The Elf King’s Lady: Wildecoast Saga Book 2

by Bernadette Rowley

  She put the finishing touches to her eyes and took up the brush to paint her lips. She wore crimson tonight in honor of the house of Zialni. It was not her favorite color, but the gold lace would highlight her brilliant blonde locks. Her hair had been restored to its former glory, thanks to the Queen’s hair attendant.

  She looped a strand of rubies around her throat and stood back to admire the effect. Not bad. Kain would not be able to ignore her this night.

  Alique had brooded over her interlude with Kain for two days. It had changed her, bonded her tighter to him than she had ever imagined. But no matter her feelings, the fates were stacked against them, including Kain’s own reaction to his parentage. He had locked her out of his life as surely as if a door had slammed in her face. Stubborn man!

  She checked one last time to make sure no stray hairs had slipped from her chignon, collected her small purse, and stepped into the hallway. One of the young squires was waiting to escort her to the banquet hall. He bowed deeply to Alique, his eyes wide.

  “Squire Damon, is it not?” Alique asked.

  Her escort nodded and made a grab for her arm as if he feared she would escape. Alique suppressed a giggle. This boy had much to learn.

  “Calm yourself, Squire Damon,” she said. “Take two very deep breaths … Good, now we shall walk with dignity to the banquet hall and you shall tell me about your family on the way.”

  *

  Kain waited outside the hall, steeling himself to set foot inside. He knew once he did there would be no going back, with at least five hours of festivities and formalities ahead. It was the last thing he needed after dealing with his sister and mother this morning.

  He stood near a marble column. Blessedly no one had yet seen him. Somehow he had to slip inside without allowing the master of ceremonies to announce him. It would be easier that way. They were calling him a hero. Kain winced at the thought. He had done nothing. Alique was more a hero than he.

  At the thought of Alique she appeared at the top of the stairs, a young squire on her arm. She paused, surveying the crowd below, and Kain slipped back out of sight. He felt stupid hiding from her but couldn’t help it. As usual she looked magnificent. For just a few seconds he drank in the sight like a thirsty horse after a long gallop. She appeared to have bounced back from her ordeal very well if her appearance was anything to go by.

  Kain couldn’t help staring as she started down the stairs, the squire a step behind. He felt a sharp stab of jealousy for the young man, little more than a boy, who escorted her. Surely Alique deserved a better escort than a teenage boy after what she’d been through? She deserved at least a lieutenant to escort her. Or him.

  As Alique neared the foot of the stairs, she was announced to the crowd. Applause broke out all around as lords and ladies milling around the doorway turned to catch a glimpse of her. She seemed to sway and then started to fall, the boy at her side hopelessly inadequate in preventing it.

  Kain didn’t think, he just dived forward and somehow caught her before she crashed to the marble floor. He glared at the squire. “I’ll take it from here, boy,” he said, supporting Alique until she could stand on her own.

  “Yes, general.” The squire slipped away in the blink of an eye.

  Kain kept a hand on Alique’s arm. “Are you recovered, my lady?”

  Alique looked up at him. “I don’t know what happened, general. One moment I was listening to my name being announced, and the next I was falling.”

  “Can I escort you back to your room?” Kain asked.

  She appeared puzzled. “Why? It was just a dizzy spell. I’ve been looking forward to seeing … everyone.”

  “Come inside then,” Kain said, ignoring the master of ceremonies as he tried to announce the couple. “I’ll get you some food and a drink.”

  Kain led Alique to the banquet table set along the side of the hall. She trembled and Kain tried not to imagine it was anything to do with him. Damn stupid to have a reception so soon after such an ordeal. The King and Queen had stuffing for brains. He spied Nikolas and Merielle over with some other lords and ladies. The crimson-haired lady wore a pale lilac gown that sheathed her body like a second skin. Nik’s eyes, as usual, were glued to her.

