Serpent: Book II of the Asterian Trilogy

by Sarah Olson

  I blushed again.

  When the hour became late, Thomas' family began to leave. His parents politely said their goodbyes while his aunt hugged me. I was glad to see them all in good spirits over the wedding.

  Once the castle was quiet again, I headed up to my chambers and changed into my chemise. As I sat in the bed reading a book, Lydia entered the room.

  "Milady," she said, "this letter came for you from Lady Catherine."

  "Thank you," I said, taking it from her. I scanned it. "Blast!"

  "What is it, Milady?" Lydia asked, surprised at my outburst.

  "Catherine’s ill-bred cousin Moira Langdon has come to stay with her," I said, placing the letter down.

  "Milady!" Lydia exclaimed. "You know it is improper to speak so poorly of another."

  I rolled my eyes.

  "Especially since you know the financial situation Lady Moira’s family is in," she scolded.

  "It’s Miss Moira now, as their family no longer holds a title," I corrected. "Their financial situation is not my concern. Everyone knows Moira helped squander away her family’s fortune, just as much as her father gambled it away."

  "Yes, but now that they are penniless—you must pity them," Lydia said, hanging my gown up in the closet.

  "Lydia, you know she is an appalling young woman. Did you not see the way her eyes followed Thomas the last time she visited?"

  "I don’t think that will be a problem since Thomas will not be here during most of her stay."

  "What do you mean?" I asked.

  "I assumed you knew," Lydia said, closing the door to the closet. "Thomas is accompanying your father during his trip to Malan."

  "He is?" I exclaimed. "This is the first I hear of it. How do you know?"

  She smirked. "Well . . . you know how the servants seem to know everything."

  "I suppose," I said, frowning. "Perhaps that is what my father had to speak to him about tonight. I just wish someone would have felt it necessary to tell me."

  "I am certain Lord Thomas meant to," Lydia offered. "He probably just didn’t get a chance tonight."

  "Yes—I suppose he will tell me tomorrow. That is, of course, if Moira gives us a moment’s peace."

  "Is she arriving tomorrow?"

  "Yes, and she will be accompanying Catherine during her visit," I sighed as a knock sounded on the door. "Come in!"

  My father entered, still wearing his fine clothing from the evening.

  Lydia curtsied deeply and quickly excused herself from the room.

  "I was hoping you were still awake," he said with a smile. "I wanted to speak with you."

  "About what you had to say to Thomas tonight?" I asked.

  "Yes," he said, settling down on the edge of my bed. "I was speaking to his father, and he thinks it would be wise if Thomas accompanies me to Malan in a couple of days." There was no hiding the grimace that flickered across his face at the idea. "He thinks it would be good for Thomas to get more involved in Asterian politics."

  "Not that he will ever be king," I reminded him.

  "Yes, I know. But since he is marrying you, that does make him a part of our family, and I would hope that he has an opinion I’d be able to trust."

  I nodded.

  "Is that all right with you?"

  "Yes," I replied. "I think it would be good for him, and then you’ll be able to get to know him better. Will the trip still be just as long?"

  "Yes, I’m afraid I will be unable to shorten it. Between the traveling to Kings City and our time there, we should be back within a month."

  I sighed. "I suppose it gives mother and I more time alone to prepare for the wedding."

  My father smiled. "Yes, it does, though I promise I’d much rather he remains here with you, but your mother insisted it was a good idea."

  "Because the last thing you need is a young lord trailing you through the streets of Malan," I finished for him. "You can just say you don’t like him, Father."

  He sighed. "Aria, I don’t want you to think I don’t like him. I just . . . Never mind." He stood up.

  "Father—"

  "Thomas is a gentleman, and if you believe he can make you happy, then I am happy. As long as you are fine with him accompanying me, we will be leaving in two days."

  I wanted to push him further but knew that when my father decided a conversation was over, it was over. "Perfectly fine," I said instead.

  He gave me a smile. "By the way, you looked beautiful today—just like your mother."

  I dropped my gaze in an attempt to hide my reddening cheeks.

