The Seeking Series Box Set

by D. R. Grady

  His eyebrows soared. “Why?”

  “She doesn’t want someone to force her to open the treasury. To use her.” Henry’s eyes narrowed.

  Lajos glanced at Ari. She nibbled her bottom lip before nodding. “Stefana could be used by someone intent on stealing your wealth.”

  His new bride was as busy gnawing on her bottom lip. “Until we have someone here permanently guarding the treasure, I’d like you to remove my ability to open this door. I’m the weak link right now and would prefer that I can’t open it.”

  Her reasoning was spot on. It made him curl his fists to think of someone snatching her, especially to steal their treasures, but she was correct. If he removed her ability to open the treasury right now, it might add to her safety.

  “The only reason I will do this is to maintain your safety.”

  Ari stirred, but then she clamped her lips shut. He knew what she had been about to say. If they didn’t think her useful to them, whoever snatched Stefana might kill her. On the same token, as the queen, and wife of an Aasguard, it would prove beyond foolhardy to do so.

  A risk to remove her ability, but he felt Stefana’s absolute belief that this was the right thing to do. Lajos could deny this woman nothing. He had no desire to deny her.

  Yet, he thought he might have a better solution. “Taking away your ability to access your own treasures feels wrong to me. What I shall do instead, is in the event someone tries to force you to open the door, this chamber will suck you in and keep you safe until such time as someone worthy frees you.”

  Stepping beside her, he placed her hand on the wall and then covered it with his. Pulsing power through her into the wall, he waited until the ensuing glow dissipated before removing his hand.

  She lifted hers off the marble and glanced at him.

  He nodded. “Try it now.”

  Once again, Stefana placed her hand on the wall. It allowed her entry.

  Ari grabbed her and spoke in a harsh voice. The entrance didn’t discern who held Stefana, only read her instinctual response of fear. She recoiled.

  Stefana, trembling a little, because Ari had surprised her, placed a shaky hand back on the door. As soon as her hand came in contact with the marble, it sucked her person through the entrance. But did not allow entry for anyone on their side, especially not Ari, who held her.

  In seconds, the door hardened to solid marble again.

  “Perfect.” Satisfaction shot through him. This is exactly what he desired.

  He opened the doorway, and Stefana stepped through the space.

  “I am pleased with this safety precaution, my love.” His satisfaction remained.

  In response, she lifted up on tiptoe to kiss him. He appreciated the manner in which she showed her thanks.

  It took some doing, but he resisted the urge to tug her close for a more intimate kiss. With the people here, despite them all being family, such behavior was still inappropriate.

  The temptation pressed hard though.

  “I feel the same way.” She leaned in to whisper this and he felt a matching desire within her.

  It was good to be married.

  Chapter 15

  They had only just ascended back into the palace when the butler hobbled toward them. Stefana frowned at him. He shouldn’t still be working. This man should have been enjoying retirement. She guessed he remained in his position only because it had meant he was able to eat and stay warm at night.

  If he had retired, he would have likely been one of those who had succumbed to the cold. Her heart ached for him. They would see to it that he obtained the medical attention he required.

  He stopped in front of them. “Your Majesties, there are more of those peculiar boxes on their way here.”

  “Thank you, Fitch. Has there been any medical care here?”

  He looked stunned at her question. “Oh no. Not for years.” His expression might have been the same if she suddenly sprouted another head.

  “We shall change that, as well.” Her statement was a pledge, and she wasn’t surprised when her mother whipped out her handheld crystal and made a note. “Mama, you will see to this?”

  “Healthcare is a necessity. I’m guessing there isn’t even one facility left now?”

  “Not that I’m aware.” Fitch winced. “They were abandoned, and then people moved in because they did have running water and heat, you see.”

  “There is no need to explain. We fully understand.” Her mother waved that away. And she did understand.

  Lajos and Ari conferred with Stella while she and her father left the palace to see Fitch’s “peculiar boxes.”

