by Jeanne Hardt
“She will be fine. You are well aware the discomfort soon subsides.”
“But I had none with you.” Olivia blinked up at him, frowning. “Did you question my maidenhood?”
“No.” He stroked her cheek. “I was grateful you showed no signs of pain, because I did not want to hurt you. I assured myself our bodies were simply ready to join, and therefore God blessed you with pleasure alone. Besides, we moved slowly and relished it. As quickly as their sheet was produced, Eural did quite the opposite.”
“I understand this is a ritual …” Olivia’s sad expression had not changed. “But it takes away from the beauty of it. They courted for years. Eural should have allowed Estelle to savor the act.”
“He is a good man, and I believe he will. Have you not noticed they remain in their bedchamber? Now that the priest has acknowledged Estelle’s virtue, they can take their time with each other. Not only now, but for the rest of their lives.”
He kissed Olivia’s forehead, then startled when someone tapped him on the shoulder.
“Why are you hiding in a corner?”
Sebastian turned to face Angeline.
Olivia lit up with a bright smile and hugged her. “I am so glad to see you again.”
“You as well. So, tell me, why are you here by yourselves, while everyone else is drinking wine and celebrating?”
The change in Olivia both astounded and relieved Sebastian. He never would have thought Angeline could be a welcome interruption. It made him even happier seeing her in a color other than black. He had tired of everyone looking at him as the cause of her deep mourning.
“Olivia had questions regarding the marital rituals,” Sebastian said. “As you know, she and I did not follow the proper rites.”
“I am more than aware.” Angeline laughed in a manner unlike the giggles that had always annoyed him. Jonah had told him he thought she had changed, and Sebastian was seeing proof of that.
She took Olivia’s hand. “So, what questions do you have, or has Sebastian already told you all you asked of him?”
“He has explained more than I ever wanted to know. I feel horribly for Estelle. Can the priest not believe Eural’s word alone in regard to her purity? This display of their bedding seems like an incursion on their privacy.”
Angeline slowly nodded. “Sadly, some women have been known to lie. And a prince not only deserves someone pure, he must have an untainted woman. The bloodline has to be preserved.”
“So I have been told.” Olivia shook her head. “More often than I can count.”
“You poor dear.” Angeline hugged her once again, then patted Sebastian’s arm. “Take care of her. She is a treasure.” She gnawed at her lower lip and looked away, scanning the crowd. “Forgive me for leaving you, but I must speak with Tesher.”
She flitted away.
“Angeline perplexes me,” Sebastian muttered. “She is not the woman I met before I found you.”
“For that, I am grateful.” Olivia smiled, lifting Sebastian’s spirit. “Had she been then as she is now, you may never have come searching for me.”
He wrapped an arm around her. “All is as it should be.” He pointed across the courtyard. “Mother has been trying to get our attention. We had better see to her, or forever regret it.”
Olivia laughed, and they made their way through the crowd.
He paraded her proudly, never to be ashamed of their union.
Angeline pushed through the mass of people, winding her way toward Tesher.
She had chosen a turquoise gown for the affair and hoped he would appreciate seeing her in it. It boasted a low neckline and tight waist, appropriately pushing her bosom high.
He appeared to be in deep conversation with his sister, Pasha, but the instant his eyes met Angeline’s, he stopped speaking and stepped away from her.
Pasha shrugged and wandered off. If Varlan had any sense at all, he would be with her. But Angeline would not trouble herself with her brother’s lack of intelligence. Her own needs weighed heavier.
“Angeline!” Tesher quickened his pace. “I feared you would not be here. Not with your father’s recent passing.”
She grasped onto both of his hands, and the look he gave from the simple act made her heart thump hard. “You are a dear for your concern.” She kissed his cheek, and when she backed away, his eyes rested on her bosom.
Good.
He rapidly shook his head and lifted it, his roaming eyes as well. “You are so beautiful. That color suits you far better than black, though are you not still in mourning?”
