Island in the Forest

by Jeanne Hardt

  He cleared his throat. She was correct in so many ways. “I have never been so bold with a woman. Then again, those I have known do not possesses your qualities. Knowing you share my feelings brings me pleasure you cannot imagine.”

  Her face lit the room with a glorious smile. She stepped close and cupped his cheek with her delicate hand. “You are the answer to all my prayers.” She glided her fingers along his beard, seemingly intrigued. “It feels softer than I thought it would.”

  His head tipped into her touch. A touch that moved him beyond words. He then covered her hand with his own. Before releasing it, he kissed it. “Please take me to my room.” He choked out the words, not wanting their night to end. “I have a letter to compose to Jonah. May I use some of your parchment?”

  “Of course.” She gestured toward the hallway. “Follow me.”

  To the ends of the earth . . .

  Chapter 19

  Olivia felt light as air moving along the hallway. She sensed Sebastian near her, but dared not stop to look at him. If she did, they might never reach his chamber.

  Countless questions flooded her mind. Though she wanted to give him all her attention, it would have to wait. She needed to seek aid of those in the castle to keep Sebastian’s presence quiet and secure. Even so, she feared Donovan might act on his own and bring trouble to the castle doors.

  She led Sebastian to an unoccupied bedchamber at the end of the hall. Daisy had already turned down the covers on the bed.

  Olivia gestured to the bedding in Sebastian’s hands. “It appears you will not need those. My maid has prepared your room.”

  He glanced around, then put his eyes on Olivia. “Thank you.” In two steps, he lessened the space between them.

  Olivia gulped. His eyes were the deepest green she had ever seen. She could easily get lost in them. “You are quite welcome.” Again, she swallowed hard. “You must be tired. I shall leave you to change and get some rest. I fear . . .” She looked away, uncertain what to say.

  He lightly touched her face, turning it toward him. “I hope to take away all your fears. I will not allow Donovan to tarnish you or your kingdom.”

  “How?”

  “I shall ask Jonah to return to Basilia and come back here with men to rebuild your bridge. And while he is away, I must confront your father. He needs to be reassured we pose no threat. Only aid.”

  She nodded, but a smile would not come. Thoughts of her father pained her. “I shall look in on him tonight. I pray he has grown stronger.”

  “I, too, shall pray.”

  “You believe?”

  Sebastian smiled. “Yes. In the One true God. And you?”

  “The same. Father says He lives beyond the sun and draws strength from its power.”

  Sebastian’s head cocked to one side. His eyes studied her, then he chuckled. “My father told me He lives beyond the moon. When it is full, God is the most powerful and answers prayers. When but a sliver, He rests. Basilians pray most earnestly when the moon is completely orbed.”

  She pondered his words, never having heard such a thing. “I much prefer thinking of Him as I have been taught. A god who rests may not be available when needed the most.”

  “Yet, everyone requires rest. Why should God be different?”

  “He is God. He has not the same needs as men.”

  Sebastian set aside the items in his hands and faced her once again. “Are you so certain?”

  She peered into his eyes. “Forgive me. Such discussions should be kept for daylight hours. We could talk all night of such issues.” She headed for the door. “Get out of your wet clothes before you catch a chill. Once I leave, lock your door. I shall bring a guard to stand watch.”

  “Olivia?”

  She braced a hand on the door latch. “Yes?”

  “I gladly anticipate those night-long discussions.”

  A tiny whimper escaped her. “Goodnight, then.”

  He grinned and started removing his shirt.

  She stared for a brief moment, then quickly shut the door and hurried to her father’s chamber, needing to distance herself from Sebastian. However, thoughts of him kept running through her mind. With every word they exchanged, he intrigued her more.

  When she reached her father’s door, once again, his guards stood watch, with a slight change from the previous day. “Where is Wittek?” Gerard stood in his place beside Roderick.

  Roderick jutted his chin. “He brought Gerard to take his place, then went after Donovan. He claimed they had urgent matters to discuss.”

