Severance (The Sovereign Book 1)

by Michael Pritsos

  “I am to go with the children?” Stefan inquired.

  “Well we must make a show of it,” Erik said with a snigger. “Do not look so anxious, my son. All will be well, and you shall be back before you know it.”

  Stefan nodded but felt a pit in his stomach. He did not know that this much excitement would happen over Nicolette’s foolishness. So it seemed his father had known how to take a risk the whole time, but it would be his son he was risking and not himself.

  Erik’s eyes were staring into his son’s green ones intently. “Don’t let me down, my son.”

  Roselyn

  Roselyn waited with worry creasing her brow for her husband’s return from Gaia. She sat on the cushioned window seat in her bedchamber, staring out the decoratively stained glass. It was difficult for her to see the details of the scene below her window, but she watched the dark figures moving around the front eastern gate.

  Four stallions pulled a black carriage to a stop in front of the palace. Roselyn opened the window ever so slightly to get a better view of who rode in the cab. She watched as two men dressed in what looked like standard attire for the castle’s guard move to open the double doors of the carriage. A dark headed man emerged, dressed in deep red. Roselyn’s heart leapt as she watched Patrick walk towards the gate with two men in tow.

  With a glance in the mirror, Roselyn ran through the door of her bedchamber and out into the parlor. She flung open the door that led to the spiral staircase, bereft of guards. She was surprised by this at first, but then remembered that she had dismissed them from that station due to Xander’s lack of uninvited visits now that she was married. When she reached the bottom of the stairs she found the guards back in their usual positions and gave a brief hello. She glanced towards the tower opposite hers where Daemyn’s rooms had been. Two guards posted at his staircase’s bottom gave her a bow.

  “Princess, are you all right?”

  Roselyn snapped back to the present at the sound of her guard’s voice from behind her. She spun quickly and plastered a smile on her face. “Yes, forgive me. I was… distracted.”

  “Of course,” the guard answered with a bow.

  Roselyn nodded without looking him in the eye and headed down the hallway to the great hall that Patrick would probably be entering by now. To her surprise, he was not there to greet her. Where is he? Did he go straight to business? She headed down to the end of the massive room where her father’s office sat. She remembered the day that Xander came to tell them of the news of her brother’s murder. Her hand went instinctively to her only just swollen belly. Reaching the doors of King Philip’s office, she knocked briefly and opened the door without waiting for an answer. Patrick, Xander, and a man she had not seen before were standing with her father, apparently filling him in on the events in Gaia. They were visibly surprised at her abrupt entry.

  “Roselyn, what is the meaning of this?” the king bellowed.

  “I am sorry, Father,” Roselyn said, head down. “I was looking for Patrick.”

  “Is anything the matter, my love? Is the baby…?” Patrick was concerned and stepped to her, placing a hand on her stomach.

  Roselyn saw Xander look away. “Yes, Patrick, everything is fine. The baby is fine. I was just… anxious to hear of your travels.”

  Patrick looked confused but tender. Roselyn looked around him to her father, who was staring at his hands folded in front of him on the desk. Patrick brought her attention back to him by turning her head with his finger. “Roselyn, I will share with you what I can when I am finished here. I realize that you are used to being part of meetings such as these, but I fear we may have spoiled you recently. Leave us now, my darling. I shall be with you soon.”

  Roselyn looked helplessly again at her father and then at Xander. He rolled his eyes ever so slightly, and a thin smile crept on her face. “I beg your pardon, gentlemen,” she said, and turned slowly to walk out the door.

  Closing it behind her, she sighed. Patrick was right; she had been present for many matters of the state recently. It felt strange to be turned away. She looked down at her stomach and rubbed it affectionately. What are they keeping from us, little one? She waited as if she expected an answer then chortled. She thought of Xander rolling his eyes at Patrick’s request for her to leave. Did he want her to stay or was he just silently commenting on Patrick ordering her to depart? Maybe he felt that she should be there… or maybe she was making something out of nothing. Roselyn shook her head and moved away from the door.

