“I was hoping to make it to the wedding. If you’re heading back, I’m guessing it’s over.”
“It is. I’m sorry. But if you hurry, you can probably catch some of the after party.” She didn’t stay because no one would relax around her. It wouldn’t be fair to Pieter and Luna. She imagined their parties were much more fun than the royal ones. Stars, she hated being a princess.
He creased his thick eyebrows. “What after party?”
“All weddings have parties, right?”
“Not slave weddings. We don’t have time. There is a reason it was held during the noon hour. A lot of slaves get lunch then. Most of them are probably back to work by now.”
Zwaantie wasn’t sure what to think of that revelation. “Well, since you couldn’t attend the wedding, would you like to go for a walk with me?” Zwaantie was missing her youth. Her brother was now the grand chancellor, and her best friend was married. Phoenix was the only one left who had no other responsibilities, other than serve her brother. Soon he would be the only one.
He hesitated for a moment. Then a tentative smile spread across his lips. “Sure.”
They followed the path to the queen’s garden. The flowers smelled heavenly. Birds played in the fountains, and butterflies fluttered around her head.
“I’m sorry you had to miss your sister’s wedding.”
He shrugged. “I knew it was a possibility. I’ll congratulate her tonight after dinner.”
“How did you get away from Raaf?” Raff’d been such a turd about letting him go, and now here he was.
“He said he had things to discuss with the old chancellor in private, so I left. That happened a lot when he was training. I hung out with the guards quite a bit. As long as I’m in time to help him dress for dinner, he won’t miss me.”
Phoenix smiled at her, and Zwaantie was again struck by the fact that he was no longer a boy. Working out with the guards must’ve been how his muscles developed. He looked at her, his dark eyes sparkling, and her heart skipped a beat. She dropped her eyes, embarrassed at her thoughts.
“Now that Luna’s married, will you be next?” she asked, hoping for a reason to deflect her feelings.
He laughed. “Oh, no. Not even close.”
“Why not?”
“Because I’m not ready for that.”
She could completely relate. They came to a fork in the path. One route led deeper into the garden and the other to the woods. “Do you ever miss the times when we were kids, running around in the woods?”
He gave a small laugh. “You and Raaf would get in such trouble when you came back covered in dirt and grass.”
Zwaantie chuckled. “And somehow you and Luna didn’t.”
“Our mother didn’t care.”
Zwaantie played with the petals on a pink rose. “I miss it. I miss being kids. I don’t like how everyone is growing up.”
Phoenix shoved his hands into his pockets. “I know. Raaf and I were close until we left for his training. He doesn’t even talk to me anymore.”
“Me either.”
Zwaantie’s heart swelled with the unfairness of it all. Life was moving too fast. She looked out past the flowers and saw the pond they used to play by.
“Let’s be kids again,” she said.
“What do you mean?”
“Meet me by the rock after dinner. Let’s play tag in the woods. Just one last time.”
Phoenix frowned. “Zwaantie, we’re not kids anymore.”
She took a couple of steps closer to him. He held his breath, and his eyes bore deep into hers. She wondered what kind of effect she was having on him. “I know. But we can pretend. Just for one night. Please?”
He let out his breath. “As long as Raaf lets me go at a reasonable hour.”
She squealed. “Oh, this is going to be so much fun. It almost makes dinner with the lower kings and queens bearable.”
Phoenix shook his head. “Not quite.”
He left her in the garden a few minutes later, and she wandered by a fountain, deep in thought.
Earlier today, her mother made sure she talked to at least two of the lower princes. Zwaantie cringed at the idea of even considering a life with them. Phoenix though, just the thought of spending time with him made her giddy. That was probably because she was just excited to play again. Though her thoughts were not on how they used to play, but about how he looked at her so seriously.
She shook away the thought of his beautiful face. He was a slave. She made her way to the castle and found the housing office.
The squat housing master greeted her. “How can I help you, Your Highness?”
