by Janeal Falor
When I enter the grand hall, my parents are on their thrones, and Reginald stands behind them. Though I don’t like it, he’s taken Octavian’s place as one of their advisers.
The thick, red carpet covers the entire stone floor. My bare feet barely make a sound while I walk over to them. Enormous pictures hang on the wall. Most are of my mother, though a few are of me—before the spell’s consequence—and some of my father are scattered in between them, along with one of all three of us. Two guards stand at either side of the thrones. The guard is rebuilding, though it will take more time to get their strength back to what it was.
I reach the stairs in front of my parents and curtsy. Mother avoids my gaze, even after all this time. She sits upon her throne, head held high, looking regal as ever. My father is different. He holds my gaze, having adjusted to the differences in my appearance. During the previous weeks, he’s taken me more seriously, valuing my thoughts and opinions. No doubt that’s why I was called to meet with them—some matter he wants my input on.
The thought flatters me but isn’t what I wish for. Peace and respect between humans and elves—that’s what’s needed.
And Robert. I don’t know if he’s even alive.
I haven’t heard from him since he was carried out of that cabin, though I’ve sent more than one note inquiring after him.
“Thank you for coming,” Father says. “There are a couple items of business I wish to speak with you about. The first concerns Octavian.”
I suppress the groan that wants to rise out of me. The filth was nothing but trouble upon his capture. Being the king and queen’s aid so long, he knew all the loopholes and wasn’t afraid to use them. The hour I was supposed to spend in elven court against him turned into a week, and the experience left me drained and angry. I clench my fists thinking about it.
“I still can’t believe it was he who betrayed us,” Mother interrupts. “He joined us shortly after your birth. Doubtless if he had been around before, he would have talked us out of ever betrothing you. He convinced us to do so much. I never wish to see that elf again.”
Father raises his gaze to the ceiling and lets out a sigh. “Yes, my dear. We will have his treachery taken care of soon enough. As I was trying to tell Arabella—”
“I’m not certain exiling him to the Crimson Ruins is good enough. I still think we should behead him. I can’t believe that thing was ever in the same room as me.” She gingerly brushes her arm as if to wipe it of any remnants of Octavian.
“As you may have gathered from your mother, the council decided against the death penalty in favor of exile. His days will remain lonely, giving him time to think upon his actions. It is a fitting consequence.”
“I agree,” I say. “It’d be ill for us to stoop to his level and execute him. Maybe in time he will change his ways, though I for one will always remain wary of his actions.”
“Well said.” Father nods in agreement. “Emeline’s punishment won’t be as harsh because of her helping Jocelyn to escape. She’s sentenced to help an orphanage in Pomum Heart. She’ll be carefully watched over and hopefully can gain a softer heart.”
“Yes, I hope the children can thaw her,” I say, thinking of the last time I was with the children. They are sweet and kind, if a bit rambunctious at times. If anything can soften her heart, I believe they can. Emeline herself was not unkind last we spoke, though she was very caught up in what was outside her window. “When we last spoke, she was sorrowful. I believe she has a chance.”
“She has changed already, but there’s still much work to be done,” he says. “Now, the second item of business I called you here for—an emissary brought a letter today that concerns you.”
I straighten with this news. I didn’t expect a reply now of all days. I was beginning to think it would never come. “What did it say?”
“The humans were moved by the words you urged us to send them. They understand the circumstances and are willing to take us up on the offer. The betrothal is restored, and the wedding will take place once the appropriate arrangements have been made.”
Reginald speaks for the first time, his eyebrows drawn together. “Yes, they have been quite understanding.”
Closing my eyes, I try to keep my face smooth. So it will take place. Robert’s final words spring to mind. You are making a good choice in marrying the prince. I strengthen myself with the memory.
I open my eyes and force myself to ask about the second item I inquired about. “And Robert? What of him?”
For the first time, Father’s gaze darts to the floor. I clench my jaw and try to remain steady while he struggles for words. Pain hovers over me, ready to swoop in with the wrong words.
“No.” Mother’s voice is shrill, making the pain jump in but not in the way I expected. “I cannot allow our daughter to be so caught up with a common sailor. I will not have it.”
I open my mouth to defend myself, but my father surprises me by saying, “Pernilla. That common sailor—as you put it—has done more for our family than we will ever be able to repay.” His gaze shifts to me, filled with compassion, and his voice softens. “I’m afraid we’ll not be able to even try, though. Arabella, I’m so sorry. He passed from this world shortly after the ship left.”
