by K. M. Shea
Erick bowed. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”
Gerhart stared at the beautiful Gabrielle, his eyes full of admiration and his mouth open like a landed fish.
“Children, this is the charming Lady Gabrielle, our most recent marquise,” King Henrik said.
“A marquise?” Steffen said.
“It is my pleasure to meet you,” Gabrielle said, her dress sighing when she curtsied. “I am Gabrielle of Carabas.”
“Of Carabas?” Steffen yelped.
“Yes, that is the reason for my sudden intrusion. I wanted to tell you that I have taken care of the ogre,” Gabrielle said.
“Taken care of the ogre?” Steffen repeated.
“Is there something wrong with your hearing?” Nick asked.
Steffen shook his head in disbelief, trying to convince himself he was hearing something else. “You went back.”
“Naturally,” Gabrielle said.
“No, not naturally. It almost killed you the first time, and you risked it a second time?”
“But I won the second time,” Gabrielle said. “The ogre is dead, and the lands of Carabas are free.”
“That is not the point,” Steffen said.
“Yes, it is. That’s the main point,” Rune said, bowing to Gabrielle. “Lady, you have my great admiration for your feat. How did you do it?”
“No, brother. It won’t do to admire such foolish risk-taking.” Steffen stepped between Rune and Gabrielle. And you can keep your flirtatious claws to yourself, as well!
Gabrielle leaned around Steffen to say, “It was a battle of wits.”
Rune’s eyes lit up. “Ah! What a brilliant thought. I don’t believe anyone has ever engaged him in conversation. How did you outwit him?”
Sensing his position of superiority as the eldest prince was being undermined, Steffen changed tactics. He placed a hand on Gabrielle’s back and diverted her path, leading her farther into the room. “You may as well share your story with everyone. Nick and Mikk will want to hear it several dozen times,” Steffen said, using his best smile.
“Yes. Although first, I officially cancel our meeting—indeed, there is no more need to argue over Carabas now!” King Henrik said. “And after we hear the marquise’s tale, we must hold a banquet to celebrate her victory this evening. Would you find that agreeable, Lady Gabrielle?”
Lady Gabrielle shook her head. “It’s too much fuss.” She offered Gerhart a smile when the young teenager met her gaze.
Gerhart blushed and looked away.
“Nonsense. That ogre held Carabas captive for decades. You deserve every bit of recognition we can muster. We should throw a ball,” Nick said.
Gabrielle laughed, making Gerhart sigh like a lovesick puppy. “If you will excuse my impudence, I must decline a ball. A banquet this evening would be enjoyable, but I am afraid I cannot be away from Carabas for long. I will need to leave shortly.”
“Why?” Mikk asked.
“Though the ogre is gone, the land is still plagued by evil. A Lady Enchantress helped me for several days, so the castle and town are secure—but the farmland, forest, and several abandoned villages are in great need of purging,” Gabrielle said.
“You’re so sensible,” Nick said, nodding in approval. “A lady—and a queen—should be sensible.”
“Thank you?” Gabrielle’s fair brow wrinkled.
“Back to the ogre,” Rune said.
“Indeed, how did you defeat a creature of magic with your wits?” Erick asked, adjusting his golden spectacles.
“There is farmland to be purged?” Falk asked, emerging from his corner.
“Do you think you will need military assistance?” Nick asked.
“I will find out by the end of the day,” Mikk said.
“You are as brilliant as gold, Lady Gabrielle,” Gerhart said.
“Is there a particular kind of food you favor?” Elise asked. “Our cook will wish to know for the banquet, and it would be a kindness to inform the kitchens as swiftly as possible.”
Steffen wrestled with the desire to push back all of his grasping, nosey siblings. They were grabbing at Gabrielle like puppies anxious for attention, and he did not like how close Gerhart stood to her. To his surprise, the lady took the sudden interest quite graciously.
She laughed and smoothed her dress as she stepped away from Steffen to seat herself in a chair. “Before we speak of Carabas, it would be better if I explained how I defeated the ogre.”
