Beguiled (The Fairest Maidens Book 2)

by Jody Hedlund

  The queen tapped one of her jeweled fingers against her lips. Even at the late hour, she was adorned with gems from the glittering emerald bracelets on her wrists to the sparkling diamonds in her ears. I couldn’t remember a time when I’d seen her without her opulent display.

  “Very well,” the queen replied. “I shall consider your request. But first I should like to meet Prince Mikkel.”

  So that she could lock him up?

  “Invite him to the palace for a banquet.”

  “There is no need for the trouble. We can send Ruby to him.”

  “I cannot give him my daughter without assessing his willingness in so great a matter.” The queen spoke her lies so smoothly. Had anything she’d ever spoken to me contained truth?

  “You need not assess him. He will do this if I but ask.”

  Even as I fought to keep my feelings for him locked far out of her reach, her eyes narrowed and probed deeply. “We shall hold a banquet on the morrow. And you shall invite him to partake of the feast with us.”

  I wanted to protest again, but I couldn’t, not without eliciting more suspicion. As it was, she had trapped me once more into doing her bidding. The glimmer in her eyes told me she knew it.

  My only option for saving Ruby was to invite Mikkel into her clutches. The queen wouldn’t set me free—not if she needed my heart. But I would pray Mikkel’s offer of an alliance with Scania would satisfy her enough to allow him and Ruby their freedom.

  And if she detained him with the hope of drawing Vilmar out of hiding? She might be able to confine him a short while, but she would have to set him free erelong.

  Truly, I had no concern over what became of me, as long as Ruby and Mikkel were safe.

  As if sensing my conclusion, the queen waved a hand at one of her guards. “Take Princess Pearl to her chambers. Once she has written an invitation to Prince Mikkel, bring it to me so I might also add a personal note. We want him to know he is indeed most welcome here in Warwick.”

  I didn’t resist as the guards drew up alongside me and took my knife. Before they could usher me away, I pressed a hand against Ruby’s cheek, silently imploring her to remain strong no matter what the future held.

  She placed her hand over mine, her eyes assuring me we would get through this together. She’d grown taller over the year I’d been gone. At twelve years of age she was almost my height—and almost as brave.

  The queen spun and glided from the room, pausing in the doorway. “See that the servants draw a bath for Princess Pearl and make her as beautiful as possible for the feast.” She smiled at me over her shoulder. “After all, why not give the prince more incentive to do as you request?”

  My stomach rolled with growing unease. Did the queen think she could use my beauty to manipulate Mikkel? Had she guessed we had a relationship that went beyond friendship? What she didn’t know was that Mikkel would feel betrayed and hurt when he realized I’d been lying to him about my deformities. It would diminish his feelings for me, not increase them.

  As the queen exited into the hallway, I allowed my shoulders to slump with despair. I prayed that after such betrayal, Mikkel would still be willing to take Ruby with him to Scania.

  Mikkel

  Gregor and I searched the city throughout the night, questioning everyone we met about whether they knew of another way into the castle, perhaps a secret passageway. The architects had surely planned for a second entrance and exit, knowing that having only one so high up the mountain might prove deadly during a siege.

  If there was another way inside, no one knew of it. Growing weary and frustrated, we returned to the tavern at the first hint of dawn, ready to quench our thirst and sate our hunger before we climbed up to the gatehouse and waited for it to open.

  As soon as we stepped into the dim interior, I sensed the change in atmosphere from the proprietor and other patrons who were already awake. Gone was the friendliness. Instead, hostility spiked the air, and I sensed we were no longer welcome there.

  The tavern owner handed me a rolled-up parchment. “This came for you while you were gone.”

  As I took it, I followed his gaze to a deep-red wax seal. It bore the imprint of two lions standing rampant, forelegs raised, ready to strike.

  “From the queen herself.” His voice was accusatory.

  How had the queen discovered our presence here at the tavern? Had someone we talked to during the night notified her of our questions? Worse, had she forced Pearl to tell her?

