Stone Vale was bustling with preparations to welcome the prince and his men, although he would often return quietly if he could, the king would never have it. And so, as the town was busy and taut with excitement, too eager to hear the stories of Jasper's adventures, to be concerned with the actions of the king's most worrisome daughter, Ruby remained within the walls of her self-proclaimed prison. She was still swooning from her first kiss and too perplexed by the possibility of falling in love to be concerned with other matters.
She was laying supine on her bed staring dreamily up at the ceiling, his name reverberated in her mind even as his kiss still lingered on her lips. She considered herself unworthy to experience the beauty of love so young, she had not been prepared, it was all so sudden, but she liked it and this was what she had asked for. Genuine love, not the stilted kind her father desired for her. She didn't know much about Serin, but she desired to, so much. It could very well be that he was the one she had waited for. Suddenly, her sister burst through her bedroom door, as though they were the portals to her thoughts, with Bianca not far behind her.
They both blew into Ruby's room like stray corn straw during the season of harvest.
Ruby shot upright, "has no one heard of knocking?" she asked, clearly annoyed.
She fell back onto her bed with an exasperated sigh, grumbling about never having any privacy in this castle. Topaz stood over her, her grey eyes hard.
"Why are you not dressed?" she asked, her brows drawn together in displeasure at the sight of her sister’s uncovered hair.
"Do not frown so much sister," Ruby said, "you are way too young for wrinkles."
Topaz glared at her as Bianca drew the window curtains so that the dazzling light that bounced off the precious stones on the castle walls broke into the room. Ruby winced.
"What is wrong with you?" Bianca asked, making her way to her friend's side, and feeling her forehead with the back of her hand, "are you unwell?"
Ruby sighed dreamily, "oh my dear friend, I do believe I am in love."
Topaz rolled her eyes and pushed off the bed. She too was a royal brown-skinned beauty; she was Aldorian through and through. She had jet black hair like most Aldorians, thick and long like her mother’s. She often wore it in loose braids which trailed down her back held together by a simple black string. The gold clasps she often wore at the tips of her braids clattered against each other as she tossed her head in displeasure. Because of a few months difference between them they had been passed off to the rest of the world as unidentical twins and for most of their early years had celebrated their birthdays together. Until Topaz demanded otherwise. Since then, their parents had given them separate days for celebrating.
Topaz and Ruby were so different, no one in the kingdom thought much of their public rivalry. At seventeen Topaz was growing into a fine young woman, Ruby wondered if she would find true love as soon as she had. But Topaz was so rough around the edges, she was a like tower fortified with thorns, she imagined that the man who won her heart would have to be the bravest of them.
Bianca grabbed Ruby's shoulders and yanked her upright, "get it together. Your brother is returning, and your father expects you, all of you, to be there to welcome him."
As she said this, she proceeded to wrap Ruby’s hair with a patterned brown scarf as Topaz addressed her sister with her usual righteous indignation.
“And do not forget that King LaBar and his son are still here, after your behaviour these past few days I would think you would be looking forward to an opportunity to recover your dignity and the honour of this kingdom in their sight.”
Ruby rolled her eyes, “talk of prince Haydward turns my stomach. Please no more.”
“Yea well you know what turns my stomach?”
“If you have something to say Topaz, say it already.”
“Fine then. Why did you not tell me you were planning to run away?”
Ruby froze, her brows furrowed in confusion, “what are you talking about?”
The accusation in Topaz’s eyes was unmistakable, “the castle is large, but ears are many. I overheard a conversation between some guards this morning on the training ground.”
Ruby narrowed her eyes as she advanced on Topaz, “what did you hear?”
“Someone reported that you were having regular meetings with a palace guard plotting your escape from Aldor.”
Immediately her thoughts went to the grumpy soldier who already knew more than he was supposed to about her secret activities. She would not put it past him to spy on her, but so far, he had not revealed her secret, so why would he do so now.
“I… I don’t…” she stammered as she tried to make sense of what Topaz was saying to her.
Bianca stepped in with a disbelieving frown, “is that true Ruby?”
“Uh… well…” Ruby stammered, her mind was reeling, going over their conversation last night. He did mention running away together their very first night up there, actually he tended to mention every other time they had met, but it was merely a joke. But if someone had heard, it could sound like he was soliciting a princess of Aldor. Was that an offense? She shook her head, maybe not for anyone else, but for a palace guard like Serin it could have dire consequences.
“Ruby where were you last night? You have been disappearing after dinner for the past few days and people are starting to talk,” Bianca asked.
“I was… on the roof… with Serin.”
“Who is Serin?” Topaz asked incredulously.
“The man I love.”
“The what? Since when?” Topaz looked like she was about to have a stroke.
“Since… well it feels like forever really.”
She arose gracefully from the bed and walked to the window, "look Top I do not expect you to understand these matters. But if you are right then my Serin is in trouble and I must do something before it gets out of hand.”
Topaz bristled, "you have only known him a few days, get a hold of yourself!"
"A few hours, a few days, a lifetime, none of that matters for my heart, my heart has known him for ages."
