Island in the Forest

by Jeanne Hardt

  Rosalie smiled and nodded. “Your Highness, I appreciate what you have done for us. The queen needs you now. Go to her. She is broken.”

  The word described her perfectly. Her mother had a shattered heart that would be impossible to explain to their people. The feelings she held for the baker were hidden, and if those in the keep were the people Olivia trusted them to be, they would remain so.

  Olivia smoothed Rosalie’s hair, then stood and returned to her mother’s side. She sat cuddled against the wall with her head pressed to her knees. Aside from her sobs, Daisy’s whimpering continued. Amidst unrecognizable words, Olivia made out the most important ones. The girl cried out for her mother.

  Olivia positioned herself close to her own mother and reached for her hand. “What can I do for you, Mother?”

  The woman barely moved, yet laced her fingers into Olivia’s. “I should never have taken Daisy from her family.” She spoke emotionless, without raising her head. “It was wrong of me. I have done many terrible things.” She gasped and choked back tears. “Was loving him wrong? Did Doran die because of me?”

  Doran. Until today, Olivia had not known his name. Always referred to as the baker, she had never given it much thought. The use of his name sounded intimate coming from her mother.

  “No, Mother. He died because of Donovan. A son who believed he was worthy of more than life as a baker.” She scooted closer and pulled her into her arms. Their roles had reversed.

  “Everything is my fault.” She lifted her head and looked at Olivia. “I planted the seed right after you were born. I promised Doran I would see to it that one day his son would hold a throne. I pushed the two of you together from the moment you were old enough to walk. Encouraged your friendship with gentle nudges. I sent you to the bakery for sweets. And Doran did his part, whispering in Donovan’s ear that you would one day be his bride.”

  Olivia refused to accept it as so. Was her life so orchestrated that her will had been taken from her? Her thoughts tumbled through all their times together. In every instance, she found her mother’s words proved to be true.

  Her mother turned her head. “I do not expect your forgiveness. My manipulation killed the man I love. He deserved so much more. How was I to know Donovan would become evil? Or that his fine looks would prompt him to love himself more than anyone else? So much so that he would use women for his own gratification and care nothing about their self-respect? My love for Doran blinded me to Donovan. And even when you slapped it in my face, I refused to believe it.” Her expression contorted into something ugly. “I do not wish to go on living!” She burst into sobs that convulsed her body.

  “Do not speak so!” Olivia took her by the shoulders and forced her to look in her eyes. “Father loves you. He always has. He tolerated your feelings for the baker because he felt he had wronged you, and it was his just punishment. All he ever wanted is the return of your affections. You told me you loved both men. Now that the baker is gone, give your heart fully to Father. A thriving love for one another will help make Padrida strong again. If all goes as I pray, I shall marry Sebastian, and with the help of Basilia, our people will thrive.”

  Once again, her mother buried her face into her knees. Her shoulders shook as she erupted into another fit of sobs. Olivia silently rubbed her back. She had said her peace, and her mother needed to gather her thoughts. The woman who had forever been strong—feared by her people—had shattered.

  Olivia gathered her own thoughts. She wanted more than anything to be at Sebastian’s side, and it tore her apart having to stay here. Yet he had asked her to remain, and in many ways, she was needed here more. If she left her mother’s side, she feared what she might do. Until her father could give her comfort, Olivia was all she had.

  Even so, it proved difficult not knowing whether the people had gathered in the courtyard. And if they had, would they listen to reason?

  Aside from all those questions, one thing troubled her more than any.

  Where was Donovan?

  * * *

  Sebastian drew his sword, walked out into the sunlight, and took his place behind the king. King Boden stood tall, with his head held high and the Crenian blade in his grasp. If he showed any trace of weakness to his people, it would reinforce their belief that they should follow Donovan.

  Sebastian had witnessed the king’s frailty, but doubted he would see it again. The man cared too much for his people to let them suffer under a tyrant.

  Valen and Sebastian stood to one side of the king. Alwin and Korvin to the other. Korvin appeared the most nervous, nonetheless, he raised his sword.

