by E. M. Havens
“Come on. You need to eat. You didn’t even try a sweet roll.” He placed one on her plate. Cole barely suppressed a smile as Samantha stared wide eyed at the sweet, and her tongue darted between her lips for an instant.
“Eat it.” He chuckled through a mouthful of crepes and strawberry sauce.
She schooled her expression and shook her head. “I’ve eaten enough…for a lady,” she sighed and turned her attention back to the crowded city.
Cole conceded defeat for the moment on the eating issue, but he was not going to let it rest.
“What do you think of the city?” he asked, hoping she would open up a bit.
“It’s quite lovely.”
“Is the capitol city of Perspicia this congested?”
“No. Not quite.”
“You know I spend most of my time at my manor in the country. Do you think you would prefer the big city to the country or smaller cities of Perspicia?”
She turned to face him with a demure smile and a slight bow of her head. “Whatever pleases you, My Lord.”
Cole stuffed another roll in his mouth to hide a groan. No breasts and no personality. Perfect.
****
The smell! Samantha closed her eyes and breathed deeply of the earthy aroma. It was the same smell that was so calming at the Verification that permeated this room. When her senses had their fill, she opened her eyes again to see Cole staring at her. One eyebrow was cocked quizzically, and his lips slanted in a half smile. She flushed under his stare and averted her eyes embarrassed by her own reaction to his study.
“I take it you like my study?” he asked and half sat on the large wooden desk that anchored this side of the room. For the first time today he sounded pleased. Taking his cue Samantha nodded enthusiastically, curls bouncing.
After breakfast Cole had shown Samantha the suite in which she would spend the next sixty days. It consisted of the bed chamber, a washroom, the terrace and Cole’s study. On one side of the room was a grouping of furniture and a desk. The sofa and chairs faced a large stone fireplace that took up most of one wall. The remaining walls were bookshelves. Although one set of shelves contained several large leather bound books, the others held various vials, bowls and instruments. The other side of the room was dominated by a large table covered in various jars, tubes and pipes configured for some unknown purpose.
Samantha trailed a finger along a line of meticulously labeled jars that contained powders, or what appeared to be dried leaves. Silybum Adans – Milk Thistle, Silybum Eburneum – Silver Milk Thistle, Silybum Marianum – Blessed Milk Thistle.
“I keep duplicate samples at my manor. If one set is ever destroyed I’ll still have them.” Samantha continued to study the rows of jars and vials.
“You collected all of these?”
“Yes. Over the years.” He pushed off from the desk and took a large book from the collection. “Come look at this.”
Samantha turned her attention to the leather bound tome.
“There are also two of these. It’s been my passion for the last ten years or so.” Samantha gingerly turned the detailed pages. Colored drawings, dates and times filled the pages. There were other numbers and measurements she didn’t immediately understand. Each entry was written in a painstakingly precise hand. “It contains records of where all of the natural medicinals of my….well…our country can be found.”
“You drew all of these? Recorded all of this?” She chanced a look at him. She could tell this was a topic he really enjoyed and not just from the meticulousness of his work.
The wedding had been hard for both of them, and though Cole tried to act unaffected, Samantha could tell by the stress lines at the corners of his eyes, and the rigidness of his shoulders that he was anything but. Now, as he showed her the book, and pointed out various concoctions and instruments his eyes softened and his steps took on a certain confident swagger.
Cole’s enthusiasm and smooth baritone voice had Samantha letting down her guard as well. She ineffectually suppressed a smile watching his animated hands as he explained the contraption on the table. He reminded her of a child with a new toy. She quickly reprimanded herself though. She should not have been thinking of her husband as juvenile. Cole paused to take a breath, and she took the opportunity to ask a question.
“How did you find you were interested in herbal remedies?” Samantha thought it an innocuous question.
Though his smile remained, Cole’s rigid posture returned, and the easy atmosphere dissipated. It must have been that she interrupted him. She had been such a disappointment today.
