by Frost Kay
“Sorry. I am not a lady’s maid, though I am sure you will be assigned someone soon.”
Sage gaped at her in horror. “I hope not. I don’t have a need for one. I appreciate your help with my hair, but I am capable of washing and dressing myself. It would be a complete waste of a maid’s time.” She thought for a moment before continuing. “Why would anyone aspire to do such a thing anyway?”
“Mostly it is the distinction that comes with the title. In this case they could boast being entrusted to work with nobility, perhaps even the ruler of our nation, which would no doubt help them in their own pursuits of husbands or networking. Sometimes it is one who has performed their duties well, and they are assigned the task as a reward. A lady’s maid isn’t nearly so hard as many other positions. There are many reasons, some fine, others less so.” Mira started worked more oil into her hair.
Sage didn’t want someone she didn’t know hanging around all the time. “What about you?”
The blond healer laughed. “I have no desire to ever be a lady’s maid. I am a healer through and through. Give me blood and tonics over dresses and hair pins.”
Mira finished Sage’s hair and stared at it like it was a puzzle. Lilja scooted to the side, bumping Mira out of the way with her hip. “Move, healer, I will take care of this. Hmm…” she mused. “Me. A hairdresser. Who would have thought?”
Sage closed her eyes and let Lilja turn her from the mirror, as she plaited her hair, and Mira applied a few cosmetics to her lips, cheeks, and eyes.
“Not too heavy, please.” She hardly wore the stuff, it always melted off in the heat of the forge, so what was the point? Plus, her mum had always said she didn’t need it.
A soft knock at the door made her eyes pop open as Mira moved to get it, her skirts rustling. Mira let out a startled squeak and Lilja paused and called, “Hayjen?”
A grunt answered her.
“Please come in.”
Hayjen scanned the room and, noting the bed, carefully laid the dresses there, grumbling all the while. “I had to practically fight my way here.” He turned, his grumpy face lighting in a tender smile when he spotted his wife. His eyes moved to Sage. “Don’t let her fool you, she loves dressing women up.” A pause. “You left early.” A statement, not a question. “That was wise of you. Rafe was not happy when he returned. Wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would you?”
Sage gave him a hard look, choosing not to dwell on the memory. “I’m afraid I couldn’t give him want he wanted.”
Hayjen’s lips thinned as he leaned against a bed poster. “He is determined.”
Her stomach rolled. Sage understood Rafe better than anyone else. “There is nothing to be done.”
“Now is not the time to be speaking of such things,” Captain Femi chided. “She has enough to deal with tonight.”
Hayjen, her long time friend, strode to her side with a smile. He leaned down and pressed his lips to her forehead. “You will make a wonderful princess and, someday, a wonderful queen. Let no one convince you otherwise.”
Warmth infused her at the demonstration of affection and his kind words.
He pecked Lilja on the cheek and made his way to the door. “I will stand outside until you ladies are ready.”
Lilja finished up Sage’s hair and began digging through the beautiful fabrics on the bed, humming as she sorted. The Sirenidae finally settled on an emerald silk dress and shook it out. It was sleeveless with a shallow scoop that cut across the collarbone. It was form-fitting and long enough that it looked like it would probably puddle on the floor. An angled golden sash draped around the hips and fell to the floor. It was simple, but it was also very elegant.
Sage smiled at Lilja. “It’s perfect.”
She stood and lifted her hands above her head. The smooth fabric glided over her skin like the kiss of a butterfly’s wing. Both women tugged gently until it was settled onto her, hugging her body perfectly. Sage marveled at the panels that had been sewn inside so she wouldn’t need a bustier. She brushed her hands down the dress, smoothing its fabric, trying not to think about how it clung to her hips and thighs. Sage glanced over her shoulder and released a squeak. The material plunged down, showcasing her back with a sheer material sewn over it with a row of dainty round buttons running down it. The emerald silk pooled at her feet, flowing into a modest train.
It was certainly beautiful, but Sage was slightly aghast. “Who cut out the back of it?”
Mira sniggered.
