And Nikolas had been furious. She could not have guessed the thought of an older brother would trouble him so much. Why was that? Did he really not believe Vitavia could have made a simple mistake as a young woman? That did not condemn her.
She wished Katrine was here to talk to. Her sister was wise in the ways of men and their convoluted system of beliefs.
Esta could not believe how low she had sunk—landlocked, alone and now, perhaps, the pariah of the Wildecoast court. And what if Nikolas made it his mission to look into the transactions on her estate? He might uncover her sordid other life and then it would all be over for her. She must take steps to secure her future and that of the estate. But how? She needed money. No matter how Esta tried to escape the fact, she could only see one option. She must find a suitable husband with the finances to return her estate to prosperity. And she must not delay or the admiral might spoil everything.
Esta drew a sheet of parchment toward her and started making plans.
Chapter 15
Sam’s heart soared as a fresh breeze off the ocean welcomed him after weeks on land. Finally he was back on the high seas with his Lenweri crew. They had been glad to see him, or so he believed. It was always difficult to tell as they were a race that showed little emotion to outsiders.
The mission was simple. Sail through the night, hoping to come across an unsuspecting merchant ship or smuggler with enough expensive goods to make boarding worthwhile. The Lenweri could see well in the dark, making them perfectly suited for locating and boarding ships at night. Kingdom men thought them sneaky but Sam preferred to use stealthy when describing his elven crew. He didn’t know where they stood in the civil war within the Lenweri and didn’t care. They were on his side and that was all that mattered. He was sure Nikolas Cosara wouldn’t see it that way.
Sam swore. No matter how hard he tried he couldn’t keep his half-brother out of his thoughts. It was stupid, for the man had rejected his claim outright, had taken it as an insult that he should suggest they shared a mother. Cosara so was damned uptight about Vitavia you would have thought she was the Goddess herself. Surely their mother had not been pure or she would not have found herself pregnant without a husband. It was a fact of life and Nikolas would have to face it one day. That was the only thought that gave Sam comfort.
There was certainly no comfort in the way he had left things with Esta. Lady Moonlight. The infuriatingly beautiful, stubborn and intriguing woman he’d never be able to forget.
Never. She invaded his thoughts by day and haunted his dreams by night. The way she had responded in his room that evening had him waking from fantasies where he had been sheathed in her slick heat, made her scream, sent her higher than she had ever soared. A pity it was driving him slowly insane. Had their tryst affected her in the same way or had she put him out of her mind the second he had said his goodbyes? Sam tried to shake off the memories but only succeeded in musing on how the lady in question was spending her time.
What would she be doing now? Tending to the myriad chores on the estate? Putting her mother to bed? Did she think of him and wonder where he was? He scoffed at that last. Esta would get on with her own life drawing together what was left after the loss of her ship and the departure of her sister. But what would she do? She couldn’t hope to keep the estate with the resources she currently had. That was why she had turned to smuggling. So if that avenue was closed to her, what then?
She couldn’t afford to buy another ship and she wouldn’t cast her workers out into the cold to fend for themselves. Esta was too proud to allow the estate to descend into complete disrepair so what path would she take to save her lands and people? Sam swallowed the lump that lodged in his throat.
Marriage? Would she consider marriage to a wealthy man? Perhaps one who needed a young wife to bear his sons? One who wouldn’t hesitate to take on an impoverished estate if he could plant his seed in a fertile womb?
With certainty, Sam knew that would be Esta’s plan. She wouldn’t hesitate to cast her happiness aside and marry to save her people. Her mother wouldn’t discourage it and her sister was away. By the time Lady Star returned, Esta might have taken steps that she would regret for the rest of her life.
He ground his teeth at the thought of another man being Esta’s first. And then he took himself in hand. He was a pirate! A wealthy pirate, granted, but a rogue nonetheless. He couldn’t help her unless it was to help her into scandal.
