by Anita Valle
“You came at a bad moment,” Willow said calmly. “She had something caught in her hair.”
“Do you take me for a fool?” Kerrick shouted, fists clenched. Even under the feeble moon his face was visibly red. “She asked for you, didn’t she? To meet her here!”
Coralina rolled her eyes. “Don’t be stupid, Kerrick. Do you really think-”
“You!” Kerrick surged forward and clutched the hair behind her head. He shoved her against his chest, forcing her to look at him. “It’s all true, isn’t it, Coco? Every prince, every knight, every peasant – even my cousin! It’s all true!” His fist knotted into her hair, straining the roots.
“Stop! You’re hurting me!” Coralina cried.
“Easy, Kerrick. Let her go,” said Willow.
“I rejected the gossip... I swore by your virtues!” Kerrick’s eyes brightened with tears. “Like a beaten dog, pathetically loyal to his cruel mistress.” He released Coralina with a spiteful push. “No more, Coco. I’m tired of this.”
Coralina broke into sobs. In twelve years of friendship, this trick had not failed her. “It’s not my f-fault!” She clutched at Kerrick’s arm. “It’s Willow! He’s always flirting with me! He pretended something was in my hair so he could touch me.”
“Princess!” Willow cried, aghast.
Kerrick sighed, his haggard eyes shifting to Willow. “Is it true?”
“I certainly hope not,” said a new voice. Coralina spun around. Maelyn, barefooted and nightgown-clad, held open the door to the terrace. Her dark eyes were fastened on Willow.
Chapter 20
Coralina groaned. She’d never get to bed now. “We’re just talking, Mae. It’s nothing.”
Maelyn walked toward them, her face a brick of frozen dignity. “Kerrick. Willow. As the hour is quite late, I must ask you to leave.”
“Maelyn,” Willow said urgently.
“You may go through the castle,” said Maelyn without looking at him. Her tone defied all argument. Willow, crestfallen, and Kerrick, still seething, stepped inside the castle and the door scraped shut.
A sharp breeze tussled with Coralina’s curls. She could tell Maelyn was cold, the way her arms enfolded her body as her nightgown snapped in the wind. Her eyes landed on Coralina, commanding her to speak.
Coralina sighed. She dug in her sleeve and plucked out the golden comb. “Willow came for this, not me. All right? You have nothing to fear.”
Maelyn’s mask of composure cracked with uncertainty. “You said he touched your hair.”
“Ugh.” Coralina shut her eyes. “It was nothing. I was having a little fun.”
“I am familiar with your ways of having ‘fun’,” said Maelyn. “Most of which I find revolting. Now tell me, Princess Coralina, and please attempt the truth, did Willow ask to meet you here?”
Coralina resented the way Maelyn looked at her, it bore resemblance to Gord’s contemptuous glare. “Oh, Willow is still your puppy,” she snarled. “I didn’t try to steal him. But bear in mind, Princess Maelyn, that if I wanted to, I could.”
Maelyn straightened her stance, making the most of her extra inches. She gazed down on Coralina, almost expressionless. “Well, Coco. I have one thing to say to you.”
She slapped Coralina’s face.
Chapter 21
Wump. Wump. Wump. “Coco?”
Coralina groaned. She pulled the coverlet over her head to muffle the assault on her door.
Wump. Wump. “Coco, it’s Ari.”
“Go away, Ari!” Coralina growled. She didn’t care if she missed breakfast. After last night’s catastrophe she could sleep until midday.
“You have a visitor,” said Arialain behind the door. “Gord the carpenter.”
Coralina sat up so quickly her vision blurred. “Gord?” For a bewildering moment she thought he was standing in the corridor, ready to walk in her chamber.
“He’s waiting for you outside the castle,” said Arialain.
Coralina’s head cleared a little. “Tell him I’ll be down shortly. I need a few moments to dress.”
Forty-five minutes later, Coralina stepped out of the castle. She had chosen a simple gown of solid lilac, trimmed with white lace at the ends of the sleeves. She had tucked small purple flowers into her curls, and her feet into slippers of white satin.