  Kain poured Alique a goblet of mulled wine and handed it to her. She sipped and his eyes were drawn to the delicate movement of her throat muscles. Shaking himself out of his fascination, he piled a plate with meats and savory pastries and led Alique to a seat in the corner. He sat beside her.

  “Are you sure you’re quite well, lady?”

  Alique’s eyes flashed at him. “Yes, general,” she said, placing a derisive emphasis on the word. “It was merely a dizzy spell. No need for you to belabor the matter.”

  Kain frowned. “A dizzy spell that could have had you flat on your face, Alique!”

  She smiled. “That’s better. I thought we had moved beyond ‘general’ and ‘lady’ as terms of address?”

  Kain dropped his voice further. “We’re in public. No point in risking wagging tongues. Have you not already heard the rumors?”

  “What rumors?” she asked.

  “That you and I had a romantic interlude while we were away. As if we had the time or the inclination.”

  Alique’s eyes grew wide. “But we did, Kain, and it was very nice, as was our meeting in your rooms. More than nice.” She ran her eyes over him. “It’s good to see you.”

  Kain swallowed a rising tide of desire. That just a look from Alique could do this to him was warning that he did indeed need to keep a distance. “I would have said you were looking well until you fell into my arms a moment ago. What’s wrong?” Kain wouldn’t lead Alique on by allowing her to think he’d missed her company.

  “It was just a momentary weakness. More importantly, I’m desperate to know what has become of my father. I have been to visit my mother and she isn’t coping. When will we be on the road to finding him?”

  Kain stared at her. “You are staying here. Allow me to retrieve your father.”

  “You have other things on your mind,” Alique said. “I feel as though Papa is slipping through our fingers.”

  “It has only been two days, Alique, and it hasn’t been just me with other things on my mind. The King wanted to see me and then insisted on this reception as you well know.”

  “It just chafes.” She paused to allow another inspection of him. “How have you been?”

  Kain grimaced. “I can’t get into that here.”

  “We could dance,” she said. “That way, you can talk to me without suspicions being raised.”

  “Damned stupid reception!” Kain snapped. “What were they thinking?”

  “If not for this function, how long would it have been before you made contact with me?” Alique asked.

  Kain drew Alique to her feet and led her toward the dance floor. He pulled her into his arms, marveling at the way they fit together. He tried to concentrate on guiding her around the floor but his body, his mind, had other ideas. Pretty soon his imagination sent him back in time to the night in his room, when his hands had wandered over her, his lips savoring her sweet skin. Kain could never have guessed that Alique hid this delicious softness. She was a complete delight. He had to stop it, had to find some way to put her out of reach, for his feelings were inappropriate and dangerous.

  “Kain?” Alique asked. “Josef has achieved nothing much that I can see. I need you to find my father.”

  Kain pulled his thoughts away from her tempting body. “Yes, I know. I have approval to mount a force to travel north and sweep the dark elves from the forests. At the same time we’ll search for your father.”

  “When do we depart?” Alique asked.

  “You must leave this to me,” Kain said.

  “It is not possible for me to just sit and wait,” Alique said. “Besides, you will need someone to care for injured soldiers. Surely the Queen will not refuse me if I ask to go along.”

  “The Queen may not refuse you but I will.
I’m still the head of this force.” Kain frowned. “At least I think I am.”

  “What is the matter?” Alique asked.

  Kain shook his head. “It begins already. There is talk of sending Lieutenant Formosa, or perhaps Captain Vorasava from Brightcastle along to ‘help’ me. I suspect it’s merely someone to watch over me, make sure I do my job properly.”

  “You have done nothing wrong besides keeping your heritage a secret, and that is your business.”

  Kain huffed. “Not when it might affect the security of the kingdom.”

  “You would never do anything to jeopardize Thorius,” Alique said.

  “I’m glad you have such faith in me,” Kain said, “but it’s early days yet.”

  “What is that supposed to mean? You can’t be considering siding with Gwaethe!”

  “It’s none of your concern,” Kain said.

  “Then who will you talk to?” Alique threw back at him. “I’m the only one who knows.”