  The transports snaked through the countryside, out of place amongst the dead vegetation and decrepit buildings. The cream-colored transports, hulled out cocol pods, gleamed against the blackened patches. She had learned a lightning storm caused much of the fire damage.

  Waiting until the foremost transport halted in front of them, she padded toward it to open the door. It whisked open and a man wearing Oxland livery leaped out. “Your Majesty, these are from the King of Oxland.”

  “Please thank your king. We heartily welcome whatever he sent.” Hopefully, he had sent fresh food.

  The beaming man opened the door behind his compartment. A bright array of fresh fruits and vegetables greeted her. “Oh, thank you Eduard.” Clasping her hands in front of her, she and her father inspected the contents of each transport.

  Lajos, Ari, and Stella joined them soon after. “These tools are very welcome.” Lajos eyed them with satisfaction. Every sort of tool imaginable for the men, but every sort of kitchen equipment also filled the transports.

  “Everything you need to begin tilling and planting the ground again.” The Oxland representative, whose name was Hobbs, pointed to a corner of one of the transports. “Those are tools for growing the best coffee in the region. Oxland is too far north. Our king thought you might enjoy growing your own.” Hobbs winked. “He wouldn’t be against you sending him some of your fine beans once they’re ready, either.”

  Stefana chuckled. “You may assure your king we’ll be happy to send him coffee beans. Please heartily thank him for us, Hobbs. We very much appreciate this.”

  “We should be thanking you. This place has been an eyesore for far too long. Now with good royals in place, it should prosper again.”

  “You may be certain of that.” Lajos didn’t raise his voice.

  Hobbs bowed. “We’re thankful, your highness.”

  It didn’t take long to unload the transports. Some of the wares were carried to the palace, but the majority went to the makeshift kitchens of the people. When they spotted the fresh food, many of the women burst into tears.

  Stefana couldn’t bear it and enfolded several of them in her arms. Deep inside she made a vow.

  Her eyes met her husband’s and with his Aasguard ability to read intent, knew he understood her vow. And supported her oath. They would see that these people never went without the basics needed for survival again.

  The older women here would know what to do with the fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, and meats. They contained their emotions and then together, they began peeling and chopping and soon had oil sizzling in pans and water boiling in pots to produce food some of the children had likely never eaten.

  No sooner had Hobbs left with Eduard’s now empty transports, with a full belly and a glow from their appreciation, than a new train appeared over the horizon. It came from the direction of Montequirst.

  When this door opened, Stuart exited the front pod. Stefana jumped into his arms, nearly crying at the familiar face. “I’m to stay for a few days.” At his pronouncement, tears did come. Her mother also hugged him while her father and Lajos thumped him on the back.

  “You won’t believe what you see here.” She didn’t know how to prepare him.

  “Your mother sent pictures last night. That’s why Raene sent me instead of Bruno.” Stuart’s mouth flattened into a grim line as he surveyed the area.r />
  “The palace will be a shock in a different way.”

  “What did Raene send?” Her father asked Stuart.

  The Assistant Castle Keeper opened a transport door and they were greeted with barnyard scents. And a moo.

  More tears gathered in her eyes. “Oh Raene.”

  “I imagine you don’t have facilities to hold these beauties?” Stuart, trained in all aspects of maintaining a large house, was right on the mark.

  Some of the men who were finished enjoying their first real meal in ages, wandered up. “We can start building barns and the like . . .” But the man who spoke trailed off.

  “We don’t have building materials.” Another man finished succinctly.

  An older man snorted. “We have places to live, better than where we were. Why don’t we use what’s left of all our homes? Not worth much but if we all combine what we had, we’d be able to build something nice for this livestock.”

  “We can replace your homes at a later date,” Lajos agreed. “We have farming tools, and I thought I saw Eduard had also included building tools.”

  Stuart waved toward a different transport. “I brought additional farming and building implements. Figured if you didn’t have lumber, we could cut down some trees.” He surveyed the landscape. “Didn’t realize most of the trees would only be scrub.”