  Her chest tightened. Wittek and Donovan had been known to be friends.

  “Your Highness?” Gerard pushed his hair from his eyes. “The king still sleeps. We’ll see to it no one disturbs him.”

  “Thank you.” She trusted Gerard more so than Wittek, and yet . . . “You are both aware of our guest, are you not?”

  Both men nodded.

  “And you understand the importance of secrecy. We must keep his presence quiet for the time being. Spread the word to the other guards to keep their lips sealed. Understood?”

  More nods.

  What with Wittek gone, Olivia feared it might already be too late. “Roderick, are you able to guard the king without assistance?”

  He grunted. “Of course. No one will pass by me.”

  “Good.” She turned to Gerard. “Follow me.”

  “Yes, Your Highness.” Gerard obeyed without question.

  She had wanted to see her father, but would not wake him. Morning would bring her another opportunity and hopefully time for him to heal.

  Once they had gone a great distance down the hall, far from Roderick’s hearing, Olivia stopped and laid a hand on Gerard’s arm. “I trust you. I know your loyalties lie with the king. I fear there are some in our realm who wish him harm.”

  Gerard’s face screwed together. “Harm? In Padrida?”

  “Yes.” She took his hand. “You must be strong. Prince Sebastian has come to help us. I have grown to trust him as much as I do you.”

  “But he is an outsider. How can you?”

  “My heart leads me.” She owed him no more explanation. “Find Alwin and meet me at the bedchamber at the hall’s end. The prince lies there. You and Alwin shall guard his door, just as you would the king’s. Understand?”

  “Yes, Your Highness.” He bowed and ran off.

  Like Gerard, she had faith in Alwin. Her father had made him senior guard and entrusted him to oversee the others. Her father had good intuition about his men, so she held onto that now.

  She walked slowly to Sebastian’s door and waited for the guards to arrive. Though tempted to knock, she cast aside the urge. He needed rest. If things transpired as she feared, he would require every ounce of strength he could muster.

  * * *

  What in heaven’s name?

  Olivia flung her covers back and jumped out of bed. Loud voices filled the air, yelling angry words she could not fully understand. They came from outside the castle walls, but their volume permeated the stone structure.

  After another difficult night of sleep—one disrupted by pleasant thoughts for a change—this was not how she wanted to waken.

  She threw on the same blue dress she wore the day before and pulled on her stockings. Not bothering with shoes, she hurried into the hallway. At the far end, Sebastian was coming out his door, followed closely by Alwin.

  Sebastian rushed to her side. “What is happening?”

  “I know not.” Momentarily distracted by his appearance, she could not shift her eyes from him. Donovan’s clothes complemented his form.

  She had always thought she preferred a man free of facial hair, but Sebastian wore his well. It suited him, making him look like a man with no trace of an immature boy. A man who had a heart of gold and green eyes that danced when he looked at her.

  He touched the hilted sword at his side. One she prayed he would never have to use.

  Alwin dipped his head. “Highness. Gerard went on be
fore us to alert the other guards.”

  “Very good. Thank you for remaining with the prince.”

  He, too, grasped his sword. “On my honor.”

  They followed the sounds and stopped at the front entry. Every sentry stood with their backs pressed to the door and their arms crossed over their chests, appearing ready for a fight. All but Wittek. He had challenged her last night and was nowhere to be seen.

  Gerard stepped forward, facing Sebastian. “It is not safe for you to go out. The people have been crying for your blood.”

  “What?” Olivia’s pulse quickened. “Who made them aware of his presence?”

  “I know.” Sebastian scowled. “Donovan.”

  “Yes,” Gerard said. “Korvin informed me Donovan persuaded Wittek to join him last night to gather the people. They believe you have betrayed them, Highness.” Gerard’s sad eyes met Olivia’s.

  It seemed Donovan had taken this opportunity to set his plans in motion. With her father lying in bed, as well as her mother, he had given the people a reason not to trust her, and therefore put their faith in him.

