Second Hand Curses

by Drew Hayes

  “The idea of you needing protection is pretty humorous,” Jack remarked in the brief moment they had to themselves. “As is calling what we’ve been doing ‘diplomatic training’.”

  “No one in the kingdom knows of my ailment, so when my father allowed me to head off in search of a cure we couldn’t very well tell them the true purpose of the journey. So far as they know, I’ve been going around the kingdoms, learning about their cultures and forging alliances.”

  Watching the guard hurriedly mount up, Frank leaned in slightly. “Technically, one could say that’s what you’ve been doing. You just haven’t forged very many alliances, and even fewer would qualify as the sort that a kingdom could openly acknowledge.”

  Those were the last words anyone got out before the guard rode over. At his approach, Frank and Jack resumed the roles of simple mercenaries to the princess, riding along quietly behind her as they drew near to the massive castle looming in the distance.

  * * *

  “My girl.” The words were barely out of the king’s mouth before he’d bounded across the courtyard, easily lifting Marie up in his arms and swinging her about in a fierce hug. It was a good thing they’d dismounted before entering the garden, one that was positively bursting with roses, or the king might very well have knocked her horse over in an effort to get to his daughter.

  The king and queen had both been waiting for them in the garden of roses. Clearly the guards had sent word ahead somehow, and they’d scarcely gotten in before the king ran forward. He was a big man, strong and wide in the shoulders, looking more like someone who worked for a living than a king. The queen walked over more carefully, her yellow-gold dress hovering just a few inches above the ground. One glance made it plain where Marie had gotten her looks. The queen was a vision of loveliness even as her eyes watered and her face grew red, the emotion overtaking her.

  “I’ve missed you, Father.” Marie was squeezing the king back, and as he finally set her down Marie immediately stepped over to the queen. “You too, Mother. I have seen so much since I departed, and learned a great deal, but every night when I close my eyes I’ve dreamed of being back here with the both of you.”

  “We felt incomplete with you away, my dear. As though a part of our very hearts had been taken on the journey as well. Words fail to capture the joy I feel at your safe return.” The queen’s voice was softer than the king’s, an easy task to accomplish given his apparent natural volume, yet there was something powerful about it that compelled one to lean in and listen.

  Stepping back from her mother, Marie gestured to the duo behind, standing a distance from the guard who’d led them here. “Guard, as you can see we have safely arrived. Thank you, but the gate demands your attention.” She waited until the guard had bowed and was well out of earshot before continuing. “On the subject of my safety, I would like you both to meet the mercenaries who have helped me a great deal over the last few years. They are strange men, I’ll be the first to admit, yet they have been steadfast and loyal at every turn. This is Jack and Frank.”

  Frank bowed as his name was spoken, while Jack merely gave a polite wave. Turning around, Marie faced her friends. “And you two, allow me to introduce you to my parents, the rulers of Villeneuve, King Adam Beaumont and Queen Belle Beaumont.”

  “Anyone who has aided my daughter is welcome in my castle.” While King Adam stood and boomed, Queen Belle took a more direct approach, stepping forward to shake the men’s hands. Jack’s she took without issue, but when she reached Frank the queen paused, making note of the gloves. Leaning down slightly, she peered inside the dark hood of his robe. Frank tried to pull away, but she put a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Be at ease. I have seen much, and I do not frighten easily. You need have no shame here. I would like to properly look upon the man whom my daughter trusts.”

  Reaching up, she gently lifted the robe’s hood upward, allowing a full peek at the scarred face inside. Frank and Queen Belle locked eyes for several seconds before she let the hood drift downward once more. “You have clearly endured much, good sir. There are some of our older staff more familiar with those in unusual situations, the same ones who cared for my husband once. I will ensure they are the ones to serve you during your stay, in the hopes that it will make things more comfortable.”

  “Thank you very much.” Frank stopped, then remembered who he was talking to and stammered out a quick addition. “I mean, thank you, Your Highness.”

