Veda’s table sat empty except for a small folded piece of paper.
Amir,
I’m sorry, I had to go. It was great to meet you.
-Veda
I crumpled the page and rushed into the street. Behind me, someone called out for the prince, but I didn’t stop.
“Veda,” I yelled, but the name echoed down the street and died without a response.
Above me, the light of the moon disappeared. I stared up at the sky and watched Alizeh carry Veda away—again.
2
4th June
Heat prickled my skin as sunlight pierced the treetop canopy and sparkled along the surface of the water ahead. I held back the wall of branches and trekked deeper into the forest, following the sound of the babbling creek that wound into the pond.
Veda smiled as I approached. She sat at the rocky edge, swiping her fingers through the water and creating ripples that widened into the larger pool.
“You came,” I said, as I extended my hand, a wave of relief flooding over me.
She grabbed hold and I pulled her to her feet, wrapping my arms around her waist.
“Of course.”
She stretched onto her tiptoes and clasped her hands behind my neck, her fingers twisting in the short strands of hair there.
“I’m so sorry about what happened. It’s all my fault. Will you please forgive me?”
Veda tossed her head back and laughed. A light and breezy chuckle echoed through the clearing and stirred up the trees. Leaves drifted through the sky. Hundreds of green confetti filled the air and rained down on us. They caught in her chestnut hair and created a haphazard crown. A fairy goddess. My forest queen.
I pulled her closer and the heat of her breath fell on my jaw. “I regret not kissing you before. Letting everyone else’s voices in my head.”
She smirked as the golden rays of sunshine danced in her eyes. “Smart men don’t make the same mistake twice.”
I slid my hand beneath her hair and held the nape of her neck, tilting her head toward mine. “I don’t intend to.”
Her lips inched towards my lips, slow as if time stopped so it could watch. This one perfect moment I didn’t know I’d been waiting all my life for. Didn’t know it was what I needed. I closed my eyes.
“Prince Fallon,” she said.
“What is it?”
“Prince Fallon,” she repeated, her voice drifting away. A soft whisper on the wind.
“What?”
“Prince Fallon.”
A gruff voice. Gravel and grit. I whipped my eyes open. Griswold loomed over me as he snapped his fingers in front of my face. I screamed and he jumped back. My chair teetered beneath me and I gripped the edge of the table to avoid tumbling to the floor.
“Wake up, sir. You nearly fell asleep face down in your breakfast.”
I wiped my face with my hand and looked down at the plate of eggs staring back up at me. “Sorry, Griswold. I didn’t sleep well last night. I had a lot of things on my mind.”
“It appears so. The guards noted that you didn’t return from your evening out until near dawn.”
I hung my head. After Veda left I couldn’t bring myself to climb into bed and spend the rest of the night thinking about how I’d messed up again. Instead, I roamed the streets of Mosa until I felt better. Except, I never did. Just watched the shadows of the night grow along the narrow cobblestone streets and then shorten again as the threat of morning hovered on the horizon. Eventually, my feet ached and my legs grew tired, so I gave up and went home.
“And don’t think I’m not disappointed that you disregarded my instructions about bringing guards with you.” His stern voice developed an extra sharp edge this morning that sliced through my eardrums and scored lines across my heart.
“I’m sorry, Griswold. I just needed some time away from the castle and all its protocols.”
He rested his hand on my shoulder, his warm touch soothing the pain of my disobedience. I’d never crossed Griswold without a reason, and in the daylight, I wasn’t sure if it had been worth it. Except, that Veda said she loved me. Or at least she thought she did. My leg tapped under the table, the anticipation of seeing her again too much to contain to the dining room table.
"What does my day look like today anyway?”
Griswold puttered with the sugar bowl, then refilled my cold cup of tea. "Actually sir, today has a rather light schedule. The Council is off and other then a small afternoon meeting with the organizer for the upcoming Fall Ball, your time is your own.”
