by Frank David
“We shared feelings only because I thought you were George. I should have known it was not him. You were kinder, gentler, than he ever was toward me.” Madeline turned from the man, not wishing to be lured.
“I treated you the way you deserved to be treated. I watched how he was with you. I found it offensive. You deserved so much more than he ever gave you. I knew you desired a tender love, which is what I tried to give you.” Braynard touched her. “Were you not moved when you found out it was me?”
“I was angry when I discovered the truth.” Madeline moved from his touch. She knew he would try to move her and she would not allow him to do so. “My daughter is a bastard, and no one knows. No one ever knew of our indiscretion.”
“Is it so bad that she is a bastard when her father is God?” he laughed, trying to lighten the mood.
“It is,” she said as she continued down the hall. “I did not know you were God at the time. Another detail you kept from me.”
“Had I told you, would you have believed me?” Braynard followed her as she tried to escape him.
“No. I would have thought you a crazy man, well crazier than I already did,” Madeline laughed.
“Do you still think me crazy?” Braynard grabbed her and pulled her close. She struggled.
“I do wonder,” she said as she fought his hold. “You have not aged a day since our first meeting. I, on the other hand, am showing my true age. I am not the woman you came to so many years ago. For you to still have an interest in me, questions your sanity.”
“Your beauty is what first caught my eye. As I began to know you, it was your soul that I fell in love with. I realize I darkened that soul. I changed you into the woman you are today, and I must live with that fact. Had I not interfered with your life, had I not been so selfish, you might not be the woman who stands before me today.” Braynard placed his lips against hers. She did not fight.
“I am the same person I was then. I have not changed,” Madeline said, ending the kiss. “You did not make me who I am. I did not need to do as you requested. I could have denied you and your demands. I think deep inside I wanted the same things you did.”
“You could have tried to deny me, but I would have forced your hand. George was not the man many believed him to be. We knew the truth. He would not have made a good ruler. We both knew this.” Braynard released her from his hold.
“We must not speak ill of him. He was loved by many. It is true he was not a good husband, but I do believe he would have been a great leader.” Madeline moved further away from him. She feared she would not be able to control her actions should he embrace her again.
“He would not have been a fair and just leader. He was selfish. He allowed carnal desires to rule his head. He would have had a litter of bastard children seeking to claim the throne from Stela. He did have other children which he did not claim. Some of which he was not even aware. He was never faithful to you, Madeline.” Braynard could sense her trepidation. “Roderick was not his first child. He was only claimed because of the murder of his mother. The murder we orchestrated.”
“Are these other children a concern?” Madeline was not sure how the admission affected her. He had been dead many years. Did she care about his bastard children? He was no longer alive to claim them.
“No,” Braynard said. “Their mothers were mostly married women who kept the secret to save their marriages. Stela’s seat upon the throne is secure.”
“Why Stela?” she asked. “Why have you taken such an interest in her and not your own daughter?”
“Stela is a unique mix. I do not care for her more than our own child,” Braynard paused. “She is simply easier to love. Though I must say our daughter has changed greatly.”
“She has,” Madeline admitted. “She was a most difficult child. She only became more impossible as she got older. Felicia has helped her to see the importance of putting another before herself.”
Braynard laughed. “It is my fault she was so difficult.”
“How?” Madeline stared at him.
“My children do not have to wait until adolescence to realize their powers. She was born with the ability to move others to her will. I fear it is not a gift she realizes she possesses. It is one of many that she encompasses, but is unaware.”
“How is it that Stela has so many gifts?” Madeline began slowly walking to her chambers, hoping he would follow.
“She was simply lucky,” Braynard followed as she led. “I had no hand in what she possesses. The last born with such abilities without my interference was Declan. He became a hero to the people of the four realms. His name is venerated to this day. Stela’s will also be respected. She will surpass the deeds of Declan. She will end Diana’s reign.”
“Will she survive?” Madeline paused as she reached her chambers.
