by Jeanne Hardt
“Have your parents accepted you and Dane?”
“They are trying. I hope when the baby comes they will welcome us. What parent could not embrace a grandchild?”
Olivia nodded, then looked away. She had considered discussing her plight with Rosalie, but changed her mind. Why trouble her?
“Oh, Olivia . . .” Rosalie scooted away from the ovens and grasped Olivia’s arm. “I have news.”
Before facing her, Olivia took a large breath and set another smile in place. “Yes?”
“It is wonderful news for their family after what Justine put them through.”
“Justine?”
“Yes. Her sister Jacqueline came by for bread. Her face beamed brighter than the sun. She and Reginald are expecting a child.”
The plan had been put in motion. “How wonderful, Rosalie. Another baby in Padrida.”
“Yes.” Rosalie leaned close. “The poor woman has been unable to conceive for years. You can understand how great her joy is over the coming child.”
“The child is a blessing.”
“Yes. And considering how Justine shamed the family, they needed this. She told me her parents are elated. And she, of course, is relieved to finally give Reginald an heir. She feared he might leave her.” Rosalie’s eyes popped wide, and she hurriedly returned to the oven. “I nearly burned the bread!”
Rosalie skillfully removed the loaf from the oven and placed it on the wooden table. She then put a newly-raised loaf into the oven in its place.
“So many mouths to be fed tomorrow,” she muttered. “An entirely new crossing celebration. Those Basilian men will certainly eat a great deal.”
Orman walked in carrying a basket filled with apples. He dipped his head at Olivia. “Your Highness.” He sat down at another table on the far side of the room and began peeling the fruit, his sour mood a stark contrast to Rosalie’s.
“He is anxious to leave,” Rosalie whispered. “He wants to go to Basilia, but Father will not allow him until he comes of age.”
“Do you intend to leave?”
Rosalie shook her head. “Dane and I will stay here. It is our duty to manage the bakery. Besides, we love Padrida and wish to raise our children here. Oh . . . one other thing.”
“Yes?” Rosalie’s exuberance wearied Olivia.
“It seems Jacqueline will deliver about the same time as I. Can you give me some assurance the healer will see to me? I fear if she labors first, he may be with her. Then what will I do?”
There was no possibility the healer would be anywhere near Jacqueline or Justine for that matter. Most likely their mother would deliver the child and pray that the delivery would be without complications. It would be the only way to keep their secret.
“I will see to it he tends you,” Olivia said.
“What if you are in Basilia?”
“When your time is near, I promise to return. Besides, I intend to come and visit you often.” She took Rosalie’s hands and squeezed them. “How else will I be informed of all the goings on in my kingdom?”
Rosalie laughed aloud, hugged Olivia, then kissed her cheek. “Thank you.” She turned away for a brief moment and brought out a pastry wrapped in cloth. “I know you like these.”
“Thank you, Rosalie.” She took the hot pastry and her stomach fluttered. Some things never changed.
She walked from the bakery and nibbled the sweet treat.
A cold chill worked its way down her spine.
A kiss on the cheek is all you shall have, for I am a lady.
Could she ever erase Donovan from her memories?
His child would be born in Padrida, though only a handful of people would know it was his. Even the child’s aunt and uncle would be none the wiser. Olivia would have to return often to keep watch over the child and his or her parents. Her vow to Justine would be enforced no matter how difficult it might become.
* * *
As easy as it was for Olivia to read into his thoughts, Sebastian hoped she would never discover his fears about Donovan. They were merely suspicions with nothing but a tied cloak to substantiate them. Why give her endless nights without sleep worrying about him? He had harmed her enough already.
Yet now, it was he who could not sleep. The light of day weighed on him even more than the darkness of night. Tomorrow, his father would stand before him and meet with King Boden. How would he cope with rejection from the high king of the realm? Especially a refutation of his daughter?
Sebastian had to prepare himself to stand his ground and defend her. His father had to understand why Padrida chose their royal heirs as they had. Olivia should not be demeaned. Padrida had no other choice.
He pushed his head deeper into the pillow, then covered his eyes with one hand. When he envisioned Olivia lying on the blanket in the woods, it made matters worse. His body reacted as any mans would, while thinking of the way she touched him. Kissed him. She had wanted him, until he told her about his mother.
Good. Turning his thoughts to her negated his desire. If Angeline happened to be with his mother, perhaps she would see her for who she was. A giggling girl with nary a brain in her head. With any luck his mother would tire of her before he and Olivia arrived in Basilia. Then, Olivia could entertain her, and the queen would undoubtedly see the difference in the qualities of the two women.
First, Olivia would have the opportunity to impress his father. How could she not?
His thoughts returned to Olivia, and how her hair had flowed across the blanket. Memories surged of the way their bodies had felt pressed together. He allowed himself to play through his mind exactly how it would carry out to the end.
Satisfied, he fell asleep.
Chapter 36
Olivia flitted around her room. Why had she not bothered to acquire another maidservant? Having been preoccupied with Sebastian, she had given it little thought. As she prepared for the greatest crossing celebration since the very first one, she desperately needed help.
She raked a brush through her hair.
