“That is a luxury none of us are guaranteed,” Adelaide said quietly.
“That doesn’t mean I have to be happy about it.”
“Thea, please do not fight with Father about this,” Viviana begged. “It makes him so cross. You know how he is. You’ll need to find a better argument for your wishes. He’s made it public. There will have to be a very sound reason for not going through with it.”
“I’m afraid I can’t,” said Thea. She walked towards the windows, staring absently out onto the gardens. “I told him I don’t love Sebastian, and he told me essentially that my feelings didn’t matter.” She let her head fall into her hand, not wanting her sisters to see her crying again.
“Surely not,” Esmay said, coming to stand behind Thea and put an arm around her. “I can’t believe that.”
Thea nodded. “Believe it. I was told that my wishes were secondary to his decision. I never thought to hear my father say such a thing.” She rested her head on Esmay’s shoulder.
No one spoke. Tired as she was, Thea felt better. They all turned as more of their sisters came in.
“Are we all feeling slow and stupid?” Isobel asked. Beatrix and Sybbl were behind her, Sybbl yawning.
“Did you dream last night?” Viviana asked. Thea wished she hadn’t. The fact that three of them had similar dreams was unsettling enough.
Isobel giggled, and it sounded very loud, disturbing the peace of the solarium. “I did. Mostly of one fine young man, a princely visitor.”
Beatrix giggled with her. “And just who might that be?”
“There’s only so many princes about as of late. I think the field is rather small,” Isobel said archly.
“Oh, please do elaborate, Isobel. I’m fine with not being the only princess facing marriage.” Thea put a smile on her face.
“Why are you being coy?” Viviana bounced a little on her settee. “There are only two princes at court! Are you in love with Casimir?”
“Vivi, don’t tease. Isobel doesn’t have to say anything if she doesn’t wish it,” Adelaide spoke to Viviana while glancing at Thea.
“Oh, it’s all right, Addy,” Isobel twirled around, lifting her arms and shawl over her head. “I can’t think why I didn’t notice him before. After all, he rather grew up with us, did he not? Casimir is a fine man. And a Crown Prince,” she finished with a smile.
“He is a fine man,” said Thea. She kept her face still, smile in place, not allowing her features to change. She must not. “He’s a good match for any princess.” She thought she might choke on the words, but other than a quick flash of the eyes from Adelaide, no one seemed to notice.
Isobel hugged her shawl to her. “He is. He is a good match. He’s handsome, and charming, and I danced with him most of the evening at the ball! We must not all hope for your good fortune, Thea!” She smiled at Thea. Thea couldn’t help it—she started.
Isobel was the grumpy sister. She complained. She found fault. Her voice strident no matter what she said. But this, this was a different Isobel.
She really liked Casimir, Thea thought. She knew he didn’t love Isobel— she knew he loved her—but to see Isobel, the skeptical, wary Isobel, behaving like a lovesick girl startled her. What did Casimir mean by this? Surely he knew that to toy with a woman’s affections was not appropriate? She’d have to speak to him. Provided she could pry him away from Isobel. Provided she could get free of Sebastian.
She huffed inwardly, struggling to keep her expression still.
“Well?”
Thea looked up. All her sisters faced her expectantly. She must have missed something important. “I’m sorry?”
“What do you think, Thea? Do you think Father would entertain him? How long has he been at odds with Casimir’s father?” Isobel frowned at her, impatience making her tap her foot.
Was it her imagination or did some of her sisters look very uncomfortable with this conversation? She glanced around again. They did. Isobel was still tapping her foot, waiting for an answer. So answer she must.
“I have not been part of their conversation, but Father did say that he and Casimir had come to common ground last night,” Thea said slowly. “And Father did ask him to travel to the Empress of Samir’s kingdom to fetch her son. That is a sign of his favor.”
“That is a matter of opinion,” Isobel said with a grimace. “He will be gone for ages!” She flung herself across from Thea onto a couch.
“Indeed, he will,” Esmay said. “That does not mean that he will forget you, Isobel.” She patted Isobel’s hand. Even as she consoled Isobel, her eyes flew to Thea’s.