“Excellent! I love a good story,” Nick said, plopping down in a chair to her right.
“How did you approach the castle? Did you go in stealth?” Rune asked. He pulled out a chair for Elise, then claimed the chair on Gabrielle’s left.
Elise arranged her skirts. “I imagine the Carabas citizens were so happy to be freed. Could you describe their reaction?”
“And the farmland,” Falk added.
“She fits in well,” King Henrik said when he and Steffen were the only two still standing.
“Yes,” Steffen agreed. Seeing his family crowded around a table, happy and animated, with Gabrielle in their ranks was…strange. It wasn’t unpleasant, but Steffen wished he hadn’t seen the sight. It was a dream that he would not allow to take place.
Between his inexplicable conduct (chasing down the goblins on Gabrielle’s trail) and wanting to smack Gerhart upside the head for the way he drooled over her, Steffen knew he was in grave danger of losing his temper (and heart) over Gabrielle. It is unacceptable to be so ruled by emotion.
Late in the evening—while the banquet was still going strong—Gabrielle retreated to a terrace that overlooked the palace herb garden. She breathed in the pungent scent of thyme and sagged against the stone railing.
“Tired already?” Puss asked, jumping onto the thick railing.
“I ate too much,” Gabrielle admitted. “But I can’t find it in myself to be sorry. The food was delicious.”
“I forget sometimes that you are a commoner. Your speech has much improved this summer, and you took to our adventures so quickly.”
“I wouldn’t be so quick to praise my speech,” Gabrielle yawned. “Prince Nickolas talked me into hosting a ball at Carabas next year—after we’ve had a chance to build and renovate.”
“A ball? Why did you agree?”
“It seemed reasonable. He said it would let everyone see how different Carabas is. Besides, you weren’t around to tell me to say no. Speaking of which, it isn’t like you to stay away from royalty. What have you spent the day doing?”
“I skulked around the castle, inspecting its architecture and furnishings. I found the library, but it did not hold any books that could help me.”
“Help you with what?”
“With knowing how to manage your newly acquired holdings. I trust you to lead your poor people with compassion and confidence, but the march—all the borderlands that belong to you—will require much work and rebuilding. I read only a few books on carpentry whilst living with Lord Enchanter Evariste and Lady Enchantress Angelique. They’re mages, not true scholars, so I find myself woefully underprepared for our next adventure.”
“We could visit the Arcainian college. I’m sure they would have more materials,” Gabrielle said.
“Yes, but on a different trip,” Puss said. “We ought to begin the journey back to Carabas the day after tomorrow.”
“I know, although there’s a place I want to visit before we head east again,” Gabrielle yawned.
“I see. Very well, we will discuss this in the morning,” Puss said.
“Not now?”
“No, you had better return to your festivities, and I must get back to my invisible observation of running a castle,” Puss said, rubbing his cheek against Gabrielle’s arm before strolling away, his white fur glowing in the darkness.
“Take care, and enjoy,” Gabrielle called after him.
“I wish the same for you,” Puss said as he disappeared into the castle.
Gabrielle sat on an uncomfort
able stone bench, placing her hand on her stomach. “Ugh. I am stuffed! But Princess Elise said their cook made poppy seed cake.”
“I told our cook you favored plum treats,” Steffen said. “You must eat at least one of those, or she will be saddened.”
Gabrielle smiled as Steffen strolled from the doorway to join her on the terrace. He was handsome, even in the faint light, more at ease in Brandis than elsewhere. His posture was more languid, and he didn’t speak with his carefully pronounced princely voice—although occasionally his siblings made him puff up like an angry cat.
“I do love plums,” she admitted. “But I have had poppy seed cake only twice before. My brothers bought it for me.”
“So you have relatives? I was beginning to think you popped out of the ground as a tiny adventurer babe,” Steffen said.
“Your Highness,” Gabrielle scoffed. “An attitude such as mine can only be taught, not inherited.”