“She will be lost to you, but she will not be dead.” Braynard turned the handle on the door. Madeline entered and he followed.
“How will she be lost to me?” Madeline asked as he closed the door behind them.
“Now is not the time to worry about such things, now that she will be fine.” Braynard grabbed her. His kiss was rough and full of the passion she remembered.
“I fear my body is not what it used to be,” she said as she began to undress. “It has been many years since a man has seen me.” She blushed.
“You are as beautiful today as you were when we made Sofia.” A quick gesture removed her clothes. She stood naked before him. He took in every inch of the woman. She had not changed as much as she believed.
She reached for him, and removed his heavy cloak. As she undressed him, she could sense his excitement. Had it been as long for him as it had for her? Her hands trembled as she undid the buttons to his shirt. She ran her hands over the muscles beneath the fabric. She had forgotten the sensation of feeling the strength of a man beneath her fingers. The soft dark hair on his chest felt good against her palm. He was an exceptional man. She began to undo his pants. He reached for her hands and forced them behind her back, pulling her close. His mouth invaded hers. His passion for her had not waned in all these years. The realization made Madeline light-headed.
He lifted her and carried her to the bed. Her soft flesh beneath his arms sent a sensation down his spine, one which had been absent too long.
“Are you sure?” he asked. He was lost in her eyes, but he wanted to be positive she wanted this as much as he did.
“Yes,” she whispered as she pulled him closer.
Chapter Thirty-One – Sofia and Luna
Sofia arrived at Frostmoor just after sunset. The palace had an eerie glow as she dismounted. The stable boy greeted her. He tended to her horse as she entered the palace.
The staff was surprised to see the Princess enter. No one had made them aware she would be visiting.
“Your Highness,” the footman greeted her. “We were not aware of your visit.”
“It is fine,” Sofia said. “No one is to know that I am here, is that understood?”
“As you wish,” the footman bowed. “We will try to prepare something for you. I am sure you are hungry.”
“I do not need anything. Please have my room prepared.” Sofia walked into the Great Hall. The last time she was here was for her grandfather’s funeral. The room was so different now. She sat on the bench in the back of the room.
“So much has happened,” she whispered.
“Much is yet to come, I fear,” a voice responded from behind her. It startled her. “I have not seen you since Xasha.”
She turned to see Luna Coldsby. “Lady Luna,” she greeted the Archduchess. “What are you doing here?”
“My daughter and granddaughter were laid to rest here. I find it difficult to leave.” Her tears glistened in the candlelight. “I am sorry, I did not know anyone would be coming here. I will leave in the morning.”
“No, you may stay. I only ask that you not tell anyone that I am here.” Sofia stood. She walked toward the older Imperial and took
her hand. “There is no reason that you should not remain as long as you need.”
“Thank you, Princess,” Luna curtsied. “I find it much more difficult than I had expected. I realize death is inevitable for all of us, but I had not expected it to come so soon for Lena.” The tears rolled down her face.
“I could not imagine losing Layla,” Sofia said softly, as she tightened her hold on Luna’s hand. “To also suffer the loss of your granddaughter... I am so very sorry.”
“It would seem that we are cursed. First, we lost Victor. He was not my son, but I loved him as if he were. I worried for Lena when he passed. My daughter was not a strong woman. I knew when Victoria died, Lena would not survive long.”
“I wish I had known them better. Lena used to visit the palace as a girl. I do not have many memories of her as I was still quite small. I am glad I was able to spend some time with her in Xasha. I only wish the time had been happier.” Sofia tried to console Luna. “Your niece, Amanda, is at Rothmar,” she added.
“What is Amanda doing here?” Luna wiped her eyes.
“She has come to support Stela against Daniella.” Sofia led Luna to the benches.
“Do you know my sister did not even attend the funeral? No one attended, not even my own Empress. Was Lena so unloved?” Luna sat and the tears began again.