Thea could feel sweat beading at the base of her skull. She could not bear this talk of Casimir. She felt Adelaide’s eyes on her, and she ignored it.
“I am not sure what to advise you,” said Thea. “I did not fare so well in concerns of matrimony.”
“What do you mean?” Sybbl interjected. “You fared extremely well!”
“Not as you might think. Father did not tell me that Sebastian had asked for my hand. I only discovered it at the same time as everyone else. I had no idea he had accepted the proposal. I feel a great deal of surprise at Father’s actions.” She stopped, not wanting to continue.
“But you are happy with the betrothal?” Beatrix leaned forward, her face creased with concern.
“I...I don’t know.” Thea stumbled at such direct questioning. “I will not pretend, though, that I had any inkling of it, or that I previously thought of Sebastian in that fashion. He’s a good man from a good family, and I think he will be a good leader. Other than that, I do not know him well.” Thea looked down, not wanting anyone to see the tears that were threatening.
“Now that things have been settled, I can’t imagine he would rush you,” said Adelaide, also looking down.
Her tone was off. Again. Thea looked up, her own distress momentarily forgotten. “Addy?” She leaned over to her sister, placing her hand on top of Adelaide’s.
“It’s nothing, my dearest,” Adelaide looked up, a bright smile on her face. “I just feel…sad that you are not overjoyed. That our father may have had something to do with dampening that joy.”
“I’ll live,” Thea said, smiling herself. She didn’t wish to say anything that she would feel bound to, and this conversation was causing pain to more than herself. “Now, ladies, how is everyone feeling this morning?”
“I told you, I feel wretched,” Isobel frowned as she stretched. “Was there something amiss with dinner last night? I have not felt right since the night of the ball.”
“Nor I,” said Beatrix.
“I must confess, I don’t feel my usual self,” said Esmay.
“It has to be the food, if we are all ill,” Sybbl said. “We shall need to let Father know. Who knows who else may be sick?”
“I am not so sure it was the food.” Thea stood up and walked to one of the windows. She stared out onto the gardens, thinking. Turning back to where most of her sisters now sat, she asked the question she was afraid to hear the answer to. “Have you had odd dreams lately?”
“I have,” Isobel said. “No doubt the result of spoiled food.”
Thea could see her sisters nodding in agreement. She sighed. She didn’t really want to pursue it, so she let the matter drop. Serafina and Angharad had come in, both yawning and stretching. They looked tired as well.
“Then let Father know,” Thea directed her words to Isobel.
“What?” Isobel stared at Thea. “Did you just hand off responsibility?”
Thea started. All her sisters were looking at her as though she’d sprouted a second head. She laughed. “I am not at the top of Father’s list of favorites at the moment. Hearing potentially bad news would be best coming from someone he didn’t just have a shouting match with.”
Emaline stepped close to Thea. “You shouted at one another?”
“We did.” Thea felt her face close down. No matter which direction she went, it was somewhere she didn’t want to go.
“But—” Sybbl interjected.
“It doesn’t matter, does it? He decided this was the match for me, and told me about it at a ball. That’s why I am angry with him. He didn’t consider me at all in his deliberations. And what,” Thea said, brushing angrily at her gown, “Does that tell my future husband? That I am not to be consulted on things that are important? Father has raised me—raised us all—to be capable of ruling; to be strong and capable. His actions with Sebastian do not say that. It troubles me,” she finished, sitting down again.
Silence greeted her outburst. When she looked around, she could see varying levels of discomfort on the faces of her sisters.
Serafina spoke first. “I don’t think Father chose Sebastian for any reason other than he thought he’d be a good match for you, Thea.”
“It would have been nice to have been asked,” grumbled Thea.
“Is that your only objection?” Adelaide asked.
Thea could hear tension in her sister’s question. This betrothal was bad news to more than just herself. She placed her hand on Adelaide’s again.
“No, Addy, it’s not. I do not think Sebastian values me as I want to be valued as a wife.”
“That affection and regard can grow.” A mask fell over Adelaide’s face as she stood. “We need to go and ready ourselves, sisters.” She brushed off Thea’s hand and moved to their room.
