by Ann Bakshis
“That’s all right,” I reply, blushing mainly from nerves. I glance behind him spotting three men in the same uniform as the one hovering outside the shop’s door, but his has piping around the trim where the others don’t.
“I was walking by and caught your beauty in the window, so I had to stop and introduce myself,” he says, taking my hand without asking. “My name is Lycus. What might yours be?”
“Honora,” comes out. The hairs on the back of my neck are standing straight up and I feel a warning bell ringing in the back of my mind, but still I’m puzzled as to why. “Are you from around here?”
“Oh no, I’m simply visiting from another kingdom,” Lycus replies, smiling. “Are you, perhaps, shopping for the ball tonight?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact I am.”
“Wonderful,” he says, still holding my hand, a finger lightly caressing the back of it, but I’m too scared to pull it away. Also, Caster advised it would be impolite to react to people like I normally do, which is to yell, hit, and run if I don’t know them. Of course, I didn’t react that way with Evan—though I did pull a knife on him. “I look forward to becoming better acquainted this evening.” He kisses the back of my hand, nods to his companions, and the group leaves just as the woman returns.
“Who was that?” she asks.
“A stranger,” I reply as I continue to look out of the window at his moving caravan, catching him turning around every so often, glancing back at the shop.
I want nothing more than to get back to the inn, so I buy the first pair of shoes the woman suggests. She tells me she’ll have the dress ready around four. I thank her for her time and hustle down the road, nearly colliding with Argus as he steps out of the inn.
“Ore,” he says, a genuine smile covering his face as he hugs me. “Evan will be so happy you came, but you look upset. Has something happened?”
“No,” I stammer. “It’s just being so far from home in a strange town and not knowing anyone, I’m feeling slightly out of place.”
“Is Caster not with you?” he asks, worried.
“I’m right here,” Caster says, crossing the road to join us, a heavy parcel in his hands. “Did you not find a dress?” he asks, noticing I’m only carrying a small package.
“Yes, I did, but it won’t be ready until four,” I reply, then I turn my attention back to Argus. “What are you doing down here? Don’t you have things to work on at the castle?” The tone I use is one of anger combined with annoyance because I want to put him on guard that I didn’t like being deceived.
“I’m just making final arrangements for the coronation parade tomorrow,” he says, ignoring my attitude. “I’ll see you both later tonight. Oh, and Caster, if you have any weapons, don’t bring them. Evan is having the guards search all the men before they’re permitted to pass through the gates.”
“Understood,” he replies. As soon as Argus is out of sight, Caster takes my arm and escorts me to our room. “What happened?” he asks before the door is even closed.
“What makes you think something happened?”
“Ore, I can tell by your body language. Out with it.”
“It’s nothing really,” I say. “A young man tried to make my acquaintance, and I’m bothered by it.”
“Why? It seems they’re now crawling out of the woodwork to vie for your attention,” he says, snickering.
“There was something off about him. I just can’t put my finger on it.”
“It’s probably just because you’re anxious about tonight, so your senses are heightened. Your mother would be proud of your reaction as it sounds like you’re taking our precautionary words seriously. Would you mind describing him to me in case you want to avoid him tonight if he should appear?”
“He’s tall, maybe a few inches above you, with red hair that hangs loosely in front of his face and down around his ears, and he has brown eyes.”
“Did he say anything that offended you?”
“No, I just didn’t like the feeling I got from him. It was almost like he was studying me as if I was a wild animal he needed to understand before taming.”
“Sometimes I really wish you weren’t so open about what’s in your head,” Caster grouses. “You make your mother blush with some of the things you say. Hell, you made me blush on the way up here talking about my sex life with her. Which, by the way, she’s never going to hear about from either of us. Let’s get something to eat, then we can each take a turn in the lavatory to get clean before tonight.”
We set our parcels down and return to the tavern we ate at the night before. Caster lets me bathe first, which I’m grateful for. I hadn’t realized how filthy I was until I step out of the tub and the once-clear water now has a gray tinge to it. I make sure to let the attendant know, so the water can be changed for Caster. While he’s taking his turn, I comb my hair and try to figure out how I want to wear it. My normal inclination is to either braid it, or throw it up into a long plait, but I’m sure both of those ideas will be frowned upon given the elegance of the evening we’re going to have. I settle for braiding several strands on either side of my face, then pulling them around to the back of my head where I pin it, leaving the rest to hang down.
At four, I leave for the dress shop to pick up my gown. The woman has me try it on one more time to make any last-minute adjustments, then I redress and return to the lodge with the garment in hand. Caster uses the lavatory to get ready, allowing me our room. With how the bodice sits around my chest, my breasts are more prominent than before, almost spilling out of the ‘V’, which didn’t happen in the shop when I tried it on. The seamstress must have made this area tighter, thus plumping everything up and making me wish I had the burlap roll to strap my breasts down. There’s a knock on the door, so I open it only a crack then wider when I notice it’s Caster.
“Wow,” he says, eyes widening as his cheeks blush. “You look beautiful.”
“You clean up well yourself,” I say, tugging on the tails of his dark blue waistcoat.
