed the urgency Tesher had previously felt had dissipated. He rode with slumped shoulders, appearing utterly defeated.
“Carmela?” His voice cracked.
“Yes?”
“I do care for you.”
Since he had promised truth, she longed to believe it. And yet, she retained her defenses and an expressionless face. “That remains to be seen. We are bound to one another by law, and though based on falsehoods, the documents were signed by the scribes and sanctified by the priests. If I request they be broken, I would bring shame not only to you, but embarrassment to myself. I do not wish to endure being seen as a blind fool by everyone in the realms.”
“I would be honored to have you continue forth as my claimed intended, but I would hold no blame against you if you choose to cast me aside. I will always be a murderer. It is a title I cannot erase.”
Marrying him was all she had ever wanted. However, the beauty of it had been tainted. “Time will also show us what we are to do in that respect. For now, we will behave as a betrothed couple, but I cannot give you my word that I will indeed become your wife.”
He sluggishly nodded. “I deserve no more.”
She would not argue that point.
Weary of talking, she increased her horse’s pace and rode a short distance ahead of him. She had much to contemplate, and her broken heart muddied her mind.
Chapter 3
The gaze of every servant and guard in the great hall rested on Angeline. She knew it to be so, even without looking in their direction. She felt their intense stares as if they were actually brushing along her skin with their touch. Their whispers were even more pronounced.
It was all she could do to keep from smiling.
She sat at the large oak dining table—alone—and soaked in every ounce of pity. She had lifted her veil, only to feign an attempt at eating. Using her fork, she pushed around her food, then set the utensil aside with a sigh. Her hunger had already been satisfied, but no one need know it. Denali had brought bread, meat, and cheese to her chamber, along with a fitting glass of wine.
Mab, the gray-haired cook, tiptoed toward her. “Your Majesty, is there anything at all I can prepare for you? If the food sitting before you is undesirable, I will cook whatever you want.”
Angeline shifted slightly in her chair and studied the woman. She had never been friendly, or talkative, for that matter. Their previous conversation seemed to have taken place long ago, yet only a day had passed since she had gone to Mab and questioned her about Prima.
“I appreciate your offer,” Angeline whispered with as much pain as she could muster. “But I fear my appetite has left me. Nothing you prepare will alter it.”
“I understand, Your Majesty.” Mab bowed low, then backed away.
Much more rapid footsteps neared.
To Angeline’s pleasure, Kendor appeared and headed straight toward her. He, too, bowed, then righted himself and stood tall. “My queen. The carriage from Oros has returned. King Callum has asked to see you.”
“Very well.” She released another long sigh and sadly looked downward. “Please, have both the king and queen brought to me. Perhaps this abundant food will not go to waste.” She waved a hand toward the bowls set
out before her. “I am unable to partake.”
Kendor dropped to one knee and put himself at her level. “Are you certain you are prepared to discuss your ordeal? I have no doubt the king has many questions.”
“As we all do.” Kendor’s loyalty had been easily attained. She lightly touched his arm. “Your belief in my capabilities rests proudly on my heart. I will be strong and face them. It might do me well to share my grief.”
He glanced at her hand and swallowed hard. “Yes, my queen. I will bring them at once.” As he stood, she allowed her hand to linger, so that it glided down the length of his arm.
Their eyes met and she sensed his longing, possibly matching her own. He paused before departing as if he truly hated leaving her.
He had been known to venture to Issa now and then for gratification, so the man had tasted a woman and knew the pleasure it brought forth. If she did not expedite her plans with him, they could both very well burst.
She lowered her veil to hide the smile that emerged, contemplating the idea.
It took almost no time at all, and Kendor returned with King Callum and Queen Leda.
Angeline pushed her chair back in order to rise out of respect for the king, but he motioned her down. “Please. Do not stand.”
“Yes,” Leda added. “It is unnecessary.” She hastened to Angeline’s side, then took hold of her hand. “My poor, poor dear. I know not what to say to ease your sorrow. Callum and I are shocked by the horror of this terrible ordeal.”
“That we are,” Callum grumbled.
“You cannot imagine my shock,” Angeline whispered. “For a man of Frederick’s greatness to drown while bathing…” She sniffled and reached beneath her veil with a handkerchief to dab at her face. “I am broken…” With as much force as she could, she released a heavy sob.
Leda wrapped her arms around her. “Dear, Angeline. What might we do to lessen your suffering?”
Angeline repeatedly gasped in the woman’s arms. “Simply having you near helps.” She took an overly exaggerated breath, then gently pushed Leda away. “Please…sit and eat. I assume you have not had your evening meal, and there is much food before me. I cannot manage even a bite.”
Callum did not hesitate to take a place at the table. He grabbed bowl after bowl and loaded a plate with food.
Leda cast a disapproving glance his way, but also sat. However, her attention remained on Angeline and she made no attempt to eat. “Why are you alone, Angeline?”
“It is my misfortune. All have left me.”
“All?” Leda’s eyes widened.
The thoughts obviously spinning through the woman’s mind alone entertained Angeline. She frowned and nodded, though glorious laughter internally filled her.
Leda looked toward her husband with horror-filled eyes. “That cannot be.”
No doubt, he understood the seriousness of Angeline’s proclamation and held a piece of meat in midair. “What of our son and your sister?”
“They have fled.”
“Fled?” Callum dropped his hands onto the table, gaping.
Leda’s eyes somehow managed to widen further. “With the kingdom in turmoil? Why flee?” She placed a hand to her bosom. “Please, do not tell me my son was somehow involved with your husband’s demise?”
Such fun! “I know not,” Angeline whimpered. “And yet, just after the trumpets sounded and word spread of Frederick’s death, Carmela and Tesher were seen speeding away from Basilia on two of our finest horses.”