“I suppose so. Thank you for keeping your word and visiting—although I must confess I did not mean for you to dash off after the ogre again.”
The change in topics caught Gabrielle off guard, as did the dose of seriousness. “I know; I’m sorry. I had to do it.”
Steffen sighed. The exhale was edged with a bit of irritation. “You didn’t, though. That’s the part I find ridiculous.”
“No, I did.”
“Enlighten me, then, my lady. Why did you have to go face the ogre a second time after you were almost killed during the first encounter?” Steffen asked, motioning for Gabrielle to scoot down the bench. She did, and Steffen sat next to her.
Gabrielle was thankful for the darkness. Not much could make her blush, but the way Steffen’s arm brushed hers as they sat together was a terrible test. “Because of my friendship with Puss.”
“You attacked an ogre on behalf of your half-dead cat?” Steffen asked.
“It’s hard to explain,” Gabrielle said.
“It’s hard to understand, too.”
“Taking out the ogre was something Puss always wanted.”
“I recall you mentioning this before,” Steffen said.
“I couldn’t allow his ambition to never be realized, and I couldn’t allow the ogre to continue on in his ways. Does that make any sense?” Gabrielle asked.
“I think I get the gist of it. You are a loyal being, so you decided to sacrifice yourself for your friend’s dream.”
“Yes.”
Steffen nodded.
Gabrielle thought that was the end of the topic, but the prince shocked her when he said, “Would you ever do something like that for me?”
“What do you mean?”
“If there was something I wanted to protect or guard at all costs, would you stand in my place and see it through for me?” Steffen asked.
Gabrielle hesitated, understanding some of what he may be asking. “Certainly, Steffen.”
“Even if it put your life in danger?”
Gabrielle thought for a moment, weighing her affection for the handsome prince. She had known before her travels that love was more than physical attraction, and she knew she wanted a partner of sorts. Before Steffen, a prince would have been the last option on her list of desired lovers. But now, as she thought of Steffen’s wry humor, his affection for his people, his desire to help in dire situations, she knew her feelings for the prince had only grown. In spite of his initial hissy fit in Jagst, she had come to care for him and, perhaps, even love him.
“Your Highness, if it meant protecting what is most important to you, I would risk everything necessary,” Gabrielle finally said.
“I thought so,” Steffen said. His voice was shockingly close, and Gabrielle realized with a squeak of surprise that during her deep introspection, the prince had scooted closer. He was flush against her, pinning her in the corner of the railing.
Gabrielle made a move to leap to her feet.
“Please, don’t,” Steffen said, placing a warm hand on her shoulder.
Gabrielle settled back down uneasily but couldn’t look the prince in the face. She instead stared at her hands.
“I apologize, Gabi. I have made a grave mistake,” Steffen said.
“What?” Her heart beat unevenly when Steffen placed his hand under her chin and turned her head.
“I have allowed myself to linger too close to you, and now I fear I will hurt us both as I am forced to draw back,” Steffen said.
“There is plenty of room on the bench, Steffen. There is no need to be so dramatic about moving down.” Gabrielle made herself believe that must be all he meant.
“That’s not what I’m talking about. And look at me, you frustrating girl,” Steffen ordered. “I’m about to shatter my most idyllic dreams, but I want this moment.”
Gabrielle looked up, but she didn’t speak. Steffen’s words were both sweet and cruel at the same time, and she didn’t know what to make of them.
It worked out fine, as Steffen seemed to have much to say. “I know, now, that love will weaken me. You? It will make stronger. I wish I could be as you are, but I can’t.”
“What are you trying to say?”
“That I think I might love you, but I cannot allow myself to marry you,” Steffen whispered.
“After the enemies we have faced, you are still afraid that loving another will make you lose a part of yourself? You still think it will transform you for ill?”
“Yes.” Steffen leaned his forehead against hers.
Gabrielle inhaled, gathered her strength, and pulled back. “Very well,” she said, standing up.
“Gabrielle, don’t go yet,”
“And why shouldn’t I? You are being stupid…and cruel.”