  When she was back in her chambers Roselyn felt restless as she took a seat on the sofa to await her husband. Before she knew it he was standing over her, waking her from the sleep that had overcome her. “Oh my goodness,” she said wearily. Her throat crackled until she cleared it. “How long was I asleep?”

  “I cannot say,” Patrick replied, sitting beside her as she shifted over to make room for him. “I only just arrived, but it has been a little over an hour since your appearance in the king’s study.”

  Roselyn remembered interrupting the meeting and immediately felt embarrassed, though she did not know why. It seemed to her that it would have been more in her character to be very unapologetic for her behavior earlier, in fact, she probably would have argued to remain present. What is wrong with me? I’m sleeping in the middle of the day… subsiding to the ‘requests’ of Patrick without a fight… And now, I’ve apologized upon entering my own father’s study to hear of matters that I may have to deal with someday.

  “Rose, are you okay?” Patrick’s voice was startling. “You look… quite irritated.”

  Gathering some of her old willfulness, she stuck out her chin defiantly and glared at her husband. “Excellent observation, Lord Patrick, I am quite irritated.”

  “Have I done something, Roselyn?”

  “No, I…” she trailed off. “I’m sorry. There is something wrong with me.”

  Patrick stared at his wife. “Wrong? Are you referring to physical health?”

  “No,” she said curtly. “I’m talking about my behavior. I’m not myself… I’m very tired, and my moods change far more rapidly than before, and I find myself making apologies for things that I wouldn’t normally find unacceptable. In addition, I feel very sure that I am not as… bold as I once was, in fact I’m…”

  “Pregnant,” Patrick finished.

  Roselyn raised an eyebrow. “Pardon me?”

  “You are with child, Princess. All of the things you have just described to me are very commonly felt when a woman is in your condition.”

  “Hah! How would you know what it’s like to be in my condition?” she spat.

  Patrick looked down and cleared his throat. “I was very close to my sister when she was having her children.”

  Roselyn realized her error and with a gasp she covered her mouth with her hand. Patrick’s sister and brother-in-law had been killed in a fire almost ten years before. Their children had inhaled the rising smoke before their parents could ascend the stairs to reach them. They both died trying to save the two boys and infant girl. Patrick had been nearly twenty at the time of his sister’s death. He still dreamt of that day from time to time.

  “My apologies, husband. I cannot believe I spoke so insensitively,” Roselyn said. She placed her hands around one of his.

  Patrick looked up at his wife and raised his hand to delicately caress her cheek. He kissed her gently. The kiss grew deeper, and Roselyn knew all was already forgotten. She could not believe she had lashed out at him in such a way. It was nice to find that Patrick was easy to forgive, but it was unfortunate that he even had anything to forgive her for. Roselyn thought back to the confession she had made to him about her emotional tumult, and as she followed him to their bedchamber she smiled. She could never open up to Xander in that way, she was far too proud. There was something about Patrick that made her feel safe.

  *

  “So,” Roselyn said as she rolled onto her side. They were still in bed, her satin sheets wrapped lazily arou
nd their naked bodies. “You never got around to telling me what happened in Tellus.”

  Patrick rolled his eyes. “I never thought you would be the type to be this interested in matters of the world.”

  While his words stung her, she smiled deceivingly. He wouldn’t tell her anything if she lashed out at him again. “I am a knowledgeable woman, Patrick. I will be queen someday, and I need to know what is happening in my kingdom, and the world.”

  “I’m impressed.”

  Roselyn glared at the future regent of Thalassa. “You, sir, may be groomed for the throne, but I will always want to be involved. We are moving into new times, where women are becoming much more influential.” Her fingertips drifted down his chest and along his stomach.

  “Roselyn,” Patrick said with a grin. “You may influence me any time you wish.”

