by Jeanne Hardt
“Allana, perhaps?”
His eyes widened, and he gulped. “Sebastian told you?”
“Yes. We discuss everything.”
“Everything?”
“Do not worry.” She giggled at his befuddled expression. “Sebastian has not given detailed accounts of your activities. However, he told me of your plight and your vow of chastity until Allana is of age. I admire your strength. It is not easy to douse desires once inflamed.”
“You truly are bold, Highness. I have never known a woman who so readily speaks her mind.”
“I only do so because I consider you a friend.” She looked straight into his eyes. “I trust you with my life, Jonah. As does Sebastian. That is why you are here. I do not expect trouble, yet it is always best to prepare for it.”
He tapped the sword at his side. “I am ready for whatever we encounter.”
“Thank you.” She cradled her hands over her belly. “You are aware I am with child.”
“Yes. Sebastian told me. He asked that I keep you both safe.” He jerked his head toward the window. “The forest has many wild beasts. Wolves and such. But they are no match for my blade.”
“I do not care to find out. Aside from the cold, it is another reason to stay within the walls of the castle.”
The carriage slowed and soon after, stopped completely.
The door crackled when Severin opened it and broke the icy bond. “We have arrived,” he droned. “Though I stand upon them, I am afraid I cannot feel my feet.”
Olivia set down her blanket and exited the carriage. Her wool cloak and heavy boots offered some protection from the cold, but she feared for poor Severin. Like her, he had worn heavy garments, but he had been directly exposed to the frigid air for quite a while. Sickles of ice hung from his thick beard and his nose looked almost purple.
She lightly touched his cheek, and although her hands themselves were cold, his skin felt like ice. “We must get you inside. I will see if we can trouble them for a warm bath.”
“Thank you, Highness.”
Jonah hopped from the carriage onto the snowy ground, nearly losing his footing. Had he not grabbed the carriage door, he would have landed on his rump.
The sight tickled Olivia, but she refrained from laughing. He had been acting so bold and dignified, yet the icy ground stripped away his pride.
A large man walked toward them. At first, she believed him to be either Talman or Varlan, but then recognized him as Darius, cousin to the royals. He bore no smile. Exactly the way she had seen him many months prior.
“Welcome.” Even the inviting word held no warmth.
“Thank you.” Olivia stepped past Severin. “Our driver needs to be taken within as quickly as possible. I worry he is almost frozen.”
Darius grunted. “Your man still stands. I assure you he is unharmed.” He splayed his arm toward the castle. “Follow me. Angeline awaits you in the great hall.”
“What of our horses?” Jonah asked.
“I shall enlist our marshal to tend them.” He headed up a series of stone steps. It looked as if they had recently been swept clean of snow. Even so, flakes continued to fall and had already covered the area in a light dusting.
Jonah took Severin by the arm and helped him along. Darius might have claimed him to be unharmed, but Severin could scarcely walk.
Several times, Darius eyed him and smirked. His actions were both unfeeling and disrespectful. After all, they were guests and should be treated with graciousness.
Darius opened the massive front door and bade them inside. They wasted no time. Even after the door closed behind them, the chill in the air remained. No wonder. Olivia tipped her head back and gazed upward. They were merely in the entryway, but the ceiling rose so high, it would be impossible to heat such an enormous space.
“Brush the snow off your clothing before we go on,” Darius said. “And mind your steps. The snow on the bottom of your boots may cause you to slip on the stone floors.”
Jonah helped Severin remove his snow, then dusted off his own. It pleased Olivia to see him take such exceptional care of the man. She had few flakes on her clothing, but stomped her feet to remove what she could from her boots. Falling in her condition would not be wise.
“This way.” Darius headed down a long hallway, and they followed.
Long before she saw it, the crackling sound of the blazing fire beckoned her like a caring friend. Severin and Jonah must have heard it as well because they quickened their pace.
They entered the massive great hall and faced the glorious fire. Angeline stood in front of it, cradling a mug. “Bless you.” She touched a hand to her bosom. “Come warm yourselves. The fire will help from the outside, and you can drink some of this wonderful cider to heat your insides.”
