“The King has an heir,” Tiberius said.
“Perhaps…” Robere let the thought hang in the air.
Tiberius knew that Robere had heard some juicy gossip from the other palace servants and normally he would have prodded the aging servant to tell him more, but Tiberius was too worried about Rafe to care about the King or his daughter.
Tiberius hurried to his father’s study. Leonosis and Brutas were already there. When Tiberius went inside, his father waved a hand at the guards by the door, who stepped outside and closed the heavy doors to the study. The room was one of Tiberius’ least favorite places in the palace. It was where his father conducted his most important business and Tiberius had never received good news in the room, always rebuke. He felt his body trembling with worry, as if he were cold. He did his best to hide the discomfort from his father and brothers.
“Good, you’re all here,” Aegus said. “Where were you when the King arrived, Tiberius?”
“The temple,” Ti lied yet again.
The thought of the temple was completely uninteresting to Aegus. He didn’t care what his son did there, so the inquiry was dropped.
“I suppose you have heard why King Aethel brought his daughter,” Aegus said to his sons. “I want one of you to woo her. If anyone is going to become King, it will be one of my sons.”
“You want me to pursue another women in front of Lady Olyva?” Brutas asked.
“Do you have a problem with that?” the Earl asked, his voice dripping with disdain.
“Not at all,” Brutas said with a smile.
“Don’t worry,” Leonosis said. “You won’t have to worry about being betrothed after tonight.”
“What does that mean?” Brutas asked, clearly confused.
“Just trust me,” Leonosis said. “Besides, the Princess will be my prize.”
“She’s not an animal that you hunt,” Tiberius said.
“Don’t be so self-righteous,” Aegus thundered. “For once just act like you belong to this family.”
“Why should I?” Tiberius said. “You treat me as if I am not.”
“Relax Tiberius,” Leonosis said. “All you need to do is show up and act civil. You’re good at that. I’ll entertain the Princess.”
“And when she’s ready for a real man, I’ll be waiting,” Brutas said with a smirk.
“Don’t fight,” Aegus said. “This is important. Whoever the Princess shows interest in, I want the others to back off. This isn’t a contest between the three of you. She is our prize to take before some other stuffy lord has a chance. Do I make myself clear?”
The Earl’s sons all nodded, then they followed Aegus out into the wide hallway. The King had been given the largest suite of rooms in the palace. Every luxury had been provided and soon they would all go down to the feasting hall where the most privileged citizens of Avondale waited, including the highest ranking military officers, the High Priest from the temple, and Tiberius’ mother and sisters.
The Earl led his sons to the King’s rooms and then waited while a servant announced them. Tiberius hated the formal duties he was forced to endure with his father and brothers. Most of the time he understood the necessity of keeping up the royal reputation of the Earl’s family, but it was almost always a boring chore. He looked forward to the day when he no longer had to put on airs and pretend to be interested in things he didn’t care about.
The King was still in his armor, but sitting in a thickly padded chair. He had a crystal wine goblet in one hand and Tiberius noticed his cheeks were ruddy, probably from too much drink already.
“My King,” Aegus said. “Let me introduce my sons.”
The King held up one hand.
“Ariel,” he said in a deep voice. “Come meet the Earl’s sons.”
Princess Ariel appeared from an adjoining room. She wore her armor as well, although she looked much different from the King. Her body was covered in dark red leather that had been molded to fit her lean frame. She wore a heavy skirt that looked to Tiberius as if it were part armor, part chain mail. There were golden links of brass, and interwoven strips of leather in the skirt, which was short, stopping at her knees. She wore tall riding boots that came up over her knees, so that no part of her legs showed. Her curved sword was still strapped to her waist, and her hair was tightly braided and pinned to her head.
She was pretty, with high cheekbones and large eyes, but there was a hard set determination in her eyes that made her seem cold and aloof. Tiberius guessed she was around his own age, but it was difficult to tell for certain. She came and stood behind her father, placing one hand on his shoulder.
