by Bridie Blake
“Not when I am off discovering the vast world out there.”
“And when do you plan to take off on your adventure?” Tempani asked.
“As soon as Nic gives me permission.”
“Why do you need his permission?” Dahlia asked as she accepted a glass of wine.
“He has requested that I stay until the wedding.”
“You need not pout then. Xanthir and Famette will be wed shortly, and you can leave and discover the world,” said Dahlia.
“No, he has insisted that I be here for his wedding,” he said and clasped Tempani’s hand. “We are just waiting on this stubborn lady to say yes.”
“I’m afraid you will be waiting a long time for I have no desire to wed at the moment. There is still so much I want to learn before I am tied down with a family.”
“You can still learn whatever it is you want when you are his wife,” Chae chipped in.
Tempani knew all too well that what she had to learn she had to learn in secret. There was no possible way she could be married to Nic and be placed in a situation where she would be lying to his face every day.
“Well, I refuse to wed until papa tells me that he loves me,” she said triumphantly, knowing this would silence her friends.
Chae laughed heartily. “That settles it then. I’m afraid you’ll be stuck in Fenella for a very long time because father is unable to show any form of emotion towards either of his children.”
“How about I tell you I love you? Or Dahlia or Chae? What if Nic tells you?” Madoc asked in desperation.
“Sorry Madoc, not a chance.” Tempani hugged her burly friend.
“I leave my love in your hands for a short time, and you’re flirting with her!” Nic exclaimed as he approached their table and kissed the top of Tempani’s head and placed his hands protectively on her shoulders.
“Your Highness has nothing to worry about,” Tempani assured him. “I am not foolish enough to fall for Madoc when he is so determined to travel. I will not sit by the window waiting for a man to return to me,” she sighed dramatically.
“Then I suppose I will need to find myself another foolish woman.” Madoc grinned devilishly before disappearing in the crowd.
“I think now is as good a time as any for you to meet Hallam.” Nic pulled Tempani to her feet and offered his arm. She accepted, and he led her to the head of his table.
“I take it this is the woman who has stolen my nephew’s heart!” Prince Hallam roared, his cheeks rosy from the brandy he was drinking.
“Lady Tempani of Amarill meet Prince Hallam of Lenthir, the finest swordsman in the kingdom,” Nicolass said.
“I don’t know about that. Rumor has it you and your friends could give me a run for my money!” He laughed loudly as his gaze rested on her. “You are all my nephew talks of.”
“Take a seat dear,” Queen Tryphena spoke gently to Tempani.
Nic pulled out the chair beside Teddy and then sat on her other side, clasping her trembling hand. She took this opportunity to inspect Hallam. His looks were drastically different to Wimarc’s. His jet black hair and moustache and slightly darker skin were quite unlike the chestnut hair and fair complexion of his older brother. Different mothers she guessed.
“I hear you are quite fond of the city,” Hallam spoke directly to Tempani.
She met his eyes and smiled politely. “Fenella is a beautiful place, and I do enjoy exploring it.”
“And visiting your friends of course. My brother tells me one is a healer, a most respected profession and well paid I assume.”
“Colbert does not believe in making others pay, considering that many of them struggle to make ends meet as it is.”
“With a baby on the way, surely he must charge. How does he expect to raise his child with no funds to his name?”
“With love. And with the sales his wife makes in her store,” Tempani said defensively.
Otto’s eyes were on her as she spoke, willing her to hold her tongue.
“Highly unorthodox isn’t it? Don’t be surprised if they ask you for help once their child arrives. I’ve seen it happen before.”
“Hallam there is no need for this,” Tryphena interrupted and looked helplessly at her husband, but he did nothing to resolve the tension.
“They would never dream of asking. Many people have raised children with nothing more than love and have done so successfully.” Tempani’s cheeks burned.
“Yes and their children have ended up working as thieves or by entertaining men at Inns,” he said.
“Hallam,” Nic said nervously. He knew all too well how loose his uncle’s tongue became when he was drinking.
“Settle down Nicolass. If she is to be queen, she needs to be careful. I’m simply warning her to watch her back. These commoners can turn on you in an instant,” he slurred.
Tempani glared at him, her brown eyes were blazing with pure hatred. “So can nobles,” she said tensely.
“A sharp tongue you have there. Perhaps you have more of your father’s blood than Hamalia’s.”
She shivered when he mentioned Hamalia. His voice had been thick with disgust.
“I fear belonging to her people is a burden you will carry for the rest of your life.”
“No, it is an honor.”
Hallam laughed and shook his head as he watched her.
“Hallam,” Nic warned.
But he did not have to say anymore. Teddy had sensed that Tempani was about to make a scene and berate Prince Hallam in front of everyone. Such an outburst would be unforgivable. So he stood and excused himself and his friend from the table.
“Little Teddy’s in love with her too?” Hallam laughed as they left.
Once they were safely in the courtyard Tempani exploded.
“The nerve of that man!”
“He’s a self-righteous, arrogant jerk,” Teddy said. “I seem to be the only person in my family who sees him for what he is.”
