He picked up the dropped bag and moved over to where Margaret had spread out the blanket. “Good. It is entirely inappropriate for a princess to behave in such a manner.”
She hurried to keep up with him. “No, I believe it to be entirely appropriate for anyone, princess or not, to apologize when she has reason to.”
He kept walking, looking straight ahead. “You disagree with me again. What a surprise. I assume you will apologize for it tonight when we reach Hadden House?”
They reached the blanket, and she waited until he’d dropped the bag and Margaret began unpacking before continuing. “I don’t feel the need to apologize for disagreeing with you. I feel the need to apologize for the manner in which I disagree.”
He bowed. Just a bit. The snot. “I accept your apology.”
“You don’t have to make fun of me. I’m just trying to right my wrongs.”
“You are close to becoming insulting once more.”
“Because you’re baiting me.”
He motioned for her to sit down. “I do apologize.”
“Now you’re just being condescending.”
He raised an eyebrow. “We should just eat. The two of us will never agree on anything.”
She stood, her eyes locked on his. From the corner of her eye, she saw Ebbe approach.
Lukas didn’t move. “Will you sit? Please? A gentleman never takes his seat before a lady.”
A gentleman? She bit her tongue. If she spoke now, she’d make things worse. She sat.
Ebbe and Margaret joined her. At long last, Lukas sat as well.
Lexy closed her eyes and waited for a moment before beginning her prayer. “Dear Lord, I love You. Thank You for another beautiful day and for the travel mercies You have given us. Thank You for my new friends, the lessons they have to teach me and the knowledge they have to share. Forgive us our shortcomings and strengthen us for the tasks before us. Bless this food to our bodies and our bodies to Your service. Amen.”
The tension between her and Lukas was tangible. A fact not unnoticed by Ebbe and Margaret.
Ebbe cleared his throat and glanced her way before speaking. “Princess Lexy, I must comment on how well you have taken to this entire situation. Although you balked at first, which was understandable, you have taken to this journey and proposition much better than what I had anticipated.”
“Thank you, Ebbe. I admit to being overwhelmed at times, and often it feels as though I’m in a dream. But even then, I have no reason to doubt what you say.” She looked beyond the group to where the trees stood a few feet away. “It takes me just looking around to realize this isn’t the time and place I was days ago.”
“But even still, there are those who would have fought that knowledge a bit more.”
“If it is true that I am who you say I am, and I don’t believe you’re lying to me, why would I not also believe this to be the sixteenth century?”
“You must admit it is extraordinary for one to be able to travel through time the way you have.”
She shrugged. “God created the universe, fed a crowd of thousands with a handful of fish and loaves, and rose from the dead. Why should I find it impossible for Him to bend time a bit to put me where I’m needed?”
The older man was silent for a few seconds, deep in thought. “What an amazing faith you have. Hearing you talk gives me hope for the future.”
Lukas reached for more bread. “It would be wise to hold off on extolling the wonders of Princess Alexia, Bixby. It is not her intent to stay here.” He finished speaking with a self-satisfied half smile and a bite of bread.
Ebbe’s mouth dropped. “Not intending to stay? Does Reynard speak the truth?”
Lexy shot Lukas an angry look. Jerk. She settled her features and turned to Ebbe. “I told Lukas earlier today that I don’t intend to stay in Dresdonia. I plan to help you in any way possible until I leave though.”
Her words did not have the desired effect on Ebbe. “When do you think we’ll be at a point to see you go back? We will need you to rule Dresdonia once Severon is overthrown. There is no point of going through what we are about to if no one will be available to take the throne.”
Understanding dawned as he spoke. Of course their need for her would last beyond overthrowing Severon. They expected her to rule Dresdonia. She shook her head. “I have no idea how to rule a kingdom. No experience, no training. It’d be ridiculous for me to do so.”
Something akin to anger shook in Ebbe’s voice as he spoke. “What did you think we were about, Princess Lexy? Who did you suppose would rule?”