  “Please, no formalities. I was common-born and I’ve never been comfortable with the need to add such obligations onto simple conversation. I may have to tolerate it in court, but from my daughter and her aides I won’t hear of such a thing.” Queen Belle released Frank and made her way back over to her husband, who was still beaming.

  Now that introductions were over, Marie was finally able to cut to the heart of the matter. “I’m not actually sure how long we’ll be here. While I have made great strides in learning to control the curse I inherited from Father, I have yet to find a proper cure. We thought we were chasing the Blue Fairy when we realized she was, in fact, leaving us clues to follow, the last of which pointed in the direction of Villeneuve. I’m not certain if she is here or this is another waypoint, but I couldn’t chance leaving our kingdom at her mercy.”

  King Adam, who had been cheery since they first caught sight of him, seemed as if he might very well explode from joy. Loud, peeling tears of laughter roared from his mouth as he slapped his knee. The man was far from king-like, which led Jack and Frank both to the conclusion that they rather liked him. When his laughter finally subsided, he looked at Marie with a smile that could rival Jack’s.

  “My wonderful daughter, we know the Blue Fairy led you here. We know because she sent word that you would be coming. There is much to discuss, but what you need to know most is that the neighboring kingdom of Nivelle has finally opened up to the idea of peace talks. No more constant skirmishes on the border or disrupting trade lines. For the first time in centuries, our two kingdoms can be allies rather than enemies. And, as a token of good will, they sent a gift to show their sincere intentions.” King Adam stepped forward and wrapped Marie in another hug. This time there was no swinging, however. This embrace was solemn and heartfelt.

  “They’ve offered you a cure, darling. One conjured by the Blue Fairy herself. Finally, the terror I passed onto you can be over. You can be human at long last.”

  “That’s…amazing. Too good to be true.” Marie pulled back from the king, giving a brief glance to Jack. Once, she might have been willing to accept such fortune, but years traveling with scoundrels had shown her that such things didn’t simply happen. There was always a price, always some cost, and the most dangerous ones were those that went unseen until it was too late. “I mean that sincerely, Father. That sounds too good to be believed. Nivelle has simply decided to stop their aggression, and they come forward to show it with something that just happens to fix my condition, a condition they shouldn’t even know about in the first place? There must be a catch hidden in their overtures.”

  “It isn’t hidden.” Queen Belle stepped to her husband’s side, laying a dainty hand on his massive biceps. “The old king passed while you were gone, and after some battle over succession his second son, Godric, took the throne. He did so by aligning with the Blue Fairy, though no one is quite sure what he offered to secure her aid. Godric has a new vision for our kingdoms, one not tied up in petty aggression. He seeks to unite our lands, to tie us together with unbreakable bonds so that the old grudges can finally be put forever to rest.”

  It was the tinge of sadness in her mother’s eyes that gave away the truth, more so even than her words. Marie took a shaky step back from her parents as understanding of the full situation settled in. Deep down, she had always known such a thing was possible, and while they would never force it upon her they didn’t have to. Since childhood, Marie had learned what it meant to be royalty, the duty she owed to the people who relied on her. That duty could
take many forms; sometimes it meant war, while other occasions would call for surrender or diplomacy. And, sometimes, it meant sacrifice, doing what was necessary for the kingdom regardless of what a royal might want for themselves.

  “Godric wishes to tether our kingdoms together, to bond them in a way that cannot be undone.” Marie’s voice was softer than usual, yet just like her mother’s it demanded those around hang on every word. “This gift that he offers, this cure to my condition. Tell me, does it perchance happen to be in the form of a wedding ring?”

  The joy in King Adam’s face was dimming as he noticed Marie’s reaction, yet he didn’t look away from her as he responded. “It is. Godric has proposed to marry you, with hopes to eventually sire an heir and wed our kingdoms together in blood, ending the constant conflict once and for all. I had thought you’d be overjoyed at the chance to finally be rid of your curse, but if this is not what you want—”

  “I am the princess of Villeneuve. What I want is what’s best for my people. If you believe that this will give them peace and greater prosperity, then it is what must be done.” Marie hesitated for a glimmer of moment. “Assuming he tells the truth, of course. Perhaps you’d be so kind as to lead us to him. Before we plan the wedding, we should confirm that this cure of his actually works.”