The prospect of freedom sparked in my brain. "Any chance we can postpone the meeting? The ball is still several months away. I’m sure I could make it up with an extra-long appointment next week.”
Griswold tensed, his body rigid like the iron posts that made up the castle gates. He pointed his favorite lecture finger in the air, but then withdrew it and let out a sigh. ”I guess it wouldn’t hurt too much to delay planning a bit, especially under the circumstances. As long as we don't leave it too long. Then, in that case, your day is wide open."
"Really? Nothing to answer to?”
Griswold's silver brows clenched together.
"Other than you, of course."
"No, my prince. Enjoy the day. Or perhaps you should catch up on your sleep, as it seems like you have been lacking a full night.”
"No need." I swallowed the cup of tea in two swift gulps. The heat burned down the sides of my throat, but I didn't care. I tossed my napkin onto the table and headed for the door. "I actually feel more awake then I have in a long time. Don't wait up."
Griswold shook his head as he gathered up my dirty dishes. “Please be careful, Your Majesty. The kingdom still needs you to return in one piece.”
I gave him a quick salute and bolted into the hallway before he could change his mind about letting me go. One whole day free of obligation. I figured I'd need to wait until nightfall to sneak out again and try to talk to Veda, but this would be much better. No hiding. No sneaking at all. I could simply walk right out the front door. I raced through the castle corridors, nearly spilling over my own feet as I turned sharp into the foyer. The guards at the door eyed me with caution.
I slowed down to a leisurely strut and crossed my hands behind my back. “Lovely day, gentlemen."
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
They nodded and chuckled to each other as the smile on my face beamed brighter than it had in ages. I quickened my pace again and burst out the oversized doors into the sunshine.
I put my fingers in my mouth but stopped short before whistling. Just because she said she loved me didn't mean that she would forgive me that easily. I’d been awful to her and that hurt was something I would need to pay for. However, I fully intended on making sure she understood how sorry I really was, and that I would never betray her like that again.
I doubled back towards the garden. Flowers may not be enough, but it would be a start. If I could win her forgiveness, I could give her anything she wanted. A whole kingdom of treasures. But grand gestures didn’t seem to be her style. I’d have to win this battle with sticks over swords.
The thick, sweet smell of my mother’s prized roses blanketed the air as I walked the rows of bushes near the castle gate. Only the finest blooms would do to help say all those things I'm sure I'd mess up once Veda and I stood face to face. Talking with her as someone else came easily. But only because I struggled to put words to how I truly felt when wearing my own face. But it's a challenge I needed to confront as I missed talking to her. The day and nights I’d stayed with her at her cottage replayed in my head. Telling her things I’d never been able to tell anyone else. Listening to the soft click of the wood-carved clock on her wall as we passed time in silence, just enjoying each other’s company. Hearing her low breathy voice as she helped the world make sense. She grounded me in a way no one else had ever done. Dared me to want to be more.
I stopped in the middle of the densest bush, the rich crimson petals of the most exquisite
flowers hid beneath the hunter green leaves. I gathered a bouquet of roses in my hand, the thorns scratching against my palm and took a deep breath in of their scent. The gorgeous spring had been generous to my mother's collection, the blooms bordering on unearthly perfection. Hopefully, they would help.
"I didn't expect gifts,” a voice boomed behind me. "How did you know I was coming?"
I whirled around and stared at the salt and pepper head of the last man I expected in the queen’s garden.
Edwin Macario.
He’d foregone his typical crimson robe in exchange for a vibrant purple jacket that swept just above the ground and heavy leather boots. Less the wise man, and more of a renegade general.
The flowers tumbled from my hands, the petals splashing across the ground on impact. “What are you doing here?"
He smirked and eyed the mess of roses at his feet. Red petals on his black toes. ”I think we need to talk."
“I hope I didn’t interrupt your plans. You didn’t have anything going on today, did you?”