A thin young girl stood near the entrance to the hallway. Angeline bade her closer with the wave of her hand. “Shireen. Take their cloaks and hang them to dry.”
“Yes, Highness.”
Shireen helped them peel away their outer garments, then bustled off with her arms full. The heavy wool cloaks looked cumbersome, but the girl managed. They had barely put their backs to the fire, when she returned.
She ladled some of the beverage from a large pot suspended over the flames and poured the hot liquid into heavy drinking mugs. She handed one to Olivia.
Olivia smiled at her, but passed the cup to Severin. “You first.”
He cuddled it in his grasp and sipped. “Thank you, Highness.” Shivering, he kept his back to the flames. Droplets of water fell to the floor from his melting beard.
“My, oh, my,” Angeline muttered. “You are a sight.” She turned to Darius. “You are about the same size. Take him to your chamber and give him warmer clothing.”
“Yes, Highness.” Darius dipped his head, appearing anything but pleased. His smirk had vanished along with Severin’s sickled ice. Grumbling something inaudible, he led Severin away.
Shireen passed over two more cups of cider, then glanced at Angeline before exiting. No words were exchanged, but they seemed to have an understanding. Olivia had experienced that with Rosalie. They knew each other well.
“So …” Angeline tipped her head to the side. “Why have you come? Few people travel this far north. They find our weather unpleasant.” She let out a lovely laugh. “Your poor driver would surely agree.”
“Yes.” Olivia found herself fully at ease and smiled. “I fear he would.”
Jonah loudly cleared his throat. “Darius indicated our horses would be tended. What of our belongings?”
“Worry not.” Angeline politely nodded to him. “Your things will be secured in our guest chambers. Is there something you require now?” Again, she laughed. “Aside from warmth?”
“No.” Jonah eyed her quizzically, and understandably so. The joyful sound she expressed was not at all annoying, but pleasant. “This cider is doing wonders. Thank you.”
“My pleasure.” Angeline studied him briefly, then faced Olivia. “You have yet to tell me why you have come. Shall we sit, or do you prefer standing?” She pointed at a shuttered window on the far side of the room. “The window seat is one of my favorite places. I would love to show you the view from there.”
The sun streamed through small slits in the slats of the window she had indicated. The idea of opening it in order to see out intrigued Olivia, but it seemed unwise. Yet, she did not want to insult her host by refusing. “I would enjoy seeing it. Sitting suits me.”
“Highness?” Jonah said, turning both their heads.
Another laugh from Angeline. “You were not addressing me, were you?”
“No. Princess Olivia.” He emphasized the word as if he found the need to make a point. “If you do not mind, I would like to remain here by the fire.”
“Please do.” Olivia smiled at him, then followed Angeline to the window seat, where folded blankets lay stacked.
Angeline handed her one. “Here. Wrap yourself up before I open the shutters.”
Olivia gladly complied, praying an enormous draft of air would not rush in. Angeline also covered herself, then worked the latch and forced the wooden covering open. The shutters crackled in the same manner as the carriage door, breaking their frozen bond.
Icy air wafted over Olivia’s cheeks, but the breathtaking view made up for the diminished warmth. Not only could she see the extent of the castle, but many other dwellings as well. Smoke billowed from every chimney. “I am amazed at how high the mountains are, and I see cottages rising up everywhere through the thick trees and snow—even in the utmost peaks. I cannot comprehend living in such cold, but your people make their homes here.” She faced Angeline. “Thanwine is beautiful—completely unlike anywhere I have seen before.”
“Yes, it is. Regardless of the cold, the people of Thanwine thrive without complaint.” Though only moments had passed, Angeline fastened the window shut once again. “So tell me. Why did you come?”
The last time Olivia had been this close to Angeline, her mind had been clouded by many other things. Perhaps the fresh crisp air made her more alert, but she saw Angeline in a different light. No longer weeping, her features were purer. Her beauty paled to that of Sebastian’s sisters, yet she had a unique quality. A royal air that had obviously made her desirable to Tesher.
