A River of Orange

by Roberta C. M. DeCaprio

  Wesley chuckled lightly. “Aye."

  "And why you returned with a new tray?"

  Wesley's eyes widened. “You saw me?"

  Rule nodded. “Thought my soldiers had decided to go domestic."

  Wesley laughed harder. “The chit blamed me for the accident, said I startled her into dropping the tray. So, to keep the peace..."

  "You agreed to bring up a new one,” Rule concluded.

  "Aye, my lord, ‘twas the way of it."

  Rule stood, went to a table in the corner and poured them each a brandy. “I have made a grave error in appointing Lorna handmaiden to my wife.” He handed Wesley a glass. “But to take the position from her now, without being able to state a good cause, would be unwise.” He reclaimed his seat. “Yet, to wait for her to do something harmful or disrespectful to Meav is not something I will allow either."

  Wesley frowned. “What measures are there to take then?"

  "Very cautionary ones, to be sure,” Rule countered. He took a sip of the brandy, savoring the way the sweet liquor warmed his throat. “While you still reside with us, Wesley, your duty will be to watch every move Lorna makes. You are more accustomed to where she goes, what she does, who she likes and dislikes, than any of the other men.” Rule twirled the glass between his palms. “Do not let her out of your sight, and report anything, no matter how minuscule it might seem, to me."

  Wesley nodded in agreement. “When would you have me start, my lord?"

  Rule downed the last of the brandy. “Immediately."

  * * * *

  Mercy, the work ahead! Meav sighed as she looked over the guest list for the coronation ceremony and dinner-ball to follow. Though her grandmamma had schooled her well in the task of cooking and baking, it still had been on a small scale; just for a household of five. The dinner planned for the coming festivities had a count of two hundred or more. It surprised her that there were even that many living on the island.

  The food preparation was not her only concern. The castle was in bad need of a good cleaning. And even though Devora bought rugs, table and wall coverings of great value and quality, she did not take care of them properly. Meav had been told by the help that the prior queen had tired of a certain decor so quickly, cleaning it was rarely necessary. This meant the tapestries and small carpets had to be rolled up and brought outside to be beaten, floors scrubbed, and walls washed. Fresh table coverings and doilies had to be cleaned and pressed so they looked crisp for the quests.

  The staff was another challenge. Living under Devora's reign for so long left them cautious and suspicious of Meav's nature, especially when they learned she was Devora's niece. She had to gain their loyalty and trust. Everyday she approached the servants with a smile and a kind word, hoping they would soon see she was nothing like Devora. She held their children, laughed at their jokes, gave positive praise and was supportive to their suggestions. In time she believed their hearts would come to favor her. In order to speed their approval of her Meav also worked side by side with them; and ‘twas now why she found herself on hands and knees scrubbing the castle's foyer floor.

  Pushing a strand of hair from her face, Meav sighed. Why had she chosen to clean the floor that received the most traffic? With people constantly coming in and out, her job would never end. ‘Twas Lorna's indignant gasp that stilled Meav's hand from rinsing a slab of stone.

  "Heaven help you, my lady. This work is not fit for a queen."

  Sitting back on her knees, Meav looked up at her handmaiden. “Fit or not, it has to be done. With so much cleaning and baking, and so little time left, an extra hand was needed.” Meav quickly took notice of the fact that Lorna did not offer to help, in spite of being appalled at her new queen scrubbing a floor.

  "You are pale, need some fresh air,” Lorna advised.

  Meav frowned. Again the comment about being pale, and both times Meav had been flushed with color. First from Rule's ardor and now from the vigorous way she was washing the floor.

  "Remember your promise, my lady."

  Meav nodded. “'Twas for tomorrow, but there is so much to do right now, Lorna, I have not the time for such a luxury."

  Again Lorna grew anxious, biting her bottom lip nervously as she had done before. “For your own health, my lady, I cannot take no for an answer. I will make sure Bulwark is available to escort us, and then I will bake raisin bread and pack a few baskets for the berries we will pick. We can dangle our feet in the river and feel the sun on our faces."

  Though Lorna was annoying with her constant badgering, Meav's back and arms ached and truthfully, a picnic by the river was beginning to sound quite nice. She sighed. “Fine, Lorna.” She forced a smile. “I am looking forward to it all."

