by Andrea Boyd
“Am I to believe that you fight alongside your men?”
His question struck a nerve. I tried not to let it show, but I could hear it in my own response. “No, I do not usually go into battle with my men, but I will not run and hide if trouble comes my way. Every woman within the keeping of my castle has been trained to fight. What kind of queen would I be if I did not stand up with my people in defense of my kingdom?”
He patted my hand that was resting on his arm. “I meant no offence, Your Highness. I must admit that I am wholly impressed. I had heard the rumor that the Aisling women knew how to fight. Maybe you could teach me a thing or two.” There was definitely a smirk on his face this time.
“Perhaps I will. I take it that Gilvary does not train their women, but what about their princes?”
“I have been trained. All of us have. Have you not heard? It is a requirement for being a prince. It says so in the Prince Handbook, but do not tell anyone. It is supposed to be kept secret.” Garrett had leaned over to whisper this part, and then he winked at me. My mind went blank and the fluttering moved from my chest down toward my stomach.
He truly had my interest now, and I was not nearly ready for this conversation to end. All too soon we were at the back door of the castle with him bowing over my hand. “Your Grace, this has been an enlightening conversation, and I hope we will become better acquainted in the near future.”
“Thank you, Prince Garrett. I am truly looking forward to that.”
As I looked toward Garrett’s receding back, I suddenly realized Gwen had been right behind us the whole time. She remained silent, but the simpering grin on her face said enough.
ANOTHER ONE OF THE advantages that Castle Gilvary had to offer was that all of the sleeping chambers were at the back of the castle. It was customary here to slip in through the back door after a long journey and make yourself more presentable before entering the common area. One of the chambermaids lining the antechamber stepped forward to take us to our rooms.
Gwen waited until we were securely behind the closed door of my bedchamber to break out with laughter. “Well, I dare say Prince Garrett is even more handsome than I remembered. He has manners, and even though he seems to have been in hiding for the last several years, he knew exactly who you were. Those have to be attributes in his favor. Do you think he was waiting there in the stables just for you?”
“I have no idea why a prince would be hanging out in the barn, but I seriously doubt it was for my account considering the fact that he seems to have been avoiding me in the last several years. I must agree with the rest though, good looking and a sense of humor as well.”
“I could not help but observe he was also flirting with you. I saw the wink.” I had not been sure if his teasing had counted as flirting, but apparently Gwen thought so.
“I have spent no time with him since we were children. For all I know he flirts with everyone just like his brother. We will be sure to pay attention. He has his mother’s eyes, did you notice?”
“How could I not. What Queen Finelle lacks in personality, she more than makes up in beauty. I do believe she is the most attractive woman I have ever known. Her boys are very fortunate that her beauty has overshadowed King Coman’s features. I am sure her looks drew him in, but I cannot for the life of me figure out what she saw in him.”
“It was an arranged marriage, and I am sure King Coman was more interested in her title than anything else. People seem to forget that she is the natural heir to this throne. I am afraid that is all I will be thought of as well, just a title to be had.”
“Not to be rude, but how is that any different than you seeking out a prince or a duke?”
I turned to look at her. “You disapprove?”
“Not at all, you are doing what is best for your kingdom. It is the mark of a great leader. I am just saying that you are not the first to marry for a reason other than love. That does not mean you cannot be happy and even grow to love each other in time. You say Queen Finelle’s was an arranged marriage, but she seems perfectly content and as difficult as King Coman is, he seems to adore his wife. Would you not agree?”
“Of course, you are right.”
Only when the conversation ended did we turn our attention to the room itself. I had to admit I was used to much better. This was my first visit to Gilvary since my coronation, but I had expected to be shown to the same royal suite my father had occupied. Even the rooms I had used before his death were nicer.
This small room held only the bare essentials—a bed, wash stand, and one chair. There was an even smaller room attached with only a narrow bed that was meant for a personal servant. Gwen was the first one to voice what seemed obvious.
“These rooms are an insult. I care very little for myself as long as I have a place to lay my head, but how can they dare offer this to a queen?”
“Gwen, I would be known throughout this kingdom as every kind of spoiled brat if I complain. Perhaps that is the objective. We will not say a word to anyone about this. As long as we can keep Eamon from knowing of it, everything will be all right. I will probably only be sleeping here myself, and I am sure the bed is fine.”
“I do not like it, but it will be as you say.”
There was not much time before I would be expected at the king and queen’s dinner table. I helped Gwen rummage through my bags to find the outfit I would wear along with everything I would need to go with it. I sat down in the only chair in the room, and she began unbraiding my hair. I had not had a hot bath since leaving Fort Bevan, but it seemed I would have to make do with the wash stand.
There was a tap on the door just before the chambermaid reentered followed by two young men carrying a small tub full of hot water between them. They set it at the foot of the bed and then left quickly, no doubt to repeat the process in another room. She placed a piece of toweling, a wash cloth, and a bar of soap on the bed. “Sorry it took so long, Miss, but the castle is filled to overflowing with people wanting their bath.”