She paced back and forth, her anger building with each step.
“You’re the first person who has ever stood up to him.”
“If that’s true then we live in a very sad kingdom,” she said. “How can people just sit there and listen to that. How could my father? He insulted his wife!”
“Because he knows what it takes to survive at court,” Teddy said. “You choose the battles you can win.”
“What about standing up for what I believe in?”
“If you truly want to make a change in this kingdom then accept Nic’s hand and do it as queen. While you still have a chance. My uncle has a lot of influence over my father. And Nic adores him.”
“You think he will influence Nic.”
“Nic can be stubborn, but he can also be influenced by people if they know what his weaknesses are. And Hallam is great at exploiting people.” He reached out and took Tempani’s hand. “He’s already a better man because of you. Marry him, and he can become great.”
“I’m just scared that I will then become as useless as our queens of past. No offence to your mother, but she has as much of a voice in this kingdom as the commoners.”
“You’re right,” he sighed. “Perhaps it’s up to you to change that.”
“I want to,” she whispered. “But I don’t know how.”
Teddy wrapped his arms around her. “I’ll help you,” he said. “That’s what friends are for.”
“Sorry to break this up,” Nic said tersely. “Your father is ready to leave.”
Tempani pulled away from Teddy and patted his hand in thanks. She walked past Nic and allowed him to stroke her cheek.
Nic glared at his brother for a moment before turning on his heel and following her inside. Teddy sighed, knowing full well that his brother still didn’t believe he had no feelings for Tempani.
—
“So my two nephews in love with the same girl, who would have thought?” Hallam laughed later that evening.
Teddy rolled his eyes. “I’m not in love with her.”
Teddy froze. Did Hallam know? How? There had only been one kiss, and he had been discreet. He had just wanted to know what it felt like - if his disinterest in girls was simply because he felt a higher calling to serve his God. But the moment their lips touched he had known it was not the Gods that stopped him.
If his father found out, he would be disowned. Pledging his life to the Gods was one thing, but this would be a different matter entirely. Perhaps it would be a blessing. He would be free to live his life the way he chose. But then he thought of his mother. And Laiken and Ellsje. Even Nic. He couldn’t be separated from them. Besides the person his heart belonged to didn’t feel the same.
“I always thought Lady Dahlia of Raine was lovely,” Tryphena said as she sat beside Teddy and rubbed his arm. “You seem quite taken by her.”
“We’re friends,” he groaned.
“Besides, I think Chae may object to you courting her,” said Nic. “He’s barely left her side recently.”
Teddy swallowed hard and tried to smile as he felt Hallam’s eyes on him. His cheeks burned, and he prayed that he wasn’t blushing right now.
“Well if you want her Teddy, you best fight for her,” said Tryphena, a note of worry in her voice.
He buried his head in her hands. “I don’t want her.”
“No, he doesn’t want her,” Hallam said.
Teddy stood abruptly. “If this is done, I have somewhere to be.”
Hallam laughed as the young prince hurried out the door. “Looks like little Teddy is upset.”
—
The following evening Prince Hallam of Lenthir watched Tempani as she sat with her friends. He tweaked his neat moustache between his long fingers as he thought about his conversation with his brother late last night. The two had agreed that Tempani was not the right choice for Nic.
“I hope Tryphena will finally see sense now. After her display tonight I would think it clear that she is not fit to be Nicolass’ queen,” Wimarc said as he paced his study. “A queen cannot behave in such a manner. She will ruin this kingdom and all I have worked for.”
Hallam leaned back in his chair. “There is no need to convince me brother. I am on your side here. I saw what she was like even before she spoke. She has the small mind of her people and will not marry Nic. I will make sure of that,” Hallam vowed and left his brother to stew over his own thoughts.
And Hallam would take care of it. The brothers had agreed she would make a bad queen, and Hallam was adamant that he would not let a Kalaowin near the throne. He knew the lengths he would have to go to make that happen, and he just hoped Wimarc had the stomach for it.
“Have you heard a word I’ve said?”
Hallam was awoken from his thoughts, and he turned his handsome face to the lady seated beside him.
“Forgive me, my lady. I think I’m still weary from my travels,” he apologized. “But you have my undivided attention now,” he whispered in her ear and kissed her smooth hand.
“Now as I was saying, my brother is quite adept with his magic...” Adina continued talking, oblivious to her dinner partner’s obvious lack of attention.
Hallam had decided that Lady Adina of Nural would make a fine choice for his first conquest to celebrate his return to court. Though when he had chosen her he had no idea how much she liked to talk. He put a smile on his face and continued to think of the reason he had returned to Kamara.
—
Tempani’s hand rested on Nic’s arm as they strolled through the streets of Fenella. She groaned when the wrap covering her hair came loose in the wind. Dahlia, seeing her friend’s annoyance, rushed forward and helped her fix it.
“You’re really pushing to be a lady in waiting, aren’t you?” Nic laughed.
“If Tempani wants me there when she’s queen all she has to do is ask,” Dahlia said and gave her friend a wink. “But you have to convince her to marry you first.”
