Casimir's Journey

by Lisa Manifold

  “I’m unsure of what you refer to,” Adelaide said nervously.

  “That you must celebrate my arrival when the court is in mourning for two fine princes.” He still didn’t look at her.

  She didn’t answer. That made him look at her, and she was looking down at the table. He could see a tear in the corner of her eye.

  Wonderful. He was going to fail miserably if, with a few words, he made women cry. He sighed. “My lady, I am sorry, yet again. I have no gift of conversation. Please forgive my boorishness.”

  She hastily dabbed her eye with the corner of a sleeve and looked up at him with a wide smile. “Do not fuss, Sir Hadden. No need to add to the fodder of gossip.” She squared her shoulders.

  “Do you know what makes a man truly brave, my lady?”

  “No, what?”

  He could tell the shift in the conversation surprised her. She was too well-bred to remark on it. He had no such reserves. “The ability to see the way forward and know it to be nothing good, but still move forward. You are most brave, my lady.” He inclined his head to her.

  When he met her eyes again, she was blushing. Her features were soft and the blush was the color of roses in bloom.

  “Now that we are past that, let’s indulge, my lady.”

  Her eyes widened. “How so, Sir Hadden?”

  He leaned into her. “Tell me all the gossip I must know. As you are well aware, I’m naught but a simple soldier, prone to blunders and missteps. I am asking for your help, my lady.” His eyes twinkled.

  “For a supposed simpleton, you move as an adept,” she laughed. “Very well. Where shall I start? And do keep your voice down. My father might not appreciate our gossip.”

  “Your wish is my command,” he teased. “Who are the large and angry men before us? They’ve not left off glaring since I sat.” He refrained from looking at them.

  “Oh? Those are the knights and lords of the court of Laurycia. They are here with Prince Sebastian. He is sitting next to my eldest sister, Thea. They’re on the other side of my mother.” She titled her head towards them.

  Ah. The young man who’d been angry when the king knighted him. That was interesting. He was betrothed to the eldest, if he recalled the gossip from camp correctly. What had such a man to fear from him, a lowly knight?

  “I am indeed a simpleton, my lady. What has that to do with me? He is in no danger from me.”

  Adelaide looked uncomfortable. “Well,” she lowered her voice. “The last prince—Casimir—who attempted to solve all this, he declared for Thea. They were in love. Everyone but my father knew. Casimir said that when he solved the mystery, he was marrying Thea. My father allowed it. Sebastian—” her voice broke.

  This made Hadden peer at her. There was something more here.

  She wouldn’t meet his eyes suddenly. “My Lord Sebastian didn’t acquit himself as well he might have. He’s a good man,” she added, “A fine man, but I fear this situation tries him as it does us all.” She glanced to the other side of the table and gave a little sigh.

  Hadden wondered if she knew she did so. He risked a glance, taking care to seem casual. Sebastian was glaring at him. Then he started and Hadden felt Adelaide jump next to him. The look on Sebastian’s face softened for a moment, and then it was gone. He turned away. Adelaide sagged into the chair.

  Hadden faced Adelaide once more. “My lady, does he return your love?” He kept his voice low.

  “What? I beg your pardon?”

  He’d stepped in it now. Perhaps blunt honesty was not the best option.

  “My lady, a blind fool could see it. If it helps, I believe it is mutual. A conundrum, to be sure. And one guaranteed to make a man ill-tempered.” He leaned on the table, thinking.

  “Sir Hadden, perhaps gossiping is indeed as bad as my father suggests. I feel we are better suited on another topic.” Adelaide was stiff.

  Hadden smiled. He’d hit the mark. Well, that was one lady he needed to cross off his list. The hair on the back of his neck rose. He could feel someone staring at him. He looked to the left.

  Thea, the eldest, her intended in conversation with another, was boring a hole through him. He smiled at her and inclined his head.

  She must not have realized what she was doing, because she drew back and hurriedly turned away.

  He returned to his conversation with Adelaide. “I must once more beg your forgiveness. I am blunt in speech and see no need to dance about. I don’t wish to make anyone uncomfortable, so if you are near and happen to hear me commit a blunder, please feel free to kick me squarely in the kneecap.”

