Fractured Slipper

by Adrienne Monson

  “Drink up, Dearie,” instructed Lady Ella.

  She opened her mouth and took in the hot liquid. It was bitter and rancid on her tongue. Felicia coughed, spewing the potion over her chin.

  “Stop that now,” the man commanded. “Lady Ella says you must drink it all. It will save you.” The arms supporting her pulled her forward a little more until he slipped behind her. Felicia leaned back and rested against a strong, defined chest. His arms came around her and helped her sip the medicine.

  Felicia slurped it loudly, forcing herself to swallow past a catch in her throat. Each time she took a sip, she paused to cough, trying not to retch.

  “That’s it,” the prince soothed.

  Once the cup was empty, she fell against Prince Bastion, gasping and exhausted.

  Sleep came over her once again, but less feverish this time.

  Chapter 9

  Felicia woke with stiff limbs. She couldn’t remember what had happened and wondered if she’d been in a carriage accident. Perhaps dragged several miles by the horses for good measure. Salty body odor reached her and she grimaced. That can’t be me smelling so awful, can it? Yet her skin felt sticky with dried sweat.

  Shifting, her muscles protested the movement and she groaned.

  “Are you awake, Milady?” It was Tess. She was sitting in a chair next to Felicia’s bed.

  “It would appear so,” Felicia rasped. Her mouth was dry. “How long was I sleeping?”

  Tess went to a side table and poured a glass of water for her mistress. Then she helped Felicia sip it. Ignoring the burning in her fatigued muscles, Felicia drank every drop.

  “I’m so glad you’re up,” Tess gushed. “We weren’t sure if Lady de la Roche’s potion had come in time.” She sat and stared at Felicia with solemn eyes. “It took her until the day after you took the poison for her to find the right spell. She came in wearing the same dress she’d had on the day before and dark circles under her eyes. Your father was here too. Lady de la Roche sent him home early this morning to rest.” She grabbed Felicia’s hand. “I’ll send word to her and your father right away. They’ll be so relieved.”

  Felicia watched her maid as she rose and exited the room. Tess looked worse for the wear, herself – with puffiness around her eyes and her hair limp in a sloppy bun.

  It wasn’t long before the door opened again. But instead of Felicia’s loyal servant, Prince Bastion strode in. Unlike Tess, his hair was perfectly combed back and his attire impeccable. His eyes, however, were bloodshot and his stride hurried.

  “You’re finally awake.” The broad smile lit his face and showcased perfect, white teeth.

  Pulling the blankets up to her shoulders, Felicia nodded. “I asked Tess how long I was asleep, but she was too excited to answer me.”

  “It’s been three long days,” Prince Bastion replied. “You’ll have to forgive her. I don’t think she’s slept much that whole time.” He sat in the chair Tess had vacated. “We’ve all been quite worried about you.”

  Felicia’s eyes widened. “I was out for three days?” She glanced at the window, with the drapes open to let in the sunlight. “What time of day is it now?”

  Prince Bastion leaned back. “Around noon.”

  She took in his slouch and the tired lines around his mouth. “Aren’t you supposed to be holding court with your father?”

  He shrugged. “Tess had specific instructions to signal me the moment you woke up.”

  Processing the information, Felica’s forehead wrinkled. “Are you saying that you got up and left your father in the middle of court? That’s open to the public right now?” When he nodded, she chuckled. “I bet he’s not very happy with you right now.”

  Prince Bastion didn’t return her smile. “Actually, he’s fine with it. He’s almost been as worried about you as I have.”

  The pain in her body melted a little. “You’ve been concerned about me?”

  He glanced away. “Well, you were at death’s door. How could that not concern me?”

  She tucked some ratted hair behind her ear. She wished that she didn’t look such a mess. “If I died, you would have been free to marry your princess with no complication.” The comment gave her pause, wondering if the queen had had a similar thought. But even she wouldn’t stoop to murder…would she?

  “Felicia, it wounds me that you’d think of me in such a callous manner.”