  Lorna clapped her hands with delight. “I am as well, my lady ... I am as well."

  * * * *

  Another day dawned ... another day of frenzied commotion, of women cleaning and preparing every nook and cranny of the castle ... and another day of following Lorna about. Wesley wished the coronation would come and go quickly so he could go home to the mountains ... once again able to be with his sweet Becka.

  Delicious aromas from the kitchen filled the air, and brought the men in from the outdoors to sample a piece of this and that. Wesley was one of those men, his mouth watering for a taste of the raisin bread that now sat cooling on a nearby tabletop. He had followed Lorna into the kitchen and while she wrapped sweet meats in a cloth, he stole a large piece of the bread with his fingers and plopped it into his mouth. Closing his eyes he savored the way it melted on his tongue. Just when he was about to help himself to another delicious taste, Lorna turned from her task and shouted a protest.

  In one fluid motion she was beside Wesley, rescuing the raisin bread from another one of his attacks. Her face screwed into a horrible scowl, and her eyes blazed with hatred. “This is for Bulwark."

  "Bulwark!” Wesley barked. “Why does he get the entire raisin bread to himself?"

  Lorna narrowed her eyes. “Have you ever seen the way the man eats? I fear perhaps one might not be enough."

  'Twas the truth. Bulwark could make this one loaf disappear in an instant. “But why does he rank you baking anything for him at all?” Wesley argued.

  Lorna turned her nose up smugly. “He has agreed to escort me and my lady to a picnic by the river later this day, and in appreciation I have baked him the bread.” Again she narrowed her eyes at him. “If you want more, there are two other loaves in the cupboard that stands beside Cook's wash basin."

  If Wesley was to keep Lorna in his sight at all times he had to know exactly where she would be. Nonchalantly he probed. “And where by the river are you ladies going?"

  Lorna frowned. “That is none of your business.” She brought the loaf to where her other picnic food sat, then turned with her hands on her hips. “And stop following me about."

  Wesley feigned innocence. “I am doing nothing of the sort."

  "Aye, you are,” Lorna snapped. “And I want to know why."

  Wesley stifled a yawn. Why was he suddenly feeling so tired? “Perhaps I find you fetching."

  "Perhaps I find you a liar,” Lorna retorted in response.

  He blinked his eyes to keep them focused. “Now, why would you say such a thing, lass?"

  She stomped back to his side. “I have worked in this castle for nearly eleven years. Daily I smiled at you, hoping one day you might smile back. Never in that time did you so much as look my way. ‘Twas then Uri caught my eye, and I washed you from my mind.” She folded her arms across her chest. “So you will have to forgive me now for not believing what you say."

  Wesley's lids felt heavy. He stifled another yawn. Heaven above, what was wrong with him?

  "You do not look so good,” Lorna commented. “Perhaps you should return to your quarters and lie down?"

  He shook his head to clear it. “I was fine before I..."

  "Before what?"

  He almost said before I took a piece of the raisin bread, but h
indsight made him swallow his words. ‘Twas then he realized what was happening and why he suddenly felt so tired. “I thank you for your concern, lass.” He bowed politely. “Excuse me now while I take your good advice and rest a bit before my nightly duties."

  Lorna waited for him leave the kitchen before she made her way upstairs.

  Wesley hid in the shadows, listening to her climb the steps. When he knew Lorna had reached the top, he made his way back into the kitchen. As fast as his sudden weariness would allow, he opened the cupboard and reached for one of the loaves of raisin bread; removed the cloth, broke off a large piece and ate it. There was a subtle difference in taste from the first loaf. ‘Twas then he knew for certain Bulwark's bread had been tainted with sleeping herbs.

  Quickly Wesley exchanged the bad loaf with the good, then fighting his fatigue, he made his way to find Rule.

  * * * *

  Loreli hid behind a rock. She had come to this side of the river every day since she heard the humans talking of their plan. She was sure this was the day Shell would return. How she had hoped she could warn Meav, but the chance had not presented itself. Now, the mer-woman worried for the fiery-haired maiden and knew there was only one other plan of action to take.