Sage began to step forward when her dress split along the thigh. She stared at the sash that wasn’t a sash. Rather it was part of the dress, sewn to lay over a thigh-high slit. She frowned down at it. “I thought this was supposed to be modest.”
“It is. Nothing inappropriate is showing.”
Sage gave Lilja a droll look. “Half of it seems to be missing.”
Lilja rolled her eyes and tossed her a pair of matching slippers. Sage grinned, stopping to slip them onto her feet.
Gingerly, she lifted the dress and approached the mirror. Her wavy hair was swept back from her face, three braids crossed over the waves, starting from behind one ear and fastened behind the other with gold feather pins. Her waves tumbled down her back in wild array. The stunning green dress made the green of her eyes pop, like gems. Sage stared at her reflection, scrutinizing the woman in front of her. She still looked like herself but more refined. Lilja had certainly outdone herself. She lifted a hand to touch her cheek and stared as it trembled. Lilja shifted to her side, clasping Sage’s hand with her own.
“You made a tough choice, ma fleur, but it was the right one. You will be okay.”
Sage took a breath, trying to release some of her nerves, and smiled at both women. “Thank you, both, so much.”
Mira blushed which Sage found entertaining. The healer could sew up all sorts of body parts but as soon as you praised her she couldn’t take it and blushed crimson.
Sage lifted her dress and sidled to the door, staring at the handle once again. It was now or never. Gritting her teeth, she yanked it open before she could stop herself and stepped through. Hayjen cocked his head and raised a questioning eyebrow at her determined expression. No doubt she looked exactly as she felt, like a martyr.
“You don’t want to know,” she grumped.
“Sage, we need to return to the Sirenidae, but I will visit as much as I can. If you need me all you need to do is send for me.” Lilja clasped her hands and searched her eyes. “Be brave, ma fleur. There is nothing you can’t do or accomplish. You are never alone.”
Sincerity shown in the captain’s exotic eyes. In the short time she had known this strange woman, they’d grown to be good friends. Sage wrapped her arms around her. “Thank you for everything you have done.” She leaned back and stepped around to hug Hayjen as well.
“You’re not weak, so don’t let anyone walk over you. You’re their equal, perhaps even their better, in all things,” his gruff voice whispered into her hair. His arms tightened for a moment before releasing her. Lilja kissed both her cheeks and then returned to Hayjen’s side, clasping his hand.
“We will see you soon,” the Sirenidae called, just before strolling down the corridor, her husband in tow.
“They make an interesting pair,” Mira remarked.
“That they do.”
Mira pushed passed her to the staircase and shot Sage a questioning look. “Are you coming?”
She hadn’t moved. Sage shook herself out of her stupor, struggling with the urge to run far, far, away. Mira started down the staircase as soon as Sage reached her. Following behind, Sage took each stair deep in thought. She felt as though every step toward the dining room was one step further away from herself, from her life. Contemplating this, by the time she’d completely descended the two enormous flights, she had come to a realization. The life she felt bleeding away from her, the girl she had been, both had died in that cell somewhere beneath her feet. Ever since then, she had been trying to become that same
girl, but she finally understood that it would never happen. She may have the same body, but the passion, the joy, and the hope had been scraped from inside her. Perhaps taking on this role for the Crown wouldn’t be so difficult after all, since she was really just a shell anyway.
Chapter Fourteen
Tehl
Tehl longed to pace. He had come into dinner earlier than normal so he could be settled before Sage’s arrival. He leaned back and studied the goings on around him. Members of his court flitted about, some laughing, some plotting, some merely enjoying their meals. Tehl took a healthy gulp of his wine and hid his smile behind his cup. He couldn’t wait to see the stir his betrothal announcement created.
Soon, Sage would have to deal with all this tedium. There were so many things she could take over; the staffing, the meal plans for the week, planning for visiting nobles and dignitaries, and the blasted letters he both received and sent. And that was only a few of the things he couldn’t wait to be rid of. His grin widened at the thought.
“Why are you smiling like a lunatic?” Sam asked while winking at a woman across the room.
