When he woke, it was to a great crash. He fell out of bed scrambling for his sword. “Roys! Are we under attack?”
Roysten came towards the bed from the door. “No, but you will be. You need to get up. It’s after the noon meal. I’ve been fending off queries regarding your health all morning. What is wrong with you? You never sleep this late.”
“Did you slam the door?”
“I did. I’m tired of playing messenger with nothing to say.” Roysten was definitely grumpy.
“What time is it?” Hadden yawned, setting his sword down so he could stretch.
“It’s half past two in the afternoon! Why are you still abed?”
“I followed the princesses last night.”
“What? Why didn’t you wake me?”
Hadden shook his head. “I tried. I called to you, I pulled on your arm, called some more, and you didn’t stir. I don’t know why. But I couldn’t wake you.”
With Roysten sitting on the bed, he related all that he’d seen last night.
When he was finished, Roysten leaned back, thinking. “I still think she’s a cold fish, but you’re right. This is not of their doing. Who was the woman? Did Thea ever speak her name?”
“No, and that’s strange. None of them spoke her name. Just said ‘her’ in varying tones of disgust.”
“Why would someone go to all that trouble just to devil the princesses? It makes no sense!” Hadden could tell Roys didn’t believe him.
“I know, I know. I barely believe it, much less understand it myself. But I got proof.” He got out of bed, and went to his pack to pull out the bundle he’d made the night before. He carefully unwrapped it when he came back to the bed, handing Roysten the pieces of the branch and the cup.”
“You recognize the crest?” He gestured with his chin at the cup.
Roysten shook his head. “I don’t, but I can see if there’s a heraldic list anywhere. Perhaps if there’s a library? You need to hide these and get yourself out there!” He stood, handing the cup back.
Hadden re-wrapped everything and took it to his pack, carefully nestling it in the bottom. “Why? I’m tired. I’d rather go back to sleep.”
“Not a chance, Sir Knight! A number of the princesses have stopped by, and they are worried. Not sure why, but there you are. The king sent a steward as well, inquiring after your health.”
“Oh, hell,” Hadden said. “What did you say?”
“That you were still abed and I was unsure as to when you’d rise. Now that you’re up, I’m going to let the king know, and then you’re getting out there.”
He went to the door, calling for one of the guards as he opened it. Hadden could hear low conversation, then Roytsen was back, hustling him to the wardrobe.
“If they weren’t talking before, they will be in full tilt now. You need to be alert.” He dressed Hadden, taking time to make sure he looked perfect.
A knock at the door brought a message from the king. Roysten opened it, and scanned it.
“He says since you missed both breakfast and the noon meal, he’s sending a tray, and then you are welcome to join him at dinner. He mentions that his daughters are once again in the gardens.” He looked up. “There’s your marching orders, Hadden. Let’s get moving.”
The tray of food made an appearance shortly after. Hadden ate, his appetite suddenly present. Then he left the room to go to the gardens to see if he could catch Thea. It wasn’t going to be easy with Sebastian hovering over her, but he had to try. He had to know why she was hindering those who were trying to help her.
Once in the gardens, the princesses surrounded him, asking him if he was well and the like. He deflected all of their questions, sticking to the story that he was so enjoying his comfortable quarters, he had become positively lazy.
He kept an eye out for Thea, but she was, as he’d predicted, attached to Sebastian. To make matters worse, the prince’s men were about, glaring. He sighed. Didn’t they have anything better to do?
Sebastian broke off from Thea, and came to where Hadden stood with Esmay and Sybbl.
“My ladies, might I steal this gallant knight for a time?” Sebastian was all sweetness and light.
Hadden’s eyes narrowed. What was this?
Both of the princesses nodded. “Would you speak with me, Sir Hadden?” As though he hadn’t been trying to take my head off just yesterday, Hadden thought.
