“What brother of mine have you met before?”
I bit down on my lip, unable to look at him.
“Jack.” His tone was no longer soft, an edge of angry bitterness creeping into that single word. “What brother of mine knows you and what game are you playing?”
My mouth dropped open, bewildered by the conclusion he was jumping to. “Game? I’m not playing any—”
Knocking preceded a reminder of the king’s summons, effectively silencing me. Willem stood there, fuming at me with tense, twitching muscles working in his jaw. Without another word, he spun on his heel and marched out of the room. Before he closed the door, I heard his barked orders that none but he and the single handmaiden who’d brought my food should pass in or out of my quarters.
Horrified, I buried my face in my hands.
I wasn’t even left my lute to keep me company. I spent the afternoon sitting on the stone balcony, at first looking for a way to escape, but the impossible height and lack of handholds on the castle wall left me stranded. Even if I used every scrap of fabric in the room, I wouldn’t have had enough to descend to safety. And with my pack missing, I couldn’t call Ro, either.
And so, there I stayed, looking down at the city and out past the walls, as far as my eye could see on the horizon. Far below, people wandered the streets, the festival carrying on despite the events with the Piper. Perhaps they felt safer with her gone. None looked up to the castle, however, their faces all turned away from where I studied them with silent yearning, envious of their freedom to come and go as they chose. The handmaiden checked on me from time to time, her last visit to take away my mostly uneaten supper and to light the lamps.
After the sky faded from orange to purple to dark blue, I returned to the room to sit by the empty fireplace. I sunk down into one of two high-backed chairs, watching the flickering flame of the lamp on the table between them. A slight breeze from the balcony made me shiver.
When the door opened and closed, I ignored it. If the maid had a mind to ready me for bed, I had no intention of resting.
Instead, Prince Willem seated himself in the empty chair, his face unreadable as I drew my knees up, curling myself as tightly as I could. He watched me for a long time before saying a single thing.
“I want your word.”
“For what?” I asked quietly.
He leaned forward, staring at me with unwavering intensity. “That you will answer every question I ask with absolute honesty and leave nothing out.”
“Why should I do that?” I said, simmering with irritation that he’d demand so much. “What more will you do to me? Throw me in a dungeon? A prison is a prison no matter how small or large, filthy or clean. What makes you think I’d entrust you with such a thing when you trick me and trap me at any opportunity?”
“Because if you do, I might let you go. But, if you don’t, you’ll be indefinitely detained in a very quiet corner of the castle.”
I set my feet on the floor and glared at him. “You won’t trick me into this one. I’ll hold my tongue forever if I have to. What if all I have to tell you is what you already think of me? Never mind that I’ve tried to discourage your attention from the start. You think I’ve got some sort of plan to get myself a royal wedding? I’m a Bard. I want no such thing. If you needed another reason to stay away from me, think of that.”
Some of the anger drained from his face, but I’d not let him off so easy.
“That being the case, Your Highness,” I said with a note of derision, “keep in mind who it was that sought me out. Remember who cornered who in that alley. Please recall the confessions spoken, as I’d remind you that they weren’t mine. You barely know me, yet you’re so quick to be jealous of some imagined slight that you’ve locked me away without so much as my lute to entertain me, even knowing how such a thing pains me. Strange taste in women certainly runs in your family, Your Majesty. Apparently, so does a desire to see me kept in a cage.”
I pushed out of my chair and paced the room, fuming more with each step I took. “Does it not occur to you that I keep my secrets to protect myself or others? You’re as single-minded as he is, only thinking of yourself.” Stopping near the balcony doors, my hands balled into fists as I stared out into the night. “Not a living soul knows all of my story. You think I’d be so quick to confide what I know in a man who not only suspects me of romantic treachery, but has done nothing to earn the trust he demands?” Swallowing a lump of sadness, I shook my head. “I’d break a thousand oaths before I’d promise you so much.”
Behind me, he stirred, but I didn’t turn to face him. To be honest, I was afraid I might try to strike him if he laid a hand on me. I’d certainly be doomed then.
“I thought you’d say as much,” he said softly.
I continued to stare at the city, silent.
“That’s why I’ve decided to return you to the Minkovs’ care first thing tomorrow.”
Whirling, I stared at him, shocked. “You have?”
Willem looked away, shrugging in dejected resignation. “You’re completely right. I’ve no claim on you or your heart. I made some foolish assumptions, so for that I beg your pardon. If Gustave is who holds your favor, I won’t stand between the two of you.”
Any number of things to say to him occurred to me in the span of the strained moments that stretched out between us, but, in the end, I said the kindest thing I could think of.
“You’re an idiot.”
He met my gaze at last, confused by my statement. “What?”
“I’ve just told you that your brother chose to keep me in a cage, and you’re still convinced this has something to do with me being in love with someone else?”
His eyebrows knitted as the wheels turned in his head.
I crossed my arms and leaned up in the balcony doorway. “If you can work out anything else from that, I’ll give you a yes or no answer. Nothing more than that, and you only get three questions. I swear I will give you the truth.”