“To both of us, yes. I am denying myself, but I want to remember this, with you,” Steffen said.
Gabrielle shook her head. “No. If you are denying yourself, that means you get nothing of me. It is unfair to be disinclined to bend for love but then to ask me to share a magical moment with you that I will be forced to remember.”
“But I thought—don’t you care for me?” Steffen’s shoulders stiffened.
It occurred to Gabrielle she could lie, but it wasn’t in her nature. “I love you, Steffen. But while you have abandoned all dreams of love, I have not. If you are not willing to be my partner in life, then I must save this kind of moment for the man who will be. And shame on you for expecting otherwise.”
“That’s not what I meant,” Steffen said, rising.
“Isn’t it?”
“It’s not! Don’t you understand what I’m saying? I love you!”
“Yet you are too afraid of what I will make you become. But perhaps you are right. The Steffen I know acts with honor. Your intent right now? It cannot be skewed in any direction to make it honorable.”
“I’m sorry,” Steffen said.
“As am I. Good evening, Your Highness.” Gabrielle sailed from the terrace. Her chin shook as she slipped back into the castle—avoiding the great hall where the banquet was held—and ran for her room.
“I’ve got to find Puss,” she whispered, tears clouding her eyes. “We leave at dawn.”
Gabrielle leaned back in her carriage—restored with Angelique’s help from the depilated condition in which the ogre kept it—and watched the familiar countryside slip by.
“It is good that you are doing this, Gabrielle,” Puss said, perched on the royal blue cushioned bench opposite her.
“Leaving Castle Brandis before expected, or going to this extra location?” Gabrielle noted the heavy grief in her voice but couldn’t hide it.
“Both—though I was referring to the latter,” Puss said.
Gabrielle sighed. “I hope I won’t regret it.”
“You won’t.”
The carriage rocked gently, and Gabrielle could hear the jingling of the horses’ tack through the open window.
“I know I alluded to it when you, Angelique, and I spoke, but I don’t believe I have ever told you how grateful I am for meeting you,” Puss
said.
Gabrielle blinked. “What? Why?”
“Our partnership marked the beginning of my living my life.”
“No—you lived with Lord Enchanter Evariste and Lady Enchantress Angelique for years before we met.”
“Yes, and I spent all of those years shut up in their gorgeous house. They left on journeys and asked if I would like to come. I always said no—cats were not considered appropriate traveling companions. Phoenixes and the like, certainly, but not cats. I remained behind with nothing to do except read and pass the time, waiting for them to come back. I hated it,” Puss said.
Gabrielle gaped at him.
“I wanted to go with Angelique. I wanted to see the places I studied in maps and witness their wonders for myself—not by reading pages in a book. But my pride never allowed me to join them, and they stopped asking.”
“But…y-you’re a magic cat,” Gabrielle said.
“Being magic does not spare me from the weight of pride or ignorance. When I met you, you reminded me of myself—strangled by the weight of your surroundings and your own expectations.”
“No!” Gabrielle shook her head. “You were so smooth, and—even when the bandits attacked us—you knew exactly what you were doing.”
“I didn’t. Many of the spells I used in our first week of acquaintance I had never used outside of practice,” Puss said. “I was terrified of steering us wrong. I knew as little about the world as you did—for while books are wondrous, they cannot replace firsthand experience.”
“I never guessed.”
“I know, but I wanted you to know. Our travels mean the world to me, Gabrielle. Staying shut up and quiet in an empty house was horrifying. You were the first friend I made on my own, and I couldn’t have chosen anyone better.”
Gabrielle smiled. “Thank you, Puss.” When the carriage rolled to a stop a moment later, her forehead creased with worry.
“You’re welcome. Remember, I am with you. We are two adventuring partners, and I will see this particular adventure through with you.”
“Thank you,” Gabrielle said, holding out her hands.
Puss leaped into her arms, and she hugged him close as a servant opened the carriage door. She stepped out and into the sunlight that dappled Ilz.
