As plans go, it was good in its simplicity, but poorly thought out in terms of execution.
Another man stepped out, swinging the practice sword from side to side, his visor raised so that Hadden could see the mocking look on his face.
“Outstanding, my lord! I am ready for you!” Of course they wouldn’t give him any rest. Of course Sebastian would keep sending out his vassals. He snorted as he moved closer to his new competitor. These royals. Not used to doing anything by themselves.
His eye was caught by Sebastian making a deep bow, then walking towards the spectator stands, opposite from where he and lackey number two hacked away at one another.
“Woof, woof, little doggie,” he said to the knight, who had armor that looked nearly black. Apparently for the intimidation factor. Perhaps it had worked at some point.
“Do you dare shame me?” Roared the black knight.
Hadden sighed. He’d not behaved well, but he was not one to play games. That was all this was. He could see Sebastian talking to women he assumed were the princesses, although he couldn’t tell which ones. Sebastian was gesturing grandly.
Time to end this foolishness. He set to the black knight, slashing him mercilessly until the man fell backwards. Did none of these men practice with real soldiers, or did they merely hack and jab at one another and call it well done?
He found he was most impatient with this. Advancing on the fallen man, he put the sword to his throat, and waited.
“I yield.”
“Well done, sir knight,” he said, offering a hand. Getting up in armor was at times a pain depending on how one fell. Once the man was on his feet, he strode to where Sebastian still stood chatting with the ladies.
“My ladies, I beg your pardon for the interruption. I am exhilarated to be on the field! I wish to show my appreciation to my lord Sebastian for the invitation,” and he grinned. He knew it was insolent, but Sebastian brought this out in him. He was heading for a beating behind the stables if he wasn’t careful.
“My lord prince, I would be honored if you would spar with me.” He held his sword down, and bowed low. When he stood, he could see that the ladies Sebastian was talking with were Princess Thea, and another lady, whom he did not recognize.
“Oh? Have you worked with some of the other knights?” Sebastian’s question was casual, but Hadden knew that he’d seen both his men go down.
“Indeed I have, my lord. I know I may be pushing my good fortune, but I must ask.”
“Oh, go on, my lord,” the other lady said, a grin much like Hadden’s on her face. “I have yet to see you spar. We’d enjoy that, wouldn’t we, Your Highness?” She turned to look at Thea.
Thea looked at the lady. It was apparent she’d not been listening fully to the conversation. “I always enjoy watching the practices,” she said absently.
“Then we shall do so for you,” Hadden said. “My lady Thea and...” He looked at the other lady, the unspoken question clear.
“I am Lady Lisette, lady-in-waiting to Her Highness, Princess Thea.” Lisette dimpled at him. “And you are the freshly minted Sir Hadden! You must, when practice has ended, tell us how you have come to be knighted. I am sure it is quite the adventure! Come my lady, let us sit and watch these two impressive warriors!” She took Thea’s arm and led her to a seat.
Hadden watched this interplay. Thea was not attending. What had Adelaide said? That she had loved Casimir. That everyone knew it. He looked over at Sebastian. While he hadn’t known the late prince, he wondered at why her father chose Sebastian over a man who, by all reports, was a good man. Better than this sniveling child.
“Come, knight. I don’t wish to take all day.”
“Of course, my lord,” Hadden kept his grin to himself. Adelaide had also been right that Sebastian didn’t acquit himself well. He was petulant. It was not becoming in a future king.
He glanced over his shoulder. Lisette was watching him carefully. Thea seemed to be, but he couldn’t tell.
He’d barely reached the area that others were practicing in when Sebastian came at him. Oh, like that was it? He lunged, parrying the angry thrust from the prince.
The sound from their swords hitting rang out. While his skill was not flawless, Sebastian clearly had skill. He was also fighting angry, which never helped anyone, no matter the skill level. He was also used to winning. Hadden could feel it when he didn’t pull back or ease up on some of his maneuvers. Sebastian was surprised. A clear sign of not being properly challenged regularly. What was his father thinking? Wins by any means other than superior tactics and skills shortchanged a man.
