by Kris Black
“I see. Thank you.”
Henry bowed and returned to his post by her door. Thomas stood guard on the opposite side.
“Uh, should I bow?” George asked awkwardly, worrying his worn hands together in front of him. His blonde hair gleamed in the lamplight, a stark reminder of their lack of shared blood.
“Of course not. Please come in, George.” Alina stepped to the side and beckoned her brother inside. George hesitated for a moment before entering the room. Alina gently shut the door while George took in the room. It was clear from his look of astonishment that the family’s quarters were not so grand. But then, why would they be as grand as one of the rooms of the heir to the throne?
“These quarters are almost bigger than our farmhouse.” George walked over to her massive fireplace and laid his hand gently on the mantle, as though trying to ground himself in the large space.
“I remember thinking the same thing when Christian first showed me where I would be staying.” Alina collapsed in her favorite chair.
It felt like a relief, speaking Christian’s name aloud. Like a prayer that she finally gave voice to. She realized now, George was the only one in this entire castle that knew what she had gone through before Belmont had summoned her.
“Ah right, you’re used to the life of royalty by now, I would think.” George chuckled a little and sat down on the settee beside her. “How are you really doing, little sister?”
“I’m trying to adjust. This is all so new and unbelievable. When King Belmont first told me, I nearly fainted dead. I miss Christian and the castle terribly.” Alina smiled sadly as she looked at the man who had been her brother. “I suppose I’m not really your little sister anymore.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Alina. I’ve known you since Mother brought you home. I changed your diapers, I helped feed and clothe you for the last eighteen years of your life. You’re my kin by sweat, if not by blood. By heart. You’re just as much as my little sister as Abigail, Kitty or Emma and I challenge anyone to deny it.”
Alina’s smile brightened, and she moved over to the settee, engulfing George in a hug - which he quickly returned.
“You are all my family, no matter what. I just have a larger family now.”
“At least this one won’t have trouble feeding you.” George withdrew and really looked at her, studying her face. “Are you really all right, Alina? You can tell me if anything. I’ll always look out for you.”
“I know that. You’re the best big brother ever.”
“Well, I tried my best for you. For all of you.” He looked away, staring out the large window towards the kingdom.
“We know.” She placed a hand on his forearm. “All of us know.”
A sudden jerk at her core knocked her off balance and George reached out to steady her with an arm. Alina put her hand over her chest, covering the spot where the invisible bond between her and Christian tethered them together. She hadn’t felt it with such force since before they mated and certainly not since she had left the grounds.
Was something wrong?
“What’s wrong?” George echoed her thoughts back to her as he continued supporting her.
“I- I’m not sure.” Alina tried to catch her breath as the bond pulled taut then loosened once more. “Something is happening with Christian.”
George’s brow furrowed in confusion for a moment before an explanation dawned on him. “You know this through the bond?”
Alina nodded, massaging the place on her chest to ease the preternatural aching. “At home, I would just find him and see what’s happening. Being here and unable to know what’s going on, but still getting all the feelings is like torture.”
“Do- do you have any word on Charles?”
“He’s safe. I’ve contacted Christian once. He’ll do everything in his power to help him.”
“If you trust him, then I trust him,” George said, steadfast. “You’d never have sent Charles there if you didn’t think that was the best place for him.”
“It is, I swear it.”
“Is there anything I can do to help you? To ease this pain of being away from Christian?” George helped her sit on her sofa in front of her fireplace.
“There isn’t anything anyone can do, other than proximity. But thank you for offering.”
“Maybe we should have tea before I go back and monitor the rest of the family.”
“Tea would be lovely. Then, maybe I’ll take a nap.” The day weighed on her already.
“That may be best.” George looked concerned as Alina continued to rub the tender spot near her sternum. “Out of all of us, you were always the one I knew I could worry least about. Somehow, that made me worry about you the most.”
Ella burst into the room, striding with purpose. She startled and halted when she noticed George in the room with a gasp, “Oh!”
“Lady Ella, what a pleasure to meet you again.” George bowed and Ella blushed.
“Did you need something, Ella?” Alina interrupted as they stared at each other for a few moments too long.
“Oh!” Ella’s blush deepened and she turned towards Alina. “I was coming to see if you need help to get ready for dinner.”
Alina had completely forgotten that they meant her to join the king and queen to welcome the duke at dinner tonight. “How formal will this be?”
“The Duke of Northurst is like the queen a hundred times over. If I had time to have you fitted for a ballgown, I would’ve. Unfortunately, the seamstress is already fashioning one for your coronation. So, we must find the fanciest thing you own.” Ella had already made her way over to Alina’s wardrobe. “Nothing a large tiara can’t fix.”
George cleared his throat. “I think I’ll take my leave.”
“We need to have a proper get together with the whole family. Soon.” Alina turned to George. “Promise?”
“Promise.” With that, he bowed his head to the ladies and left.
“I know just the tiara for this, it’ll go marvelously with this dress.” Ella set a ruby dress on the bed that Alina hadn’t worn yet. Ella quickly marched to the door and had one guard send down the request for the tiara Ella wanted.