  Looking up, she could see that she’d struck a nerve. Prince Bastion’s blue eyes lit with stormy emotion and his lips pressed into a thin line.

  “I didn’t mean to offend.” She placed a hand over his. “You’ll have to forgive me, sir. I’m so practical in my thoughts that even the morbid comes to mind.”

  Jaw clenched, he squeezed her hand. “Call me Bastion. And perhaps this is my doing. I haven’t given you any opportunity to get to know me.” He looked deep into her eyes. “I may be many things, Felicia, but I’m loyal. You and I have established a comradery and I will always honor that.”

  Felicia swallowed down the emotion that was thick in her throat. “Thank you, Bastion. And I know you have strong moral character. I truly didn’t mean to bring that into question.”

  With the conversation complete, Felicia expected Prince Bastion to return to court. But he stayed at her bedside and they talked. He told her about his exploits of thwarting his tutors in order to sneak out and ride ponies. She told him all about her mother and the happy childhood she had. Felicia was all too aware of the prince holding her hand as they visited. He didn’t seem to want to pull away and she was happy to let them remain connected.

  She wasn’t sure how long they would have gone on that way, but they were interrupted by her father and godmother.

  “I knew you’d be alright,” her father exclaimed, his face open and warm as usual.

  Prince Bastion stood and offered the chair to Lady Ella, who graciously accepted it. She smiled at Felicia, her face wan. Opening her arms, Lady Ella leaned over and they hugged.

  “Thank you for saving me, Godmother,” Felicia whispered.

  “I’m just glad it worked, Dearie.”

  When they separated, Felicia’s father sat on the other side of the bed and patted her head, just like he did when she was a child and had done something to make him proud.

  Prince Bastion quietly snuck out as Felicia conversed with her newest visitors. She caught his eye as he exited and the prince nodded to her with a brief smile.

  Felicia didn’t get out of bed until the following morning. There was still stiffness and fatigue in her body, but she simply couldn’t abide another day lying down. Tess brought her a light breakfast. Felicia stared at the eggs and orange slices.

  “What’s wrong, Milady?”

  Clearing her throat, Felicia scattered the eggs on her plate with her fork. “How will I know if they’ve been poisoned? How can I take another bite without the fear that it could be my last?”

  Tears spilling down her cheeks, Tess rushed to Felicia, kneeling in front of her. “Please forgive me! I only turned from your tray to heat the water for tea.” She shook her head, her nose running. “I had no idea, Milady. I was thrilled when they had lemon cakes because I knew they were your favorite. But had I known…” She broke off, her chin trembling.

  “Oh, Tess! I never even thought to blame you.” Slipping onto the floor next to her maid, she embraced her. “I know it wasn’t your fault. You’d never do anything to hurt me.”

  Wiping her eyes, Tess stood and helped Felicia back into a chair. “But to answer your concerns, I ate a bite of each item before I brought your tray up.” She gestured to herself. “As you can see, I’ve not taken ill, so the food should be fine.”

  Chills of fear covered the back of Felicia’s neck. “No.” Her voice had never been so firm. “I’ll not have you risking your life like that.”

  “It’s only temporary. Prince Bastion is hiring a test taster for you today.”

  The information sunk in, making her stomach clench. Felicia looke
d down and forced herself to take a bite of the eggs. She didn’t like the idea of anyone testing her food for poison; should something happen, their death would be on her conscience for the rest of her life. However, it was comforting to know that it was safe to eat her food now. Does that make me a bad person?

  The walk to the queen’s receiving room felt longer than before. Felicia’s muscles protested each step, but she knew it wasn’t a physical ailment that made her drag her feet. She didn’t like the suspicion that niggled in the back of her brain. It couldn’t be true that the queen had tried to poison her. She also did not want to fight with the queen and her lackeys anymore. It was exhausting.

  If I married Bastion, this would be my life. Every day I would have to engage in verbal battle. The thought only made her slow her pace even more.

