by Katy Haye
There was a noise at the back of the hall followed by a murmur of surprise. People moved out of the way. Others craned to see.
I gasped as a fine, white mare stepped into view, shaking her head so her fine bridle jangled. Claresse gasped and dropped another curtsy. “Your highness, you honour me indeed.”
“She has a fine seat. I hope you will enjoy her.”
Claresse stepped up to the beast, setting a hand on her cheek. The mare regarded her calmly. A smile of genuine pleasure lit her face. Once more the prince had chosen wisely.
“Just send a message to the stables whenever you would like to ride,” the prince told her.
Smiling, Claresse gave another curtsy then turned, swishing her skirts as she glided back to take her place.
I almost forgot that my turn was next, father stepping to the edge of the crowd and scowling to remind me to step forward as Claresse returned.
I sank into a curtsy as father opened a box, less ornate than the one containing Jesca’s gift, but slightly larger. “We bring you a gift from the islands, your highness.” I looked up to meet his gaze. “Sea pearls.”
Father drew out the stringed pearls. They were keenly sought by Muirland jewellers, and small wonder. They glowed, their surface a shade between white and gold, a beautiful sheen on each one. Servants came to assist my father, stretching the rope to its full extend of several yards to demonstrate the generosity of our gift.
“They are beautiful, I thank you,” the prince murmured. A cough sounded from the candidates and my stomach clenched. Jesca, most likely.
The prince rose. “I hope you will like my gift as much,” he said.
He looked to one side and I followed his gaze. When the servant carrying my gift stepped into sight, I gasped. I couldn’t help it. His arm was gloved and he carried a speckled hawk on his wrist, her wings glossy brown and her chest mottled with the colouring that gave the breed its name. The animal was hooded to keep her calm, and her feathers shone with youth and strength.
“She’s beautiful! Thank you, your highness.” I crossed three steps to reach her, crooning gently to warn her of my closeness the way I always did with the sea falcons at the House of Compassion. I touched her breast, stroking firmly. Her wings spread slightly, then snapped smoothly against her back.
“We thank you for your bountiful generosity,” my father said behind me.
Heat rose in me. I was so taken with the bird I’d almost forgotten the giver of the gift. “I am overwhelmed, your highness,” I dropped another curtsy, bowing my head in respect. “Thank you very much.”
He waved a hand, dismissing my apology. “Her name is Glide. She is trained, but she’ll need to get to know you. The staff in the mews will provide whatever assistance you require.”
“Thank you.”
I stepped back with regret. I wanted to go with her right now, but that would be rude to Rannyl, who still had to give and receive a gift. I watched Glide until she vanished into the crowd.
As I resumed my place I heard a softly scoffing sound. “Is it me, or can anyone else smell fish?” a voice hissed. I turned to glare at Jesca. She raised her brows and gave me a serene smile.
Rannyl stepped past, murmuring to me as she went, “If we can see what she’s like, so can others. Don’t let her upset you.” She squeezed my hand and I took a deep breath. Rannyl was right. Any counter attack was likely to rebound on me. Better to hold my silence.
Rannyl and her father presented the prince with gems from around the firethorn kingdoms wrought into games pieces, and an ornate, gold-inlaid board. In turn, she was gifted with a map of the firethorn kingdoms drawn on calfskin, with features picked out in gold and silver leaf. Once more, the prince had done his homework and clearly knew Rannyl’s love of travel.
I watched the prince as Rannyl regained her place amongst the candidates and wondered at the effort and forethought that had gone into today’s gift-giving. I also wondered, if he knew so much about each of us already, whether he had already made up his mind.
I looked away before the prince could catch me staring. He had council business to attend to, and I had something equally important to do. I found Gulla as the crowd dispersed. “Can you show me to the palace mews?”
11 – Kindred Spirit
Mathu, the falconer who had handled Glide, greeted me inside the dim building Gulla showed me to. “My lady, I am pleased to welcome you.” He was a little younger than my father, although not by much. His face had a few wrinkles around the lips and between his brow, while the hair at his temples was peppered with grey. Unlike my father, though, his face seemed to fall most often into a kindly smile rather than a frown.
“Thank you. I hoped to make friends with my gift.”
“Of course. You are always welcome here, Lady Hanna.” He showed me to Glide’s perch and pointed out where the equipment I would need was kept. “I am at your disposal whenever you need me, but you have no need to summon me if you would prefer to be left to yourself,” he said.
I regarded him in surprise. “You would trust me to take her out alone?”
He smiled, the creases either side of his mouth deepening. “She is your gift, my lady. The prince would not have chosen her if she weren’t suitable. You don’t need my permission to enjoy her.” His smile widened, placing a sparkle in his eyes. “We both know, it’s not my trust you need, after all – it’s hers.”
I smiled to meet a kindred spirit. “That is very true. I shall hope to be worthy of such a magnificent animal.”
Since she was more used to Mathu than me, I asked for his company and we collected everything we needed and headed out to the lawns at the back of the palace. Removing her hood, I let her fly and used the lure to tempt her back. I was used to sea falcons. Glide was smaller and more compact, but her grace and power were evident with every tilt of her wings.