“Thank you. I chose a color inspired by your eyes.” She moistened her lips. “As for mourning, my father is in a grander place, so I have no need to grieve him. In regard to Sebastian and the depression his rejection brought upon me, that, too, has passed. I had the pleasure of spending time with his lovely wife. She and I are now friends, and for that, I celebrate.” She broadly smiled. “Have you some wine as fine as what we drank in Basilia?”
“Better.” He grinned and puffed out his chest. “Father brought it from Issa. No other kingdom celebrates quite like they do.”
“Are you old enough to comprehend all that goes on in Issa?”
“As I told you before, I am no boy.”
She liked him more and more. A shame she could never have him. “Shall we?” She linked her arm into his and happily guided him to the beverage table. The mutterings, as they passed the royals from every realm, fueled her more than desire.
No one wanted her to be with Tesher, yet they knew they could not challenge the pairing. As a full-blooded princess and Tesher a prince, if he chose her, no one could rightfully object.
She handed him a full goblet of wine, and he drank every bit in a series of swallows.
“Slow down,” she laughed. “I cannot have you drunk. Who would dance with me?”
“I was thirsty.” He swiped at his mouth with the back of his hand. “But I promise, I shall keep my senses about me. I do not wish to share you with anyone.”
She moved in closer. “Do you truly mean that?”
“Yes. I have thought of no one else since our last meeting.”
If only she were sixteen and pure. She could have such a memorable time with him. A handsome young man like Tesher might have made her want to remain chaste, but, oh well. She was many years from sixteen and had more important things to accomplish.
She coyly tilted her head. “I received your letter. It touched my heart.”
“I feared perhaps it had not arrived. You said nothing of it.”
“Did I not just now tell you?”
“Yes, but …” He extended his empty cup to a servant. “Fill it again.”
The red-haired girl complied without question.
“But, what?” Angeline asked as soon as the servant walked away.
“You affect me.” He took a large drink, but this time did not finish the contents. “Not only do I think of you in daylight hours, you invade my dreams.”
“Me?” She touched a hand to the swell of her bosom, drawing his eyes. “Will you tell me the extent of my invasion?”
His cheeks glowed red, and he guzzled more wine.
She let out a sensual laugh. “Sweet, Tesher. You need not answer. But I am confused. There are several young princesses who are much fairer than I. Ones who have surely captured your interest. Am I not too old?”
“Old?” He rolled his turquoise eyes. “In two months, I shall be sixteen. You are what, two and twenty?”
“Three and twenty.”
“It matters not. We are much closer in age than your brother and his betrothed. If I am not mistaken, more than twenty years separate them.”
“Twenty-three to be exact.” She laughed gaily.
“So, you see. A mere seven years between us does not concern me. As for your beauty …” His eyes shifted toward her mounds once again. “No young princess possesses your qualities. I cannot take my eyes from you.”
She tucked her fingers under
his chin and lifted his head. “I can see that.”
His cheeks reddened deeper.
Yes, naughty boy, you have been caught.
Angeline leaned close to whisper in his ear. “Do not feel ashamed for admiring a woman’s attributes. A man’s yearnings are completely natural.” She stood upright and nodded toward the other side of the courtyard. “Do you see Prince Yakar of Issa?”
“Yes.”
“Watch him closely. He drinks freely and his eyes wander without shame.”
Tesher scowled. “He is immoral.” He put his face close to hers. “I heard he has lain with his sister.”
“Yes. The same has come to my ears. Yet the kingdom of Issa allows their people to follow their desires, wherever they may lead.”
Tesher took a step back and folded his arms over his chest. “Why are you speaking of these things? Do you approve of their behavior?”
“No.” She held a hand to her heart. “Certainly not. But only moments ago, you spoke of how capably they celebrate. Although immoral, they are free to do as they please. I hate to see you chastise yourself for your thoughts. Your purity is commendable, but it is wrong for you to deny human instinct. God created us to mate, and therefore imbedded desire into our very being. Do not label yourself guilty because you have experienced feelings God wants you to feel.”
