by M. J. Haag
“A kind gesture.”
If he truly thought so, then I had never met two people more matched. If not for Cecilia’s tendency to destroy, maim, and kill, I would leave the Prince to her greedy aspirations.
“While I appreciate the prospect of a smaller crowd, limiting our guest list, now, would only cause ill will among the people of Towdown and the Kingdom of Drisdall. I fear my need for quiet conversation will need to wait until I’m wed.”
“Or until you invite us to dine with you again,” Porcia said.
He chuckled.
“Indeed.”
“Perhaps a color-themed ball, then. The ladies could dress in red and the men in royal blue.”
“A fascinating idea. However, I did enjoy the mystery of the masks.”
Cecilia’s smile became a bit more brittle.
“And I wouldn’t have this ball become a financial burden on anyone but my father,” he said. “With so many already having masks, it seems the wisest choice. Plus, there is a certain level of equality when those with a less discerning eye cannot gauge the social standing of their partner.”
For a moment, the conversation came to a halt.
“Eloise told us of your lovely trophy room, Your Majesty,” Maeve said, breaking the uncomfortable silence. “Perhaps, when you’re finished, you would be so kind as to show it to Cecilia.”
He looked at Cecilia.
“Dead things interest you?”
I almost choked on my mouthful of tender meat.
“What interests you, interests me, Your Grace,” Cecilia said skillfully.
“Then I would be delighted to escort you. But only if Eloise and Kaven follow us as chaperones.”
Cecilia glanced at me, her smile never faltering. But, I could see the resentment because I was once again being included.
I nodded my agreement, only after Maeve gave her consent. When I glanced at Kaven, he watched me intently, not even trying to hide the attention he bestowed me. Shifting my gaze to my plate, I took another bite. I needed to remain focused on the Prince and Cecilia, not the memory of the time I’d spent dancing within Kaven’s embrace. Yet, that was exactly where my mind dwelled. I recalled each touch and each look until my skin heated. Surely, he wouldn’t say or do anything in Cecilia’s presence that would give away our time together.
Too nervous to eat more, I set my fork aside, a signal that I was finished. As if the Prince had been waiting for me, he put his aside as well then stood.
“Shall we?” he asked, offering his arm to Cecilia.
Something brushed against my right arm, and I looked up to find Kaven standing beside me.
“Miss Cartwright?” he said formally.
I placed my hand in his and stood. His fingers caressed my skin as he set my hand on his arm. Steeling myself against Kaven, I looked at Maeve who watched us closely. This time, I was far too wise to show any preference for Kaven.
Giving her a small nod, I focused on Cecilia and the Prince as they left the room ahead of us. No matter the discomfort caused by the spell binding me to Maeve’s proximity, I couldn’t let the Prince and Cecilia out of my sight.
Whereas Kaven and I walked with a respectable distance between us, Cecilia leaned toward the Prince, letting his arm brush against her side.
“Do you plan to stay at the Retreat long?” Cecilia asked as they entered the adjoining room.
“Only until a bride is announced,” he said. “My father will require us to live at the palace from then until the vows are spoken. After that, there is a tour of the kingdom to present the new princess.”
“That sounds lovely,” she said. “Will the King tour with the bride and groom?”
“That has not yet been decided.” They slowed their pace to walk among the creatures. I was so focused on them that Kaven’s abrupt halt made me stumble.
His eyes twinkled with amusement.
“There’s no need to follow them further,” he said. “We can watch from here.”
Even as he said that, the pair disappeared behind the largest bear I’d ever seen. I was about to protest that we needed to follow when I heard Cecilia’s next question.
“What is this?” A moment of silence followed. “Please tell me it is not a cameo of your late wife. I cannot hope to win your affection from a ghost.”
Those words were spoken with sad acceptance, but I knew better.
Kaven’s gaze turned serious, and he led me forward. We rounded the bear to find Cecilia touching the prince’s chest, her fingers circling a spot near the end of his cravat.