  “That is a…prudent suggestion.” King Adam looked from his daughter to the two silent men behind her. When Marie had left Villeneuve, she still had the naive nature of the young and innocent. It seemed that in her time away she had learned to doubt. It was a necessary trait for any ruler to have, yet his heart was still pained to see such a change. “Come, we sent word to Godric of your impending return. We can go to him and test this magic while your friends settle into our guest chambers.”

  “They stay with me.” Marie’s voice turned unexpectedly firm for a flash, subduing significantly when she spoke again. “My apologies, Father. What I meant to say was that until we know for certain Godric is being honest with his intentions, I would prefer to keep them with me. They have useful talents and are quite resourceful in a pinch. And I know without question that if anything should go awry, they’ll cover my back.”

  The king’s gaze fell upon the two men once more. One who was covered nearly completely, and one with a dangerous grin. They were oddities, no doubt, yet Marie herself was far from normal. Perhaps in finding more of her kind, she had finally discovered a kinship that she’d lacked while in the castle. Either way, it was heartening to see that she was still capable of trusting, even if she gifted that trust to curious choices. Some of her innocence might linger on after all.

  “Very well,” King Adam said. “Follow me; we will take you to the wing where Godric has been staying while we awaited your return.”

  * * *

  Gleaming silver armor trimmed in gold, blond hair that stopped short of the shoulder so it could be contained in a helmet, piercing eyes that drew one in from across the room; one couldn’t say that Godric, new king of Nivelle, didn’t look the part. At a single glance, he stood out, even surrounded by the dozen other knights at his side. He smiled constantly, not the slice through the face like Jack’s grin but something earnest and cheerful, the sort of expression that set others at ease. From the moment they’d entered his chambers, the man had been a picture of politeness, even sending his knights from the room so they could discuss Marie’s condition in secret. He was from every angle a knight and prince-turned-king who would have looked more at home driving off wicked dragons than presiding over court.

  Jack didn’t trust him. The trouble was, he was having trouble pointing to exactly the reason why. Normally, he could see through people in a heartbeat. Whatever parts of his brain were off, whatever pieces of his mother’s curse he’d inherited, it came with a clarity that few others seemed to possess. That talent was why he’d known there was more to Frank than a mindless creation, and Marie was more complex than she’d seemed during her first tavern brawl. Godric, however, was a conundrum. No matter how Jack looked at him, the king of Nivelle didn’t seem to be lying or putting on a show, yet some part of Jack’s mind whispered that this wasn’t true. By the time introductions were finished, he and Frank given only a passing mention, Jack had begun to suspect that perhaps the issue was not with Godric, but with himself. Was it possible that he simply didn’t want this whole thing to be true, because it meant saying farewell to one of his friends? The idea of self-delusion seemed ludicrous, it was something Jack thought he lacked the capacity for, but as more time passed and no evidence of trickery appeared, he had to entertain the idea that it was possible. Especially once the ring came out.

  “How lovely.” Queen Belle spoke from over her daughter’s shoulder, with her husband standing on the other side. Marie and Godric were seated, while Frank and Jack lingered near the back of the room. This discussion, this place, it wasn’t for them. They didn’t belong in the happy moments leading to resolution, and their looming presence would only make the whole thing feel off.

  The ring was lovely indeed, a brilliant blue gem set in white gold that seemed to cast a slight glow regardless of how the light hit it. It matched well with the necklace clinging tightly around Godric’s neck, resting just above his armor. He held the ring out to Marie, presenting it without demand, so she could examine it closely.

