A Goose Girl_Entwined Tales [Volume 1]

by K. M. Shea

  Rynn hesitated, her heart softening at the emptiness of Davina’s gaze. Wait, no, she is still proposing a stupidly selfish idea! “Even if they do not, Princess, Lady Maela, the Astorian ambassador to Farthendale, knows you. She will tell the king.”

  “She will do no such thing.” Davina laughed gaily. “She helped me plan this.”

  The Astorian royal family needs to better investigate the loyalties of their people. Desperately, Rynn said, “There will be other visitors from Astoria. They will know!”

  Davina shrugged. “You’re clever; I’m certain you will figure it out.”

  “No, I won’t,” Rynn clenched her teeth and raised her chin. “Because I will not take part in this. When the soldiers and I return to Astoria, we will tell your mother everything!”

  “Actually, they won’t.” Captain Hulderic smiled pleasantly, almost smugly.

  “Indeed! I have given them each a small allotment from my dowry—except for Captain Hulderic, that is. He understands my grievances,” Davina declared.

  Rynn shook her head. “No, they would not shirk so poorly in their duties.” She glanced at the three soldiers who lingered near the cart.

  The soldier who had ridden ahead shrugged. “The princess paid us off before we set out on the journey.”

  “I sought Captain Hulderic’s help long before we left. It was why I specifically asked Mother that he and a few of his men would serve as my guards on the journey,” Davina said, sounding proud.

  The revelation was like a bucket of ice water dumped over Rynn, and she backed away, eyeing Captain Hulderic anew. He might claim he is doing this for Davina’s sake, but to go through such deception? And to willingly have such disloyal men in his service? That’s not something an honorable captain would do.

  Still, Rynn could not be cowed. While her foremost concern was the kingdom—and yes, she was more than a little worried about what would happen to her—she knew Davina. The princess would come to ruin within days of her little charade. She was too easy to trust and far too innocent to survive without help. (Though this episode was making Rynn rethink that assumption.)

  “You cannot make me fill your place. I will return to Astoria even if I must walk the whole way, and I will reveal what you’ve done,” Rynn said.

  “You will go to Farthendale,” Davina said.

  Rynn shook her head. “I will not.”

  “You will,” Davina said. “The good Captain Hulderic will see that you do.”

  Hulderic smiled, though his fingers lingered on the hilt of his sword. “I have no wish to harm you, Corynn,” he said. “But I will do what I must for the princess’s sake.”

  Rynn was not fooled by his noble sounding words. There is something else at play here—something more than Davina’s selfish plans. Warily, she backed up a step. Her eyes flickered between the captain and the princess as the captain drew his sword.

  She tried to run, but slammed straight into one of the soldiers—who had dismounted and crept up behind her at some point during the conversation.

  Rynn kneed him in the gut—which hurt her knee more than it hurt him as she had rammed her leg into his armored belly.

  The soldier laughed and snaked his arms around her. “By all means fight,” he leered, his yellow teeth flashing behind his caterpillar lips. “Makes it more exciting for me!”

  Rynn grit her teeth, then smashed her head into the soldier’s nose, breaking it.

  The soldier gave a muffled oath and released her as he staggered backwards, holding his nose.

  Turning to run, Rynn froze when Captain Hulderic stepped smoothly in front of her and extended his sword so it brushed her throat.

  Rynn gulped. She had been fairly certain she could fight a lazy, unprepared soldier. Against a sword she did not have the same confidence. She glared at the captain first, then the princess. “Fine. You can truss me up and drag me kicking and screaming to Farthendale, but it won’t matter. As soon as we arrive I will tell them everything. You cannot keep me from uttering the truth!”

  Davina smiled again—an expression Rynn was starting to despise. “Actually, I can.” Davina pulled a white handkerchief from her bodice.

  Rynn recognized it as the queen’s parting gift to Davina—she had cut her finger and dribbled three drops of blood onto the cloth. Though the queen had given some grand speech about the princess carrying her heart with her represented by the droplets of blood, the gift had actually been in the cloth, not the blood.

  For the handkerchief was of fairy weave, and could be used to compel anyone into doing whatever the owner desired. It only worked once on each person, but once was all it would take.