  My gut churned at the prospect that Pearl’s mission had failed. Though I wasn’t pleased she’d gone into the castle on her own, I’d held out hope that her plan to kidnap Ruby would prevail. After all, Pearl was intelligent, quick-thinking, and capable. If anyone could achieve the daring feat, she could.

  “When did this come?” I asked.

  The proprietor glared at me. “A few hours ago. Soldiers came for Prince Mikkel.”

  I didn’t confirm or deny the man’s silent question about my identity. Instead, I slid my finger into the seal and broke it. Unrolling the missive, the first thing I noticed was Pearl’s signature near the bottom.

  My worst fears had been realized. The queen had captured Pearl.

  I wanted to slam my fist into something but forced myself to remain calm. I scanned the sheet, all the while aware that every pair of eyes in the room was upon me, gauging my reaction.

  “You are officially invited to attend a banquet in the royal palace. Her Royal Highness, Queen Margery, requests the opportunity to meet you before giving Ruby over to your guardianship.”

  Pearl’s note was impersonal, almost cold, with an invitation from the queen at the bottom. It was obvious the queen was manipulating Pearl into doing her bidding, no doubt using Ruby as leverage. It was also obvious Pearl had bargained with the queen so she would release Ruby to me. Likely she’d offered her own life to save Ruby’s.

  Protest burned in my chest.

  The tavern owner cleared his throat, but once again I refused to acknowledge him. This wasn’t his business, and the less he knew about it, the safer he’d be.

  I’d attend the feast, but I wasn’t leaving with just Ruby. I’d make my offer of an alliance with Scania, but with the stipulation that the queen release Pearl to me as well. Of course I wanted to help Ruby escape to safety. But I wanted to save Pearl more than anything.

  The simple truth was that I loved her.

  I sank to the nearest bench, the revelation too overwhelming and the prospect of losing her too staggering. Somehow over the past weeks, I’d fallen in love with Princess Pearl.

  It didn’t matter anymore what was beneath her veil. Even if she was scarred worse than Gregor, I still loved her. I loved her for who she was and not for how she looked. Wasn’t that what I’d been learning in my Testing—not just to accept people who were different but to actually love and cherish them for their uniqueness?

  I sat up taller, straightening my spine and resolving to love and cherish Pearl as long as we both lived. She was worth more than a country. She was worth more than a kingship. She was worth more than my own life. She was priceless. And I’d do anything for her.

  “I shall need a bath and clean garments.” I directed my request to Gregor. “Come what may, I must dine with the queen and shall present myself to her as favorably as possible. If I am to negotiate for the release of Princess Pearl and Princess Ruby, I shall need every advantage.”

  All I had at my disposal was negotiation. I would have to work hard to bargain with the queen and pray she would accept.

  Chapter

  20

  Mikkel

  As the double doors of the great hall swung open, I straightened the royal-blue tunic along with the fashionable breeches and hose Gregor had managed to find. I didn’t ask him how he tracked down the garments, but he had likely gained the cooperation of the tavern owner.

  Gregor had assisted me with bathing and shaving as well as trimming my hair. When finished, he plaited one thin strand on the side
and left the rest unbound. For the first time since sailing away from Scania, I had the appearance befitting a prince.

  During a moment of wishing for a mirror to examine myself, I’d realized how much I always relied upon my appearance for confidence. As part of my Testing, not only had I needed to see past the appearances of others, but I’d needed to see deeper into my own motives. In comparing myself to Vilmar for so many years, I’d tried to compensate by making myself look better. Now it was past time to accept our differences, and in particular, accept myself.

  Even though I was no longer on the Isle of Outcasts with my official Testing, I could still continue to grow no matter where I was or what challenges I faced. In fact, perhaps that was the true Testing—to mature my entire life in every circumstance and to accept that even kings weren’t exempt from growth, especially kings who hoped to do great things for their people.