  None of them had ever taken a man’s life.

  In many ways, peace had made all of them soft. Though far from genuine battle, at least Sebastian had had Jonah’s never-ending training.

  The courtyard filled with people. Faces searching for answers. Eyes bearing fear and uncertainty. Men, women, and even children pointed at the body of the baker lying near the feet of the king. Gasps and whispers arose until the volume from the crowd became almost unbearable.

  Sebastian leaned toward Valen, who held a bow rather than a sword, as well as a full quiver on his back. “Ready an arrow,” Sebastian whispered in his ear, “but do not raise your bow. Keep your eyes on the crowd and search for other archers. You must protect the king.”

  Valen did as he was told. Positioning his bow would have frightened the people gathered. Regardless, the guard had to be ready if needed. A single arrow from a skilled archer could end the life of the king before he had the chance to speak.

  King Boden raised his hands in the air, and silence fell over the courtyard. A good sign the people still respected him.

  “My people!” His voice held strength and confidence. “You see here before me the body of the baker, slain by the hand of his son, Donovan.”

  Cries of “No!” and “You lie!” rang across the grounds.

  “Silence!”

  Again, the people obeyed.

  “The baker’s other son, Dane, was also wounded by Donovan’s hand. Donovan has told you falsehoods to gain your trust, but he is the one true evil in Padrida. The evil of old was brought about by illness brought on by diseased animals in the forest. The man who came to our kingdom from Basilia did not bring evil into our land. It was already here. Prince Sebastian came to help us!”

  Sebastian stepped forward and stood beside the king. Shouts and jeers resounded.

  “I tell you this man is good!” the king yelled. “I trust him with my life, and I have approved of his union with my daughter. Princess Olivia and he shall be married, joining our kingdoms as one. I have decreed a new law abolishing the old. In three days’ time, men of Basilia will gather on the other side of the gorge to rebuild our bridge.”

  “No!” A man shook his fist at the king. “You will bring death to us all!”

  King Boden dropped his head, then slowly raised it again. “For years I have led you. Loved you. Cared and provided for you. Why now do you doubt me? The man in whom you put your faith not only betrayed my daughter, he killed his father and attempted to end the life of his brother. Why? Because they challenged him. Your fear of him is why you question me. Believe in me again, and we will defeat Donovan. I will not permit him to harm another life in Padrida. We shall find him, and then he shall die for his crimes.”

  Yells and objections turned to mumbling.

  A young red-haired man stepped forward. “The king speaks the truth! I saw it with my own eyes! Donovan tried to murder Dane. I hid behind the cottage because I was afraid, but we cannot fear him any longer. We must stand together!”

  The king motioned to the boy. “Orman, come here.”

  Orman hastened over and stood proudly beside the king.

  “Who else will join us?” The king gazed around the courtyard, and one by one, men came forward.

  The guards looked warily about. Sebastian also stood ready, unable to be completely at ease. Within a matter of minutes, everyone present dedicated th
emselves to the king.

  “We will grow stronger with the help of Basilia,” the king said. “Eventually, we would have outgrown our land. God sent this Basilian prince to save us. He is to be high king, and your princess will reign beside him!”

  Cheers erupted from the people.

  “And now . . .” The king knelt beside the baker. “We must build a funeral pyre and give Doran the respect he deserves. He gave his life for the truth. No greater love has ever been shown in Padrida.”

  “What of Donovan?” a woman yelled from amidst the crowd.

  King Boden stood tall. “Any man who wishes to aid in his pursuit, is to join me in the courtyard following the burning. We will find Donovan and execute justice.”

  Sebastian kept his sword unsheathed. It appeared the people of Padrida had listened to reason, yet danger hovered like a dark cloud. He would protect the king at all cost and prayed Olivia was safe.

  * * *

  “Orman?” Rosalie’s voice rang with joy.

  Olivia jumped to her feet and ran across the room to him. She startled him with a hug.

  “Your Highness,” he mumbled as his cheeks glowed red.