Edwin crossed his left leg over his right as he stretched out in my father’s favorite armchair. The drawing room seemed smaller with him in it. Maybe the way he made himself at home, or the large beaming grin that didn't seem to match his face. Or maybe I just hoped that the next person sitting in that chair would be my father.
I conjured my most diplomatic smile. “Not at all. I’ll just run my errand later.”
“Perfect. Your bouquet of roses made me think you were running off to meet a lady friend or something. But we both know a young king, like yourself, can’t afford any distractions at the moment.”
“Of course." I gritted my teeth and started to pace behind the antique sofa near the fireplace. His presence in my personal space crept uneasily down my spine. Except, I didn’t really know why. He’d been the one to tell me the truth about my parents. He’d been the one to take my father in when he needed a safe place to stay. He’d allowed my mother to stay at his temple by my father’s side. I should be grateful. I was grateful. But maybe it’s that he knew too much that stood the hair on my arms. Plus, he'd been the one to identify the strange power within me, did he know what it meant? Did he know what I was capable of?
He leaned his head back gazing at the peaked rafters of the cathedral ceiling, then rolled his longing stare over the rest of the room leaving nothing unseen. "I forgot how luxurious this place was. I’ve been gone a long time, but every detail brings me back like I’d only been gone a few days.”
"You said you had news about my father. I've found you the privacy you requested, can you please tell me what's going on?"
"All in due time, my prince. But maybe we should start with a drink. I've been traveling quite a ways to see you. Is it no longer customary to offer guests refreshments?”
He crossed his hands politely on his knee and eased deeper into the chair. A fixture, not to be removed easily.
"You're right. I must've forgotten my manners —" when you barged into my castle unannounced. "— I'll see what I can do."
I crept into the hallway and the creak of the drawing room doors echoed down the corridor. Just ahead, one of the servants dusted the frames of painted landscapes that lined the wall.
"Excuse me," I said.
He stopped his cleaning and immediately bowed in my direction. "Yes, Your Majesty."
"Could you please get Griswold for me and send him into the drawing room."
He nodded and quickly scurried away. I returned to Edwin, as he picked at the bronze tacks that embellished the leather armchair. My hand shook as I fought the urge to smack his fingers away, refusing to let him taint my father's things.
"Someone should be here shortly. Now can you tell me what is happening?"
"I'm afraid, things have not been going well."
My shoulders sunk, my stomach tense and ill at his words.
"We've been doing all that we can to find a cure for the curse, but none of our research has produced anything viable. Your mother—"
A knock sounded on the door as Griswold entered, his hands tucked together behind him.
"You called for me, sir?"
"Yes, Griswold. We have a guest." I swooped my hand in Edwin's direction. "I was hoping you'd be able to get him a beverage. Edwin, please meet my oldest companion, Griswold. Griswold, please meet—"
Griswold's eyes popped open, then quickly narrowed to slits. "Edwin Macario."
"Ah Gris, you haven't forgotten me." Edwin clapped his hands then clasped them together in his lap. The amusement at being recognized painted streaks of joy across his face.
"It would be difficult to forget, sir. You certainly left your mark on the kingdom with your departure."
"All in the past, my good man. Now, it's time to celebrate the achievements of our young prince here. Could you please fetch me your best bottle of Florian Shiraz?”
"I'm afraid we don't keep that on hand,” Griswold said. "Perhaps I could interest you in a cool glass of water."
Edwin tapped his middle finger over his lips as his eyes rolled toward the ceiling. "Perhaps, it might be available in the bottlery. Florian grapes are by far the best in all the kingdoms so I suspect it would be kept out of the normal stocks."
Griswold cast me a suspicious glance. "I will see what I can find, sir."
He hurried from the room as if the conversation had set his pants aflame.
"I feel like you two don't quite get along?”
Edwin glanced at the closed door then flicked his hand through the air. “Oh Gris? He's always been far too uptight. He'll relax after a few days of me, I'm sure."