  Rynn swallowed, the coppery taste of desperation filling her mouth. When I first came to work as a lady’s maid…never did I ever imagine a day like this would arrive. What can I do? How can I get out of this mess?

  “Corynn,” Davina began. “Neither you nor I will tell a single human soul in Farthendale who you really are. Neither of us will speak of our switch to anyone unless they are aware of who you really are, nor will you tell anyone where I am. You will go to Cadburey in my place, and fulfill the role of princess.”

  Rynn squirmed as she felt the cloying, compelling fairy magic curl around her throat and tug on her hair, and wondered if Davina was aware she was going to compel herself with the sloppy wording.

  “Swear it,” Davina ordered, holding up the cloth when Rynn said nothing.

  Rynn clamped her mouth shut and started to cover her lips, until Captain Hulderic placed his blade against her throat with an apologetic expression. She snarled—much like Falada—as the words were unwillingly pulled from her lips. “I swear it.”

  The fairy magic seeped into her skin, though Rynn felt it click into place like an iron padlock. She scowled at Davina and Hulderic, already plotting ways around the vow. What I would dearly like is to get my hands on that cloth and make the princess ride back to Astoria and confess to her mother what she has done!

  “Excellent!” Davina chirped. She drew closer to Rynn, ignoring Hulderic’s sword—which he had not yet removed from Rynn’s throat. Davina reached out and patted Rynn’s hand. “It won’t be so bad, Corynn. I dare say you will enjoy the life of a royal! Oh!”

  Davina almost fell over when Rynn lunged at her, trying to pull the fairy cloth from her hands.

  Hulderic slid between the girls smoothly, grabbing Rynn by the waist and hauling her backwards. “I would be careful with the cloth, Princess.” Hulderic’s tone was as kind and respectful as usual, even though Rynn tried to bite him. “Though she took the oath, I do not believe Corynn will give up quite so easily.”

  “Yes, I should dispose of it.” Davina strode over to the river and peered at its frothy surface as water danced past.

  Dispose of it? A fairy gift!? “Wait!” Rynn called too late.

  The princess dropped the handkerchief in the water, and it was swept away.

  Davina brushed her hands off and nodded—apparently not having realized she had just lost what would surely be a great boon to her in her travels as a ‘rich heiress.’

  I take it back. She won’t even last a day!

  Davina returned to the cart and ruffled through one of her trunks, unearthing a beautiful gown of gray-blue velvet. “Come. We’ll get you changed into this and looking more proper.”

  Rynn was allowed to change behind a bush on the side of the road. She tried to flee—this was likely the only chance she would get. But whenever she took a step away from Cadburey, the fairy magic tightened around her neck like a noose and dragged her back towards the group.

  Rynn was nearly shedding tears of frustration when she pushed her way through the bushes and rejoined the others, clutching her sensible dress and wearing the velvet gown.

  I hate this! How can this be happening? Rynn scrubbed at her eyes, angry with herself for being duped, and furious with Davina for being so blind and selfish.

  Davina frowned. “You don’t look nearly as beautiful as me, but
I suppose it will have to do.” She strode to Rynn’s horse and swung up into the saddle. “With that, I believe all is settled! Thank you for your help, Captain Hulderic! You are ever so brave and chivalrous!” Davina turned the horse in a circle. “And Rynn, thank you. I know you wish to serve me—please know I appreciate this.”

  “I’m not doing this out of my own will, and I don’t want to serve you!” Rynn struggled against Hulderic, who held her in an iron grip with ease. “What I want to do is slap your pretty face!”

  Davina sighed dramatically and shook her head. “You don’t understand, Corynn. I am a creature that is meant for freedom! Perhaps one day you shall see. Until then, farewell!” Davina kneed her horse, and they soon disappeared behind a bend in the forest road.

  Rynn sagged in Hulderic’s grip. No, this can’t be happening. This is a nightmare!

  “Come along, Corynn,” the captain said.