  "Good night," he said, kissing my forehead.

  "Good night, Father."

  When he left the room, Ethelyn walked in. "Is there anything I can get you, Milady," she asked as I lay back onto my pillow.

  "No, Ethelyn," I replied.

  She bowed and opened the door.

  I sat up. "Ethelyn, how is that even though you are supposed to be waiting on me that I rarely see you?"

  "I’m always around, Milady," she said with a smile. "I just don’t want to interfere with Lydia’s only duty."

  "I’m certain she appreciates that," I said. "Just make your presence known more often."

  Ethelyn bowed her head and left the room.

  When I was finally alone, my thoughts drifted to Thomas. His leaving with my father would be the longest either of us had been apart since he had begun courting me. I would miss him terribly, but this was a wonderful opportunity for him. Even though I knew my father was less than thrilled about having Thomas trailing him through Kings City, this would be his chance to really get to know him—to see that Thomas would be an excellent husband for me. I could sacrifice a month of not seeing Thomas if it meant my father actually accepting him.

  Chapter 3

  T he next morning, I met Catherine and Moira in the castle. Thomas was polite to them, as always, and seemed to ignore the seductive glances Moira kept throwing at him as if I were not even there—how I despised her.

  "Congratulations on your engagement," Moira said with a sweet smile.

  Her brown hair was up in an elegant bun, and she wore a lovely floral-patterned yellow dress. Of course, her corset was far too tight, and the neckline dipped dangerously low, making even Catherine in her light blue dress look modest.

  "Thank you, Moira," I said, attempting to hide my disdain for her behind a forced smile. "We are so happy."

  Catherine twirled a strand of blonde hair, not even attempting to hide her irritation at Moira’s prattling.

  "I am certain you are," Moira said, unfazed by her cousin. "The wedding will be lovely. And Lord Thomas, you will finally be royalty."

  "I don’t think it works that way, Moira," he said.

  "Oh," she said, her small nose wrinkling with confusion.

  Catherine rolled her eyes at Moira’s act.

  "But I heard that you were going to be accompanying King James to Malan," Moira continued, desperate to share her gossip. "I assumed that makes you important—why else would the king involve you with his dealings?"

  "I am surprised you heard about that," Thomas said. "It was only decided yesterday."

  "Well," Moira said, batting her eyelashes, "it is very difficult for royalty to keep things secret—after all, so many work in the castle and hear things. But you have not answered my question."

  Thomas smiled. "Yes, the king wants to involve me in Asterian politics, but that hardly makes me royalty."

  "Believe what you would like," Moira said with a wave of her hand. "It still makes you a prince in some way, even if the woman you are marrying is not the king’s real daughter."

  I could have slapped her, but Thomas squeezed my hand.

  "Moira!" Catherine exclaimed. "You know better than to speak of the princess in such a way. If I’d known you would be so impolite, I would not have invited you."

  "Don’t worry about it," I said, recovering. "She can’t help it that she was never raised among good company—after all, it was your fath
er that gambled away your inheritance, was it not?"

  Moira pursed her lips and shot me a heated look. "He will recover our financial losses; I assure you."

  "Of course, dear," I said, giving her the most pitiful smile I could muster.

  Moira straightened and raised her chin as if my insult did not wound her pride.

  I glanced over at Catherine, and she looked like she was fighting back a fit of laughter.

  "Well," Thomas said, trying to lighten the tension. "I hope your journey to Maplewood Forest was uneventful, Moira."

  "Yes," Moira said. "It was most comfortable. Catherine’s father sent for us in his best carriage."

  "Us?" I asked.

  "Yes, my brother Wesley and I," she replied. "He has come to stay here as well."

  "I thought he was a merchant sailor," Thomas said.

  "He is," Catherine said. "He is on a vacation of sorts but will be heading north in a month or so to the Malanese seaport."

  "I see," Thomas said.

  "He has promised to bring some trinkets back for me from the Boreal Islands," Moira said proudly. "They have some of the most beautiful things there."

  "I am certain they do," I said. "Perhaps you should go with him. I have heard those islands are quite something."