Thea stared after her. Addy loved Sebastian. Could this get any worse? What a mess. Had her father just spoken with her prior to accepting Sebastian’s proposal, all of these hurt feelings could have been avoided.
Talk turned to more mundane matters. Thea felt thankful that the conversation between herself, Viviana, and Esmay about their dreams had not continued. She wished she could fix things between herself and Adelaide, but that didn’t seem possible right now.
Her mind flew to the words of Catrin. “I curse you! I curse you to learn what selfishness brings!” She could still hear the cry of the witch in her mind. The memory of it made her shudder. Was it mere coincidence?
It had to be. Her father’s actions had upset both she and Adelaide. He did not realize what he had set off. If she were being fair, which she had no interest in at this point, her father had not behaved in a way that was so out of the ordinary. He was a good man and a good father. He chose a strong prince for her, but by not consulting with her she and Adelaide were unhappy.
And Isobel! What to do about Isobel? She cared for Casimir. Thea chose to put aside that Casimir bore some fault in this by being attentive to Isobel. If—when—she and Casimir were able to finally be together, Isobel would be hurt.
Truth be told, Thea was a little hurt that none of her sisters save Adelaide knew her well enough to have noticed the feelings she and Casimir had for one another. Well, maybe her mother knew. It didn’t help matters, however.
So many unpleasant things to face. Was this the curse Catrin had spoken of? Thea shook her head and stood up. She would not dwell on it. While Catrin indeed had the power of an enchantress, that didn’t mean she could really curse someone. What a silly notion.
***
Later that afternoon, everyone had gathered in the gardens. More socializing. Thea sighed. Her personal feelings aside, she’d always thought becoming betrothed meant a time of great excitement. Thus far, all she’d really done was be trotted about by either her father or Sebastian. Her face ached from smiling.
Her father and Sebastian had finally moved off to chat together, leaving her sitting with her mother and some of her sisters under a large shade canopy. The garden felt heady with the scent of the flowers.
Thea picked up her fan from the small table and vigorously tried to cool her face.
“My lady, may I join you?” Lisette, her Lady in Waiting, stood in front of her.
Thea smiled. “Lisette, of course. I’ve hardly seen you these past few days.”
Lisette sat in a chair on the other side of the small table. “It’s been a very exciting past few days, my lady. I can certainly understand that you were otherwise engaged.”
Thea looked at her, and then burst out laughing, in spite of the general malaise she couldn’t seem to shake off.
“Really, Lisette, stop! I’ve missed you, too.”
Lisette smiled. “Why didn’t you tell me that you were about to be betrothed? I was surprised.”
And hurt, if Thea knew her friend. “I would have, on my honor. You and I were equally surprised.” She looked out at the garden, not wanting to meet Lisette’s eyes.
“No!” Lisette said loudly. Her exclamation drew the gaze of Ceridwen. Lisette inclined her head to the queen, and then turned back to Thea, lowering her voice.
“You had no idea that Sebastian had asked? I’m not surprised at his asking. He’s been trailing about you like a dog after a bone. I suspected it was only a matter of time, but didn’t the king speak with you once he’d asked?”
Thea shook her head. “No. I had no idea, not even when he drew me up on the dais, what was coming. Or rather, I had an idea, but it was completely wrong.” She risked looking at Lisette then, and then down at her lap. “Needless to say, I did not know my father’s intentions.”
“Did Casimir not speak with your father?” Lisette spoke in nearly a whisper, leaning forward, her tone gentle.
Thea’s head whipped up.
“Why…why would Casimir speak with my father?” She kept her voice steady. She and Casimir had worked so hard to not draw attention to themselves. She would neither confirm nor deny anything about him.
“Thea. I am your oldest friend. I know you. You and he were generally most discreet, but as your oldest friend, and as the person charged with looking after you, I could see it. I am rather surprised Her Majesty did not intervene.” Lisette stopped, unwilling to go further.