  This brought the smile from her he’d wanted. For the rest of the meal, they stayed on safe topics. The weather, the gardens, the local entertainments.

  At the end of the meal, the king stood. He leaned towards Hadden. “We retire now. A chamber has been prepared for you and your man. It’s within the rooms of the princesses. I shall expect your word of honor you will not make any importune moves.” He smiled, but Hadden could see the steel in it.

  “You’re a trusting man, Sire. Thank you.”

  “Well, yes, but there will also be a guard at the door. However, yes, I trust you. As much as I do any young man.” For a moment, the king looked merry. It faded as quickly as it had come. “I bid you goodnight, Sir Hadden. I shall write to Maddox tonight, and if you should wish to, your letter may go with mine.”

  “Your Majesty is too gracious to me.”

  “Nonsense. I’m honored you take the risk for my daughters,” the king said gruffly. Taking the queen’s hand, he moved quickly away.

  Adelaide rose. “We leave when my parents, do, Sir Hadden. I thank you for your conversation. I shall be about, should your kneecap need attention.” She smiled, dimples showing. It made Hadden wish that she was not in love with another. She would be someone he could be easy with, if he must take a royal wife.

  “The pleasure is all mine, lady.” He stood, and bowed.

  The rest of the princesses filed past him, nodding or smiling. He noted that Thea, the eldest, did neither. She frowned, as though troubled.

  He filed it away as one more thing about what he was getting himself into.

  Finally, the family left, and he nodded to Roysten, who’d been standing against the wall behind the table. As he stepped closer to speak, he was jostled.

  “Watch your step, knight.” The tone was snarling.

  It was the Prince Sebastian. He grinned and made a deep bow. “My lord, my apologies. I did not see you approach. Please, allow me to remove myself from your way, and beg for your forgiveness.”

  His words were impudent. His actions were respectful. He knew this would flummox Sebastian. He’d seen Maddox use it with his superiors.

  It worked. “Be more careful,” Sebastian growled and he moved past.

  Hadden stood and met Roysten’s eyes.

  “That was close,” Roysten said.

  “Too much so, but I fear it’s only the beginning. Let’s retire, shall we? Have you learned where we are to sleep?”

  “I have, Sir Hadden,” Roysten had a hard time keeping a straight face. “Allow me to show you.”

  Hadden looked around. A large number of people still hung about in the hall, in spite of the king retiring. Among them were the men Adelaide had said were Sebastian’s men-at-arms. No need to be around if they were lingering. That was asking for trouble. They were on edge, ready to be offended for their prince. It was natural, and he had enough concerns without adding them to it.

  “Lead us out of here,” he said quietly. “I think leaving is the best thing.”

  Roysten didn’t speak, but quickened his steps. Hadden had to slow a bit to receive congratulations from a few people they passed, but soon enough, they were away from the great hall and heading up the stairway.

  “Thank you,” he said to Roysten’s back. “It’s a hornet’s nest.”

  A curt nod was all the response he got. He kept silent, knowing that they’d be better served by waiting t
o talk when they were alone.

  They walked down a hall to a set of large and imposing doors. Hadden looked up. For some reason, the doors felt…sad. He shook his head to clear the bizarre feeling.

  Roysten spoke to one of the guards outside the door. “The king has assigned Sir Hadden a chamber within.”

  The guards opened the door without speaking. They stepped inside and were met with another guard.

  “This way.” He was curt.

  They followed him, and he led them to a smaller door, although no less magnificent than the outer doors. “These are your rooms. Pray stay within for the evening. If there is anything you need, you may call for me.” Without waiting for a response, he went back towards the outer doors. Hadden looked around. He could see a large room behind them, one that had couches and settees. It looked like there was…glass on the walls instead of stone.

  Roysten opened the door and Hadden followed him in. The moment the door was shut, he whooped. “We’re fortunate to make it up here alive! I don’t think Grizelle told me how bad it was!”

  Roysten shook his head solemnly. “This is a court that is ill, Hadden. The servants are scared. The royals are scared. The nobles are scared. Or scheming.” He looked dour.

