Calie nodded, looking up to Kaemin, apologetic. “I will return in a few moments,” she said quietly. Her fingers brushed over his arm, garnering a saddened smile from him in return.
“I will be waiting.”
It tore at Aiva’s heart to see the two of them look so sad. She wished there was something she could do to help. But what good would she be? Callum would never listen to her, and he certainly wouldn’t be willing to grant her any favors. But for his sister? He wasn’t unreasonable. At least he hadn’t been in the past. Currently, she wasn’t so sure.
Breaking away from the crowd, Aiva tried to keep her pace brisk without appearing too determined. Cadell and her parents had a head start. If she didn’t move quickly, she could lose them in the halls of the palace and never learn what their unusual absence involved. “What is wrong?” Calie asked, struggling to keep up with Aiva’s hastened strides.
Aiva hushed her, stepping into the foyer, eyes and ears searching for signs of recent passage. In the distance she could see the figures of her parents alongside Cadell disappearing down one of the private corridors. Taking Calie’s hand, she pulled her along, cautious of every step she took in order to make as little noise as possible, their bodies hugged against the wall to avoid detection. She didn’t want them to know she was following.
At the sight of who they followed, an expression of understanding and curiosity crossed Calie’s features. Their parents were moving toward the courtyard. Perfect. There were a number of places to conceal their eavesdropping in the gardens. All Aiva needed was to reach the door without being noticed. Judging by the focus of the three figures, she doubted they would be paying much attention, assuming everyone else to be safely within the ballroom, unaware of their disappearance.
Aiva and Calie paused at the entrance to the courtyard, Aiva’s foot sliding forward just enough to prop the door open. Careful not to make a commotion, she peered through the crack, waiting until her parents were far enough away to grant her and Calie an opportunity to reach the hedge row unseen. They tiptoed through the door, skirts held high to avoid dragging the hem on the ground.
She didn’t care about damaging her dress. Kneeling on the ground, she crawled along beside the hedges, head low to avoid notice. Calie followed her example, both coming to a stop near the end of the row, pressed low to the grass while listening to the conversation taking place on the other side.
“This must be a difficult decision for you,” Cadell stated, his tone calm. Quiet. Even away from the prying eyes of others, they were being mindful of their volume in speech. “I know how much you have been trying to put this off. Can I ask what has led to your change of heart?”
“Many things,” Leyna sighed. Her voice was melancholy. “She simply takes no interest in seeking a husband, and with Shaelyn and Herryk… You know that Shaelyn cannot marry before the eldest sister. Vorsila would demand the match be declined. Or worse, that the young Lord Herryk be placed on Aiva’s arm instead. I just could not bear to do that to my daughters.”
“So you must arrange a marriage for Aiva before any conflict of interest arises with Shaelyn and Herryk?” Cadell asked.
A rustle of fabric came from somewhere nearby, Aiva’s heart fluttering wildly at the sight of her father drawing near. He was close. She feared they would be discovered. To her relief, his footsteps moved away from the hedges where she and Calie lay hidden. “That is exactly our predicament,” Thade stated. He was more composed than the Queen, though somber in tone. “To choose randomly would be cruel. My wife and I have been discussing the matter since the unfortunate claims made by Lord Dacian. We believe it may be best to choose someone close to the family. It might help to establish a base for the relationship to build on. One more stable than would be possible with a complete stranger.”
Cadell chuckled quietly, almost inaudible. “I suspect I know where this is going.”
“I expected no less,” Thade’s voice came a bit lighter than before. “Callum is a good man. We have watched him grow from a boy into the fine soldier he is now. Edric, Aiva, and he used to be inseparable. Leyna and I could think of no one better to join our family. If you approve the match, that is.”
“Your daughter is much like her mother. Beautiful, though willful. I think she would be a wonderful match for my son. He needs a woman who can put him in his place from time to time.”
Aiva let her face drop down into the moist grass. She couldn’t be hearing this. She refused to believe her ears. Why would her parents do this to her? And after her father had spoken with her about having a chance to choose her groom… Had so much changed in two days that they no longer trusted her ability to find someone? Out of all the men in the ballroom that night, they had to choose the one she despised the most. It was all she could do to keep from speaking out in protest of the decision. She couldn’t let herself give in. Her parents couldn’t know that she was there. It would only make matters worse.
“With your blessing, we were thinking to see the engagement ceremony arranged for mid-week. Given the situation the Siscalians are in with the pirates of Luquarr, the formalities will need to be carried out with a bit of haste,” Leyna added. “By then, the wedding plans will be well underway. We can settle on a date shortly. It is our preference that the marriage be completed within the next two weeks. That would grant them some time in each other’s company before Callum and his men return to sea. Though, we would have to request he come home more frequently than he has in the past.”
“As the Captain, he will find it easier to take leave. A commander will be appointed under him.” Cadell’s voice sounded faint. As if they were moving further away, back to the palace doors. “I will give him the night to enjoy his party. If it pleases you both, I will send him here in the morning to meet with his bride-to-be.”