“I was thinking about how my betrothal arrangement will benefit me. No more ridiculous tasks that I have very little patience for and even less skill in. Soon all of that, and this, will be her domain.” Tehl spoke the words with unadulterated glee.
Sam tilted his head, lips twitching. “I am sure she will love that. I imagine she’ll work to escape from those duties even more vigorously than you do. But, at least you have time to ease her into everything, the wedding won’t be until spring, I imagine. It’s a pity though, for, if not, you could get started on that heir-making all the sooner.”
Tehl narrowed his eyes at his brother. “It’s a little early to be talking of children.”
His brother’s gaze moved past him and widened. Sam blew out a deep breath, straightening. “It is never too early when you have a woman like that.”
Tehl swung around as Sage enter entered the room in a gem-green gown that seemed to flow down and over her curves. It accentuated the shape of her bust, small waist, and flared hips. Her hair was swept away from her face so he could admire her heart-shaped face and green eyes. A small slit gave a preview of a toned, feminine leg every time she stepped.
“You’re gaping,” Sam muttered.
Tehl snapped his mouth shut as Sage met his eyes, her expression unreadable. Very quickly though, her face morphed, and a happy smile replaced the odd expression, her eyes crinkling in like she was truly happy to see him. If he hadn’t known any better, he would have truly believed he’d imagined the change. She was good, he’d give her that.
Tehl stood and began descending the steps, ignoring the myriad of curious eyes on him. His betrothed added extra swing to her hips as she approached and, having reached him, sunk into a deep curtsy before standing proudly before him.
“My lord,” she murmured, throatily.
Tehl reached for her hand and placed a kiss on it. “My lady.” Her hand twitched in his grasp, the only evidence of her desire to no doubt pull away. He released her hand and placed a hand on her back. Her scarcely covered back. He snuck a glance at her attire. Where was the rest of her dress? Tehl offered her his hand to escort her up the dais and eyed her back, displayed for the world to see. There was a piece of fabric but it was so fine and sheer she might as well have worn nothing. There was little he could do about it now, so he tried to dismiss it from his mind. He sat her between his brother and himself while allowing him a moment to survey the reactions of his court.
Astonishment was most prevalent. His advisors gazed at her with curiosity but not anger. Many men looked at Sage with lust in their eyes, but that didn’t particularly bother him. She was a beautiful woman; they could look so long as they didn’t touch. He cleared his throat, gaining everyone’s attention and motioned for the meal to begin. Servants brought out dishes and placed them on the table, serving himself and those around him first, then continuing on down the table. He waited patiently, curious to see who would be the first to start the inquisition.
“Madam, you look ravishing this evening,” William complemented, his gray eyes twinkling.
Sage put down her spoon and grinned at the old advisor. “Why, thank you. I do prefer boots and trousers, but a woman likes to dress up every now and again. Makes her feel good.”
A few women gasped.
“Boots and trousers?” Jaren’s daughter scoffed.
Stars above, he disliked that woman.
“How very vulgar. Truly, you jest?”
Sage snuck a glance at the various people pretending not to listen before answering. “Vulgar? I think not. There is nothing vulgar about hard work is there?” His betrothed gestured to her dress. “How can I clean, or wash, or do anything useful in a dress so fine as this? It would be ruined. And don’t you think it would be a shame to damage such a lovely creation?”
Many of the men and even a few women around them chorused their agreement.
“We wouldn’t want to ruin something that looked so enticing on your body, would we?” Sam drawled, leaning toward her.
“From what I hear, you rarely leave anything on any woman’s body. So, excuse me if I doubt your expertise, my prince,” Sage retorted.
A glint entered his brother’s eye that Tehl didn’t like. “Perhaps you’re right. Are you requesting I demonstrate my expertise then?”
Tehl tucked away his smile as everyone leaned forward to hear what Sage would say. She tipped her head back; a peel of laughter escaped her as her hair tumbled down her back. Once she seemed to gain control of herself, she gave his brother an appraising look. “As intriguing as that sounds, I have heard of your exploits, it seems you always come up short. But what would I know of such things?” she asked too innocently.