“I stumbled upon it.” He crossed the room and slid the book from her fingers. A creased, loose page floated to the floor and Cole quickly scooped it up. It appeared to be a letter. Sam only saw the closing, Love, Hope. She wasn’t so dull as to think Cole didn’t have previous relationships. Nonetheless, she fought back the twisting in her stomach when he locked the letter in a drawer of his desk. As he replaced the book reverently on the shelf, another binding caught her eye, the letter forgotten.
“Walton’s New Atomic Theory.” She hadn’t meant to say it out loud, and when he eyed her questioningly, she worked to keep her expression indifferent. He removed the book and ruffled a few pages.
“Are you interested in chemistry?” The sternness in his voice and expression told Samantha exactly what her answer had to be.
“Oh! No. I wouldn’t know the first thing about that. I was just wondering what Atomic meant.”
He shrugged and snapped the book closed.
“It’s a really hard concept. I’ve been trying to wade through this thing for weeks, and I have to admit I still don’t understand most of it.” He replaced the book. “Chemistry is not really what I’m interested in, but there are some scientific concepts I believe might benefit my work.” He paused, and she could see him debating.
“You know we’re going to be together for a while.” He laughed and ran his hands through his messy hair. “Well, that was an understatement. Until death do us part is quite a while wouldn’t you say?”
Samantha could only give a nervous laugh in answer.
“What I meant to say is we are going to be stuck in these quarters with nothing to do. Maybe I could teach you about the plants, and you can assist me.”
Samantha knew what she had to say. There was only one answer to his question. What she couldn’t figure out was why he asked her. He could be testing her. The finishing school teachers said that husbands would test their wives. Though Cole seemed genuine, almost hopeful that she would share this with him. But, sincerity might be part of the test too. With a pleasant smile and schooled acquiescence she replied, “I’m sure I could be of no assistance. There’s nothing here I could possibly understand.”
****
Cole ran a hand through his hair and exited his chambers. He leaned back and rested his head on the door, closing it behind him, trying to make some sense of the woman he had married. He wanted to make a connection with Samantha in hopes of finding a way to make up for the Verification. Pushing off of the door, he thought of the attempts that had fallen short. The woman was not interested in anything he was. She didn’t show interest in anything actually. Though there was a spark of curiosity while they toured the study, it was quickly doused.
He walked aimlessly through the afternoon quiet of the castle corridors trying to devise a new plan. A plan to what? Last night he had simply been set on making up for wrongs. He still felt he should do that, but now there was also something else. He was something of a physician. Maybe it was a sense of protectiveness, or responsibility to help her health which was quite poor.
Cole nodded in recognition to the saluting soldiers standing at the top of the stairs. He dropped a foot slowly to each step as he spiraled down. There was still something else. It was like she was a person minus a personality. No, she had to have some desires, dreams, feelings. There were little flashes of them that flit across her face like elusive fireflies on a summer night
. He cocked a crooked grin remembering the longing in her eyes for the uneaten sweet roll and her carefree giggles while under the influence of the sleeping tea. It was more like the person that was Samantha of Perspicia was held captive behind some vapid exterior.
Cole came to the bottom of the staircase and paused, pondering this new revelation.
“I always did like a challenge.” The words echoed in the cavernous castle entry. “But how to proceed.” Encouraging conversation was a waste, and there was no physical draw that might chip away at the barrier.
He stepped through the open castle doors onto expansive stone steps and reflexively sampled the not so refreshing city air. It couldn’t be seen from this vantage, but behind the towering exterior walls lay congested streets and homes. Arbitrary columns of smoke and steam trailed upwards, and the continual haze betrayed its existence. Otherwise, from here, one might think the castle a pristine country estate, with the manicured grounds sprawling out beyond the drive.
It was there by the drive, at the bottom of the entrance steps that Cole spotted possible help with his challenge. Speaking courteously to a Perspician blue clad page, stood Queen Adella. The Prince groaned inwardly while he considered approaching the shrew, but decided at the moment Samantha’s mother may hold a figurative key to unlocking her daughter.
