by Jeanne Hardt
The man was understandably protective. Sebastian would do the same if she were his.
Sentries in similar brown fabric uniforms stood at the front entrance to the castle. No armor. The only metal Sebastian had seen was that of their swords, and the steely look in their eyes. They might not be warriors, but Sebastian would not foolishly let his guard down.
Their eyes widened at the sight of him.
“Let him pass,” Olivia said. “He is a prince. You will show him the same respect you give me.”
Sebastian should have known she was a princess. Her letters had the quality of a well-educated woman. A privilege rarely bestowed on a common lady.
And whether it had been the distraction from the rain, or all the commotion and excitement at the wall, he scolded himself for not realizing the entire truth. The man whose arm she held was not her lover, but the man she feared.
As if he heard his thoughts, Donovan turned his head and looked directly into his eyes. His lips formed the same disgusted snarl Sebastian had seen at the wall. Yes, this man was dangerous.
“Donovan.” Olivia laid her hand on his chest. “I must change, so I bid you goodnight.”
“Goodnight?” He gripped her hand. “The sun has not fully set. Were we not to speak of wedding plans?”
Wedding? Worse than Sebastian imagined.
“I am weary, Donovan. And I need to have Daisy prepare a room for our guest.”
“Daisy? She is but a child. You should have the Lady Margaret assist him. He may find her to his liking.”
Olivia’s face paled. “The Lady Margaret tends my mother and has been exposed to her illness. Besides, I doubt our guest requires a companion of the nature you imply.”
Sebastian cleared his throat, turning their heads. “I can fend for myself. Show me a room and have your maid bring linens. I can make my own bed.”
Olivia once again offered him a warm smile. Donovan blatantly caught sight of it and yanked her toward him. Every part of Sebastian begged to charge him and run him through, yet this situation needed a plan, not an impulse.
“Donovan,” Olivia said sweetly. “You and the prince are similar in size. Could you be kind enough to bring him fresh clothing?”
“Only because you ask it of me, my love.” Donovan took her chin in his hand and raised her head, then kissed her solidly on the mouth. Eyes wide open, he looked at Sebastian while moving his lips over hers, staking his claim.
Sebastian had threatened him in more ways than one. The only rivals Donovan ever had for the affections of the princess were other commoners, whom he likely bullied. With a true prince in their midst, someone imposed a stronger claim for her hand.
Sebastian intended to win this contest.
Donovan poked one of the guards in the chest. “Do not leave her alone with him.”
He gulped and nodded.
“I will be fine, Donovan.” Olivia lightly touched his arm. “Now go. The prince is chilled.”
Donovan hesitated, then trudged away. He glanced over his shoulder more than once as he exited the castle.
Olivia waved her hand at the guards. “Leave us.”
The guard Donovan had threatened shook his head. “Donovan insisted we stay with you.”
She stepped up to the man, leaving mere inches between them. “And I told you to leave, Wittek. I am Princess of Padrida. He is nothing. Do as I say.” She spoke firmly. More so than anything she had previously uttered.
Sebastian forced himself to remain stoic.
Finally, after a brief battle of intense gazes, Wittek stepped back. “Yes, Your Highness.” He motioned to the other three, and they exited down a long narrow corridor.
“Quickly!” Olivia grabbed Sebastian’s arm. “Donovan will soon return.”
She hurried Sebastian through the hallway to a small room, then shut the door. Rows of shelves filled with linens and blankets surrounded them. “He will not look here. He will believe I have gone to my bedchamber, and he knows better than to go there. He may try to seek you out in one of the few empty sleeping chambers.”
Her close proximity brought out the same feelings he had experienced while reading her letters. He felt compelled to hold her, but nothing could be more inappropriate.
She stared into his eyes. “I thought he would kill you.” Her brows dipped together.
The concern in her voice and worry in her features shot to his heart. She truly cared.
He found himself speechless, gazing at her like a lovesick fool. Though dampened from the rain and covered in mud, her beauty mesmerized him. Somehow, she even managed to smell clean and fresh.
