by J. D. Wright
“I wouldn’t do that, girl,” the man said. “I only really need the princess, so I have no problem dispatching you. Play nicely and I will take you both. Alive.”
“Who are you?” Gabby asked, gritting her teeth.
“Someone who has an axe to grind with your Elder Mage.”
Chapter Six
“How could she do this? Run away from her home just to avoid marrying Carneath?” Isabelle couldn’t hide how incredibly worried she was for Rianne. It had been over a month since her daughter had left, but her disappearance was still fresh in her mind. So was her anger and frustration over the ordeal. She walked around to take a seat across from her husband.
“I have soldiers looking everywhere, my love. Eon has tried to find her. I’m doing all that I can,” Nolan replied, taking his wife’s hand.
“It isn’t enough, Nolan. Nothing is enough until we find her. Maybe we should post a reward for her return?”
“You aren’t thinking clearly, Belle. If we announce that she is missing, word could spread to Carneath. He could recant his proposal. Not to mention, putting a reward on her head is more dangerous to her safety than being alone in the realm. Bounty hunters and the like would actively hunt her down. I can’t stomach the idea.”
“Bounty hunters?” The proposal from Carneath was the last thing that Isabelle cared about, but bounty hunters were known for their rough and unconventional methods of capturing their prize.
“Yes, and that is only the beginning. We would have to deal with imposters, as well. Don’t you remember what happened when the boys were younger? When the prince from Taberack disappeared?”
“Yes, I remember.”
“That wizard enchanted his son to look like the prince and fooled the King of Taberack for two years before he discovered the boy was not his son.”
“But if I remember correctly, Nolan. That prince was never found. We cannot let that become our fate. I refuse to. Our daughter is out there, somewhere. Alone and defenseless.”
“She may not be entirely defenseless,” Tristan said, entering the room, followed by his brother. He shook his head and grumbled to himself.
“What do you mean?” his mother asked, snapping her head up to study her son.
“Xavier and I… We may have…”
“Yes?” Isabelle was becoming impatient.
“Rianne asked us to teach her how to use knives. How to defend herself,” Xavier interjected, sensing Tristan didn’t want to admit that they may have both been tricked by their sister.
“Defend herself?” Isabelle was outraged by the idea.
“Why would the Princess of Labara ever need to defend herself?” Nolan asked. “Why would she ever be without guards?”
Tristan sighed. He had asked the very same thing, but Rianne was able to convince him, anyway.
“She was a quick study,” Xavier added. “She did great with knives and small swords. We never made it to archery. That was next…” He wished now that he had paid more attention when they trained together. Maybe he could have realized her intention to flee.
“Small swords!” Isabelle was panting now.
“Careful, dear,” Nolan said, taking her hand. “You don’t want to become faint.”
“We will find her,” Tristan said, bending down in front of Isabelle’s chair. He took her empty hand and held it, hoping to console her. He felt guilty for somehow aiding in Rianne’s escape. If he had only followed his instinct and refused to teach her, perhaps she wouldn’t have felt safe enough to venture out of the kingdom on her own.
“Yes, we will find her,” Nolan said. “And if what the boys say is true, perhaps Rianne can keep herself safe until we do.
~*~
Tristan left the hall and found himself in his father’s study, pacing back and forth. A messenger arrived after breakfast and announced that his betrothed’s carriage had been spotted in the village. He knew she would be arriving soon and he knew he needed to be there to greet her when she did. But he wanted a few moments to himself, first, to gather his wits. His moment of peace was short lived when he heard a knock on the door.
“I knew I’d find you here,” Xavier said, closing the door behind him. “You can’t hide from her, forever.”
“I am not hiding.”
Xavier snorted and crossed his arms. “Sure, brother. If you say so.”
“I have no reason to hide.”