  “Between all our shacks, we should be able to pull together enough decent lumber to build fencing and a shelter for these beauties.” The older man sounded sure of himself.

  “Are there any of you who have tended livestock before?” Stefana patted a black and white head.

  “I reckon I know how,” the older man said. His companions laughed.

  “Gil here used to own the largest dairy in the nation.”

  She didn’t ask for the details as to why he no longer did. Ostard had much to answer for. “You are hereby in charge of Swiftland’s new livestock.” She glanced at Lajos, whose smile told her all she needed to know.

  “Thank you.” Emotion clouded Gil’s voice.

  “Thank you.” Lajos clapped him on the back and then moved away, giving the man time to collect himself. Stuart tugged Gil into the transport. From the moment the man stepped inside the pod he relaxed.

  He passed between the cows and moved on to the chickens, goats, oxen, and sheep. All of which were sorely needed here. Horses stamped their feet in the next transport

  “Now wait, when Ostard kidnapped me, there were horses.”

  “There are stables behind the palace. Should be room in it for the other horses, even if things get a mite bit tight.”

  “Do any of the people here have horses or cattle at all?”

  “A few of the fancy still had horses, but I’m guessing a lot of them got the point where they needed to eat them.”

  Stefana barely managed to halt a shudder. If the formerly wealthy had resorted to eating their finest horseflesh . . .

  She coaxed two of the horses out of the transport and stumbled. Lajos caught her. “What’s wrong?”

  Of course he would notice.

  Her father spoke for her. For which she was grateful, because the lump in her throat prevented her. “This is Maddie, Stefana’s favorite mount.”

  The mare knew her, whinnying and pressing against her, probably seeking the carrots Stefana usually carried when she sought out her favorite mount. “Maddie and I have been through a lot together. I can’t believe Raene sent her.” No need to mention her lack in riding skills, so having a gentle, understanding mount was paramount to her even being able to ride.

  Lajos greeted Maddie and then poked his head into the transport. “Are you kidding?” His mutter was left unanswered as he ducked into the transport and led out a magnificent stallion. This one jet black and a prize to any horse breeder.

  She gaped. “She sent Isaac?”

  “As I recall, Isaac wouldn’t even let Vidar ride him. Only Lajos could get close.” Her father shook his head.

  Isaac, the magnificent beast, stood docilely with Lajos. And had allowed the Aasguard to ride him. “I’m quite happy to welcome Isaac to Swiftland.” He turned to Gil. “Are there decent horses here?”

  “Since Ostard wed that little Montequirst lass, yes. He liked horseflesh, so he made certain to buy the finest.”

  Lajos’ eyes narrowed.

  It didn’t take a genius to realize what transpired inside her husband’s mind. Between her mare, and the two others inside the transport, plus Isaac, they might be able to build a decent horse breeding reputation. Isaac was sought out from all over their planet. He alone could help to increase their coffers.

  “I can’t believe she sent two of the nicest horses in her stable.”

  “These two are great, but they’re not a huge loss. Think about the Montequirst stables.” Stuart patted her head in that annoying manner he had.

  She hissed at him. Exactly what he wanted. “She knew you’d fuss. So she told me to be certain to assure you this is a gift, but it’s not in any way going to hurt them. Besides, she said if they need Isaac for breeding purposes, she knows where to find him.”

  “Right. Any time they need his services, she knows we’ll cooperate.”

  “Exactly. She knows what she’s doing.” Stuart eyed Isaac. “I can assure you most of the grooms were happy to see him go.” He indicated the currently well-behaved stallion. “You must have a gift.” Respect flared in Stu’s eyes.

  “Isaac and I understand each other.” Lajos patted an impressive flank. “He’ll make inspecting the kingdom easier.”