  “As I was told by the Blue Fairy, this has the power to grant your heart’s dearest wish. So if it were donned by someone who wished for power, they would grow strong and tough. By one who sought knowledge, then wisdom would flow forth. You can see why it is such a dangerous object, no doubt. Thus, I can think no one in all the kingdoms better suited to wear it than you, princess. On the hand of a woman who only seeks to have her humanity fully restored, the ring serves its greatest purpose: undoing a wrong caused by the fairies.”

  “That’s all there is to it? I just put it on and—poof—no more beast?” Marie, intentionally or not, reached out toward the ring. She didn’t quite take it yet, though it didn’t seem to be too far off. “After everything I’ve been through, all the searching, this seems so…easy.”

  “I wouldn’t quite say ‘easy’. For most, they would have to struggle with themselves, making sure there was nothing else they secretly wanted more. Only one with a heart as pure as yours could turn the task into a simple one.” Godric extended the ring a little closer, bringing it nearer to Marie’s fingers. The implication was clear: it was hers to take if she so chose. “And of course there are the other obligations. I do hope you’ll forgive the fact that I have to tether such a gift with so many strings, but as a ruler I must do what it best for my people. That means securing a lasting peace with Villeneuve, even if I must use this ring as part of the bargain.”

  Marie was barely looking at Godric now, her eyes lost in the ring. It was strange to watch. Jack was positive she knew better than this. He’d watched her shrewdly haggle and negotiate for hours on end without so much as a misspoken word. Today, she couldn’t seem to focus past the ring. Even with what it offered, that didn’t make sense. Something was off; he just wished he could put his finger on it.

  “We are all bound by the same duty; I understand your predicament well. While a kind gesture, you couldn’t very well hand over an item of such power without gaining something for your kingdom in return. Given all the things you might have used it to acquire, peace is among the noblest of pursuits. It would do Villeneuve well to have an ally at our side, rather than an enemy. What you offer does seem to be best for both kingdoms. There are, of course, many details to work out.”

  From behind, King Adam coughed lightly. “Godric has been here for a handful of weeks, and we have had much time to negotiate. The details have been handled; the treaties are ready to be signed. Even the wedding is set and can be held in as little as a day or so. We only held off so that you could make your own choice. I swore to you that I would never force you into marriage, and I mean to honor that vow. If you decline, then we will forge a new deal—a weaker one, true, but one that does
n’t require a wedding to seal the arrangement. This is your life, and none but you can decide what to do with it.”

  It occurred to Jack that if he had lived under a king like this, he might not have detested royalty quite so much in his youth. King Adam’s kindness was an unexpected blessing, as it gave Marie a natural out. Obviously she wasn’t going to agree to marry someone she just met, in a wedding that would be days away, all for a trinket from a fairy she didn’t even know she could trust.

  “You’re not quite right, Father.” Marie moved her hand forward, taking the ring from Godric’s grasp. “From birth, I have known that my life is not truly my own. It belongs to the people, to be used and lived so that I might fulfill the trust they have placed in us to watch over them. This arrangement allows me to do that in ways I never dreamed. I can secure us a new ally, take the fear of war from their minds, and finally become the princess they deserve rather than one hiding a dark secret. For myself and my people, Godric of Nivelle, I accept your proposal.”

  With a quick motion, she slipped on the magical ring. The blue stone in the center brightened briefly, and the band of white gold tightened around her finger. Marie’s eyes fluttered shut, and when they opened again something had changed. There was a peace in those eyes neither Jack nor Frank had ever witnessed. For the first time, Marie was fully relaxed, not devoting part of herself to keeping the unseen beast at bay. A content sigh slipped from her lips, strange and out of place from the Marie Jack had known, but perhaps befitting this new incarnation.

  “I feel…normal. Perfectly mundane. It’s not there anymore. No urges, no instincts, even my senses feel muted. The beast is finally gone.”

  To the surprise of most in the room, King Adam let out a choked sound of someone clearly fighting back tears and turned partly away, only staying close enough to rest a hand on Marie’s shoulder. “You have no idea how long I’ve waited for this day, when my sins would finally stop haunting you. Godric, from the bottom of my heart as king, and as father, I thank you for what you’ve given my daughter.”