“There are several reasons for my visit.” Olivia peered directly into Angeline’s eyes. “First, I had to make certain you are faring well.”
“A letter of inquiry could have accomplished that and saved you from the risk of frostbite.” Angeline chuckled gaily. “However, I am pleased you came. Your kindness touches my heart.”
Olivia shifted her gaze downward. The dear woman could not have acted more graciously. “I wanted to see you for myself.” She lifted her eyes again. “Are you indeed well?”
Angeline sipped her drink, then blew out a long breath. “My heart is on the mend. Truthfully …” She took of hold of Olivia’s hand, which surprised her, but she did not wrench free. “…meeting you in Basilia has helped me more than anything else. I like you, Olivia. I wanted to hate you, but it was not meant to be. You and Sebastian were made for one another. Although I find it a shame his throne was taken from him, I could tell you matter more. I saw in his eyes how much he loves you. They never held that for me.”
“And yet, I hurt you.” Olivia scooted closer. “I should never have told you his heart had not loved before me. You were justified calling me cruel.”
“Honesty may sometimes seem cruel, but it is always right.” She stroked the back of Olivia’s hand with her thumb. “Chide yourself no more for it. Be my friend, and all will be well.”
Olivia nodded, and Angeline released her.
Strangely, the air around them heated in a pleasant way. Quite possibly, Olivia had already accomplished what she set out to do, by building a bridge of friendship between the realms.
Angeline looked beyond her to where Jonah stood by the fire. “What is the other reason for your coming?”
“I wanted to see your kingdom. I was trapped in Padrida my entire life, and I wish to see all the realms.” She placed a hand on the wooden shutters. “You cannot imagine what it feels like being captive in your own kingdom.”
Angeline jerked her head toward the window. “You are mistaken. I am surrounded by snow and cannot come and go as I please. Had we not been expecting you, the passageway would not have been cleared. Whenever I desire to leave here, it takes a great deal of planning and the efforts of many a servant. Talman’s wedding will be a challenging fete.”
“A masquerade.” Olivia smiled. “We received our invitation. It sounds marvelous. Becca has been talking about nothing else. Your brother and she appear to be quite in love. I noticed how he doted on her at our …” She fumbled with what to call it. “Our …” Completely perplexed, she threw her hands in the air. “Well, you know.”
“Yes, I do.” Angeline leaned close. “I am grateful for the time I spent in Basilia at your affair. Had I not attended, I would have failed to meet young Prince Tesher.” Her cheeks filled with a rosy blush. “Is it wrong of a woman my age to find someone so young desirable?”
“No.” Olivia rapidly shook her head. “Age us unimportant, when it comes to the heart. Your brother and Becca are proof of that.”
“Yes. Talman adores her. I intend to make certain their ceremony and the festivity following will be talked about for years to come.” She ran her fingertip around the edge of her mug. “You told me your heart had been broken. Will you share with me what happened and how you overcame it? After all, we are now friends, and I trust I can learn from your experience.”
Olivia had to reach deep into her soul to bare herself to Angeline. Talking about Donovan was never easy, and yet within moments, she recanted everything. Angeline listened without uttering a word, or scarcely making a sound at all. She seemed completely enthralled with Olivia’s story.
As for Jonah, after an hour had passed, he took a seat on a cushioned sofa close to the fire. It looked as if he might have dozed off, but it mattered not. Olivia felt no threat whatsoever in being here.
Shireen came in, refilled their mugs, then wandered away.
Olivia took several sips. “I fear my throat has dried, speaking so endlessly.”
“You held me captivated.” Angeline gestured to the barred window. “I cannot believe how much time has passed. The sun no longer beams its rays through the tiny cracks. Soon, we shall be called to dine, but I imagine you are famished. I have been a wretched host by offering a beverage but no food.”
“The cider is plenty.” Olivia took another drink. “In regard to food—is it not difficult to come by in such terrain?”