Tiberius felt a rush of magic swirling around her and nearly jumped. He did his best to act nonchalant, but he could feel the magical energy swirling through the room and he was certain it originated with the Princess.
“Princess Ariel,” Aegus said. “Let me say again how honored we are to have you here with us in Avondale.”
“You have a beautiful city, Earl Aegus.”
“We are pleased that you think so,” the Earl said with a smile. “Let me introduce you to my oldest son, Leonosis.”
Tiberius watched as Leonosis stepped forward and bowed, flashing Ariel his most charming smile. Ti thought his brother had a gift for making people feel important. He not only related to everyone he met, but he could hide his nastier tendencies so that most people who thought they knew him had no idea just how sinister and self-serving he really was.
“Welcome to Avondale,” Leonosis said.
The King nodded, but Ariel just stared at Leonosis. Tiberius thought his oldest brother looked like their father. He was tall, broad shouldered, and narrow waisted. He was meticulous about his appearance and kept his strong jawline clean shaven. Despite the dark circles around his eyes and his hooked nose, most of the woman in the palace and around the city swooned over him, but Ariel seemed unimpressed.
“This is Brutas,” Aegus said. “He is currently serving with the officers in our war band.”
“A fellow warrior,” the King said with a smile.
Ariel nodded in respect, but didn’t smile or look any more interested in Brutas than she had in Leonosis. Tiberius felt very self-conscious. He wasn’t as muscular as Brutas or even as trim as Leonosis. He could feel his face flushing with embarrassment as he stepped forward to stand before the King.
“And this is Tiberius,” the Earl said.
The King seemed unimpressed, but for the first time Ariel’s eyes lit up and she tilted her head. Tiberius was just straightening up from his bow when he noticed Ariel give her father’s shoulder a slight squeeze. The King looked harder at Tiberius, his eyes squinting slightly as if he were trying to see something he’d missed. Tiberius stood entranced by the rush of the magic around him. He felt almost giddy as the power pulsed out of Ariel and flowed around him.
“Is the feast ready, Lord Aegus?” the King asked.
“Of course, sire. We only await your arrival.”
“Then let’s not keep everyone waiting,” the King said, standing up suddenly.
Tiberius was just then backing away. He felt self-conscious and was glad the introductions had ended so quickly. All he wanted was to get away from the palace, but he needed to find Rafe and warn him of Leonosis’ plan, even though he didn’t really know what his brother was planning. All Tiberius knew for sure was that whatever Leonosis was going to do, it wouldn’t be good. Once Ti had warned his friend, he could leave the palace forever. That thought was both exciting and terrifying. He wasn’t sure what to expect or if he was really up to the task, but he was anxious to find out.
They followed the Earl and the King down toward the feasting hall. Leonosis was speaking to Princess Ariel and Tiberius walked with Brutas a short way behind the others.
“That didn’t go over the way I thought,” Brutas said.
“Nor I,” Tiberius agreed.
“She seemed more interested in you than the rest of us,” Brutas said.
�
�No, she didn’t.”
“Yes, she did, although I can’t imagine why anyone would be interested in a third-born like you.”
Tiberius wanted to argue, but he knew it was useless and he didn’t want to cause a scene. He opted instead to ignore his brother’s gibes.
They stopped just outside the feasting hall so that the Earl and King could be announced. The Earl was speaking to a servant. He stopped to wave Tiberius and Brutas past. They wouldn’t need to be announced and could go straight into the feasting hall and find their places at the far end of the Earl’s table. Tiberius was just about to walk past the small group when Ariel raised her hand.
“Wait,” she said. “I would like to sit with Tiberius.”
Tiberius felt his stomach clench and he saw a look of smoldering anger from Leonosis. Brutas had a smirk on his face, clearly amused that their older brother was being spurned.
“Are you sure, my lady?” the Earl asked.
“Of course,” Ariel said. “Come Tiberius, we have so much to talk about.”
Tiberius tried to speak, but no words came. The Princess took his arm and he walked with her into the feasting hall. There was a shuffle of movement behind them and then a loud voice said, “Princess Ariel, of Sparlan Citadel and Master Tiberius.”