They took their leave of the princesses, and Sebastian led him down one of the side paths. Hadden immediately noted that four of Sebastian’s men had taken up places surrounding them, and he resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Amateurs.
“You need to leave off your attentions to my betrothed,” Sebastian said without preamble. “She’s not yours, no matter how high you feel you might be able to go.”
“Let’s not pretend, my lord. Will you do me that honor? Shall we speak plainly?”
“Was I not?” Sebastian looked amused.
Hadden found this young man truly tiresome. “My lord, it is apparent to me that your heart is not in this endeavor.”
“How dare you? You have no right to comment on me or my concerns!” The response showed Hadden that he had pegged things correctly.
“My lord, while it is beyond me to meddle in the concerns of my betters,” how he’d said that without even the flicker of an eye, he’d never know, “I am trained to be aware and observant of my surroundings. What I see as the truth is not what is presented. As I said, I do not believe, and there is no disrespect intended, that your heart is in your present course. Should I succeed, I can help you achieve what it is you really wish for.” He waited to see if the man would pick up the boulder-sized hint.
Sebastian looked at him, not speaking. “I will not discuss my affairs with someone not close to me, but,” he stopped, thinking. “For discussion’s sake, let’s say your words might have merit.” He looked away, off into the distance. “How would you propose to manage…things as they are now?”
Hadden stifled a smile. This was not as hard as he’d thought it would be. Which meant that Sebastian was feeling the heavy weight of loving the sister of his betrothed. “My lord, I need to speak with your betrothed. I cannot tell you why at this point, but I need to converse with her. Perhaps one of your men could bring a message for her? About something she needs to return indoors for? And of course, her sisters would need someone to look out for them, what with their eldest sister not there to…” he trailed off, not sure why Thea needed to be with her sisters, or what Sebastian could do for them. He’d taken a wrong turn in the conversation.
But Sebastian leapt on his hint. “Of course. I could look after the other princesses. I think it’s a fine strategy.” His face clouded. “You have no ill intent towards her highness? I would not have her hurt.”
Hadden’s eyes widened. He hadn’t expected this from Sebastian.
“You have my word, my lord. I wish merely to speak with her, which is all. She may not care for what I have to say, but I have no intent of harm.”
Sebastian studied him for a long moment. Then without taking his eyes from Hadden, he gestured to one of his lurking men. “Go and find the Princess Thea. Let her know she’s wanted about some matter in her chambers.”
The man gaped at Sebastian, who gave him a look Hadden wouldn’t want to see on the face of any of his commanders. “Go. It’s most urgent.”
The man hurried away.
“Will that be enough of an opening for you?” Sebastian turned away, hands behind him. “I fear I am taking a risk I ought not to, for the sake of…”
“My lord, I wish for you to be content with matters. This is nothing more than a step in that direction.” He couldn’t come out and say he was doing the man a favor, and that the prince needed to chin up and get to it. He wouldn’t be a prince for all the gold in the kingdom. Much easier to be a simple soldier with the ability to speak plainly.
“I am trusting you,” Sebastian said, giving him the same look he’d just given his knight. �
�If you disappoint me, you will answer for it.”
“I thank you for your trust. The lady Thea might not be happy with me, but she won’t be harmed.” He bowed.
Sebastian looked up, made a movement with his chin. “There she goes. I’ll expect to hear from you once you’ve finished speaking to her.” He walked past Hadden.
Hadden wasn’t sure when he’d agreed to report to the prince, but clearly the conversation was over.
He hurried in the direction he’d seen Thea go. With luck he could catch up to her without too much trouble.
As expected, she was heading for her rooms, and he followed at a safe distance. Once she’d opened the door, he ran ahead and slipped in after her.
She was walking past his room when he spoke.
“I cannot tell how it is with you.”
She whirled around. Her face showed her shock, and she clutched at her throat for a moment. Hadden was glad she hadn’t screamed.