  “You look like a sheep going to slaughter.” Prince Bastion strode toward Felicia and picked up her hand, kissing the back of it. Citrus and sandalwood wafted from him and Felicia breathed in as much as she could without him noticing.

  Bastion stood back and inspected her. “Though I must say you look much improved.”

  A blush spread over her cheeks and Felicia looked down. “Shouldn’t you be in the throne room with your father, holding court?”

  “Yes, I’m on my way.” Bastion leaned back and yawned, not bothering to cover his mouth. Though the lack of gesture was certainly rude, Felicia somehow found it endearing. “I admit that I could sleep the entire morning away if I could.”

  “Really?” Wrinkling her nose, Felicia shook her head. “I couldn’t bear it. I’m not the kind of woman to sit idly.”

  Tilting his head, Bastion’s blue eyes lingered over her face. Felicia wished her godmother could put a spell on her that would make it so she could know what the prince was thinking.

  “And yet you’re on your way to sit and observe my mother as she entertains the nobility’s inner circle.”

  Felicia shrugged. “I can’t say I’m looking forward to it, but I fulfill my duties.”

  Bastion held up a finger. “And that is why you looked so forlorn just now.” His eyes sparkled. “What if I whisk you away to keep me company while I have to sit through another tedious morning in the throne room?”

  A smile tilted the corners of her mouth. “Prince Bastion, are you trying to rescue me?”

  The prince’s lips twitched, making his dimple show, but he kept his expression solemn. “Why, no. It is I who needs rescuing. And if my request happens to help you as well, then all the better.”

  This time her smile turned into a grin. “Well, how can I say no to that?”

  Bastion held out his arm and she accepted. They walked to the throne room together.

  Felicia paused when the doors were in sight. “But I’m supposed to sit with your mother’s ladies. She’s not holding court today. Where will I sit?”

  The prince waved away her concern. “With me, of course. You can’t very well keep me company across the room.”

  Her brows tugged together. “But won’t that confuse the public? We’re not officially engaged. And if you find your mystery princess, we won’t wed and there will be all kinds of rumors.”

  Stopping and looking down at her, Bastion smiled ruefully. “Has anyone told you that you overthink things?”

  Felicia stiffened. “Only my father. Every day of my life.”

  “I didn’t mean to offend, Felicia. I’m only trying to encourage you to relax. I promise everything will turn out just fine.”

  She still felt wary, but followed Prince Bastion. He led her to a chair next to his throne and helped her sit before seating himself.

  All eyes were watching them with intense curiosity. Even the king glanced over as he listened to a farmer listing a grievance.

  Flustered, Felicia turned her attention to the farmer and pretended that it didn’t bother her to be the center of attention.

  Once again, Felicia was impressed with how fair the king seemed to be. He ruled firmly, yet decreed resolutions to help with the common folk.

  Bastion discreetly tapped her forearm. Felicia leaned closer to him so he could whisper to her. “I’m bored.”

  A giggle bubbled out and Felicia coughed into her hand to cover it. Once recovered, she whispered back. “Why? There should be plenty of drama here to keep you occupied.”

  The prince rolled his eyes at her. “You actually listen to everything being said?”

  She stared at him. “Of course. Are you saying that you don’t?”

  Looking ahead at the next person speaking with the king, Bastion continued to whisper to her. “What’s the point? My father takes care of everything. I’m only here for appearances sake.”

  “That couldn’t be further from the truth,” she quietly admonished. “You’re here to observe and learn. To be your father’s apprentice, as it were.”

  His expression didn’t change.

  “Bastion,” she tried again. “When your father dies, you’ll rule in his place. You need to be around and even participate so you’ll be ready for that eventuality.”

  Prince Bastion threw her a sidelong glance. “You sound just like him. He’s always saying that to me.”

  “That’s because it’s true.”

  He looked uncomfortable. “Some of his rulings… I don’t agree with. If I take his place, I won’t make the same decisions as him.”