“Well, we can’t be sure of that, yet. Now, can we?” Xavier teased. It was a joke that he had made many times of the likelihood that Princess Seraphina may be ugly or plain. He had no idea if it were really true. He just enjoyed tormenting Tristan and putting all sorts of terrible images into his brother’s head.
Tristan began to argue and chastise Xavier for being immature and rude, but his words were interrupted by the sound of the royal trumpet, announcing the arrival of the princess. Xavier left first, allowing Tristan to enjoy one final moment of solitude before leaving the study and making his way to the great hall.
He entered and saw his father, ceremonially standing in front of his throne with his queen by his side. When Nolan spotted Tristan, he nodded his head, gesturing for his son to join them. Tristan walked over and stood beside his father. Xavier stood on the other side of the throne, beside his mother.
As a last moment effort to make her son more presentable, Isabelle reached over and started to pull Xavier’s hair back that was hanging down, almost covering his eyes. Xavier allowed her to smooth his hair back, but once she was finished, he shook his head, letting the hair fall back down into place.
Tristan’s stomach was in knots, but he tried to keep a straight face, showing no emotion. He wouldn’t give Xavier the benefit of seeing him nervous.
The great hall doors opened and the procession began to enter. First, per tradition, were the bearers who carried Taten’s royal banners. They alternated with bearers of streamers in red and orange, Taten’s royal colors. Upon entering, the bearers stood in lines on either side of the door, creating a path to the throne. Next, were almost a dozen flute players, who spread out around the hall after they entered, playing a slow tune that reminded Tristan of a song often played at funerals. He almost smiled, seeing that he felt as if he were attending a funeral, right now. One of his freedom as an unmarried man.
Once the flute players had entered, four knights followed in full ceremonial armor. Each carried a shield with Taten’s royal crest on them. The knights stopped marching and parted, revealing two ladies standing behind them. It was obvious from their clothing that these were either handmaidens or chambermaids. The ladies approached and gave a quick curtsy to the royal family.
Tristan was becoming irritated at how much time this ordeal was taking. He was very familiar with royal processions, having actually been in one on occasion. However, this time, the formalities were tiresome and he just wanted it to be over. He glanced over at his brother, expecting Xavier to share his frustration. But the look on Xavier’s face was something other than boredom. He looked mesmerized at something. Tristan followed his brother’s gaze and turned back to the front of the hall, where the princess was approaching.
When he saw her, he felt his mouth open in surprise. He knew he was gawking at her, but he couldn’t help himself. Not only was the princess further from ugly than someone could ever be, but she was just ridiculously beautiful. Her blonde hair fell in soft curls from her gold crown. She was wearing large blue and gold earrings. Her dark blue gown accentuated her small curves. She was taller than he had imagined she would be. He couldn’t see her legs hidden under her gown, but he could tell from her height that they were long and probably as gorgeous as every other part of her. He had a soft spot for long and slender legs.
Her arms were covered in ivory gloves and her shoulders and neck were bare except for a gaudy gold necklace with large blue jewels attached. He wasn’t surprised to see her wearing heavy jewelry. Taten made its riches from refining silver and gold from Vale’s vast mines in the Valerian Mountains.
His mother owned several pieces of jewelry made from that same silver and gold. In fact, the very crown atop Queen Isabelle’s head hailed from Taten’s skillful craftsmen.
When she got closer, Tristan closed his mouth and regained his composure. He knew that first impressions were incredibly important, so he stood tall and tried to maintain his focus. The princess curtsied, slowly, in front of the royal family.
“Princess Seraphina, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you. I welcome you to Labara,” Nolan said.
“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Your Majesty,” Seraphina replied. “My father sends his apologies for his absence and my untimely arrival.”
“Yes, we were sorry to hear about your brother’s accident. Is he well?” Isabelle asked.
“Thank you,” Seraphina replied. “He is healing as well as could be expected.”
After a brief pause in which no one spoke, Tristan seized the opportunity to introduce himself. He stepped forward and bowed to the princess, taking the hand that she habitually held out. He watched her, trying to read her expression, but there wasn’t much of any expression to read.