  Whatever the case, I had to present myself to Queen Margery with the bearing of a king. To do any less with this crafty woman would diminish my chances of securing Pearl and Ruby.

  Squaring my shoulders, I started through the doors and into the great hall. The room was teeming with guests, and at my appearance, the murmur of their voices faded, leaving only the soft strum of a harp. I strode forward regardless of the attention upon me, infusing each step with determination and purpose.

  Drawing near the dais, I scanned faces, finding Gregor’s in the shadows of the kitchen hallway where he’d told me he’d wait. Pearl wasn’t amongst the nobility. Instead, the queen sat upon her throne, watching my approach with undisguised interest.

  As I regarded the queen in return, I had to stifle my surprise at how beautiful she was. Although I’d only seen Pearl’s face above her veil, it was obvious she’d inherited her mother’s beauty. They shared the same elegant features, same lustrous raven hair, and same mesmerizing green eyes.

  I stopped at the bottom step of the dais and waited for Lord Anise, the nobleman who’d served as my companion since entering the castle, to now present me to the queen.

  “Your Royal Majesty.” Lord Anise stepped out from behind me and bowed low to the queen. Perhaps in the past I might have been impressed by a young man like him—handsome, witty, and clearly having earned the queen’s favor. But after months of living with the outcasts, I saw past his outer demeanor and recognized him as someone who was looking for advancement at court by any means possible. Men like him weren’t trustworthy and could easily switch loyalties depending on what they could gain.

  He rose and then bowed toward me, although not as fully. “May I present Prince Mikkel Holberg, son of King Christian of the great kingdom of Scania.”

  I refused to kneel before this queen. Doing so would feed her appetite for power, and I couldn’t allow her to believe even for a moment that I was weak in any way. Instead, I dipped my head in the greeting between equals.

  She held out her hand. Each finger contained multiple rings with varying jewels, and her wrists, numerous bracelets of emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and diamonds. She was obviously putting her wealth on display—or at least what she had left of it.

  I couldn’t ignore her as I wanted to do, but I waited several seconds longer before I took her hand and pressed the barest of kisses there. As I straightened, her gaze was cool, as though she recognized my slight toward her authority.

  “Your Majesty, thank you for the invitation.” I infused as much coolness into my tone as possible.

  “Princess Pearl insisted.”

  That was a lie. Pearl hadn’t wanted me to come near the queen, had wanted to protect me from the same ill will that had befallen Vilmar. But if the queen wanted to play this game of deception, I would allow it.

  “I could not deny her,” the queen continued, “especially when she indicated you are willing to provide sanctuary to Princess Ruby.”

  “Scania is willing to provide sanctuary to both princesses. After all, they are family.” Since my mother was related to Queen Margery, Pearl and Ruby were my distant cousins, though family ties had nothing to do with why I wanted them to live in Scania.

  “You are gracious to make such a generous offer. However, since both colluded in plotting treason, I must hold at least one of them accountable. Do you not agree?”

  The queen’s attention flickered to a side room. Was that where she was holding Pearl? I had the urge to run over, throw open the door, and set Pearl free. But I held myself back. I had to use caution, or I’d cause more trouble for all of us.

  “I know nothing about treason,” I answered. “But Princess Pearl has assured me of her desire to leave Warwick. She will nevermore consider returning and will live out the rest of her days in Scania.”

  The queen’s keen eyes remained upon me as though trying to read my mind. “Princess Pearl is beguiling, is she not, Your Highness? Surely you can agree a beauty such as hers has the power to influence a man, even one as strong as you.”

  I had to answer carefully lest I fall into one of the queen’s traps—one of the many she was setting for me with each sentence she spoke. “Princess Pearl is indeed beautiful. But she has proven her true power to influence comes from within.”

  The queen sat back against her throne, a smile playing upon her lips. “She has already beguiled you.”

  I shook my head. “No—”

  “I see it in your eyes. You care about her. Dare I say you even love her and wish to take her back to Scania to be your wife?”

