by Sam Argent
The prince’s smile withered at the edges, but he gritted his teeth through the pain. “You seem well.”
“I’ve been better.” Sebastian glanced at his mother, who gestured violently for him to keep the prince’s attention. Sebastian dismissed her and turned to his brothers. “I want to unpack and sleep. You two can deal with Mother.” The woman in question was trying to push her way forward with his father close behind.
“I suddenly have something to do,” James announced and turned his horse into the crowd watching the spectacle.
“Hey, James!” Kevin tried to imitate their brother, but he was blocked in. “Diana?” Kevin looked around, but their sister had already made her escape.
“Sebastian!” The light musical voice sounded concerned, but his mother’s eyes were as hard as the gemstones they resembled.
“Lead me to a room with a bath and a route where I don’t have to pass by her, and I won’t kick you in the royal jewels for what you just did,” Sebastian whispered in the prince’s ear.
Prince Turren nodded. “I’ll make sure you can bathe as quickly as possible.”
Sebastian’s eyebrow rose. “Is that right?”
“My interest isn’t unsavory, and I will help you.” Prince Turren’s face turned red. “Of course I have no interest in you being naked.”
“That statement was convincing, Your Highness.” Sebastian shook his head, wondering what he was going to do about his royal admirer when his matchmaking mother was near.
“IT’S A tub.” Lieutenant Adams wanted a bath, but even he wasn’t that enthusiastic about a tub, he thought while watching Sebastian bent over the steaming water, practically drooling over the huge receptacle. His eyes flicked to the prince, who drooled over something else in the room. Whenever Sebastian bent down, Prince Turren’s breath stalled, and Lieutenant Adams pretended not to notice. He hoped Sebastian wouldn’t reveal how blunt he had been in Bruwen because Adams had sorely underestimated his importance.
“Bubbles.” Sebastian’s voice held a rare note of childlike happiness, and he splashed the soapy blanket covering the water. He lifted his hand to his face and blew on the suds gathered there. Sebastian laughed again but stopped when he noticed Prince Turren licking his lips. “Out!” he ordered without thought to whose residence he was staying in. “Both of you, so I can get undressed.”
“Are you sure you don’t need help?” Prince Turren asked while Sebastian manhandled him out of the room.
“More than sure.” Sebastian kept shoving.
Lieutenant Adams winced, feeling sorry for the prince, but allowed both of them to be herded to the door.
“What if you’re still in danger?” Turren asked.
“If assassins breach the castle, their first target is you. I have nothing to worry about.” Sebastian snatched the door open, bowed to Prince Turren, and then shoved him into the hallway.
“That was un—” Lieutenant Adams was pushed out with Turren before he could express his indignation “—called for,” he finished lamely as Sebastian the shut door.
Prince Turren shrugged. “I have time to work on him,” he said and laughed when the lieutenant stared at him incredulously. “I didn’t expect to catch him so soon. But gaining access into his bedroom is a good start.”
Lieutenant Adams looked at Sebastian’s room and Prince Turren’s back, pondering who was the crazier of the two. He decided Sebastian deserved Turren’s determined advances and returned to his post in the castle.
CAPTAIN PEMBROST separated from the wall around the corner, watching Lieutenant Adams depart. “Gaining access to his bedroom is a decent start, but stop being so eager,” he said to the empty space.
CHAPTER 10
“IT’S AN excellent idea the prince has brought up. You like dusty books.” Cynthia Orwell smiled at her son in the king’s personal dining hall, delicately cutting apart quail on the gold plate shimmering in the candlelight.
Sebastian did his best not to glare at his mother, but she was annoying him after only a few bites. She had despised his fascination with books, wishing Sebastian would apply his time to more valuable things. Kevin and James scattered food on their plates, hardly taking bites, Demetrius’s small bites imitated their mother’s picky eating, and Ophelia’s fork hit her plate harder than necessary at their mother’s words. Pratchett’s gaze searched the table for prospective brides or grooms while Kraven’s plate was fuller than his four older brothers’. Sebastian blocked out his mother’s voice and thought about how unfair it was that Diana had excused herself from the tortuous dinner, claiming that it was her duty to gather herbal information from other practitioners in her field. He knew it was rubbish and she just wanted to avoid the awkward silence. Sebastian didn’t blame her.
