Melted By Love

by Lily Thomas

  She wished to make up for her bad attitude, so she would try her best to behave around Lord Gothar, but she couldn’t make any promises.

  Everyone in the manor was already seated, and she felt every pair of eyes watch her as she made her way to the table at the other side of the hall. Why did the lord’s table have to be all the way across the hall?

  “Nice of you to join us this afternoon.” Lord Gothar remarked from where he sat.

  Jasmine sat and gritted her teeth. After his behavior last night, her late arrival was the insult? “I apologize. I had some trouble sleeping last night.”

  Adorra looked between the two of them, and Jasmine knew she worried they might snip at each other at any moment. Jasmine took a deep breath and tried to cool off. She was going to stay civil. She wanted to make life easier for her sister.

  “If you had awoken this morning, you would’ve heard the news I received from my messenger.”

  Lord Gothar wanted to pique her curiosity so she would ask him for more information. He wanted the satisfaction of hearing her ask, and sadly for her, she was curious by nature.

  “What message did he bring, then?” She asked, as she picked up a slice of bread and buttered it. She acted like she wasn’t all that interested in what news he held. Two could play this game.

  “War has started between Arcaern and the rock giants.” He paused for effect, and it worked. Jasmine was instantly engrossed. “I guess the giants on the border decided to take back the land from the king of Arcaern.”

  Jasmine turned to see Adorra's dropped jaw and imagined her face probably looked similar. It was surprising news since the borders were usually quiet. Every once in a while, there would be a small skirmish, but nothing to suggest any of the giants would make a full-on attack.

  “Surely, our king will assist the kingdom of Arcaern.” They lived in the kingdom of Sardarn, and the two nations had little contact, but they couldn’t turn their backs on the humans of Arcaern.

  “So far, it appears our king has decided to stay out of the conflict. I, for one, think it is a wise decision. There is no need to risk our men and families to save Arcaern.”

  “But think of all the innocent people who will surely die if they get no assistance.” Jasmine put down her fork and stared at Lord Gothar, daring him to disagree.

  “It isn't our place. Nor does it matter what we think of these matters. The king will decide what to do with his land and people,” Adorra chimed in, clearly hoping to end the discussion before it got too heated.

  “You’re right, of course.” Lord Gothar agreed, giving her a nod. “The king will be the one to make the decision, and he will make the right decision.”

  “Besides, I doubt Arcaern’s problems will affect us for quite some time.” Adorra reasoned, but Jasmine could hear the slight tremble in her sister’s voice.

  This whole situation was a bit concerning. This war could spread, whether Sardarn wanted to fight in it or not.

  “Well, with the way the giants are advancing, it may soon become our problem. Who knows if they will realize we are two different human kingdoms. They may yet attack us.”

  Deep lines creased Adorra's brow at Lord Gothar’s comment.

  Jasmine rolled her eyes. “He is only being dramatic, Adorra. Let us worry about your wedding. The war is far from us, but this wedding is coming up quickly.”

  Adorra nodded over the table to Jasmine and cast her a weak smile.

  Jasmine couldn’t believe Lord Gothar. Did he have nothing better to do than make his future wife have a heart attack about things that may not even happen? All they could do was trust in their king to make the correct decisions.

  As soon as both of them finished with the mid-day meal, Adorra excused Jasmine and herself from the table. Lord Gothar waved them away negligently.

  Jasmine snorted behind a hand, pretending it was a cough. He wasn’t the master of this manor yet.

  “Would you like to see my wedding dress?”

  “It arrived already? I thought the seamstress would’ve taken more time with it.”

  Adorra gave a bright smile, thoughts of war apparently forgotten. “Lord Gothar was kind enough to make sure it was expedited for when he came to our manor.”

  Of course, he did, Jasmine thought silently. He seemed to want to get this marriage over with, but wasn’t that like every man? It was just an expensive day to them. Jasmine was amazed Lord Gothar hadn’t convinced Adorra just to get married by the king. No ceremony meant no money spent.