  Fists pounded against the large wooden door. Fortunately, a heavy brace sealed it shut, making them relatively safe.

  “Kill the evil one!” a woman shrieked.

  “The princess cannot be trusted!” This came from a man who sounded a great deal like Donovan.

  “Do not open the door,” Sebastian said to the guards. “For any reason. Your princess is in danger.”

  Olivia took his arm. “You are as well. More so than I. They hold the stories of old close to their hearts, and because you came from the outside world, they see you as evil personified.”

  “I shall never forgive myself for putting you in harm’s way. I must find a means to get my letter to Jonah.”

  “How? You cannot leave the castle. Many of our men are skilled archers and will be watching for you. You would instantly be killed.” She stared into his green eyes. Every trace of a glimmer had vanished, replaced by worry.

  The swishing of a long robe brushing against the stone floor turned their heads.

  “I lie in bed for mere days and my kingdom rises against me?”

  “Father!” Olivia ran into his arms. “Thank God!” She briefly held him close, then patted her hand over his face. “No fever. We feared—”

  “That I would die?” He chuckled. “I am too mean to die. I had a passing ailment. Nothing which would end me.”

  She embraced him again. “Saying I am glad does not bring justice to my feelings. We need you.” Though she did not want to release him, he gently pushed her away.

  “Tell me what has riled my people.” He stepped toward the door, then stopped and gaped at Sebastian. “While I lay in bed, dark delirium invaded my dreams. And here I am fully awake, yet I believe I am still overcome. Should I know you?”

  Sebastian bowed his head. “No, Your Majesty. I am Sebastian, Prince of Basilia.”

  “Basilia?” Her father scowled and backed away, eyeing his guards as if they should do something. “How did you come here?”

  “I crossed the bridge.” Sebastian stood tall. “Your daughter sought my help. She feared an uprising, and it seems her worries have manifested themselves.”

  “Kill him!” Another shriek from a woman, louder than ever.

  Olivia stepped between her father and Sebastian. “Let me explain.”

  Her father held up a single hand. His eyes narrowed. “This man is the cause of this disorder. Tell me why I should not abide by their wishes.”

  Olivia grasped his arms. “You cannot blame Sebastian. Donovan created the unrest. He has provoked them to anger by filling their heads with lies.”

  “Donovan?” His upper lip twitched. “I sent him away. He has been forbidden from the castle, so how can he lead them here?” He directed his final words at the guards.

  Alwin pointed at Olivia. “She named him as suitor. The queen insisted we allow him to return to the grounds.”

  Her father fell silent. His pained expression tore Olivia’s heart in two.

  “She, too, must have assumed I would die,” he whispered.

  Almost instantly, as if no harmful words had been spoken, he lifted his chin in the air and drew his shoulders back, once again the confident king. “It is fortunate I proved everyone wrong.” His brows knit together as if contemplating his next move.

  Olivia needed to tell him everything before he decided to harm Sebastian. “Father? Please come with me so we may speak privately.”

  He gestured to the barred door. “I should address my people.” The cries coming from the other side had not weakened. “However, I will first hear what you have to say.” He directed his words at her, but leered at Sebastian.

  She linked her arm in her father’s, then glanced over her shoulder and motioned with her eyes for Sebastian to follow.

  He cast a questioning stare, so she jerked her head and again told him silently to come. This time, he did so.

  As she guided her father to the great hall, he looked back and sneered. “Why is he following us?”

  “This concerns him,” Olivia said. “I want him here.”

  “And yet you said our conversation is to be private.”

  “Yes. From the hearing of the guards.” She smiled at Sebastian, but when she returned her attention to her father, he frowned.

  “I trust him, Father.” She doubted it would matter. Unless he heard her out, he would never place any faith in a Basilian.

  * * *

  Sebastian positioned himself in front of the fireplace and stood silently while Olivia explained the ordeal to her father. They sat comfortably enough on a large cushioned chaise, but the king seemed far from relaxed.