  “Forgive me, Orman.” Olivia took a step back. “Seeing you warmed my heart. Do you bring good news?”

  “Yes, Highness.” He moved toward his sister. Olivia’s heart beat strong as she waited for his words. “The people have listened to the king. I feared for him and chose to speak out. I told what I had witnessed. I do not know how I had the courage, but I believe it helped.” He sat beside Dane. “Will he live?”

  Rosalie beamed. “Yes. The healer just left us.”

  Dane sluggishly opened his eyes. “Orman? What of Donovan? Has he been found?”

  “No.” Orman frowned. “The king is gathering men after . . .”

  “After?” Olivia leaned in.

  Orman nervously scratched his head. “After the fire has been set. The funeral pyre for your father, Dane.”

  Dane pushed himself up from Rosalie’s lap. “Take me there.”

  “No.” Rosalie gently forced him back down. “You must rest. I understand your reason, but you cannot go.”

  “I must. The bleeding has stopped, and I need to see Father one more time.” Again, he sat upright.

  “Is it safe for us to leave the keep?” Olivia asked. She glanced at Gerard still holding his position at the door.

  “That is why I came,” Orman said. “King Boden sent me to tell you he has regained control of the people and you may come out of the keep. Though he wishes you to remain within the castle until Donovan is located.”

  “And what of Prince Sebastian?”

  Orman displayed a generous smile. “He is to be your husband. The king told the people you would one day be high queen.” He tilted his head. “It is fitting, but I shall miss dancing with you.”

  After all the pain she had endured, this felt unreal. Did she dare allow herself joy?

  She walked away from them and stood alone. Even if Padrida accepted the union of Sebastian and her, she still had to win the approval of Basilia.

  She returned to Orman. “Where is Sebastian?”

  “With the king. He has vowed to protect him.”

  Who would protect Sebastian?

  She gestured to Dane. “We shall grant his wish and take him to his father. Help him to his feet.”

  Rosalie shook her head.

  “Rosalie,” Olivia said. “He needs this.”

  She sadly nodded. “Yes, Your Highness.”

  Orman put his arm under Dane and helped him up. Rosalie stayed at his other side, and they slowly walked from the keep.

  Olivia’s mother had not moved from her spot against the wall. Her ladies and Daisy sat close by. “When I return,” Olivia said, “we shall take the queen to her chamber. For now, look after her, and do not allow her to leave.”

  “Yes, Your Highness,” Lady Margaret said.

  Gerard crossed from the door. “I shall help them.” He grinned at Lady Margaret and received one in return. Sebastian had indeed accomplished something good here.

  Before leaving, Olivia placed her hand on Daisy’s head. “Soon I shall return you to your home. Would that please you?”

  “Yes,” she whimpered, then buried her head into Lady Eloise’s shoulder.

  Chapter 29

  Olivia arrived at the pyre as the torches were set to it. She spotted Dane and Rosalie at the front of the crowd beside the king. He rested his hand on Dane’s shoulder as the blaze took hold.

  Many heads bowed in silent prayer for the man they all admired and respected. The baker had never refused anyone bread, and if his shelves were empty and someone came, he would light his ovens and make more.

  The people parted upon seeing her and let her pass through. They bowed and curtsied in turn, surprising her with their renewed respect.

  Perhaps all would be well. If so, why did her stomach churn?

  She quickly made her way to Sebastian. He had kept his sword unsheathed, so he, too, obviously sensed danger. With that in mind, she kept her hands to herself and stood silently beside him.

  He slightly turned his head and acknowledged her presence, but his eyes remained on the king.

  “Why did you come?” he whispered from the side of his mouth. His words were not harsh, yet threaded with worry. “The king instructed you to remain in the castle.”

  “I had to give the baker my respect. I owe him my life.” She also kept her voice low.

  “I understand. However, until Donovan is captured, your life is at risk. Please, return to the castle and wait for me there as you said you would.”