Bianca sat down in the wicker chair beside Ruby's bed heavily, "this is not happening."
Topaz looked at her sister intently "did you get captured by a wizard? Did you foolishly drink what he gave to you?" she mocked, clearly disgusted.
Ruby glared at her, "you are too young to understand."
“We are the same age!” Topaz cried out in exasperation.
“That is what our parents tell everyone, we both know that is not true.”
"I know who has bewitched her," Bianca said, waving the tattered covered book, "the duchess of Maryland."
Ruby lunged for the book like it was precious gold, "give me that!"
Topaz rolled her eyes, "how can you read such filth, and how did you even get it."
"Not going to reveal my sources so you can go running to father as always," said Ruby, hugging the book to her chest.
"Lechin Quark," Bianca replied, which earned her a cold glare from her best friend.
"That slimy merchant!" Topaz exclaimed, "he's always smuggling Dravian filth into Aldor. I thought he was banned from selling in the city."
"He was," Bianca said matter of factly, “he is locked up in the dungeons as we speak, thanks to your sister.”
Topaz gasped, “that is why father is so upset with you.”
"You two are acting like I am practicing dark wizardry, it is a book!" Ruby exclaimed.
"Ruby," Bianca started, she regarded her friend with sympathy in her huge brown eyes, "if what Topaz heard is true, this Serin could be in serious trouble."
"Trouble!" Ruby's eyes were wide with terror, "but I do not understand, we were only talking.”
“He was asking you to leave Aldor, and who knows what else this person saw,” Topaz added.
"He kissed me," Ruby whispered, lifting panicked eyes to her friend and sister.
“Oh no,” Topaz mumbled. "He made advances on the king's daughter without
openly stating his intentions to the king and solicited her to go against the ways of the kingdom. Asking you to leave Aldor is like asking you to deny El. That is akin to treason, that is the work of a spy and traitor.”
“What do you think would happen to him?” Ruby asked.
Topaz shrugged, “at least be demoted or banned from the Royal Army, at most imprisoned. He is a soldier, he disobeyed orders to protect you, he broke the very vows he took, you know how seriously that is taken here. This act is punishable by imprisonment according to the law," Topaz explained.
If there was one thing she excelled at it was her understanding of the law. Ruby lowered herself onto her bed,
"But father, he would not, would he? He would not deny me the joy of exploring this connection between Serin and I?"
The room grew silent, even Topaz did not dare to speak. Her sister's hopeless romanticism and reckless disregard for the laws of the land often annoyed her, but even if Ruby was disillusioned, her hurt was genuine and even Topaz was not that cruel. She placed a gentle hand on her sister's shoulder and tried to give her a hopeful smile, it was a poor attempt coming from Topaz, but Ruby appreciated the gesture.
"Father will do what he knows is best," Topaz said.
Her sister's loyalty to her father and the kingdom was unmatched in all her sisters, she was more of a soldier than she was a princess.
"Thank you, Topaz," Ruby replied, she lifted her eyes to her sister, "but I will not sit by and let him ruin the life of the first man I have ever felt such a connection to."
Topaz sighed, "then what will you do?"
“I have to find him and warn him."
"Then you may just be confirming this person’s story. You simply must let this go Ruby, pretend it never happened."
Ruby glared at her, "you of all people should know that I cannot. This is my chance Bianca! I have to see him again."
Topaz rolled her eyes again, "I do not think I want to be present for the rest of this conversation," she said, turning on her heels and exiting the room.
Bianca reached out and touched Ruby's hand, "I know this feels like it might be the real thing but let it alone. It would be better for Serin if you never see him again. You say you love him, well when you truly love someone you put their needs in front of your own."
Ruby looked away from her friend's pleading eyes. She could make no promises, not when she had already made up her mind.
“Now hurry and get ready, Jasper and his men will be arriving soon.”
✽ ✽ ✽
The city was alive with the presence of the Royal Army, with soldiers clad in their ceremonial uniforms lining the entrance of the city, swords raised and banners flying. Jasper’s regiment entered through the lowered gates, clad in full royal armor, the flag of the kingdom flying high as the hooves of their strong steads clattered against the cobblestone path from the city gates to Castle Court where the king waited. The sound of celebratory drums echoed throughout the city, mingled with proud chanting and joyful cries of the people. Each time the prince returned it was with news of triumph. He conquered every battle, acquired every territory, followed every one of his father's orders.
Prince Jasper rode ahead of them, he looked in every way like a rugged warrior. His neatly locked hair, worn much like his father's, was held back with a string of gold and hung over his right shoulder. He wore no beard and had the mesmerizing rain-cloud eyes that kingdoms had come to associate with the powerful kingdom of Aldor. The scar trailing vertically through his brow and down to his cheek, was the mark of his loyalty and self-sacrificial nature, he wore it proudly like a badge of honour. The procession came to a stop in Castle court and as Jasper alighted from his horse his father went out to meet him, his three daughters following closely behind. Jasper greeted them all with a kiss and a trinket from his travels, his warm smile in place as always.
