Chandra, her Wardrobe Lady, hovered around the Grand Princess's sitting room, looking as though she were collecting garments that needed mending or cleaning. Veronica knew better, however. The older woman wanted to make sure that the funeral hadn't caused the Grand Princess to fall into some kind of spiral of despair.
Like that would happen. As much as she had loved her brother, he'd always been in the way.
"You may go," Veronica said when Chandra's fussing had gotten too much. "I want to be alone."
"But, my dear Highness, you have suffered a great loss. Surely, I should be here in case you need something."
Stifling a sigh, the Grand Princess smiled. "Thank you. I do appreciate your concern, but it's been a long couple of days, and I just want to go to bed."
"Then let me get you some warm herbed milk to help you sleep."
"Please, Chandra. I will be fine. I promise. You've been so helpful. I would feel terrible if you worked yourself to exhaustion on my account."
Chandra bit her lip and wrung her leathery hands. "I didn't sleep well last night, I will admit. Who could have known that Princess Yamina would try to kill the Queen?"
"It was terrible." Veronica clenched her hands together under the folds of her skirt. "A shock to all of us. I think that we all need some time to recover."
"Of course, Princess." Chandra curtsied. "I will leave you if you are sure you don't need anything else."
"I'll be fine."
Veronica waited she heard the woman close the main door of the apartment. Then she hurried to make sure it was locked.
When she was assured that she was alone and wouldn't be disturbed, she went to her dressing room and knelt in the corner.
The yellow damask curtains brushed the floor, and Veronica moved one of them aside to reveal bricks that had been covered by plaster at one time. When this room had belonged to her mother, Veronica has been able to sneak in as a child and chip that away. She had also loosened several of the bricks to make herself a hiding place.
Now, she opened the space and pulled out a bundle of dirty burlap fabric. When she unwrapped it, she chuckled, staring at the blue and green bowl that had belonged to Killian.
The cursed Anamii had given this treasure to Gideon when he was a child as a way to forge a relationship with King Lucius. Supposedly, the Water Folk knew that Delthyn's son was a Water Sensitive, although how that worked made no sense to Veronica.
What did make sense was that this bowl, and its twin which was in Gideon's possession, had been carved from an enormous sapphire.
Reverently, Veronica ran her fingers over the surface. What magic would this hold? It was a marbled stone, although not the kind she'd had the prisoners looking for. Still, it must have strong magic, being so large and so marbled.
She had to get to Yamina. This could be what she'd been looking for.
It was late, probably close to midnight, but Ursula couldn't sleep. After her time alone in the mausoleum, which had been harder than she'd anticipated, a guard had escorted her back to the palace where a light supper had been prepared.
The rest of the family had gone into the traditional week of seclusion and mourning, so the palace was nearly silent. Only the quiet footsteps of servants and the brush of brooms or fabric as dressing staffs gathered the mourning garments for cleaning.
Now with all the rituals and ceremonies over, Ursula's mind raced with all that had happened in the few short days she'd been in Heyton.
She'd been insulted by members of Killian's family and poisoned by his mistress.
She'd been lauded and honored as Queen of Heyton.
If all that weren't enough to overwhelm someone, this palace was filled with people all the time, most of whom were not royal or servants. Diplomats, advisors, and petitioners to the Crown were common, and that was exactly what Ursula had expected. The palace in Valborough had, at any given time, a dozen or so of these walking through the hallways waiting to consult with the King or his staff.
The Sapphire Palace had more than a hundred of these men and women, but they weren't the only people milling about. Young noble women, from Heyton and other countries accompanied by their fathers or other male family members, also hovered around the edges of every room and gathered in gossiping groups. Every one of them seemed to be here for no other reason than to find a husband with money and, if possible, a title.
Dealing with each of these people required knowing his or her title or rank, how formal one needed to be in speaking, and what topics were appropriate. Ursula felt as though she had been thrown into some elaborate pageant presentation but no one had thought to give her a script or tell her where she was supposed to stand.
Fortunately, she'd grown up in a palace and could fake her way through some interactions, enough that, so far, no one besides Grand Princess Veronica had found anything major to criticize her about.
Ursula believed Veronica would have criticized her no matter what she did, anyway.
As she wandered about her apartment, trying to find something to calm her mind, Ursula considered ringing for her maid to bring her some warm milk but decided against it. Why should other members of the household be taken from their beds just because she couldn't sleep?
Her own mother would have had no second thoughts about doing just that exact thing, believing, as she did, that the servants were there to serve, not care for their own needs like sleep or relationships.
Ursula pulled her comfortable robe tighter and went to the window of her sitting room. The Sapphire Palace was on a hill overlooking a village, one that was larger than the capital city of Valborough. A lush forest separated the palace from the town, but she could see the top of the three main churches, each lit with a huge torch as a reminder that the Elements were always awake, even on the darkest of nights.
That thought comforted the Widow Queen a bit. At least, even in this foreign land, the Elements were the same.
The nobility of Heyton wasn't dependent on the Sensitivities for their position, and it was normal for peasants to have Abilities, although Madame Belinda said the stronger a person was with magic, the higher up they moved in society.
