by Tara Brown
“We thought you had drowned. Your uncle had to stop me from jumping in. He saw you surface as I was about to come and find you,” Lord Ivor shouted angrily.
“I’m flattered you would jump into the sea and ruin your fine garb just to save me.” Lenny smiled as she neared the dock.
Ivor reached down and offered her an arm.
She didn’t want to take it but worried he and Alek might notice the way her muscles trembled from the oxygen deprivation she had caused them. She reached up and let him pull her from the water. His eyes burned as he stared down on her, holding her uncomfortably close to him. “You should be more careful.”
Scar interrupted the intense moment, cutting in and sniffing Lenny, checking her over. Lenny leaned on Scar so her legs didn’t buckle.
“Lord Ivor’s right.” Uncle Alek sighed, running his hands through his hair. “Ya nearly sent me to an early grave.”
“I still might.” Lenny winked at him as she gently pulled her hand from Lord Ivor’s and scratched behind Scar’s ear. “But look at the other thing I found.” She reached into her pocket and produced the blue gemstone. “I think it must have been worn at one point, it looks cut. Though I can’t imagine who would wear such a large stone.” She held the palm-sized gem in her hand for them to see. “I think the jellyfish was attracted to it. He swam there and vanished.”
“You were under the water too long, my dear.” Alek laughed dismissively and wrapped an arm over her wet shoulders.
“Resembles an armor jewel,” Lord Ivor said, bending down to inspect the stone. Lenny lifted it a bit so he wouldn’t have to bend too low. He was quite tall next to her, particularly when she was barefoot. “I’ve seen them on the ancient armor in the memorials. You may have actually found something here. Yet I’m not certain it is worth nearly dying for.”
Lenny laughed, pretending he wasn’t accurate with that statement.
“And, Alek, I owe you dinner. You were correct. She is a fast swimmer, and I have never seen anyone hold their breath that length of time.” Lord Ivor’s eyes set on Lenny’s. “Nor do I hope to see it again.”
“Indeed, me either,” Uncle Alek scolded.
“You’re a pair of worrywarts,” Lenny lamented and picked up her shoes. She and Scar made their way up the dock to where her family and Ollie waited.
“Lenny, I think you can hold your breath longer this summer,” Edwin said with a sigh. “You’ve scared us all with that.”
“Yes, we thought perhaps a shark got you,” Amaya teased.
“You always think of sharks,” Lenny joked and only the three sisters laughed. No one else got the joke.
“Thank you for checking my boat, Miss Ilenia,” the stranger in the group, who Lenny believed to be the captain, spoke, “I’m Captain Lübeck.”
“You’re very welcome, Captain.”
“Were you able to determine what might have hit us?”
Lenny pressed her lips together, contemplating lying but decided against it. “Something scratched your boat. It wasn’t hit by anything. More attacked.”
“Really?” His eyes narrowed and he stepped closer. “You could see markings of this—attack?”
“I could. I held my hand up to the marks and noted whatever did them had the same claw spread as my fingers.” She knew how she sounded.
Everyone paused and stared at Lenny, even Hilde.
“A mermaid, perhaps?” her mother asked, her lips twitching into a grin.
“Perhaps.” Lenny smiled.
“She has an imagination, this one?” the captain asked.
“Not normally,” her father said without a hint of humor. “In fact, if Lenny said she saw a mermaid, she saw a mermaid.”
“Well, that’s not what she said, darling. She said the boat was attacked by mermaids.” Elsie laughed harder.
Lenny blushed and was about to step back from the crowd. Her uncle cut in as he walked over with Lord Ivor next to him, “I saw it too. Strangest damned thing I’ve ever seen on a boat. And I saw one that was attacked by a squid. This was no squid.” Alek wasn’t laughing. In fact, he was equally confused about it. He had intended to speak to Lenny privately about the matter, but she’d gone and said it aloud.
“You saw it?” the captain asked, perfectly serious.
“Indeed. As did my crew. We had her slightly careened to help dry the tar and could see the tops of the damage. Not one of us recognized the markings. And it’s as Lenny says, they look as though she wore a set of claws and attacked the boat with the strength of a silver wolf from the Brown Mountains.”