  Fear made Rynn’s legs tremble, even as she forced herself to stand tall. “Please,” she said. “How can you let her ride off like that? You must see the folly—the danger—in this! Princess Davina…”

  “Is doing as she wishes.” Captain Hulderic sheathed his sword, making Rynn breathe easier, until he pulled out a dagger the size of Rynn’s forearm and rested it on her shoulder. “If you cooperate, you’ll be fine,” Captain Hulderic promised.

  Goosebumps raised on Rynn’s skin. Though the princess was triumphant that she had found men to help her, Rynn was growing more and more troubled by Hulderic’s actions. How could he go along with this as a servant to the crown? He does not seem to be addled by love for her, and if he is such a solid supporter of hers I find it hard to believe he would let her waltz off without anyone to accompany her. So…why?

  Rynn’s fear spiked when she realized Captain Hulderic was marching her towards Falada. “No! I’ll stay with you in the cart—the spell Davina placed on me will keep me from running away. Just please, don’t make me ride him!”

  “I’m afraid everyone knows the princess rides a magic steed.” Captain Hulderic’s voice was pleasant and not at all concerned as they approached the beast who had maimed more men than Rynn had fingers. “You’ll have to ride him to make the deception complete.”

  Though Rynn fought tooth and nail—trying everything from elbowing Hulderic in the throat to biting his nose—Hulderic soon had her boosted on top the white horse.

  Falada pranced forward a few steps, crow-hopping the last one and snorting like an angry bull.

  For one wild moment Rynn thought he might break the formation and charge back to Astoria. Instead he shook his head and made his bridle jingle. “Don’t touch me,” he growled. Another snort, and he started walking, the soldiers hurriedly throwing themselves on their horses so they could catch up.

  Hot, miserable tears stung Rynn’s eyes as a sense of betrayal twisted her heart. What am I going to do? If the royal family of Farthendale recognizes our deception… what will happen? Rynn shook her eyes and clenched her jaw almost as angrily as Falada. And how could Davina do this?

  Chapter 2

  The Arrival

  Rynn’s arrival in Farthendale was a boisterous and joyous event. A squadron of guards wearing their dress uniforms had lingered near the city gates—waiting for the Astorian Princess. When Hulderic presented a number of royal dispatches and proclamations to the guards—while Rynn mutely watched, unable to think of anything to do—the guards warmly greeted them and led them through the city.

  Cadburey was built in tiers—like a cake—with trees sprouting out of rocky crevasses. It lacked the whimsical feeling of Astoria’s capital, Torina, and Rynn didn’t see any sign of merchants selling magical objects or even any shops boasting fairy goods. However, the woodworking that went into the buildings and furnishings was so ornate, Rynn would have thought they were carved by fairies themselves if it were not for the various craftsmen who puttered around their storefronts.

  Rynn forced herself to smile and wave at the few citizens who paused in their work to watch the procession as they climbed their way up to the palace. Unless they recognize outright that something is off, I don’t have a choice but to play along…for now. The gaping hole in Davina’s order was that if someone figured out Rynn was a placeholder, she could confirm it. Most likely her best chance to reveal everything lay in getting someone to guess the truth.

  Unfortunately, this meant Rynn would have to act as Davina for at least a few days, until she was able to discern who would best guess the situation. (It wouldn’t do any good to try and goad Prince Geraint—Davina’s fiancé—into guessing if he was as intelligent as Davina, after all.)

  Falada chewed loudly on his bit and threw his head. Though he drew many eyes with his snowy coat, none of the soldiers dared to ride near them.

  Several children shrieked in glee and ran along the side of the road, their arms wheeling wildly as they tried to jump a barrel. They missed and sent the barrel tilting over to its side and careening down the slanted road.

  Many of the soldiers’ mounts whinnied and shied away, but Falada snorted and charged towards the children.

  Rynn both clung to the saddle and tried to rein the wild horse back in to no avail. He’s too strong! “Falada—they’re children, they meant no harm!”

  Falada pawed at the edge of the road and eyed the children—who had fallen backwards and gaped up at the fairy horse. “You think I care?”

  “I know it’s been a long ride, but we’re almost there. You’re almost free,” Rynn pleaded. She paused, then changed tactics. “Unless you’d rather be labeled a monster and locked up all day…” It was a method she had used often against Anneliese—one of the youngest of Rynn’s many siblings.

