Chapter 33
That night, Anna had vivid dreams. Garrick held her in his arms, his hand stroking her face. “I love you,” he whispered. He kissed her, his lips tender and gentle, and when he pulled back to look at her again, his eyes were sad. “Nothing will ever change my love for you,” he said, “but I have to let you go.”
“No,” she whispered, “You can’t go. I’m going to marry you,” but he stepped back and started walking away, his body growing hazy and insubstantial as he walked. “Stop,” she cried, “come back. We have to get married.” She started running after him, but he was disappearing in the mist.
“I love you, Anna.” His voice was faint, and her name trailed into silence. She looked around wildly, but all around her was inky blackness. There was a rustling sound, a movement, and she turned towards it. Max was walking towards her, his burning eyes the only light in the darkness.
“Garrick’s gone,” she said, and she could hear the despair in her voice.
“I know.”
“I was going to marry him.”
“I know.” He reached for her hands, but she stepped away.
“I have to find Garrick,” she said.
“Garrick’s gone,” he said, “but I’m here.” He stepped closer, wrapping his fingers around her hands. His eyes were blazing flames that seemed to burn right into her. “I love you,” he said. She could feel his breath against her skin.
“Does love last forever, Max?” she asked.
“Forever, my darling,” he said. His face was turning to flames as he stared at her, and she was slowly engulfed in a blazing inferno. She gasped, jolting upright in a waking fright as her eyes flew open. Her heart was racing, and when she placed her hand on her chest, she felt it trembling. Across the room a log fell in the fire grate, sending sparks flying into the air, and she jumped, startled. Her hands were slick with sweat, and she had to force herself to lie back down. It was a dream, just a dream. Garrick had not gone, and Max did not love her. But a profound sense of loss settled around her, and it took a long time before her heart stopped racing and her breathing finally settled. She rolled onto her side and stared into the darkness.
She dozed on and off until the morning light, and when she finally rose from the bed, her head was aching. She rubbed her temples with her fingers, but it did little to relieving the incessant pounding. Her eyes were scratchy, as though they had been rubbed in grit, and she closed them as Betsy helped her don her gown. She was hardly aware of what she was doing as she went through the motions of the morning routine, but she managed to hold the tray without spilling. Matilda looked at her sharply.
“What is wrong with you this morning? You look wan and sickly,” she said. “Go back to bed; you are no use to me like this.”
Anna nodded, not caring what the queen thought of her in that moment, and collapsed gratefully onto her bed with a groan. Her head was too sore to think of anything, and within moments she had fallen asleep. The women came and went through the chamber, but she did not stir until late in the afternoon. She woke to the sound of the canaries chirping brightly as the late afternoon sun streamed through the window, shining on the metal cage. She watched the birds for a moment as she lay on the bed, turning when Betsy came into the room, a pile of linens in her arms.
“You’re awake. A letter came for you earlier this afternoon,” Betsy said. She lay down the linens she was holding and pulled the missive from her pocket. As Anna took it from her hand, she saw the image of a dragon pressed into the wax. She slid her finger under the seal and opened the letter.
‘Dear Anna,’ she read. ‘We have this morning received word from Aaron that he and Keira are traveling to Drake Manor on a matter of business. They will arrive two days hence, and have requested that I inform you of this decision in the hope that you can arrange a short time of absence from court, and visit with them here. If this plan is amenable to you, and you are able to secure the queen’s agreement, Favian will fetch you from court on Thursday morning. The man who brought this message will wait to receive your reply.’
“Is the man who brought this message still here?” Anna asked Betsy.
“I believe so,” she replied.
“Good! Do you know where I can find Her Majesty?”
An hour later a reply was in the hand of the messenger, who was already racing through the streets of Civitas, eager to arrive back at Drake Manor before dark. ‘I look forward to seeing Favian on Thursday morning,’ Anna had written.
When Favian arrived at the palace mid-morning on the appointed day, Anna was ready and waiting. She had written a short note to Garrick explaining her absence, sending one of the many urchins that hung around the palace to the army camp to deliver the missive. She had not seen him since the ball – was he angry with her? She couldn’t blame him if he was, she thought, as a wave of self-recrimination washed over her.
She and Favian arrived at Drake House shortly after noon, just a few minutes after Aaron and Keira. Keira rushed out to greet her, throwing her arms around her younger sister.
“Anna! I’m so glad you could come.”
Anna pulled back with a laugh. “Of course! Did you think I would miss the chance to see you, even if it meant drawing the queen’s wrath? But she was quite happy to give her permission, as long as I am not gone too long.”
The hours passed quickly as Anna related all the happenings at court. She told Keira about the queen’s ruse to see the city, and how she had coerced Alfred into allowing her to march with the army. She talked about the balls and entertainments, and told Keira about the hospital.
“What about Garrick?” Keira asked. “Do you ever see him?” Anna was sitting on a chair across from the window, and for a moment she stared out at the gardens.
“Yes,” she finally said. “I accepted his marriage proposal.”
“You did?” Keira leaned back in her chair. “I thought …” she paused. “Well, I didn’t expect this.” Anna looked back at her sister.