The king kept the conversation going, but the Orwells were of no help. Captain Pembrost watched the once-joking James and Kevin brood at their section of the table. Lady Orwell rattled on about meaningless subjects but suggested numerous times that Sebastian should enjoy the prince’s company since the prince was such a brave man. Sebastian blew off every one of her attempts, and his mother’s façade cracked around the edges. My family is dinner theater at its worst.
“Helping your father translate Anerithian texts could take weeks. Don’t you think so, Sebastian?” Cynthia smiled warmly at her son.
Sebastian didn’t look up from his roasted squash. “I can waste a week of my time at most. I could ask for Harold’s help to finish quickly.”
“The prince is skilled in the language, and he’s a powerful wizard.” Cynthia’s forced grin no longer held any warmth for Sebastian.
“Very powerful, but way too busy to waste his precious time. Would you please pass the rolls, James?” Sebastian asked as if they were dining at home.
James hid his smile behind a napkin and passed the rolls down the table.
“Turren was just wounded and for his safety, he will remain in Trellium. I don’t see why he’s too busy to help. It’s an important diplomatic mission, so his precious time is far from wasted.” The king smiled at Sebastian, and Sebastian stopped his fork a few inches from his mouth.
Sebastian gulped, and his mother’s face lit up like a star. Not him too. He peeked around the table and watched Kevin, James, and Ophelia bury their noses in their food. Fine, don’t help me. I’ll tell the king exactly where he can stick—
“Finding lost books is admirable, but doesn’t it seem lackluster when my son saved the prince’s life?” Lord Orwell asked with eyes red from drinking. Lady Orwell kicked him under the table but he continued, clearly not caring that he endangered her plans of matrimony. “Isn’t Lord Pasley stretched thin as it is? Shouldn’t he be ruling his lands and allow someone else to hold the title of Court Wizard?”
“And who do you have in mind for the position, Lord Orwell?” King Harris asked as if he didn’t know the answer.
“I have several heirs to look after the Orwell House, so the lands have ample protection in my stead. And it’s not a matter of magic ability really when you think about it. When was the last time a powerful wizard truly held that rank or that of Fir—ah!” Lord Orwell yelped as wine fell into his lap from his wife’s goblet.
“Forgive me, dear, it was an accident. I’ll fix my blunder immediately!” Cynthia gripped her husband’s arm and dragged him out of his seat with little effort.
“I wasn’t finished!” Lord Orwell tried to gain traction on the marble floor, but his wife showed no mercy.
Sebastian’s sight focused on the ceiling as he contemplated how long it would take for news to spread that the disgruntled Lord Orwell almost publicly insulted the queen, a former First Knight. “Any more questions about why I avoid coming out with them in public?” he whispered to his siblings.
“None,” Kevin said. “I thought I was desensitized to Father’s outbursts, but this is embarrassing even for me.”
Kraven looked solemnly at his full plate. “I’ll never marry.”
“Promise to take on t
he family name of your wife to be, and perhaps she’ll take you,” James suggested in a whisper so Demetrius and Pratchett couldn’t hear.
“You won’t have to do anything that drastic,” Ophelia said as her white eyes took on a slightly bluish hue.
“Really, Ophelia?” Kraven asked with a trembling smile.
“Yes, so don’t worry about Mother and Father making ninnies of themselves. Bastian, if we could speak when you have a chance.” Ophelia’s blank eyes turned to her youngest brother.
“Summon me when you’ve finished eating. I’ve lost my appetite,” Sebastian said.
