“Oh, no. I would never dream of befouling such a kind and virtuous lady.” There was acid in Callum’s words. He stood from the bench, taking a few steps before turning around to face her, any sign of his earlier humiliation vanished. “You speak with an odd confidence in topics which a woman such as you should not be well-versed. Did you ever think that it might not be your decision whether or not we share a bed? Maybe I, as your husband, would choose to deny you rather than give you the satisfaction of spurning me. After all, I have no way of knowing how many other men have lain with you already.”
“Is that how you are going to be about it?” Aiva rose to her feet, furious at his accusations. He insulted her honor when he had yet to account for his own. “Tell me, then. How am I supposed to know the number of women you have bedded over the years? Am I to believe that you went away and never touched anyone in a decade and a half? A man? A soldier?”
“Here it comes again. Why are you so hung up on my profession?”
“Why are you so concerned about my bed?”
“Because come tomorrow I will be your betrothed and your bed will be very much my business. I have a right to know about the woman I will call my wife.”
“I – ” she paused. Unable to form the words she wanted to say. Edric had insisted she tell Callum the truth, but how could she bring herself to open up to a man who was so closed off to her? Everything he said only added to her ever-growing anger. Honesty was the last thing she wanted to offer him. He didn’t deserve to know the truth of her feelings as long as he felt it acceptable to insult her the way he did. It didn’t matter if she might have loved him those years ago. He was proving more despicable with every moment they spent in each other’s company. “Fine,” she sighed. “If we are both of the same mind, then perhaps we should enter into this engagement with the understanding that neither of us will come near the bed of the other. Agreed?”
Callum folded his arms across his chest, staring Aiva down from across the walk. “Agreed.”
Something about the way he looked in that moment caused her to pause. Her mind went blank, filled only with his image. He looked handsome. Almost sexy, in a way. The umber shade of his eyes glowed with determination. He was like a regal statue, frozen in a stance of defiance. Why was it that the thought of him denying her made her suddenly desire him?
Nervously she cleared her throat, tearing her eyes away. She couldn’t allow herself to think such things. It wasn’t proper. Husband-to-be or not, it was not a thought she needed to be having. Especially when she wanted so badly to hate him.
She needed to think of something else for them to discuss. Unrelated to their engagement. His sister might be a way of cooling the heated air between them. Aiva had promised Calie she would talk with her brother about a transfer for Kaemin. Now felt as good a time as any to change the topic.
“I had a matter I wanted to mention. If you might be inclined to do a favor.”
“Now is an odd time for you to request anything of me.”
“Not for me,” she rolled her eyes. Not that she’d expected a different reaction from him. Their current hostility didn’t breed desire for helping one another. “Lord Kaemin is interested in a transfer to your unit. Calie has been afraid to approach you on the matter and I told her I would mention it. If you granted the favor, you would be doing your sister a great kindness, beyond anything you might realize.”
Callum’s face softened at the mention of his sister. “I am not against the idea of a transfer, though I can’t say I understand what difference his unit makes. We will all be sent to Siscal soon. A transfer to my regiment would only grant them another week. Two at most, given the current – social obligations – I have to complete here before I leave. The pirate attacks on Siscal have increased. Citizens have gone missing, many of which belong to families of the Siscalian military. We believe it is a direct attack in retribution for the injury my men dealt them. If allowed to return to Luquarr with their captives, those citizens will be sold into slavery. Our men have little choice but to render aid. Siscal would do the same for us.”
Her heart ached at what Callum was saying. Slavery? The thought was terrible. “They are intentionally going after the families of soldiers?” she gasped. “That is awful! How would they have even learned such personal information about the troops?”
“There were spies among the Siscalian recruits. We uncovered them, but not in time, it seems.” Callum’s expression was distant. Resentful. He grimaced, shaking his head to glance at Aiva once again. “I can accept the transfer, but he will be sent away no matter what. Can you tell me the reasons for the request? He is a good soldier. I find it hard to believe there is any conflict between him and his current commander.”