Sniggers surrounded them at her slight. Sage ignored Sam’s gaping reaction and sipped her soup as dainty as any lady, not like she had just insulted Sam’s manhood.
Sam recovered quickly, a genuine smile flashing. “Point to you, my lady.”
Each question that Sage was asked, she answered in a way that delighted and amused but at the same time gained respect. Several times, Tehl said what seemed to him to be a perfectly logical phrase or response, but, when he received odd looks, Sage would make a comment or joke that would smooth out any conversational hiccups. She was better than some of his dignitaries, a born diplomat. By the close of the meal, she had most of his court enchanted, if not half in love.
“Have I missed dessert?” his father’s voice called from behind his chair.
All eyes snapped to the man behind him in surprise. Tehl slid his gaze to Sage, catching her eye. His father had not attended dinner in over a year, no matter how many times Tehl had asked. But one conversation with Sage, and here he was. His gratitude must have shown on his face for she gave him a small nod in response.
His father stepped beside him and clasped his shoulder. “Tonight is a special occasion.” His father plucked a goblet from the table and held it aloft. The court followed his example glancing around in confusion. “I am happy to announce tonight the betrothal of my son, Tehl Ramses, to the lovely Sage Blackwell.”
The lots were cast. Tehl stood, never taking his eyes from Sage and stretched out his hand to her. She stared at it for a beat before a radiant smile bloomed on her lovely face. Sage slid her hand into his confidently, like a woman in love. Only the tiny quiver of her fingers betrayed her.
Tehl slowly brought her to his side and reached for his own wine. Carefully, he held it to her lips, the ritual a demonstration of their future life; she would share what was his. She sipped it and pulled away, licking her lips. She then reached for her own and smoothly held hers up to him, her fear seeming to have dissipated. He took a healthy gulp and pulled the cup from her hand placing it on the table. He wiggled his lips slightly, trying to prepare her for what was next. They would seal the betrothal with their kiss. He wrapped his hand around her neck, and she shifted on her toes
to meet him halfway. Soft, plush lips met his, and he gave her a quick, innocent kiss. The sounds of cheering and applause met his ears. It was done.
She shifted back, smiling at him like she hadn’t told him hours ago that she didn’t want to have his children largely because she couldn’t stand him personally. Tehl needn’t have worried about her ability to pull this off, she seemed to be as good as his brother. His father’s voice pulled him from his thoughts.
“The happy couple will be married in two weeks’ time.”
Sage’s nails dug into him.
Two weeks. Bloody hell.
Tehl wiped any expression from his face and pasted on his smile. Two weeks. He would have a wife in two weeks. Though her expression remained unchanged he could see that panic filled her eyes, which, thankfully, never left his face. Tehl pulled himself from her and held their entwined hands in the air. More shouts of congratulations and a general feeling of excitement filled the room. He knew it was time to escape because he didn’t have the patience to answer everyone’s questions, not after what his father had just done.
He put his mouth by Sage’s ear. “May I carry you?”
She turned her face, lips resting against his jaw, for all appearances a lover’s gesture. “As long as you take me away from here.”
Cinnamon wafted from her hair, making him sniff. Where did that damn scent come from? Cinnamon was one of his favorites. Before she changed her mind, he swung her into his arms and carried her away from the chaotic excitement in the dining room. Hoots and hollers followed them, echoing in the spacious hallway. She exhaled a sigh of relief against his collar, causing the hair on the back of his neck to stand up. He rolled his shoulders to rid himself of the feeling. After a few twists and turns, he placed her back on her feet and offered his arm. “May I escort you to your room, my lady?”
She stepped to his side and took his arm, her breast brushing his sleeve, and his body warmed at the contact. Tehl scowled for a moment before smoothing his face into an appropriate expression for strolling with your beloved. It irked him that something so simple affected him. The logical part of his brain told him it was a good thing and that it meant there’d be no issue when they did decide to have children. She was a beautiful woman. He still didn’t like it though.