Thea understood. “My mother knows. Or, at least, I think she does. It seems she does….”Thea broke off, impatient with her own dithering. “I don’t know. I think she does.” She huffed. “Fat lot of good it’s done.”
“Thea, I am sorry.”
“Oh, so am I. It’s all a terrible mess, Lisette!” She dropped her voice to keep from wailing. “I don’t want to marry him. I think Adelaide does, though. And now, Casimir is angry at me—oh, my!” Her hand flew to her mouth.
“What?” Lisette looked worried.
“We need to find some time to talk in a less populous area,” Thea said. Her little gasp had been noted by two of the ladies who had come to the shade canopy to speak with her mother.
“I am unsure, my lady. I would be honored to assist you with your wardrobe, but have not been favored with your schedule,” Lisette said slightly louder than necessary. She’d seen the two ladies, who of course were terrible gossips, as well.
“I shall consult with my father, Lady DeKasen. I am most appreciative of your offer of help.” She smiled graciously at Lisette, and then did what they privately referred to as “The Gaze.” She’d seen it employed, not only by her parents, but by most of the visiting monarchs. It allowed the king to casually look to see who was watching while looking completely unconcerned. Thea could never understand why so many didn’t see right through it.
Allowing her eyes to travel in The Gaze, she met the eyes of both of the ladies. She gave them both small smiles as they each made a curtsy. Unfortunately, they must have felt an invitation, because they changed course, like ships under sail, and headed for where she and Lisette sat.
So much for sitting quietly. Thea stifled a sigh, and gave Lisette a sharp glance when she didn’t stifle hers.
“Lady McIvers, Lady Tottenham, how good it is to see you. Join us.” She knew they wouldn’t leave, so might as well get it over with.
“Thank you, my lady. It would be an honor,” Lady Tottenham said. Thea wanted to roll her eyes at the simpering manner, but didn’t. This was part of court life.
“May we offer our sincere congratulations, my lady?” Lady McIvers smiled genuinely.
“I thank you both. Princ
e Sebastian is a good man. I am fortunate my father looks after us all so well.”
“He’s a well favored prince, my lady,” Lady Tottenham giggled. “The king has indeed looked after you well!” She and Lady McIvers both laughed at that.
“With several princes in attendance, we can hope for more announcements of the same,” Lady McIvers said slyly.
“Oh, yes, my dear Prudence!” Lady Tottenham tapped Lady McIvers’ hand with her fan. “Wouldn’t that be delightful?”
“Indeed it would,” Lady McIvers replied.
Her gaze was caught by a glimpse of Casimir. His black hair was shot with glints of blue in the midday sun. He came under the canopy with Isobel on his arm. Seeing her to a seat near Ceridwen, he stood for a moment talking with the queen. Thea strained to hear their conversation, but she couldn’t catch their words. Whatever he said made the queen smile and Isobel giggle, a flirtatious, coquettish sound that ground across Thea’s nerves.
“My lady?” She pulled her attention from Casimir when Lisette’s voice broke into her thoughts.
“I am sorry, ladies.” She smiled widely. “I did not attend. I found myself slightly overtaken by the heat.”
“Of course, my lady,” said Lady Tottenham, while she and Lady McIvers exchanged a glance. Thea noted that Lady McIvers glanced forward to watch Casimir with the queen and Isobel, and then not-so-discreetly nudge Lady Tottenham.
“We are all looking forward to the wedding,” Lady Tottenham pretended there had been no nudge.
“Oh, a royal wedding,” sighed Lady McIvers. “We haven’t had one here since your parents’, Your Highness, and what a lovely day that was!”
“Oh, yes! Indeed it was!” Lady Tottenham quickly agreed. “Her Majesty was so very lovely, she took my breath away when she entered the chapel! Do you remember her train, Prudence?”
“Yes, I do. I must tell you, my lady,” Lady McIvers said to Thea, “All the ladies were most envious of it! A masterpiece of lace! Has Her Majesty shown it to you?”
“She has, yes,” said Thea. She wasn’t sure why they were dithering around with old memories like this, but it kept her from staring daggers at Casimir.
Thea's Tale (Sisters Of The Curse Book 1) Page 6