Grand Princess Veronica was a strong Flora Sensitive, but from what Ursula could discover, that was her only Ability, and one she shared with her sister and her mother. It was a nice one for the Princesses to have as the palace grounds were lovely, and the flowers and fruit were abundant.
Suddenly, she saw movement on the stone walkway in front of the palace. Someone was down there, but whoever it was had no lantern or torch to light his or her way.
Curious, Ursula leaned closer to the window. Who would be outside at this time and why?
Then the person began to walk, and she recognized Prince Gideon's limping stride.
Maybe he couldn't sleep either and had decided to get some air. He went to the edge of the walk where a short wall marked the end of the main palace grounds and the beginning of the forest, although no trees grew right next to the wall.
Leaning on the stone barrier, he reached out his hand, and Ursula gasped when a large bird, whose color was hidden in the dark, came and perched next to him. The Prince stroked the creature's head and reached into a pouch hanging from his belt.
A moment later, he held out a strip of raw meat about the length of his hand. The bird snatched it from him without damaging his fingers.
Ursula found herself enchanted by the exchange. Did anyone else in the palace know that the young man they'd all written off as unworthy to be considered a real Prince because of his deformity had this rapport with birds? How useful could this be to a King at war? What could Gideon command this bird, or any bird, to do? How powerful was his Fauna Sensitivity?
Before she could talk herself out of it, Ursula changed into a simple chemise and skirt without any corset or overbodice, separate sleeves or petticoat. Then she slipped her feet into soft leather slippers and left her bedroom.
She hurried through the hallways of the palace and down the b
ack stairs that led through the servants' wing until she reached the bottom floor. A few moments later, she went out the front door and stood on the landing in the cool night air.
It was then that the enormity of what she had done hit her. Not even back home in Valborough did she dare leave the palace alone this late at night. She didn't fear for her life or worry about getting lost or injured.
Breaking the rules about what Princesses should and shouldn't do wasn't something that ever entered her mind.
There were rules of behavior in all walks of life. Her mother had instilled this into her until she could act properly in any and all situations she might find herself in.
Being out of the palace, in the middle of the night, alone with Prince Gideon was one of those situations she could never have found herself in, and she was at a complete loss as to how to behave. Of course, he hadn't acknowledged her presence so maybe the wisest course of action would be to turn around and go back to her bed.
"She won't bite you." Gideon's voice, calm and gentle, wafted to her on the delicate night breeze. "Come and see how soft her feathers are. I defy you to find something more exquisite."
He never turned around, and only curiosity about the bird and how he knew she was there prompted her to approach him.
"How can you do this?" she whispered as she sat next to him on the wall. The bird, which she saw now was an eagle, was on the other side of him and didn't react to her being there.
"A bit of Fauna Sensitivity," he said, still not looking at her, "but mostly patience and kindness." His focus was still on the animal as he stroked her head with one hand. With the other, he reached toward Ursula. "Give me your hand."
Tentatively, she did as he asked. Slowly, he raised her hand to the bird's head and let her stroke its head with one finger as he had done.
"Oh." The word came out of her like a prayer as she touched the delicate head feathers. "It's wonderful. How did you get her to come to you and sit so still?"
Gideon took her hand away then pulled out more meat from the bag. Ursula watched as the bird ate it all from his hand.
"Go, Anya," he said, brushing his hands together to rid them of the remnants. "That's all I have for you tonight."
As though she understood, the eagle took to the sky with a rush of feathers and a burst of wind.
"When I was young," Gideon said, still not looking at his uncle's widow, "I didn't have many friends, as you might imagine. My cousins, the boys anyway, wanted to play war games and pretend to be great knights and soldiers. My grandfather was King then, and he was even more of a warrior than Uncle Killian. I tried to keep up with them, but my running is more like a series of near falls.
"The girls would play with me, but at that age, no self-respecting boy wants to spend his time with dolls or have tea parties when the other males are off fighting imaginary enemies and slaying dragons."
He sighed and continued to watch the eagle as it soared overhead, circling the forest and palace. "I wanted to fly," he said. "I don't have any Air Sensitivity but I wanted it."
"Air Sensitives can't fly," she said. "I am one, and I can't."
Now he looked at her. "But I was a child, and no one in my family has Air Abilities. I was sure that because those with Water Abilities are good swimmers, it made sense that Air Sensitives could fly."
Ursula laughed. "I thought because I had both Water and Air, I could breathe under water. The day I figured out it didn't work that way was an interesting one."
"I would imagine." He sighed. "Anyway, it didn't take long for the weapons master and the tutors to decide that my presence at the games was more of a burden and a distraction than they were willing to deal with. While Josiah and Damien were getting their instruction in war craft, I was left on my own. Usually I'd end up here, sitting with my books. After a while, I brought nuts and berries to eat. That drew the attention of some of the smaller animals and birds.
"One day, I wondered if I could get one of them to come to me and eat out of my hand. I practiced using my Fauna Sensitivity, and I was shocked to find Anya flying overhead.