“You’re very serious about all this.”
“Think of this as a battle and what I’m dressing you in as armor.” Ella walked back to the bed and straightened the gown. “The court doesn’t fight with swords and shields, but with words, titles and gowns. I need to make sure you go into this with the best of all of those or I wouldn’t be doing my job as your Lady-in-Waiting or your friend. Now, slip this on so I can get started on your hair.”
The gown was a lovely deep ruby that accented her hair and brought out her eyes. Satin whispered over her like water. The fabric cinched at the waist where the top met the skirt before the skirts fell to the floor like a waterfall. The sweetheart neckline and fitted sleeves of the same material that reached to her wrist. It was simple, yet beautiful. Commanding.
Ella had only just started on Alina’s hair when the tiara and adornments arrived. A beautiful tiara shaped like a headband that came up to a point in the center made completely of diamonds and inset with rubies - with one large ruby in the middle under the point. Along with it, two dazzling ruby earrings and a ruby and diamond necklace so heavy-looking Alina was sure it would break her neck.
“We have to remind the duke who he is dining with, so he thinks before he speaks,” Ella said as she fastened the tiara onto Alina’s head and continued with her hair. “Do not allow him to show you anything other than deference.”
“Nothing other than deference. Got it.” Alina teased, earning her a playful shove back.
“I’m serious.”
“Yes, I understand. I am sure that he will be on his best behavior with my father there, Ella.”
“We shall see.” Ella continued to pin Alina’s hair.
Chapter Thirteen
The Duke of Northurst
Dinner was a court affair. Ella led Alina to the large dining room wi
th Rhys and Henry trailing behind them. The footman introduced Ella first, and she curtseyed deeply before finding her seat.
When Alina walked in, skirts sashaying around her legs, the whole room stood. Rhys and Henry slipped off to the far wall, standing with several other King’s Guard.
“Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Lormount, Princess Alina.” The page announced as everyone in the room stood.
One by one, they all bowed to her—save for Belmont and the queen. It startled Alina to see that her siblings and Edward were also sitting at the table, spread in between courtiers and noblemen. It was an odd moment, and more than uncomfortable, to see Edward bowing to her. A lump formed in her throat. She swallowed hard, trying to force herself to continue to the king and queen.
“Your Majesties.” Alina curtsied.
“Princess Alina, welcome,” Belmont beamed at her. “Please, have a seat.” Belmont motioned to the right.
To his immediate left was Calista, then Felix next to her. Alina moved to the right to occupy the empty seat. Beside her father on the immediate right sat a man she’d never met, but who could be mistaken for no one other than the Duke of Northurst. His resemblance to Felix was uncanny, save for a slightly crooked nose as though it had been broken and not set quite right, the graying of his hair, and sparse wrinkles showing his age.
“Your Highness.” The Duke greeted with a grin, then gave Alina a slight nod of his head when they all sat. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.”
“All good things, I hope.”
The Duke just smiled and watched the last few courtiers file into the room, bowing to the king before taking their seats. Alina chanced a glance at Felix, whose face was grave and lips pulled tersely. Calista leaned in to whisper something in his ear. His face relaxed, but he turned away from her.
Alina’s siblings, at the very least, seemed comfortable. Kitty and Emma were sitting beside each other, tittering over something or other. Elliot was chatting with a marquis about his age. Abigail appeared to be making small talk with one of the ladies from the queen’s court. George was sitting next to Ella, much to Alina’s surprise, and laughing at something Ella had said.
Belmont stood and everyone quieted.
“As many of you are aware, we are meeting tonight to welcome our dear Duke Northurst back to court after an extended period away. It is with regret that the Duchess of Northurst found herself too unwell to travel. We hope she has a swift recovery.” There was a pause for emphasis. “Regardless, I am pleased to have the Duke visiting, as is my ward, his son Felix, Viscount Farley. To celebrate families reuniting, I have brought you all here to enjoy this feast and make merry. Please, enjoy.”
When Belmont returned to his seat, the servers jumped into action serving wine and bringing out the first dish, a thick, squash soup.
“I’m sorry your mother wasn’t able to visit, Felix,” Alina said across the table. “I’m sure she would have loved to see you.”
Felix barely looked up from his soup. Calista frowned deeply, openly glaring at Alina.
Was this such a taboo subject? Did Felix not have a good relationship with his mother? Alina instantly felt silly for bringing the duchess up. Or perhaps Calista was jealous? It must not be pleasant, being reminded that the boy whom she fostered most of his life had another mother.
“My wife has a weak temperament and is often ill.” The duke took a sip of wine, as though discussing the weather. “She has been like this since we married. She sends her love.”
There was a terse shift in the atmosphere like no one dared to breathe. Alina felt as though she had tumbled into a deep pit - not knowing a way out, or where the peril lay.
“But let us speak of happier things.” The duke said as the next course, the servers placed a salad in front of them. “I am happy to reunite with my son. You must be elated, Your Majesty, to have recovered the princess.”
“It brings me great comfort to have her back home, yes.”
“It’s a shame that someone tried to take her from you. I heard news of the attempt on her life.” The Duke said offhandedly, as though discussing the weather.