“I would not have him mention the engagement quite yet.” Thade’s words were growing more indistinct. “My wife wishes to tell our daughter personally of the decision, but we will be indisposed for much of the day tomorrow. It may be a few days before an opportunity for discussion on the matter will be possible.”
Clutching the sides of her head, Aiva refused to sit up. She wanted to stay there. Hidden away where no one would find her. If they didn’t know where she was, they couldn’t force her to marry anyone.
“Aiva, this is wonderful!” Calie exclaimed quietly, scooting along the grass to kneel beside her. “We are going to be sisters!”
“Oh, no, Calie,” Aiva groaned. Miserable, she lifted her face from the grass, spitting a few pieces of stray dirt from her lips. “I can’t marry your brother. This cannot be allowed to happen.”
Calie stared at her, aghast at what she was saying. “What is wrong with my brother?”
“He hates me. He and I are not friends, nor have we been for some time. My parents are mistaken,” she shook her head, dejected. Calie would never understand.
“My brother doesn’t hate you,” Calie argued.
Laughter rose from Aiva, unable to control it, the sound echoing through the now empty courtyard. “Trust me. He despises me. And I cannot blame him. I would despise me as well. I deserve his hatred. But he is not without fault himself.”
“What makes you so convinced of his contempt for you?”
Aiva let her head drop back to the ground. There was no getting around it. She would have to tell Calie the truth. Maybe then they could both argue with their parents the reasons why the wedding couldn’t be allowed. Crestfallen, she picked herself up, settling into a seated position against the prickly hedges. “I was a fool, Calie,” she said quietly. Pathetic. “I was so angry with your brother. He never sent me a single letter when he was away. Not one. If he had died on that wretched ship in the Nahpoa, I would have been none the wiser. And Callum has behaved as if nothing is wrong. As if he hadn’t gone away and forgotten all about me. I wanted him to know how upset I was, but I let things get out of control. Lord Dacian was so wonderful at the ball…”
“What does Dacian
have to do with my brother?”
“Everything,” Aiva frowned. It hurt her to speak of it. She could feel the warmth of tears threatening to fall from the corners of her eyes. “I invited Dacian to come for a walk with me in the gardens. I was so stupid… For some reason I thought letting him kiss me would somehow make everything better. To make all my anger toward Callum go away. I know, it makes no sense, but even worse – Callum found us together. In the shed near the back of the courtyard.”
“Aiva!” Calie gasped, covering her mouth with her hand.
“I know, it’s horrid!” Aiva buried her face in her hands, humiliated. “And now Callum thinks… Oh, what must he think? That I take random men out here to the gardens and throw all propriety away. I don’t think he would ever believe that other than him, Lord Dacian is the only man I have ever kissed.”
Calie opened her mouth to speak, the sound of her voice drifting off, dazed, confused by Aiva’s words. “Other than him?” she raised her brow.
“It was a long time ago. At this point, it’s no longer important. It does not change the fact that he thinks me a trollop.”
“When did you kiss him?”
She inhaled a deep breath. Why wouldn’t Calie just leave it alone? “What does it matter?” Aiva frowned ruefully. “I wasn’t old enough to know what he was doing until it was already too late. I am not entirely sure the experience even counts. But for him to do that and then leave, without anything, for fifteen years – can you blame me for being upset?”
“Why didn’t you tell me before?”
“Would you tell me if you kissed my brother?”
Calie laughed nervously. “If I kissed your brother, I would have made the biggest show of it, you can be certain of that.” An odd expression came over her face. “This must have been before he left for his training, then?”
Aiva gave a slight nod, grimacing at the memory. “The last time he and I saw one another, yes. And would you believe, it was inside the same gardener’s shed where he found me with Dacian?” Aiva let her head fall backward, gazing up at the stars. She wanted to appreciate their beauty, but at that moment she felt as if they were all laughing at her. Vor’shai legends claimed that the greatest heroes of their people lived among the stars. Their spirits watching from above. And right now their ancestors looked down upon her in their disapproval.
“I could talk to him,” Calie suggested. She sounded so hopeful!
“Not to disparage your good intentions, but I don’t think it would do much good.” Rising from the ground, Aiva brushed the dirt from her dress, her frown deepening at the sight of a large stain along the fabric from knee to hem. “He probably wouldn’t admit any of it to you. Dacian went to your father about what happened, knowing Callum was witness, and fearing the repercussions. Callum told your father that he knew nothing of it. If he denied it to your father, he will certainly deny it to you.”
The amber glow of Calie’s eyes dimmed, disappointed. “Well, if it is any consolation, I would be very happy to have you marry my brother. I will do what I can to assure him of your virtue.”
“Do not worry about me, Calie,” Aiva tried to smile, the expression faltering. An overwhelming urge to weep came over her, tears stinging her eyes despite her attempts to force them back. She didn’t want anyone to see her in such a state. She needed to get Calie away in case she lost control of the emotion. “Kaemin is waiting for you inside. You should go to him. Tell him I will speak with your brother about a transfer. That will give me something to discuss when he comes to call on me in the morning. The gods know we will need something to fill the silence.”