“It is not a cameo,” he said, taking her hand. “And my affections are not held by a ghost of the past.”
“Such news relieves me,” Cecilia said with a smile. “If not a cameo, what is it? It has an odd shape. Might you show me?”
He chuckled and began loosening his cravat. I didn’t think. Instead, I purposely stumbled into Kaven hard enough to send him into the bear. The next few seconds slowed. The Prince glanced at the unstable bear and Kaven. Kaven reached out to prevent the creature’s fall. Cecilia, her gaze fixed on the stone barely peeking from the Prince’s loosened clothing, clasped a hunting mallet from a nearby display.
Without thought of consequence, I threw myself into the Prince, sending us both away from the rocking bear. He landed with a grunt, and my forehead connected with his chin as I toppled onto him.
“Forgive me, Your Majesty,” I said, already scrambling off.
He blinked up at me with a widening grin as I offered him a hand.
“You continue to surprise me, Eloise. And no forgiveness is needed for such a selfless rescue.” He rose to his feet without aid and righted his clothing. I breathed easier when the amulet was safely tucked away once more.
The Prince took my hand and bowed low over it. The feel of his lips on my skin sent a tingle of fear through me. What had I done?
“I will never forget this moment,” he said.
He released me and looked over my right shoulder.
“Shall we continue our tour?”
I moved to the side, too afraid to look at Cecilia.
“Of course, Your Grace,” she answered smoothly, stepping forward to take his arm once more. “Are you well? The fall didn’t hurt you, did it?”
“No. I’m well. Your sister truly acted heroically.”
As they moved on, I looked up at Kaven. He studied me carefully.
“What was that all about?” he asked softly.
“A clumsy attempt to right a possible wrong,” I said. “My stumble sent you into the bear, and it looked like it might topple onto the Prince.”
“And me. Or did you forget I was here.”
The words cut deeply.
“I didn’t forget. However, the King is less likely to imprison me if injury befalls you. I’m truly sorry, Kaven.”
He didn’t offer his arm again as he went to follow the Prince and Cecilia. Heart breaking, I followed in Kaven’s wake until the couple completed their tour and returned to the dining room.
“Your daughters are lovely,” the Prince said with a smile at Maeve. “Would you care for an after-dinner libation before you depart?”
“Please,” Cecilia all but purred, not yet relinquishing his arm.
We moved to the sitting room where the Prince gracefully detached Cecilia and went to his favorite place before the fire.
“Mistress Cartwright, I would like the honor of walking Eloise home,” he said without preamble.
Maeve’s brows rose in shock. My stomach pitched, and I glanced at Cecilia. Cold hatred burned in her eyes. Porcia looked stunned.
“Chaperoned, of course,” the Prince assured. “I will have one of my staff follow us.”
I looked at Maeve, who watched the Prince closely. That she was pleased with the offer was evident in the ever so slight curving of her lips.
“While I would never deny the Crown Prince anything, as a Mother, I must also protect my daughter. A walk alone after dark is hardly suitable for an
unmarried miss, even with a chaperone. I must ask what your intentions are.”
“A show of gratitude, only. There was a mishap in the trophy room, and Eloise showed great care for my safety. I wish to repay that care with a few moments of my time. That is all.”
“But of course, then,” Maeve said. “I will hold you to your promise of a chaperone and trust you won’t linger in the woods. It pains me to let my daughters out of my sight. This world can be a terrible place without the protection of a parent.”
Understanding lit. Maeve would not free me from my curse for this walk. The moment she left me, I would feel the sickness of separation until I reached the estate’s boundary.
Kaven arrived with the tray of drinks.
“Kaven, fetch Mrs. Wallace. I would like her to accompany me when I escort Eloise home.”
“Here,” Cecilia said standing. “Allow me to serve in your place as the hour grows late.”
Kaven reluctantly handed her the tray and left the room. Cecilia served the Prince first, saving the last cup for herself.
“A toast to friendships,” Cecilia said, raising her glass. “May ours continue to grow.” She stared into the Prince’s eyes as she took a sip.