  She began by telling him about Donovan and the plans she had overheard. No wonder he terrified her. Tannin root was one of the most poisonous plants known to Sebastian.

  His fists tightened as she explained Donovan’s intentions to throw her from the wall. Sebastian should have killed him when he had the chance. From the reddening of the king’s cheeks, it appeared the king might do it for him.

  The man uttered no words while she told the tale, but his facial expressions spoke loudly. Several times he glanced in Sebastian’s direction, then returned his attention to Olivia. Surely the king wondered how Sebastian fit into this story.

  Since the moment Olivia began speaking, not once had she turned her eyes in Sebastian’s direction. Probably for the best. The king needed to know the urgency of the situation and not think her mind had been clouded by him.

  Her voice softened as she told of her maidservant, Rosalie. The compassion she expressed deepened Sebastian’s feelings for the princess. Not only was she gracious to her people, she willingly sacrificed her own happiness for the sake of her lady.

  “Why would your mother insist you name Donovan as your suitor?” The king finally spoke. “Everyone in Padrida knows of his dalliances with Lady Justine.”

  “Search your heart, Father. I believe you can answer that question.”

  The king glared at Sebastian. “I do not care to speak of something so personal in the presence of the enemy.”

  “I assure you, Sebastian means us no harm.”

  “Does he know we were Crenian?”

  She nodded. “That was a long time ago. There is peace across the land. Sebastian came to Padrida when we needed him. Like a miracle sent by God.”

  The king huffed. “No Basilian has ever been godly. You should study your history.”

  Sebastian cleared his throat, unappreciative of the slap in the face.

  Olivia grabbed the man’s hand. “Father, you see him as evil, but there is more wickedness in our courtyard than in a single hair on Sebastian’s head. He came to our land for honorable reasons.”

  “A Basilian? Honorable? Bah!”

  Sebastian could scarcely hold his tongue. Certainly, Olivia would defend him.

  “Yes,” she said, firmly. “He—he seeks a bride.”

  Th
e king shot to his feet, whipped around, and scowled at Sebastian. “Whatever you may be seeking, it will not be my daughter!”

  Brows weaving, Olivia rose and put an arm around him. “But he comes in peace. And as of yet, he has not made a proposal. However, we have discussed mutual feelings.”

  “Discussed?” The king stalked over to Sebastian and planted his feet inches from Sebastian’s boots.

  Seeing this as a challenge, Sebastian had to speak his mind. “Yes, Your Majesty. Discussed. I respect your daughter and am sworn by law to remain chaste until I am properly wed. Unlike the man the queen forced Olivia to name as suitor.” He stared at the king. Firm and unmoving.

  The man’s upper lip twitched. “I give you credit for being bold. And though you have not proposed to my daughter, your eyes reveal your desire for her. I will never allow such a union.”

  Sebastian held his breath and his tongue. He would not argue with the king, but he intended to prove his worthiness and change the man’s mind.

  The king moved away from him and returned to Olivia. “We have more important issues to address at this moment. Did the scribes draft the documents naming Donovan as suitor?”

  “Yes.” Every bit of joy left her face.

  “And have you witnesses to enforce your claim against him?”

  “Yes, Father.” Olivia met Sebastian’s gaze. “But what of Sebastian?”

  “He shall be sent away. Back to his Basilian family.” He snarled out the name. Hate had never been more blatant.

  “Your Majesty,” Sebastian said. “If I am allowed to send a letter to my man, Jonah, he can bring infantry to help ease the unrest here.”

  “More Basilians?” The king sneered. “I shall manage my own people. As for you . . . Stay inside the castle until I find a way to send you home.”

  “Yes, Your Majesty.” Sebastian stood stoically facing the man. He could not bear to look at Olivia.

  “One more thing,” the king said. “Stay away from my daughter.” He took her by the arm and led her from the room.