He could also see Sebastian was tiring. Suddenly, his eye was caught by something over where the other knights and esquires were congregating. It was Roysten. He was shaking his head. Hadden knew what he meant. He could not take this man down as he would another. Roysten was letting him know that he’d pay a high price for it.
“My lord.” He held up his sword and his other hand. “I must ask a favor of you. I will yield, sir. You and your fine warriors have worn me down.”
Sebastian had stopped when Hadden spoke, and now, he lowered his sword. “Do you? What will you do if I do not?”
“I shall fight on, my lord. I find that you…” he hesitated, having trouble with the outright lie. “And your men have proved a most satisfactory challenge.”
Sebastian didn’t speak for a moment, and then said, “I accept. Thank you for your efforts. Well fought, Sir Hadden.”
A page hurried forward to take the prince’s sword, and Roysten followed. When he reached Hadden he whispered, “Well done. I heard from some of the other ‘squires that he is a most sore headed loser. I don’t want—”
“I know. Thank you,” Hadden said in a whisper as well. “Now let’s get me out of this and back into the castle. Mayhap he’ll leave off deviling me when someone tells him I withdrew.”
“Not likely,” Roysten snorted. “It’s not his way.”
“You’ve found out a lot,” Hadden said.
“Not all that much. We see ones like that all the time.”
Hadden nodded. “We do indeed. Unfortunately, they are often in places to make things difficult for the rest of us.”
“Is that not the truth, Sir Hadden?” Roysten had raised his voice.
Hadden looked around. Some of the knights were eyeing them, most intensely.
“Indeed. What good sport today, eh Roysten?”
Roysten nodded enthusiastically. Hadden handed off the rest of his armor, and together they left the field. He looked behind him. Lisette was helping Thea from where they’d been sitting.
“I need to get back and get cleaned up,” he said.
“Going fishing for something cold?”
“I am. Perhaps the fishing is cold, but the company is most lively.”
“Then let us hurry.”
They made it to their rooms quickly, and Roysten tossed the armor onto the bed. “I’ll have that cleaned once I’ve sent you back out.” He changed Hadden’s surcoat, and brushed him all over to remove the dust and bits of plant that had stuck to him.
“There you are. Happy fishing,” he said.
“You never know what you might catch,” Hadden said as he walked out. He wasn’t sure where Thea, and more importantly, Lisette would be. Where had Viviana said? Oh yes, the gardens. It wasn’t time for lunch, so he would try his luck there.
When he entered the gardens, he stopped. It was actually very pleasant and well-tended. An area for chess and draughts was set up with several boards in use. He could see people playing at quoits, and further out, it looked like bowls.
He composed himself and slowed his pace. He was looking around discreetly. Plenty smiled at him, but he wanted to find the princesses. There was no need for idle chitchat.
A young woman he didn’t recognize stopped and curtsied. “We have not been introduced, so let me remedy that. I am the Princess Isabelle, and I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Sir Hadden. Will you accompan
y me for a time?”
Did all the princesses have dimples? It was so thus far. “I would be delighted, my lady. If you care to?” He held out his arm, hoping he did it right.
She smiled kindly at him, and took the offered arm.
“What would you care to do, Sir Hadden? There are a number of games and diversions to choose from.”
“I would enjoy walking and conversing with you. Perhaps you’d be kind enough to introduce me to the rest of your sisters?”
Uh oh. Had he said the wrong thing? She had an odd look on her face. “I mean no disrespect. It’s only that I have not met you all, and I am desirous of changing that.”
He must have said something right, because the perplexed look disappeared from her face. “Of course. It stands to reason that you would wish to know all of us a bit.” She led him to where another gaggle of women stood.
With twelve daughters, he supposed he could forgive the king all the pockets of young ladies laughing their tinkling laughs and giggling, even though it seemed inappropriate after the deaths of two princes. One thing he’d learned with Lord Maddox was that people were far more tolerant of the young in regards to poor behavior.