  “You got all that from standing behind the table?” Hadden was astonished.

  “You’re the brand new, high and mighty knight. I’m but a lowly esquire. May as well be a wall for all the attention anyone in that hall paid me.”

  “To their detriment. I will tell you, old man, I wanted to do this on my own. I thank my lucky stars that Maddox sent you. We’ve been tossed into a viper pit, here.”

  “Indeed we have. What do you want me to find out?”

  Hadden walked through the room. There was a large bed set off to the side and a small chamber opposite with no door. For Roysten, he guessed. This was the chamber given an honored guest. He stopped. This was the chamber given the two former challengers. Both of whom were dead. He absently scratched the back of his neck.

  “Hello?”

  He turned. “Roys, I’m sorry. I was looking around. Rather off-putting that we’re in the same place those two dead princes slept.” He shuddered.

  “Aren’t you sure of this?” Roysten was alarmed.

  “I am. Doesn’t mean I don’t get the chills to think about those poor sods. I doubt they had a Grizelle.”

  “Hopefully, we have a Grizelle,” muttered Roysten. “What do you want me to discover?”

  “Adelaide—which one is she?—told me that Sebastian, that’s the rude one—is put out at the princes having a go at this. Apparently,” Hadden grinned suddenly, “He doesn’t like the competition. The last one declared for his fiancée…” He thought for a moment, but couldn’t remember her name.

  “Thea. Rather a cold fish to have all these men fighting for her.”

  “She’s a lovely fish, nevertheless. What I discovered is that the Princess Adelaide is in love with sissy’s beau. I think he feels the same way, if what I saw was accurate. Thea doesn’t look all that bothered.”

  “Cold fish,” Roysten said again.

  “In any event, dig around. See what the talk is. Rather curious that he’s not taking a shot, but he’s got too much to lose at this point. I’m sure it chafes at him.”

  “Perhaps he needs a little encouragement to be needled?”

  They grinned at one another. Hadden slapped Roysten on the shoulder. “Good man. We think alike. Now let’s get some sleep. Tomorrow, we get to go round and be social,’’ Hadden made a face. “You’ll be on your best behavior.”

  “Oh, yes sir, Sir Hadden. Please, Sir Hadden, tell me more of what I must do.” Roysten had a simpering look.

  “Shut up,” Hadden said, laughing.

  Yes, he was very glad that Roysten was here.

  ***

  His eyes flew open. Presumably it was morning. He looked around the room. Yes. There was sunlight coming in through an upper level casement. This was the most comfortable bed he’d been in since…he wasn’t sure when. His camp cot was nowhere near this nice.

  He sat up. As he did so, Roysten came in. He was dressed, and amazingly, washed and brushed. “Look at you. Quite the esquire, you are.”

  Roysten sniffed. “No call for manners in camp. There’s call here. I’m going to get you out alive.” His tone was grim.

  “We share the same goal, you know.”

  “I’m not likely to have my head turned by one of the pretty princesses.”

  “Oh, I don’t know. The only one I spoke with at any length was mortified at least twice during our conversation. I’d not say my odds are all that favorable at this point in time,” Hadden grinned ruefully.

  “It only takes one, and you’ve got a one-in-twelve chance,” said Roysten. “Today you need to get to know them. Focus on them, but try not to offend any of the little lordlings. I’ll dig about, see what’s what. Can you manage on your own?”

  “What, you think I can’t tie my tunic without you? I’ll be fine, bumble through it.”

  “Not you, your lordship,” Roysten said, laughing. He was teasing again about Hadden’s manners. “It’s like you’re to the manor born. Just fit right in with the rest of them.”

  “Help me figure out what to wear. Never been to a viper pit where you had to be well-dressed.” Hadden got out of bed, suddenly grumpy.

  “Never fear, Sir. The king’s already sent you some things you might need to make your stay more comfortable,” Roysten walked over to the wardrobe and pulled clothing from it.