“Are you sure? I could stay here with you…”
“Please, go to Kaemin.” She hated the desperation in her words. Clearing her throat she tried to regain her focus, forcing her smile wider. “I will be back in momentarily. Kaemin is heavyhearted over his call for departure to Siscal. Enjoy the time with him that you have. It will ease his mind while he is away.”
Begrudgingly Calie gave in to Aiva’s urging, taking a step backward toward the palace. With a grimace, Aiva waved her away. She didn’t want company anymore. Why wouldn’t Calie just leave?
“We will come check on you – ”
“Don’t,” Aiva’s waves became more insistent. “Calie, please. I need to think about everything. When I am ready, I will return to the party.”
When Calie finally disappeared through the door, it was like a flood gate opening from Aiva’s eyes, tears pouring forth, unwanted, yet unstoppable. It was foolish of her to cry. She hated the feeling, having had little experience with it.
What was there for a princess to cry about anyway? She’d always had everything she ever wanted. At times she wondered what good she would be as Queen if she didn’t know what it was like to experience life the way the normal citizens of Tanispa did. The most admirable quality her mother possessed was her compassion, built from years of living on her own, struggling through hardships, war, loss… Aiva knew nothing of those things. To weep over a marriage felt so trivial in comparison. But it wasn’t just any marriage! It was a marriage to a man she didn’t love. One that she had no desire to be around. How could she guarantee an heir to the Levadis throne when she didn’t want to look at the man who would be her husband, let alone touch him?
Sinking to the ground she buried her face in her hands. The tears weren’t only for the possibility of her marriage with Callum. She regretted all of the mistakes she’d made over the past few days. If not for her ridiculous plan for revenge, maybe it all would have been different. If she hadn’t thrown herself at Dacian. She could have argued with her parents to give her more time with him. With anyone but Callum.
A few minutes passed before she became aware of someone else nearby. Whoever it was said nothing. Standing not far away, watching her. The soft scent of some sweet cologne reached her nostrils on the light breeze through the courtyard. Familiar. She’d smelled it at the ball a few nights back. Callum. “Have you come to insult me some more? Do not hesitate on behalf of my tears. By all means, it is your party.”
“I didn’t come here to insult you – ”
“Oh, so you just happened to come for a walk out here? Did you think you would catch sight of something else which you could hold over my head?”
“Your Highness, I was looking for my sister,” Callum replied, detached, formal. The use of her proper title coming from him caused her to glance up in shock, streaks of the blackened liner from her eyes creating dark splotches over her cheeks. He stared at her a moment before speaking again, his voice softening. “I was told you both left the ballroom together.”
“You are making a habit of lying, Captain?” Aiva asked, returning the formality of his title. “Calie only left a few moments ago. You must have passed one another in the hall.”
Silenced by her accusation, he squatted down in front of her, leveling his gaze with her own. “You are sharper than I recall,” he said quietly. “Very well. Calie told me you were out here. She looked concerned, so I thought I should check on you. I admit I was worried, but I did not expect this. Why do you cry, Aiva?”
“You will know soon enough.” She averted her gaze. It was dreadful having to look at him. Knowing that in less than a week they would be engaged. “Don’t you have a party to be at?”
“I don’t remember you being so cold.”
“And I don’t remember you being so irritating,” Aiva sighed. “You are back for three days or more. Not that I would have known, since you never came to visit. And in that short span of time you simply assume that I am going to be the same girl you walked away from. I was under no delusion of what you would be.”
“There you go again. What exactly is it that you see in me that I do not?” Callum tilted his head to catch her eye from the sideways angle which she held in attempts to avoid him.
Aiva wrinkled her nose in distaste. He was so confident. Bold in his behavior toward her. Captain or not, he was out of line to be so close. Demanding exp
lanations. “You think yourself an important man, do you? All knowing. Experienced from your time abroad. You’re no different from any of the other soldiers apart from having more stripes on your arm. A few more medals in your collection.”
“You speak quite harshly about soldiers when you looked rather comfortable in the arms of one the other night.”
“Comfortable?” she laughed feebly. If there was one thing she was certain of from that night, it was that she was in no way comfortable in that brief time with Dacian. Her mind had been rampant with fears of what might happen if she wasn’t able to get him to stop. To remove his hands. The concern had become more real when she’d attempted to warn him of Callum’s approach. Dacian paid her no attention. If Callum hadn’t interrupted them, there was no telling what the situation might have progressed to. She shuddered to consider the possibilities. “If you thought I looked comfortable, then you know very little about women.”
The color drained from Callum’s face. Instinctively his hand moved to his hip, revealing a flash of silver from the sword he wore on his belt. “Did that man force himself upon you? I will see him properly punished.”
Startled by the sudden flash of anger in his eyes, Aiva reached out her hand reflexively, placing it firmly over Callum’s to prevent him from drawing his blade if he thought to do so. “No, it isn’t like that,” she breathed, exasperated. “I was in over my head with him, I admit. You would not understand.”
The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Two: Beyond the Veil Page 8