“I am Prince Tristan. I am happy to finally meet you, Princess,” he said.
“Yes, well,” she replied, pulling her hand back. “It has been an incredibly long ride to get here…”
“Yes, of course,” Isabelle said, sensing the princess would like to rest. “We have your chambers ready and I will send a chambermaid to pour your bath.”
“I would prefer to use my own chambermaids. I have brought two of them along,” Seraphina said, gesturing to the two ladies that were standing to the side.
“As you wish,” Isabelle replied. “Our chamberlain will show them the way.”
Upon mentioning the chambermaids, they came forward and gave small curtsies before rushing off to find the princess’ chambers.
“We have prepared a small and intimate feast for supper, tonight,” Nolan said. “In the meantime, please let one of our servants know if you require anything else to make your stay more comfortable.”
Without hesitation, Seraphina gave a quick curtsy and turned to take the arm of one of her knights who escorted her from the hall.
Once the princess was gone, Xavier let out the laugh that he had been suppressing. Tristan looked stunned, which made the entire situation even more comical. Both of his parents looked a bit miffed, as well, but neither of them thought it very funny.
“Well, that was surprising,” Xavier said.
“She is likely just exhausted, from traveling,” Isabelle said, dismissively. “Xavier, dear, I am sorry we weren’t able to make your introduction. We will be sure to do so at supper.”
“Oh, don’t fret over me, Mother,” Xavier replied. “But perhaps, Tristan should make his introduction again. I’m not sure she heard him the first time.”
“Xavier,” Nolan warned, before turning to return to his daily routine.
Xavier waited until his parents had left the hall before speaking again, “It’s no wonder why King Leonard and our father despise each other. If his daughter is anything like her father…”
“Then my marriage is doomed,” Tristan grumbled.
~*~
Tristan found supper to be the most awkward feast that he could ever remember attending. The princess shared little to no interest in conversation with anyone in the family. She paid no attention to Xavier upon his introduction, either, and she didn’t once bother to ask why Princess Rianne was absent.
Traditionally, guests would complement the castle or at least pretend to notice the trouble that the servants went through to make their chambers welcoming. However, Seraphina showed no gratitude. At least, she didn’t show disgust, either.
As for the meal, Seraphina barely touched her food and refused dessert, stating her figure would be harmed by the spiced bread pudding placed in front of her. The only thing the princess showed any liking to was the wine. Tristan lost count of the number of times a servant refilled the princess’ goblet.
King Nolan simply shrugged off the princess’ behavior. At the end of the meal, Seraphina stood and started to excuse herself, but before she could, Nolan tapped his goblet.
“Before you go, I have news that concerns you, Princess Seraphina,” he said.
Seraphina paused but didn’t sit down.
“Seeing as our Rianne has fallen ill and is recuperating in a nearby villa,” he lied, “we are forced to delay her marriage to King Carneath until the end of spring. The beginning of summer at the latest.”
Tristan had an eerie feeling that he knew what his father was about to say.
“The ceremony we have been planning for the middle of spring will continue. Tristan, you and the princess, will be wed in just a few short weeks, instead of in the summer.”
Tristan closed his eyes and silently cursed his luck. Then he glanced up at the princess, who again, showed no emotion toward the situation, at all. She gave a slight nod, turned, and left the room. Suddenly, Tristan could no longer stomach another bite of bread pudding. He excused himself and fled the room. Xavier followed him across the hallway and into the study.
“Your betrothed is… interesting,” Xavier said, plopping down into a large chair in the center of the room. “She is beautiful. I can’t argue with that, however…”
“She is something, alright.”
“Come to think of it, perhaps she is the perfect woman for you, Tristan,” Xavier said, earning an evil glare from his brother. “She is cold and snobbish.”
“You forgot pretentious and shallow.”
“See? I knew you’d agree. Perfect princess for our perfect Tristan.”