  Kain flinched as she said the words. Now I’ve done it!

  Alique’s eyes widened. “You have told Nikolas!”

  “Hush,” Kain said, catching several curious looks. “Yes, I told Niko. I didn’t intend to but it all came out. I needed advice.”

  He tried not to notice the hurt look in Alique’s eyes. She had to understand that involving her now he had confirmed his heritage would be wrong. Didn’t she?

  “Listen, Alique,” he said, “I’m trying to protect you. It’ll do you no good to be associated with me, in any way. Already our names are being linked far too often.”

  “I am listening to you, Kain, and I cannot believe what I’m hearing. I thought we had a bond.” The last came out as an angry hiss and she pulled away from him as the music died. To anyone watching it would have just seemed the dance ended, but Kain knew better. He’d hurt her. Again. He watched Alique push her way through the crowd, and he turned in the opposite direction.

  Nikolas barred his way. “I see you and Alique are still getting on famously.”

  Kain let out a snort. “Honestly, who can keep a woman happy? I’m trying to protect her and yet she takes it as an insult.”

  “You’ve been through a lot together. It’s bound to make life difficult for a while,” Nikolas said.

  Kain examined his friend. “Well, listen to you, man. Niko, the voice of wisdom. Things have certainly changed for you.”

  “I was like you, Kain, shutting myself away, intent on fending for myself. It was only when I let someone close that I was able to heal. Perhaps Alique is what you need.”

  “Can you hear yourself?” Kain said, incredulous. “I’m not you. And I’m not shutting myself away. I just don’t see the point in dragging Alique down with me. That’s where I’m headed.”

  “How can you be so sure?”

  “When the King and the court finds out about my heritage, they won’t be able to disown me fast enough. I don’t want Alique associated with that.”

  Nikolas chewed his lip. “I’m not so sure they’ll disown you. This isn’t your fault.”

  Kain grasped the shoulders of his best friend. “Think, Niko,” he muttered. “I’m the son of a past elven king. My people are not going to leave me alone. One way or another, I’ll be sucked into this conflict. There’s going to be collateral damage.”

  “Boys, boys,” Queen Adriana said, sweeping up to them.

  She looked ravishing in a midnight-blue velvet ball gown that scooped low over her bosom and hugged her figure to the hips. She wore her favored silver mail necklace and fingered it as she spoke. Kain often wondered if the necklace indicated that the Queen had hankerings for the life of a soldier.

  “What has you so fired up, General Jazara?” she said, her green eyes admiring Kain’s face and shoulders.

  Kain bowed deeply before Adriana. “Your Majesty, it’s good to see you. I’m honored that you organized this gathering on behalf of myself and Lady Zorba.”

  “Anything for a party, general,” the Queen said, “but you have not answered my question.”

  Kain suppressed his dismay. This was just what he had hoped to avoid. “Just glad to see my old friend looking so well, Your Majesty,” he said. “Niko seems truly happy, and no one deserves it more.” There! That should deflect attention from himself to Nikolas, where it belonged. Besides, what he said was true.

  Adriana smiled. “You will not get any disagreements from this quarter, general. The love of a good woman has redeemed my cousin, and not a moment too soon.”

  Nikolas held up his hand. “I’m standing right here. Don’t talk as though I don’t exist.” Merielle wandered up and Nikolas put his arm around her waist. The look he cast his lady raised Kain’s hackles. He just couldn’t shake the suspicions he had concerning this woman.

  “If you’ll excuse me, Your Majesty, Kain,” Nikolas said, “I promised Merielle this dance.” The couple swept away leaving Kain alone with Adriana.

  The Queen turned assessing eyes upon him. “You do not look rested, general,” she said. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

  Kain took a deep breath. “It was an ordeal, Your Majesty, but I’m a soldier used to danger. In time, all will be well.”

  “My husband admits he does not know what these elves hoped to gain by kidnapping you and the lady. They seemed not to gain much. How did you escape again?”