“Queen Adella.” He hailed and bowed curtly. Turning away from the departing page she looked him up and down pausing at his chest. Cole realized that, yet again, he had forgone wearing a waist coat, a custom which in essence deemed him in his night clothes. Without looking, he was pretty sure he had an un-tucked shirt and uncombed hair.
“Prince Cole.” she nodded in acknowledgement, but her disdain for his appearance was evident. Cole thought quickly, knowing his waist coat faux pas might cost him valuable information.
“Your Majesty.” Feigning breathlessness, and holding his side as if in pain with one hand, he took the Queen’s in the other. He kissed the sapphire signet ring reverently then straightened. “I saw you on the steps from my window and feared you were leaving already. I needed to speak with you, and I made haste to catch you. It seems I have forgotten a few things.” He grinned sheepishly, begging forgiveness. It was an expression he knew from experience would yield results from any woman. Not disappointed, he watched her cheeks flush, and she was at least not frowning anymore. Hopefully she didn’t analyze his excuse too closely, as his suites didn’t face this direction, and there was a conspicuous lack of sweat for someone who hurried through the castle.
“Well it must be important to pull yourself away from my daughter at such a time and in such a hurry.” Cole could still hear the displeasure in her tone, but he was fairly certain his next statement would coax her cogs.
“I need help, My Lady. I believe you are the only one I can turn to.” Slowly, a rusty smile turned the corners of her lips, and the familiar light of one who felt needed twinkled in her eye. Queen or not, she was still a woman.
“Certainly, Prince. How can I be of service? Is it a matter of state?” her questions rattled off without giving him a chance to speak, then her smile disappeared. “There’s nothing wrong with Samantha, is there?” She held a hand to her lips in anticipation.
“She’s fine!” Cole soothed quickly. Tension visibly dissipated from the Queen as her hand moved to her chest, and she chuckled nervously.
“Oh my, I was worried for a moment.”
“No, My Lady, Princess Samantha is well. She’s settling in quite nicely I assure you. I know her comfort is of your utmost importance.” Cole berated himself immediately for the lilt of sarcasm that tainted his response. Thankfully the Queen was oblivious and motioned for Cole to follow her toward one of the carriages laden with trunks, hat boxes and garment bags. A servant who appeared much too old to be lifting boxes handed them one at a time to waiting porters.
“I’m glad. She was a bit out of sorts this morning. I do hope you will forgive her. This is quite a transition. For the both of you I’m sure. You’ve been single for so long.” Cole silently applauded the woman. Though her tone held no venom the biting remark was meant to sting nonetheless. His bachelorhood was quite a scandal and disgrace to the royal family, but she failed to realize he didn’t care.
“Yes, yes. I’m sure we will manage. But my request does have to do with your daughter and our adjustment.” The Queen waved him to continue as she looked over the pile of steam trunks the elderly man had stacked awaiting the attention of porters. “I’d like to give her a gift.”
“You’re too kind Prince Cole, but you have given her so many gifts already.”
“This is true, but – “ he hadn’t actually sent any gifts, they were all chosen and delivered by his representatives. “I would like to get her something more personal, more to her liking. Could you give me some idea of her likes and interests? Maybe there is something she has been fancying.”
Queen Adella turned her full attention to Cole, her eyes measuring him head to toe, contemplating her reply. “She is interested in the usual things. Needlepoint, poetry, fashion. Perhaps a new hat or some jewelry.”
Cole almost suggested he give her rubies to replace her sapphires, Perspicians being just as loyal to their colors as Arboreals, but caught his tongue.
“I’m sure you will choose a lovely gift. Now if you will excuse me, I need to prepare for King Augustus’ and my departure.” With that, the Queen ascended the steps and disappeared into the castle.
A grunt and contented sigh drew Cole’s attention to the old man unloading the carriage. He had apparently removed the last item and climbed down. His duties fulfilled, he leaned against the coach and wiped sweat from his brow with a grimy handkerchief. The movement was awkward and caught Cole’s attention. Another look told him the man’s arm was mechanical. His ruminations of gifts for Samantha were abandoned in lieu of further investigation of the man’s arm.