That’s why you rejected her, idiot! To save her from you! Oh, how difficult it was to recall that when he was hundreds of leagues away. Still, he had to remember for down that path was ruin, for him and for Esta. He was fine just as he was. A man on his ship with the ocean for solace and his crew for company. And so many vulnerable ships to prey on. Sam laughed into the wind as the moon rose over his world.
Esta was in Wildecoast again. She had come up with a plan to save her estate and see it returned to its former glory. It wouldn’t fail on her watch. Katrine was still absent, in fact Esta didn’t know where she was or what she was doing. It was typical that Katrine would run off leaving her to solve all the problems but if her younger sister returned her normal self, it would be worth the sacrifice.
There she was again, thinking of sacrifice. It seemed she couldn’t get away from that word. And her plan would involve another sacrifice—that of giving herself to a man who had the wealth to raise her up out of poverty.
The first step in her plan had been a letter to the Queen, requesting a “season” in Wildecoast. That would involve being away from her land for three months, a very long time to leave her business in the hands of another. And so while she waited for a reply, Esta had taught her estate manager everything she knew about running the business. She was hopeful, not confident, but hopeful, he would make a fair fist of taking care of things in her absence.
Her mother had been a more difficult problem. She had wished to take her to Wildecoast, in fact, Esta had been sure her mother would enjoy that. Lady Aranati senior had flatly refused to leave, even for a week, let alone three months. Esta sighed remembering the words she had traded with her mother. And so a nursemaid had been found to care for her, costing Esta the last of the money she had put aside over the years. Now she had nothing but what the estate could produce and sell. She shook her head wondering how she would pay the workers when wages were due at the end of the month. At least they had roofs over their heads and food in their stomachs and that was a blessing.
A reply had come from Queen Adriana in the affirmative advising Esta that she needed a sponsor for her “season”. Esta immediately thought of Merielle and sent her a letter requesting that favor. The reply had taken another two weeks and by then, Esta had almost lost hope that she would ever have her season. But Merielle had agreed. Nikolas was at sea on a mission and she was bored. It would be fun to have a project.
Esta shook her head at the thought of being someone’s project. She had sent back two letters with the rider, one to the Queen informing her of her arrival and one thanking Merielle and requesting a meeting at Wildecoast in one week.
And now she was in the castle with her first ball scheduled for this evening. Her Aunt Paurella bustled in with a caramel-colored gown slung over her arm. Esta could never get used to the casual way Paurella handled expensive garments.
“I’m so excited you’ve come for a season, Esta, and so clever to create one all of your own rather than being lost in the throng.” She cast a beaming smile at her niece as she disappeared into Esta’s bedchamber.
Esta sighed. She loved her aunt but at times her mother’s younger sister exhausted her. “Hardly that when I’m the oldest woman ever to make her debut in Wildecoast.”
Paurella reappeared. “I’m sure that’s not the case and even if it was, no one will dare comment with a patron such as Merielle Cosara to look after you.”
“I don’t care what they say, Aunt, I really don’t.”
“Of course not,” Paurella said. “Are you ready for the fun to
begin?”
Esta was a little excited but even more nervous. She always loved a dance but this time she would be the center of attention. She hated being the focus just about more than anything in the world. “It will be enjoyable.”
Her aunt snorted. “Listen to you. You sound older than your mother. Let your hair down for once. Smile and enjoy the company of a man.” She peered at Esta with eyes that were shortsighted after years of the close work needed to fashion gowns. She shook her head. “Where is the fun in your life?”
“I’m concerned for Mother,” Esta said. “Three months is a long time for me to be away.”
“I’m sure my sister will let you know if she needs you. No one is irreplaceable, dear.”
“I’ve been told that before,” Esta muttered, reminding herself that her aunt was only being kind. “Do you know any of the men who will attend tonight?”