  “Yes. As will Maddie.” Since Raene’s mother, Margina, had fallen ill and died, there had been no time to ride. It had been a long time. Stefana hadn’t missed the exercise, but now, in light of seeking information, longed to saddle up right now. Alas, it was not possible this second. Instead she handed off the second mare’s bridle to Stuart. Two men who had been hovering now stepped forward.

  “We both are grooms.” They glanced at each other. “Former grooms.”

  “Who has been looking after the previous king’s horses?”

  “There are still a couple of men who look after them, but the king had to sell a few beasts.”

  “Would you like to be employed again?” Lajos placed a calming hand on Isaac’s head.

  “We would.” The smaller of the two men took Isaac’s bridle. The horse side-stepped, but the man soothed him in the manner of a person who understands horses. “Come with me, fellow.” He also took Maddie’s bridle and led the two horses around the palace.

  “You wouldn’t know this, but he’s about the best horse man around.” The other man used his chin to indicate the one with their favorite mounts. “Can’t believe Ostard kept the other two and let Cully go. He knows horses.”

  “If Ostard fancied himself knowledgeable about them, then he’d have felt threatened by your friend Cully.” Lajos had lived long enough to understand human nature.

  “Cully can get a horse to do practically anything.”

  “From what we know of your previous king, Ostard did likely notice and probably resented this.” Stefana tried to remove her opinion on Ostard from the discussion. A difficult endeavor.

  Lajos placed his hand at the small of her back. “We’re thankful to have knowledgeable people here.”

  “If you wish to build an outstanding horse breeding program, which you should consider, with these thoroughbreds and those already in the stable, Cully will do that and some for you.”

  “It’s on my mind.” Lajos nodded. “We appreciate those of you who have suggestions and especially, the knowledge to accomplish these goals.”

  Another man, who leaned both hands on a simple stick he used as a cane, entered the discussion. “You’ve got all the knowledge you need here.” He used a hand to indicate the people hustling with renewed purpose all around them. “What we didn’t have was the means.”

  “We’ve got that.” Stefana looped an arm around Lajos’ waist. “But there are so many needs here.”
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  “Been waiting a long time for people like you, lassie.” The man’s eyes gleamed. “Expect we can be patient now that you’re here.”

  A murmur of assent circled the group. “We’ll give you all the knowledge and muscle we have.” Another man, also older, offered.

  “That’s all we ask.” Lajos pressed her close and she thought maybe everything would be okay. Despite the overwhelming amount of work that needed done. Of the staggering number of necessities they still required, they had knowledge, volunteers, and funding.

  “We’ll see this through. Together.”

  Following his beautiful wife into their bedchamber that evening, Lajos had difficulty believing this was his life. Stefana’s scent encased him and enticed. As usual.

  “Supper was delicious tonight.” She removed the pins from her hair and turned to smile at him.

  His heart stalled for a span of time. It took him precious seconds to breathe again. “Yes. Having actual food has rallied the troops.”

  Since she was close and his wife, he tugged Stefana into his arms. “We have time before your maid comes, right?”

  “She’s not coming tonight.”

  “Are you certain?”

  “Oh yes. I was correct that Stuart is smitten with her.”

  He frowned. “He only just met her.”

  “Remember when Raene and I discussed how my previous maid, Genny, disappeared one day? She didn’t show up for work and that wasn’t like her?”

  “Yes, I do recall that conversation now.” He savored her warmth and the sweet curves pressing against him.

  “It turns out she didn’t disappear on her own.” Stefana’s voice was so tart, he released her to peer into her face.

  “Ostard kidnapped her.” He stated that with some heat while stifling the pithy comments he’d like to make. “And substituted Olga to be his spy in Montequirst.”

  “He did. He switched the two women, wanting Genny because she’s beautiful, but Lalika happened to recognize Genny. She likely figured out Ostard’s plan. She promptly made Genny her maid and sent word to the servants to protect her. Which, from what Genny said, they all did. Genny hid in the kitchens after Lalika died. This proved to be a wise move.