“Are you unwell, Sebastian?” She rested her dainty hand on his arm, and his eyes darted in that direction. She jerked away, then placed her hand to her bosom. “Forgive me.”
He shook his head, regaining his senses. “Do not ask it.”
She smiled, then coyly looked down.
He cleared his throat, yet still felt out of sorts. Her effect overwhelmed him. “Why did you not tell me you were the princess?”
“I feared you.” She slowly lifted her head. “Never before has a stranger come to our land. I felt it unwise for you to know my status.”
He understood perfectly.
“Donovan is the man you spoke of in your letter. Is he not?”
“Yes. And after I wrote you, Mother forced me to name him as suitor. She lies ill and is not in her right mind. I went to tell her I overheard his plot to have me killed, but she kept me from speaking. She is convinced she stands at death’s door and begged me to name Donovan as my suitor, claiming it to be her dying wish. Donovan wants to be king, not merely my husband.”
“So, you feign affection? How will that stop him?” It appeared to Sebastian it would only embolden him—certain he would bed a princess.
“I had to deter him in hopes my father would become well. As soon as I can see him, I intend to tell him of Donovan’s plan. Father has always been more reasonable than Mother.”
“You are a courageous woman, Olivia. Return to your mother and speak your mind. Tell her about Donovan and have him arrested. Waiting for your father’s good health is unwise.”
She frowned. “I cannot.”
“Why?”
“I fear it is complicated.”
“It must be. If you had told her the truth in the beginning and she believed you, she never would have had you name him.”
Olivia’s eyes filled with tears.
The sight broke his heart, and he gently touched her cheek. “I will do all I can to help you.” He hesitated, fearing he might say too much. “Would I be out of line asking that you not give yourself to that man?”
Their eyes locked. “Kissing him takes all the courage I have. I could never . . .”
“Good.” He lifted her hand and lightly kissed it. “I pray I am not being too bold, but your letters touched my heart.”
She kept her eyes affixed to his. “And yours, mine.” Her cheeks flushed red, making her even lovelier.
Distant voices came from the other side of the door.
Olivia breathed harder. “I must go. Stay here until my footsteps fade, then return to the great hall and wait for Donovan. I will change into something more suitable and bring Daisy along to settle you in for the night.”
“Olivia?”
“Yes?”
“I will not fail you.”
She rose onto her tiptoes and kissed his cheek, then cautiously opened the door and hurried away.
Sebastian leaned against the wall, heart thumping.
He had most definitely found his bride.
Chapter 18
Olivia had difficulty containing herself.
As she hurried down the hallway to her room, she had to cover her mouth to hide an enormous smile and push down the joyous laughter that bubbled up inside her. It would not be a proper display of emotion with her parents so gravely ill.
Sebastian . . .
The fluttering of her heart confirmed what she knew
to be true.
She was falling in love with him.
Perhaps she should not have kissed him. He might find her lacking in noble manners, yet she could not help herself. The relief she felt over his safe arrival in Padrida overwhelmed her, and his tenderness melted her heart. The kiss was one of gratitude.
And if she could convince herself of that, it would be a great feat. She had come close to tasting his lips.
She rapped on Daisy’s door. “Daisy, I need you. Come to my room.”
“Yes, Your Highness.” A loud yawn followed her weary words.
Olivia continued to her bedchamber and closed the door behind her. She peeled the wet muddy garments from her skin, then crossed to the wash basin and cleaned away the remaining filth. She must have been quite the sight, but it did not seem to have bothered Sebastian.
Without knocking, Daisy trudged into the room, rubbed her sleepy yes, then gasped. “Your Highness! You’re naked.”
“Shut the door, Daisy.”
To save Daisy from further embarrassment, Olivia wrapped a towel around herself. “Come help with my hair.” She sat in a chair and started unwinding the long braid.
Daisy timidly approached. “You told me to come. I’m sorry I didn’t knock.”
“Think nothing of it. Now, get my brush and help me.”