“I wish your father were here for this moment. He’d be so proud,” Caster says, and I notice him fighting tears that are desperately trying to spring forward.
I kiss Caster on the cheek, then wrap my hand through his arm, and we head down to where the carriage has just arrived. Caster holds the door open for me and assists me onto the runner, so I don’t mess up the gown. We make our way through the town, then queue up with the rest of the carriages as they’re inspected at the gate by guards wearing the same uniform as the three who stood behind Lycus in the shop. When it’s our turn, Caster steps out and is searched while another guard checks our names off a list.
I’m concerned about what the added security could possibly mean. I’ve never heard of anything horrible happening in Pelheim in my life. But I’m sure it has everything to do with the attack from several weeks ago, which is why I really wish I at least had my hunting knife. I could’ve easily hidden it under all this dress, although it would’ve caused my skin to chafe if I wore it for too long a time. After passing through the gates I lean out of the window to get a look at the castle since I’ve never seen one before.
Three elongated towers illuminated in pearly white flank each end of the massive structure. Turrets line the upper balconies while another tower stands perfectly centered. Each window is ablaze with light. Dozens of long, narrow steps lead from the crushed gravel drive up to the heavily decorated porch. Hundreds of people are slowly making their way up to the open French doors at the top, while others continue to mill about on the porch in casual discussion.
“I can’t do this,” I say, my heart beginning to race.
“Yes, Honora, you can,” Caster says, squeezing my hand.
“How…how can anyone be comfortable in this type of surrounding? I don’t fit in here and Evan is going to realize it the minute he sees me.”
Caster cups my face gently in his hands. “Honora, this is what you were born for. You belong here more than you know. Just take a de
ep breath and let it out slowly. Also, you’re not doing this alone. I’m with you every step of the way.”
I nod just as the carriage stops and a footman opens the door. Instead of the runner along the bottom, there’s a stool I step onto before my feet touch the ground. I wrap my hand in Caster’s arm and we make our way up, all the while I’m taking in deep breaths and letting them out slowly to settle my nerves. When we reach the doors, we’re directed to the right along the front porch that wraps around the building, leading to another set of French doors where I spot Evan greeting everyone and Argus standing behind him in uniform. A man who looks to be in poor health sits in a chair nearby.
I want to freeze in place and run away at the same time, but Caster holds onto me tightly as we make our way through the procession, preventing my escape. Evan spots me while there’s still a good number of people ahead of us and his smile sets me at ease. When we reach him, I bow as Caster instructed and how I’ve noticed everyone else doing it as well. Evan reaches for my hand, brings it to his lips, and kisses it.
“You look amazing,” he says, his deep blue eyes sparkling. “I’m so glad you came.” He turns to Caster and shakes his hand before introducing us to the frail man in the chair beside him. “Father, this is Honora and her guardian Caster.”
“What a pleasure it is to finally meet you,” the king says with great sincerity. “I’ve heard so much about you, and Evander is quite right about one thing, you’re very stunning.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” I reply, bowing and blushing.
“Why don’t you two go have a seat, and Evander will be over to you as soon as he’s finished greeting our guests.”
Caster directs us to a table along the far wall that only contains a handful of people at the moment. Most of them are milling about in conversation or have begun drinking from champagne flutes that line one of the many tables along the back wall of doors, many of which are propped open to let in fresh air. I take a seat while Caster goes to get us a couple of drinks. I glance nervously around the room, taking in all the faces, gowns, jewelry, and laughter that’s filling such a large space. When Caster returns, he hands me a glass just as an ensemble begins to play, signaling the start of the ball. I quickly look for Evan as the guests begin to take their seats, spotting him helping Argus seat his father on a chair on the stage at the front of the room. Beside the king appear to be other dignitaries and royal guards as well as one familiar face I wasn’t expecting to see in such a prominent position.
Lycus is sitting gracefully in a high-backed chair. He’s decked out in a dark red suit with a peculiar chain draped around his neck. I nudge Caster’s arm and subtly point Lycus out. Caster goes immediately rigid when he spots the young man, and I swear I hear him growling.
“Is everything okay?” I ask, pulling his attention back towards me.
“Yes, dear, everything is fine,” Caster says, though his smile is strained. “Please excuse me for a minute, I need to speak to Argus about something.”
He departs before I can inquire as to what, disappearing into the growing crowd of guests getting up to dance. I spot Evan trying desperately to make his way over to me, but he’s accosted by a young woman who’s asked him to dance, and being the polite prince that he is, he accepts. I glance around the room hoping I’ll start to relax soon when someone taps me on the shoulder. I turn and see Lycus standing behind me, smiling.
“I was wondering if you’d care to have a dance,” he says, bowing slightly and presenting me his hand.
“All right,” I reply.
I take his hand and we proceed to the dancefloor. He wraps an arm around my waist while holding tightly onto the other and we begin a slow procession around the floor. I try to look past Lycus as his stares are becoming unbearable.
“You look incredible,” he whispers in my ear. “I hope the prince understands what a catch he has in a woman like you.”
I pull my head back, putting a little distance between the two of us. “What makes you think we’re a couple?” I ask, shocked by his words.