Nic patted Tempani’s hand and gave her a warm smile. “I’m working on it.”
Tempani gulped and stared at her feet as they walked.
The young group of nobles made a regal picture as they walked through the city. Tempani, Nic and Teddy leading the way with Xanthir and Famette trailing them and Madoc, Chae and Dahlia bringing up the rear. It had been Teddy’s idea that they all venture out together. Show the commoners that the young couple was serious about one another. He had even suggested she shower the young children with hugs and kisses. That had been met with an eye roll from her.
The city was busy. People were scrambling to sell their goods to the merchant wagons that had rolled in two days prior and were due to leave that afternoon. She wondered if Leandra’s designs were popular with the merchants. She was wearing one of them today. A soft pink cotton dress with long sleeves. She had paired the dress with her favorite pair of brown boots despite Zadi’s protests that they were too worn. She didn’t care. They were comfortable. And if she was going to be paraded around the city then she was going to be comfortable doing it.
They turned down the alley and passed the Grand Moat Tavern. Tempani’s eyes flicked to the inn across the street and met the eyes of the thief. She was leaning against the door, chatting to a fellow Lady of the Night. She straightened up as the young group moved closer and let rip a short, sharp whistle.
Her friend turned to the group and grinned. “Royals,” she said loudly. “My favorite type of customer.”
The thief let out a throaty laugh. “You can have them. I’ll take the tall one,” her raspy voice was directed at Madoc. “He’s handsome.”
An older lady came up behind the girls and placed a hand on the thief’s shoulder. “Inside,” she barked. “He doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”
Tempani could have sworn she saw a look of fear flash across the girl’s face before the smirk returned. “Can we at least play with the little one first? He looks like he could do with some experience.”
“Inside,” the woman roared as the two girls laughed.
Tempani glared at their backs, hating her for making fun of Teddy. She reached across to pat his arm, but he pulled away from her.
“I’m hungry,” he said. “Let’s eat.”
“Teddy,” she called out as he stalked off.
“Leave him,” Nic said gently and squeezed her hand. “He’ll be fine.”
Tempani watched her friend walk off and wondered if that was the case. She had noticed lately that Teddy wasn’t himself. He seemed sad. Perhaps she had not been spending as much time with him now that she was involved with Nic. She hadn’t meant to neglect him and instantly felt terrible for doing so.
“The library is rather underwhelming,” Nic said when they returned to the palace and he took her on a tour of the private rooms. “When I’m king I hope to fill it to bursting point with books. My father isn’t much for reading but luckily I had a good role model in Lord Darby. His passion for books is infectious.”
Tempani frowned when she entered. Underwhelming was right. Her father’s study housed more books than this. “I don’t understand when those who are fortunate enough to read take it for granted. Don’t they love getting lost in tales of heroism? Or reading the downfall of a despised character? The joy one gets from finishing a book is a feeling I love.”
Nic grinned as he came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing the top of her head. “Your passion is one of the things I love.”
As always, at the mention of love, her palms became sweaty as a rush of nerves raced through her body. She wondered if she would ever feel differently. Would she ever feel joy at that word instead of panic? She wanted to love him. She possibly did love him. But she wasn’t sure. And she couldn’t say the word to him until she was sure. It wasn’t fair.
“When we are married, I will let you fill this library with any book you want. You can read to your heart’s content. Perhaps
Ellsje will follow suit. She can’t wait to have you be her sister.”
He turned every conversation to marriage. Was it not enough for now that they were just courting? She had told him she wanted to take things slowly. Give the kingdom, and herself, time to adjust to their union.
She turned around in his arms, meeting his blue eyes with hers, and she felt the panic ease. The one thing she was certain of was that he would always be there for her.
“I’m doing it again, aren’t I?” He shrugged. “Sorry, I guess I get carried away when I think of our future.”
She reached up and brushed her lips against his. “You need to spend more time in the present. Just enjoy being with me.”
“That I can manage,” he whispered as he tightened his arms around her and kissed her.
Her heart raced as she allowed herself to get lost in his kiss. Her desire for him was another thing she was certain of. His touch thrilled her in a way she had never known to be possible. Her skin burned from his touch, and she wanted nothing more than to be closer to him.
Her body molded against his, and he moaned against her lips as his hand pressed against the back of her neck.
They were startled apart by a cough. Her heart, already beating quickly, felt like it would burst from her chest.
“Nicolass, your father has requested a word,” Hallam drawled. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep Lady Tempani company,” he said when Nic hesitated.
“I won’t be long,” he promised before rushing out the door.
Tempani’s cheeks burned as she brought a hand to her hair to ensure it was tucked under her wrap. She kept her eyes focused on the shelves in front of her.
“Good thing I interrupted when I did.” His voice was gentle. Kind, even. But there was something in his expression that was cold. Menacing. “We wouldn’t want things to go any further, would we?”
“Luckily we have people like you keeping an eye on things.”
“Very lucky indeed. Imagine if I hadn’t intervened. Falling pregnant without a husband by your side would be unfortunate indeed. People would think you had done it on purpose. Trapped my nephew into a union.”
