She pushed her fingers through her hair and looked around to find that in her eagerness to see the blacksmith again, she had completely forgotten about the other grooms. They were all still bent on one knee with their eyes averted, but she knew that they were well aware of what had transpired here. Without a backward glance, she left the stable. She made her way to the palace, blindly walking down the hallways, and only stopped when she found herself before the closed door of Lady Hernina. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door and slammed it shut behind her.
“Your Highness?”
Lady Hernina rose from where she was seated at her mirror, her chambermaid quickly moved away from where she had been busy brushing her mistress’s blonde locks. Sterling noticed the meaningful look the blonde noble gave her chambermaid. The girl curtsied and quickly skirted Sterling to leave the room.
“Sterling?” Without an audience, Lady Hernina addressed Sterling by her name. “Is something wrong?” The woman’s blue eyes were concerned as they studied, but all Sterling could think about was that it was the wrong set of blue eyes looking at her. “Please say something, Sterling,” the woman urged as she came to stand before Sterling. Anger and guilt mixed inside her, causing to her reach out for the blonde.
“I have nothing to say. At least not verbally,” Sterling growled as she took the woman’s lips in a hard kiss.
***
Cybralle sheathed her sword and briskly walked over to where Sterling lay sprawled on her back. She held out her hand and pulled her daughter to her feet. She watched in silence as Sterling sullenly dusted herself before she spoke.
“Something is amiss. Care to tell me why I almost managed to decapitate you?”
Sterling’s eyes were dark with anger when they met hers. “It was an accident.”
“Yes, one that could have been fatal had you been on the battlefield,” Cybralle snapped. It had been years since she had last been able to best Sterling in a swordfight. To do that twice in one week was disconcerting. She had not seen Sterling for over six years, but she knew her daughter well enough to know when something was bothering her. Palace gossip was rife with Sterling’s return and it did not take much to know that Sterling had been a frequent visitor to Lady Hernina’s chambers. When Cybralle had broached the subject with Mesmeria, her wife had been convinced that Lady Hernina was a far more than a suitable match for Sterling. Cybralle disagreed. Sterling needed love, the unconditional kind. Warring and killing had shattered her daughter’s heart and only someone who could love her selflessly could mend her. Cybralle had been around enough noblewomen to know that they were raised to look beautiful and entice suitable paramours. As soon as they have what they want, their scheming begins for materialistic gain. To avoid an argument with Mesmeria, she had held her tongue, but made a mental note to speak to Sterling about her liaison with Lady Hernina.
Now was as good a time as any.
“Norad,” she called over one of the servants. “Could you find some food and wine for us?”
With a quick nod, the servant left and Cybralle turned to Sterling. “We can take a rest in the shade.” When Sterling looked at her suspiciously, she sighed. “There was a time the two of us could talk about anything and everything. What changed?”
Sterling pursed her lips as she looked around. “A lot.”
Cybralle felt an immense sadness settle over her at the hurt she saw in her daughter’s eyes.
“I would like to know what is bothering you, Daughter. You are not happy and knowing that pains me.” Sterling looked at her and this time, Cybralle could swear they were shining with unshed tears. Sterling quickly looked away.
“I have changed so much in the past two weeks and it scares me.”
“Then let me help you. Talk to me.” Cybralle reached out and grabbed Sterling’s shoulder. “I want you to be happy.”
Sterling bit down on her lower lip. “Then maybe you should talk to her.”
“Who? Your mother?”
“No.” Sterling sighed. “Orla.”
This time Cybralle could not hide her surprise. “Orla? The…the blacksmith?”
Sterling frowned as she averted her eyes. “I like her. A lot. Too much.”
Completely shell-shocked, Cybralle frantically looked around for the servant. It seemed an argument with Mesmeria was unavoidable after all.
She needed wine, lots of it.
***
Orla rolled onto her back and stared at the ceiling. The house was quiet, which meant that her mother was already asleep. Even then, she cocked her head to listen again for any movement. Slowly, almost reverently, she touched her lips. It had been a week and yet, when she was alone, she could still feel the touch of Sterling’s lips on her own. With a soft sigh she dropped her hand. It seems that was to be the first and only kiss she would ever receive since the princess was avoiding her like the plaque.
The stables were not too far away from the palace for gossip to reach them, and Orla was well aware of the princess’s latest paramour.
The beautiful Lady Hernina had caused quite an uproar in Court when she arrived three years ago. Beautiful and witty, the noblemen had vied for her attention, with a few brawls ensuing in the process. The only way to settle the sudden restlessness amongst her nobles, the queen instituted heavy fines for any unruliness. That had restored a semblance of peace at Court. The beautiful noblewoman finally managed to settle on one paramour at a time and had been linked to at least a dozen of the most dashing lordlings.
With Sterling’s return it seemed the fragile tranquility the queen had strived so hard to maintain was being tested. None of the frisky nobles, at least no one who valued his position at Court, would try to call out the princess for snapping up the most coveted prize from under their noses. It would not only be a quick and merciless career suicide to confront the future queen, but the princess was a devil with a sword and numerous other weapons.