His arms relaxed to his sides and he smiled. “I have never thought of it that way. When I wake from dreams of you, I say prayers, begging forgiveness. But now, I see the truth in your words. God instilled in me those dreams, did He not?”
“Yes.” She lovingly rubbed his arm. “You have not yet revealed the degree of my involvement, but I am honored God chose me to participate in your nighttime visions.”
His chest rose and fell more and more rapidly. “Dance with me?”
She widened her eyes and held a hand to her bosom. “I failed to notice the music had started. Our conversation kept me enthralled. But yes, I will dance with you, and you alone.”
He took her by the hand and led her close to the dais, where three minstrels were playing lively melodies. One on a dulcimer, another a flute, and the third on a lute. They were quite accomplished and a good distraction from Angeline’s burning desires.
Speaking with Tesher in such sensual conversation had her yearning for him in a way no amount of verbalizing could satiate.
Chapter 20
The air in the enclosed courtyard had become stifling, not to mention rank-smelling. The offensive body odors bothered Frederick slightly more than having to endure Sebastian’s close proximity. He paraded his bride around like a prize, and Frederick had to restrain himself from ripping the crown off her head. Did no one else see the outward blasphemy in her wearing it?
He downed another goblet of wine—the only thing momentarily keeping him sane.
Marni took the empty cup from his hand. “I am worried about Tesher.”
Frederick breathed a relieved sigh. He feared she would chastise him for drinking so heavily, and he was in no mood to be nagged. “Your brother looks happy. Why worry?”
Frederick watched him and Angeline twirl around the small area of the courtyard that had been cleared for dancing. He would probably be happy as well if he were so near the woman’s protruding bubbies.
“She is too old for him.” Marni shook her head. “Father is furious, but he has chosen not to say anything to Tesher. He does not wish to embarrass him in front of the wedding guests.”
“Why be furious? She is princess of Thanwine and ripe for marriage.” And many other things. “If Tesher chooses her, so be it.”
“But he is meant for your cousin, Allana. She is beautiful and sweet. I want her for my sister, not Angeline.”
Frederick faced his wife. “Your wants matter not where Tesher is concerned.” He drew his finger along her creased brow. “Think no more of it. If you insist on worrying, trouble yourself with our coming child and be happy for God’s sake.”
She bent her head and rubbed her large stomach. The child had been kicking so much lately, it had been keeping Frederick awake at night.
“You are right, as always.” Marni patted her belly, then kissed Frederick’s cheek. “An alliance with Thanwine would be good for Oros. It has been more than a generation since a Thanwinian has claimed one of us. We are overdue.” Her eyes heavily drooped.
“You need rest. I shall accompany you to our bedchamber and leave you to sleep.”
She nodded. “Thank you. Promise you will come and join me eventually?”
“Eventually.” With less than two months remaining in her pregnancy, she had grown too large to enjoy, so he had no difficulty leaving her alone in bed. Mirella had kept him satisfied, but he longed to have Marni become her old self again, void of the invasive child.
He waited patiently, while Marni bid goodnight to everyone they passed.
Once he got her settled in bed, he went back to the courtyard for more wine. Some of the best he had tasted since his last visit to Oros.
To his relief, Sebastian and Olivia were nowhere to be seen.
The minstrels appeared to be growing weary, but they kept playing regardless. King Callum undoubtedly paid them plenty and instructed them to continue until everyone had retired to their rooms.
Estelle and Eural had joined the celebration for a brief time, but had returned to their bedchamber. Frederick could have sworn the girl was limping, but she smiled nonetheless. Eural must have been ruthless, considering the amount of blood on the sheet. He had taken what Frederick had wanted all those years ago. If only he could have shown Estelle how a real lover handled himself.