“It came as a bit of a surprise to me, too,” Anna said wryly. “But Garrick loves me, and I think we can be happy together.”
Keira nodded slowly. “Aaron says Max is back in the city.”
Anna nodded. “He is.”
“And yet you still accepted Garrick?”
Anna took in a deep breath. “I didn’t mean to, at first. You know how I allow my tongue to run away from me! But when I gave it some thought, I knew that I could be happy with him. He loves me. He is steady, and will work hard to provide for his family. As for Max, well, he has given me no reason to think he cares for me at all. We still annoy each other. And the fact that he stayed away so long shows he no longer has feelings for me.” She drew in a ragged breath. “I would rather not talk about Max, if you don’t mind.”
Keira nodded. “Very well,” she said.
As Keira and Anna spent the afternoon talking, dragons were arriving at Drake Manor. Aaron had called a council meeting, and the council members were convening at the manor house before heading into the mountains. The only council member Anna knew was Owain, so she gave the others little attention, but later that day she heard the voice of another dragon drift down the passage from the hall. Max had come to Drake Manor. She darted a quick glance at Keira, then looked away. It mattered not a whit that Max was there. He had come to see his master, and her presence there was just a coincidence. In fact, she could hear Max greeting Aaron, and imagined him thumping a closed fist over his heart, his head bowed before his master. Of all the dragons, only Favian knew Aaron better than Max. Max’s connection to his master ran deep, the result of drinking Aaron’s blood every day during the conflict with Jack.
Anna rose to her feet. “I think I’ll take a walk,” she said. Keira nodded, saying nothing. Slipping out the door, Anna turned in the opposite direction from the hall, where the dragons were congregated, and instead headed towards a small side door that led to the kitchen garden. She was almost at the door when she felt a wave of heat wash over her, but she
did not glance around. She continued walking, slipping through the door and into the gardens. It was only when she was a short distance from the house that Max called her name, and she turned around to look at him.
“Is Garrick still alive?” she asked.
He looked at her in surprise. “I think so. Why would you ask me that?”
“I haven’t seen him since the ball.”
“Oh!” Max laughed wryly. “And you think I killed him? Had him for dinner? You should know me better than that! The last time I saw your betrothed, he was hale and hearty.”
Anna nodded. “Good.” She turned around and started walking away again, but Max caught her by the arm.
“Anna, we need to talk.” She turned back to look into his face.
“There is nothing to say, Max. I should never have danced with you the other night, and I regret the anguish I must have caused Garrick when he saw us. I am marrying Garrick, Max. He loves me, and will always be there for me.”
Max looked up at a dragon circling the clouds. “You will never forgive me, will you?”
“Forgive you? For dancing with me?”
“For leaving. After Jack,” he added when she was silent.
“Oh.” She stared across the garden for a moment, before bringing her gaze back to him. “I don’t blame you for leaving,” she said softly. “I was a selfish child who was mistrustful and rude, so the apologies should be on my side.”
“No,” he said. “We were both young and conceited. I should never have stayed away so long.” He looked back at her. “I was angry, and told myself my anger was justified. And then, as the years went by, I convinced myself that you had forgotten about me and that you no longer cared. But the truth is, I was too proud to come back.” He paused for a moment. “I’m sorry.”
She stared up at him. Was he right? Did she resent him for leaving? For not coming back? She had not even admitted it to herself, but as he said the words, she knew what he said was true. Buried deep beneath a load of guilt lay a lake of resentment. He had touched it, and brought it to the surface.
“I’m not going anywhere,” he said. “Not this time. I know you are determined to marry Garrick, but I will stay here until there is no hope remaining.” She pulled in a deep breath, and turned away.
“It’s too late,” she whispered, and without a backwards glance, walked away.
Chapter 34
Favian arranged for a carriage to take Anna back to the palace the next day. The council meetings hadn’t finished yet, but Anna had promised the queen that she would remain only a few days. As she approached the apartments, she saw Frank eyeing her narrowly.
“You’ve been gone,” he said as she drew near.
“I was visiting family,” she said.
“Your sister is married to Aaron Drake, isn’t she?” He didn’t wait for confirmation, but stalked towards her until his face was just a few inches from hers. “Does the dragon slayer know that you are friends with a dragon?”
Anna took a step back. “Did you tell the king?” she asked.
Frank glared at her for a moment. “He didn’t seem too concerned, so I told the prince.”
Anna took a deep breath. “You told Rupert?”
Frank smirked. “That doesn’t please you, does it?” He laughed mirthlessly as she pushed the door open to the chambers and went inside.
She had only been back a few hours when one of the maids brought a message from Garrick. He was in the courtyard, and wanted to see her. She nodded and left the room, slipping down the stairs and out the doors. Frank was watching her again, but she ignored him. Garrick stared at her intently as she walked towards him.
She gave him a tentative smile. “Are you angry with me?” she said. He pushed himself upright with a sigh.
“No, I’m not angry with you. With the beast, but not you.”
“I didn’t see you again after the ball. I didn’t know if you had been hurt.”
“Why would I have been hurt?” He sounded surprised.