Orla was relieved that she was not part of the drama anymore. The princess caused a stir wherever she went, and Orla and her mother’s lives were far too simple to survive such excitement.
Then why did she feel the beautiful princess’s inattention so profoundly?
***
Sterling swallowed a curse as she stumbled slightly, almost tipping over the potted plant by her feet. She froze for a moment, waiting, listening. When there were no sounds or movements following her fumbling, she exhaled softly. It would be very unfortunate to be caught here at this late hour. She had made sure that she was not followed when she left the palace and had made a few rounds at the drinking holes to cover her tracks.
She moved closer, mindful of the potted plants underneath the window. The room was dark and quiet. The hour was late, as was to be expected. That, however, did not mean that she could not hope for a quick glimpse before she had to go back to the palace.
Just as she leaned closer to peer through the window, she heard a sharp shriek and gasped when she felt the sharp talons of the indignant feline pierce her leather trousers and lodge in her skin.
***
Orla’s eyes jerked open.
There was someone outside her window. With the realization, she immediately reached for her sword. Not many people knew that she was quite adept at wielding a sword. A few years ago, she had been called out to a small farm, not far from the city, to repair a broken plough. The farmer, a former swordsman, had offered to train her in sword fighting as payment. She had jumped at the chance. She stealthily made her way to window. Using her sword, she gently lifted the curtain out of the way. Her heart jumped when she saw a shadow so close to her window. The person was hunched over, but the moonlight touched gently on the gleaming head, highlighting the copper tresses.
The sword dropped almost immediately, as she realized who the late-night visitor was. She looked around the room wildly. She was sure that Sterling had not seen her. Maybe she would leave if Orla did not make a sound.
She leaned back against the wall, her heart thudding so wildly in
her chest she could barely hear anything else. A muffled “ouch” made her close her eyes tightly. She could not very well ignore the next Queen of Karas if she was injured. And she was sure that Sterling was injured. Pinto hated all humans except for her and her mother. Sterling had not endeared herself further by stepping on him, if that was indeed what had happened. Another muffled “stupid cat,” spurred Orla into action. She opened her door carefully and tiptoed across the common room, so as not rouse her mother.
The night was cool, and she looked down at her nightdress. She was not dressed to meet the future Queen of Karas, but then she had not expected company, least of all Sterling, at this hour. She walked around the hut.
She blinked at the sight that greeted her.
***
Sterling tried to no avail to pull the offending cat, clinging for dear life to her leg, from her. How was it possible that she had not seen it earlier? Unless, of course, the creature had been lying in wait for her. She looked up at the window. No movement. If she was lucky, she could still escape this without having to explain her presence outside Orla’s bedroom window. She took the cat’s paws in her hand as gently as she could in her desperate state and tried to pry the claws out of her pants. The cat shrieked again and Sterling quickly unhanded the creature.
That left only one alternative.
She reached for the fastening of her pants. She would rather explain to her mother why she was traipsing around after dark without pants, than to explain her presence to Orla.
“There is no need for that, Your Highness.”
Sterling froze at sound of Orla’s voice coming from the dark. She slowly dropped her hands and turned. The cat, having heard Orla’s voice, effortlessly unhooked itself from Sterling and ran over to Orla, brushing against her legs with a soft meow.
Sterling stared daggers at the cat, before she shifted her gaze to Orla. It was too dark to make out Orla’s face, but she could feel those icy blue eyes on her.
“Thank you for saving me from that…that…”
“Pinto. His name is Pinto, milady,” Orla offered quickly and stepped closer. “Did he injure you?”
Sterling swallowed hard at the sight of Orla in her nightdress. It was nothing like the soft, smooth ones that Hernina wore to bed. Nor did it show any disturbing physical attributes as in the case with Hernina. Instead it made Orla seem softer. Orla was always dressed in coarse working outfits, making her look almost unapproachable. Not that it bothered Sterling at all. She was more interested in the woman than her wardrobe. But the way she looked at that moment, bathed in moonlight, her hair mussed, and her head cocked to the side, was bringing Sterling’s blood to a low simmer.
“How have you been?” she asked softly, glad to hear that, after all she had imbibed, her voice did not sound slurred.
“I have been well, milady. Thank you for asking,” Orla replied formally.
Sterling nodded, slightly frustrated that she could not get Orla to relax in her presence. Compared to all the other women, who had shared her bed, she would trade them all and the familiarity they had with her to have Orla call her by her name just once. She promised herself at that moment that she would not give up until she heard her name fall from those full lips. She moved closer to Orla and saw her stiffen slightly.
“I am sorry about your cat. I did not mean to step on it.”
Orla smiled faintly. “No need, milady. I doubt Pinto is sorry that he scratched you.”
Sterling blinked at Orla. Had she just made joke? Orla was always so serious and guarded around her. This close to Orla, she could actually see her eyes brimming with mirth. She swallowed as she stepped closer. There was a sharp hiss and she stopped in her tracks.
Damned cat. She threw the cat a poisonous look.
“I cannot say that I like your cat very much,” Sterling growled as she turned her gaze back to Orla.