Or maybe my lord Maddox was simply a tough taskmaster. He resolved to try to withhold judgement until he had all the facts.
Probably the only way to get out of here alive and with head and neck still attached.
The thought made him shudder. His neck itched, and he scratched at it a little, careful not to scratch too heavily against it. It always seemed a little sore after he did such. Perhaps after this was over, he’d meet with the castle physician and see what might be done for a hurt that wasn’t there. Quietly, of course. No need to have rumors about him.
He spent the afternoon talking with mostly the princesses. He did counting in his head, and realized he’d met and spoken with all of them but the eldest. Thea. The one everyone was fighting over. The fish, as Roys called her.
She appeared on the arm of Sebastian, her lady-in-waiting right behind her. Lady Lisette didn’t look happy, and Thea looked much as she had when he’d seen her in the tiltyard. Not involved in what was going on around her.
He hated to see someone suffering. Even someone who he wasn’t sure about. Thea and Sebastian, with Lisette in tow, came to where he was sitting with the princesses.
The air about them changed. Hadden looked around. It had been most pleasant. The servants had brought cushions, and the princesses and their followers were all sitting on them having pleasant conversations, but when Sebastian led Thea over, he brought with him a palpable chill. One that made for a momentary hush. He looked carefully at those around him. Everyone looked uncomfortable. Why?
He glanced over to the edge of the plants. Roysten stood, attempting to be unobtrusive. He raised his eyebrows, and Roysten gave a nearly imperceptible nod of the head.
He stood, and put on a smile. “Your Highness, Prince Sebastian, it is a pleasure to see you again,” he said, walking over, and coming to a stop to bow to him. “May I be the first to offer you and your lovely lady a seat?” He gestured behind him at the cushion he’d been sitting on.
Sebastian nodded, and led Thea to the cushion.
“Would you care for some wine, my lady?” Hadden asked her. He’d followed them, and spoke before Sebastian had a chance.
“What a perfect idea,” said Lisette. “Let us find a footman, Sir Hadden.” She tucked an arm in his and towed him away. Sebastian stood next to Thea, arms clasped behind his back, glaring.
“Are you mad?” She didn’t look at him, but nearly dragged him along. “Why do you taunt him so?”
“Because your mistress is unhappy, and he is a churl to see it and do nothing to help.” He answered quickly, not sure where the words had come from.
Now Lisette looked up at him. “He is indeed, but he is the Crown Prince of Laurycia, and he is going to marry our princess. There is nothing to be done for that. You would do well to remember that. Also know that he is in a foul temper, and some of that is specifically directed at you.”
“I’m used to it. I seem to bring out the best in people,” Hadden said, with a straight face.
“I’ve heard that you are a good conversationalist. I shall have to correct that notion. You’re as mad as a loon.” She rolled her eyes. “Please bring the Princess Thea and her betrothed some refreshment,” she said, snagging the attention of a footman hurrying past.
“Yes, my lady.” He sped up, which didn’t seem possible.
“Why does Sebastian bring such a pall with him?”
“You have absolutely no sense, do you? Or decorum? Come, we need to get back, but walk slowly. Slowly, fool!” Her arm pulled on his, slowing his pace.
“All right. I’ll walk slowly. If you tell me why people act so around him.”
“He’s furious. Just furious. He thinks everyone should have told Casimir to stand down and cease his attentions to Thea. No one did because at that point, everyone knew she loved him. I think,” She lowered her voice, looking nervous, “The king was hoping for a way out of this. Sebastian was here before they became engaged, and he was simply charming. He has not been so since everything—” her mouth twisted, and he could see she was thinking of the challenges, and the deaths, and the mystery behind all of it. “He does not inspire people as the future king should. He knows it, and it only serves to make him angrier, rather than shift his behavior.” She sighed.
“And your mistress?”
She gave him a look that declared him the most foolish man ever. “She grieves.”
Of course. Her prince had died.
“Then let us go and cheer her,” he said, stepping more lively. “No need to leave her with a surly prince.
