“This is going to take some convincing,” Jacob said, on her other side. “Should we follow him?”
“Unarmed?” Enola tried to joke. Nevertheless, even as she said it, she guarded her heart.
“Don't be silly, we have your tongue,” Jacob replied. “It's gotten us into enough trouble before, why should this be any different?”
“I'd take offence,” Holde said, on Jacob's other side. “But I have feeling you are right.”
“Both of you would do well to remember that I am the only thing keeping you safe in this camp,” Enola reminded them. Both of them stayed quiet as they followed her father into his large tent.
“Should I---” Holde wasn't sure whether he was supposed to bow or not, and he glanced toward Enola. Her father spun around, regarding him with a harsh eye.
“So,” he said. “Your name?”
Her father's English had increased, and she wondered just how much contact they'd had with the British since she'd left.
“Patrick,” he said. “Patrick Holde. Major Patrick Holde.”
“And you do?”
“I do?” he asked.
“He's a sharpshooter,” Enola supplied. “Highly specialized Chosen man.”
“I see,” her father replied. “And you have married Enola?”
“I have, sir,” Holde said.
“And you love Enola?”
“Yes, sir,” Holde answered, which surprised both her and Jacob. Holde held her father's eyes, unafraid.
“You have married before?”
“Yes, sir.”
“A British woman?”
“Spanish, actually,” Holde replied. Enola leaned into him, offering support while she knew that she couldn't speak up.
“Did you love her?”
“Yes,” Holde answered. To his credit, he wasn't reacting at all to these interpersonal questions, although Enola thought that he should. Her father always had a way of getting straight to the point and asking the most awkward questions. He never minced words, never tried to make someone feel better. She used to think it was because he was in charge; and chiefs had very little time to make nice to people. However, she had learned, from watching Jacob and the other officers, that it wasn't the case. She had seen good leadership with kindness and patience. This wasn't the case with the imposing figure in front of them.
“And?”
“And she died,” Holde answered with a straight voice. Enola gave him credit for his strength in the moment.
“I see,” her father softened a bit. “And now you marry my daughter. Do you know what that makes you?”
“Sir, I assure you, I did not want to be a...prince?” he said.
Her father held his gaze for a long time, unwavering. Holde had seen so many horrors in battle, but this man was easily one of the most frightening things he had ever seen.
“Leave us,” he said to Enola. She tensed.
“But Father...” This was the first time she had seen him in years, and she felt hurt that he would rather spend the time without her. However, she also understood that this was something that needed to be done, so she sighed.
Jacob looked a bit put out that he was being kicked out too, following her out of the tent. “He used to treat us like that when we were still children.”
“It was like we never grew up in his eyes,” Enola answered. “I'm worried about what he'll do to Patrick.”
“Don't be,” Jacob tried to assure her. “Your father has never been cruel. He's just drilling his new son-in-law to treat you right.”
“Patrick shouldn't have to go through this,” Enola said quietly. “He didn't agree to any of this.”
“None of us agrees to the horrors we often see in war,” Jacob said. “Father-in-laws included.”
She shook her head at his terrible joke. “Are you worried about Mary's father? What he thinks of you?”
“If Mary would agree to marry me, yes, I would be,” he answered. “But honestly she doesn't seem to be any closer to a choice. I don't know what is holding her back.”
“War has a way of changing our minds about what matters?” Enola teased him back and Jacob resisted the urge to bump her into the fire. “Let's go back to the others, shall we?” Enola asked. “They are probably wondering whether we've been shot with an arrow.”
“They are probably being fed bannock and quite happy,” Jacob answered. “I wouldn't mind some of my own.”
Enola took one last look at the tent, and then bowed her head, following Jacob back to the men, who had gathered basically just outside Native territory. Despite the fact that the Natives weren't sure about the British, they were still welcoming by nature. They were still willing to feed them; help wherever they could. She found Ciel standing on the outside of the crowd, watching as the women offered the soldiers bannock, bread, meats and warm dry clothes. Then men were very happy to accept the food, the gifts, and sit on the path, taking a long-awaited rest.
“Did you grow up like this?” Aaron grabbed Jacob as he walked by. “No wonder you're a strapping lad.” He seemed in a better mood than before, and Jacob grinned at the joke.
“Uh...” Jacob said, as Aaron chewed the bannock. “I grew up with it. In a house in British territory. What do you think, exactly?”
“I grew up in a grand society, and I've never had food like this,” Aaron answered. “So here I am, jealous. What are these?”
“Raspberries?” Enola said, unimpressed with his lack of experience. “Have you never had them before?”
“No,” he said. “But I'm willing to learn.”
“They are red or sometimes gold, and they grow in this country,” she said, as she watched Wesley take a handful. At least he was eating and not drinking; which was an accomplishment.
They seemed at ease here, happy. It was the first time she had seen shoulders drop, easy smiles come out. Her lands had always been about peace, about tranquility, and everyone who crossed into their lands felt the same calming effect.