“Because you called a dragon outside!”
Garrick laughed. “The thought that he would injure me never crossed my mind. I’m sorry I caused you concern. Were you waiting for me?”
“I was.”
“By the time the dragon and I were done, it was very late. I assumed you had left. If I had known you were waiting, I would have come back.”
“Did you receive my note?” she said.
“I did. You went to see your sister and Master Drake at his cousin’s house.”
“Yes.”
“And was the dragon there, too?”
“There were many dragons there, Garrick.”
Garrick frowned. “You know who I mean.”
“Max went to see Aaron.” Garrick’s eyes narrowed. “He didn’t go because of me,” she said.
“The fact that you were there gave him an added incentive to go, however,”
Anna glanced away. “Let’s not talk about Max,” she said. She brought her gaze back to his. “I told Keira about our betrothal.”
Garrick looked at her in surprise. “I thought you wanted to wait.”
“I still do, but I didn’t want to keep the news from my sister.” Garrick nodded in silence. “Aren’t you happy?” she asked.
“Of course I am,” he said, reaching for her hands. “Very happy.” He glanced up at the sky. “The weather has become a lot more settled,” he said. “It won’t be long now before we march.”
“I had better get used to riding,” she said.
A look of confusion furrowed his brow. “Why?”
“Don’t you know?” Anna was surprised. “The queen plans to follow the troops. She thinks her presence will give the armies across the border a reason to rally to Roderick’s cause.”
“And you intend to go too?” he said cautiously.
Anna nodded. “Of course.”
“No.”
“No?”
“You cannot go,” he said. “It will be dangerous, not to mention uncomfortable.”
“I didn’t think it would be anything else.”
“Does Master Drake know of this foolish intention?”
“Yes.”
“And he is happy with this?” Garrick’s eyes bored into her as his features hardened. “He intends to send along a certain dragon to watch over you, doesn’t he?”
“I don’t know! He said nothing to me.” Anna turned away and stared into the distance. “I’m not going to fight a battle,” she said. “The queen will stay well back from the battle lines, and I will be attending to her.”
“I don’t like this.”
Anna turned around. “It’s not for you to like, Garrick.”
“You are my betrothed. Do I not have a say?”
“When we are married, I will submit to your will, although I hope you will give heed to my opinion. But until then, I will do what I feel is right.”
Garrick stared at the distant hills. “Very well! It would seem that you have no regard for my feelings in this matter. I can at least be grateful that I will be there to watch over you.”
“I’m sorry, Garrick, I know you don’t like this, but I cannot stay behind while the queen goes.”
Garrick nodded. “I know.”
Garrick left a short while later, and Anna returned to the parlor. Kathleen watched her as she walked across the room and took a seat near the window.
“Who is the man who keeps coming to see you?” Kathleen asked.
“His name is Garrick Flynn,” Anna said. “We were childhood friends.”
Kathleen nodded. “Is he the one who danced so much with you the night of the ball?” Anna nodded. “I wondered if he was something more than a friend.” Kathleen looked at the embroidery in her hands as a blush colored her cheeks. Anna looked away.
“Just a good friend,” she said.
With the arrival of the warmer, drier weather, preparations for war started to be put into action. The council met every day, and although Rupert wanted to march i
mmediately, the council backed the king when he suggested they wait for Roderick to arrive with the forces he had mustered. Rupert was not pleased, and had left the council chambers tight-lipped and close-fisted.
After much deliberation, Elizabeth announced that she was too old to travel across the countryside on horseback, a decision that Matilda accepted with only a slight flash of annoyance. There would still be three ladies traveling with her, along with numerous maids, footmen, cooks, and the guards, Frank and Tobias. A separate wagon had been arranged for the queen’s luggage and that of her entourage, but they would travel at the back of the column on horseback, while the maids and servants traveled with the wagons on foot. Frank and Tobias would ride with the ladies, of course.
Garrick helped Anna choose a fine mare to travel the countryside on, and had commissioned a new saddle from the saddler using funds given to him by Aaron for the supply of his own needs, despite Anna’s protestations.
“A good saddle is the key to a comfortable ride,” he told her.
Matilda was also having a new saddle made, but she had ordered one of the new-fangled side saddles that were becoming more popular amongst high-born ladies in the foreign courts. It allowed for more fashionable riding attire, but Anna viewed it with scorn. How could you possibly ride comfortably on such a contraption, she wondered?
The packing and preparations continued apace. Matilda ordered her luggage packed, and then, unsure of the gowns she had chosen, ordered everything unpacked again.
“Should I take my red, peasant gown?” she had asked Anna. “Then I could mix with the commoners and encourage their support of Roderick.” But Anna had replied that she didn’t believe it would be necessary to employ such subterfuge.
Although the ladies would be following the army, they expected to have far more comfortable quarters than a tent and camp cots. Already word had been sent ahead to all the noble houses along the marching route to expect both kings, the queen and her ladies, where the host would have the privilege of feeding and entertaining his guests – at his expense, of course. Once they reached the mountains, however, there were only a few meager villages stretched miles apart, and Matilda and the ladies would have to contend with more primitive accommodations.
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