  “Not so fast,” the princess replied, her hand drifting back up to play with his chest hair. She smiled. “You must tell me what happened.”

  “Ah yes, I was distracted,” Patrick said with a laugh. “All right, so we arrived at Tellus’ castle, and were required to leave our weapons at the front. That was as expected so we thought nothing of it. However, it was clear right off that they knew we were coming.”

  “How so?” Roselyn asked.

  “There was no wait, and we were practically ushered inside,” Patrick said. “They still acted it out as though they had no idea what we were there for until we explained everything verbally, however. There were a few heated moments with the High Council, and I did most of the talking, but they delved into our minds for whatever information they wanted undoubtedly. It was even brought up a couple times.”

  “They do what they can to flaunt their power in our presence, I am sure,” Roselyn said dismissively. “Tell me of these heated moments.” I cannot picture this man being in a ‘heated’ argument over anything.

  “Yes, the meeting did not go as planned. We went in with a disadvantage to begin with.” He tapped his forehead. “They knew everything we wanted to say, and there were even moments of silence when I am certain they were discussing amongst themselves without us being able to hear. I cannot tell you how frustrating that is. I have never had the displeasure of being surrounded by that many Gaians, let alone having such a weakness in their palace.”

  Roselyn listened to him speak with piqued interest. It was amazing to her how much she was growing to like this man. She would not go so far as to think that she loved him, though she replied as much every day, but her fondness was becoming very deep. She hoped with all of her heart that her little secret would never come out, and for the first time unselfishly. She would hate to see such sadness brought into such a good man’s eyes. His family history was sad enough.

  “To briefly explain a long story, we presented our case and were turned away,” Patrick finished.

  “That’s all?” Roselyn prompted.

  “Well, Xander and I explained that we felt that it was Gaia’s duty to hand Nicolette over to us to stand trial, as you know. They refused, to my dismay, and her own uncle sat on the council. He had many a choice word for us.”

  “So, I suppose we shall be withholding taxes then?” Roselyn asked.

  “Yes. That is in accordance with your father’s wishes. However, I will still be making the trip to Triton at the end of the month to manage Thalassa’s diplomacy.”

  “This is going to be disastrous, isn’t it?” she asked but it was more rhetorical than anything seeking an answer.

  “We will most likely be going to war with Gaia,” Patrick confirmed. He reached for her hand and squeezed it firmly.

  * *

  Roselyn woke to find that Patrick had already left, presumably for his morning ride with the king. It pleased her that they had become so close, riding horses through the grounds nearly every day around dawn. Philip insisted that his son-in-law be well versed in his capital, if not the entire archipelago. She stretched lazily and stood. Good morning, little one. She smiled as she ran her hands over the silk nightgown on top of her belly. Walking over to her chase lounge, she gathered a powder blue robe and pulled it on.

  Breakfast was being served in the dining hall as usual, and as she made her way down the staircase she mentally prepared herself for the sight that always crushed her at the bottom. She said hello to the guards and averted her eyes as she passed Daemyn’s tower entrance to the hallway that led her to breakfast. Her mother was seated at the far end of the table reading a thick novel and sipping a goblet of freshly squeezed orange juice.

  “Good morning, Mother,” Roselyn greeted Isabelle as she sat down and reached for the bacon platter at the center of the table. She placed two strips on her plate and reached for the rye bread and butter.

  “Hello, my daughter,” said the queen. She smiled fondly at Roselyn and then turned her attention back to her reading.

  Roselyn finished filling her plate with various fruits and began eating. Her day was empty for a change, and she had not yet decided what she wanted to fill it with. She could go for a walk, but didn’t feel like enduring the company of her ladies in waiting. She also didn’t want a guard to accompany her, and it was improper for her to go alone, so she disregarded that idea. She could see if she could saddle up and join her father and husband, but they would probably not be out long enough to make such efforts worthwhile. Or, I could go visit Daemyn… I have not been to his grave since we buried him. Perhaps I’ll pick fresh flowers.