  "Oh no," Moira answered, smoothly. "I would be far too seasick."

  "There you all are," my mother said as she entered the parlor. "Catherine, Moira—it is so good to see you."

  "The pleasure is all mine, Your Grace," Moira said with a small curtsy. "Thank you for letting me come into your home."

  My mother smiled sweetly. "Thomas, my husband would like to see you in his study. Haddon will escort you."

  "Yes, of course," Thomas said. "Excuse me, ladies." He kissed my cheek and followed one of my parents' advisors from the room.

  "We will see you later, Lord Thomas!" Moira called after him.

  Thomas paused by the door and gave Moira a polite wave before disappearing into the hall.

  I caught the glare Catherine threw at Moira before my mother continued.

  "Lady Emma Bateson has arrived to begin the wedding planning," my mother said. "I believe Catherine and Moira are here to help?" She looked over at me expectantly.

  I nodded, though I hated the fact that Moira had to be there.

  "I would hate to impose," Moira said. "I am confident you three can continue without me."

  "Yes," I said quickly, not caring how rude I was being. "Perhaps you can spend the time with Lydia, my lady-in-waiting. She can give you a tour of the castle."

  "Aria—" my mother began when I shot her a look begging her not to argue. "I think that would be just fine," she said instead.

  "Ethelyn," I called out.

  Ethelyn stepped away from the doorway—always near, as she had said.

  "Will you find Lydia and have her give Catherine’s lovely cousin Moira a tour?"

  Ethelyn nodded. "This way, Miss Moira."

  Moira followed her from the room, and I sighed in relief.

  "What was that all about?" my mother asked.

  "It was nothing, Your Grace," Catherine said. "My cousin can just be a handful at times, and I’m afraid she was on Aria’s last nerve."

  My mother nodded, but I knew she would speak to me later on the matter of being a polite host. "Well, shall we go? Lady Emma is waiting for us."

  We followed her out to a garden in the courtyard of the castle’s new wing. It had been finished about a year before, and it was beautiful.

  Emma sat on a stone bench by a fountain with Juliette. Juliette was saying something as Emma scrawled away in a journal. She was one of Davorin’s younger sisters—never married—but that was the way she wanted it. She had made quite a name for herself among the wealthy of Asteria and was usually called in when it came to planning large events. Emma was quite beautiful, for she was a shapely woman with soft features—not a surprise since most of Davorin’s family was attractive.

  "Queen Layla!" she exclaimed, her dark blonde hair catching the breeze. "And Princess Aria!"

  "Hello, Emma," my mother said as she gave her a hug. "I am so pleased you were able to make it. This is my daughter’s friend Lady Catherine. Aria wanted to involve her in the wedding plans."

  "Lady Catherine," Emma said sweetly. "It is a pleasure to meet you."

  "And you as well," Catherine said. "Hello, Juliette."

  "Hello, Catherine," Juliette replied politely. She loved any moment that she could be a part of something important.

  I smiled at the way she held her chin up making certain that everyone knew she belonged there.

  "Now, down to business," Emma said, taking a seat on the stone bench again. "We have two months to plan the most magnificent wedding in all the land."

  We must have sat there for two hours poring over ideas. Emma was thrilled about having the wedding at the Council’s Palace and immediately began drawing up ideas for how to decorate. The garden the Sunroom overlooked would be in full bloom, so finding flowers for decorations would not be an issue.

  Planning the royal wedding in such short time was stressful, but when we finished our first meeting, I felt better about it.

  Emma was a perfectionist and would make sure that everything was up to my mother’s standards. It was decided that later that week we would travel to the Council’s Palace so Emma could get a good look at the Sunroom, and then the following day, the royal seamstress would begin planning my wedding gown. I was excited and nervous all at the same time.

  When Emma left, my mother excused herself with Juliette, while Catherine and I went off in search of Moira and Lydia.

  "I’m sorry she had to come," Catherine said as she linked her arm through mine.

  "It’s fine," I lied. "I know it’s not your doing."