“No, Lena was loved. My heart broke for her. She was stronger than you realize. When she insisted on facing her people to announce Victoria’s death, I developed a great respect for her. It took a courage I doubt I possess.” Sofia hugged Luna. “I think many within the realm still have a bitter taste toward Xasha. It was their Imperial Prince Royal who tried to take the throne from Stela. I know that Lena had nothing to do with it directly, but as Empress Consort she could have stopped him.”
“That man had her and everyone else fooled. He was evil and no one saw it until it was too late. He betrayed us all. My daughter was alone with him and pregnant. She could not risk her or her child’s safety by standing against him. He killed his own people to further his cause,” Luna turned from Sofia, offended by her insinuations.
“It is true, Edmund was not the man we all believed him to be,” Sofia sighed. “He was gifted at manipulation. The only thing I can thank him for is my daughter. I experienced his rage when he forced me to come with him to Xasha. I suppose Lena is not to blame for what he did. I am sorry.”
“She told me he threatened her once. It was when Victor first appeared to her.” Luna paused. “I thought she was crazy. Victor was dead. There was no way for her to see him. She said he protected her from Edmund. I was sure she had imagined it all. I hate myself for doubting my daughter, but it just seemed impossible. I am learning that little is impossible in this world. When Victor came to her while she was giving birth, I knew she was sane, but teetering on the edge. Victoria’s death pushed her and her sanity was lost. I tried to watch over her, protect her from herself, but she was determined to be with them both again.”
“You cannot blame yourself. She lost so much so quickly. I wonder how any of us would have reacted. You still have your son. He needs you.” Sofia tried to convince Luna of her duty, fearing the woman too was teetering.
“Nicholas does not need me,” Luna said, as the tears began again. “He has a wife and children. Do you know what it is to be a Dowager Imperial Archduchess? It is nothing; a courtesy title. I have no duties. I am simply a guest in my own home now. I must ask my daughter-in-law for permission to do anything. I know how my mother-in-law must have felt when I married Evan. His father was gone, he was Imperial Archduke. Her title changed the moment our vows were complete,” she laughed. “I could never understand why the woman hated me, but now I get it.”
“I cannot imagine what it must be like. I am fortunate that it is something I will never have to experience. My daughter will not receive my title until after my death. Evan’s wife, Phoebe, is my cousin. Would you like me to speak with her? Perhaps I can convince her to be more understanding,” Sofia offered.
“I forgot myself. Forgive me,” Luna pleaded. “I forgot she was the daughter of your father’s sister. I meant no disrespect. She is a fine woman.”
“You do not need to apologize. I know Phoebe well and I would not say she is a fine woman. My Aunt Emily was jealous of us. She raised her children to hate us for what we had, the titles, the homes. She had the same title, Imperial Princess Royal, but believed she deserved more. My grandfather tried to appease her. He gave her the title of Imperial Grand Duchess of Fowey. I believe it angered her further when he arranged the marriage between her and Philip Dorman. He was only a Grand Duke himself, which I believe she saw as an insult.”
“She does seem to detest the Imperial family,” Luna admitted. “Enough of my troubles, they are nothing compared to what your family is facing. How is Stela?”
“When I left Rothmar, she was giving birth. It is the beginning of the end I fear.” Sofia lowered her head.
“Beginning of the end?” Luna asked. “I know the rumor is that the former Imperial Archduchess is coming for her, but it is my understanding she will be victorious against her.”
“I have a feeling there is more to what is coming than any of us realize. It was not only your niece who has come to support Stela. Astrid, the Imperial Princess from Trokha has also come to offer support. I feel we have not been told the entire truth of what is coming for Stela and Hulsteria. The two women were given visions of what we face if Daniella is successful against Stela. From what I have gathered it is not a pleasant future. They have also been shown the future if Stela is victorious; it will be Joseph’s future. He will unite the four realms. For Joseph to do so, Stela must be dead.” Sofia could feel the stinging in her eyes as the tears formed.