“I granted a gift at a slave wedding this afternoon. Luna and Pieter would like their own house. Can you make that happen?”
“Of course.”
“Thank you. Please outfit it with the best furniture, the kind you would use in the castle, and fill the cupboards with the finest dishes and linens. Also, fill the pantry and icebox with food. Can you do that before this evening?”
The housemaster looked skeptical, but he gave a tight smile. “Of course, Your Highness.” Zwaantie knew that was short timing, but she’d seen her mother ask for more, and they always pulled through.
“Thank you. You can deliver the key to my room during dinner.”
Zwaantie didn’t know what Luna really wanted to ask her for, but she’d make sure her gift was the best she could give.
Zwaantie had several hours before dinner, so she slipped out the side door and down the rocky path to Wilma’s cottage. She didn’t bother knocking. By now this was practically Zwaantie’s second home.
She found Wilma in the tiny kitchen washing herbs in a large ceramic pot. She marched into the kitchen, and Wilma turned.
“I thought I heard you. Did you ask your mother about the medicines?”
Zwaantie leaned on the counter and inhaled the scent of basil and lavender. Wilma’s house always smelled amazing.
“No, but I met a Stellan and paid him two months of merchant food to send someone as soon as possible.”
Wilma dropped the lavender into the water. “Two months? That seems steep.”
“We need the medicine. I’m hoping that by overpaying he’ll be honest about it.”
Stellans couldn’t produce food because they had no sun, so they traded their magic for food. It worked well and provided Sol medicine and other things that made life easier.
Zwaantie didn’t want to lose the sun, but she often wondered what it was like on the other side of the wall. Most Solites wouldn’t even dream of wanting to see Stella. Almost all the stories of the Stellans painted them as barbarians, but Zwaantie had Phoenix and Luna, so she was more curious than horrified.
“How was the ceremony?” Wilma asked.
“Raaf or Luna?”
Wilma shook out the lavender, sending water everywhere. “Both.”
“I enjoyed the wedding more. Raaf seems different.” Zwaantie fiddled with a spoon.
Wilma brought her bowl of herbs to the table. “How do you mean?”
“I don’t know. He’s barely said anything to me. I was looking forward to having my brother again.”
Wilma handed her several stems of basil. “Pull the leaves off these and put them in the bowl.”
Wilma preached that the best medicine for the mind was work. Zwaantie should’ve known that if she came here whining, Wilma would put her to work. She did as she was told though because if she stayed long enough, Wilma’s advice would be worth it.
“I’ve known both of you since you were babies. Raaf’s always looked up to you. When he left, you were children. Do you remember how he cried?”
Zwaantie did. It was the only time she’d seen him do so. He could barely say goodbye to her. She’d been bawling too, but that wasn’t so unusual for her at the time. She was better at controlling her emotions now.
“That’s what I don’t get. Shouldn’t he be more excited to see me?”
“You’re not kids anymore. He
knows you’re about to become queen. When that happens, he’ll have to answer to you. That’s not easy for someone who was once your best friend.”
Zwaantie accidentally shredded a few leaves. Wilma growled at her and handed her another stem. “Try not to ruin these. I don’t have an unlimited supply.”
“Sorry. I still want him to be my best friend, but he seems so distant.”
“Have you talked to him in private or only while your parents are around?”
“Only when Mother and Father are there.”
“Try getting him alone. I bet you’ll be surprised by how much he missed you too.”
“Maybe.” Zwaantie wanted Wilma to be right, but she wasn’t sure. Raaf felt so far away. She wasn’t comfortable with all this change. Adulthood was being forced on her, and she wasn’t ready.
Chapter 6
The Cow: Part 1
Luna returned before Zwaantie had to get ready for dinner. Zwaantie protested, but Luna reminded her that Pieter was working anyway, so there was no reason for her not to attend to Zwaantie. On the way to dinner, Mother caught up with them in the hallway.
“Tonight you will be seated next to the prince of Sonnenschein.”
Zwaantie groaned.