This time Orla laughed, a soft, husky sound that reverberated down Sterling’s spine to settle heavy between her legs. She could only stare, wildly aroused.
“I believe the feeling is mutual, milady,” Orla said quietly, her amusement gone as quickly as it had appeared. Sterling narrowed her eyes slightly. She had never worked this hard to impress a woman.
But then, this was no ordinary woman.
She wished she could move closer, but the cat was watching her with sharp, suspicious eyes.
***
Orla noticed everything, she did not know how in the dim lighting, but she did.
Sterling’s slightly drunken state, her arousal, and her frustration, thanks to Pinto. It was time to put some distance between her and the princess. If possible, it seemed as if Sterling’s arousal was growing stronger the longer she stared.
“Was there anything else, milady?” she asked calmly, her eyes downcast. The intense stare was doing something to her, something indescribable, something that caused her insides to grow warm.
Sterling’s expression darkened for a moment, before she shook her head slowly. “No. It was not my intention to rouse you from your sleep.” She turned and disappeared into the shadows.
Not sure what to feel at Sterling’s abrupt departure, Orla could only stare at the spot where Sterling had stood a few moments ago.
Chapter 3
Mesmeria was troubled as she stared down at her sleeping daughter. Sterling was growing more distant as the days passed. For a moment, an urge, so strong, to hold her daughter came over her, but she was not sure if the sentiment would be appreciated. She felt tears burning behind her eyelids. It was obvious that Sterling was avoiding her and not Cybralle. The two had daily sparring sessions and went hunting together.
Knowing that she was so close to crying, she quickly turned away from the bed and walked over to the curtains and threw them open. She heard a soft groan behind her and quickly swallowed her tears. She spun around, a bright smile on her face.
“You almost slept the day away, dearling,” she gushed, as she walked over to the bed. She blinked when the strong alcohol fumes threatened to knock her out. “You definitely need a bath first, before I let you loose amongst the others.”
Sterling’s eyes flickered open and she moaned. “There is no reason to get out of bed.” She rolled over and pulled the pillow over her face.
Mesmeria swallowed at the sadness Sterling’s words had stirred inside her. Ignoring her earlier fear of rejection, she sat on the bed and pulled the pillow from Sterling’s head. “Talk to me, Sterling.”
There was short silence before Sterling turned over, her bloodshot eyes expressionless. “There is nothing you can do about it, Mother.”
“I am the queen. I might just surprise you,” Mesmeria said softly. She had used the line on Sterling when she was younger. It was effective back then, chasing away monsters and nightmares. Now, all she saw in Sterling’s eyes was surrender. “Tell me what is hurting you, my child. Please.”
Sterling sat up, the sheet falling away and exposing her chest. Mesmeria blushed at the sight of the small bite marks on Sterling’s breasts and neck. Yes, she was indeed Cybralle’s daughter. Only a woman mad on exquisite passion could’ve left those marks. She had left similar ones, countless times, on Cybralle. She calmly meets her daughter’s eyes.
“Is it about Lady Hernina?”
Sterling dropped her face in her hands. “Mother…”
There was knock on the door and before they could respond, the door swung open, admitting Cybralle. For a moment they all stared at each other before Cybralle walked over to the bed and pulled the bedding from Sterling. “Enough of this moping. I have a plan.” She frowned and looked at Mesmeria. “Why are you here?”
Mesmeria shrugged. “Last I remember, I gave birth to her.”
Cybralle grimaced. “As if I will ever forget that day.” She pulled Mesmeria up and against her chest. “You were up early today, I did not get to greet you properly.”
Smiling brightly, Mesmeria threw her arms around Cybralle’s neck. “I went for a ride.”
&
nbsp; “Maybe I am not fulfilling my duties, if you wake up with so much energy to spend.”
A loud groan sounded, followed by the rustling of bedding and hurried footsteps as Sterling made herself scarce. They both laughed at that. Mesmeria could not believe that, after all this time, the ruse still worked.
Sure that Sterling was out of earshot, she turned serious. “She is avoiding me. What is the plan you mentioned earlier?”
Cybralle brushed a soft kiss over her lips. “Not intentionally.” She pressed another kiss on Mesmeria’s lips. “We need to woo someone.”
Mesmeria’s lips fell open in surprise. “Who? And why are you involved?”
“I cannot tell you the name of the fair maiden,” Cybralle whispered. “As for my involvement, I managed to get you to fall in love with me. That alone makes me a renowned counsel on affairs of the heart.”
Mesmeria stared at Cybralle for a long moment, before she threw her head back and laughed heartily. “I was the one who pursued you, if I remember correctly.”
“That was my tactic,” Cybralle boasted, her bearing upright and powerful. Mesmeria rolled her eyes at the posturing. They both know that if she had not gotten tipsy that night and ordered Cybralle to lower her head so she could kiss her, they never would have been where they are now. She decided to let it go.
“Will you take care so she does not get hurt?” she asked softly, her mother’s heart aching for her child.
“She is already in pain, sweetling,” Cybralle said. “I doubt she can hurt more than she already does.”
Phantom of the Heart Page 2