“Indeed,” he said, lifting the cup to his lips.
While Cecilia guided the conversation, I drank deeply of the sweet wine in hopes it would help dull the sickness to come. A pleasant numbness spread throughout my body before I emptied the glass.
An elderly woman entered the room. Her white hair was piled on top of her head in a long braid and a cloak was pulled over her shoulders. A pang of guilt struck me as her eyes swept the room. Walking through the woods was probably the last thing she wanted to do this evening.
“Ah, Mrs. Wallace,” the Prince said. “Thank you for joining us.”
“Of course, Your Majesty.”
He drank the remainder of his wine and set the cup to the side.
“Come girls,” Maeve said, standing. She curtsied to the Prince. “I will await my daughter at home.”
He nodded and turned to me as Maeve and the others left the room.
“A few quiet moments at last,” he said. He held out his hand to me then cringed. “If you will excuse me for a moment.” He hurried from the room, leaving me alone with Mrs. Wallace.
“Hello,” I said with a smile I didn’t feel. My insides were already starting to twist violently. “I’m Eloise. It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Wallace.”
“And you too, dear. The Prince seems quite taken with you.”
“I’m nothing more than a curiosity to him.”
“Oh? Why do you think that?”
“I’m told my mother once saved the kingdom.”
“Indeed, she did. You look like her. Her hair was dark, though, and her skin paler.”
“You knew her?”
“I’m old enough to know most people,” she said with a smile.
Kaven strode into the room before I could ask her anything further.
“Mrs. Wallace, the Prince requests your presence.”
Her brow rose.
“I know. That is why I’m here, silly boy.”
Kaven grinned.
“It would seem the Prince’s dinner isn’t agreeing with him.”
“I see.” She looked at me. “Excuse me, Miss Eloise. It was a pleasure to meet you.”
As soon as she left the room, my insides gave a violent pull.
“I must go,” I said. “Please make my excuses.”
I hurried to leave the room before I vomited on the floor, but Kaven grabbed my arm as I passed him.
“I can’t allow you to walk home alone.”
Chapter Eleven
“Is this the leisurely pace you would have set with the Prince?” Kaven asked.
His long legs had no trouble keeping up with me.
“You needn’t sound so jealous,” I said, too miserable to censor my words. “He is the one who wanted to walk me home. One does not deny the Prince what he wants.”
“You’re right. Most people wouldn’t deny him. You are not most people. If you didn’t want to walk with him, you would have refused.”
He grabbed my arm again to stop me. My stomach heaved with the need to get to Maeve, and I kicked him in the shin. He yelped as he released me, and I picked up my skirts to run, no longer caring about appearances.
Surely Maeve had to know this would happen. What had she been thinking? The Prince would have been put out if I emptied my stomach in front of him.
Kaven caught up with me the moment I crossed over the estate’s boundary and everything eased inside of me. This time, when he grabbed my arm, I stopped.
“Why did you kick me?” he demanded.
“Because you’re being a grabby ass,” I said, pulling my arm from his. “The Prince asked to walk me home, not lay me on the grass and have his way with me. Unlike you, who has taken uncountable liberties with me, the Prince’s behavior has been above reproach. Now tell me truly, would he have done something to me on this walk home?”
“It’s not what he might have done but what you might have allowed,” Kaven said.
I slapped him hard, the crack ringing through the trees.
“I have never allowed any man what I’ve allowed you. And I regret—”
Eyes blazing, he gripped my shoulders and kissed me with a fury that left my lips bruised and body aching. After a moment, his hold softened. His hands smoothed down my arms, and I lost myself to the sweep of his tongue against mine.
Kaven was many things to me, but most of all, he was my anchor. The one bit of reality I could trust to be true to me with his feelings and his words. He was angry and hurt because he thought he might be losing me to the Prince. And he was right. I hated everything in that moment. Mostly myself. I didn’t want to break Kaven or his dream of a future with me.