SEBASTIAN TAPPED lightly on Ophelia’s door. The door opened, and his sister, dressed in her usual black, stepped back to let him enter. The four-poster bed was decorated with plush lavender, and the wood was a deep cherry. “You’re lucky Mother isn’t sticking her nose into your affairs.” Sebastian’s feet glided across the newly polished floors. “She sees this and she’ll probably make you switch rooms.” Sebastian petted the scrollwork around the window and found fairies delicately carved between the leaves. “A point in his favor,” he murmured.
“Please remember that your room is larger than mine,” Ophelia said.
“I can avoid the subject by pretending the king was to blame.”
“I’ll approach that topic another day. Now, I foresaw no damage to Kraven’s future, but Father’s actions will affect you more than the others.” Ophelia stretched out her hand, seeking the bed, and sat gracefully on its edge. She patted the soft surface for Sebastian to join her. He sat, and she leaned her head against his shoulder. “My vision was murky, but I saw trouble. I see two men fighting over you, but I can’t see their faces or the outcome.”
Sebastian groaned. “Please, not another duel!”
“The vision appeared darker. I think you need to keep an eye on Father.”
“I figured that out on my own tonight. Why can’t he be happy with what he has? He lives in a great house that’s a little rough around the edges, but it would be in better repair if he spent money wisely.” Sebastian flopped down on his back and rubbed his temples.
“I’m sorry your yearly trip was interrupted. I know our brothers think you’re a fool for rejecting the king’s comforts, but I also know how important it is for you to spend time away from us.” She shushed Sebastian when he tried to protest. “You love us, including our parents, more than you’ll admit, but you take on too many responsibilities. You burn out by the end of the year, and then you visit Harold when Mother and Father are forced to take care of me after people notice their negligence.” Ophelia placed two fingers over Sebastian’s lips when they moved again. “You need your space, and this year so did I.”
“Because you’re contacting Lord Pasley through mirrors,” Sebastian said, knowing he was right.
“Yes, and I didn’t want one of my pesky siblings butting in. I have to stay at the house for my safety but not because I’m helpless. I wish all of you didn’t treat me so,” Ophelia admitted.
Sebastian sat up, surprised at the hurt in her words. “We don’t mean it that way. It’s just the horrible things they do to seers, like cutting out their eyes. I’m not mad about you speaking with Lord Pasley.” Ophelia raised an eyebrow, and her white gaze seemed to focus on him. “Some seer you are. I’m mad because you kept it a secret.”
“And you were going to tell us about Prince Turren?”
“That’s an entirely different mess and hardly a secret because of that brash idiot.”
“And you’re not the least tempted to pursue more than a kiss?”
Sebastian looked at his sister, and despite the lack of color, her eyes shined with hope. He didn’t know if it was for him or herself, but Sebastian didn’t have the heart to tell her the same lies he’d told the others. “I’m a little tempted,” he muttered. “I wished to remain in denial for a few more weeks and then tell you.”
“This is why we get along so well. We both have the same strategies.” Ophelia giggled, and Sebastian wrapped his arms around her neck as he had done since he was a little boy.
“Why would I think you’re helpless? You’re the strongest person I know, and I’m the one who always needs you.” Sebastian hugged her tighter just as a sharp knock rattled the door.
“Come in, Diana,” Ophelia called out.
Diana stuck head in the door. “The prince is looking for you, Mother is still screaming at Father in their room, and guess who just showed up with four demons posing as humans?”
Ophelia groaned, and Sebastian fell on his back, holding a pillow to his face.
“When you’re done smothering yourself, may I please borrow it after you?” Ophelia asked.
“DARLING ALICE!” Cynthia lightly kissed her daughter’s cheeks while her husband stood by looking harangued. Sebastian almost felt sorry for him, but that time their father deserved to be put down.
“Sebastian, I heard how you bravely fought off the prince’s assailants at grave danger to your own life. I had to come and see with my own eyes that you’re safe.” The hug she gave Sebastian was firm for her audience but held no affection. Alice’s thin frame couldn’t crush Sebastian, but that didn’t stop her from digging talons into his back.