To her amazement, Gord smiled when she appeared. “Can you see me?” she asked.
Gord gave his hearty, textured laugh. “Do you know you say that whenever we meet?” He stood on the dirt path outside the castle’s main door. Alone.
“Your tunic!” Coralina cried. She’d never seen him wear anything but brown or gray, but today his tunic was dusky blue.
Gord smiled again. “I don’t wear this much. For church, normally.”
Coralina nodded. “It... it looks well, Gord.” She wondered if he’d worn the tunic for her benefit and felt absurdly glad about it.
Gord bowed his head. “Thank you, my lady. I came to rehearse our lines.”
“Oh! Splendid!” Coralina turned for the door but Gord shook his head. “Not on the stage. What if we walked in the forest?”
Chills rippled through Coralina’s spine. “Even better.” She grinned. “We’ll take the Wending Way!”
She led Gord across the clearing surrounding the castle to the edge of Lumen Forest. The Wending Way was a hidden trail that trickled down the hill like a wandering brook, never lingering in one direction. It was perfect for a scenic stroll – especially with a man.
They slipped between two trees onto the sheltered path. The air had a cooler touch and smelled of damp earth. White ribbons of morning light slanted between the massive trunks and the brisk chatter of birds crowded the canopy.
Coralina walked beside Gord, close enough to feel companionable, but not touching. The nightmare on the terrace seemed like part of another lifetime. After Maelyn slapped her, Coralina had stormed inside the castle, nearly smashing into Willow waiting just inside the door. She didn’t stay to hear whatever he would say to Maelyn. But when she peeked moments later from an upper window, they were hugging on the terrace, Maelyn’s face lost in his neck as Willow whispered into her hair.
“You’re very quiet, my lady,” said Gord. Coralina shook her head. “Forgive me, I had a difficult night. But it’s nothing!” she added quickly, not wanting to explain. “I’m well now.”
Gord gave a slight nod and smile, and she found the gesture charming. She was tempted to take his hand but decided not to force her luck. His coming to see her was miracle enough.
Pebbles and twigs prodded her feet through the thin slippers. Maelyn often admonished her for not wearing boots out of doors, but she seldom listened. Boots weren’t pretty.
“There’s something I’m curious about.” Gord touched the gray trunks as he walked, to guide his steps. “Do you write the plays you give at the castle?”
Coralina stepped over a bulging root. “I do! Mother used to write them and I would offer ideas. Later, she thought my ideas were better than hers and taught me to write the plays myself.”
To her delight, Gord looked impressed. “You have talent. My wife enjoyed your plays. It’s kind of you to allow the peasants to come.”
“Oh, that was Maelyn,” Coralina said grudgingly. “Mother gave the plays to amuse her friends. But under Maelyn’s rule, the theater is open to everyone, not just nobles.”
Gord smiled. “I think you must enjoy the larger audience.”
Coralina laughed. “The peasants are a better crowd! They laugh and cry and cheer without restraint. The nobles act as if they’re not allowed to smile. Oh! This way!”
She gave Gord a slight push before he stepped into a pond smothered in water lilies. The path arched around the pond and continued to zigzag downward.
“Is that what you hope to do with your future? Write plays?” Gord asked.
“My future?” The question seemed strange to Coralina. “I’ll marry a prince and become a queen, I suppose.”
“And
then?” Gord asked softly.
“Then?”
“Even a queen needs something to fill her days.”
Coralina didn’t know what to say. She never thought about her future. It struck her that Gord showed great kindness in asking. He who had nothing but blindness ahead of him, concerning himself with her welfare.
The forest grew darker as they descended through thicker groves and Gord slowed his steps. Coralina began to watch the path for any large stones he might trip over.
“There’s something I’ve been curious about,” she said. “But I hesitate to ask.”
“Is there a stream nearby?” Gord asked. “I hear water.”
“Yes, just there, running by the trail. When it rains it floods over and blocks our way. But today it’s low.”
Gord nodded. “Ask your question.”
Coralina looked at him. “Your wife,” she said carefully. “You said she was like me. Do you mind if I ask – OH! OHHH!”