“Meat is plenty. The forest offers abundant game and we have exceptional hunters.”
“But what of other food? Grains for bread? Fruits and vegetables that could not possibly thrive here?”
“Are you unfamiliar with trade?” Angeline’s eyes widened.
“No. We traded goods freely in Padrida, but it offered all we required. With whom do you barter?”
Angeline lifted her head high. “Issa mostly. They are nearer to us than any other realm. They provide grain and any other food imaginable. In exchange, we give them meat and fineries. Our artisans are some of the best in the kingdoms.” She leaned close. “Our men quarrel over who will make the deliveries. If you know anything of Issa, then I do not have to explain.”
Olivia looked away. “I understand perfectly. Donovan would have loved Issa.”
“Forgive me.” Angeline stared at the contents of her cup, frowning. “You truly did have your heart broken. Such a betrayal would devastate any woman.”
Olivia nodded, but made no remark. Speaking about Donovan had drained her emotions.
Angeline let out the saddest sounding sigh. “What you said about Donovan threatening to poison your father with tannin root—I believe you called it—troubles me. How could he be so cruel?”
“Donovan wanted to be king. Some men will do anything to gain power.”
“True. But I pray, for your sake, Donovan is dead. A man such as he deserves nothing more.” She once again grasped hold of Olivia’s hand. “When you return to Basilia, please tell Sebastian I will implore my father to stand behind King Roland’s wish for a change in the law. My brothers may be more difficult to sway, but until Father relinquishes his throne to Talman, Father’s word bears the power of Thanwine.”
“Thank you.” Olivia squeezed her hand. “I was wise to listen to my heart and come here.”
Angeline smiled, and when she did so, she looked lovely. She stood from the window seat and stretched. “My bones ache from sitting so long. We must wake your man and prepare for supper.”
Though Jonah sat upright, his head had fallen backward and he loudly snored. He had slept little on their journey, so Olivia could not fault him for his actions.
Severin had not returned, but Olivia assumed he was making certain the horses were being tended, as well as their belonging
s.
Nothing felt amiss, so she happily followed Angeline to the bedchamber she would be occupying for the next few days. A thick wool dress hung from a peg on the wall.
“A gift,” Angeline said, pointing at it. “I thought red would be lovely on you.”
Olivia fingered the exquisite dress, then hugged Angeline. “Thank you.”
“I am glad it pleases you. The garment is lined with the softest of silk, so the wool will not irritate your skin. This dress should keep you comfortably warm within our walls. I shall leave you to change. I look forward to conversing with you again after our meal.”
Angeline walked out and left Olivia alone.
At least they had spoken about Donovan and put the unpleasantness behind them. Perhaps after supper she would tell Angeline about her coming child. A much happier topic for conversation.
No longer did she hold any feelings of jealousy for the woman. Angeline posed no threat. To her, or to Sebastian. Quite the opposite.
Angeline had become an ally.
Chapter 16
Sebastian crossed the small expanse of courtyard that separated the royal castle of Basilia from the lesser one where Frederick resided. His castle was nothing to scoff at and far better than most any dwelling in the kingdom, yet even when they were boys, Frederick complained over the unfair arrangement. He swore every royal in the realm should be allowed residence in the larger castle.
Everyone but Frederick understood their place and the importance of the high king being set above all others. A show of superiority was necessary in order to maintain respect.
Or so Sebastian had been told.
He trudged across the yard. His future was being shaped in ways he had never imagined. When the time came for Frederick to take possession of the royal castle, Sebastian and anyone remaining in his immediate family would be cast out. At least knowing he had somewhere to go gave him some comfort. Though not his first choice, Padrida was not unappealing.
Sebastian entered Frederick’s castle through a door that led to a common room. The instant he stepped inside, a pretty young girl rushed over to him. She wore a servant’s gown and head covering but looked scarcely older than Delana. Likely a good thing. As much as Frederick claimed to be a changed man, Sebastian would never trust him in regard to his interactions with women. Frederick might see an attractive older maid as a plaything.