“She is truly magnificent,” I breathed at one point.
Mathu grinned. “I’ve cared for her from an egg. I always knew she would be something very special.”
My heart swelled at the idea of her being mine. “Does the prince hunt with birds?” I asked. I wondered whether he fully appreciated the stunning gift he had given me.
“He prefers the bow,” Mathu told me, “Although he often invites us falconers out with him. He appreciates what the birds can do.” He chuckled. “Between you and me, I think he prefers the bow because success is purely down to his own talent. He doesn’t like to have to depend on someone else.”
I nodded, grateful for Mathu’s insight. I knew something of the prince – now I needed to decide how to turn it to my advantage.
I flew Glide for an hour or so, tempting her back to me each with tidbits of meat until she began to tire and grow bored, when I held her jesses tightly and stroked her, praising her for all she’d achieved.
“You have the makings of a fine friendship there.”
I turned with surprise, my eyes widening when I saw the prince striding across the lawns. I dropped a curtsy, Glide heavy on my wrist. “Your highness. I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“I have been enjoying the sight for a few minutes. You are in good harmony.”
“She is a wonderful flyer. Thank you for the gift.”
He waved away my thanks. “Are you done? Might I walk you back to the palace?”
“That would be my pleasure.”
Mathu stepped forward and took Glide from me, her beak snapping as she moved from one person to the other.
“I have no duties more important than getting to know the candidates presented to become my princess,” he told me, his tone light-hearted.
Nerves churned in my stomach, but I manage a smile. “It seems to me that you already know us pretty well. A stranger couldn’t have selected such perfect gifts for each of us.”
He smiled and inclined his head in acknowledgement. “And yet, that was all from reports. I know how you like to spend your time, the things that please you. That doesn’t mean that I know the wom
en themselves. That is my task while you are here.”
“What are you hoping to find?” I swallowed at my audacity in asking. The question had seemed natural enough, but now it was out in the air it sounded as though I were asking for hints.
“Why, my perfect match, of course.” The prince’s eyes twinkled.
“Do you really think that is possible? When only five women are presented to you?”
He nodded again to acknowledge the point. “Not perfect, then. A good fit.”
We reached the gravel path that immediately surrounded the palace. I bit my lip. I wanted to talk to the prince for longer, but I had no excuse to hold him at my side. Another moment and he would be gone entirely. “I wish you luck with the hunt, your highness.” I paused, dipping a curtsy.
He smiled. “You don’t attempt to tell me that you would be a good fit?”
I smiled to match his gesture. “I’m sure as prince you have plenty of people telling you what you ought to do. In this matter if no other I think you should be ruled by your own preferences.”
He grinned, teeth flashing. “Ah, if only a ruler had the opportunity to care for no one’s desires but his own!”
I faced him, wondering where my boldness was coming from. There was something about the prince that made me feel comfortable to speak to him. “Perhaps this is your opportunity. While you are but the prince, you can please yourself – and anyone who wishes to argue with your choice can take up the matter with the king.”
He laughed, and my smile widened, relieved that I hadn’t angered him. “I will try that with my council tomorrow, Lady Hanna, and see how far it gets me.”
I dipped a curtsy. “I will be interested to hear of your success, your highness.”
He reached for my hand, pressing a kiss to the back. “I must meet Lady Glynneth,” he said, “But I shall look forward to our time together.”
Over the threshold of the palace doors he strode away. I watched his slim back turn a corner and vanish from view. Now I was alone again, my nerves returned in force. I should have kept him with me for longer. I should have ... captivated him, as though that could be possible in a five minute conversation.
“Lady Hanna?”
I jumped. Gulla stepped forward from wherever she’d been lurking. “You missed lunch, my lady. Would you like something brought to your room?”
“I did?” I hadn’t noticed the time slipping by. “Yes, please.” Gulla slipped away to give the necessary orders while I made my way up to my room, thinking back over the prince’s every word and wondering what else I should have done.
12 – Something Unexpected
“Don’t think we don’t know what you’re doing.”
I turned a corner on the staircase to find Jesca on the flight above, one hand braced on the wall, the other on the bannister post to prevent me passing. She was leaning forward, her body language as aggressive as her tone. Glynneth stood a couple of steps behind her, wringing her hands.
Pausing on the midway landing, I stared up at Jesca, keeping my tone mild as I asked, “What do you mean, what I’m doing?”
“Sucking up to the prince.”
If she weren’t quivering with suppressed violence I might have smiled. “Aren’t we all doing everything possible to ‘suck up’ to the prince?”
“You’re cheating. We saw you through the windows, strolling with the prince before it’s your time.” She gave a look at Glynneth, clearly including her in the “we”. Glynneth shifted from foot to foot and looked as though she’d rather be anywhere but here, witnessing this little disagreement.
“I went to the mews to spend time with Glide. The prince happened upon me and the falconer giving her some exercise.”
Jesca set one hand on her hip, her lips twisting as her tone grew sarcastic, “ ‘The prince just happened upon me’,” she mimicked.