  “You seem very lost in thought this morning. Is something wrong?” Isabelle looked concerned and shut her book.

  “Nothing specific,” Roselyn answered, considering her mood. “I was informed of the looming dangers with Gaia, so I suppose I am feeling the stress of that.”

  “Stress is not healthy for your unborn child, my dear. Beware of pains or light bleeding, these things often happen in times of high stress.”

  Roselyn smiled nervously, placing a hand over her stomach. “Yes, Mother.” If she only knew just how much stress I’ve been under lately, especially regarding this baby. I hope to never feel the pains she speaks of.

  “Your father knows what needs to be done to protect Thalassa. There is nothing to fret about.” Isabelle was trying very hard to reassure her daughter. Apparently figuring that less was more, she stood and smoothed the skirts of her golden gown. She straightened the crown atop her head and smiled. “I’m off to visit with the people, Rose. Please, have a peaceful day. And rest, for your child’s sake, if not for mine.”

  “I will, Mother,” Roselyn answered with a vacant smile.

  Roselyn watched her mother leave the dining hall with more poise than she had ever seen. The circlet of gold accented her light brown hair and the sapphires studding it further accented the simple crown’s beauty. Roselyn thought about what it would be like to wear that crown when the time came. It would be hard to fill those shoes when she became queen, for her mother was one of the kindest and most loving women she could even imagine. Those were good qualities in a queen, especially when paired with a stubborn and willful nature. They were traits that Roselyn had noted in her mother but had not necessarily possessed herself. Perhaps I have been living a life of convenience too often.

  She quickly finished her meal and stood from the table. Now that she had a plan for her day, she was eager to start. It would take some energy out of her to spend time at Daemyn’s grave, so she figured she would just be spending the rest of the day lounging by the fire. Just as she was about to reach her wardrobe, Roselyn was crippled by a strong feeling of nausea. She barely made it to her latrine in time before she emptied the contents of her breakfast inside. When she was finished, she moved slowly to the water basin and began cleaning herself up. When she was satisfactorily fresh she once again moved to her wardrobe to pick a gown.

  Roselyn settled on a bright blue gown with silver detailing. It brought out the color of her eyes, and made them seem more vivid somehow. She called in a maidservant to help her dress, weak after so much vomiting. She had
really begun to grow tired of the sickness she felt each morning, and desperately needed to stay away from bacon. Every morning I hope for a different result after I eat it, but I am always wrong. We won’t get along very well, little baby, if you are not a fan of boar. She smiled at her stomach, as if the baby inside could see and hear her.

  After the maid had her in her gown and combed out her golden locks, Roselyn dismissed her with thanks. She pinched her cheeks to get some color and chuckled when she realized that that habit was unnecessary while she was pregnant. Her fingernails, hair, and face looked brighter and healthier than ever, and she silently thanked her growing child for making her even more beautiful. She sailed down the stairs.

  When she reached the gates that led to the royal cemetery her heart fluttered in her chest. She could see a dark figure standing over Daemyn’s grave, and for a brief second she almost thought it was him. But as she narrowed her eyes and drew near she realized it was Xander. I suppose they do have a similar build… either that or I’m going insane. The princess rubbed dreary eyes.

  “Hello, Xander,” Roselyn said as she reached his side at Daemyn’s grave. He must have been deep in thought because he had not heard her approach and jumped slightly.

  “Hello, Highness,” he said, without having to turn to look at her. He shifted uncomfortably, and she realized this was the first time she had been alone with him since the night he told her about Daemyn’s death.

  She stared down at her folded hands, and then realized that in her haste she had forgotten to pick flowers to put on her brother’s grave. As she looked up towards the headstone she noticed a fresh batch of wild daisies leaning against the cold stone where Daemyn’s name was inscribed. She looked up at Xander in surprise. He shrugged, apparently not knowing who placed them there.