by Jeanne Hardt
“Please. It is quite good.”
She released a warm sensual laugh. “The finest things in life make us warm from the inside out. Wine is but one of those delights.”
“Of what else do you speak?” His turquoise eyes captivated her.
She tapped the tip of his nose. “I fear you are too young to be told.”
He squared his jaw and stood taller. “I am no boy.”
“Tesher.”
Damn. Just when things were becoming enjoyable, Eural interrupted, with Estelle practically glued to his body.
“This is such a wonderful affair,” Angeline said to her. “I commend you and your family for being so gay. It cannot be easy, considering the outcome of the proceedings. Then again, I have no doubt your cousin, Frederick, will make a fine king. I assume you are happy, as long as the high throne is kept in your family. Am I not right?”
“Sebastian would have been a great king,” Estelle said. “But we must abide by the law.” She stepped closer. “Is it not horribly difficult for you to be here? Your emotions are surely spent. You should do yourself a kindness and retire for the evening. The guest chambers have been prepared. If you would like, I can call for a servant to show you the way.”
“Retire? So early?” Angeline took hold of Tesher’s hand. “The prince and I were just becoming acquainted.”
Eural’s eyes shot fire, so Angeline moved nearer to Tesher, to further fuel his brother’s rage.
“Tesher,” Eural grumbled. “The hour grows late. Bid Princess Angeline goodnight.”
“No.” Tesher glared at him. “I was about to have another glass of wine. You have no authority to tell me what to do.”
Angeline forced a stoic mask to cover her glee.
Eural panted heavy breaths through his nose. “Father will not be pleased.” He stormed away with the lovely Estelle leeched to his side.
“Hmm.” Angeline watched them until they were out of sight, then focused her attention on Tesher. “Perhaps I was mistaken about you. As you said, you are no boy. You stood up for yourself as a man. I find your fortitude admirable.”
“Thank you.” He wiggled his empty goblet at a passing servant, who filled it without pause. His hand no longer shook.
Angeline followed suit, then waited to speak again until the servant moved on. “How often do you drink wine, Tesher of Oros?” She dipped her finger into the burgundy liquid, then slowly ran it around the rim of the goblet. Once certain his eyes were fully vested in her action, she placed her wine-laden finger in her mouth and closed her lips around it. When she finally withdrew it, she took as much time as possible, allowing him to appreciate the action. “Delicious.”
Tesher gulped hard. “I rarely partake.” He stepped away from her and casually leaned against the wall. The way he feigned ease amused her.
Angeline glided into the space beside him. “Tonight has granted you the opportunity to indulge. A young man such as yourself should never waste the chance for indulgences at such occasions.”
“May I speak openly?” His youthful chest heaved.
“Of course.”
“You dressed in black for this affair. Earlier, I saw you weep, and now … Princess Angeline, what do want from me?”
She had been enjoying herself so much, she had forgotten her attire, as well as her feigned sorrow. “Forgive me.” She sniffled a few times, then turned away from him. “You made me smile for the first time in a long while. For the briefest of moments, I felt like my old self again.” Chin quivering, she faced him, with tears she had managed to bring forth. “I used to be constantly happy, looking only toward a prosperous future with a loving husband and family. You cannot imagine how it felt when I learned Sebastian had chosen another.”
Tesher rested his hand in the small of her back. “Do not cry,” he whispered in her ear. “All will be made well.” His fingers moved ever-so-slightly.
The sensation had her tingling all over. She doubted the virtuous boy had ever before touched a woman in any manner. “You are too kind. One day, some young woman will be blessed to find your favor.” She took his hand, cradled it in her own, then lifted it to her lips and kissed it.
He breathed harder with every passing second. His glorious eyes held wonder and a young passion she wished she could further explore. But as enjoyable as this interaction had been, Tesher was only a minor part of her plan. She had sown a seed, and now she needed to leave him pondering, in order to allow the feelings she had planted to grow and mature.