I poured the desperation and need I felt into the kiss, and when he finally pulled away, we were both gasping for air.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered.
“Don’t,” I said, placing my finger over his lips. I needed him. Not just in that moment but in my life in any capacity. I stood on my toes to kiss his chin and jaw. Then, I reclaimed his lips for a bittersweet kiss.
“Will you wait here for me?” I asked softly. “I must return to the house so no one comes looking for me. But will you wait for me to return once everyone is abed?”
“Yes.” The word was hoarse and full of need.
I kissed him once more then fled.
Inside the house, candles lit the entry, and the glow of the fire from the sitting room let me know that Maeve waited. However, she wasn’t alone. Cecilia paced before the fireplace while Porcia sat nearby. All three looked at me the moment I entered.
“Traitor,” Cecilia hissed.
“What were you thinking?” I countered, knowing I walked a dangerous line. “That he would just stand there as you clubbed his amulet? You risked us all with your rashness.”
Her eyes widened, and she glanced at Maeve, who stilled.
“What happened?” Maeve asked with deadly calm.
“A small lapse in judgement, Mama,” I said. “I’m sure it won’t happen again.”
Her gaze narrowed and pinned Cecilia.
“You were going to attempt to crack the amulet? While he was wearing it?”
“If it was cracked, we wouldn’t need to worry about which of us held his interest,” Cecilia said quickly. “I could cast a—”
Maeve stood and stalked toward her daughter. Porcia winced as her mother struck her sister hard. Cecilia didn’t make a noise though I knew it had to hurt.
Maeve turned to me.
“Does he suspect?”
“No. I pushed him out of the way under the ruse that I was saving him.”
Maeve exhaled slowly.
“And the walk home? Were you able to make any progress toward capturing his interest?”
“Even if he hadn’t fallen ill and been unable to walk me, it would have been im
possible to do more than run home because of the spell,” I said.
Her gaze darkened again.
“Are you reproaching me?”
“No, Mama. I’m explaining the reason behind my failure. I cannot hope to compete with Cecilia or Porcia when it comes to the Prince.”
She studied me thoughtfully.
“But only because of the restrictions. He’s very drawn to you with little effort from yourself.”
I said nothing.
“Tomorrow, you and I will go to town. We will see if you’re worthy of my trust. Perhaps then, you will be a true contender.”
Cecilia hid her fisted hands in her skirts as her mother turned to her.
“I find it odd that the Prince fell ill just after we left and was unable to escort your sister as he planned. Do you have anything to say on the matter?”
“I intend for him to wed me.”
“I see. And the illness?”
“A simple powder in his drink to loosen his bowels. Nothing magic. Only an undetectable compound of herbs.”
“As I said this morning, I care not which of you weds him—only that one of you does. Do not let your jealousy and ambitions prevent us from attaining our goal, Cecilia. When one of you succeeds, we will all be rewarded. There will be no more mistakes from you. You will not improvise. If you find yourself unable to follow my command precisely as it’s given, I have no need of you. Do you understand?”
Cecilia’s angry flush drained from her face, leaving only a ghostly paleness.
“Yes, Mama.”
Maeve looked at the three of us.
“You’ve taxed me. I will speak with you all again in the morning.”
She swept from the room; and Porcia, still seated, looked from Cecilia to me.
“Leave,” Cecilia said, and Porcia quickly fled.
Cecilia closed the distance between us. Though I knew she couldn’t hurt me physically, she and Maeve had taught me there were worse forms of punishment.
“I will share a bit of advice with you, dear sister. Daughters are easily replaced. Never forget that.”
With those ominous words spoken, she left. I waited until her door closed to go to my room. There, I listened at the vents, waiting for the house to settle. My mind whirled with too many thoughts. What would Maeve’s test of loyalty entail, and did I want to pass it? If I passed Maeve’s test tomorrow, she would surely push me to win the Prince on her behalf. If I didn’t pass it, she would still use me to bed the Prince. I was running out of time. Relief coursed through me that I’d asked Kaven to wait.