“I would think a queen would carry precedence over most of the rest of the castle.” Gwen gracefully extended her hand toward me and gave a small curtsy. I may be hesitant to point out my rank, but Gwen always demanded respect for her queen when she felt I was not getting my due. I had told her not to complain about the room, so she must have been referring to the servant’s address to me.
I could tell by the shocked look on the maid’s face that she had been formerly unaware of my title. “Queen! But you are dressed . . . I mean, no one told me. I am so sorry, My Lady. You must be Queen Brianna Reaner of Aisling. I have chambers all made up and ready for you. I’ve brought you to the wrong chambers. I am so sorry, Your Highness. We must get you to the right place immediately.” She was curtsying in between each sentence as if to make up for all the times she had missed before.
Feeling sorry for her panic, I grabbed both of her hands in mine. “Do not trouble yourself so. This chamber is just fine. A bed to sleep in and a bath are all I really need.”
“You do not understand, My Lady. The king will have my hide when he hears about this.” I could feel the tension in her hands. If I went traipsing down the hall right now, word would surely make it around the castle. I felt the need to come up with the best solution for everyone.
“He will not find out. No one will know. Now, you take Miss Gwen and show her to my chambers so I will be able to find them later. My bath is already drawn, and Gwen will get you my dress for this evening. If you would be so kind as to have it pressed, that would be greatly appreciated. I will bathe and ready myself here. You can have my things transferred this evening while I am at supper, and I will retire to my new chambers tonight. It will be as if this never happened.” She ceased her argument, but I could tell from her expression that she expected to be found out anyway.
Gwen came back with my dress in hand in record time to help me wash my hair and get ready for dining in the great hall. The timing of meals in each of the three castles was essentially the sam
e. Breakfast and dinner were always more casual with people coming in at different times and sitting where ever they liked. However, for the nobility at least, there was a set time and seating for supper.
I arrived precisely at six o’clock, but I somehow seemed to be late. The dining hall was already packed. I took the arm of the seating host, and he led me toward the back of the room. The king and queen usually sat at the table on the raised dais along with their children. During Session, the host couple sat in the middle with a place set for the royal couples of the visiting kingdoms on each side.
This was the same placing for every Session meeting, but when I was shown to my seat, Prince Dunbar was there to my right with King Coman on my left side. I was uncomfortable with this arrangement. To everyone else in the room it would appear as if Dunbar and I were a couple, as if my choice for a mate had already been made. Protesting the situation would only make it worse. He stood and bowed at my approach. The servant helped me into my chair and placed a linen napkin across my lap.
The prince had waited until this was done to speak. “Good evening, Your Grace.”
“Good evening, Prince Dunbar.”
I may not say anything to my host, but I would let my feelings be known to him. “Are you not afraid that by sitting up here with me everyone might get the wrong impression?”
He leaned in a little closer with a concerned look on his face. “And what impression would that be?”
I could feel the heat creeping into my face, but I was powerless to stop it. “You know, they might think we are together, as a couple.”
A smile lit up his face. “Now would that be such a bad thing? Look, there is no pressure, and I can certainly move if you wish. Father just thought you would like someone closer to your own age to talk to. That is all.”
It would be an insult to the king and queen of Gilvary if I asked their son to move, and it would draw more unwanted attention from the other diners. Besides, I had promised to give him another chance. This was an opportunity to get to know Dunbar better. “There is no need to leave now. What is done is done, and a little conversation would be nice, as you say.”
I took this occasion to reacquaint myself with his features, and I could not help but compare him to Garrett. He was thinner, and his complexion was lighter as if he did not often leave the castle. His hair and eyes were brown but not as dark as his father’s. Still, he was handsome, and he had a gracefulness about him like his mother. This could work.
AFTER AN HOUR WITH Dunbar, I knew this could never work. He was so, so dull. He talked a great deal about the weather, and every other sentence seemed to begin with ‘my father said’ or ‘my father thinks.’ What do you think, Dunbar? Apparently nothing, unless your father first plants the idea into your head.
I looked around the room for the other two princes. Maybe I could attach myself to one of them as soon as the meal was finished. Then the afternoon might not be counted as a complete waste of my time. Garrett was nowhere to be seen which was disappointing but not unusual for him. Reagan was sitting way too close to a pretty girl with long blond curls. He kept whispering in her ear while she blushed and giggled. If they were any closer, she would be sitting in his lap.
After another half hour of listening to Dunbar’s prattle, I decided to escape to my chambers. Unfortunately, he followed me into the hallway, taking my hand in his. “Queen Brianna, if you are not feeling well, I really think I should escort you.”
“I am not ill. I am just overly tired. It has been a long day and a long trip here. Please, I insist that I do not need an escort, and I am not sure it would be proper for you to accompany me to my chambers anyway.” There was actually nothing improper about him walking with me to my door, but my bluff seemed to work. He bowed and then kissed the back of my hand.