“Hello. I’m Cole.” He said jovially, hoping to put the man at ease while talking to a noble. The man stood up with a grunt and offered his real hand in return to Cole’s gesture.
“Cole nothin’, yer the prince, and I’ll call ya as I’m suposed.” Shocked and pleased at the elder’s forwardness Cole slapped him on the back and laughed.
“You are most correct. But please, let’s dispense with the formalities. If you must, call me Prince Cole. What shall I call you?”
“Anything ya want, but most call me Zeb.”
“Well Zeb, I must confess that I have a terrible curious streak, and I couldn’t help but notice your arm. I don’t wish to offend you, but I really would like to get a closer look.”
“No offense takin’. Have a gander.”
Zeb held his arm out unabashedly for Cole’s inspection. It was astounding. The most intricate piece of tinkering he had ever seen and on a servant nonetheless. By the oxidation Cole could tell the mech was almost a decade old. The more he studied the thing the more questions he had.
“Can you make a fist Zeb?” he asked in his most scientific voice. Obediently, the mechanical arm pumped and whirred. The metal fingers ratcheted into a human like fist and then relaxed.
“Truly miraculous.” Cole tore his eyes away from the arm to look at Zeb, contemplating how to ask his first question without offending the man.
“Zeb. Is this the standard in artificial limbs in Perspicia?”
“No sir. This here’s special. Don’t think you’ll find one like it anywheres else. Maybe never.”
“I’ve seen incredible mech from your country, but I don’t think I’ve seen anything so technologically advanced. Tell me Zeb, how did you become the recipient of such a fine piece?”
“Jasper o’ course.” Zeb said, pride evident in his eyes. Cole struggled to place the name. It sounded familiar, but Zeb spoke the name as if he were a king of renown. Thankfully, the man continued. “Was somthin’ he was tinkerin’ with. He needed a lab rat without a arm, and just so happen’ I lost one.” Zeb guffawed at his presumed joke. Cole laughed awkwardly
out of respect.
“Jasper went missin’ rite after. Won’t find another like it, an ain’t givin’ this one up fer what they call re-placemets.” Zeb made the hand fist a couple of times to prove its superiority. “and I don’t care what nobody says. Jasper wouldn’t just up an leave. Someone must’ve taken him.” The look on Zeb’s face dared Cole to disagree.
“I believe you, my friend.” Cole said with a squeeze of the older man’s shoulder. Zeb suddenly shifted his weight uncomfortably and cleared his throat. He took off his dusty bowler hat and circled it between his hands.
“Everything okay, Zeb?” Cole asked, eliminating any concern from his voice that he felt at the man’s sudden change in demeanor.
“Well…” Zeb started, then swallowed hard. His eyes darted up to the castle steps and then into the driver’s seat of the carriage. “I think horse.”
“You think horse?” Cole repeated, even more confused.
“For a present, for Miss Sam…er. I mean Lady Samantha.” Zeb laughed nervously and turned back to the carriage.
“Wait.” Zeb pivoted back to Cole, the man’s anxiety showing in every wrinkle and crease on his face. Why would this man be so frightened of him? “You think I should give the Princess a horse as a gift.” Cole was certain he wasn’t hiding the skepticism he felt. Nothing in Samantha’s demeanor, nor in their brief conversations had given him any indication that she would enjoy being out of doors around large smelly animals.
Zeb was about to speak when several porters appeared on the castle steps to retrieve the rest of Samantha’s things. Instead, Zeb nodded his head vigorously, conviction in his eyes.
“Thank you, Zeb.” The servant huffed acknowledgement in response and went back to his duties, unwilling to speak in the presence of others. Cole ascended the stone steps and entered the castle. What a strange man Zeb was. He certainly believed Samantha would want a horse. He believed it with more passion than the Queen exhibited.
