by Cheryl Oblon
“He said you and I might get along. I’m a widower. Well-off. You’re stuck here in the castle. Marriage might free you.” He studied my tiara.
“Free me? Or bind me to one of my father’s allies?” I pushed into his mind, and sure enough, he was more interested in my powers and access to the Bachal than me. He liked my power and status. Being used didn’t sit well with me.
I pulled free of his grasp and stalked off the dance floor.
“Are you okay?” Prince Faldar asked as I nearly darted past him.
“I’m sorry. I’m amazed how quickly people try to use others the second they get a little more rank.” I sighed.
“You get used to it. And, with your gifts, you see right through them. May I have this dance?” He bowed.
Princes bowing to me. It was flattery since the party was for me, now, but it was hard not to enjoy it. I took his hand. There was no doubt why Remmy was attracted to Faldar. The man had confidence and an easy-going manner.
“Your country is very different. Do you like coming here?” I asked him.
“Very much. I’m a bit more progressive than my father in some ways. One can’t argue with your farming and industrial practices. You trade with many nations, and rumors are your people never go hungry.” He wanted to know if it was true.
“We’re not perfect. No system ever is. But I wasn’t around for the last negotiations, so I’m not sure if this is normal. Is your country faring well and just posturing?” I asked directly.
“You know. Don’t you?” he asked.
Dipping into his mind, I knew. They had trouble feeding their people. They’d encouraged having many children for generations, and it had finally caught up to them. A few bad harvests and rough weather was all it took.
“War isn’t the answer,” I said.
“It is everyone’s last resort.” He scanned the crowd, and his smile grew when he spotted Remmy. “No one wants it.”
“Some men do crave it. They think it’s easier to take what they need rather than change their ways. Steal and conquer to prop up their failures.” I knew Faldar’s uncle wanted war. His father was more complicated.
“You think we would do that?” he asked.
“Our countries have a shared history when it comes to world wars. We don’t want to make those mistakes again. There is no reason we can’t help each other and learn from each other.” I had a chance to win the trust of the future king.
He nodded. “You’re very well suited to your job.”
“I know about you and Remmy, as well. I want to help,” I said.
Faldar tensed. “That is your job.”
“No, not my job. He’s my friend, and I want him to be happy. We should all find love and have that special connection. But life is complicated at times. I just want you to know I will help you if I can. If you ever want it.” I ran a soothing hand up his arm.
People were watching. I hoped they got the wrong idea. Misdirection now might actually help. Faldar’s mind was on his father. On the fallout if others found out.
“You’ll keep my secret?” he asked.
“I will. Remmy hasn’t come out, so it’s not obvious. But you should find more private places than behind tapestries.” I smiled.
He laughed. “You are terrifying.”
“Because I can move an ice sculpture with my mind?” I teased.
“That was impressive. You can use it on people?” he asked.
“Yes. One or as many as I need.”
“Is there a limit?” he asked.
Now he was fishing for information. “If there is, I haven’t found it yet. Thank you for the dance. I need to sit one out.”
I headed off to find Marel or Nemal. Faldar was progressive minded but loyal. A very dangerous combination when he was romancing one of my princes.
Chapter 17
My feet ached as I headed away from the grand ballroom. I’d danced with more men than I thought possible. Marel had gone up an hour ago, but she’d rarely sat, as well. The party only had some diehard dancers and drinkers left.
“Hold on,” Nemal called.
I paused. He was one of the few men I hadn’t danced with tonight. “I’m exhausted. I need to go to bed.”
“Let me walk you.”
I nodded. “I thought the non-stop guards was over. I’m fine.” Part of me wanted some moments alone with him. I could be myself and relax, but Minnette was pissed off enough with me. Being alone with her brothers more wouldn’t make it any easier.
“Relax. You’ve been upgraded again. Marel and some servants moved your things.” He led the way.
“I’d rather be free to go home. I can hop on my relocator pad and be here all day.” I didn’t care how luxurious my accommodations were here.
He stopped and leaned in close. I froze for a second, not sure if I was going to be kissed or lectured. His handsome face scowled a bit. I braced myself for anything. When I was focused on my job, on the court and country’s safety, I could somehow put Mother and my grief aside. It’s what she would have done. But, when Nemal acted like this, every bit of my body wanted to collapse with grief and guilt.
“Don’t push your luck. Giving you more power and prestige is another test. Your mother’s death hasn’t been resolved or ruled on.” He touched the tiara and ran a finger down my nose. “Don’t think you can boss me around, either.”
I smiled. “I’m pretty sure that I’m the one who is going to be bossed around. Minnette isn’t happy. The party wasn’t for me.”
He resumed walking, and I caught up.
“I spoke to Remmy,” I said.
“Good. He needs to be careful. That sort of playing around will only piss off the king.” Nemal shook his head.
“I think it’s more than playing around. It’s not just hormones.” In truth, I felt a bit jealous. The princes had passion and admiration for each other. I’d never felt anyone so focused on me. Their infatuation was growing, and if the negotiations dragged on, they might find themselves in love.
