by Jeanne Hardt
As quietly as possible, she dressed, choosing to forego her many undergarments. After all, she would not be required to attend a formal function while here, so the abundant layers mattered not. It was far more important to keep herself cool, but she fully covered herself in an appropriate dress. Regardless of how carefree she desired to be, she could not frolic about their camp, scantily dressed like a trollop.
Breathing deeply, she made her way from the tent.
“Your Highness?” Jonah stood tall and awkwardly smiled. “I am happy to see you.”
“Good morning, Jonah.” The look on his face charmed her. He seemed slightly befuddled, as if not expecting her at all. “Or is it afternoon?” She laughed. “I fear I have lost all sense of time.”
He loudly cleared his throat. “Morning passed hours ago.” He cast another odd-looking smile. “Are you well? I heard you cry out.”
“Worry not. Sebastian eased me.” She grasped Jonah’s hand. “I am blessed to have a caring husband, as well as the loyalty and concern of his true friend.”
Jonah pulled his shoulders back. “It is my honor, Highness. But why is Sebastian not with you?”
“I allowed him sleep.” She grinned, squeezed his hand, then jerked her head in the direction of the enticing aroma. “I am quite famished, and I thought I smelled food.”
“Severin roasted some boar meat, and I brought plenty of bread and cheese. I left a basket near the fire, knowing you would eventually require nourishment.”
She glanced back at the tent. “Perhaps I should wake Sebastian, so he may eat as well.”
Jonah grinned. “Let the man sleep. His stomach will rouse him when necessary.” He nodded down the shoreline, then extended an arm. “Shall we?”
“Thank you.” She happily linked her arm in his. “Before I neglect to mention it, I appreciate all you did for us, not only by preparing our lodging, but also in the way you so carefully hung my things within the tent. My dress has nary a wrinkle.” She fanned her smooth skirt to emphasize her point.
“It pleases me to hear you are pleased.”
Though she had not known Jonah long, she trusted him, as well as liked him. His pleasant disposition made it easy to understand why Sebastian and he were such good friends.
She had purposefully left her feet bare, and as they walked along the shoreline, she took everything in, while letting her feet enjoy the sensation of the sand. Tomorrow, she would make certain to wake early enough to see the sunrise. From what Sebastian had told her, the sight was breathtaking.
Gulls hopped along the water’s edge, pecking here and there, then took flight as Jonah and she neared. Thoughts of the many birds that nested in the gorge came to mind, and she smiled. Finally, she felt just as free.
As quickly as it had come, she lost her smile. Thinking about the gorge brought back her visions of Donovan.
Other than the birds and Severin, she believed no one else was about. “Jonah?”
“Yes, Highness?”
“You stood watch over our tent all night, did you not?”
“Of course.” He kept his eyes forward, but his cheeks slightly reddened.
“Can you assure me, there are no others but the four of us here?”
He stopped and faced her. “I swear it.”
They had nearly reached the fire, but Olivia had more important things on her mind than hunger. “I know Sebastian told you about Donovan—the man who tried to overthrow my father’s kingdom.”
Jonah gulped and nodded. “He mentioned the man. Why do you speak of him?”
She braced a hand on Jonah’s shoulder. “You are Sebastian’s most faithful friend. Did he tell you how Donovan died?”
“Yes.” He let out a long breath. “He said he fell to his death in the canyon that surrounds Padrida.”
“So … he told you Donovan most definitely died and mentioned no possibility of his survival?”
His eyes narrowed. “Worry not about Donovan. No man could live through such a fall.”
She peered straight into his eyes, needing assurance of truth.
It troubled her that she doubted his words, as well as those of her husband, in regard to Donovan. If she could not trust the man she had married, her future held little hope for happiness.
“Highness?” Jonah tipped his head. “You claimed Sebastian eased you. Is there something that bothers you still?”