I curtsied, and as soon as he was out of sight, I rubbed my hand on my skirt and gave an exaggerated shudder. I had thought I was alone, but laughter sounded close behind me. I jerked around to find Reagan standing beside a suit of armor on display outside of the dining hall. I could not help but wonder what had happened to the blond he had been with earlier. “So, now you are spying on me, and no doubt, at your father’s request. Did you see anything that might interest him?”
I do not know why I suddenly felt so angry. I walked away as if I did not care for his answer. He fell into step beside me. “Not at all, it is just a happy coincidence that I happened to witness your blatant rejection of dear Dunbar. I doubt he even noticed, and as for it interesting Father, I am sure it would highly disappoint him. He has great plans for the two of you, you know.”
“I think everyone in the country knows of his plans, but your father has no jurisdiction over me.”
“That’s good to hear. A girl with spunk and the ability to overstep my father is a rarity in this castle.”
I slowed down to a more leisurely pace. “I take it you do not like your father very much.”
“Oh, I love my father. We just happen not to agree on very much, not that he ever considers my thoughts on any matter.”
“And what thoughts do you have on running a kingdom?”
He looked at me and smiled. “We will just leave the running of a kingdom questions for Dunbar, and yourself, of course. It is very unlikely that my opinions on the matter will ever need to be taken into consideration.”
“Have you never thought that you could one day be king?”
“I would hope not, especially considering that both of my parents and one of my brothers would have to die in order for that to happen.”
“No one would wish for that.” I was thinking along the lines of him marrying a queen, but I was not brave enough to introduce that subject just yet.
“And here you are, safely to your door. It seems you ended up with an escort after all.”
I turned and looked into Reagan’s caramel-colored eyes. I believe the contrast between his black hair and the light in his eyes was one of the things that made him so beautiful. He always seemed to be wearing a mischievous smile. It drew your thoughts to him like a mystery to be puzzled out. We had been having a serious conversation without the flirting that had always been his way. It gave me too much hope that he could be the one.
He leaned in and kissed me on the cheek. “Pleasant dreams, Your Highness.” With a small nodding of his head, he was gone. I reached up and touched the side of my face. Did that count as my first kiss? It certainly was the closest I had ever come. It took a moment before my head cleared enough for me to look around and see in which part of the castle I was standing. Gwen had neglected to tell me which suite was to be mine, but looking up at the same ornate door leading to the suite my parents had occupied through the years, I had every confidence this was the right place.
Five
THE NEXT MORNING Gwen and I decided to go down to the dining hall for breakfast. I would not find the future King of Aisling by hiding out in my chambers. Looking around the room, it seemed that most of the castle had decided to sleep in this Sunday morning. After viewing our options, we headed toward King Coman’s youngest two sons.
“Good morning. Do you two gentlemen mind if we sit with you?”
Terence gave me a hearty welcome, but Rian just shrugged and kept eating. It was hard to believe he was a prince and his parents did not demand better manners from him.
“Queen Brianna is a queen. You are supposed to show respect to a queen.” Even when I was a princess and our status was equal, Terence had always used my title along with my name. It was one of his quirks.
Rian just shrugged again. “She is no different than you or me. I could care less where she sits.”
“But she is a queen, Rian.”
I disregarded the young prince and sat down across from Terence. The scathing look Gwen gave Rian as she sat across from him would have sent some men whimpering. He tried ignoring her, but judging by the way he squirmed in his seat and glanced at her every few seconds, it bothered him at least a little. I had to admit, this did give
me a small amount of satisfaction. If he were anyone else, her reaction may have been a physical one.
I began filling my plate with eggs, cured ham, and roasted potatoes from the dishes in front of me while a serving girl placed water and a steaming cup of coffee in front of each of us. I slathered butter on a warm crusty roll and took a bite before resuming the conversation. “It is all right, Terence. You and I can talk, and you remember my friend Gwen, do you not?”
“Yes, I do remember. Good morning, Miss Gwen.” He gave Gwen a shy look as he nodded his head in her direction.
“Good morning, Prince Terence.”
“So Terence, are you excited about tomorrow night’s ball?”
“Yes, Queen Brianna. Mother has been helping me practice this whole week. And I have a new suit and hat to wear to the ball. And a tie. I do not much like the tie, but Mother says it makes me look like a real gentleman. I wanted to ask you something, Queen Brianna. Are you going to be there too?”
I laughed despite myself. “Yes, Terence, I will be at the ball too. I have a new dress and a hat also. What color is your suit?”
“It has two colors, brown and blue. But Queen Brianna, I wanted to ask you another question.”
“Go ahead.”
“Will you dance with me at the ball, Queen Brianna? The first dance?”
The first dance was usually reserved for that special someone. I had a feeling Dunbar would try to be first. After last night, I did not want to add any more speculation, so this would actually be perfect. Besides, I did not think I would have the heart to turn down Terence’s offer even if I had wanted to. “Of course, you can have the first dance. I would be delighted.”
Rian snickered.
“Guess what, Garrett? Queen Brianna is going to be at the ball, and she is going to dance with me. The first dance, she promised me the first dance.”