“No, there is no conflict,” she hesitated to continue. Did she dare tell Callum of Kaemin’s intentions toward his sister? With the sour taste in their mouths currently toward marriage, it seemed doomed to failure. For the sake of Calie, she had to try. “Lord Kaemin is very fond of your sister,” she sighed. “He confided in me at the ball the other night that he has spoken with your father, and received the General’s blessing to ask for Calie’s hand in marriage. Kaemin’s current unit is scheduled to leave in the next day or two. If he was given the transfer, it would allow him time to at least commence their engagement before heading off to sea.”
“Oh.” He lowered his eyes, thoughtful. “I had no idea he and Calie were so close. That would be a good match.”
“It would,” Aiva added. She wanted to encourage the thought in his mind. His sister deserved happiness with Kaemin. The engagement would offer some consolation in his being taken away from her. “They love each other dearly. Poor Calie will be crushed to see him leave. To give them a little more time seemed the least I could try to offer them. Or that you could. You are the Captain, after all.”
“We will see,” Callum frowned. “Perhaps I should submit the request before I am stripped of my title.”
“You don’t really think that will happen.”
“I do.”
Aiva clutched at her stomach. How had she let things get so far out of hand? Even through her anger, she couldn’t help the feeling of remorse for what she’d done. Callum wasn’t guilty of anything other than being in the wrong place at the wrong time. It was his loyalty to her which now would cost him everything. Regardless of any hard feelings she held toward him, she couldn’t deny that his intentions had been good. It wasn’t fair for him to receive such harsh punishment.
She felt compelled to lighten his mood in some way. To make him smile. There had to be something which would distract him from the gloom of his thoughts. The uncertainty of his future. In the back of her mind she doubted they would do anything too severe. Her mother was insistent on the marriage. It would look scandalous to the royal family if she married a dishonored soldier. But it was a promise she couldn’t offer him with any certitude.
Letting her eyes scan the area, she caught sight of two wooden practice swords, discarded along the walk near the hedge-line where she and Calie had hidden to overhear the news of her engagement. With graceful strides she made her way over to them, collecting one of the weapons, her grip tightening around the hilt. Using the tip of her slipper she kicked the other sword along the ground to Callum’s feet, holding her own out toward him in challenge. “I think we could both use a bit of practice to do away with some of our pent up aggression.”
Callum looked down at the sword, confused, seemingly unsure of whether or not she was serious. “Now hardly is the time.”
“I disagree. I think now is the perfect time. We have the courtyard to ourselves. No witnesses for when I knock you down,” she winked at him. “Again.”
A reluctant laugh could be heard from Callum’s direction. Slowly he bent forward, gathering the sword in his hand. “I have more experience than I did then.”
“So do I.” Aiva stepped closer. Playfully she tapped her blade against his. “You did well against a child. Are you afraid to t
ake on a woman?”
In acceptance of her challenge, Callum returned the tap of his blade against Aiva’s, moving off the cobblestone into the grassy clearing of the western courtyard garden. Aiva followed him, remembering how they were always told to keep on the softer ground. It was safer in the event that anyone fell. Be it accidental or intentional.
It was strange to be standing there with him now. They’d both changed so much since the last time they had sparred. Physically, Aiva was stronger. More mature. And Callum was much the same, though his strength had always been superior to her own. Now he held his sword on her, the fine gold trim of his military doublet a symbol of his improved skill and experience. Still, they found their stances the way they always had before, as if transported back to the days of their youth, forgetting for the moment the tribulations of their adult lives.
Aiva was happy to see Callum look impressed by the improvement to her guard. She had continued to train under Cadell whenever she found an opportunity outside Lady Faustine’s notice.
She let him make the first move. A simple lunge. Testing her. She dodged, agile, quick, reflexive. When he came again, she parried the strike easily, deflecting Callum’s blade to slice at his abdomen. He blocked, their pattern continuing in a series of redirections and counters, neither finding a solid advantage over the other.