She crumpled to the ground in shocking pain. Something hard and fiercely sharp had pierced through her slipper, impaling her foot.
Chapter 22
Searing pain ripped through her sole. Coralina clutched her foot to look underneath. A large black seed with hard spikes had sunk into her flesh. When she yanked it out, blood soaked into her white slipper.
“Oh! Oh my foot!” Coralina covered her mouth and wept. Gord crouched on the dirt and peeled away her bloody slipper. He raised her foot gently to squint at the wound. “It’s bad.” He frowned. “It’s deep. Do you have a handkerchief?”
Coralina drew one from the bosom of her gown and Gord wrapped it around her foot. He picked up the seed. “Devil Pod. They grow near water. You should have had boots.”
Coralina groaned. The wound throbbed as if her heart were beating right inside her foot. Maelyn had always warned her something like this would happen. She’d be so pleased.
“Looks like I’m carrying you home again,” said Gord. His hands slid behind her shoulders and knees and lifted her easily. Not like a sack of grain this time, but as a man carries his bride.
Coralina rubbed away her tears. “Hideous pod.” Her panic had subsided; Heidel would know how to treat the wound. And the warm cradle of Gord’s arms was an unexpected comfort.
He turned back up the trail. “Watch for me. So I don’t carry you into a tree.”
Coralina nodded. But it was difficult to watch the path when his face was so close. She felt as if she wanted to look at nothing else.
How was it she ever thought him plain? He was beautiful. Every feature suited him perfectly. From his rich brown eyes to his sensitive smile to his overgrown stature that seemed to match his magnanimous heart.
He walked slowly, watching the ground. Now and then, Coralina pointed out a large root or shrub to avoid. The forest lightened as they moved upward.
Gord looked at her and chuckled. “Princess... I can see you.”
“Can you?” said Coralina. Gord smiled. “I can see your eyes.” He held her gaze a few moments and Coralina forgot everything, even her bleeding foot.
Gord continued up the trail. “Well. Shall we rehearse our lines?”
Coralina laughed out loud. “Like this?”
“We’ve got time.”
They rehearsed their lines until they flowed smoothly. Never, in eighteen royal years, had Coralina known a happier morning. With Kerrick, with Luxley, with any other man, she felt pleased. Pleased by their devotion and admiration. With Gord she felt happy. She never knew there was a difference.
She wanted to curse the castle when it rose into view, ending their walk. As Gord reached the main door, Jaedis stepped out, bearing a large basket for her trip to the market. She looked at them with blank surprise.
“The princess has injured her foot,” said Gord. “She needs attention.”
“Look at it, Jade!” Coralina pointed her bandaged foot at the sky. “I stepped on a thorny seed! But my hero carried me home.” She grinned at Gord.
Jaedis pushed the door open. “Take her to Heidel.” The stiffness of her tone surprised Coralina. As Gord stepped inside the castle, she glanced at Jaedis over his shoulder.
And found Jaedis staring back in absolute disgust.
Chapter 23
“You’ll hobble for a few weeks,” said Heidel. She had cleaned the wound with hot water and something she called ‘mugwort salve’ before wrapping it in bandages.
“What about the play?” said Coralina.
“You’ll hobble through the play.” Heidel stood at the kitchen table, grinding cloves with a stone pestle. “Fortunately, you spend most of it on top of that tower.” She dumped the ground cloves into a steaming cup of cider. “Drink this for the pain.”
Coralina took the cup and leant back in her chair. The pain was bearable so long as she kept her foot off the floor. But walking was impossible. Her sister Ivy, lame since birth, had lent her a crutch. And Maelyn had swept through to shake her head and lecture again on the benefits of boots.
But Jaedis had stood by in uncharacteristic silence. When everyone had left the kitchen, she lashed out like a venomous snake.
“I know what you’re doing!” said Jaedis. Her pointed eyes were flares of fury and Coralina felt nothing but shock. “What’s the matter?”
“You called him your hero,” said Jaedis. “You never say that unless you’re flirting. And I won’t, won’t allow it! Not with him!”
Coralina set down her cider. “I meant it. He carried me home.”