“Lower your voice, Sir Hadden! We can be whipped for such talk!”
“Indeed? For speaking freely. Well, if questioned, I shall declare you horrified at my ignoble behavior and talk.”
They reached the area of the garden where people still sat. Conversation was occurring, although not with any liveliness.
He went straight to the cushions that Thea sat on. Sebastian had not sat down with her, but stood, arms still behind his back, looking unhappy.
The man’s as unhappy as she is, he thought. He followed Sebastian’s gaze, and saw that he watched Adelaide, who sat with Serafina and Mirabelle and several young men. They were laughing, but not loudly.
“My lady, I have served Gallivas all my life. Only as a humble soldier, not one such as yourself. What do you enjoy most about your duties?”
Thea turned to him, her eyes empty. Sebastian tore his gaze from Adelaide and looked down on him, his face mocking.
“Looking for tips on ruling, knight?” His sneer was like a sword, and Hadden could swear he saw people who heard him flinch.
“No, my lord, not really. I am interested in how the responsibility of a kingdom is different from the responsibility of a commander of an army. Not having had the chance to converse with those who are being taught to lead a kingdom, I thought I’d ask. You’re welcome to be a part of the conversation,” he added.
Sebastian’s eyes narrowed, and Hadden knew he was treading on dangerous ground. He wasn’t sure why he’d asked what he did. He just didn’t know how to talk the normal fiddle-faddle that seemed to pass for courtly conversation. It was a waste, in his opinion. He’d discussed interests and learning and passions with the other princesses. What else did one talk about with a woman who was in mourning? Her lost love? How she was feeling today?
Sebastian began to speak, but Thea held up a hand, forestalling him. “How does it feel when you go into battle, Sir Hadden? What do you feel then?”
He cocked his head, thinking. “I am all in a whirl, honestly, my lady. I am hoping that all the plans go well, and all who need to play their parts do so. I am hoping that I lose none of my men. I am hoping that I get into the fray enough that I will do some damage to the enemy personally.”
She raised her brows. “You enjoy warfare?�
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“Don’t you? Isn’t ruling a great deal like warfare? You must work with those who may or may not be an ally. You must protect those who serve you, or serve the cause that you do. You are the leader and make the decisions.”
“What do you do when you’ve lost one of your company?” Her eyes focused on him, and he could see this was a loaded question. He wouldn’t lie to her.
“I write a letter to his mother telling her and his father of his bravery, and how he gave his life for something more. Then I salute the ghost of the man I’ve lost, and I live with it.” He looked into the distance.
“How do you live with it?” Her voice was a whisper.
“I must. I don’t know exactly how. I didn’t kill them, and in fact, did all that I could to keep them safe. We are in a profession where even that is sometimes not enough. Such is true of princes, as well, I would think.” he finished.
He could hear the soft gasps of several ladies nearby.
“Some princes,” Sebastian interjected. Thea looked up at him, and the naked pain in her face made Hadden wince. And she was to marry this lout, this little boy masquerading as a man? This rube who hurt her for his own pride? He could feel his own anger surging forth.
“Oh! Oh my goodness!” Lisette, who’d sat down nearby, jumped up suddenly. “Oh, my lord Sebastian, please forgive me!” She was the picture of a frightened young lady. What was she about? That didn’t seem to be her at all.
“What?” Sebastian looked at her, not bothering to hide her irritation.
“Before we came out, a footman asked for you. He was from the king! My lord, I am so sorry! I was busy readying my lady, and I forgot to tell you!” Her cheeks were red, and she held her hands up to her face, the picture of misery.
“What? You stupid woman,” Sebastian grumbled. He looked down, and Hadden could see the struggle within the man. He didn’t want to ignore the summons from the king, but he also did not wish to leave his prize here, unattended.
Hadden looked away. Enough watched the prince. He had no need to.
“My lady, I shall return to you,” Sebastian said, bowing to Thea. He took his leave of no one else, and stalked away from the party, heading for the castle.
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