The room went quiet and Tiberius felt every eye watching him. Some of the people looked shocked, but Ariel ignored them and Tiberius did his best to do likewise. He was walking up the center aisle with the Princess of Valana on his arm. It was a completely different feeling than anything he’d ever experienced before. Many of the people sitting at the long tables or standing along the tapestry covered walls seemed to notice Tiberius for the first time ever. The Earl had a third son, and it was Tiberius who was escorting the Princess.
Tiberius saw Rafe sitting with a group of officers near the high table. He had a cup halfway between the table and his mouth, which hung open in surprise. Tiberius did his best to seem above it all, as if escorting a Princess was something he did everyday. He had been embarrassed by the attention and the intense scrutiny made him feel small, but seeing Rafe sent a jolt of anger into his system and the attention of the people in the feasting hall didn’t seem so overwhelming after that.
Tiberius led Ariel up the marble steps to the elevated section of the room where the Earl’s table looked out over the throng of people in the great hall. He noticed Robere wiping tears from his eyes in an alcove filled with servants.
“Would you like to sit near your father?” Tiberius said.
“No, actually. Let’s sit here, on the end where we can have a little more privacy,” Ariel said.
Tiberius nodded and pulled out a chair for the Princess. Tiberius was just sitting down when his father and brothers were announced. The Earl made his way quickly to the high table, but didn’t sit. Then the King was announced and everyone stood up except for Ariel, who sat watching. The people at the tables and standing along the walls all bowed as the King strode past them. He looked like a famous warrior and Tiberius thought that even Grentz had never looked so renowned as the King.
Once the King sat down, wine was poured and the long line of introductions were made. People lined up before the high table and were introduced to the King by a servant. At first Tiberius and Ariel sat quietly watching, but after the first few people were introduced, Ariel leaned over and whispered in Tiberius’ ear.
“How long have you been a wizard?” she asked.
Chapter 19
Tiberius
Tiberius was speechless. He had known that magical power was emanating from Ariel, but he had never guessed that another magical person would be able to sense magic in him. His body stiffened with fear and his heart began to race. Before Ti could form an answer, Leonosis appeared on the other side of the Princess.
“Have you tried our winter wine?” he asked. “It’s made from grapes that were frozen in an early frost. The drink itself is quiet sweet.”
“No thank you,” Ariel said. Then she leaned over and whispered in Tiberius’ ear, “Your secret is safe with me.”
Tiberius relaxed a little, although he still felt very uncomfortable. He glanced at Ariel and saw that she was studying him with an intense gaze. He also saw Leonosis glowering at him. He wanted to say that he had done nothing wrong, that he wasn’t interested in the Princess at all, but he couldn’t. She was attractive and her attention was immensely flattering, not to mention the fact that it was making his brother angry was sweeter than the winter wine.
He took a sip from his goblet and smiled at Ariel.
“Thank you,” he said quietly.
It was difficult to talk over the clamor of the announcements and still be discrete. The very last thing Tiberius wanted was for Leonosis to overhear him. He leaned close to the Princess and was surprised by the waft of her perfume. The scent was a blend of familiar smells, all extremely feminine and it caught Tiberius off guard. He felt his desire stirring and forgot for a moment what he was going to say.
“I’m sorry,” he confessed. “Your perfume is wonderful.”
“It’s from Duringer,” Ariel said. “There is an alchemist there who makes amazing perfumes. I’m glad you like it.”
“Tiberius,” Leonosis said, leaning forward so he could see past the Princess. “Have you shared with her Highness how close you are to becoming a Paladin?”
“No,” Tiberius said, trying not to let his anger get the best of him.
“He’ll be taking his vows any day now,” Leonosis said, barely concealing the vicious intent of his words.
Tiberius understood the threat all too well. His brother was angry and despite the fact that Tiberius had not completed the training to become a Paladin, or passed the weapons tests, Leonosis would see that he took his vows as soon as possible.