  Throwing back her head Loreli screeched the siren's song. The eerie sound carried on the wind and was swallowed by the trees. Her call would then be passed on to the others. ‘Twould not be long before help would arrive.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Meav stood very straight, and completely still while Bulwark's sister pinned up the last bit of material on the hem of the dress. The new coronation ball gown was made of organza and lace, had a fitted bodice and scooped neckline that accentuated Meav's bosom. The light aqua color, a striking contrast to her hair and eye color, was Meav's favorite. She was very pleased with Grendel's work, marveling over the way the seamstress took such pains in making sure each stitch was perfect.

  Meav liked Bulwark's sister; she even talked to Grendel during the fittings about replacing Lorna. The seamstress ... a sweet-faced blonde, somewhat stocky like her brother ... was very enthusiastic about the idea and hoped to be placed in the new position soon.

  Too soon was not soon enough for Meav. Daily she was becoming more uncomfortable with Lorna. The handmaiden had an obsession with going out and getting the sun. Meav loved the outdoors; after all she was a farmer's daughter and had to be out in the elements daily to do the chores. But there was a time and place for all things. The last few days everyone in the castle was trying to get ready for the coronation ball and dinner. ‘Twas an important and sacred ceremony ... planning it took precedence over romping by a river to pick berries.

  When Meav spotted Lorna at the door she secretly cringed, knowing full well why the woman had a frown upon her face and was biting her lower lip nervously. Meav was late for their picnic. “I am just about through here, Lorna."

  Wringing her hands in front of her, Lorna gave a taut nod. “I just do not want the sun to go down or our food to grow cold, my lady."

  Grendel straightened out the hem and stood. “We are finished here, my lady. Go enjoy your picnic."

  The two women helped Meav off with the beautiful evening gown and into a bright green linen dress. The soft, cool material was perfect for a summer day's outing.

  Meav turned to Grendel. “Why not join us?"

  It appeared to Meav that Lorna held her breath as she waited for Grendel's answer.

  Grendel picked up the ball gown. “I must finish with your gown, my lady."

  "Another time, then,” Meav offered.

  Grendel nodded in agreement.

  Lorna sighed relieved. “Bulwark waits below, my lady, by the garden doors."

  Grendel giggled. “How did you get my brother to join you two on your ladies outing?"

  Meav smiled. “I believe Lorna bribed him with food."

  "Ah, that would do it,” Grendel said. “The man does love to eat."

  Lorna just smiled.

  * * * *

  Meav had to admit, the day was beautiful. Birds sang, a light breeze blew, and the sun was bright. Bulwark's scowl lessened as he ate the food Lorna packed for him. With one eye on his small feast and another on Meav, he seemed quite content.

  After filling a basket with berries, Meav slipped off her shoes and waded into the river. She sat on a rock, propping the basket beside her, and ate the luscious fruit while she wiggled her toes in the cool water. A deep peace filled her, but her contentment was not to last long.

  Fear gripped her heart when a hand gripped her ankle. Meav looked down to find Loreli's eyes peering through a veil of water.

  Loreli slowly rose from the river, the large rock shielding her from the other's view. “Good afternoon, my lady."

  Meav's eyes widened in horror as the memory of the last time they met flooded her thoughts.

  "Do not be afraid,” Loreli whispered. “I can no longer claim you ... you belong to Rule now.” She released her grip on Meav's ankle and pointed to the basket. “I have always wished I could taste those."

  Meav, dread still racing through her body, reached for a few berries and with a trembling hand dropped them into Loreli's waiting palm. Clearing her throat she attempted to speak. “You have never tasted—” instantly she clipped her sentence, feeling foolish for asking such a question. Of course the mermaid had never tasted berries, how would she have gotten to the bush?

  Loreli closed her eyes and savored the sweet, juicy nectar. “'Tis good.” Opening them again, she smiled. “I knew they would be."

  Meav reached for more and gave them to Loreli. “I owe you a thank you."

  Loreli's eyes brightened. “For what, my lady?"

  "For saving me life."

  Loreli chuckled lightly. “Ah, but I had my own selfish reasons for keeping you alive ... I wanted you for myself, to live beneath the sea where the air is right for humans. Then you would be my companion ... my family. And my life would not be so ... so lonely."