“Even worse. Faldar will be king one day. Remmy can’t live with the Bachal. It’s just forbidden love, which is more enticing than anything lasting.” He seethed as he stalked down the corridor.
Nemal’s protective nature only endeared him to me. “I understand. You want to keep your brother safe. I want to be there for my cousin and her daughter.”
“And your father and aunt?” he asked.
“I don’t know if I can do anything for them. My aunt has always lacked any sort of self-control. My father began spending less time with the family years ago. He was around when I was little, but once I was a teen and started seriously preparing for my future, he distanced himself from all of it. I thought he felt left out, but now, I’m not sure.” We walked shoulder-to-shoulder slowly.
“You think he was involved in something dangerous?” Nemal asked.
I shrugged. “He ran. My mother is dead. Of course, they needed to talk to everyone in the family. Everyone who had access or information. I don’t know why he’d act so guilty. Did he really run?”
Nemal nodded. “People get scared, but I’m glad you don’t think your parents are perfect.”
“No one is perfect. We all have fears and weaknesses. That’s one good thing about telepathy. But my parents can block me out, so I don’t know what he’s done or if he’s just scared he’ll be blamed for it. He could be a good scapegoat.” I hated to think the queen would do that, but she was a strong woman with a country to protect.
“There are alternatives. My mother doesn’t need to punish innocent people.” Nemal stopped in front of a suite. “This is your new room. The princesses and queen are down the hall. There are always guards there.”
“I remember.” I nodded. “LeFawn and I used to run around this hall when we were little.”
Nemal nodded. “Remmy and I are back that way.”
“I’m closer to the queen? That doesn’t seem right.” I shook
my head.
“This was your mother’s chamber when she stayed here for such negotiations. It’s tradition. Marel has her own room in the suite. Your cousins will stay where they are. Small children aren’t conducive to the negotiations and meetings that will take place.” Nemal entered the access code on the panel.
I understood his point. Even if Ember was mature and well behaved, it wasn’t practical. I’d rather have them looking after the estate and free from the castle.
The door opened, and we walked in. Soft lavender walls and inviting furniture. It was luxurious. “It’s lovely.”
“Good. Marel knows where everything is. If you need anything else, tell her. Good night.” He nodded.
“Good night,” I said.
He left, and I looked around the large sitting area. A formal desk in one corner and a large dining table in another. I walked back to the bedrooms. My new room was twice as big as the last. A large desk. A huge closet, where I found my wardrobe had doubled but my bag of notes was safe. A luxurious bathroom. The massive bathtub made me freeze. It was like my mother’s. I doubted I’d use that. The shower would do very well for me.
On a dresser, the box for my tiara sat open. I slowly removed the precious object and put it safely away. Closing the box, I wondered what the queen really meant for me to do. If it was just a smokescreen, as I suspected, I had to be careful.
I checked out another bedroom, and it was empty. No personal items. I moved on to the third bedroom and found Marel sprawled on the bed next to a box of chocolates.
A jolt of fear hit me. I jumped on the bed and shook her shoulders. “Did you choke? Are you okay?” I asked.
“What?” She yawned.
I sighed. “Don’t do that. I thought you’d choked.”
“I fell asleep.” She giggled and sat up. “I had the best time tonight. I know they only danced with me because you asked them to, but it was wonderful.”
“Don’t think that. I just made sure it was known you’d be at the ball and were interested in dancing,” I lied.
“Sure. Well, thank you. And congratulations. I can’t believe you got the tiara. Where is it?” she asked.
“In its box. Thank you for bringing that. And for moving my things, again. This room wasn’t necessary.” I wouldn’t use all the space.
Marel smiled. “It’s the right thing to do. The queen put you on the spot, and you did well.”
“You’re celebrating?” I pointed to the chocolates.
She blushed. “Bad habit. Food is comfort when I’m stressed.”
“What made you stressed?” I asked.
“Minnette will be on the warpath. I had a nice time, and she is embarrassed.” She reached for a chocolate.
I grabbed the box. “Why is that stressful? She’ll be mad at me.”
“She never lets a grudge go.” Marel pouted.
“I believe that. What happened between you two? I think it’s time for the real story.” I was too wound up to sleep just yet.
She glanced at the clock. “It’s late.”
“Talk fast,” I said.
“It’s so dumb. When I was little, I went to school with her. There was a boy. This boy was handsome and kind. Very friendly. He had a crush on me. Brought me flowers and gave me candy. We were five. It was nothing.” She shrugged.
“Very sweet,” I said.
“It was. But Minn had figured out she was a princess. She thought she should get all the gifts first. He should like her because she’d be queen one day.” Marel chuckled.
I shook my head. “I can see her behaving like that. I hope they stopped her.”
“They did. The queen apparently lectured her, but that didn’t stop her from taking it out on me. She taunted me. Ordered me around. The teachers would stop it, but she found plenty of opportunity when no one was looking. Finally, my mother pulled me from the class and taught me in private,” said Marel.
“I’m sorry. Minnette can be so relentless. She can’t take a joke or even a little teasing.” I’d seen it all firsthand but never as intense as Marel made it sound.
“She’s not nice to you, and you never run away.” Marel reached for the chocolate.