She took a deep breath, and spoke. “I don’t know what you mean, Sir Hadden. How it is with me? I am the same as ever.”
When Hadden turned to fully look on her, he could see confusion in her face. “You do not tell me true, Princess. I know what your words say to me, but your actions say something else.”
She drew back. “Now it is I who do not understand you, Hadden.”
He closed in on her, backing her towards the door, herding her into a smaller space. She looked startled.
“I…I should go now. You are…you are apparently in need of more rest.” She reached behind her to grasp the doorknob. He could hear first one hand and then the other scrabble at the door. He smiled. She meant to hide in his chambers? Her eyes widened as he came within inches of her face.
He leaned in. Her lips parted slightly. He could smell something sweet on her breath, from tea earlier. He sneered as he thought of that tea. Had she added something before handing it to him?
“Tell me, Princess, of the jewel you wear. It’s lovely, to be sure, but it doesn’t suit you. Why then do you wear it frequently? Why do you carry it in your gown when you are not wearing it?”
Her eyes widened and her hand flew to her pocket. She did carry it with her. Until this moment, he’d only been guessing. He could hear the breath catch in her throat, and smelled her sweet scent once again as she attempted to calm her breathing.
“It is a family piece, and as, as…the heir, for the time being, I wear it.”
“Oh? So then when the riddle is solved, and the man who solves it picks a wife other than you, you shall surrender this jewel to the new heir?” Her answer didn’t resolve why she carried it everywhere.
“Gladly.” Her reply was firm and quick.
That surprised him. He leaned back, giving her space. In response, she exhaled. Inwardly, he smiled. He made her nervous and that gladdened him. It was not exactly appropriate given the present circumstances, but he was glad.
“Then set it aside now.”
“I cannot. Until this madness is over, I cannot.” Her voice was not as firm as it had been just seconds before. There was also a note of panic. He stored that away to consider later.
“I know why you cannot, Princess.” As abruptly as he had cornered her, he stepped away. He noted she sagged against the door.
“Well of course you do. I just told you.”
“No.”
“Do you call me liar?”
“I do. We both know why you wear that piece. It has nothing to do with being the heir, no matter what you might tell me.”
“For what reason do you accuse me of a lie?” She stood up from the door, drawing herself up. She was no longer nervous or scared. She looked every inch the heir of Gallivas, and the part of his mind that could not stop admiring her caught its breath.
“Because I know what is in that cursed pendant. I know what you do with what you carry within it. I know that you and you alone are responsible for all this.” There, he thought. What say you now, oh Princess?
Her face paled, and then two red spots blossomed in the center of her cheeks, spreading outwards. She took a few steps towards him, now the stalker and he the hunted.
“You know? What do you know? You, a simple soldier, looking to try your luck and maybe lord it over us princesses while you do. So certain that you won’t die, that you’re smarter than the others who came before you? Certain that they were stupid, or unaware, or just not as all seeing as you?” She raised her hand up and for a moment he thought she would strike him, but she dropped her hand.
“You know nothing. I will be happier to rid myself of this thing,” she plucked her dress angrily, “Than anyone will ever realize. Do not presume to know me, Sir!” She let her eyes drop down him, and then slowly raised her eyes up his form.
He felt naked and exposed. She finally reached his face, and he could see the scorn and anger, and lurking behind that, the hurt in her eyes. He didn’t think his expression changed but it must have. Her eyes, meeting his, hardened.
“Being glad to be rid of a thing does not stop you from using it, does it? I’m sure you are most put out that your sorcery has not fooled me.” He took three steps towards her, determined to win this encounter.
“I had hoped you would be the one to puzzle the riddle to its conclusion,” Thea said. “I can see now that my hopes were in vain.” Turning her back to him, she moved gracefully, and her hand easily grasped the handle of the door.
He reached out and caught her arm. “No, you will not just walk away from me! I am putting my life on the line here! For what? A game? Your desire to see just how many men will die for the lot of you?”