Braid or not?
Because of the extreme length of her hair, braiding it herself was impossible. She could ask her mother but chose not to trouble her. So, she left it down and prayed the high king would not find it childish. Rhus berries and beeswax would amply display her womanhood. First, she needed to put on her gown.
Her mother had told her to wear the cream-colored silk gown from this year’s celebration. A rhus berry stain on the fabric would not do. It was the most royal item in her wardrobe and once she placed her crown she would at least look like a princess. A princess with ruby red lips. The blood in her veins should not make one bit of difference.
A blast from a trumpet caused her to her jump.
“It has come too soon,” she muttered.
She quickly placed slippers on her feet. Silk shoes to match her dress.
“Olivia?” Sebastian knocked on her door. “Are you ready?”
“Almost!” She nearly tripped as she made her way across the room to let him in. She had become as childish as Daisy. She needed to gain her composure, or she may never impress the king.
Though she would rather have hidden under the bed, she opened the door. Sebastian’s timid smile made everything worse. His eyes held trepidation, even so, he looked remarkable. He smelled incredibly clean, and he had even trimmed his beard. His prince’s broach glistened against his tunic, and his boots had been polished to a reflective shine.
“My, Sebastian.” She held a hand to her heart. “If I did not know better, I would swear you dressed for a wedding, not a reunion with your father.”
He took her chin in his hand. “I am ready for a wedding.” He leaned forward, apparently intending to kiss her, then pulled back. “I shall not ruin your lips. They tempt me, but I fear the color may transfer to mine. Father would not understand.” He grinned. “You are beautiful, Olivia.”
“Thank you. I confess, I am horribly nervous.”
“Be yourself, and he shall love you.” Noise
from the courtyard drifted in through her window. “The crowd gathers. We should go.” He extended his arm.
Butterflies had taken residence within her, but she took his arm and they made their way to the wall.
Everyone had dressed in their finest clothes. Children ran about, and their laughter filled the air. They were too young to understand the magnitude of this event. They would be free and would never know captivity.
Olivia’s prayers had been answered. Was it right for her to pray for even more?
Alwin and Valen carried her father’s banners to the entrance gate and staked them into the ground. A light breeze billowed them and displayed the Crenian Crest. This statement could be taken harshly, but she hoped there would be no trouble.
The people parted as she and Sebastian crossed the field. Her parents were already at the gate waiting for them. They, too, dressed brilliantly.
Her mother smiled upon seeing her. Perhaps Olivia should have told her of the upcoming difficulties. However, it was too late for that now.
Roderick stood with an axe in hand ready to break the lock.
“Your father should not trust him,” Sebastian whispered in her ear, then checked his sword.
She nodded. “I have expressed my concern.” The fluttering in her belly grew.
Another blast of trumpets from the far side of the gorge resounded.
“My people!” Her father raised his hands in the air and everyone fell silent. “Today marks a new beginning for Padrida. We welcome King Roland of Basilia into our land, and we shall share a meal and discuss the upcoming wedding of Prince Sebastian and Princess Olivia!”
Cheers rang out around them.
Olivia wished he had not made such an announcement. As loud as he had been, no doubt King Roland heard him.
Worry furrowed Sebastian’s brow, then his expression softened when he caught her gaze. “It will be fine,” he said. “Keep smiling.”
“I will.” She grasped his arm tighter than ever. “Please, do not leave my side.”
With a hearty swing, Roderick slammed the axe into the gate. The old wood splintered into pieces, leaving the heavy lock dangling. Again, the people cheered. Another swing, and he felled the entire door. For the first time in more than a century, Olivia beheld the bridge from its entrance.
A lump lodged in her throat.
A short distance away, on the newly constructed crossing, King Roland sat atop a chestnut horse. Even the animal had been dressed in fineries, with a silken headdress. The king himself was incredibly handsome, and the crown atop his head looked much grander than any her father wore. Gems in every color surrounded the piece and the quality gold glittered in the sunlight.
“You look like your father,” Olivia said under her breath. “I pray he bears your kind heart.”
“More so than my mother. Though once you’ve won her over, she will cherish you.”
His words gave little comfort.
King Roland advanced his horse and brought him through the gate. The moment he stepped on firm soil, every man in Padrida dropped to one knee and the women bowed their heads.
“Arise, my people!” King Roland yelled.
Regardless of King Roland being high king, her father frowned.
When she faced forward, she met King Roland’s eyes. He lifted a single brow and his head tilted to one side. “Princess Olivia, I presume?”
Sebastian led her toward him. “Yes, Father. This is Olivia, daughter of King Boden and Queen Sonya.” Her parents moved beside her as she bowed to the king.
“Yes,” her father said. “She is my daughter and you are in my realm. Welcome.”
Even on such a warm day, ice hovered in the air around them. This had not started well.
Olivia glanced beyond King Roland. Only one other man attempted to cross the bridge. It made no sense.
“I have instructed my men to wait on the other side,” King Roland said. It appeared he, too, could read her thoughts. He eyed her father. “We shall talk.” He jerked on the reins, then guided his horse toward the castle.