“Running away won’t make it better. Plus, I can’t escape the job I have. You’re an artist, so you can work alone. I don’t blame you. We have to cope with the stress of life and her.” I shrugged.
“Chocolate is good for that,” she replied.
“So is standing up for yourself.” I wanted Marel to gain some confidence.
“Stand up to the crowned princess next in line for the throne? She’ll take her revenge; she’s just that type.” Marel shook her head.
I nodded, there was no doubt about that. I’d hoped she’d mature but she hadn’t. Marel’s issues happened very young, and her personality wasn’t assertive at all. Eating her feelings was safe.
I sympathized, but I couldn’t admit to liking a little wax or heat. Anything that seemed like I’d hurt myself could be read as mentally unstable. But I understood what she meant. Sometimes, you couldn’t stand up for yourself. I had to stop letting them get to me and find another way to cope.
“I think the best way for you to get revenge is to find a great guy and be happy. Show off your art.” I smiled.
“That’d be nice.” Marel rolled her eyes like I’d suggested she marry a prince.
“Don’t sell yourself short. That tells people they can treat you like you’re less.” I shrugged.
“Or more.” She looked down at her figure.
“People are attracted to different things. Do you remember the name of this young man who had a huge crush on you so young?” I asked.
She waved it off. “Like he’d even remember.”
“Fine. But you get what you think you deserve. I deserve to live and rule my family without issue. That’s my goal. You might think of making some for yourself and believing in yourself or Minnette is defeating you every day.” I slid off the bed.
“I’ll help you.” Marel sat up.
“No, go back to bed. This dress is easy. I didn’t mean to wake you. After my mother, I’m easy to spook about accidents and such. I just wish I knew exactly what happened with her.” I walked to the door.
“I’ve only heard some rumors,” Marel said.
“What have you heard?” I marched back to the bed with a flood of adrenaline.
She sighed. “It doesn’t look like murder. No bruises. The sleeping herbs in her system weren’t overly high in concentration. They’re looking for odd things like the herbal mixture being altered or concentration changed from the healer’s original prescribed herbal blend.”
“So it was her. Intentional or not.” Not good for me at all. I couldn’t believe she’d do that on purpose.
“I’m sure it was an accident like you thought all along. There is no way to prove it, though. They may find something else. The queen hasn’t made any rulings.” Marel tried to sound encouraging.
“Thank you for telling me. She won’t announce things until we have a handle on the Bachal. Until then, I’m necessary. After that…Well, I should get some sleep.” I left the room before she could say anything else soothing.
I lit a candle in my new room and locked the door. Undressing, I ignored the tiara. It meant nothing if my head was chopped off. After sliding on a nightgown, I checked the redness on my foot where I’d dripped wax. Staring at the candle, I wanted to block out the swirl of pain, fear, and frustration.
I sat at the desk and played with the wax for a bit. Once it was good and melted, I carried the candle to the bedside table and sat. I let a little fall on my foot in that same spot looked like an accident but felt like freedom. It wasn’t real pain, but with the sting, I took a deep breath and my skin tingled.
Another round might feel better, but I resisted. Sliding under the covers, I settled in and watched the flame for a few minutes. Finally, I blew out the candle and tried not to think.
Chapter 18
After the usual morning routine, I gave in and opened the box. The tiara rested in its velvet case. Things had been made official as far as my title and status. The new quarters were real, but it all seemed hazy. Like a dream.
“Your cousins messaged; they are coming for brunch.” Marel set out a vase of flowers on the dining room table. “I’ll order it.”
“Thank you. I wonder if the queen is letting them go home.” I pulled out fresh sheets of paper and added the events of the night before. If I did lose my mind in the future, I wanted a record in my handwriting of what led me there.
“Possibly.” Marel’s chipper mood had vanished overnight.
“Are you feeling sick?” I asked as I dipped into her mind a bit. My mother had taught me it was rude to skim people’s thoughts, but at certain times, especially in the castle, it was necessary to know if they were lying to me.
“No. Just concerned about what we discussed last night. Standing up to Minn directly is risky.” She set the table.
“Agreed. But there are ways to let her know she won’t beat us.” I felt no deception in Marel. At least she was thinking about standing up to Minnette, somehow.
“I have an idea, but I’m not sure it’s the time,” she said.
“Will it upset or derail the Bachal negotiations?” I asked.
She shook her head. “No. They wouldn’t care, at all. They’d probably never notice.”
“Then why not? Give yourself something good to focus on. We have enough challenges.” I imagined my life once this was all over. Peace with the Bachal, me living at my estate with my cousins and visiting Marel at the castle when the queen needed me. I could run my estate and rule my family, attending the queen’s council meetings but no longer a child or under anyone’s authority. Of course, the queen would always be the queen, but hitting eighteen still meant a change in status.
“I’d need your help for this project,” said Marel.
“I’d be happy to help. What do you need?” I asked.
Marel smiled. “You to sit still in your best gown with the tiara on.”
“What for?” I didn’t want an audience or to be admired. People loved to be close to power, but the more power you had, the more people were after you for it.