“Perhaps she is not dead. Maybe she will abdicate the throne to Joseph. Her reign has been difficult.” Luna lifted Sofia’s face. “She is strong, stronger than any of us ever gave her credit for. I believed she was unfit to sit upon the throne. I believed it was a man’s place. A woman was too weak and fragile to command such a position. I see now I was wrong. Your sister has proven that women are just as strong and capable as any man. Three of the four realms are now lead by women. I believe they will do great things.”
“Stela would not abdicate. Joseph is too young. She would not give him such a responsibility. It hurt her dearly when she had to send him to Xasha.” Sofia wiped the tears from her cheek.
“This is why I have come to Frostmoor. Stela ordered Felicia and I to take the children to Easterfeld. She wanted to ensure we were all safe. I could not leave her. I had to be here to offer my support. I will remain here until I know the battle is upon us. Then I will stand next to her. I will fight for her and the four realms.” Sofia stood.
“You are not the same child I once knew,” Luna laughed. “When you were a child, hell even just a year ago, I thought you an unruly brat. I wondered what your parents had done to raise such an ungrateful child. The woman who stands before me now is nothing like that self-centered spoiled girl. You have learned the value of love and caring for others more than yourself.” Luna paused. “The old Sofia would have been on that ship to Easterfeld before Stela could ask.”
“I have changed,” Sofia blushed. “I never believed I would find one that was worthy of my love. I fear that it is I who is now not worthy of love. Felicia is so strong, yet tender. I could not imagine loving anyone else. I do not deny that had she not come into my life, I would be in Easterfeld instead of sitting here with you waiting to face uncertainty.”
“I met Lady Felicia many years ago. I knew then her attraction was toward women. I feared for her, as I feared for Rupert. I was unsure of your sister’s decision to support the homosexuals. I worried it would bring about strife, but it has been widely accepted. I am glad you found someone who has made you whole.” Luna looked at Sofia. “To be honest I never believed Jacob was right for you.”
“I agree with you.” Sofia rubbed her head. “Our marriage was arranged. I do n
ot think the union brought either of happiness. I never meant to hurt Jacob. He is a good man. I was too young to marry. I was not prepared to be a wife. I had not experienced enough of life. I was still wild at heart. When Jacob left Jascaessau, he wanted nothing to do with the Imperial family. He was hurt beyond my comprehension. It is an act of selfishness that I must live with for the rest of my days. I only hope one day he can learn to forgive me.”
“Women are the property of their fathers. We are meant to be traded to the one who can provide the most benefit to not only us but our families as well.” Luna lowered her head. She never understood why women were viewed as they were, but it was a widely accepted belief. “They marry us off when they believe we are at our prime. A time when we can do our best to provide our new husbands a strong heir.”
“Why is it that we are viewed as such? Why have we allowed men to tell us our value? Why is a male child considered better suited an heir? I could not imagine a man ruling Hulsteria better than Stela. I believe she will continue to push the topic of equality. She will push until we are all seen as equals. My niece, Edwina, is still unbetrothed. I believe it is a sign that things are slowly changing.” Sofia smiled.
“I was surprised your grandfather did not seek a suitable match for her before he passed. He was quick to match Joseph to Meliscent.” Luna reached for Sofia’s hand. “I am sure you sister will do many things to help us be viewed as just as capable as men.”
The women sat talking as the night grew darker. Hours had passed. Each had a new level of respect for the other. The hour was getting late and Sofia needed her rest. She had to be ready for whenever the attack might come.
“It is late, Lady Luna. I am afraid I am growing quite tired. I do not wish to be rude, but I believe I am going to retire for the night.” Sofia stood, offering her companion a hand.
“I agree, Princess.” Luna stood with Sofia’s assistance. Luna paused. “Do you not find it odd that no one has come to check on us?”
“Yes,” Sofia agreed. She had not taken notice that the two had talked uninterrupted, but it was odd.