It had been wrong of her to prod his friend. “Forgive me. Aside from my rumbling belly, I am fine.” She stared at the sand. “I tend to be my own worst enemy.”
“Am I interrupting?”
Olivia spun to face Sebastian, then moved into his embrace. “You are never an interruption.” She tilted her head back and puckered for a kiss.
He wasted no time obliging her. “I woke to find you gone. An unpleasant wakening.”
“I was hungry, and you looked at peace, sleeping. I did not want to rouse you.” She motioned to Jonah. “He promised food. I happily followed him.”
“I see.” He grinned, then pointed a finger at his friend. “You have discovered a way to take my bride from me. I will forgive you, as long as you can accommodate my hunger as well. I pray there is enough food.”
Jonah grinned and rolled his eyes. “More than enough.”
They continued on to the firepit, where they found Severin poking at the flames with a stick. Off to the side, a large pan filled with roasted meat perched atop a flat rock.
Jonah dug into a basket and withdrew a loaf of bread. “I have a cask of wine as well. Will that do? Or would you prefer mere water?”
Sebastian helped Olivia take a seat on a blanket laid out on the sand, then sat beside her.
“Water for now, Jonah,” she said. “If I drink wine, I shall want to sleep and would not be able to enjoy the day.”
“Very well.” Jonah withdrew another container, filled a cup with water, then handed it to her. “I find that wine helps me enjoy my days, regardless of the hour. However, I will abide by your wishes.”
Sebastian chuckled. “Make no attempt to corrupt my bride. It would pain me to hear one day that you have invited her to join you at Toad’s Tavern.”
“Toad’s?” Olivia laughed. “It sounds lovely.” She could not hide her sarcasm. “Worry not, Sebastian. I am incorruptible.” She happily sipped the cool water, while Jonah piled meat onto a plate, then passed it over to her.
Severin put another piece of wood on the fire, frowned, and knelt beside Sebastian. “Sire?”
“Yes?”
“May I speak openly?” He shifted his eyes toward Olivia, then back on Sebastian.
“Of course.”
“I feel utterly useless here. I am not trained as a cook or a carriage driver, but as a warrior. I do not see the need to keep me from Basilia and request that you allow me to take one of the horses and ride home. Jonah has made it plain he will guard you. I care not to stand idly about, with no purpose.”
Olivia had wondered why they had sent a man like him on a romantic venture. Then again, no kingdoms were at war, so Severin had no need to use his acquired skills in Basilia or anywhere. Trained cook or not, he had served a purpose. The roast boar tasted quite good.
Sebastian’s pleasant demeanor instantly changed and his body grew rigid. “You are doing the very thing your king commanded. Do not question his authority.”
“But, sire—”
“A word, Severin.” Sebastian shot to his feet and strode some distance away.
Severin dutifully followed.
Olivia’s hunger diminished, replaced by a new kind of inner turmoil. Her stomach roiled.
She could not make out their words, but their heated interchange seemed unwarranted. Sebastian had always come across as a kind and understanding leader. His abrupt response to Severin’s request was unlike him.
Jonah cleared his throat. “Highness?”
“Yes?” She turned her attention to him, though her ears stayed attuned to the muffled argument.
“Worry y
ourself not over such things. Severin stepped out of line making such a request, and Sebastian needed to remind him of his place.”
His words did not ease her concern. “I am well aware of the need for loyalty, yet I understand Severin’s frustration. I find it odd that King Roland would see fit to send one of his best sentries on this venture. After all, you are more than capable of looking after us. Are you not?”
“Yes.” He patted his sheathed sword.
“So, what might we need protecting from?” She pointed at the lapping water. “A rogue fish?”
Jonah released a nervous chuckle. “You jest, Highness.”
She jutted her chin. “Yes and no. Are you and Sebastian keeping something from me?”
He blinked several times, then smiled. “Why would we do such a thing?” He lifted the pan of meat. “More?”