It took little time for them to relax into a routine, lingering animosity forming a silence between them at first before they were swept into the enjoyment of the duel, laughter filling the courtyard between their back and forth clash of wooden blades. Their legs were in close to one another, maintaining a sturdy base. It was more difficult for either of them to perform a sweep at their opponent’s feet while within such close range. More chances were created to entangle each other’s legs, tripping one another, forcing Aiva to focus more on her balance to stay upright and in control.
Stepping to one side, she caught sight of an opening in Callum’s guard. With precision she moved forward, seeing her mistake too late. A false opening. Cadell had warned her of them. Callum moved with fluid grace, grabbing her arm, sending her sword tumbling from her hand. He demonstrated incredible control as he lifted her over his hip, throwing her to the ground.
Breathless from the sensation of her feet being lifted from the grass, she reached out frantically for Callum, fingers wrapped tightly into the fabric of his collar. As her back connected with the ground Callum struggled to keep upright, finding his balance compromised by Aiva’s added weight. He gave a grunt of surprise, dropping to his knees over top of her, palms flattened against the grass on either side of Aiva’s head to prevent himself from collapsing entirely. Finally coming to a stop, they remained where they’d fallen, staring at one another, chests heaving from the exertion.
There was a flicker in the light of Callum’s eyes. Aiva felt her own pulse quicken to see him on top of her; his face only inches away. Never in their time growing up had they taken a fight to the ground. She understood now why. The positions were unladylike. Inappropriate, even now. Defending from her back was one area of training she lacked. Cadell wasn’t comfortable teaching it, his reasons suddenly obvious.
Her mind wandered. Callum’s eyes were stunning. Their shade showed more red in the light, resembling those of his father. It took a moment for her recognize the fact that they were coming closer. His lips drawing nearer to her own. Just when she thought they would touch, a loud shout distracted him, shifting his gaze in the direction of the palace. Aiva didn’t think it possible for her pulse to quicken any more than it had. The ferocity she heard in the voice in the distance drove fear into her heart. Cadell. He was calling for his son.
Callum cursed under his breath, quickly rising to his feet. In a clatter, he tossed the wooden sword down to the ground next to Aiva’s discarded weapon, meticulously arranging his doublet, wrinkle free, clear of dirt and grass. With a pained backward glance to where Aiva remained, he sprinted away, calling out to Cadell in return. “I am coming, Father!”
She listened to his footsteps along the cobblestone, disappearing into the distance toward the palace doors. She couldn’t make out the words being spoken by Cadell, his voice hushed. There was no doubt that he came with word of his decision regarding Callum’s fate. Judging by the anger in his tone, she imagined he and the King would not be lenient.
Staring at the sky, Aiva exhaled, wishing the pounding of her heart would slow. The match had ended too quickly. Thinking over the defeat in her mind, she tried to figure out exactly where she lost control of the situation. Despite her best efforts, all she could recall was the image of Callum’s starry-eyed gaze. She felt bewitched by him. If they’d been allowed to remain there, he would have kissed her. And she would have let him. A second time. What was wrong with her? Why did he have this power to hypnotize, leaving her helpless when he came near?
Well, it wouldn’t happen again. She would make sure of that. Climbing to her feet Aiva picked up the swords, moving determinedly toward the shed to put them away. That would be the last time she and Callum had use for them. Come the next day they would know their fate. The outcome of their games. And she suspected there would be no escaping the engagement. All she had to hope for now was that her exposing of Callum wouldn’t create any further complications.
Aiva sat on the bench in the courtyard, gazing down at the tiny band of gold which encircled her finger. The deed was done. She and Callum were engaged. A bond that none but the holy priests could sever. All around her, guests milled about the gardens. It was a casual celebration. No grand ball or big dinner. They would save the largest celebration for the day of the wedding. Her mother was already making arrangements for their travel to the palace in Escovul, a few hours from Sivaeria. The ceremony would take place in the grand hall the following week and everyone would be in attendance for the reception. Aiva wished she could be more enthusiastic about the details, but to contemplate them only added to her ever-growing depression.