Jaedis shook her head, her dark hair swishing. “You’ve done this before. You did it to the knights, the ones who abandoned you when Maelyn returned from Uncle Jarrod.”
Coralina tossed her head. “They deserved it.”
“No one deserves a broken heart!” Jaedis shouted. “But that’s how you punish any man who wrongs you. You conquer his heart and then you crush it!”
Coralina swung her bandaged foot. “And you think that’s what I’m doing to Gord?”
“It’s cruel, Coco!” Jaedis clenched her thin hands. “He’s a poor man, a blind man, a man who lost his wife. If you ever had a broken heart you couldn’t do this. Truth is, you like to be kissed and cuddled but you’ve never been in love in your life!”
Coralina almost laughed. “Don’t be a toad. I’ve been in love hundreds of times.”
“Who was the first?” Jaedis snapped. Coralina’s brow furrowed. “The first?” She rifled the pages of her memory but no one lover stood out among the volumes. “I... I think....”
Jaedis shook her head. “You would know.”
Coralina smirked. “So what will you do? Run off to Gord to expose my villainous plan?”
“I wish I could,” said Jaedis, disgusted. “But it’s too late for that. Anyone can see he already loves you.”
Coralina gasped. Her blood became golden light that gushed joy through every vein. She lunged forward to clutch Jaedis’ sleeve. “Does he? Do you think so? Did he say something to you?”
Jaedis spun away and sailed out of the kitchen.
Chapter 24
Two ways to end the play. Coralina held them both in her lap. Outside her bedchamber, a steady drizzle pattered the dark windows. The only touch of sound in the slumbering castle.
She read the happy ending first. The third knight defeated the monsters in the tower, declared his love for the fair maiden, and carried her off to live in bliss. Simple. Pleasant. Predictable.
The second ending was known to no one but herself. Coralina picked up the parchment.
Fair Maiden: Noble Knight, do you love me?
Third Knight: Truly, I do! Thus have I bested the beasts of this tower, to prove my unconquered, unquenchable love. Say you will be mine forever!
Fair Maiden (laughing scornfully): Foolish knight. Do you think I have need of your heroics? I built this tower, not to win you, but to be rid of you! I seek neither your heart nor your hand. Depart from my sight, and trouble me no more. I never wanted you.
This
had been her plan. To speak those words to Gord, in such cutting tones as to give him no doubt they were meant for him alone. To reject him, humiliate him, before the whole kingdom and then walk off the stage in triumph.
Coralina grimaced. She raked back her hair with her fingers, turning to check her reflection. One entire wall of her chamber was a mirror. It had cost piles of gold and Maelyn never stopped foreboding it would break. But she loved it. From any corner of the room she could see herself.
Her twin in the mirror gazed back as she sat cross-legged on the purple coverlet, her dark curls like ink spills on her white nightdress. She looked pretty and delicate. Not cruel.
Her hand slid beneath the pillow and withdrew the owl carving. She cradled it in her palm, her thumb stroking its wooden belly. Poor Gord. He had not meant any harm to Luxley or herself. He had made a simple mistake and she planned to break his heart for it.
She imagined what Gord would have felt as she spoke those words, what she’d have seen in his gentle brown eyes. An unfamiliar pain squirmed in her chest and she twisted away from the mirror.
She felt ugly.
A single candle burned on her bedside table. She held out the parchment until a corner caught the flame. As the fire crawled across the page, she hobbled to the fireplace and threw it on the unlit grate. Too sore for standing, she sat on the floor and watched the flames eat through the mean words she would never say to Gord.
Jaedis was right. She had never been in love.
Until now.
Chapter 25
“Fairest Maiden, be my bride!” said Kerrick the First Knight. “I will give you adventure and glory!”
“Fairest Maiden, be my bride!” said Willow the Second Knight. “I will give you wealth and prominence!”
“Fairest Maiden, be my bride,” said Gord the Third Knight. “I will give you my faithful heart.”
Coralina grinned at the three men. Gord seemed to be enjoying the play and looked magnificent in his crimson knight’s costume. He dwarfed Willow and Kerrick beside him, making them seem like pageboys with swords.