Her aunt’s eyes widened. “I do as a matter of fact. The Queen has told me of the Master Goldsmith who lost his wife last year and is looking for a bride. She also mentioned a young lord whose father had recently died leaving him his entire estate. Tomas Henn is his name, from the south I believe. Both will be here this evening. And there was a flurry of excitement this morning over a relative of the King’s who arrived. I don’t know why he is here but it could be fortuitous.”
“Now you are reaching too high, Paurella. I hardly think I’m in that league.”
Paurella sighed. “Who knows the way of a man’s heart, my dear? You’re certainly beautiful enough to turn heads. That caramel sheath will have them swooning.”
“I don’t know how to thank you,” Esta kissed her aunt on the cheek.
“Just be happy,” she said as she sailed back out the door.
Hours later, Esta was ready. A young squire escorted her from her room to the head of the stairs that led down to the ballroom. Merielle awaited her at the foot of the stairs and already she could see dancers through the double doors. The admiral’s wife looked stunning in a cream satin and lace gown. She smiled up at Esta as the Master of Ceremonies announced her.
Somehow, Esta made it down the stairs and grasped Merielle’s outstretched hands.
“It is good to see you, Esta,” she said. “We are going to have such fun and you must visit my estate when there is time. I have so much planned.”
Esta smiled, butterflies, or perhaps they were blackbirds, battering at her stomach and her palms sweaty. “Thank you for being my sponsor.”
“It is my pleasure. With Nikolas away, I did not know what I would do until you wrote me. Since then, my mind has been a whirl of planning. I cannot wait. We will find you a suitable husband, I promise.”
Esta shook her head. “It is almost too much to take in. All these people here because of me.”
And thank the goddess Nikolas is away!
“Do not think too much, Esta,” Merielle said. “You look beautiful and all you need to do this night is enjoy yourself.”
Merielle led Esta though the doors and proceeded to introduce her to all the men folk there. She soon had a full dance card and spent the next hour in a mad flurry of dancing. The eyes of her partners were warm with admiration, the food was delicious and the wine she was plied with made her lightheaded.
She had danced with most of the men including Lord Tomas Hen and the Master Goldsmith when a man her own age approached her at a dance break. He bowed, took her hand and kissed it.
“I am Prince Piotr Zialni, Lady Aranati, and I would be delighted if you’d dance with me.”
Esta’s face heated. None other than the nephew of the King! “I’d be delighted, Your Highness.”
“You must call me Piotr and I shall call you Esta,” he said as he swept her toward the dance floor.
He danced well, especially for a man who carried a little weight. Piotr dressed elegantly but favored lacy sleeves which Esta always thought looked strange on a man. His hair was a very light brown and he would have been handsome without the weight that made his cheeks pudgy. She was taken with a sudden urge to tweak them.
“You’re very beautiful, Esta,” he said as they danced a waltz. He held her close and his cologne was pleasant but he didn’t have the hard strength of Samael. “I have heard your estates are in need of a cash injection.”
Esta drew away from him a little so she could look into his pale blue eyes. “I’d rather not discuss my estates.”
He crooked his head to the side. “I thought I might be able to help.”
“Why would you help me, Your Highness?”
“I thought we had agreed to use first names?”
“Piotr, why would you help me?”
“As my wife, you’d have the money required to return your estate to its glory.”
Esta stared. Surely he could not be offering what she thought he was? “We hardly know each other.” A warning niggle wormed its way down her spine.
“I knew you were special as soon as I laid eyes on you,” he said. “It’s time for me to settle down and I’ve chosen this region to do that.”
“Should we not spend some time getting to know each other, Piotr?”
His eyes narrowed. “If that’s what you wish, of course we can do that. Come riding with me tomorrow. We can take a hamper and have a picnic on the beach.”
What choice do I have? She inclined her head. “I’ll look forward to it.”
“For tonight, I hope you will save more dances for me, lady. You move superbly.” He led her to the buffet table, bowed and moved away.
Esta frowned after him, not sure if the proposal had been real. In her wildest dreams, she had never imagined a marriage proposal on the first evening. What did such an influential man hope to gain from the union?