Nevertheless, war raged right outside their door, and they needed to forge on.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
THE OUTCOME
THE OUTCOME
When Holde exited the tent, he was completely expressionless. Enola had been keeping an eye on the tent flap and she joined him as soon as he exited.
“What happened? What did he say? What did he do? Are we ready?”
He managed a painful smile. “He told me to take care of you. He just wanted to make sure that his daughter was taken care of.”
“That was not all,” she said, and Holde sighed.
“He knew that we wanted something,” he said. “That we hadn't come just to celebrate the marriage and have a happy family reunion.”
“I see,” Enola answered. “And?”
“He will think about it,” Holde said. “He did mention a sweat lodge.”
“Of course,” she answered.
“What exactly is a sweat lodge?”
“It's where we all sit together,” she said. “They put herbs into the fire, and it's meant to heal you, to bring out the truth in you.”
“Does it work?” Holde asked and Enola glared at him. “Sorry, I'm a bit new to this. You're a healer, you have real skill. Does a sweat lodge work?”
“In a fashion,” she replied. “And if my father wants it to make a decision, then that's what will have to happen.”
“They are staring,” he said casually as a few people walked by. When he raised his eyes, they dipped low, bowing and then backed away.
“You are their prince, remember,” she said, and he looked up at the sky.
“Oh Lord,” he replied.
Enola took his hand. “Come. Food is in order.”
“Finally. That is something I understand.”
Her father ducked out of the tent then, and Enola froze, his hand in hers. He glanced at it, but then looked past them, into the clearing. He sucked in a lungful of air, and then bellowed across the field. “Jacob!”
Enola jum
ped, as Jacob looked up from across the way. Her father vanished again, and Holde winced.
“Well,” he said. “I thought I was in trouble.”
“My father has always treated Jacob like his own son,” Enola answered. “Which is both good and bad for Jacob.”
“And today?”
“Today, it's probably bad,” she said. “Come with me.”
They crossed the field together, and Enola watched as people she used to be close to, cousins and friends, looked away as she walked. However, as she went by, she could feel their eyes staring into the back of her head, watching her British husband. She wondered what they thought. Did they disapprove? Were they frightened? Did they just not know how to approach her?
She squeezed his hand tighter, mostly out of defiance. She knew what it was like to be an outsider and she didn't want those feelings to be rained down on Holde. This was her home, even if she had been away for a while, and she would make him feel welcome.
News of the fact that there was a sweat lodge to be built swept through the tribe like wildfire. There were some that were directly involved with it and others that simply crowded around, watching the fascinating process. The British were just as curious, watching as they sat around the campfire, eating until they felt like they couldn't eat any more.
“The officers,” Enola answered Commander Harper's question as she came to sit beside him. “Myself. My father. My cousin. The other elders.”
“Are all those people going to fit in there?” Holde asked, a little weary.
“You're not nervous, are you?” Aaron teased him. Holde snapped at him.
“No, I'm not nervous,” he replied. “It's hardly blood on the battlefield, is it?”
“It's a tradition,” Enola tried to smooth over the sudden tension. “No one emerges from the sweat lodge not feeling light and cured.”
Aaron looked down and she realized that he doubted it would cure what ailed him. This pirate lord walked a fine line between life and death, she knew, and a single sweat lodge would not cure his ailments right away. Nevertheless, she wanted to give hope; to show Holde that their marriage would be worth something, so she turned to Wesley.
“If you've...eaten or drank something that makes you unwell, the smoke in the sweat lodge will draw it out.”
“Oh really?” he asked. “And what herbs is that?”
“Raspberry leaves, today,” she answered.
“Can we eat them?” Holde asked, and she rolled her eyes.
“Is that all you can think about?”
“It is if you keep feeding me,” he replied and she smiled. This almost seemed like flirting, their eyes, and their smiles. The way his long legs were spread out, she wanted to sit on his knee, curl against his broad chest. Instead, she crossed her arms, remaining standing as she waited.
The natives had just had a sweat ceremony a few days before, so it didn't take long to reassemble. Enola could smell the familiar scent and feel the familiar heat as they approached. The heat was overpowering at first, but she quickly got used to it. She welcomed the moist heat, pulling the toxins out of her skin, clouding and then clearing it. When her father finally spoke, everyone had been silent for nearly three minutes, mesmerized by the flames.
“Now,” he said. “Tell me why my people should fight.”
“We are married,” Enola protested. “We are one.”
“No.” He shot a look at her. “Why should my people die?”
“Your people are my people,” Holde spoke up. “This land...this land is one we share. This is my home, and yours. Sir, if your people march with us, you will save far more lives than you take. The Americans are ruthless, they care not for any lives that are not their own. They have come into this country and demanded liberation from our King, simply because they have done so. When we resisted, they fought. Perhaps they are threatened, perhaps they are frightened. But they will not stop. They'd rather us all lie dead than give up. That is not what we believe.”
Enola looked at him in surprise His words were elegant and strong, and it was longest she had heard him talk since she met him.
Harper looked impressed as well, leaning forward to speak to her father. “The war will reach you too, whether you accept it now or in the next few days. If the Americans come through us, which they might, given their numbers, they will come for you next. And your numbers alone are not enough to defend your people, no matter how great your warriors are.”