Willem turned away, pacing the room as I had most of the day. I gave him all the time he needed. After all, it wasn’t as though I were going anywhere.
Twice he stopped and opened his mouth, but thought better of it. The third time, he seemed to have made up his mind.
“Did Gustave hold you against your will?”
Whether or not telling him would make any difference, I couldn’t have said. I’d known he’d ask something that would confirm I’d met Prince Aaron in my travels.
“No.”
Willem dropped to his knees, head hung as he realized what my answer implied. “That song. That’s why you warned me. You knew I’d know it from his playing. It was one of his favorites.”
Remaining where I was, I didn’t answer, as he hadn’t asked me a direct question.
He took a long while to steady his breathing, but eventually calmed himself enough to take a seat by the fireplace. I wandered over to him, leaning on the back of the chair opposite him.
“Was he a prisoner, too?”
I sighed and shook my head. “No.”
He winced as though I’d slapped him. Perhaps it was confirmation of his own suspicions that pained him, or learning for the first time that his brother stayed away of his own free will that hurt him so.
He leaned his forehead in the palm of his hand, taking slow, even breaths. “I’ve only one question left, and I don’t want to waste it. I suppose I’d better make it a good one. I can’t imagine how much you must hate me now, but I hope you realize that I’m only trying to understand it all. The dreams, you, the war… I hardly know where to begin. One question isn’t enough.”
Stepping around the chair, I weighed my options carefully. Whatever it was I needed to do, I didn’t think I could do it on my own. Though I was loathe to rely on anyone but myself, some things were simply beyond a single person. I needed to trust someone, so why not the man willing to love me despite our predetermined fates?
“It is if you ask the right question.”
> Willem lifted his face to me, his helpless gaze softening my heart. He sank to his knees before me and took my hands, pleading. “Though I’ve made nearly every mistake I could with you, and though I’ve failed to earn the trust I want more than anything, Jack, I humbly beg your kindness. Will you tell me your story?”
My pulse hammered in my head when I thought to give him one answer. At the reminder of my promise of honesty, I closed my eyes. It was time to take a risk for myself.
“Yes.”
Chapter 15
Running through the darkened castle corridors, it was all I could do to keep up with Willem as he dragged me along behind him.
“It’s this way,” he whispered as we turned down a hallway.
The large double doors at the end depicted two giants holding up the arched doorway, their faces serene. At their feet, men gathered with books, heads bent as they read while sitting or standing.
“I’m amazed this is still here,” I said. “I’d think he would’ve had this removed, given the war and all.”
“He hasn’t come down here in nearly ten years,” Willem replied as he released my hand and unlocked the doors. “He’s probably forgotten. Did you know that giants were once charged with guarding libraries?”
“They were?”
The doors opened with a low creak, and he motioned me through. “Hundreds of years ago, before the established kingdoms were stable, giants kept watch over the world’s book collections. They were especially important during the Great Dinnish War. The Dinnarians tore through the lands, plundering treasure and slaughtering those who opposed them. Above all other things, they stole books first. They said the first step to completely conquering an enemy was to control knowledge. Without knowledge, no one would be able to defeat them. It was quite brilliant, really, though they weren’t the best of people outside of that.”
Through the darkness, we wound our way past towering cases of books, not pausing despite my overwhelming urge to touch every spine and read every word. “I don’t know much about them outside of a few legends here and there,” I admitted. “Were they as bad as the stories say?”
“I couldn’t tell you. History is written by the victors, and the Dinnarians lost. Most of what I know about them is from a military standpoint,” he said. “They were brilliant tacticians. The last Dinnish king was especially brutal and cunning, masterminding sieges that wiped out entire cities in mere days. It’s a horrific history, though not really why I brought you here.”
“So where are we going?” I whispered. “You haven’t said what we’re looking for.”
Willem looked over his shoulder at me. “My father’s private vault is back here. There’s a book there that your story reminded me of. It might be of some use to us.”
After the initial shock of hearing about his brother’s whereabouts, Willem took the rest of my tale surprisingly well. His eyes lit up with some unspoken emotion, perhaps hope or awe, the more I said. By the end of it, he was nearly vibrating with excitement.
“To us?” I asked, stopping abruptly.
He turned to me, smiling softly. Willem stepped close, lifting my chin to keep my gaze.
“Whatever your mission, Jack, I’ve been chosen to help you with it. If peace is what you’re seeking, I’m with you as long as you’ll have me.”
I frowned slightly. “I don’t understand any of this. Why are you so quick to—”
“Someone intended me for you, Jack,” he said. “Knowing you as I do now, I’d never think to go against their wishes.”
“Intended you for me?” I said with a sigh. “That seems like a horrible fate. You know what I am, but you still persist? I couldn’t stay with you even if I were highborn. I’m a Bard, Will. My nature—”
“Say it again.”
I blinked up at him. “What?”
“My name,” he said, grinning.
Chuckling, I shook my head. “All that and a single word is the only thing that matters to you?”
His face lowered towards mine, his voice soft as his breath warmed my skin. “A word from you, and I’d move the mountains. You fill my every waking moment and live in my dreams. I know your nature, Jack, but I’d not change you for the world.”