Merielle swept up to her. “Isn’t this a magical night? You are the talk of the ball, Esta. Was that Piotr Zialni you were dancing with?”
Esta swallowed her nerves and tried to put on a bright smile. “It was. He proposed to me.”
Merielle gasped, her hand flying to her mouth and her eyes wide. “He proposed?”
Esta grabbed her hand and led her out onto the terrace. “Can you keep that to yourself? I don’t wish for anyone else to know.”
“I do not think I can,” Merielle said. “The King and Queen will wish to hear of this. Piotr is under suspicion for the death of Jiseve Zialni, the King’s brother. Anything he does will be treated with mistrust. You must proceed with great caution, Esta.”
“I had already gathered that. Piotr sets my teeth on edge. I wonder what he hopes to gain by his offer.”
Merielle frowned. “Perhaps he wishes to be closer to the seat of power. What will you do?”
Esta sighed. “I can’t risk making him angry. He’s an heir to the throne. I’ll have to play along with him until it becomes clear what else he wants.”
“I do not like this, Esta. You need help. I will think on who might provide that help. In the meantime, you should spend time with your other suitors as well.”
“That’s good advice and I intend to do so.” Esta spent the remainder of the evening dancing, trying to forget the intrigue that now had her in its grip.
A week later, she was no closer to discovering the way forward. She had spent time with Tomas Henn, the Master Goldsmith, whose name was Reid Vetta, and Piotr Zialni but she couldn’t relax in the company of the latter. Even though he was as charming as the other men, the time spent with him made her shoulders ache with tension. He had been perfectly behaved, softly spoken—kissing her hand was the closest he had come to expressing desire.
The same could not be said for Tomas Henn who had held her hand and kissed her on the cheek more than once. It was obvious that he wished to do more. Tomas was funny and smart, and it appeared he stood to inherit a sizeable estate from his father. In the meantime, he received a monthly stipend from the estate which would have financed Esta’s holdings for nearly a year.
Reid Vetta, was an older man, polished, charming and completely genuine. He was as dark as
Tomas was fair with black hair and beard, piercing blue eyes and a swarthy complexion. It was said he was a distant relative of the King. Esta enjoyed his company, especially the tour of his three shops where she delighted in the gold jewelry and other wares. Reid’s wife had died in childbirth the year before so he was alone apart from his apprentices and employees. He was a wealthy man and Esta was tempted by his intelligence and gentle ways.
She could see herself as wife to Tomas or Reid but not Piotr. There were others who had asked her to accompany them on outings but she had yet to reply. Perhaps next week she could answer their notes but already her enthusiasm for this project had diminished. Esta longed for the peace and routine of home and hated the gossip and intrigue of court, especially when it revolved around her.
She had been summoned by the Queen to luncheon yesterday and had gone, shaking in her slippers. Merielle had literally held her hand during the meeting but Adriana had seemed concerned for her welfare and had wanted to ensure she was safe in light of suspicions that Piotr had been involved in the death of Jiseve Zialni. The Queen also had no idea what Piotr hoped to gain by his marriage proposal except giving him a good reason to place himself close to Wildecoast and allow him ready access to the King via social functions. Adriana asked Esta to keep seeing Piotr in case he should let something slip about his motives.
Esta was tired of it all—fed up with courting, on edge when she met Piotr and longing to make her decision so she could move on with her life. Tomas or Reid would suit her equally well but neither of them had proposed yet. If she accepted another man’s proposal, she’d no longer have to see Piotr and that was why this afternoon’s outing with Reid had her hopes up.
She was to meet Reid in the castle rose garden and so had chosen an apricot gown that was much frillier than she preferred. She was not a frills and lace person but Paurella had suggested it and as Esta pulled on the creation, she had to admit it matched her complexion. It put her in mind of lazy spring days and the scent of roses on the warm breeze. She hoped Reid would like it.
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