“How interesting,” Ariel said with a smile. “It seems I got here just in time.”
Tiberius was about to say something when Leonosis suddenly stood up, his ornate chair rocking back on its rear legs before a servant stepped forward and caught it from toppling over.
“Excuse me, Princess,” Leonosis said.
She nodded and Tiberius thought his brother was going to storm away angrily, but Leonosis just stood at the table. He was staring down at the line of people waiting to be introduced to the King. Tiberius followed his gaze and saw Rafe standing behind Lady Olyva. He realized that whatever Leonosis had in mind for Rafe, he was about to do it. Ti wanted to shout to his friend, to run over and protect him, but there was no way to do it without making a scene and he still didn’t know what Leonosis had in mind.
“Lady Olyva, of Hamill Keep,” said the servant making the introductions. “Betrothed to Master Brutas.”
Olyva bowed and Leonosis cleared his throat.
“If I may,” he said loudly and suddenly every eye was on the Earl’s firstborn son. “It has come to my attention that Lady Olyva is in love with someone other than my brother.”
Murmuring broke out across the room of revelers. Tiberius stiffened. He knew that Rafe and Lady Olyva had feelings for one another, but he thought his friend was smart enough not to carry on a secret affair with a woman pledged to the Earl’s family. He felt his stomach tighten into a knot.
“Yes,” Rafe said boldly. “I am Rafe, son of Grentz the Sword Master and officer to his excellency, Earl Aegus. And I love Lady Olyva.”
The murmuring in the room suddenly fell quiet. It was as if everyone was holding their breath as they waited to see what would happen.
“Is this true?” Aegus asked.
“It is, my lord,” Rafe said boldly.
Tiberius heard the confidence in his friend’s voice and realized that he had traded the truth of their battle with the Graypees for the right to marry Lady Olyva. Tiberius’ heart sank as he realized what Leonosis was planning to do.
“This is an affront to our family,” Leonosis said.
“What?” Rafe asked in surprise.
The crowd that had been queued up for their i
ntroduction to the King now fell back, leaving a terrified looking Lady Olyva and a confused looking Rafe in the open section of the wide main aisle.
“You dare make advances to a woman who is betrothed to my brother?” Leonosis growled.
Tiberius looked to the King, embarrassed that his oldest brother would air their family’s dirty laundry during the feast. He didn’t know what he expected to see on the King’s face, but the man looked happy, as if he were watching a bard sing an ancient battle song for the first time. He glanced at Princess Ariel; she too seemed inured with the scandalous affair.
“My lord, did we not—”
“Silence!” Leonosis shouted. “Do not embarrass Avondale anymore, sir. Your reprehensible actions shall not go unpunished.”
Rafe’s look of bewilderment changed suddenly to pure rage.
“My lord,” Leonosis went on. “We await your judgement.”
“You discovered the affair, son,” Aegus said proudly. “It is for you, the future Earl of Avondale to pass sentence on these two.”
“My lord,” Rafe said through clenched teeth. “I must protest.”
“Speak again and I shall have you in chains,” Leonosis said savagely.
Lady Olyva was weeping now and Rafe went to her, putting his arms around her and whispering quiet encouragement in her ear. Leonosis waited, letting his silence draw in the crowd and build the suspense before he spoke. Everyone was watching Rafe and Olyva, some looked sad, others grinned with glee at the spectacle being played out in the great hall.
“Lady Olyva,” Leonosis said loudly, “you have brought shame on Hamill Keep and Avondale alike. Your actions are inexcusable. It would be within our rights to have you executed publicly for your crimes against this house.”
“How scandalous,” Ariel said, the excitement in her voice unmistakeable.
Tiberius glanced at the Princess, trying to hide the horror he felt for his friend. Then he looked at Rafe, who was staring up defiantly at the high table. There wasn’t even a hint of fear in the young warrior’s eyes. Finally Tiberius looked back at his brother who seemed as sanctimonious as the High Priest during the holy day sermons. Leonosis paused and waited for the frantic whispers that erupted around the feasting hall to die down before continuing.
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