Alina paused and looked up, startled that he had heard anything about the poisoning. No one at court had mentioned it, leaving Alina to believe that it had been kept as a closely guarded secret. The queen, too, looked startled. Belmont, however, showed no indication of alarm. Was it because he told the duke himself, or was he no longer surprised when people of the court knew something that they shouldn’t?
“Rest assured that I have my best men working on it,” Belmont grunted, taking a drink from his goblet.
“Yes, I’ve spoken to them.” The duke readily agreed. “I was immensely concerned about the welfare of our princess. It seems that between your men and mine, we have come up with a culprit of the whole affair.”
“What?” The queen spoke up, her face flushed and mouth slightly agape.
“Do tell, Northurst.” The king waved his hand and a hush settled around the room.
The Duke stood, as though ready to make a toast. “Your men did a fine job at finding a number of suspects and having them interviewed. Through the power of deduction, there could only be one person with means and motive to attempt to take the princess’ life.” He pauses for a moment as he stared down the table. More than one person shuffled nervously. “Duchess Briarbay.”
Scandalized gasps tore through the dining room, followed by the scrapping of chairs. The queen stood, looking terrifyingly menacing at the Duke of Northurst. Near the middle of the table, a portly middle-aged man who had been sitting beside the duchess stood, her husband the Duke of Briarbay. The duchess sat still beside him, her face drained of all color and hand pressed to her chest as it rose and fell quickly.
“What insolence is this?” The Duke of Briarbay shouted, his face red all the way up to his thinning, disappearing hairline. “How dare you accuse my wife?”
“She knew that the poisoned comb she sent the princess was one that the princess had admired at the market.” The Duke of Northurst laid out the facts as though he were lecturing at a lesson. “She had the means to purchase the comb, purchase poison and have it delivered to the princess. If it were only that, I could have overlooked it. However, giving your position, would it not be beneficial for the princess to be gone?”
The Duke of Briarbay spluttered and his face became almost purple. “I beg your pardon, sir?”
“Come now, Briarbay, surely you aren’t that daft. You have a son who could have potentially taken the throne should the heir have been killed.” Northurst glared at the duchess who looked as though she were about to faint. “What mother wouldn’t want to look after the best interest of her son? Especially if that would make her the mother of the king.”
“Your Majesty!” The Duke of Briarbay changed tactics to appeal, instead, to the king. “Surely you do not believe this ludicrous accusation. It is all conjecture!”
The king waved his hand and three guards stepped up to the duchess, pulling her out of her chair.
“Regardless, this is a serious accusation that warrants an investigation.” The king said calmly, though there seemed to be something fiery lingering behind his eyes. His voice was firm but clearly measured. “Until then, we will hold the duchess in the tower and have her interviewed once again.”
“Your Majesty,” the queen finally spoke up. “This is my closest lady. I can assure you, she did not do this.”
“Those closest to us are the most likely to betray us,” The Duke of Northurst said. “Surely your time in court has shown you that, my queen.”
Calista’s head shot around to glare at Northurst. She was fuming, her chest heaving as though she had run a mile.
“Sit down, both of you.” The king ordered.
Calista deposited herself back in her chair, followed by the duke.
“Take the duchess to the tower,” the king said to the guards. The duchess let out a sob and started crying uncontro
llably at this point. More than one head turned away from the distraught woman, but no one offered aid. “Duke Briarbay, you are excused to your rooms. I am sure this was quite a shock for you.”
The duchess was half-carried out of the room, hiccuping and gasping for breath. The Duke of Briarbay scraped his chair back and stormed out of the room. The silence that followed him left a ringing in Alina’s ears.
Was it possible that the duchess had poisoned her? She had been with them that day in the market, she had seen Alina looking at the comb that would later poison her. Was this really the way of the court? To lie, scheme and murder their way into higher ranks? Alina wasn’t sure how close of a grip the Briarbay family had in court, would they have been able to attain the crown if no heir remained?
“Well,” Felix coughed a little. “That was a way to make an introduction to the princess, Father.”
With the silence broken the rest of the table erupted in uncontained chatter, harshly whispering and peetering to one another.
“I expect that you do not interfere in any further investigations that the King’s Guard is performing, Duke Northurst.” The king gave out a stern warning.
“If that is what you wish, Your Majesty.”
“What matters most, I suppose, is that the princess may now rest safely.” The queen pushed the words out through gritted teeth.
“I’m sure now that you are secure that she is safe, you are looking to her future.” The Duke edged. “Alliances. Ways to strengthen our kingdom.”
“Father, please.” Felix cut in.
“You will not interrupt me, son.” The duke snapped at Felix. Felix clenched his jaw but kept his mouth firmly closed.
“Really, Duke Northurst, is now the time to be discussing such things?” Calista edged as she pushed her salad around with her fork. Her entire body tensed and movements jerky.
“I see now where the boy learned his insolence from, my Queen.” The duke commented before turning back to Belmont. “What I mean to say is why not ally the crown with the most powerful dukedom in your kingdom? Northurst guards the northern border.”