  Felicia wanted to touch his hand, but forced herself to be still. “Just because you’re different from the king doesn’t mean you’ll be a bad one. You must rule in a way that suits you. I’m sure your father dictates differently than his father did.”

  Bastion turned to her, his face soft and eyes warm. “I suppose you might be correct.” He smiled.

  Felicia’s heart fluttered pleasantly and it took everything to break the eye contact with him, to lean back in her chair. She didn’t listen to much after that. She was too distracted by the thought of what a wonderful king Bastion would make. And of the kind of husband he’d be.

  Chapter 10

  The days blurred together with Felicia working alongside the queen to entertain important guests and joining Prince Bastion every morning at court. While it felt that she and Bastion were becoming closer, the others in the castle treated her more poorly than before.

  It wasn’t just the queen and her ladies in waiting who created cutting undertones within conversations; even some of the royal servants made snide remarks under their breaths. Felicia did her best to not be phased by others of the realm insinuating that she somehow faked the slipper fitting on her foot. Everything from sleeping with the prince and the king to cutting her toes off slipped into conversations.

  Keeping her face placid, Felicia merely smiled and clung to topics of the weather or the latest fashions coming into season. She’d be lying to herself if she said their condescending remarks didn’t hurt, but she’d dealt with this behavior her whole life and knew that she couldn’t show her pain. The people of the court were like vipers and would strike if any chink in her proverbial armor was visible.

  One evening, Tess brought a beautiful dress made of cream taffeta and dark blue velvet to Felicia’s room.

  Reaching out a hand, Felicia enjoyed the smooth, soft textures. The bodice had beadwork set in the pattern of diamonds. “This is beautiful,” she exclaimed.

  Tess smiled. “I had quite a bit of help, but I’m very proud of how it turned out.”

  Felicia’s brows came together. “What did you make this for? There aren’t any balls coming up for months.”

  Her servant blinked several times before bursting out in giggles. “Have you truly forgotten? You’re to be married in five days.”

  Eyes widening, Felicia sat on the bed behind her. “You’re right. How could I have let that large detail escape me?” Shallow breaths suddenly plagued her, and Felicia wished she could take off her corset.

  Tess shrugged. “I suppose you’ve been a bit preoccupied.”

  “And how could the prince not have mentioned
it when I saw him last night?” Felicia assumed he’d have sulked to her about it. The opportunity for him to find the woman he truly loved was quickly dwindling. “What if this actually happens?” She stood and walked the length of the room. “This entire time, I assumed he’d find that mystery princess and that I’d quietly back away. The prince already guided Father’s investments. We’ll soon be out of debt. It all fell into place so perfectly.”

  “Have you lost your wits?”

  Shocked at a servant speaking to her in such a manner, Felicia stopped and stared at Tess.

  The maid’s nostrils were flared and her eyes shined with emotion. “You are the perfect woman to be the next queen.” She walked to Felicia and put her hands on her shoulders. “And don’t you dare tell me that Prince Bastion feels nothing for you. I’ve seen the way he looks at you. This is meant to be, Milady. It’s time you accepted it.”

  Felicia’s mouth worked. Open, closed. No words came out.

  “Now, let me help you out of your clothes so you can try on the wedding gown.”

  Chapter 11

  Wandering the halls the following afternoon, Felicia chewed her lower lip. She’d never sought out the prince before. He spent nearly every morning holding court with his father, and had been joining them for dinner each evening this last week. But she had no clue what he did with the rest of his day.

  If I really thought we were getting married, would I have tried to get to know his routine, get to know him better? Yes. She would have plunged herself into learning all that she could about him. Yet even still, they’d grown close. She woke each morning with excitement to join him in court. She loved seeing the mischievous smirks he threw her way, and his puppy dog eyes when he got bored – as if she were the only one in the world who could save him.

  She liked it when he leaned over and asked her thoughts on whatever problem was being presented. He’d listen attentively and it always made her feel pleased when his face would turn into admiration for her opinions. He made her feel strong, beautiful… important.