Lord Ivor stood next to his friend, the captain, whose eyes were narrowed when Lenny met them. She knew he doubted what she’d said. Fortunately, Scar nudged her, whining.
“I should get these guys home for some water. I’ll meet you back there. Should I start packing?” Lenny asked her mother, trying not to sound rude but it was difficult.
“No, I packed for you this morning. Now that Amaya is joining us for the trip, what are your plans with the hounds?” Elsie asked her daughter, also trying to hide her attitude. Though it wasn’t easy when Lenny was stubborn and unrelenting about everything.
“I was under the impression the hounds would be joining us on the journey,” Lord Ivor spoke before Lenny could. He stepped close to her, rubbing Scar’s ears and neck. She leaned into him to receive more. Ollie saw this and hurried over from where he was chewing the same stick he had the other day and wedged his way into a snuggle. Henry joined the affection seeking, making Lenny and Lord Ivor laugh.
But the joy was short-lived.
“Bring them, the hounds, to Waterly City?” Elsie’s voice was nearly shrill.
Lenny grinned wide. “Yes. Of course they’re coming. They’ll keep us safe from wolves in the mountain passes of the King’s Road and be company for Henry.”
“That’s what Lord Ivor is for,” her mother snapped.
“I’m but one man.” He too smiled. “And I insist.”
Elsie’s left eye twitched, but she nodded her head and backed down, something Alek enjoyed the view of.
“Honestly, what would the hounds do on the farm for a month without Lenny?” her father asked. “Scar is nervous when she can see Lenny. Imagine how worked up she’d be if she didn’t know what kind of trouble our girl was getting herself into.”
Lenny rolled her eyes. “I’m never in trouble, Father.”
Everyone laughed at that, even Lord Ivor. “Why do I doubt that?” Ivor asked, the smile remaining on his lips.
Ignoring him, Lenny turned to the captain. “It was lovely to meet you.” She curtseyed to him. “May the wind always be at your back, sir. And I’ll see you all shortly.” She left with a slight wave and the hounds at her side.
She walked for the forge, certain her father would be right behind her. He did love Master Barnes as everyone did. And he always had a question or two on projects he needed done.
As she had guessed, he caught up with her a moment later. “Is that going to be a problem for you?” he asked with a smug tone.
“What?” She scowled but continued toward the forge.
“Lord Ivor and your mother working as matchmakers?” The question made Edwin laugh. Had it been either of his other daughters he wouldn’t have batted an eyelash at it.
“She might be scheming, but I daresay he has no interest in that. He’s done nothing but mock me since he arrived. He bet against me being able to hold my breath, or did you miss that?” She lifted an eyebrow and continued walking.
“Hey!” Edwin grabbed his youngest child by the arm and spun her, staring down on her. “What is the bee in your bonnet today? You’ve been moody since ya woke.”
Lenny thought about lying, but she needed to hear it from him. “Did you know Hilde has been promised by Mother to the prince, the sickly child rather, in Waterly? Did you agree to this?”
He furrowed his brow and the very same emotions passed by his eyes. He wanted to lie but he didn’t. “Your mother is an old
friend of the queen, from before I met her. They grew up together. Her parents died in that tragic accident. The queen’s father raised her, they’re like sisters. The understanding was made the day Prince Landon was born. Hilde was two years old and your mother and the queen wanted to join their families as they always dreamt of. We had no idea she would be as beautiful as she is, just as his parents couldn’t have known he was sickly. And your mother doesn’t have the gall to ask them to dissolve the agreement. She can’t do that. She recognizes the stress this puts on their family.”
“Okay.” Lenny understood and was relieved to hear it, though it changed nothing for Hilde.
“Does Hilde know—never mind. Of course she does. You three can’t keep a secret from each other to save a life.” He stepped back and sighed heavily. “I understand, she must be devastated. But in truth, the boy isn’t as unwell as they say. I’ve heard from close friends that he does better than anyone is told. And he will be king.”