  Jasmine had to give Lord Gothar credit for one thing, though. If he was willing to put on a beautiful ceremony for Adorra, then maybe he did have feelings for her.

  “I would love to see it.” Jasmine smiled at her sister.

  “It’s the most current style, what every bride will wear this season, and I will be the first bride to wear it,” Adorra confided proudly.

  As they entered a small side room they both used for embroidery, Jasmine gaped at the dress that greeted them.

  “Well, it doesn't leave anything to the imagination, does it?”

  Jasmine walked around the dress, inspecting it better. The neckline plunged low, and Jasmine could easily imagine Adorra having trouble if she ever bent over. The rest of the dress would hug Adorra's feminine curves to perfection.

  It was like nothing she’d seen before. Women wore this at court? It was definitely eye-catching and beautiful, but it showed off more skin than was usual.

  “Please tell me you never wore dresses like this at court,” Jasmine pleaded.

  “Well,” Adorra blushed, “there are worse ones at court. Trust me.”

  Jasmine’s jaw dropped. She knew her sister was into fashion, but she also seemed conservative. Or so Jasmine thought!

  “Worse? Adorra, you’re getting married. Don't you think you should save some surprises for the wedding night?”

  Adorra broke out into a peal of laughter. “I knew you would say something like that, but trust me, this is what all the noble women are wearing. There is nothing immodest about it.”

  “I’m not worried about other noble women. I’m concerned about you.” Then a thought crossed her mind. “Does Lord Gothar know what dress you had him bring to you?”

  “He was the one who helped me pick it out.”

  “Of course, he did,” Jasmine muttered. Lord Gothar probably encouraged her to pick out this scandalous dress.

  “What did you say?”

  “Nothing.” Jasmine smiled at her sister. “If this makes you happy, so be it. This will definitely get our advisors to drop dead from heart failure, though.”

  Adorra's smile widened. “I didn’t think they would approve, but they are old men. They wouldn’t know anything about fashion, or the changes in time.”

  “Wanted to make an impression?” Jasmine asked with an arched eyebrow.

  “What else is a bride to do on her wedding day?”

  “Drink and be merry.” Jasmine winked at her sister and then hugged her. “I can't believe you’re getting married. It’s only a few weeks away now. I truly am delighted you’ve found someone you like, even if I don't agree with who it is. I promise to keep an open mind and give him the benefit of the doubt.”

  “It’s all I ask.”

  “Have you heard the latest news?” Adorra strode into Jasmine’s room. “This war is going to ruin my wedding.”

  Jasmine turned from where she sat at her vanity. “What news?” It’d been a couple of days since they’d learned anything new about the war.

  “The rock giants are advancing on Arcaern. There are some worries that this won’t be settled with talking.” Adorra had a piece of parchment in her hand that she was scanning while she spoke.

  “May I see the message?” Jasmine held out her hand, but her sister just paced the room without handing it over.

  “It says here that our prince has disappeared, along with his intended bride, the princess from Arcaern. Can you believe this?”

  Jasmine had only met
the prince once in passing, but he’d never impressed her much. “What do they think happened to them?”

  “They have no idea. Some think they ran away together. Others think it was the giants, because of what is happening to Arcaern.”

  “Don’t let this sour your wedding. It’s all far away from us, and we have other things to attend to.” Jasmine wished these messages would just go away. Of course, Adorra would worry about the war. She was like a mother and a sister bundled into one, and she would worry about keeping them both safe.

  “You know, I met the prince a few times. I wasn't too keen on him, but he didn't seem as horrendous as other ladies of the court said.” Adorra explained. “He was said to be a lady’s man and had wandering eyes.”

  “Who could blame him, with all those risqué fashions?” Jasmine asked, referring to the wedding dress Adorra had chosen.

  Adorra sent a frown across the room.