“No. I have had plenty.” He had evaded her question in a roundabout sort of way, by putting it back on her. “Tell me truthfully, are there those in the realms who wish Sebastian harm? Is that why King Roland commanded Severin to join us?”
Jonah frowned and sat nearby atop the sand and not on the blanket. “The realms are at peace. However, I fear Sebastian’s cousin, Frederick, resents Sebastian’s position and believes he should one day sit on the high throne. Had Sebastian not taken a wife, Frederick would have been named.” He looked straight into her face. “If you produce no heir, he may still.”
She placed her hands over her belly. “I understand, and he would be justified in doing so. The kingdom needs a successor. But …” Her stomach churned harder. “You named Frederick as someone who wants to harm Sebastian. Surely, the man would not try to forcefully take the throne. Would he?”
“Well …” Jonah’s head jerked up.
She followed his gaze. Sebastian had returned, looking anything but happy. “Did I hear mention of Frederick?”
Jonah jumped to his feet. “Yes, sire. I was explaining to Olivia your cousin’s frustration over his lack of position.”
“Trouble her not with such things. We are here to enjoy ourselves. Talk of Frederick will accomplish quite the opposite.”
Olivia reached out to Sebastian, and he sat beside her once again. “Do not scold Jonah. The fault is mine. I prodded him for information.” She glanced Severin’s way, surprised to find the man walking away from them. “Is Severin leaving?”
“No.” Sebastian took her hand, then lifted it to his lips and kissed it. “He is merely walking away his frustrations.” He looked up at Jonah. “When he returns, I suggest you get some rest in the carriage. Since you stand firm on guarding our tent, I insist you sleep, or you will be of little use to us. Severin will be sleeping in the carriage again tonight.”
“Yes, sire.”
“Sebastian?” Olivia’s heart oddly ached. “Perhaps we should not stay. I feel our being here is causing difficulties. It was not my intention to inconvenience anyone.”
He squeezed her hand, then turned his attention to Jonah. “Please leave us for a brief time. Do not go far, mind you, only enough distance to give us some privacy.”
Jonah bowed at the waist, smiled at her, then wandered off. He stopped a short way down the shore.
Sebastian stretched out on the blanket and pulled her with him. The sand cradled their bodies almost as well as the down in their mattress. Even so, it took her a while to get comfortable, until she finally found a bit of relief, cuddled against his chest.
He stroked her hair. “You are not smiling as I hoped you would, being here.”
“Forgive me, but something does not feel right.” She propped herself up on his firm body and peered into his eyes. “I love you, Sebastian, but I do not understand why you were so harsh with Severin. The man simply wants to do what he has been trained for. I find it admirable he does not care to be idle.”
“He is not idle. He is here to watch over us and assist Jonah, if need be.”
She cuddled into him. “Do you fear your cousin? Is he the reason for Severin?” Sebastian’s gentle hand moved to her back. His sweet caress soothed her.
“In part. Now that you are free, you will find there are always risks in being a royal. Inside the walls of Padrida, you were relatively safe, but outside those walls, power-seeking men remain a threat. Possibly even more so in times of peace. After all, who would expect an uprising, when there are no indications of discontent?”
She did not expect living in freedom to render such difficulties. Yet, her expectations had been shattered. She had been silly to believe life outside the Padridan border would be any better than what she had. Donovan had sought power within the security of her home. Evil men cared not where they would have to go, or whom they would need to harm, in order to fulfill their desires for control.
She burrowed into Sebastian’s body. “People should be happy living in peace. The thirst for power leads to bloodshed.” She lifted her head and peered into his eyes. “Do your people not value life?”
“Power-hungry men give little thought to those they feel are less worthy. They see commoners as disposable commodities.” He smoothed his hand over her hair. “Worry is creasing your forehead once again. Please release all unpleasant thoughts. We have much to be happy about. Jonah and Severin are watching over us, and nothing troublesome will interrupt our stay here.”
“Their swords did not stop my nightmares.”