Callum beat his fist on the table. “You made no attempt to stop them?”
“Forgive me, but I thought of nothing at the moment other than my own pain. Surely, they had good reason to go.” Ever so slowly, she lifted her veil. “Perhaps they departed, knowing you would return. Although I vowed to watch after them and make certain they did not act on their passions for one another, I fear they may have found a way, when my eyes were averted. My healer revealed to me that he had seen Tesher leave Carmela’s room. Your son may have compromised her.”
The king’s face turned two deeper shades of red. He gritted his teeth and again pounded his fist. “When I get my hands on that boy…”
“Now is not the time, Callum,” Leda scolded. “If they have indeed acted on their feelings, we will expedite their vows. The desires of young lovers pale in comparison to the issues at hand. Keep your head about you.”
Angeline sniffled. “I understand the needs of the heart, yet all has been taken from me.”
Leda drew Angeline into her arms and rocked her back and forth. “Shh…Trouble yourself no more with thoughts of Tesher and your sister. We will send someone after them and confront the situation as we deem necessary.”
Oddly, Angeline found pleasure in the woman’s embrace. It brought forth fond memories of being a six-year-old child, comforted against her mother’s breast. Carmela’s birth had snuffed out the life of the one soul Angeline had loved—aside from Denali. She had not even loved her father as she should. Likely because she blamed him for her mother’s need to lay with another man. Had her father kept her mother satisfied, the woman may not have strayed and produced Angeline’s wretched sister. Then again, perhaps their mother possessed similar passions to Angeline’s, and a lone man could not satiate her.
Unfortunately, her mother died long before Angeline grew into womanhood and understood the mature workings of the heart and body. If only Angeline had discovered the identity of Carmela’s father. It remained a mystery.
She shook her head to dismiss her wandering thoughts, and in doing so, discovered King Callum had risen.
He walked across the vast length of the great hall and approached the dais on the far end.
Angeline released Leda and watched every move he made.
With his head high, he climbed the two steps to the coveted throne. He stroked the gold-embossed wood like a lover.
Angeline tightened her fists. His desire for the highest position in the lands seeped from every part of his being.
Leda looked his way, then lowered her head as if ashamed. Surely, he had already revealed to her his plans to take the throne from Basilia.
Regardless of Angeline’s feigned sorrow, she eased out of her chair and trudged across the enormous room to reach him. Leda followed at her heels, but said nothing.
Angeline ascended the steps and placed her hand on the back of the large throne. “Frederick always seemed happiest when sitting here.”
“Yes.” Callum eased onto the seat as though he belonged there. He rubbed his hands up and down the arms. “Only yesterday he and I were in this very place discussing the origin of this finely crafted throne.”
“Carved by my people in Thanwine many years ago,” Angeline whispered through clenched teeth.
“Your people,” Callum muttered and tipped his head upward, meeting her gaze. She hoped her thin veil would shield her displeasure. “And yet you have become a Basilian queen. Now that your husband is dead, will you return to Thanwine?”
“Callum,” Leda harshly said. “Can we not wait to discuss such issues?”
“There is no need,” Angeline interjected before the king could answer. “It is important we settle crucial matters.”
She lifted her veil and stood in front of the king, making a point to harden her expression. “I have no intention of leaving Basilia. When I married Frederick, I vowed loyalty not only to him, but to his people.”
Callum sat tall. “And yet, the marriage vows plainly state that death breaks the bond of matrimony. You are now free to wed another, if you so desire. Why stay in a place bearing such disturbing memories?”
She looked downward and cupped her hands over her stomach. “It is where I shall raise Frederick’s child, and thus transform unpleasantness into joy.”
Leda gasped and the king’s eyes substantially widened. “A child?” he spit out. “You were married a mere week!”
“True. Yet, as you know, it takes but one time for a man and woman to join to have such an outcome.”
“Even so,” Leda said. “It is much too soon to know such a thing. Your body would show no signs of transformation.”
Angeline casually sat on her own throne. “It is difficult to speak of such delicate issues—especially in the presence of a man—but I assure you, I am with child. My flow is late, and my appetite minimal. The life inside me has made itself known.”
“Ridiculous!” Callum grumbled. “It took Leda months before she showed any indication of pregnancy. If you are fully aware you are with child, then you and the high king surely laid together prior to your nuptials.”
Angeline gaped at him, then covered her mouth with her hand. Slowly, she moved it downward and rubbed it across her heart. “How can you say something so horrid and demeaning? Especially in a time of mourning?” She sniffled. “I was a maid until the night of my wedding. You should be ashamed of yourself for thinking otherwise.”
Callum shifted in his seat and faced her squarely. “Only minutes ago, did you not indicate that your sister and my son may have acted on their passions? What I suggested is not unreasonable.”
“I am not my sister! And if they did indeed frolic, I place the blame on Tesher. I was not blind to his desires. If I had been weak, he would have eagerly bed me.”
“Please!” Leda heavily sighed. “Speaking of such things is not accomplishing anything. Can we not be civil?”
“Fine.” Callum took several deep breaths. “Though I find it hard to believe, I will accept what you say to be true, in regard to your condition. However, even if you bear a son, it will be years before he can ascend the throne. In the meanwhile, Oros shall reclaim the high throne. It is my right to rule, according to our laws.” He had the gall to smile. “It should ease you, Angeline, to have the responsibility removed from your realm. I will see to it that peace between our kingdoms remains. Frederick asked me to align with him, and I will carry out his final wishes.”
“Ease me?” She stood and hovered above him. “You come here and offer condolences, and in your next breath, you not only insult me, you state your intention to strip the throne from its platform. I am not eased in the least. The high throne belongs in Basilia, where it was justly earned. I will not allow you to take it!”