She stared at him, startled at his action, but quickly tried to pull her hand away. He held on more tightly, pulling her to him.
“Unhand me.” Her voice was low.
“No. Tell me why you do this.” He pulled her to him, snugging her form to him, feeling her softness and how well she fit next to him.
“I cannot tell you anything. Anything I can tell you is knowledge you are already in possession of.” Her voice was low still but with the breathy quality of earlier, and it caused stirrings within him that had no business in this conversation.
“I am in possession of nothing, Princess. Other than discovering that you are at the heart of this. Do you enjoy the trips, my lady?”
“What trips?”
“The walk to the scaffold. You get to sit and watch, watch those other men take the walk to the top of the stairs, and then that short walk to the block. You must enjoy those outings very much.”
The little details stuck out to Hadden. The jewels on the bodice of her gown as she breathed in and out. The flush down her neck that disappeared into said bodice. The sweet smell of her breath on his face. He lost focus of whatever she said as he noted all the things about her that were in high relief. Her gown, a foamy green color, made her skin glow. She looked golden and rose.
“Well?”
He blinked. Her eyes glared into his, hot and angry. “Well, what?”
“Ohhh!” She reached up, and pushed him away. No. Not yet. He caught her arms and pulled her to him again.
“Stop it!” She struggled but he held her tightly.
“No,” he said. With a fierceness, he cupped her head in one of his hands, liking the feel of it. He caressed the base of her skull, and then his other hand cradled her cheek. He pulled her face to his and laid his lips to hers.
She struggled for a moment and then relaxed in his arms. Her lips parted under his as he kissed her. All the anger and frustration at her duplicity, all the attraction he’d been fighting for her poured into his kiss.
She staggered, and he caught her. He opened his eyes without breaking off their kiss and found that she was staring at him. He caressed her other cheek, and breathed, “Thea” into her mouth.
She moaned. He couldn’t tell if it was in happiness or despair. He didn’t care. He leaned to her again and deepened the kiss. He dropped his hands from her face and came to rest around her waist.
He could feel his hands rising along her body, coming to rest on her shoulders. He felt the place where her gown stopped and she began. His fingers rolled across the edge of her gown, and pushed it down her shoulders, exposing more of her. The smell of her rose up from her skin, and he felt overcome. Abruptly, he took his mouth from hers, and leaned down to brush his lips along the line of her collar bone.
Thea’s head fell back. Her grip on his shoulders increased. Hadden didn’t understand where this drive was coming from. He bit down, ever so gently, on her collarbone, and she gasped.
“Oh!” It sounded as though it was dragged from her lips. “That was just like…” Then, there was heat. Sharp and fast, across his cheek.
She’d slapped him.
His hand flew to his cheek. He didn’t have words. Why had she slapped him?
“How dare you?” Her words were cold water on his desire. He stood up, and stepped back from her. His eyes met hers. Hers were wet with tears. The jewels on her bodice were glittering, and her chest heaved with emotion.
“I will not ask for forgiveness.” How he kept his voice, he didn’t know. She didn’t respond, and he was thankful.
He turned away, and walked towards the window in the solarium. Where had that come from? He had merely meant to confront her. To let her know that he knew she was doing something not right. What had happened? Why had he kissed her, taken such liberties? He supposed he deserved to be slapped.
It was as though he couldn’t help himself. That being near her like this, alone, pushed him into—what?
He shook his head, like a dog shaking off water. It didn’t help. He still felt muddled. As though his head was wrapped in cotton wool. When he’d planned this, he’d been angry with her. Now, he didn’t know what he was. Or why he’d kissed her. Or why he wanted to kiss her again.
He whirled around to face her.
Thea stood, but barely. She was leaning against the door, looking as though it was the only thing holding her up. Her eyes squinted, and he realized he must be standing in sunlight. He walked closer to her, upset, angry, and confused over what had just occurred.
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