My throat tightened, overwhelmed by the enormity of his feelings. He wasn’t perfect, but if he was honest…
“Spirits take you,” I said, breathless. “You’ve not a rational thought in your head, have you?”
“It’s rather occupied with other things, I’m afraid. There’s no room for it at all.”
I giggled. “You’re impossible. Why would you risk so much for a girl you barely know?”
His fingers glided up from my chin to settle against my cheek. “I told you, you’ve enchanted me. As I’ve no magic of my own to counter it, what is there for me but to love you?”
Eyes wide, I stared at him. Of course I’d considered he might, but to hear him say it without hesitation… “You what?”
“I went half-mad when I thought maybe you loved another. I can’t think clearly at all when it comes to you. I’ll never be able to forgive myself for the pain I’ve caused you, but please believe my heart makes demands that are nearly impossible to control. I love you, Jack, and I can’t imagine a moment when I’ll ever feel otherwise.”
Beside myself with the raw emotion pouring from him, a tear escaped me. Never since my mother had any person expressed such unapologetic devotion to me.
“Why are you crying?”
I struggled to find words for him. “Because…” I began, pausing to collect myself. “Because I don’t know if I can give you what you wish for. It isn’t fair to you.”
Willem brushed away the wetness from my face. “Silly girl. All I wish for is your word.”
“My word for what?”
“Your word that you’ll allow me to be near you, to help and protect you whenever I’m able. That you’ll speak to me in truth. That you’ll let me try to show you even half of the kind selflessness you give to everyone you meet. That you’ll allow me to love you when your nature takes you from me. Swear that you’ll do those things, and that’s all I’ll ever ask of you.”
Setting my hands against his chest I lifted up to my toes. “You have my word, Will.”
The kind of magic that settled over me as I pressed my lips to his was unlike anything I’d felt before. It seeped into my bones, filling me with light. So different from any oath I’d given, the one I made to him then was weightless and unfettered. My spirit soared with a freedom that surpassed even my first taste of it. It was a road beneath my feet. It was the wind in my hair as I took flight with Ro. The feel of his arms around me was a promise of safety, the heat in his lips a defender against any enemy.
True, I was no princess, and I might not ever be able to give him the heart that belonged to the Bard’s path, but I would accept the gift he gave me and keep it safe so long as I lived.
When we parted, his smile was undeniable. “I think I’ve rather derailed us in our purpose for coming here.”
“You mean there was more to this little trip besides a reason to get another promise out of me?” A grin spread across my face.
He laughed, but squelched it when the sound echoed through the room. “You’re very funny, but yes. You see now what I mean about your effect on me.” He steered me to the right side of the cavernous room. “The book I’m looking for is this way.”
At the far end of the room, the wall was lined with solid shelves of books. Intrigued and a little confused, I watched as Will scanned the titles, running a finger along the old, leather spines.
“Now which one was…” He stopped abruptly. “Ah. Here we are. The Care and Feeding of Dragons.”
He pulled back on the book, tipping it out towards us. A soft click preceded the muffled grinding of gears and a section of the wall dropped back and to the right. Will took my hand once more and pulled me along behind him into the dark doorway.
I jumped when the wall closed behind us and his touch di
sappeared. But before I could speak, the strike of a match illuminated his face as he lit an oil lamp.
“Well,” I said, looking around at the shadowed and dusty interior, “this certainly looks like a vault. It’s exactly what I’d expect.”
Even in the low light, I could see the roll of his eyes. “He’s not overly creative, but I can’t imagine what else one might call it.”
I thought on it as he led me around various glass enclosures and statues. “Oh, I don’t know. Lair to the Throne? Cave of Wonders? Is that a stuffed three-headed goat? What about Macabre Cavern of the Unseen? That might be more fitting.” I dropped his hand and stood gaping at the case beside me. “Is that what I think it is?”
The lamp made the contents glow when Will returned to collect me. “That? Yes, I believe it is. One of the last you’ll see not attached to its owner, as they live very long lives and hide incredibly well. Killing unicorns is strictly forbidden, and carries a horrible curse. The fairies only let him keep the horn as the animal died of natural causes shortly after my father came across it. Can we get back to business now?”
Still distracted by the sparkling silver spiral laid on the velvet pillow, I nodded absently and he resumed dragging me along.
“Lair to the Throne,” he muttered. “That’s a horrible pun.”
“Better horribly entertaining than dreadfully dull,” I said with a giggle.
“Here we are,” Will said as we stopped behind a solid oak desk. Several large and ancient tomes were scattered across the surface, all pushed aside in favor of one at the center. He handed me the lamp and pulled the book closer. The green leather looked both immaculate and incredibly old simultaneously, the gold embossing on the cover catching the light as I leaned in.
“A Compendium of Magical Mysteries,” I read aloud.
Willem blew away a layer of dust. “Impressed?”
I considered it. “Surprised, really. They managed to fit all of it in one book? That’s a little disappointing. Are there not that many mysteries?”
The Stillness of the Sky: A Flipped Fairy Tale (Flipped Fairy Tales) Page 15