  “Perhaps he absconded with his fiancé, and they’re living a real-life romance in the woods.” Jasmine knew Adorra would like the possibility, and it might help lift her sister's mood. She had to keep Adorra focused on the wedding instead of the war.

  “Doubtful, but thank you for trying.” Adorra smiled over at Jasmine from where she sat.

  Jasmine stood and approached a window so she could watch all the hustle and bustle down in front of the manor house. Lord Gothar had been breathing down the servants’ necks to make sure everything was done correctly in preparation for the wedding.

  Speaking of the devil. Jasmine watched the lord march into the courtyard and correct some detail the servants had overlooked. She shook her head. He kept acting like he was already the master of the manor. Adorra was the older sister and his fiancée, and if anyone could tell him his place it was her, but her sister didn’t seem to think his behavior was unacceptable.

  “Well, maybe he took one look at his bride and decided to run away. Has anyone seen the princess of Arcaern? She could have boils on her face, for all we know,” Jasmine suggested.

  “The prince isn’t the type who would want to be away from court for too long. He loved the women there, and all the liveliness.” Adorra winked over at Jasmine.

  Jasmine shrugged her shoulders. “We can only speculate. Either way, it shouldn't concern us. We have your wedding to worry about, not someone else’s. Let the prince worry about his love interests.”

  Jasmine plopped down beside her sister, who’d finally taken a seat on the bed. She picked up some beadwork she’d been working on for the dress she was going to wear for Adorra’s wedding.

  “Have you thought of a gift to give him?” Jasmine asked, switching topics.

  “On my wedding day? Not really... I mean, I don’t know what he would enjoy. I suppose I can’t count myself as a wedding gift?”

  “Somehow I don’t think you count. You still have a few weeks, though. You could always ask him directly, or you two could always decide not to give any gifts.”

  Adorra threw her hands in the air in exasperation and then let them fall back down to her lap. “There are just too many decisions. Do you have any ideas?”

  Jasmine held up her hands in surrender. “I’m not getting involved in this area. Just wait, and things will come to you on their own. Stressing about your wedding won’t do anything.”

  Adorra nodded. “You’re right. Patience is a virtue, though it sure doesn't feel like it right now.”

  A call was raised from outside, and both of them looked up, then at each other. Adorra was the first to rise and glance out the window. Jasmine stood and set down the gown.

  “It appears to be another messenger.” Adorra glanced over at Jasmine. “I wonder what the letter will say, though I can guess it probably says something horrible about the war in Arcaern.”

  “There is only one way to find out.”

  Adorra nodded to Jasmine and led the way out of the chamber. Down the hallway they went, taking the closest set of stairs, and then exiting through the main doors of the manor.

  Jasmine held her hand up to shield her eyes from the intense light of the sun as they stepped out from the darkened interior of the house.

  Lord Gothar was with his man, Keir. From the expressions marring their faces, they weren't exactly pleased with the parchment the messenger had brought.

  “May I see the note?” Adorra asked as she reached her hand out for it.

  Lord Gothar handed it over. “You won't be pleased. It seems as though the giants have attacked some of our southern towns. People are fleeing the area.”

  Before Adorra had any chance to worry, Jasmine jumped in. “The giants would have to get past the castle to reach us, and I’m sure the Royal Guard would never let something like that happen. We do not need to worry about it since we’re so far north.”

  “Jasmine is correct. The Royal Guard is sure to keep the giants from traveling any farther into our kingdom.” Lord Gothar’s prompt agreement with Jasmine both shocked and pleased her, as she watched her sister's shoulders relax.

  Finally, he had done something nice. It was about time!

  “Now, on to matters of our marriage. We’ve set up the garden behind the manor for the ceremony, and we have set up the ballroom for people to dance, eat, and be merry for the rest of the night.”

  “Sounds wonderful.” Adorra beamed up at Lord Gothar, but he gave only the merest suggestion of a smile before he excused himself with a grunt.

  “Cheerful fellow,” Jasmine noted.