“For how long?” Lenny couldn’t help her anger lashing out. “How long before he dies and poor Hilde is brokenhearted, widowed, and alone in the city?”
“There’s no changing it, Lenny. So you must build a bridge and get over it.” He pulled her to him.
“But why keep it secret?” Lenny wasn’t in the mood to build a bridge.
“Assassins. Naming Hilde as the future queen would put a mark on her back, even as a child. Your mother stopped visiting the queen, save a few times over the years. To avoid any suspicion.” He steered them toward the forge where Ollie was already sitting for his treat and Master Barnes was smiling to greet them.
And as her luck for the day had been, James was nowhere in sight and Lord Ivor and Henry were hot on their trail. Lenny decided to head for the path to home, to avoid spending any more time with Lord Ivor than necessary. Especially if her mother was working her evil and meddlesome ways.
Chapter 10
“I’ll put the horses and animals away for the night, Father, so you can get back to your inventory planning,” Lenny said as she walked from the barn where she’d spent her afternoon avoiding everyone.
“Thank you.” He glanced at Hilde and Amaya as they sauntered along behind him. “Make sure you actually help her.”
“Of course.” They smiled sweetly, following Lenny to the barn where she called Asher in from the field, coaxing him with an apple.
Lenny’s eyes drifted to her father as he walked into the house with her mother following behind.
“Spill,” Amaya said quietly.
“It was arranged at birth, his birth that is,” Lenny spoke quickly, assuming what they wanted from her. “They kept it a secret so as to protect you, Hilde. No one could know or else you would be in danger from anyone angry with the throne or who had a plot.”
“Dear Gods,” Amaya gasped as Hilde brought her hands to her lips.
“We were two and he was an infant when the deal was struck. They couldn’t predict that he would be sickly. Mother is an old friend of the queen’s from before she met Father. She didn’t have the heart to ask that the arrangement be broken when the fates decided he would be unwell. She thinks of the queen as a sister, apparently.”
“How could we not know this?” Amaya gasped.
“Mother hid it to protect Hilde. Everything has been to protect this union.”
“Of course,” Hilde agreed. “What a tragedy. Adding a request such as ending it would be unnecessarily cruel to a family friend. And I will not add burden to this family by being rude or disagreeable. I will love him for as long as he has. And depending on his heart, perhaps as long as I have.” Hilde leaned against the wall and stared out the window. The story had improved the young prince in her mind. The difference of two years was nothing to get over. And now that she had learned the sad story of their betrothal, the state of his health wouldn’t be either.
“Hopefully, we come upon some lively pubs on the King’s Road,” Amaya offered weakly. “You will need to spend as much time dancing as you can.”
“Amaya!” Lenny groaned.
“That wasn’t nice, Amaya.”
Realization hit her and Amaya put her hand up to her mouth and blushed. “I’m so sorry, Hilde. I just meant because he might lie in bed all the time and not be able to dance you around.”
“It was insensitive.” Hilde frowned at Amaya who nodded remorsefully. “And I don’t want any of us to treat him differently. I’m certain he will not appreciate pity. He is the prince. We will be polite and treat him with kindness.”
“Did Mother say anything to either of you?” Lenny asked.
“Of course not.” Amaya scoffed. “She’s going to be livid when she finds out we knew before she wanted us to. Do you think Father will tell her?”
“No.” Lenny shook her head, sticking her hands in her damp pockets and finding the stone she’d put there. It was still warm, no doubt picking up the heat from her body.
The orange kitten interrupted them by bouncing over to where they stood with his back hair on end and ears back. He leapt into Amaya’s arms and hid his face in her armpit.
The girls laughed at the silly kitten who broke the tension they’d been suffering with all day.
“Oh, Sir Kitty,” Amaya cooed rubbing the small kitten down with love. She wandered to a hay bale and sat, cradling him.
“Okay, back to work,” Lenny said with a sigh and walked to the yard.
Hilde followed but paused in the doorway of the barn, watching her sister do the work. She wanted to help Lenny with the chores, but her mind was busy, once again, imagining everything that would take place. She had plotted it all out, how it would happen.