  Meav's heart went out to the beautiful sea nymph. “We can still be friends."

  Loreli narrowed her eyes. “How can that be? You live on land, I live in the water."

  "I can come to the river now and then to visit you. We can talk, sing, and tell stories to one another.” Meav relaxed and bent nearer to the mermaid. “I would love to hear all about your world beneath the sea, and in turn I will tell you about me life in Dublin.” Meav smiled. “I can bring you berries and many other delicious fruits that grow out of your reach, so you can taste them all."

  Loreli returned the smile. “You would do all this for me?"

  "Aye, that I would. ‘Twould be me pleasure."

  Loreli's expression turned to one of joy ... and then in an instant clouded with fear. “As much as I wish for this moment to last, my lady, you must leave the river and hurry back to the safety of your husband."

  Meav frowned. “I do not understand?"

  "You are in grave danger here,” Loreli said. “Go, quickly, back to the castle."

  Meav felt a chill run down her spine. Grabbing her basket she stood and turned to run. But instead of fleeing as the mermaid had advised, Meav stood shocked at the sight of Devora's sentry standing before her. She looked quickly around for Bulwark, and when she spotted him lying on the ground, she screamed and ran to him. Looking for wounds, Meav spoke softly. “Nay, Bulwark, you cannot be dead."

  Shell made his way to her side with two long strides. “He only sleeps ... for now, my lady."

  Meav looked up at Shell and frowned. “Why does he sleep?"

  Lorna moved near. “I baked sleeping herbs in the bread,” she boasted.

  Meav stood and lunged for Lorna. “You little witch. I knew you could not be trusted."

  Shell roughly grabbed Meav by the arm and pulled her around to face the sneer on his face. “Lorna was carrying out my orders."

  Meav stiffened. “Take your hands off me."

  Shell snickered. “I think not, my lady.” He bent his head do
wn and stared deep into her eyes. “There is a score to even, and a crown to recapture."

  Meav tried to pull free from his grasp. “Rule is, and always has been the rightful king."

  Shell's lips thinned with his anger. “He has not been crowned yet."

  "But he will be in a matter of days and there is not a thing Devora can do about it."

  Shell's eyes clouded with hate. “Devora is dead."

  Meav's eyes widened. “How did she die?"

  Shell dug his nails into Meav's arm. “You know exactly how ... ‘twas your curse that did her in."

  "Nay, there was no curse."

  Shell's eyes filled with rage. “Only a spell could make a person die as she did.” He pulled Meav against him. “Her body dissolved into dust."

  Meav met his gaze. “I tell you there was no curse."

  "You lie,” Shell spat. “And now you must pay."

  "Nay, she speaks the truth,” a wee voice said.

  Shell looked up to find Titiana sitting on the branch of a nearby tree.

  "Go ... quickly ... warn Rule,” Meav shouted.

  Shell pulled a dagger from his belt and held it to Meav's throat. “If she leaves that branch I will slit your throat."

  "Meav did not kill Devora,” Titiana called out.

  Shell gritted his teeth. “How would you know?"

  "Because ‘twas I who killed her,” Titiana stated flatly.

  Shell threw his head back and laughed. “And how could one little fairie do such a deed?"

  "She had help,” another wee voice added.

  Shell turned, taking Meav with him ... holding her tight against his chest and pressing the dagger under her chin. “So, you two wee ones expect me to believe you could harm even a hair on Devora's head?"

  "Not just us two,” Gyla said.

  "But all of us put together,” Titiana concluded. She whistled and in an instant the tree was filled with pixies sitting upon every branch. “And we did not have to touch one hair on her head.” Titiana smiled with pride. “We just peed on her flowers."

  Shell frowned. “What flowers?"

  "The blue ones that grew in the dungeon ... the ones Devora brewed to make the youth potion,” Titiana explained. “'Twas because we pixies peed on the blooms and wilted them that Devora could not remake the brew. That is why she died. Without drinking the potion every two days Devora faced growing old ... withering away to dust.” Titiana spread her wings and flew to a lower branch. “So, you can release Meav. She had nothing to do with Devora's death."