My heart feels odd. Almost as if someone stands in front of me and tries to rip it from my chest. More words are said, but they have no meaning. The pain is brutal. I’m vaguely aware of being dismissed by my father and traversing through the halls out of the castle. I wander to a deserted place in the garden and fall into a heap on the grass.
There should be tears—I know there should, from the pain hewing me in two—but none come. My body is lifeless and heavy with the sun blaring down upon me. The images around me shudder. Μy thoughts creep to my time with Robert. The simple feel of his warm touch against my skin. The way his golden-brown eyes locked with my gaze. His caring— No. I can’t allow myself to go further.
The anguish slicing through me is worse than anything I’ve yet to experience. I gasp for breath and suck in something salty. I reach a dirty hand up to feel my face. A strange realization overcomes me.
I’m sobbing.
That’s why the world appears to shake around me. It’s not the world; it’s me. The thought makes the tears come on more fiercely.
A hand gently touches my shoulder. I want to ignore it. To ignore the all of Omanska. But I can’t. I am their princess.
I look up to find Jocelyn bending over me. Her green eyes sparkle with tears as well. I shift toward her as she sits next to me. We lean on each other for support while the tears run their course.
The pain doesn’t lessen. It still eats at me, threatening to rip me apart, but Jocelyn is here to hold me together. Her presence makes it easier to bear.
The sun moves across the sky while I cry. The tears eventually ease, and she pulls out a handkerchief for me. Embarrassed but grateful, I accept it and dry my eyes and nose.
“I know it doesn’t mean much, but I’m sorry.” Her words are soft.
“It does mean something to me. I’m being silly anyway.”
She shakes her head. “No. We all saw how you two cared for one another. It would have been hard to miss. Though it was an impossibility for you two to be together, you shouldn’t have to lose him like this.”
I bite my bottom lip in an attempt to hold back the tears again.
After several minutes, Jocelyn speaks again. “I’m sorry for the way things are. Though I can’t fully understand how you’re feeling, I do wish things were different. Unlike you, I’m not bound to marry someone I don’t know, but I’m unable to marry at all while in your service. I don’t wish to leave you, but my heart aches for what I saw between you and Robert.”
“I had no idea.”
“I’m not trying to complain. Maybe I’m out of line, telling you this. I hope to find someone like Robert someday.
He was good to us all.”
“Yes. He was kind. Though I suppose that’s an understatement. I’ll always remember him and strive to be like him.” Tears splash down my cheeks again.
Jocelyn laughs, startling a flock of nearby birds into flight. “I don’t think you can get any kinder, my lady. It’s hard to find a selfish act coming from you.”
“Please, call me Arabella.” I smile through my tears. “And I do think I can be kinder. In fact, there’s something I know I can change. We will get rid of the law prohibiting you from courting. I won’t let you fall to the same fate as Constance in the matters of love. Besides, one of us ought to find our mate and be able to spend our life with him. You will be my new hope for true love.”
“My lad—Arabella, I don’t know what to say.”
I laugh. The sound feels strange next to the pain in my heart. “Thank you is enough. Still, I should thank you. This will give me something happy to cling to.”
“Thank you. Though it doesn’t begin to cover it.”
“It will more than cover it.” I feel lighter already. We embrace like the two sisters we’ve become.
Chapter
Twenty-Seven
My white dress is adorned with small diamonds. It reaches the floor, hiding my bare feet, and trails behind me. A sheer white veil attaches to my crown and covers my face. I’ve always expected this moment to be a happy one. That somehow the betrothal would be broken and I’d marry someone I loved.
Maybe even Robert.
It’s foolish to allow such dreams.
How my heart aches.
Holding back tears, I glance at the door and steel myself for what’s to come. Soon one of the servants will be coming to say it’s time to get married. Then I’ll go to the hill, where everyone is waiting. It’s been lavishly decorated with blooming flowers. Many people will be there, both humans and elves, wanting to see if our two races will really unite by marriage.
As my thoughts wander, Constance appears at the door. A smile dances on her lips, though it doesn’t reach her eyes. “My dear, Arabella.” She walks over and places a hand on my check. “I know this isn’t what you wanted, but you’re doing the right thing.”
“Thank you. That means a lot, coming from you,” I say.
“My dear, they are all waiting for you.”
She leads me from the room, out of the castle, and up the hill toward the forest. Feelings threaten to overcome me, so I look to the ground, trying to keep my balance.