* * *
Sebastian had never seen his father so cold. It seemed his mother’s influence had made him lose all sense of diplomacy. He had not even dismounted.
Sebastian had expected an embrace. After all, they had not seen each other in weeks. Did he forget he had a son?
Jonah stepped from the bridge and stood firm with arms crossed.
None of this felt right.
“Olivia.” Sebastian released her arm. “Wait here a moment.”
He moved past grumbling Padridans and stood in front of Jonah. “Jonah, it is good to see you.”
“Your Highness.” Jonah displayed no emotion. His brows inched up, and he shifted his gaze toward Sebastian’s father. “We cannot speak now. I must remain here and prevent anyone from crossing.”
“Prevent? This is not what we want. Our people are meant to come and go as they please.”
“They are not your people. Yet. Your father has other plans.”
Sebastian was at a loss for words, and the growing sounds of discontent made thinking almost impossible. Worst of all were the whimpers coming from the women. What did they expect? A marriage proposal the day of crossing?
“Go to your father,” Jonah said. “Win his approval, or your life’s decisions will not be your own.”
Jonah’s rigid stance did not permit an embrace. Sebastian had wanted to show gratitude to his friend, but not now. Nor would he introduce him to Olivia. He would not have her endure Jonah’s evasiveness.
Sebastian contemplated the awkwardness of the situation. How could he blame Jonah for his distant behavior? Why give hope to a woman unwanted by his people?
Sebastian rejoined Olivia and they followed her parents to the castle. His father led the way atop Champion. Being high king gave him the loyalty of the people, but looking at this man as his father, he had lost some of Sebastian’s respect. Why did he have to be so arrogant?
Olivia’s arm trembled against him.
“He is only a man,” Sebastian whispered.
“No, he is not. In him lies my future.”
Once at the castle, his father dismounted and handed his reins to Roderick, who had followed him more closely than the rest of them. This in itself was another oddity. Roderick obviously gave loyalty to whomever he believed would advance his status. And no matter how angry Sebastian felt toward his father, he would warn him to be wary of the man.
King Boden took charge and led them all to the great hall. Servants bustled about with trays of food, having set up a private dinner table for them.
King Boden motioned to the table. “Please take a seat.”
And even though he addressed his father, Sebastian also moved toward the chairs with Olivia still clinging to his arm. Before he could sit, his father stopped him.
“You look well, son.” He drew him into a tardy embrace, pulling him free from Olivia. He then patted him firmly on the back. “Your mother will be pleased you have not suffered on this adventure.”
There were many things Sebastian wanted to say to him, but his behavior caught him off guard. “My adventure has had a pleasant outcome.” He took Olivia’s hand. “I am certain you understand my meaning.”
His father stepped away. “And how pleasant has this outcome been?”
“Now wait one moment,” King Boden interceded. “If you are implying—”
“I imply nothing! I want to know the extent of my son’s involvement with this woman.” He pointed at Olivia.
So much for a pleasant meal together. The air in the room heated as the kings squared off and faced each other. Olivia cradled herself into Sebastian’s grasp.
“This woman?” King Boden yelled. “Her name is Olivia. Princess Olivia. The finest princess in all realms. I agreed to allow your son to wed her. However, I am questioning my consent.”
“Your consent?” His father stepped closer to King Boden. Their noses nearly touched. “I am the one who gives consent f
or my son to marry. Not you. Your daughter is no better than those women at the wall who flaunt themselves at my men. They behave like the prostitutes in the brothels of Issa!”
Sebastian could not hold his tongue. “That is enough, Father!” The man’s eyes darted briefly in his direction, then he returned his hateful gaze to Olivia’s father.
“Prostitutes?” King Boden glowed crimson as he spat out the word. “You compare my daughter to a prostitute?” His fists came up, ready for a fight.
“Please, stop!” With arms raised, Queen Sonya stepped between them. “This will accomplish nothing!”
The two kings glared at each other, breath hissing from their nostrils. A challenge of power.
Sebastian’s heart pounded. He prayed they would see reason and stand down.
Olivia released her grasp. “Mother is right.” She stood tall and crossed to his father. “King Roland, you have journeyed a great distance to save your son from a kingdom you knew nothing of—with the exception of the history of our people. Much time has passed since the wars of old, and each and every one of us has transformed.”
She moved even closer and stared into his face. “You know me not, so I understand why you have concern over your son’s desire to make me his bride. You are wise to question my worth, and yet you give me no opportunity to prove my merit. In heated anger, you have made unfair assumptions. I shall assume you do so because of your knowledge of the hatred previously shared between Basilians and Crenians. And yet, our grievances died with our ancestors. Is it your wish to rekindle them?”
Sebastian witnessed another kind of transformation. His father’s face fell and all of his anger melted away. He stared at Olivia with wonder. Her words had reached the heart of the king and Sebastian’s love for her grew more than he ever imagined it could.
The man tried to form words. Whenever his mouth moved, he stopped. It opened and closed at least four times before a single utterance. “My dear.” Quite the change from ‘this woman.’ “You speak with wisdom. I have no desire to bring the wars of old upon us once again. Let us sit and continue our conversation.”