Daisy lifted the brush from Olivia’s nightstand. “You’re all wet.”
“I was out in the rain. Use that other towel to dry my hair, then brush it. I need to dress quickly. We have a guest to attend.”
“A guest?” The confused child gingerly dabbed at Olivia’s head with the towel.
“Yes.” Olivia took the large cloth from her hand, dried her own hair to the best of her ability, then nodded to the brush. “A prince from another kingdom.”
Daisy froze.
Olivia spun to face her. “I cannot go into detail. The story is too long and we have little time.” She took the brush from the girl’s trembling hand. “Bring me my blue dress.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Olivia needed to confront her mother about Daisy, yet decided to wait until her mother was well before doing it. The child was nowhere near being ready for this position.
Presently, Daisy was the least of her worries.
Olivia slipped into clean undergarments, then Daisy helped lift the long blue gown over her head. It closely fit her upper body, and in contrast, it had a full skirt that floated across her hips.
The urgency she felt had her quivering as much as Daisy. Leaving Sebastian alone with Donovan for even a moment was unwise, though she was quite certain he could take care of himself. He had already proven that.
Daisy blinked her big brown eyes. “Shall I braid your hair, Your Highness?”
“No. It would take too long. Bring my crown.”
Olivia’s hair had somewhat dried. Its fullness flowed over her shoulders.
She positioned the circular jeweled crown on her head. It was nothing like the queen’s. Simple, yet fine. Made of gold and set with rubies and emeralds, it resembled leaves entwined together. She seldom wore it, but tonight she wanted proof of her title.
She grinned. One more thing remained. She carefully applied rhus berries and beeswax to her lips.
“You look beautiful, Your Highness.” Daisy beamed, then curtsied.
“Thank you, Daisy. Now, go to the linen room and take some fresh bedding to the empty bedchamber at the end of the hall. I shall bring him there soon.”
“The prince?”
“Yes. Prince Sebastian.”
Olivia’s breath hitched the moment she spoke his name. She steadied herself against the bedpost as Daisy scurried from the room.
* * *
Donovan glared at Sebastian. “What are you doing?”
Damn. Sebastian had stepped from the small room and found himself facing Donovan.
Thinking quickly, Sebastian grabbed an armful of bedding. “I was told I could find these here. Do you know where I am to stay?”
“I thought Olivia sent for Daisy to retrieve your bedding.”
“As I said before, I can capably make my own bed.” He met Donovan’s hateful stare with one of his own. He would not let this man intimidate him. “I see you brought clothes.” He pointed at what appeared to be a white cotton tunic and tan trousers stuffed under Donovan’s arm.
“Yes. But I fear they may not fit. My arms are larger than yours.” He puffed out his chest. “As a skilled swordsman, my added strength has made them so.”
“I see.” Sebastian feigned admiration. “Perhaps we can spar?” He could show him a real swordsman.
“Perhaps.”
“Good. Do you know where I am to stay?”
“No. As of yet, I do not live in the castle.” Donovan pinched his mouth shut and hissed air from his nostrils.
And you never will . . .
“Well then.” Sebastian glanced down the hallway. “We should wait for Olivia by the fire in the great hall.”
“You should not use her name as if familiar. Olivia and I are to be married. Do not confuse her.”
Sebastian stepped in front of him and walked toward the meeting place. “Olivia is a strong, sensible woman. I doubt she could easily be confused.”
Donovan gripped Sebastian’s shoulder like a vise. “I do not like you, and you should not be here.”
Without facing him, Sebastian abruptly stopped. “Unhand me or you shall get a taste of my blade. And when I am finished with you, you will never spar again.”
Donovan pulled his hand to himself, and Sebastian continued on to the room.
The stone fireplace blazed with a roaring fire. Still in wet clothes, Sebastian stood near the warmth.
Donovan sauntered into the room and stood in the corner. He crossed his arms over his chest and pushed his muscles forward. Obviously, an attempt to appear as if his arrogance had not just been crushed.