As we reach the crowd, Constance says, “I’m going to my place up front.” She smooths out my dress. “Oh, my dear.” She gives my arm a squeeze and then is gone to meet me at the head of the aisle.
After several long, deep breaths, I start the long walk. Everyone stands when I approach. There’s so many of them. Too many. I hold my head high but keep my gaze on the ground. The only sound reaching my ears is that of birds, singing their sweet song. As my bare feet land on the soft, white flower petals, I ready myself to meet my future husband for the first time.
My thoughts stray to Robert and the time we spent together. Deep down, I felt a strength in him I hope to draw from now, even if I’ll never see him again. The memory of his words and actions will see me through this. It’s what he’d want me to do.
While I continue forward, I try to think of my people. Of what I’m doing this for.
The end of the aisle arrives too quickly, but peace settles through me. Prince Phillip has brightly polished shoes. They remind me of the dream I had, so long ago, but this won’t end in a nightmare. I won’t let it. Peace settles through me. Robert approved of this. Prince Phillip and I will end the conflict between elves and humans.
I stop and hands I know to be Constance and Jocelyn both move to lift the veil. I follow it with my gaze, looking at the prince’s well-tailored clothes up to his broad shoulders.
With a pounding heart, I look into a face that’s familiar. “Abner?”
“I’m sorry about everything.” Though his words are contrite, his face is puckered like he doesn’t want to be saying them.
How can this be? Why would he be here, an elf-hating human such as him. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m Prince Phillip. There’ll be time to talk later, but I—”
“Wait, there won’t be time to talk later because we’ll be married. Everything will be said and done by then. You better explain yourself now.”
He darts his gaze to the ground before meeting mine again. “The most important thing for you to know is that I lied.”
“Of course you lied.” I keep my voice down, despite wanting to yell. “That much is obvious. What exactly are you getting at?”
“Don’t you see him? Robert. He’s alive, standing behind me.”
I search with my gaze, and my chest lifts. Can it really be? Is he alive?
And then I see him. Robert, his golden brown eyes gazing at me. He’s alive.
And I’m about to marry his best friend.
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Books in the Elven Princess Series
Bound by Birthright
Bound to Endure
Bound by Love
Other Books by Janeal Falor
Mine Series
Mine to Tarnish (Mine Prequel)
You Are Mine (Mine #1)
Mine to Spell (Mine #2)
Mine to Fear (Mine #3)
Sacrifice of Mine (Mine #4)
Darkening Light
Ever Darkening (Darkening Light #1)
Savage Light (Darkening Light #2)
Acknowledgments
I want to give a big thanks to the people who made this book possible. It takes a lot of work to make a book and without these people, this book would still be a sad, lonely little draft. Having said that, whatever faults are left, are purely my own. I know they would be many, many more were it not for the help of these people.
I huge, appreciative high five goes to Callie Chinen, for not only beta reading, but doing so on a very ugly draft. She helped me from the get go, and her positive feedback kept me going. I’d also like to thank Wil Scott and Marie Krepps for beta reading for me. Your input was invaluable.
A thank you to Tracey Joesph for reading through a later version of the book and helping me fix so many third person errors, among so many other things. It was a hard decision to change from third person to first person and left many mistakes. I’m so grateful for her help finding them.
Thank you to my copy editor, Sotia Lazu. She’s amazing at cleaning up my manuscripts and helping me find things I’d never even thought of before. She’s my superwoman/editor. And thanks to Yesenia Vargas for proofreading for me. It’s a messy job and she makes good work of it.
As always, a massive thanks to my family for not just allowing me to work, but cheering me on. Tai, thanks for telling everyone we meet, even grocery store clerks, that your mom writes. A special thanks to my husband, Erik, on this one. He read this when it was still the first book I had ever written, the first draft at this. It was horrible, mucky reading, but he guided me and encouraged me through all of it. I love you!
Thanks goes to Karen C. Eddington, who without this book and series would not be possible. She cheered me on from the moment she read and continued to tell me how excited she was about the book when I was working on something else. She always encouraged me to come back to it, and I’m so glad she did. Thank you, sis!
And thank you reader, for following along Arabella’s story. Without you, there would be no point to writing at all.
; About the Author
Amazon best selling author Janeal Falor lives in Utah with her husband and three children. In her non-writing time she teaches her kids to make silly faces, cooks whatever strikes her fancy, and attempts to cultivate a garden even when half the things she plants die. When it’s time for a break she can be found taking a scenic drive with her family, fencing, or drinking hot chocolate.