Tristan growled at his brother and collapsed into a seat across from him. He leaned over and propped his elbows on his knees, holding his head in his hands. “I can’t stand to be in the same room with her for more than a moment. She is completely opposite of what I was hoping she would be.”
“How so?”
“I would much prefer an uglier wife than a self-absorbed one.”
“You do realize that you behave much the same as she does.”
Tristan snapped his head up. “I try to be responsible and mature. I can see how you would view those ideals as terrible, seeing as you have no real morals or responsibility. But Seraphina is just rude and cruel. On purpose.”
“Perhaps, she will become a bit softer, after the ceremony?”
“I sincerely doubt it,” Tristan said. “I know you hardly pay attention to matters of the kingdom, but King Leonard and Queen Gillea have never been… friendly. It isn’t just our fathers that don’t get along.”
“So you think Seraphina, or should I say Scare-aphina, hated us from the moment she arrived?” Xavier laughed. “Oh, I do wish Rianne were here to see this. She would laugh herself to tears.”
“I’m glad you find my suffering to be amusing.”
“Oh, I do. All of these years of being the perfect son just hasn’t paid off, has it? Our father marries you to his enemy’s daughter.”
Tristan sat back in the chair and thought about hurling something at his brother, but there was nothing close by to use that wouldn’t cause considerable harm.
“Taten isn’t our enemy,” Tristan returned. “But it isn’t much of an ally, either. That’s why Father finds this marriage so important. He thinks it will strengthen our position in the realm if we can make nice with Taten.”
“All at the expense of your happiness,” Xavier joked. Suddenly, a realization hit him. “Wait, so this means your wedding is happening in just a few weeks.”
“Stop reminding me,” Tristan grumbled.
“I would like to hire the entertainment.”
“Oh, really?” Tristan already knew where this conversation was going. His brother had mentioned the blonde bard at least once a week since meeting her in the tavern. He was fairly certain that Xavier had been secretly bribing the scouts to follow the woman, as well.
“Yes,” Xavier said, smiling, “and I
already have a talented songstress in mind.”
Chapter Seven
Rowan rushed into the hall. Bree was sitting on her throne with Finn by her side. She saw Rowan and immediately jumped up.
“Anything?” she asked, desperately.
“No, nothing,” he replied, shaking his head. His breathing was heavy, both from riding around for hours, searching, and from running into the castle.
“How can that be? How could they have just disappeared?”
“I don’t know, Bree,” Rowan said, taking her by the shoulders. “But we will find them. Look at me. We will find them.”
Someone shouted from the courtyard. Bree, Rowan, and Finn ran outside, hoping to hear good news. Dagan was unraveling a piece of parchment in his hands. Starlight and Dragonfly were standing behind him.
“Where did you find their horses?” Rowan asked.
“I didn’t,” Dagan replied. “I walked into the courtyard and they were just standing there.”
“Did anyone see who brought the horses in?” Rowan shouted, to the nearby guards. The guards came forward and shook their heads.
“They wandered in. Alone,” one of the guards said. “We just assumed someone dropped the horses off to start searching on foot.”
Nicholas and Reeve entered the courtyard.
“Starlight!” Reeve shouted, and ran over to his sister’s horse, inspecting it. “Gabby’s bow is still on the saddle. Where did you find her?”
“It seems the horses found us,” Rowan replied. “The girls weren’t with them.”
“And I know why,” Dagan said, holding up the piece of parchment he had just finished reading. “This was hanging from the horse’s saddle.”
Rowan grabbed it from him and read it aloud.
“To the bitch who stole my magic—I have your precious princess and her mouthy friend. I know Edmund possesses the Blood Moon Crystal. I will trade their lives for the stone and the stone, ONLY. Do not attempt to trick me. Even without magic, I can identify a fake. Show the stone in the center of the village to receive further instructions. ~Mereck (The man you would be wise not to cross.)”