If only Jonah were there to toy with the man.
Though Sebastian found humor in Donovan’s behavior, it did not lessen his belief that Donovan was dangerous. Someone who terrified Olivia.
Sebastian felt quite certain he could best the man at swordplay. But it would matter not if Donovan had others in the kingdom loyal to him, who might come to his defense. The time was not appropriate for an encounter of that magnitude.
“Is the fire helping?”
Olivia’s sweet voice warmed him more than any flame. “Yes, thank you. But please, I would like to be shown to a room where I can change out of these wet things. Donovan brought clothes for me. Oh . . . and I located the bedding where you instructed me to look.”
She tipped her head slightly, then stood tall. “Good. I will take you to your chamber.”
It seemed Donovan had not noticed her brief moment of confusion, but her words undoubtedly bothered him. He strode across the floor to her in three swift strides. “Where is Daisy? Can she not direct him where to go?”
“Daisy is there now, cleaning.”
Donovan took her by the arm. “I do not trust him, Olivia. I shall accompany you.”
She shook her head. “No. The castle gates will soon close for the night. This is not your home, and it is improper for you to be here once the doors are sealed.”
He pointed at Sebastian. “And how is it proper for him?”
“He is a prince, Donovan. He belongs in a castle, not in a simple cottage.”
Donovan looked back and forth between Sebastian and Olivia. “Tomorrow,” he grunted, “we will make our plans, Olivia.” He donned a conceited smile. “May I have a kiss goodnight?”
“Of course.” She cast her eyes on Sebastian before setting her lips on Donovan.
Jealousy tore at Sebastian like a set of wicked claws. No matter how unreal the contact with Donovan might be, he wanted her kisses.
As the kiss ended, Donovan squeezed her body in a reptilian fashion.
“My goodness, Donovan.” She feigned laughter. “I can scarcely breathe.”
; He nuzzled her neck, then released her, grinning as if he had won a prize.
Sebastian had seen through Olivia’s façade, but he prayed Donovan had not. Even so, the truth needed to come to light as soon as possible. This farce pained him.
Before leaving the room, Donovan cast one more hateful glance in Sebastian’s direction.
The moment he was gone, Olivia let out a long breath. “Forgive me. I regret you had to witness that.”
The air around Sebastian eased. Truthfully, the entire room breathed relief. “Do not apologize. You merely did what you must.” He looked about the enormous space that moments ago had stifled him. Although, most of his attention remained on Olivia.
He forced himself to admire the tapestries on the walls and attempt to act royal. He finally gave up and moved close to her. “I truly should get out of these wet things. Though, I must say, I am becoming dry simply standing by the fire. The longer I remain here, there will be no need to change. So why go to the trouble at all? I may as well stay where I am.”
He snapped his mouth shut, realizing his rambling made him sound like a bumbling fool.
Olivia giggled. “I believe you would fare best if I show you to your bedchamber now.”
So much for ease in the air. Her words sounded like an unintentional seduction, spoken with low, pure sensuality. It had been foolish to tell Jonah that thoughts like those presently on his mind could easily be dismissed.
Yet, Sebastian bore more than physical attraction for Olivia, regardless of how stunning she looked. She had left her hair down around her shoulders, silky and beautiful. And her lips . . . Never before had he seen a more brilliant red. He longed to wrap himself around her; body and mind. She stimulated every part of him.
“Sebastian?” She licked her lips, enticing him even more. “Why do you stare at me?”
“Forgive me.” He gripped the base of his tunic to keep from touching her. “Do you recall the sunset I described in my letter?”
Her long lashes fluttered slowly up and down, then she nodded.
“You are far more brilliant. I could never describe you in words. There have been none created to effectively define you.”
Her bosom rose and fell. Her tongue once again flicked from her mouth, wetting her crimson lips. “Sebastian.” She swallowed hard. “I had best take you to your chamber before we do something we should not. My attraction to you is as great as your spoken fascination for me. Yet I fear we have much to do before we allow ourselves to act on our feelings.”