The carriage would finally arrive at the estate she was to be married at. It would be finer than anything Hilde had ever seen.
She would step out and remove her bonnet, letting it fall over her shoulders, still attached by the ribbon around her neck.
A man, a handsome man, would walk to her. He’d be everything she had pleaded with the gods for. Charming, handsome, wealthy, sophisticated, and kind. He would kiss her gloved hand and she would feel the heat through the silken fabric.
He would offer his arm and she’d take it, letting him lead her to her new home.
It was a perfect dream, always finished off with a delicate kiss.
And now it had to be changed.
He wouldn’t walk to her; she would be escorted to him. He might be in bed, or perhaps in one of the chairs that wheeled people. He would be frail and slight.
But that didn’t have to mean he wouldn’t be charming or kind or handsome.
A soft smile rested upon her face as she pictured their kiss. Perhaps she would sit next to him and he would cup her face and lean in.
Perhaps it would be romantic and perfect, nonetheless.
“Girls!” their mother called from the house. “Time to finish packing for tomorrow. I have everything laid out, but you must pack your trunks, one each. Last dress you intend to wear goes on the bottom of the trunk and first dress you intend to wear on top. You may only bring two bonnets each and there is limited space so they must sit in one box.” She clapped her hands and waited for them to come to her.
“Sir Kitty, I will be back,” Amaya said and placed a kiss on the orange kitten’s fluffy head. She nestled him in some hay, making a bed, and followed Hilde inside.
Lenny led the last horse into the stables in the barn and chased a couple of chickens into their coop. She closed everything up and went inside to find her father again at the table with his inventory manifest.
“All closed up?” he asked without lifting his gaze to hers.
“Yes.” Lenny sat at the table, across from him, and eyed the paperwork. “Who will tend to the farm if you and Wilf are both leaving to fish?”
“Wen will come and stay.” He lifted his eyes to meet hers. “Amaya asked him to so she might be able to join Hilde and attend the engagement party. His mother has agreed he may take whatever time off he needs from the haberdashery t
o be here when I am away.”
“Of course he said yes.” Lenny rolled her eyes.
“I need to say something to you before they come back downstairs,” he whispered and leaned in. “The city is a dangerous place and the royals are almost always on someone’s bad side. You must promise to be careful.” His words surprised Lenny. She imagined he meant for her to take care of the other two, but they weren’t. He pointed at the ceiling. “They’ll be fine in the city. They fit in. But you will be the fish out of water.”
“I’ll blend with the paupers as I do here.”
“But you misunderstand something, Lenny. Here you blend in, yes, but the truth is people know you are my daughter, you are protected. In the city, if you try to blend as one of the working class, you will be abused. No one will protect you.”
That gave Lenny pause.
“But if you are under the king’s protection and you remain in the places where young ladies ought to be, it will be as it is here. No one will attempt anything.” He sighed heavily. “Promise me you will be a lady in the city. No running off or doing whatever you like, and you’ll keep those hounds next to you at all times.” His eyes darted to Scar and Ollie asleep on their down beds.
“I promise, Father,” she agreed. “But I don’t understand why I must go. Perhaps it’s better if I stay. We’re both anxious about it. If Amaya is going, what need do they have of my being there? Hilde has a sister to be her chaperone.”
His eyes narrowed and he nodded. “I suppose you’re right. If I’m to be gone for a fortnight at sea, the farm would require both you and Wen. And I never did want you going.” He rose quickly and walked to the stairs. “Elsie, my love.” His words didn’t match his tone.
“I’m rather busy, Edwin. Is it important?” she bellowed down the stairs.
“I’ve decided Lenny should remain behind. I can’t spare her, and with Amaya accompanying you, there is no purpose for her to go.”
“What?” her shrill voice cast down the stairs as though it sought Lenny out. Her heavy footsteps thumped above Lenny’s head as she stomped to the stairs. “This is all arranged, and we have delayed the journey for her specifically. And Wen is coming to care for the farm. Honestly, Lenny must come! It is time for her to be put into society if she is ever to find a husband.”