“I guess I thought you would. I don’t know. I hadn’t given it much thought.”
“Me? How could you think such a thing? I am not fit to rule!”
“You’re more fit than I am. I’ve always lived in a democracy and believe me, I have no aspirations to public service.” She sighed. “I see where I erred. Maybe I should try to go back home now.”
“She speaks the truth,” Lukas said, his lack of emotion a stark contrast to Ebbe. “If she is truthful and has no experience or training, it could be a far worse fate for Dresdonia to be in her hands than Severon’s.”
Ebbe shifted his ire to Lukas, and Lexy relaxed for a minute. “Reynard, do you hear yourself? What would His Grace think of you saying such a thing?”
“My father is well aware of what it takes to oversee lands and people. He is also well aware of what happens to those lands and people when ruled without proper knowledge.”
“It is for that reason he promised to fund our cause. Severon is not the rightful ruler of Dresdonia, and the lands and people have suffered. As a result, we will ensure he holds his current position for as short a time as possible.” Ebbe spoke to Lexy. “Princess Lexy, no one rules alone, and you will not be the exception. We will guarantee you have what you need to do so.”
“I’ll have to pray about it, Ebbe. I don’t feel comfortable agreeing to something just because you want me to.”
She spoke the words to give him comfort but was surprised to find she meant them. Even though she had been shocked by the assumption she would rule Dresdonia, it would be foolhardy to make any snap decision concerning her future.
“I believe I speak for us all when I say we respect your decision. I also hope I am not overstepping my bounds by stating I hope your decision is reached with haste.” He still appeared upset, but his voice was calmer.
“Thank you. I felt certain you’d understand.” She grasped his hand and noted his shock when she did so. She didn’t pull back, but wondered if she’d somehow overstepped some sort of boundary. The frown on Lukas’s face didn’t escape her attention.
Without speaking, the group went about finishing lunch. Lexy blamed Lukas for the uneasy feeling that settled on the group. Why had he felt it necessary to bring up her words to Ebbe? Was he trying to cause trouble on purpose? She thought he would have tried to convince her to stay since it was his father’s funds supporting their attempt to overthrow Severon.
Unless he did believe her incapable of ruling Dresdonia, which she grudgingly agreed made sense. He sat across from her, finishing his lunch of bread and cheese, giving all appearances of being unaware of the conflict he’d caused. The smug look he gave her when he noticed her attention caused her to glare at him.
No, she thought, Lukas’s comment was not done of a benevolent intent to spare Dresdonia her inexperience. It was done maliciously. The question was why.
****
If she had thought the morning’s travels and lunch were filled with tension, the afternoon was much worse. Margaret tried several times without success to begin a conversation with either Lexy or Ebbe, but gave up after only receiving short, one-word answers. She didn’t even attempt to talk with Lukas.
The afternoon dragged and, with her thoughts her lone companion, Lexy was forced to think back on the conversation she’d had at lunch. Not wishing to relive it any more than necessary, she allowed her mind to wander for the first time to what she’d
left behind.
What would Cara think when Lexy’s car was found in the parking lot of The Lost Islands, but Lexy was nowhere to be found? Would foul play be assumed and how would that affect her best friend’s new park? How long would the school in Washington hold her spot and what would become of all her belongings when she didn’t show up at the new apartment? When she returned, how would she explain her disappearance?
She tried praying, but found herself unable to concentrate. Instead, she glared at Ebbe where he rode ahead of her. Why had this happened in the first place? It wasn’t as though she’d asked to be transported to the sixteenth century. But as soon as the thought crossed her mind, she recalled one of her favorite passages from scripture, reminding her God’s ways were not her ways. She lifted a silent prayer of thanks. She might not know what was going on, but she knew Who did. For now, she had no choice but to rest in that knowledge.