Stop that. She’s your mother. You will listen to her.
“Yes, Mother.” Zwaantie wrung her hands. “Is this necessary? I’m not ready to think of marriage. Especially not with Vache. He’s horrible.”
Mother sighed, but her eyes softened. “I know. Like it or not, the time has come. I know it’s scary, but this is just the beginning. Your brother is grand chancellor. It’s time for you to start exploring your options. Sonnenschein is a good city and the largest outside of ours. They know what it takes to run a large kingdom. He’s smart, and he’d be a good match for you. Be charming.”
Zwaantie rolled her eyes.
Stop being disrespectful.
“Yes, Mother.” It was easy for her to suggest him. She wouldn’t have to look at him every day. He looked like a cow. She and Luna followed Mother to the dining room.
Several tables had been set up in the room in a u-shape so that all could see the king and queen. People sat on the outer edges and slaves served from the other side. Zwaantie took her place next to the cow-man, and he smiled at her. Vache had huge green eyes, wide nostrils, and a fuzzy white patch on his cheek. He was maybe a year or two older than her.
“Crown Princess Zwaantie, it’s a pleasure to sit with you.” His voice was surprisingly high for a young man his size. Zwaantie had forgotten how annoying it was.
This was going to be a long night. He and his father always made their view of her intelligence clear when they attended the monthly meetings. Vache wanted to be high king and didn’t give a piggy’s teat about her. Of the four possibilities, he was on the bottom of the list, but the most eager to make a match.
The prince tugged at his collar and adjusted the vest that strained against his girth. They must eat a lot more in Sonnenschein than those in the capital city. Zwaantie had to admit, though, the best cakes and cookies come from Sonnenschein.
Vache spoke again, startling her once more with the high pitch. “You have a lovely home.”
“Thank you,” she replied, irritated. He’d been to her home dozens of times. Surely he could come up with a better conversation starter.
A serving slave stood before her. “Wine or water?”
“Wine, please.” There was no way she would get through the evening tonight on water. The wine was weak, but it relaxed her all the same.
Vache cleared his throat. And then began talking. He talked for the next two hours. Even when his mouth was full, he was jabbering on about something. Watching cattle graze was more exciting than listening to him. There was no way in the dark sky she would marry this prince.
Zwaantie looked around the room so she wouldn’t fall asleep. Raaf was seated several people away, and Princess Cornelia was next to him, thank the stars. They looked like they were having a better conversation than she and her wretched prince. Mother and Father sat at the head where everyone could see them. Behind Father, Pieter stood tall, his eyes locked on Luna. Zwaantie didn’t know what it would be like to feel that way about someone. To love them so much that you couldn’t take your eyes off of them. Slave or not, Zwaantie was jealous of Luna’s life.
Vache reached for his goblet and brushed Zwaantie’s arm. She jerked away. She needed to stop this right now even if it meant getting into trouble. Then Mother would see that she was too immature to entertain suitors and become queen. This man was a cow, and Zwaantie intended to prove it.
She sat tall, pursed her lips, and with a perfectly straight face said, “Moo for me.”
A giggle escaped Luna.
“Excuse me?” Vache scowled. Zwaantie didn’t even flinch, just repeated her request.
“I would like you to moo for me. You know, like a cow. Moo.” The Voice was going berserk in her head.
Stop being disrespectful.
Apologize to him.
Stop this.
Vache’s eyes went wide, and for a half second, Zwaantie thought he’d actually do it. But she was to be disappointed.
“No. I will not be disrespected like this.” His chin jiggled.
Apologize.
A pain shot through her forehead. She didn’t have the energy to fight it. Everything about tonight made her tired.
“You are right. I don’t know what is wrong with me. The wine must’ve gone to my head. Forgive me.”
Zwaantie pushed her chair out and escaped toward her room. She had stayed long enough that her departure didn’t draw any unnecessary attention. Luna followed.
Zwaantie flung herself down on her couch and covered her eyes with her arm. She’d screwed up this time.