He rolled her onto her back. “Maybe you should not sleep.”
His brows jiggled, and she let out a laugh—something that felt very good.
He, too, released a pleasant chuckle. “Shall we return to the tent?”
The sensual way he asked set her heart racing. “Yes. Please.”
He stood, then scooped her into his arms and headed in that direction.
As they passed Jonah, the dear man simply shook his head and followed. Once they reached the tent, he dutifully lifted the canvas flap so they could enter. The man displayed unquestionable loyalty.
The moment Olivia and Sebastian were alone, she forgot all else.
Perhaps all her worries had been for naught.
Chapter 3
The anger that thudded with every loud footfall in the corridor meant only one thing. Darius had returned.
Angeline walked calmly to the fireplace and splayed her fingers to warm them. Though no other kingdom could rival the beauty of her realm, she wished snow was not so frigid. It blanketed everything and never melted, and no matter the power of the flames before her, their heat diminished within feet of the hearth.
The great hall should not have been constructed quite so large, making it almost impossible to heat. However, her ancestors had insisted that all aspects of the castle in Thanwine exceeded the grandness of any other king’s domain.
After a lifetime of residing in the cold Thanwinian Mountains, she should be accustomed to the lack of warmth. Yet, she despised it. And now that her plans had been thwarted, she would have to remain here longer than she had intended.
She put her back to the fire and waited, dreading the details of her cousin’s report.
Darius strode across the floor and stood within inches of her. His scowl pushed through his thick beard, but he said nothing.
“Dear, cousin.” She folded her arms over her bosom. “Shall I assume you saw her?”
“Yes.” He huffed a breath “She is nothing compared to you. Sebastian is a fool. No one will accept that poor-blooded Crenian as queen.”
“Tell me all you know.” She took hold of his rough-skinned hand and led him to the window seat. One of her favorite places in the castle.
Darius lifted an always-present blanket from the edge of the seat and wrapped it around her shoulders, then she enfolded herself within it. Even though icy air crept in through the small spaces in the wood shutters, the cushioned velvet seat pleased her backside. And whenever she needed to be reminded of the magnificence of her realm, she merely opened the slatted window coverings and took in her surroundings. Snow-covered and cold, but spectacu
lar.
Darius cast his eyes toward Shireen, Angeline’s housemaid, and pulled his hand to himself.
The girl had come in with a tray holding mugs of warmed cider and inched slowly toward them.
Angeline inhaled the pleasant scent of apples. “Thank you, Shireen. Put the drinks there.” She gestured to the small table beside her. “Once you add more wood to the fire, leave us. I shall call for you if I require anything more.”
Expressionless, the girl placed the tray where Angeline had indicated, then curtsied and hurried off. She set two large logs into the center of the flames, then scurried down the hall.
It humored Angeline the way Darius had eyed the girl until she vanished from sight.
He grabbed a mug and handed it to Angeline, then took one for himself and sat. “Do you expect any further interruptions?”
She pursed her lips. “No.” Unable to help herself, she let out a laugh. “Worry not. Even if someone in my service suspects the truth about us, they know better than to speak it.” She sipped the hot liquid, then cradled the warm mug in her grasp. “Now, tell me what you know.”
He scooted closer and rested a hand on her leg. “The rite of marriage has already been performed.”
“What?” She studied his face, praying he jested, yet no playfulness lay in his eyes. “No future high king has ever been wed without the presence of every royal in the realms.”
A sly smile lifted Darius’ lips. “Your prince must have been eager to bed her. They waited not for the formality of a ceremony that would have taken months to arrange.”
“My prince?” She threaded her fingers into his beard, then tightened her grasp and twisted. “Do not speak of him so. He shall never be mine. That Crenian woman destroyed my plans.” Disgusted, she released him and turned away.
“Are you so easily defeated?” His hand slid along her back, creating chills quite different from those brought on by cold. “It is unlike you, cousin.”