She jerked her head toward the hallway. “Your brother returns, and I fear your father accompanies him. I had best go to my chamber and keep you from reprimand.”
“Damn their interference.” The boy scowled and repositioned himself, yanking his shoulders back. “Will I see you again?”
Even his cursing charmed her. “Of course.” She dipped her head and hastened away. King Callum’s loud admonishments of Tesher followed her along the corridor.
It took her no time at all to find a servant to inquire about accommodations for the night. The young girl knew her and led her to a bedchamber of which Angeline was quite familiar. She had slept in this very room many nights.
Angeline had grown extremely weary. Plotting and scheming proved to be tiring, but well worth the effort. Truthfully, all had come together much easier than she thought it ever would. The kings had disavowed Sebastian and his whore with nary a word of disdain from her. Then again, dressing in black had been a bold statement in itself.
She lay down on the soft mattress and stared toward the window. The full moon beamed light that illumined her surroundings in an eerie gray. The dismal color seemed appropriate.
She closed her eyes and revisited every aspect of her plan. All was falling perfectly into place.
Chapter 13
The great hall was finally free from all the guests who had come for the farce of a wedding. Aside from Olivia’s parents, everyone had gone to their respective kingdoms, and Sebastian was glad of it.
The food on his plate had grown cold. He had eaten little.
His sweet wife happily chatted with her parents and occasionally glanced his way. Whenever she did, the smile she bore briefly diminished, then returned once she reengaged in conversation.
It pleased him that she had accepted their fate so readily, but he could not bring himself to share her position. He had not lied about not altering his decision to marry her, yet his future seemed pointless. What good was he if he could not lead his people?
“Sebastian?” Olivia reached out to him. “Father would like to see the ruins of Crenia. Will you take us?”
“Of course.” He nodded at King Boden. “Though I fear you might find it unpleasant.”
“I expect it to be. However, I want to know where my ancestors fought so hard to retain their land.”
“Very well.” It would give Sebastian something to do other than wallowing in self-pity.
They finished the meal and he sent for Jaya to bring a carriage. Their journey would not be far, but Sebastian wanted all to be comfortable. Besides, the people of Basilia were not exactly happy to have the Padridan King in their midst.
When the carriage arrived, surprisingly, Severin sat in the driver’s seat. He jumped to the ground and opened the door.
Sebastian moved close to his side. “I sent for Jaya.” He spoke low as the others entered. “Is he ill?”
“No.” Severin squared his jaw. “King Roland ordered me to come in his place.”
The rumblings of the Basilian people must be worse than Sebastian thought. “Thank you.” He looked the man in the eyes. “I appreciate your loyalty. King Boden has asked to see the ruins of Crenia.”
Severin bowed, then returned to his seat.
Sebastian climbed into the carriage and took the space beside Olivia. She rested her hands over her stomach—something she had frequently been doing as of late. Why she had not informed her parents of her condition kept Sebastian wondering.
Her father finger
ed the upholstery. “Magnificent. I should like to have one of these constructed for my own use. Now that our bridge is crossable, traveling in this manner appeals to me more so than horseback.”
“Or the wagon we journeyed in to Basilia,” Queen Sonya added.
“I should have sent a carriage for you.” Sebastian smiled apologetically at the queen. “Forgive my lack of courtesy.”
The king shook his head. “You had more important things on your mind. Think no more of it.”
Olivia rubbed small circles on her belly, smiling serenely.
“My dear …” Her mother reached across to her. “I cannot wait any longer for you to say it. You are with child. Are you not?”
Olivia’s eyes grew wide, then filled with tears. “How did you know?”
The queen pointed. “Your actions betray you. I doubt you realize you have been acting protectively of your unborn baby.”
“Baby?” King Boden gaped at Olivia’s stomach. “My grandchild?”
“Yes, Father.” Olivia wiped at her eyes and laughed, then took Sebastian’s hand. “We wanted to tell you, but I could not decide on an appropriate time.”