I wanted to run up the stairs and push her over, or grab an ankle and tug her onto her back. But brawling would hardly endear either of us to the prince. Besides, she had taken the stronger position. I spread my hands in a gesture of goodwill she little deserved. “I didn’t force him to speak to me. How could I have done that?”
Her sneer grew more pronounced. “You stayed away from the midday meal and your brother loudly wondered where you might be to arouse the prince’s interest.”
I smiled. If he were doing anything, I daresay Martyn was trying to arouse father’s anger.
“See!” Jesca took my amusement for proof. “I knew you were in league together!”
I took a breath. “Surely all our families are working to give us the best advantage they can?”
“You’re cheating,” Jesca snapped.
“I’m really not,” I told her, keeping my tone even despite my desire to smack her smug and furious face. I started up the stairs and she straightened so she loomed over me. “I’m going to my room, Jesca. The prince will hardly seek me out there, will he?” While she pouted I looked past her. “Glynneth, aren’t you seeing him this afternoon? I’d ensure you’re where he can find you if I were you.” I looked back to Jesca. “And if you’re entertaining the court at dinner tonight, perhaps you should spend your time rehearsing rather than staring out of the windows.”
“You won’t win.” Jesca stalked down the stairs, pausing when she was just one step above me. I set my hand on the bannister in case she tried to push me. Her lip curled. “The prince won’t want a wife who smells of fish.” She pushed past, jolting my shoulder even though the staircase was plenty wide enough for us to pass without touching.
Glynneth hurried in her wake. Her eyes were down, fixed on the carpet, but she whispered as she passed, “I’m sorry.”
I sighed and continued on to my room. Quite why Glynneth felt she should apologise for Jesca I had no idea. It wasn’t her fault the older girl was so thoroughly unpleasant.
~
“Where in the name of the maker did you get to?”
I’d barely arrived in my room before the door crashed open and my father strode in. Martyn slunk in behind him, a grin on his face at the idea of seeing me told off. If he’d done me any favours at lunch by proclaiming my absence, it had definitely been by accident.
And after facing down Jesca I wasn’t much in the mood for a dressing down. I looked pointedly at the open door. “Martyn, kindly close that. My neighbours don’t need to hear all my business.”
Father’s chest inflated further. “Well?”
I wanted to tell him to mind his own business and trust me to do what he’d told me to do, but he was my father. Until I married, I was answerable to him. A point in favour of marriage, and I hadn’t expected to find any of those. “I went to the mews to demonstrate how pleased I was by the present the prince gave me.”
Sensing I wasn’t about to get a scolding, Martyn leaned against the wall and began to pick at his nails.
“You missed lunch. People asked after you and I had no idea where you were.”
I could see how it might have seemed as though I were hiding away – and that some would have taken pleasure in presenting my absence as such. I was pleased I didn’t have to admit that I had simply been carried away by my delight in Glide and not noticed the time. I smiled at my father, “I am sorry for any distress I caused you, but the prince came after me. You should be pleased by that.”
“The prince sought you out?”
“Yes. He seemed delighted that he had chosen a gift I was so pleased with. He escorted me back to the palace.”
Father stepped closer, lowering his voice. Martyn looked up with interest, but he wouldn’t be able to hear anything. “Did you use it?”
“Not yet. We were outside and all we did was speak.”
He sniffed, unsatisfied. “We have to be subtle, father,” I reminded him. My gaze darted to the bed, where the potion seemed to demand my attention as though it were a burning beacon. At least none but myself knew it was there.
“What did you speak of?” he demanded.
“Nothin
g in particular.” And nothing I wished to share with my father. “We spoke of the bird, mostly.”
He huffed again. Father hunted with a bow and spears, but he’d never understood the appeal of hunting with birds. At least something esteemed by the prince wouldn’t be derided by him. “I’m glad you have caught his eye. Now, you must turn it to your advantage.”
“I will, Father.”
“Your performance must be better than the others.”
He meant the entertainments we would each give to the court. I had opted to dance, although I didn’t know whether all the other candidates would also be dancing – and far better than I.
“I will do my best.” I couldn’t possibly promise success. Only a fool would swear success when the competition was untested.
Father lowered his voice again. “You must succeed, daughter.”
“I know the stakes,” I told him softly. Mother’s face rose in my memory, her eyes red with weeping when he’d spurned her once more. He’d taken her youth and her happiness. I wouldn’t let him also take her life.
“Good. Use your time well.”
He stalked to the door just as it opened to reveal Gulla with a tray of food.
“Good day, Lord Bal,” she said, curtsying.
He grunted and strode out, Martyn trailing behind. I wondered if my half-brother was gaining much benefit from his time at court. So far, I couldn’t see a difference in him, but perhaps he thought the same about me.
I spent the afternoon practising my dance steps. When I paused, I heard the sound of music drifting down the corridors. Someone was singing, accompanying her song with a lap harp. Someone else was playing the flute. Without lurking outside their doors like a thief I couldn’t be sure who was practising what, only that my rivals had a great deal of talent. I sank onto my sofa for a rest. How important truly was it that the queen of Muirland be accomplished? Were we supposed to entertain the court on a regular basis? That would surely be beneath the dignity of the queen.