She and Callum had exchanged few words since meeting that morning. Their greeting had been brief. A formal kiss on the cheek and a forced smile for the sake of their parents. The tension between Callum and his father had been noticeable upon their arrival, but as he and Aiva slipped the rings onto each other’s fingers during the engagement proceedings, it was too much for Cadell, the stony expression fading away to one of utter pride. It seemed everyone was ecstatic about the arrangement except the bride and groom-to-be.
“Aiva,” Calie exclaimed excitedly, coming to sit on the bench beside her friend. “I have great news!”
Distracted, Aiva lifted her eyes to Calie’s, a distant smile on her lips. “I could use some good news right now. Please tell me it has something to do with Lord Kaemin’s transfer. I have yet to hear of it.”
“It has been granted,” Calie nodded. Filled with joy, she took Aiva’s hands in hers, clasping them tightly. “And we have you to thank for it. Aiva, you would never guess, but he has asked me to marry him. It seems the celebration of your engagement was too much for him. He asked me on our way out of the chapel. I could not think to say anything other than yes.”
“I am so happy to hear that,” Aiva leaned in to wrap her arms around Calie in a warm embrace. It was a good sign. Callum’s transfer order for Kaemin was accepted. There had been no discussion of Callum being returned to any lower rank. She could only assume that whatever punishment had been agreed upon, it was going to be dealt with privately, keeping the scandal under wraps. It worked to the mutual benefit of all parties. The military would have its Captain to lead against the pirates and Aiva would have her decorated husband. Her future King. She could only hope that Shaelyn would marry Herryk soon enough and provide their parents with a dozen children who would take over the throne once it was discovered that Aiva and Callum would not be providing an heir.
Pulling away, Calie stared into Aiva’s eyes. Her smile was fading. Replaced by a look of concern. “Have you warmed to the idea of your marriage since we spoke on it last? I disli
ke the idea of you being unhappy. Especially with my brother. Everyone wants so much for you both to be happy.”
Aiva averted her gaze, unsure of what to say. After their discussion in the courtyard, she’d thought her decision was made. They had agreed to tolerate the marriage and keep their distance from one another. But then everything turned upside down on them when lost in the rush of their playful duel. When Callum was close to her, she’d felt something. She wasn’t sure what, but it didn’t feel awful. She almost liked it. The thought was disturbing. She didn’t want to be happy with Callum. Maintaining their anger with one another was paramount to making their parents see how much they resented the arrangement.
Biting her lower lip, Aiva shrugged, not wanting to let Calie see the change in her demeanor. “We are at least tolerating one another,” she replied quietly. “Maybe by the time he returns from Siscal next, we will have built up to having a full conversation without an argument.”
“I cannot ask for much more than that, I suppose,” Calie nodded, her smile returning.
Before Aiva could respond, she heard the rustle of fabric, uncomfortably aware of a familiar figure moving from behind the bench to stand before the girls, his hand extended to Aiva in greeting. Out of proper etiquette, she offered her hand in return, allowing him to kiss the back of it. “Your Highness,” Dacian smiled, a devious twinkle in his eyes as he stared at her. Something about his expression made her uncomfortable. As if he was picturing her in ways which were improper. “I was hoping I might be granted a moment to steal you away. We have not had a chance to speak since the festivities last week.”
“You know it would be inappropriate for me to wander off alone with another man now that I am betrothed. Can you not speak in Lady Zerne’s company?”
“The information I bring would be best heard only by your ears, Milady,” he nodded apologetically to Calie. “It will not take long. We do not need to go far. A short stroll through the gardens?” Leaning forward he placed his lips beside Aiva’s ear, whispering softly to avoid being overheard by anyone around. “It is in regards to the man you intend to marry. I feel you should know the truth. This union cannot be.”
The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Two: Beyond the Veil Page 11