  "My parents insisted," Catherine said. "I am just glad you found a way to occupy her. It would have been dreadful if she were allowed to stay."

  "Tell me about it," I said, rolling my eyes. "She would have drowned us with her tasteless input."

  Catherine laughed.

  "I’m just relieved Thomas will be gone for most of her stay—I cannot stand the way she looks at him."

  "I know what you mean," Catherine sighed. "She tends to want things she can’t have."

  I shook my head. "She’s made quite a reputation for herself. It is no surprise some refer to her as a harlot."

  "Aria!" Catherine exclaimed. "Do not go so far! Moira is flirtatious, but she is no harlot."

  I sighed. "Forgive me."

  Catherine stopped. "Is something bothering you?"

  "No, why?"

  "You seem very concerned over Thomas and Moira. I am certain there is nothing to worry about there—he is faithful to you."

  "I know," I sighed. "She just makes me nervous."

  "You do realize that if he ever did something disgraceful, the blame is on him as well."

  I nodded. "Yes, I know. I suppose it’s that I fear he will find what I will not offer elsewhere."

  "Aria, listen to yourself!" Catherine exclaimed. "Thomas is marrying you—he loves you."

  She was right—I was being ridiculous.

  I gave her a smile. "Thank you."

  We continued into the parlor where my anger only grew. Moira had her back against the far wall, and Thomas was leaning on his arm over her. Their proximity disturbed me. I suddenly regretted setting Moira loose in the palace.

  "Thomas," I said.

  He spun around and gave me a smile. "There you are!" He walked over and kissed my cheek. "Did the wedding planning go well?"

  "Yes," I said, unable to ignore the sly smile Moira was giving me.

  "Wonderful!" he exclaimed as if he had nothing to be ashamed of.

  Well, did he? After all, Catherine was right—he loved me. Moira was just flirting with him, and Thomas probably hadn’t noticed. He’d always seemed oblivious to the things she said.

  "I think we will get going," Catherine said, giving Moira a dark look.
r />   Moira smiled back. "Of course. I have not had a chance to settle in since my trip. I will see you in a few weeks, Thomas. Goodbye, Princess Aria."

  Moira followed Catherine out of the room as I gawked at her.

  Thomas? What happened to Lord Thomas?

  I shifted my gaze to Thomas, appalled.

  "What?" he said, defensively throwing up his hands, "We were just talking."

  "I’m certain that is exactly what she thought it was," I said sarcastically.

  "Oh, come on Aria, lighten up. You can’t believe that she threatens you—it’s Moira!"

  "That’s precisely my point," I snapped. "Do you have any idea how many men she has gone through in the past couple years?"

  "You mean suitors?" Thomas asked, raising an eyebrow. "It’s not her fault that men fawn over her."

  "The way you were just now?" I snapped.

  Thomas rolled his eyes. "You know what, Aria, I'm not sure if it is the stress of the wedding or just the fact that marriage is going to be a new chapter in your life, but you need to calm down. I can’t believe that you don’t trust me! Is this about the other night? Because I apologized for that."

  I glared back.

  "Fine," he said. "I suppose it is a good thing that I will be going away for a while. Perhaps you’ll use that time to relax."

  I knew I had hurt him, but I didn’t want to give in—I was still furious, and I didn’t understand why. There were many reasons I could come up with—Moira, the argument the other night, the fact that Thomas was leaving for a month right before our wedding—but none of them seemed to truly explain why I felt this way.

  "I suppose it is," I said. I turned from him and marched out without the sound of Thomas in pursuit.

    ☐☐☐☐

  "I can't believe myself!" I exclaimed in tears as my mother held me. "I don’t know what’s gotten into me!"

  "When someone’s getting married, things can be stressful," my mother said, quietly. "You’re about to make a lifelong commitment, and it’s normal to question if that’s what you want."

  "But I don’t want to question it," I said, finally understanding the root of all my stress and anger. "I just want to be happy, but I blow everything out of proportion—whether it’s because of something he says or the way he was speaking to another woman—it’s like I’m looking for a reason to get out of it."