“The way he looked at you when you entered… and the fact he can’t keep his eyes off you now,” Lycus says, then points to Evan who’s on the other side of the floor glaring at us as he dances with a new partner.
“We’re just friends,” I say timidly as I look back at Lycus and his disturbing smile.
“We’ll see; he’s coming our way now.” Lycus releases me just as Evan reaches us. “She’s in need of a new partner, Your Highness.” Then Lycus retreats to the stage and takes his seat beside King Job, engaging him in deep discussion.
“You’re trembling,” Evan says, taking my hand and wrapping his arm around my waist.
“I don’t like him.”
“Lycus? Neither do I.”
“Who is he?”
“Heir to the throne of Geron,” Evan answers, pulling me so close that I’m resting against his chest, which greatly comforts me. “His grandfather is King Gregor. The prince is here as a representative because the king is too ill to travel.”
“How long is he staying?”
“Until the day after tomorrow, then he returns to his vile king where he belongs.”
“Is Gregor that horrible of a ruler?”
Evan smiles down at me as I look up into his eyes. “Let’s not talk about that tonight,” he says. “I’ve missed you and only want to be with you.”
“For the ball?”
“No, Ore. For life.”
Ten
Kerron
Lycus returns to the stage with a satisfied grin covering his face. I can see the wheels in his head turning, and I’m bothered by what they could be creating. I move my chair forward slightly to be closer to him while he begins to engage King Job in conversation.
“This is truly an amazing ball,” he says, placing one leg over the other and rubbing his chin. “I wish we had these in Geron.”
“Perhaps when it’s your turn to rule, you can ensure that you do,” Job says as kindly as possible, though I know he detests my nephew.
Lycus leans over to the king as a way to keep their conversation private, but since I’m physically close to both of them I hear every word. “Tell me about the young woman the prince is dancing with,” he says. “She’s a fascinating creature.”
“He met her while touring the land only a few weeks ago, and is quite taken with her,” Job replies. “I believe he intends to marry the young lady shortly after ascending the throne.”
“Really?” Lycus asks, in a tone that causes my stomach to sour. “If you don’t mind me asking, what is this young woman’s name?”
“Honora, and that’s her guardian, Caster, lingering in the back by the open windows.”
“I see,” Lycus hisses, a devilish aura floating about him. One I’m becoming all too familiar with.
If I was a righteous man I’d slaughter my nephew on the spot as I can only guess what he’s thinking. But my duty is to my king and no matter how much I hate him, I must honor the oath I took decades ago to protect him. Unless, of course, Elizabeth becomes involved. Then my loyalties will switch to their correct place.
“Where did he meet her?” Lycus asks, continuing the interrogation King Job has no idea is occurring.
“In the village of Nysa, along our southeastern border. It seems they hit it off immediately, which is very unlike Evander as he’s so particular about what he wants out of life, especially in a woman.”
Did he just say Nysa? Elizabeth is in Nysa and Caster is here right in front of me. Honora has to be her daughter… David’s child… Lycus’ sister. I know he doesn’t realize who she is, but is he craving her affections? There’s no way Evander would allow Lycus near her again given how he glared at them while they danced.
“I’ve heard of Nysa,” Lycus says, pulling my attention back to their conversation. “From what I’ve been told, there was an attempt on the prince’s life while he was visiting that village.”
“Then you’ve been misinformed,
Lycus. No such event took place, otherwise Evander and my leader of the Vagter would’ve disclosed it to me.”
“Are you sure? I mean, to be quite frank, with your failing health it would be cruel to burden you with such information.”
“That may be, but my son never keeps anything from me.”
“Not even the fact that Honora is the one who slaughtered all of your son’s attackers? Striking down six dedicated men?”
Job stiffens, but he continues to maintain eye contact with the guests below the stage. “You sent them, didn’t you?” he asks, his voice trembling, but not from fear.
“Perhaps I did,” Lycus replies, being ever so casual about it.
“Why?”
“Because there are two things in your kingdom that I desire and will do anything to obtain them, even kill a prince for.”
The smile on Lycus’ face makes my skin crawl.
“And what is it that you seek?” Job asks.
“One of your royal medallions… and Honora.”
“Neither are mine to give.”
“Oh, but they are, Your Majesty,” Lycus says, adjusting his position so he towers over the feeble king while remaining in his seat. “What if I was to tell you that at this very moment there are men waiting outside the castle wall to murder Evander the minute he steps outside should he desire a bit of fresh air.”
“I don’t see how the Pelheim medallion would be of any use to you, unless you intend on overtaking us.”
“That’s not my current desire, Your Majesty. No, my current craving is Honora and I feel the easiest way to obtain her is by guaranteeing the prince’s safety and health for a long life. The rest we can deal with later.” The unnatural essence I’ve felt living within Lycus all these years once again rising to the surface.
“You’d spare him if I promised Honora to you?”
“Yes.”
“How can I be sure you’re a man of your word?”
“You can’t.”
Job slips his hand into the pocket of his waistcoat and removes a Pelheim medallion, which he places discreetly into Lycus’ hand. “Is there anything else, you fucking bastard?” Job whispers.