“What a surprise, dear sister. I hardly see you at the house, but you manage to come all this way when we’re guests of the king.” Alice’s nails sank deeper, but Sebastian ignored it, noticing one of her spawn wandering away from the pack and sneaking off down the hallway.
“You are so unkind, Sebastian! Don’t make fun of your loving sister!” Alice’s voice sprang with false cheeriness.
Sebastian laughed with as much gusto he could put into it and slapped his sister heartily on the back so hard she stumbled. Her dark green eyes glinting under her yellow bangs spoke of many hells to pay if Sebastian continued to be rude in public. Alice’s face twisted, and her mouth opened to spew a string of words not fit for decent people to hear when he smiled and pointed behind her. “By the way, May wandered off while you were greeting me and….” As if on cue, they heard the sounds of a suit of armor crashing to the floor. “I believe that was near the throne room.”
Alice’s eyes widened in horror, and without a parting insult, she grabbed her white-trimmed yellow skirts and took off after her adventurous child. Of course she forgot about the three left behind standing next to her windblown husband. Sebastian took pity on the man like he always did. “She made you ride nonstop in case she missed her chance to dine like royalty.”
Mernon smiled shyly, and it made him less plain. “That’s about right.”
James arrived and shook the man’s hand. “Grab something to eat and then rest. We’ll watch the kids. Go to the kitchens and tell them you’re marriage-brother to Sebastian. I’m sure they’ll fill you with a hot meal.”
“I’d appreciate that a lot, James, thank you.” Mernon bent down to speak with his children. “Your nice uncle is going to play with you after we eat and you’re going to behave, understand? No wandering off like May did,” he told the little girl and two boys still left in his care.
KEVIN COLLAPSED onto the floor in James’s room. “How did I let you talk me into helping you babysit?”
“Admit it, you had fun,” James teased.
“It was depressing.” Ophelia brushed dust off her skirt.
“I thought you enjoyed yourself too,” Sebastian said.
“I did. The children were angels but they’re just like us. Monsters under Alice’s eye and when she’s away, they’re so sweet I want to take them home with us.”
“Bite your tongue. They may be sweet, but I spent more energy keeping them entertained than walking to Harold’s on foot.” Sebastian dangled over the back of a chair next to James’s bed. “Alice was bound to make her children miserable. What’s so surprising about that?”
“I began thinking what if Father started out like Mernon. Kind, thoughtful—” Ophelia explained, but Sebastian waved his arms in the air.
“No way in any
reality or world did our father start out nice. I refuse to acknowledge such a thing is possible,” he said.
“I’m with Sebastian. I can’t remember a time when Father wasn’t an ass,” James chimed in.
“But what if? What if when we were little, Father was an understanding man who patiently let us run him ragged while Mother berated him every day?” Kevin asked quietly. “Or what if Mother was the kind one and Father’s schemes made her bitter?”
“He had good qualities when I was little, but it wasn’t Mother who drove him to be who he is today.” James’s voice had lost all its humor. “It was the fact that none of us had the magic his family was reputed to have. He was bitter by the time Diana was born, and he saw her powers as negligible. Even Richard wasn’t good enough for him. That’s why he let Richard go off seeking glory to restore the family’s name. Then Richard died and Father started taking every slight brought by fate as a personal injury. Mernon seems like an honest and noble man, so I doubt he’ll turn out to be like Father. And Mother was always Mother. Honestly, I never understood her.”
“The four of you are depressing,” Diana said as she opened the door without knocking. “Mother wants to know why only four of her children showed up to an audience with the king in his library. She sent me to gather her wayward offspring.”
Sebastian sneezed. “I think my adventures are bringing on a cold. I should rest for the night.”
“Cute, but Mother said to drag you before your smitten prince whether you were in good health or coughing up blood.” Diana smirked. “Of course that part was whispered out of the king’s hearing.”
“You better hope he loves you,” Kevin warned Sebastian. “Mother seems bent on you two marrying even if your life is at stake.”
“That’s not her decision to make. Let’s make an appearance and get this over with.” Sebastian swung his leg to the side and rose to follow his siblings into a romantic trap.