  Yes, she had given him her word, but . . . “I will do as you ask. Yet I believe seeing us together confirms our intentions. I see fear in the eyes of my people. I hope to diminish it.”

  “We shall change it together.” Though he stayed facing forward, she noticed a slight upward curl of his lips.

  She stepped toward the funeral pyre and bowed at the waist. The hot flames crackled and popped as they consumed his body. Only memories were left behind for her mother and Dane.

  As she turned to leave, movement at the back of the crowd drew her eyes.

  Wittek?

  Her heart thumped. She took Sebastian’s arm, rose on her toes, and put her lips to his ear. “I could swear I saw Wittek run off toward the woods.”

  Sebastian’s eyes widened at her heated whisper. “Go quickly to the castle. Stay with your mother and her ladies and take Rosalie and Dane with you.” He moved to her father and spoke low, no doubt relating what she had said.

  She crossed to Rosalie. “We must go in.” She spoke softly, but with urgency. Even so, she did not want to alarm the people.

  Fortunately, Rosalie raised no objections and Dane, too, was ready to leave. A small amount of blood had seeped from his stitching and dotted his fresh tunic. He needed to lie down.

  Olivia found it even harder walking away from Sebastian this time. He would be going after Donovan who wanted more than anything to see him dead. And if Donovan got word of the decree, he would be fighting for his life and even more dangerous.

  She could not rest until she knew Donovan had been killed.

  * * *

  Sebastian took Korvin and Alwin and headed for the woods. Valen had remained with the king, and Sebastian prayed his protection would be adequate.

  The handful of the king’s loyal guards were truly decent men. Sebastian had grown to admire each for their specific skills and traits. Korvin was young, but eager, and Alwin mature and dedicated.

  “You must be ready to fight.” Sebastian spoke as firmly as he could. “It will come down to your life or theirs. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, Your Highness,” Alwin said. “We cannot be afraid to draw blood.”

  “But . . .” Korvin stammered. “How are we to strike down our friends?”

  Sebastian stopped walking and faced him. “Your friends betrayed your king. I assure you, they will not think twice
about striking you down.”

  Korvin swallowed hard, then checked his quiver for arrows. “I am better with the bow than the sword.”

  “Then, ready an arrow,” Sebastian said, and proceeded into the woods.

  After motioning the two men behind him, Sebastian pressed a single finger to his lips, demanding silence. He had learned to walk stealthily, unfortunately, the others had not been taught the same lessons. They snapped twigs beneath their feet louder than an applauding crowd.

  Sebastian might have been better off coming alone. Now more than ever, he missed having Jonah by his side.

  At least the trees were not as dense as those in Black Wood. With the sun high in the sky, they had good visibility. He scanned the area around him and kept his ears attuned to every noise. A rustling of leaves to his left made him stop short and signal for the others to do the same. To his relief, they followed his lead.

  “Your Highness! Look out!”

  Sebastian instinctively crouched.

  Who had yelled the warning? It had come from the same area as the rustling leaves.

  The noise grew louder, sounding as if a wrestling match had ensued. Grunts and moans accompanied breaking sticks and loud thumps.

  Sebastian broke into a sprint and weaved through the underbrush toward the sounds. Whoever had warned him needed help.

  Korvin stayed at his heels, huffing and puffing like an aged man. Sebastian feared he would not be ready to fight.

  They both came to an abrupt halt. Sebastian had expected to see Donovan, but instead found Wittek and Roderick engaged in a fist fight on the forest floor. After Sebastian’s encounter with Roderick, he knew him to be an able fighter. He also knew his voice, and it was not he who had called out the warning.

  Had Wittek cried out?

  Who was the enemy here?

  “Traitor!” Roderick yelled and plunged a knife into Wittek’s chest.

  Sebastian lunged at Roderick and grabbed his arms from behind, locking him into place. He attempted to pull him away from Wittek. Roderick’s weight kept them both on the ground.

  “Release me!” Roderick yelled, struggling. To Sebastian’s benefit, his tussle with Wittek had tired him, but Sebastian was still unable to bring him to his feet.