The man rapidly patted his wife’s knee. “Sonya, we are to be grandparents!”
Laughter filled the small space, and Sebastian joined in. How could he not? His coming child was one of the only bright prospects ahead of him.
King Boden held a single finger in the air. “Heed my words.” His stern expression warranted it. “Regardless of what that priest said, in Padrida, your children will be royalty.”
Olivia cuddled into Sebastian’s shoulder, but said nothing.
“Yes.” The queen sat primly straight. She cut her eyes at her husband, who gave her a nod of encouragement. “In Padrida you would be respected and not in fear of an uprising against you. Boden and I discussed this in depth, and we would like you to go back with us to Padrida.” She put her eyes on Sebastian. “The right to reign as king has been taken from you, and yet our people will accept you as prince—husband to their queen, Olivia.”
Olivia sat upright. “Mother, we are needed here.”
“But—”
Olivia held up a hand. “Let me finish speaking, please?”
The queen nodded.
Sebastian sat back comfortably and waited. In this particular matter, his wife’s words would weigh heavier than his own.
“Father can capably rule Padrida for many years to come,” Olivia went on. “When he can no longer perform his duties, then yes, Sebastian and I shall return and lead our people.” She glanced sideways at him and he smiled his approval.
A great deal could change between then and now.
Olivia once again caressed their unborn child. “We want our children to grow up in peace. And we do not want them to be chastised for the blood in their veins. When they are old enough to understand such things, Padrida will accept them and give them the respect they deserve.”
“Why not come with us now?” her father said. “Allow them to be reared in a homeland where no one will treat them as inferior.”
Olivia squeezed Sebastian’s hand and begged him with her eyes to speak.
“Your Majesty,” he said. “We truly are needed here. It may seem all issues have been settled, but I know my cousin well. Frederick will not sit by idly and wait for my father to be on his deathbed. Frederick has craved the high throne for as long as I can remember, and he will not rest until he can usurp him.”
“But your cousin stated plainly he would wait and use the time to learn how to rule.”
Sebastian grunted. “He spoke only what he had been instructed to say. Father threatened to expose him had Frederick done otherwise.”
The king thrummed his fingers on the cushioned seat. “Your family is complicated. I do not know what your cousin has done to make him so untrustworthy, but I trust you. Still, can you not be just as effective from Padrida?”
“No.” Sebastian released a long breath. “My presence here should keep Frederick at bay.”
“The subject is quite delicate,” Olivia added. “I hold onto hope that Frederick learned from his mistakes and will stand true to his word. Even so, I must stay by my husband in Basilia until we are certain no threat remains.”
Her father grumbled something indiscernible, then chuckled. “A grandchild. Exactly what we need to bring joy to our miserable existence.”
“Miserable?” Queen Sonya tipped her head and narrowed her eyes. “I feel otherwise. This past month has been exceptionally pleasing.”
The looks exchanged between the two amused Sebastian, but he refrained from laughter.
King Boden swallowed hard, then coughed. “Forgive me, my dear. I was referring to all that has transpired since our arrival in Basilia.”
She pursed her lips and folded her hands on her lap.
The carriage jerked to a halt.
When Severin opened the door, Sebastian stepped out first, then assisted Olivia. He almost extended his hand to the queen, but stopped.
It appeared the king was making amends. He and the queen were locked together in a kiss, so Sebastian let them be and closed the door.
Severin returned to the driver’s seat, and Sebastian pulled Olivia into his arms. “Lately, I have neglected to tell you how much I love you. Can you forgive me for being so glum and unfeeling?”
“You have never been unfeeling.” She fingered his beard. “I can forgive your poor mood as long as you honestly do not regret your decision to marry me.”
“Never.” He stroked her long hair. “Will you be patient with me while I try to decide what to do next?”