"I am glad you have returned safely my son and in time for your sisters’ birthday celebrations too," the king gestured to Ruby, who was looking on at absently and Topaz who was beaming at the sight of her brother, whom she had always looked up to.
Jasper turned to a sulking Ruby, "adulthood is not as dastardly as it seems," he said, winking at her, his good-natured smile softening his face, "do not look so down sister."
Ruby smiled despite herself, no one could be angry at Jasper, except his enemies, and many of those he did have.
"Father, a word?"
"Yes, of course. After the banquet, and after you greet the people."
The king turned to the waiting crowd and lifted his hand. He was rewarded with a great roar of excitement, “my son and the Aldorian Knights have returned!”
Again, the crowd erupted, only to swell into a steady deafening hum as Jasper lifted his sword and smiled warmly at them. Women were swooning in plain sight and strong men were pushing out their chests as if in hopes of catching his eyes.
“Let the celebrations begin!” Jasper shouted.
The king chuckled at the effect his son had on the people, “my son you were missed,” he said, as he guided him into the castle hallways.
The knights followed, their faces set like stone, crowding the space they occupied with their bulging builds and shiny armor. The king's three daughters, his invited guests and court officials proceeded into the grand dining room for dinner, while the festivities continued outside. They would join in and mingle with the masses as was their way after dinner.
When the evening's festivities were over, Jasper met his father in the throne room. The king was sitting regally upon his throne, a troubled frown on his bearded face. Jasper made his way toward him and knelt reverently at his feet.
"Permission to speak freely father?"
"Always my son," the king replied, waving his scepter.
Jasper arose, "I have heard of a pending execution."
His father averted his gaze, "is that what the people are saying? I have no such desire."
Jasper shook his head, "was the battle of Caldwell in vain then. Have we truly reverted to this barbaric form of punishment, why would they want this? What of the man?"
His father looked at him now, his eyes hard "the people are grumbling among themselves, because someone is stirring them up, and that man, that filthy Dravian merchant brought that filth to this very castle. How dare he seek to corrupt my Ruby!" the king bellowed.
The doors of the throne room shook, and Jasper winced, "I understand father, he had no right. But we have decided upon a new way, the way of peace within these walls; mercy. How different would we be to the purists if we start mindlessly killing those who offend us? You did this, you made Aldor into a place of refuge not of judgement; we must ensure that the people understand this. Besides we both know Ruby is not completely innocent in this. I was young when you made your mark as king and brought people together from all over Saharia, you refused to be selfish like our forefathers and you accepted El’s will for others to know him as we do. I was not too young to forget how much you sacrificed, knowing that it came with great risk. Ruby is a constant reminder of how far we have come and what we stand for and so I understand how much you want to protect her. But father, not at the expense of what you stand for."
His father nodded, his eyes thoughtful, "you have always been a good voice of reason, I am certain you will make an even better king than I was. You are right, Aldor has come a long way, unfortunately not many are on board with the new direction of the kingdom, as you can tell by the measure we still must take to protect Ruby. The council is hesitant about our new refugee laws. Non-natives are still being heckled and mistreated. The Purists mindset is still strong among us regardless of the battle of Caldwell. So, we must still exercise caution.”
Jasper nodded, “I understand father.”
“But I will make the announcement at tomorrow's gathering. Many will be expecting an execution, they will be met with a display of mercy," he arose from his throne, "the merchant will be brought to the boundary of the forest and released to the merc
ies of its occupants. If he is fortunate his people will rescue him, but for crimes such as his, he cannot remain in Aldor, not even our prisons will entertain his presence. We have no room for sorcerers nor those who corrupt the innocent."
Jasper nodded, "you are a fair man, my king.”
"What other news have you son?"
Jasper sighed, his eyes troubled, “The king of Dravia is dead.”
The king straightened up, his eyes hopeful, “then Drayton is on the throne and we can proceed with treaty negotiations.”
Jasper shook his head, “my contacts in the city tell me Drayton has not returned and if he does not, Haddin will surely be King. If that happens, I do not believe they will be signing any treaty with us.”
Jasper walked toward his father, with raw emotion in his eyes, “we have lost allies father,” he shook his head, “Alliances to Dravia are growing, and there is talk of… the one.”
“They think the prince can summon that name that is not to be spoken,” his father frowned, reaching up to pull on his beard as was his habit when he was troubled.
“That is impossible. The Dravians have been trying to summon the dark one for centuries, but El will not have it.”
“Is it impossible? As long as that power is to be had, men will pursue it.”
“Haddin is as bad as his sorceress mother. We need to prepare ourselves, if he is anything like her he will set his eyes on us as soon as he can, and we will be up against a formidable enemy. And without the Oracle… if El continues to be silent… we will not win.”
"El will not let Aldor fall father. You must keep the faith.”
The king nodded his eyes thoughtful, it was no surprise to him that Haddin had found a way to take the throne. But Aldor did not make allegiances with darkness and he had lost enough of his own country man to know that the prince would die before he laid down the power his alliance with darkness afforded him.
Kingdom of Refuge (Gemstone Royals Book 1) Page 3