“Our warriors are the greatest,” her father replied.
“Yes,” Harold replied. “That may be the case. However, we are outnumbered somewhere between five and ten to one. Do you understand?”
He remained silent so long that Harold turned to Enola.
“Can you translate?”
“I---” she started, but her father cut her off, waiving his hand.
“I understand,” he answered. “How do you know they will come?”
“They are already coming,” Harold said. “And they have come for other tribes. I'm sure you've heard of it. Native or British, they don't care.”
It seemed to be a turning point in the conversation. The smoke filled Enola's eyes. She wiped away the tears that were forming, trying to breathe in the healthy smells. British life had made her soft, and she had forgotten how powerful nature was.
“Father?” she said, after a long silence. “Do you---”
Beside her, Patrick shifted, making a noise. She ignored him at first, assuming he was just getting comfortable. However, she suddenly turned in alarm when she heard him choke.
“Patrick” Aaron said, leaning forward. “Are you alright?”
“Patrick!” Aaron cried, pressing him back against the wall. Wesley clawed at his throat and Enola leapt down from her bench.
“He can't breathe,” she said, ducking around their stunned heads. Her voice was calm as she assessed the situation. She couldn't figure out what was happening. His eyes were swelling; his throat was clearly blocked.
She couldn't figure it out until she saw the raspberry stains on Wesley's hands, grabbing onto Patrick as he nearly pitched forward.
“Raspberries,” she said. “He's allergic to raspberries. We have to get him out of here.”
Raspberries were not common in Britain, she knew. It was likely that Holde, born a peasant, had never had any before he came here. They were very expensive in British society, which she thought was odd. They were free in the forest, and he should have picked and eaten millions by now.
“Let the sweat lodge heal him,” her father said, but she felt her rage rise.
“It's the raspberry leaves that are doing it,” she said. “Help me, please.”
Her father looked defiant, as if he couldn't understand how the sweat lodge could possibly hurt anyone. Nevertheless, one look at Holde's bulging eyes and choking motions made him move quickly.
The community crowded around in confusion as the officers helped get him onto the grass. Enola plunged forward, her hands on his chest. She tried to think quickly, but she had never seen anything like that.
There was a healer or two she had worked with who had spoken of such a reaction, and she tried to remember exactly what they had said. In a moment, she knew she would need to cut his throat open, just to help him breathe.
“Blueberries,” she cried at last. “Blueberries. Somebody. Ciel, will you help?”
Her sister stood on the edge of the crowd, and the look in her eyes was defiant. “Your British will only bring death,” Ciel answered. “Let it start here and end here.”
“No!” Enola cried as Holde struggled to breathe. “Please, please. We are all one people, Ciel, we are all one blood.”
However, her sister stood there, doing nothing.
It was Jacob who found the blueberries at the edge of the clearing, and brought them back with haste. She crushed them in her hand and then shoved the mess down his throat, knowing that she only had a slim chance of success. He was fighting to breath and she could see his throat was closing.
“Patrick!” she screamed as he started to go limp. “Patrick! Jacob, bring me my bag, it's there. Quick.”
“What do you need?” Jacob came to her side in a moment, pulling the various vials out of her satchel.
“Charcoal,” she cried. “Black, in a vial.”
“Black?” Jacob pulled out vials of white powder, yellow powder, every other color except black.
Patrick went limp, and Enola screamed, pounding on his chest and listening for a heartbeat. “Patrick, don't leave me now,” she cried. “Please, please don't leave me now. We just got started.”
The words that were coming out of her mouth were raw feelings that shocked even her. She had seen death before; stared it in the face and watched it pass her by. However, Patrick slipping from life scared her more than any of the things she had seen in her years.
She felt a cool vial on her shoulder and turned around. To her surprise, there was her father, standing there silently with charcoal. She met his eyes, shaking.
“Thank you,” she said, taking it from him after a quick moment. Her father regularly had medicine and herbs on him as the chief. He carried the most valuable and useful items at all times; to help his tribe.
Enola mixed it with a bit of water from her canteen and poured it down Holde's throat as he choked.
She wasn't entirely sure this was going to work. Blueberries couldn't possibly save someone's life, could they? And charcoal was for poison.
He rolled over, clawing at the ground, and threw up, his great body shuddering.
His Sergeant, Hunter, flew to his side then, putting his hands on his shoulders. “It's alright, sir, I got you. It's alright.”
“Raspberries,” Enola said. “Is he allergic to raspberries?”
“Probably,” Harper replied. “Everything else red does badly.” He looked up to her. “He didn't tell you that?”
“Oh Creator,” Enola dropped her head with a sigh. He hadn't, and she felt guilty. They were married, and she should know these things.
Even as Patrick recovered slowly, his eyes beginning to clear, she knew another truth. She had never been so scared, so remorseful, as the moment she thought she might lose him.
How To Love A Fake Prince (The Regency Renegades - Beauty and Titles) (A Regency Romance Story) Page 13