"It took months of sitting right here, still as I could before she landed, and months more before she'd get near enough to eat anything."
Ursula shook her head in wonder. "I've never seen anything like it. The man I...I mean, I knew a Fauna Sensitive back in Valborough."
"That man who surprised you at the wedding."
She blinked at him. "Yes."
"He loves you."
"That's not important now," she said, shaking her head. "I made my decision, and it's too late to change things. Anyway, he only used his Abilities on horses. I've never even thought anyone could control wild animals."
Now Gideon shook his head. "It isn't control. It's more like a connection, a rapport."
"I suppose. I just don't understand how it all works."
"How does your Air Sensitivity work? Do you control the Air?"
"Not control exactly. It's more like I understand how to use the small currents and movements to do what I need it to do."
"You work with what is already there. You don't force it to do something it wouldn't do naturally. It's the same way with animals."
Now she nodded. "I think I understand. Has anyone else seen you do this?"
"No, and I'd appreciate it if you'd keep this to yourself. I don't need another reason for Josiah and Damien to consider me less than a real Prince."
Ursula shook her head. "Between the Water speaking and this, I'd think there would be lots of reasons for them to admire you."
"Water speaking." He grinned at her. "I don't think I've ever called it that."
She felt herself blush and dropped her eyes to her hands. "I'm sorry. I don't know what you call it."
"No. It's fine," he said, chuckling a bit. "We, that is, I never called it anything other than a trick."
"No," she said. "I think it's wonderful. Would you show me how you do it?"
His frowned. "I would like to, but I haven't been able to find the bowl Killian used."
"Shouldn't it be in his office?"
Gideon nodded. "I went there but...well, I didn't find it."
"I see." Perhaps she would have better luck. After all, she was Killian's widow. "Tomorrow, I'll help you."
Chapter 26
When Ursula woke up the next morning, she was more eager to get out of bed than she had been since arriving in Heyton. With the family now in an official state of mourning, no outside commitments had been planned and most of the courtiers had left, meaning the palace would be a more relaxing place.
"Good morning, Your Majesty," Rebecca said as she came into the bedchamber. "I've brought you some coffee and scones. The kitchen staff said if you're interested in a fuller breakfast, just let them know."
"No. I'm sure this will be fine. Prince Josiah told me there would be no formal family dinners until the week of mourning is completed." Ursula swung her legs to the floor. "I'll be happy for the break."
"Your Majesty, you know that it is unseemly for you to appear happy now."
With a sigh, Ursula wrapped her robe around her shoulders. "I didn't mean I was happy about the circumstances. Any death is hard on the family, but frankly, between the two of us, it's difficult for me to relax and be myself here."
"You are Queen, Your Majesty. Shouldn't the rest of them do what they can to make you feel comfortable?" Rebecca opened the wardrobe and began rummaging through the dresses.
"In a perfect world." Ursula sat at the table where Rebecca had arranged her breakfast. "I'm planning to spend the day with Prince Gideon, so don't dress me in something too fancy."
Rebecca spun around. "You're spending the day with Prince Gideon?" Her voice bordered on shrill, and Ursula blinked at her.
"Is that a problem?"
"Princess," Rebecca started, then shook her head. "I mean, Your Majesty, do you know how it will look if you start spending too much time with one man? And Prince Gideon already said the words of marriage with
you. What if he starts thinking he has feelings for you?"
Ursula sighed. "What if he does? That doesn't affect anything, Rebecca. I'm still a widow and have no plans to get involved in any kind of relationship, with anyone, let alone Prince Gideon."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Rebecca stood and left the Queen to eat her breakfast. "But sometimes these things happen without planning."
The idea of Prince Gideon having feelings for her was almost enough to make Ursula laugh, but on the other hand, he was just about the only friend she had here in the palace. Would it be so terrible if other feelings developed?
Not that she would act on anything like that. After all, what she had told Rebecca was true. She was a widow, as strange as that was to think about, and it would be inappropriate for her to even consider another man as a romantic partner.
Then, of course, there was still George Evan. Not that anything could be done to change that situation, but she still cared about him.
Her feelings were complicated, but at least here, she was happy to fall back on protocol. No one would expect her to do anything other than see that Josiah wore the crown. After that, she was free to live whatever kind of quiet life she wanted, provided she brought no scandal to the throne of Heyton.
A quiet life sounded wonderful just now.
Just as she finished her breakfast, a knock sounded on the door in the other room that led to the hall. Rebecca left to answer it and returned a moment later with a note.
"It is from the King's Council of Ministers," Rebecca said, handing the note to Ursula.
"Thank you."
The Council requested her presence at a meeting right before the mid-day meal. Nothing was explained, but Ursula was certain this had to do with the coronation and her part in it.
"I thought we were going to get the other bowl from your uncle's rooms," Ursula said as Gideon led her to a table in his parents' apartment. A beautiful large green marble bowl sat in the middle of the table, on a cloth.
"Dashiell and I already searched there. We couldn't find it." He pulled out a chair for her.
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