Frederick chuckled. Not only had the wine eased away his tension, it brought on warm thoughts. Memories of his wedding night with Marni came to mind. There was something incredibly righteous about taking a woman’s virtue. It brought on a feeling of power no crown could duplicate.
Having young servant girls came close to simulating the feeling, but they paled in comparison. Since he did not want to impregnate them, he made certain they had not reached the age of monthly bleeding. But because of their youth, they had no bubbies to enjoy.
If only he could bed a chaste princess once again.
For that, he envied Tesher. Angeline would be a fine piece of flesh. At her age, not only did she burst from her gown, she was surely ready to erupt elsewhere.
Frederick set aside his goblet and stood tall. King Talman approached.
Thinking quickly, Frederick filled another goblet and handed it to him as he neared.
Talman politely nodded. “Much thanks.” He took a large gulp.
“The heat in Oros torments me,” Frederick said. “But it must be even more painful for you. Thanwine and Oros could not be more different from one another in regard to weather.”
“Yes.”
Hmm. Not one for conversation.
“My condolences for your father,” Frederick persisted. “He was a fine king.”
“He was. I intend to make him proud.” Talman jutted his chin and stood in perfect profile as if to gloat over his blasted crown. Did he not fully comprehend that one day, Frederick would be his superior?
“You will.” Frederick refilled his own cup. The servants had made themselves scarce. A shame, since he had had his eyes on one in particular.
He scanned the crowd. “I do not see Becca. Did she retire?”
“Yes.” Talman emptied his goblet, then pointed at the flask.
Frederick thought twice before doing his bidding, but despite his reservations, he filled Talman’s cup, then forced a smile. “The wine is exceptional. You should ask King Callum where he purchased it. You may want to serve it at your own wedding, which my wife and I are looking forward to attending. Such a brilliant idea having a masquerade.”
“My sister is taking care of all the arrangements. You should tell her.” Talman grunted, then strode away.
Bastard.
Frederick tightened the grip on his goblet, wishing his hands were around
Talman’s thick neck. How dare he speak down to him like he was a mere commoner?
The loud music and laughter surrounding him had begun to grate on his nerves. A flash of long red hair caught his eye. The servant girl he had noticed earlier. Twelve, perhaps thirteen at best. She had the shape of a boy, so he assumed her to be relatively safe.
Foolishness!
He knew not of anywhere in this damnable kingdom to steal away with the girl. In his own castle, he had specific rooms for that purpose—chambers no one but he was permitted to enter. Here, the risk would be too great.
Though it would not be as fulfilling, he chose to veer his desires in another direction.
He casually wandered up behind Prince Tesher and tapped him on the shoulder. “You look as if you could use another drink. Let me occupy your lovely partner, while you have some wine.”
Tesher frowned. “Where is my sister? Can she not dance with you?”
“Your sister has retired. In her delicate condition, dancing is not wise.”
Angeline pursed her lips and met Frederick’s gaze. “You have not danced at all tonight.” She cast a look of pity, then faced Tesher. “Why not allow him one dance?”
Tesher scowled. “You said you would dance with me alone.”
She worked her hand up and down the boy’s arm. “Yes, I did. However, I feel sorry for Frederick. Does not everyone deserve the opportunity to dance? After all, it is one of the greatest ways of expressing joy, and are we not celebrating?”
Tesher kept a hand on her waist and did not move. “But—”
“Shh.” Angeline pressed her fingers to his lips. “One dance. No more.”
Sluggishly nodding, Tesher kicked at the ground and wandered off.
Frederick watched him leave, then focused his sole attention on Angeline. “The boy is smitten with you.”
She laughed in a far-from-innocent manner that further intrigued Frederick. “I do not understand why he finds me appealing. But I confess, his attention flatters me. Especially when your young cousin has been rumored to care for him.”
“Allana?” Frederick took Angeline’s hand, then placed her in an appropriate dance hold.