  Falada snorted, then turned away from the children and resumed chewing loudly on his bit.

  Rynn almost toppled off his back in relief. With the moment of danger gone, she risked glancing at her escort, searching for the Astorian soldiers Davina had paid off. Captain Hulderic met her gaze and smiled, but he was the only one.

  They’re all useless! Not one of them tried to help! Rynn fought the desire to scowl and/or cry. I’m alone in a new kingdom, where—if I make a mistake—there might be kingdom-sized consequences, and I can’t even count on my fellow countrymen to keep me from breaking my neck on a horse!

  In that moment Rynn missed her boisterous family and their beautiful home in Astoria. I was so stupid to leave, no matter how they tried my patience. Now I don’t know if I’ll see any of them ever again…

  A trumpet pulled her from her thoughts as they passed through the great gates that separated the palace from the rest of the city.

  “Announcing Her Royal Highness, Princess Davina of Astoria!” a soldier riding in front shouted.

  Rynn’s mouth turned dry as they picked their way through the courtyard and paused at the base of a grand staircase where—judging by the crowns—King Othmar, Queen Morgaine, and Prince Geraint waited.

  Rynn glanced around before following the soldier’s example and dismounting. Rather than approach the royal family, she hesitated at Falada’s side. Is it better to thank him as I would a person, or to stay silent to irritate him as little as possible? After a few moments her good manners won out, and Rynn murmured. “Thank you, Falada.”

  The horse studied her, his velvet muzzle twitching as he continued to angrily chomp on his bit.

  She cleared her throat and let the magic of the vow Davina had forced on her drag her forward. It pulled on her like a chain around her neck, lessening only when Rynn reached the foot of the stairs.

  Rynn had waited on Davina at enough court functions that she was reasonably aware of Astorian etiquette. So only her stomach twisted as she curtsied to the royal family. “Your Majesties,” she murmured. She paused, but the magic ripped the unwilling words from her mouth, making her spit taste sour like bile. “I am Princess Davina—eldest of Queen Cassia of Astoria.”

  As soon as she declared the lie, the weight of the magic that clung to Rynn lessen
ed. However, when Rynn opened her mouth to decry the lie, she found she couldn’t speak. This is so foul! I hope Davina gets a spider in her face while she rides!

  Queen Morgaine laughed. “Please, Davina. You are soon to be our daughter—formalities are not needed.” The queen approached her and kissed her on the cheek. She was tall and stately with a hawkish nose and laughing eyes.

  “Indeed,” King Othmar said. “We must welcome you to the family, Davina!” When King Othmar joined her, Rynn was surprised to see the queen was actually taller than him. He was a very handsome man with deep smile lines and silver threaded through the temples of his chestnut colored hair.

  The king turned around and called to Prince Geraint. “Son, come greet your fiancée!”

  Prince Geraint was as handsome as his father—though as his nose was perhaps more similar to his mother’s it gave him a rather dashing air—and his brown eyes reminded Rynn of the many forests they had ridden through.

  Rynn could not help the smirk that briefly twitched across her lips. No matter her prattle about freedom, if Davina knew Prince Geraint was so handsome she’d be positively sulking!

  Another man who appeared to be of similar age to the prince lingered at his side for a moment before the two parted, and Prince Geraint joined his parents.

  “Welcome to Farthendale, Davina,” Prince Geraint said with a wide smile that made his eyes crinkle. “I hope you’ll be happy here. With us.” He glanced back at his previous companion—who flapped a hand at him—then bowed to Rynn.

  Feeling like a fraud—no—knowing she was a fraud—Rynn managed a smile. “Thank you for the warm greeting.”

  “Your Majesties.”

  Rynn grimaced as Captain Hulderic smiled kindly—and emptily—and bowed to the monarchs. “I am Captain Hulderic—the leader of the squad that brought Princess Davina here. I have some messages for you from Queen Cassia.”

  “Of course! Welcome, Captain. Thank you for bringing Davina here. I hope you and your men will stay for a time?” King Othmar asked.