  “I’ve never worn such finery,” Hadden said. “I don’t feel right. I’d rather wear my uniform. I’m a soldier, and—”

  Roysten held up a hand, stopping him. “You are a soldier, yes. But now, my good sir, you’re a knight. One that might be king one day. You will comport yourself properly.”

  Hadden just stared and then burst out laughing. “Since when did you become knowledgeable on court etiquette?”

  “I’ve been with Lord Maddox a long time, and he used to be at court more,” said Roysten firmly. “I won’t have you shame him, or yourself. Now stop your chatter and get dressed.”

  Hadden complied, completely taken aback at the change that had come over his former comrade. Roysten had slipped into the role of servitor with ease, and seemingly held no resentment. He’d grown up with Roysten around the manor house of Lord Maddox, but he’d not thought the man might have been at court. Maddox was so determined to stay far from it, Hadden had thought he had no experience of it.

  He stood quietly as Roysten dressed him, making sure that he was clean and presentable.

  “I’ll call for a bath for you before dinner. You are already marked as some sort of bumpkin. Everyone will be expecting you to be unwashed and uncivil.”

  “No need to take offense, Roys. I haven’t. I am uncivil. I live in a tent and bathe infrequently. We don’t change our clothes daily, as you well know. I won’t hide who I am.”

  “Don’t hide who you are. Just don’t live down to their expectations. Rise above, far above them.”

  “I won’t shame myself, or you, or Maddox.” Hadden was gentle. He couldn’t tell what had spurred this in Roysten, but he was a good judge of men, and he could see that this was a matter of great pride for his friend. “I don’t want anyone saying Maddox acted hastily or with poor judgement.”

  “Good,” Roysten gave him a smile. “You do as I tell you. Swan about with those girls, see what’s what with them. I’ll find out the rest. There looked to be some lovely ladies who were serving last night.” He winked.

  “Lonely, perhaps?”

  “Most certainly,” answered Roysten. “Let’s get you down to breakfast, and I’ll collect you afterwards.”

  “Do I need a nursemaid?” Hadden was amused.

  “You’re among the nobles and the royals now, Hadden. You need to act as one of them.” Roysten didn’t even smile as he spoke, looking over Hadden one final time. “Be familiar once you are able to speak one-on
-one with the princesses or in a small group. Until then, use all those manners we used to tease you over. You can’t be too well mannered. I’d guess, as well, this court is tired and heartsick. They’ll appreciate your congeniality.” He nodded, satisfied. “Let’s go. Follow me and be leisurely.”

  He turned and left the room. Once they were in the hallway that led to the main doors, Hadden stopped him. “Wait. I want to see this room.” He walked forward. It was a solarium, and the walls were made of glass. He’d never seen such a thing, but the sun hitting the windows and making prisms all throughout the room reminded him of something—what? He shook his head. There was something, but he couldn’t catch it. It was like a fragment on the edge of memory. It would come to him.

  “What a wondrous room! Have you ever seen such glass?” He asked Roysten in a low whisper. He didn’t want anyone to hear him, to think him a yokel.

  “The king is most considerate of his daughters,” Roysten said formally. “I beg your pardon, my lady. We were just leaving.” He bowed, and Hadden saw that the hallway continued on beyond his chamber. A young woman, a girl really, was walking towards them.

  He bowed. “My lady.”

  She laughed, and it was the tinkling of water on stones. “Rise, if you please. I am Viviana, the youngest of King Aland’s daughters. It is my pleasure to meet you, Sir Hadden. My congratulations on your recent honor.”

  When he looked up, she’d dropped a pretty curtsy.

  “No, it is my pleasure entirely, my lady. May I be of service to you? I was on my way to breakfast. May I escort you?”

  “I would be delighted,” she said, moving to take his arm. “I’m the lucky one this morning! That’s what happens when you’re up earlier than everyone else!”

  “Or hungrier,” he said, and she laughed.

  “Or hungrier,” she agreed. “Then may I assume you are hungry as well?”

  “Famished,” he said, grinning.

  “Then we are of one mind for the moment,” she said. She had even bigger dimples than her older sister, Adelaide. She looked merrier in general. She was also younger, and that might account for some of it.