  Kain swallowed. This woman was no slouch when it came to ferreting out information. She might have made a better leader than her husband. “They dropped their guard after some days on the road. The lady and I were able to escape under cover of darkness with our horses.”

  “It appears you were very fortunate, or the elves inept,” she said.

  “Perhaps a little of both,” Kain said, wondering how he was to escape this scrutiny.

  Adriana tapped her finger on her lips, her eyes narrowing. “The dark elves lured you out of Wildecoast to the Zorba estate, where they advised you they sought information, and then you suggested they take you and let the others go?”

  “I thought they would spare the estate people. I didn’t know they would insist on taking Lady Zorba as well.”

  Adriana’s brows rose. “Yes, Alique – she does not wish to speak much of it.”

  “The elves threatened to torture her if I didn’t cooperate,” Kain said. “She was there to keep me honest.”

  “And yet it appears they did not hurt her,” the Queen said, “which leads me to believe you told them more than you are letting on.”

  Kain shook his head. “Truly, Your Majesty,” he said, “there was little they didn’t already know. I did confirm for them some of the details but the elves brought them to me: the death of the prince, the questions over Piotr and his intentions, the unborn heir to the throne, our knowledge of elven plans and movements. It was very strange.”

  “And you can tell me nothing else?”

  Kain considered. “I think they would have kept us and used us in some other way. I could have trained their soldiers in sword play.”

  Adriana straightened and looked down her nose at him. “You would have cooperated?”

  “Either that, or watch the lady suffer,” Kain said.

  Adriana folded her arms under her bosom. “Sometimes we must make sacrifices for the kingdom. Alique would understand that.”

  Kain stayed silent, not knowing how to respond. He could not have carried out her suggestion if it came to that. What did that say about his commitment to the kingdom? Was he already betraying his homeland for the elves?

  “Perhaps she would, Your Majesty, but I would have still tried to spare her pain while giving as little as I could. If that doesn’t meet with your approval then I’m sorry.”

  The Queen gave him a hard look. This woman would be no pushover at the negotiation table. “The King has signed the papers for your mission to clear the northern forests of elves. You will also find Lord Zorba. Captain Vorasava of Brightcastle will meet you when he can.” She turned away and Kain blew out a long, relie
ved breath. It would be good to leave this den of suspicion.

  He made his way through the crowd, stopped by lords and ladies eager to catch a word about his recent exploits. More than one nudged him and asked about Lady Alique so that by the time Kain slipped past the banquet table and out onto the terrace, he was sweating.

  He leaned on the stone balustrade and gazed up at the stars, wishing he could fly off into the night and away from his earthly troubles.

  “If we were owls we could take flight and not have to deal with all of this fuss,” Alique said, at his shoulder.

  So much for the peace of the balcony. “Just what I was thinking,” he said, not looking around. “I thought you were angry with me.”

  “I am angry, but I saw you speaking with the Queen and then you came out here. You looked upset.”

  Kain breathed a deep breath and closed his eyes. He had to stop displaying his feelings for all to see. But this was Alique, perhaps she saw more than others. He hoped that was the case. “It’s nothing.”

  “Don’t reject me again, Kain. I need you.”

  Now he turned to her. “One or two kisses and a roll in the hay don’t make a relationship. You don’t need me, especially not when my whole future is at stake. What do you want? For me to drag you and your family down with me?”

  “I see through this, Kain Jazara,” Alique said. “It was not just a casual encounter between us. I chose you for my first!”

  “You tricked me.”

  “I wanted you,” Alique said, her hands gripping her skirts.

  “You and I can never be,” Kain said. “The Queen has just interrogated me about our experiences and what the elves wanted from us. She wasn’t satisfied with my answers. Imagine what the reaction will be when they discover my heritage?”

  “Your heritage is this kingdom,” Alique snapped. “Why would you betray us?”

  “Why indeed? Perhaps it doesn’t matter what I’d do. Who wants a half-breed elf in charge of the King’s army? I should resign my post and save them the trouble.”