She placed his hand on her stomach. “Can you not simply be the man I love who is waiting for his child to be born? Cast aside thoughts of thrones? At least for a while?”
For the first time in a long while, a genuine smile came forth. “It never occurred to me I could merely enjoy living.”
“Is that not what we are supposed to do?” Her beautiful smile lit up their dismal surroundings. It seemed she had not even noticed the ruins. She stood on the tips of her toes and kissed him. “I love you Sebastian.”
That alone made life worthwhile.
The carriage door opened, and her parents emerged, smiling.
Her father cleared his throat. “All is well. Now, where—?” The man froze, staring at what lay before them. Every trace of happiness vanished from his expression.
“Oh, my,” the queen muttered.
Olivia drew in a long breath. “I had no idea it was this horrid. After all these years, why has it not been cleared?”
“The Basilian kings chose to leave it this way,” Sebastian said. “They claim the damage is a reminder to the people of what happened. These grounds are a good deterrent for war.”
He guided them forward. Olivia stayed clutched to his arm, and her parents clung to one another.
The passing of one hundred years had allowed grass and weeds to grow amongst the rubble. Buildings made from stone and brick had nearly diminished to ground level. All but the former castle. The exterior walls had been beaten down, but a single turret remained.
They stepped around charred remnants of wagons, barns, and poorly constructed wood dwellings and headed toward what was left of the castle.
“The last battle was fought where we are now standing,” Sebastian solemnly said, then pointed to a mound of grass-covered dirt. “I heard the bodies were burned there. They dug no graves.”
The king nodded and trudged on. Tears stained his cheeks.
Olivia tightened her grasp. “Would this land not be better suited if it were to be made livable once again?”
“We have plenty of land for our people. I agree with the kings before me, these ruins serve a just purpose.”
The galloping of a horse turned their heads. Sebastian immediately recognized the large, rugged-faced man riding toward them. “Roderick?”
“Why would he follow us?” Olivia whispered.
“I know not.”
/> Roderick dismounted, and moments later, Severin appeared, sword in hand.
Roderick chuckled. “I come peacefully,” he scoffed at Severin. “For God’s sake, set aside your weapon. Have you forgotten, we serve the same king?”
Severin warily sheathed his sword. “Highness, am I needed here?”
King Boden stepped between him and Roderick. “This man is unarmed. He will give us no trouble.”
“I agree with King Boden,” Sebastian said. “However, I would like you to stay with us.”
“Yes, sire.” Severin bowed low.
Roderick grunted. “When I learned you were coming here, my king, I wished to join you so I might pay respect to our ancestors. Men who sacrificed all.” He shot a scornful glare in Severin’s direction, then bowed his head. “It pains me to think of the suffering and the amount of Crenian blood that stained these grounds.”
“Blood mingled with that of Basilians,” Olivia softly said.
She bent down and plucked a flower that had sprung up between two broken stones. “Even among the ruins, there is beauty here.” She handed the purple bloom to Roderick. “Hope has sprung to life. Not only in this small flower, but from my union with Sebastian. Nothing good has ever come from holding onto hatred.”
“Yes, Highness.” Roderick stood tall. “Shall we go farther? I would like to see the turret.”
“Of course.” King Boden bade them onward. Roderick hastened to his side, accompanying him and the queen. Severin kept pace with them.
Olivia held Sebastian back. “Wait but a moment.”
“Are you unwell?” He stared at her stomach.
“No. I am fine.” She tapped the bottom of his chin, and he shifted his gaze to meet hers. “This is the first time I have seen Roderick since my arrival in Basilia. Perhaps you can find a way to insert Donovan’s name in conversation. I would like to see Roderick’s reaction to having it spoken.”
Sebastian looked beyond her to the others. They had gone quite a distance ahead. “It may not be wise. Especially speaking of Donovan in your parents’ presence.”
“Give it some thought. Eventually, I would like you to take my father into your confidence in regard to Donovan. It is important for him to know he may still be a threat.”