After several hours, Ebbe slowed and turned his horse to face the group. He refused to meet her gaze. “Reynard, I need you to travel ahead to Hadden House. Please let Lady Anne know we will be arriving shortly and have her start the preparations we discussed previously.” His jaw clenched briefly before he spoke again. “Tell her our plans have changed and we will be staying with her indefinitely.”
“I shall message my father as well,” Lukas said and spurred his horse forward. Soon, all that remained was the dust left in his wake.
She moved her horse so Ebbe had no choice but to look at her. “What was that? What do you mean we’ll stay at Hadden House indefinitely?”
“There is no need to rally men and support for a cause you have no intention of seeing through to completion. All that would result is unnecessary bloodshed. I have had enough of that to last the rest of my life, and I will not be the cause of it.”
“You didn’t even give me a chance to think about remaining in Dresdonia. You said you would.”
“We don’t have the luxury of indecision. I refuse to move forward with this unless I have your complete support. There is too much at stake.”
“I stand by my earlier statement and will give you my answer as soon as I can.”
“I respect your decision. I ask you respect mine as well.”
He was a small man, but a formidable one. No wonder her father relied so heavily on him. Unfortunately, that didn’t help her decide what to do. Should she forget her life in the twenty-first century and embrace the position she’d been born into? But she felt no alliance to the sixteenth century and her plans lay elsewhere. She stopped.
Her plans. What were God’s plans?
“I can’t give you what you want. I’m not ready to give my whole self to this cause yet. I need more time.”
He moved his horse to follow the path Lukas had taken earlier. “We should be able to stay at Hadden House for as long as we need.”
“Who is Lady Anne? A supporter of the king?” she asked.
“You could say that. She is Queen Elisabet’s sister. Your aunt.”
Chapter Four
Lexy imagined Hadden House to be small. And house in no way described the imposing three-story structure before her.
While Ebbe gave the groomsmen directions concerning the horses, she approached Margaret.
“It’s a fine house, is it not?” Margaret asked.
“Yes, it is. Have you been here before?” Lexy looked at the house, not trusting her emotions to remain hidden if she looked at Margaret.
“No, my lady.”
“Have you ever met Lady Anne?”
“No. I don’t recall her visiting Dresdonia. Not that I can remember.You may want to ask Ebbe.”
Lexy gave a sad smile. “I doubt he would welcome my questions right now.”
Margaret didn’t say anything, but her silence spoke volumes. Lexy stared at the heavy wooden door. On the other side of that door was a relative. A real, flesh and blood relative. Her aunt. She hoped she didn’t throw up on the poor woman.
After a few minutes, Ebbe joined them, and the threesome walked to the main entrance. A pleasant housekeeper greeted them, her demeanor a stark contrast to Miss Holden’s the previous evening. Margaret and Ebbe remained in the hall while the butler ushered Lexy into what she assumed was the drawing room. She wondered if anyone could hear the pounding of her heart. If not, she had no doubt they could see it, even through her numerous layers of clothing. Taking a deep breath, she looked to the far end of the room, meeting Lukas’s cold gaze over the back of an older woman.
“Princess Lexy, I present Lady Anne.” The butler scurried from the room.
The woman stood and turned. Then she and Lukas walked toward her. Lexy watched her aunt intently, examining her features in an attempt to see if she could recognize herself in them. She startled when the woman spoke.
“Princess Lexy.” Her voice was heavy with emotion. For the first time it occurred to Lexy that the meeting must be as hard on Lady Anne as it was on her.
Her aunt held out her hands. “Come here, child. Let me look at you.”
Lexy’s mouth was dry, and she doubted her ability to speak. She stepped toward Lady Anne and took the outstretched hands. They were cold and clammy.
“My word,” Lady Anne’s voice cracked. “You do have the look of your mother. We thought . . .” She closed her eyes. When she opened them, a lone tear made its way down her cheek. “We thought you dead all these years.”
Lexy didn’t know what to say. Should she apologize for an act she knew nothing about and a falsehood she had not intentionally been part of? Instead she spoke honestly, her voice coming out a whisper. “Lady Anne. I’m so happy to meet you.”