  Adorra playfully punched Jasmine in the arm. “Remember to be nice. After the wedding, you might not have to put up with him, or me, for too much longer.”

  The comment sobered Jasmine up a bit. “I’ve been wondering about that.” Slowly, they made their way to the back of the manor to check out how everything was progressing. “Will you and Lord Gothar remain here, or leave to live elsewhere, like the court?”

  Adorra rushed to assure her, “Of course, we would visit often if we lived somewhere else.”

  “I’m sure.” Only if Lord Gothar allowed her sister to visit. It would all be up to him. He’d probably keep her full with child so she couldn’t travel. “But do you think there is a possibility of you two living somewhere else?”

  Adorra hesitated. “There is a high possibility he will want to remain for a few months at the manor, and then go back to court. He’s very fond of the king’s court.” She said the last part affectionately. Adorra added as an afterthought, “I’m sure you are more than welcome to join us at court.”

  Jasmine let out a snort. “That will be the day.”

  “Didn't think you would like that idea much.”

  Adorra and Jasmine kept joking with each other as they walked around outside, forgetting the troubles of the land, and enjoying some fresh air and sunshine.

  Chapter 2

  The snow fell swiftly, blanketing the pine trees around the camp. Horses snorted into the cold wind as ice giants packed up their tents and saddled their horses.

  Dryden looked out over his men. He trusted them all with his life, and he knew they trusted him to safeguard their lives in return. That was necessary because they were about to travel extremely close to one of the human kingdoms.

  As the rock giants advanced their attack on the humans in Arcaern, Dryden found himself getting nervous about what the humans in Sardarn would do. There was no telling what the humans would do once they were spooked. He just hoped they realized the rock giants were different from the ice giants.

  He didn't need his people getting dragged into a war they hadn't started or wanted.

  Dryden shook his head. The humans were unpredictable and therefore dangerous. It renewed his wish that the humans had never come to this land in the first place. It was a shame the giants hadn’t realized how self-absorbed humans were when they had shown up several centuries ago.

  Today, he planned to cover the border between his land and the land of Sardarn to make sure there were no human troops nearby. He didn’t need the king of Sardarn a
rming his men and coming for Dryden’s people. If threatened, the ice giants would defend themselves.

  Perhaps the humans would push back the rock giants, and then it would end the whole conflict. He could only hope it would be solved that easily.

  “We’re ready to leave.” Mathar, Dryden’s second in command, stepped up beside him.

  With a nod, Dryden strode across the snow to his horse, pulled his black helmet onto his head, put a foot in the stirrup, and mounted his black warhorse.

  Swords were strapped to his back and his waist, in case he needed them. He turned his horse sharply and rode over to where his men were waiting. His armor made him a shadow within the shifting snowflakes. It was designed to make them invisible when the snow fell because the snow never stopped here in the mountains.

  It was time to make their way to the border.

  The days flew by quickly, and every day that passed weighed heavily on Jasmine. She was jumpy about her sister's upcoming wedding. The wedding would definitely change things in the life they’d built together after their parents’ deaths, and she wasn’t sure it would be for the best.

  Jasmine had to consider the unpleasant thought that she was judging Lord Gothar harshly because she was afraid of losing her sister.

  Adorra would be a wife, and then a mother, with less and less time for her sister. For her part, Jasmine wanted to stay out of the controlling grasp of a man for as long as she could. If only she could marry a book, then she would be satisfied for the rest of her life.

  As Jasmine fought with her tangle of emotions, she strolled over to the stables with a good novel in hand. She wanted nothing more than to relax before she went to the hall for the evening meal. She knew she would need a calm mind before facing off with Lord Gothar.

  He was sure to get under her skin with the way he looked at people and life.

  The best place to get away from everyone and all the noise was the rafters up in the stable. There Jasmine would be able to enjoy a seat in the hay and listen to the soothing sounds of the horses. Perhaps she would even take a small nap, while she was up there. Maybe she’d miss the evening meal and spend the night in the rafters of the barn.