  A part of me wanted to tell the queen the truth, that Pearl was already my wife. But would the queen be more agreeable to my bargaining if she felt as though she had more to give in exchange for an alliance, especially if she could offer Pearl as my bride?

  I needed to force her hand now, in front of her court. Then we would have witnesses to whatever agreement we might reach. “I am prepared to provide you an alliance with Scania in exchange for both princesses.”

  “You are but a prince and have no authority to make such a decision.”

  “I shall be king.”

  The queen smiled, but her lips were thin and her eyes cold. “What about Prince Vilmar? What if he becomes king instead of you?”

  Something in the way the queen spoke baited me, almost as if she hoped I would be willing to work against Vilmar to eliminate my competition for the throne. I kept my expression neutral, unwilling to reveal that the bond with my brother went beyond our Testing and that I would never betray him.

  “Vilmar may be charming.” I chose my words with care. “But he isn’t cunning enough to become king.”

  The queen watched me, waiting for me to continue.

  “I shall become king, and therefore you would do well to remain in my favor, especially because an alliance with Scania would be of great benefit to your country.”

  She tapped her lips with one finger. “Perhaps.”

  Before I could say more, she stood, and several servants rushed to aid her. She started toward the table that was already set with fine linens, crystal goblets, and silver dishes. Kitchen servants hovered in a nearby hallway holding platters and jugs. The waft of mutton and other roasted meats hung in the air.

  I hadn’t partaken in a grand meal since the one in honor of our commissioning for our Testing the night before we left Scania. But I had no appetite for one today, not unless I could guarantee Pearl’s safety.

  “I’m sure you are already well aware of the benefits of forming an alliance with Scania.” I could list them, but I didn’t want her to believe I was desperate—even though I was.

  She paused near her chair at the center of the table. “Yes, but your father already spurned me, did not think Warwick was good enough for him.”

  “I am not my father.”

  “Then you love Princess Pearl?” She pinned me with a gaze that wouldn’t allow me to deny it. And why should I, when admitting it could seal the bargain?

  “Yes. I love her.”

  Chapter

  21

  Pearl

  Mikkel
loved me?

  I sagged against the buttery door.

  He loved me. The prospect was too great to comprehend, and I could only stare at the crack of light coming from underneath the door, illuminating the darkness.

  He still believed I was blemished. He’d never seen me without my veil. For all he knew, I was unbearably ugly underneath. And yet, he loved me regardless.

  Warmth blossomed deep inside, and I couldn’t contain a smile. Though the circumstances were appalling and my body was still trembling with fear at what the queen would do to Mikkel, the realization that he loved me so unconditionally awoke in me a sense of belonging. Belonging together.

  Though I’d clung to the notion of annulling our marriage someday, I knew now I never would have been able to make myself go through with it. Not when we belonged so perfectly to each other.

  “So you think that by bringing Princess Pearl to Scania and marrying her you will forge an alliance with Warwick?” The queen’s voice was much too calculated.

  Mikkel was silent for a long moment. Would he reveal that we were already married? I wasn’t sure that doing so would aid his cause in rescuing me. In fact, I suspected nothing would, not when the queen needed my heart for her alchemy.

  I leaned against the door again and bowed my head. What had I expected now that I knew the truth about his love? That Mikkel and I would be able to live happily ever after together? Such endings only happened in fairy tales.

  “Having Warwick’s princesses in Scania would give my country more reason to contribute to Warwick’s successes.”

  “You have given me much to ponder, Prince Mikkel. I shall discuss the matter with my advisors and then decide. For now, let us enjoy the feast.”

  The harp music began again along with the clinking of goblets and dishes.

  I could only pray the queen would agree to Mikkel’s proposal of an alliance. But even if she did so here in front of her court so publicly, she was not as principled as Mikkel. While he was a man of his word and would follow through with a vow, the queen would think nothing of changing her mind. If she wanted my heart, she would find a way to get it, no matter what promises she made to Mikkel.