“Please. Come sit down.” She motioned to the chairs on the far side of the room. Several minutes of silence passed before she spoke again. “You must forgive me if I stare, dear. Your resemblance to your mother is so great, I could watch you all day if for no other reason than to recall the times I spent with her.”
Lexy understood because she found it impossible not to steal glances in an attempt to determine which of her aunt’s features she possessed. So far she recognized her nose and green eyes reflected in the woman beside her.
Lukas broke the silence. “Lady Anne, we thank you for your hospitality in welcoming us to your home.”
Yes. It would be a good idea to thank the woman. She sent a look of unspoken gratitude to Lukas, forgetting for a moment how angry she was at him.
Lady Anne pulled her gaze from Lexy and spoke to him. “I would be a poor hostess and an even poorer aunt to turn family away.”
“Yes, but it would be understandable given our present occupation. We would not wish to bring trouble to your house.” Lukas’s kind manner surprised Lexy.
“I have enough regrets in my life, my lord. I will not withhold the pleasure of meeting my niece merely to spare myself trouble. Indeed, at times, I feel such trouble would be welcome.” She stood and faced Lexy. “You must excuse me. I feel quite faint and would like to rest before dinner.”
“Of course.” Lexy stood. “I understand.”
Which was the truth, realizing how welcome a rest would be. Instead she sat back down. It would take too much energy to try and locate Margaret. She’d sit in the drawing room for a few more minutes. Lukas reclaimed his seat and she thought briefly about reconsidering her decision.
“You were nice to my aunt,” she said.
He glared at her. “I am not entirely without manners.”
“That’s good to know—I was beginning to wonder.” Since we’re alone now, it’s the perfect time to bring up his actions at lunch. “I was surprised you brought up what I told you to Ebbe. It upset him.”
He leaned toward her, hands on his knees. “I thought it wise for him to know your intentions concerning Dresdonia. I could not, in good conscience, have him in blissful ignorance of them. I know how much is at stake.”
“Are you claiming I don’t know what’s at stake? Why do you think I asked for time?”
“Of course you don’t
know! You who have lived your life in a peaceful and easy time! What do you know of battles and fighting? Have you ever watched a man die?” His eyes blazed. “Have you ever killed a man? Looked him in the eye, knowing you would be the one to dispatch him into eternity?”
Speechless, she shook her head.
“I thought not. Bixby had this grand notion of bringing you back to aid in his ridiculous plot to overthrow Severon. He was even able to talk my father into supporting him. My greedy, selfish father.”
He closed his eyes and paused before looking at her once again. “Do you know what I think? I think it would be best for you to go back to where you came from. Go back to your time and wear your indecent clothes. Talk of women being equals and help them escape the evils of their husbands, for you are right. We are all evil and this is no place for someone such as you. It would be best for all involved if you took your condescending, self-righteous notions of what should and should not be said and what should and should not be done and left us in peace!”
She walked close to him, not caring how he towered over her. “You would like that, wouldn’t you? You haven’t liked me since the moment you saw me. Well, that’s just too bad because you can’t get everything you want. I told Ebbe I hadn’t made up my mind about what to do and until I do, I’ll remain right here!”
“Then may God help you,” he said in a low, menacing voice. “You have been warned.”
She spun and stomped to the door, determined to find Margaret if she had to search the entire house. Either that or she’d find her room herself. Any option had to be better than remaining near that man.
Fortunately, Margaret was in the main hall waiting for her.
“May I show you to your room, Princess Lexy?”
How did the woman always sound so calm? “Yes. As soon as possible.”
They walked in silence as Margaret led her through the hall to a large set of stairs, passing several doors before Margaret opened one. She spoke as they entered. “Lady Anne sent her regrets that she will not be at dinner tonight. Ebbe and I will be eating with the servants, but you may join Lord Lukas in the dining room if you wish.”
The Peculiar Princess Page 5