I froze and gripped the edge of the sofa, digging my fingers into the plush upholstery. “A few days? How long do you expect to be visiting?"
"I haven't quite decided yet. But as I was saying, we have yet to find a cure for the curse. Your mother has been working night and day to find an answer, the poor thing, but she is quite distracted worrying about how you are managing the kingdom. She considered coming back and trying to work remotely, but your father needs her with him. He is much calmer with her around, and I think that she feels better knowing he is safe."
"That still doesn't explain why you're here?"
He brought his index finger to his lips and made a shushing sound. “Patience. You royals and your lack of serenity. You'd all benefit from a few weeks of meditation and personal reflection."
The door opened, and the coquettish brunette I had flirted with the other day entered with a wine bottle and two glasses. Edwin stood from his seat and gave her a lecherous smile that my skin crawled from watching, then scooped up the open bottle in his hand and read the label.
"Draconis Rose. Not quite what I had in mind, but at least it's something. He poured himself a generous glass and downed it in one gulp. "As I thought, still tastes like dragon piss."
He refilled the glass then nodded toward me. I waved him off and he shrugged, retiring back to my father's chair with his drink and the rest of the bottle.
"All right, now can you explain your visit?"
“Of course. Your mother didn't want to leave your father but was plagued with guilt for leaving you on your own. I offered to come down in her place to act as an advisor on your behalf. Plus, it will give me a chance to utilize the castle’s extensive collection of texts in our search."
He took another deep swig, his face scrunching at what I expected to be a bitter flavor. Griswold rarely made mistakes and the castle prided itself on serving Florian wine. Besides, we’d started importing stocks for the Fall Ball and there should be at least four crates stowed away already.
"Thank you, that is extremely kind of you to help, but I think I'm doing just fine. If anything comes up, I can be sure to send word and you or my mother can come if needed. However, the Council is very capable and I've already started settling into the role."
Plus, with Veda’s father lurking around, I'd never be able to see her. If he truly worried about distractions, not letting me see
her would be the worst distraction of all.
"I'm glad to hear that things have been going well, but I think she would feel better if she knew you were being looked after. She's quite the incredible woman, your mother. So selfless, so ambitious."
The words rolled off his tongue with honey but resonated in his eyes as if stung by bees.
“That's very kind. I'm sure if she's concerned, I could write a letter or possibly come up and visit to make her feel better."
Edwin sat straighter in his chair. “That wouldn't be necessary. Your parents are dealing with a lot right now, knowing that you abandoned your post in the castle, even just for the day, would likely cause more stress then it would be worth. If you'd prefer, I could simply stay a couple of days, do you my research and then leave. I'd be no more than a ghost haunting the halls and very little trouble. To be honest, we are running out of leads with my limited resources. If we want to find a real solution, we need to start looking elsewhere. Maybe, while I'm in the city, I can meet with some of the other kingdoms to see if they've encountered anything similar?”
I turned away, my furrowed eyebrows and blank stare betraying me. Did Edwin know of the darkness? Veda did, and it is possible she told her father, but did he know if they were truly connected? Besides, I thought he'd said he had immense magical abilities. Either he'd exaggerated, or this curse was much bigger than him. Bigger than anyone had ever seen.
I ground my fist into the back of the sofa, the silky fabric soft against my taut knuckles. "Then I guess you should stay.”
“Fantastic." Edwin polished off the rest of his glass of wine, then swiped the bottle and tucked it into the crook of his elbow. "I'll find an empty suite in the east wing. I doubt you'll even hear from me except to say goodbye. Unless, of course, I find the solution we've all been searching for."
Edwin nodded, his bottom lip sticking out slightly. He lifted his empty glass above his head. "Long may you reign, my king."
“Yes. Thank you.”
He spun around and quickly exited the room, letting the door slam shut behind him.
Fallon: Son of Beauty and the Beast (Kingdom of Fairytales Boxset Book 6) Page 19