“Your mother is going to have your tail for that one,” Luna said.
“I know. Worth it.” Zwaantie gave a grin that she didn’t mean, but she couldn’t let Luna see her pain. Raaf was grand chancellor. Luna was married. Mother wanted her to take the crown. She would have to be responsible for the entire kingdom. The thought made her physically ill.
Luna sighed and folded down Zwaantie’s bed. “If you say so.”
A knock sounded on the door. Mother was fast. Zwaantie wasn’t ready to face her, but Luna answered it.
“A delivery for the crown princess,” Luna declared, shutting the door.
Luna brought her a small box wrapped with a deep green ribbon. Zwaantie opened it carefully. Then she grinned. “This isn’t for me. It’s for you.”
“What is it?”
Zwaantie handed her the box. Luna opened it and pulled out a key with the number fifty-four etched on it.
“It’s your new home. I hope you like it.”
Luna clutched at the key. “Thank you. You’ve been too kind to us.”
Zwaantie waved her hand. “Nonsense. You’re my best friend. I should’ve done more.” Zwaantie hesitated for minute. She wasn’t sure if she should ask or not, because she suspected there was more that Luna wanted. “Can I ask you a question though?”
“Sure.” Luna was still staring at the key.
“You were about to ask me for something different at the wedding. What was it?”
Luna shook her head and placed the key back in the small box. Then she tucked the box into the pocket of her faded gray skirt.
Zwaantie sat up straight. “Tell me. I won’t be mad, I promise.”
“It’s nothing, really. The house was so generous.”
Zwaantie grabbed Luna’s hands and met her dark eyes. “Tell me. Please”
Luna let out a breath. “I was going to ask if our children could be born free.”
Zwaantie’s heart stilled. Then she did something she’d rarely done before. She stood and pulled Luna into a tight hug. “I’m sorry. I can’t do that. I wish I could.”
Luna nodded into her shoulder. “I know. That’s why I didn’t ask.”
The bondage bands were magical. Once pl
aced upon a slave, it was a hundred-year sentence for the slave and all of his or her posterity. Luna’s mother was the first, and so there would be at least two or three generations before the bands would fall off. Zwaantie couldn’t change that.
Luna pulled away and wiped at the tears on her face. “Come on. Let’s get you dressed for bed.”
Another knock sounded just as Zwaantie opened her mouth to argue.
Three guesses who was at the door. Mother. Mother. Mother.
Luna opened the door wide. Mother stalked into the room, her thin lips in a tight line.
“You asked him to moo for you?” She raised her eyebrows. “Honestly, Zwaantie. Could you have been any more disrespectful? Didn’t the Voice tell you to keep your mouth shut?”
Mother sat in a dainty white chair. She seemed perfect for the chair, her grace and poise filled but did not overwhelm it. She was the ideal queen, something Zwaantie realized she would never be. She hated the proper stuff.
Zwaantie sank onto the couch. “I don’t want to marry. I can rule without a husband.”
“But what about heirs?”
Was Mother really going there? Fine. Zwaantie was ready to end this once and for all.
“Raaf can have them. I’m sure he’d be thrilled with the idea that his kids will one day rule all of Sol. I’m not ready to discuss this. Besides, do you think that I can honestly love that man?”
Do not speak to your mother in such a manner.
“Honor is more important than love.” Mother spoke with so much conviction. Like it wasn’t even possible to consider the other side of things.
Zwaantie was so sick of that argument. If it wasn’t about marriage, it was something else. Honor was more important than friends. Honor was more important than self. Honor was more important than pride. Now it was more important than love. Fine. She’d do the honorable thing and become queen, but she was going to control some aspect of her life. She couldn’t just give her entire self away.
“I don’t see how I can be a dishonorable queen if I don’t marry.”
“It’s your duty to the people of Sol to present them a queen who will give them an heir. Besides, the people expect you to have a husband.”
Stella and Sol Box Set Page 4