Once Upon a Romance 03 - With True Love's Kiss

by Jessica Woodard

  “Bianca?” Fain called to her from the other side, and she turned away from Robin’s warm, blue eyes.

  There were plans to make.

  Chapter 26

  Connelly sat in the tavern and watched Baines work. He’d lost track of which town they were in. They were all relatively small, just large enough to have an inn or a tavern where Baines could buy a few drinks for a few men, and then ease into his topic.

  “…left to work the farm alone, I was, my last lad gone off to join the army.”

  “That’s a powerful shame, being abandoned by your sons.” One of the local men, Grady, was particularly grateful for the ale, and eager to chime in with appropriate responses. Baines truly had a gift for singling men like that out of the crowd.

  “Wasn’t their fault.” Baines shook his head, and took a long pull from his mug. “They could see the farm was failing. No way to buy seed, or feed for the livestock, when the taxes stripped us clean.”

  This was always the tricky part of the night. It went best if someone else brought up the crucial point. This particular, evening, however, Baines had picked a gem of an audience.

  “Blast that fool, Brannon, anway!” Grady let out a raucous belch, to emphasize his point, before launching into a diatribe against the king. There was a chorus of murmurs around the room—less emphatic, from men who’d had fewer mugs of ale, but there all the same. From this point on, the evening was a forgone conclusion.

  All across the southern half of Toldas, the rest of the band was doing the same thing. Going in twos and threes into small villages and bringing the talk around to Brannon. Occasionally they found a township that was content, or too afraid to speak up, but mostly…

  “And who can be surprised!” Grady had the bit between his teeth now, and wasn’t letting go. “Look what he did to his own flesh and blood! That poor sweet daughter of his had a right rough time of it. If he could do that to her, what’s he care about us? He durn’t even know us!”

  “I heard the little princess escaped across the border into Albion.” That was Baines, chiming in again. Connelly got ready. His part would be coming up next.

  “Bless the little lass.” Grady raised his mug emphatically, sloshing the amber ale about the room. “I hope she’s happier there than we are here.”

  The rest of the men raised their glasses along with him, and took a drink. An unhappy silence fell on the room, broken only by Grady’s drunken hiccups. Times were hard, and everyone there knew it. The years under Brannon had left Toldas a barren place.

  Connelly enjoyed planting a little hope for them.

  “The lass is comin’ back, dinna ye ken?” Connelly’s words fell into the silence, and the men snapped their eyes to him.

  “What do you mean, coming back?” That was the barkeep.

  “The wee princess is ridin’ back across yon mountains, ta take the throne away from her rascal da.”

  “You mean, she’s bringing an army?” Again the men were still and quiet. Brannon was bad, but an invading army… They didn’t know which would be worse.

  “Nay, laddie, jest the other refugees that’ve fled ta Albion. The princess comes ta offer a choice. Follow her, or stick with Brannon.”

  The men looked at each other. Confusion warred with hope on their faces, and Connelly judged it a good moment to leave them with their thoughts. He drained his mug and wound his way to the front door.

  “‘Tis said she’ll ride inta Laberdeen a few weeks hence. I aim ta be there, ta hear what she has ta say.”

  “And then?” Baines made sure to put a little challenge in his voice. Connelly turned back to stare at him, and aimed his parting shot across the entire room.

  “Then I aim ta bend my knee ta the new queen, and go throw that lying bastard off the throne.”

  ***

  It had taken some careful planning for Bianca to slip away from the palace, but she managed it. Robin, of course, rode atop the carriage, with a wary eye for danger, but besides him and her driver she was blessedly alone. It took a quarter of an hour, no more, to drive from the palace to the Wellesley’s city home, but it was precious to her to have even that much privacy. She had thought carefully about what she intended to do, and she was firm in her resolve.

  She still needed to work up her courage, though.

  From the carriage to the door, and from the door to the parlor where the stiffly proper butler left her to wait, Bianca took deep, calming breaths. Once she was alone in the parlor, however, she gave it up as a lost cause and just allowed herself to pace.

  “Bianca!” Ella came into the room with a smile on her face. “I was just working on your wardrobe. What brings you here?”

  Ella had gone into a flurry of production on Bianca’s behalf, once the plan to ride into Toldas had been set. She wanted Bianca to look like a queen, but also like one of the people. She wanted the clothes to be elegant, to befit the situation, but also rugged, to befit the rigors of travel. She wanted them to perfectly reflect Bianca’s symbolic position to the people she was meeting, without placing her so far on a pedestal that she could never achieve her goals. In short, she wanted the impossible.

  Bianca had just wanted them all to have high collars.

  “I know that this is a terrible thing to ask…” Bianca trailed off. She was nervous about demanding so much in such a short time.

  “All you can do is ask, and let me answer.” Ella smiled warmly. “But I know you. I doubt you’re capable of asking something terrible.”

  Bianca took a deep breath, and blurted it out. Then she winced and looked at Ella, waiting for her reaction.

  Her friend had tears in her eyes.

  “Oh no, is it too much?!” Bianca was stricken.

  “No, dear.” Ella wiped her eyes, and embraced her friend. “It’s perfect.”

  ***

  “Ready, your highness?” Fain asked. He beamed up at her proudly from where he stood, holding her horse’s lead.

  “I’m ready. Give the order to ride out.”

  It was a motley collection of characters, setting forth to liberate a nation. The villagers were traveling like tinkers, each family with their own wagon, and though they would try to stay with the main host, it was expected that they would move at their own pace. By contrast, the former army men marched in ranks, wearing their somewhat bedraggled uniforms with Bianca’s newly designed insignia over their breast. Finally, there were those few who were not from Toldas. Robin was riding with her, of course. Fain and Vivienne were also coming, officially as representatives from Albion, but Bianca suspected it was more out of friendship. Last, but not least, were her suitors.

  In the end, only two had chosen to come. It had not surprised her when Scemo declared that he would return home, nor when Cansado’s nurse had packed him up and left. She’d expected Cymedrol to leave, as well, and had gone personally to bid him farewell and repeat her offer of a temporary shelter should he and his wife need one. Grantig had actually wanted to ride with them, but a letter had come from his father expressly forbidding it. Apparently he thought such a “foolhardy idea” would never succeed, and he wanted his son to have no part of it.

  Edicus had surprised her, though. She had thought, surely, if any were to ride with her it would be him. He’d come and taken tea with her to explain himself.

  “You know I’m not a young man, your highness.”

  She’d been surprised. “Do not claim infirmity, Edicus, for I know you to be perfectly sound.”

  He smiled. “I am, Bianca, I am. For now, at least.” He sighed. “I cannot deny that I would enjoy being king. And, as a wife, I am sure you would make any man happy.” He smiled at her again, and Bianca felt the warm glow rise to her cheeks. “But I cannot continue to pursue it, not when it would be so selfish.”

  “Why would it be selfish?”

  “This is not a minor task you have set yourself, your highness. Even if you take the country quickly, you will be years rebuilding it: restoring the people to their homes, mak
ing restitutions in honor of the crown—setting things right. I am in good health now. But a decade from now? Two? You will still be hard at work, and you will need a king at your side who can do his part. Not one who needs rest and relaxation.”

  She gazed at him thoughtfully. “Why decide to withdraw now? Surely this was always an issue; what is different?”

  He’d looked out through the parlor door. Robin stood outside, on his everlasting duty watch. The lord turned his eyes back to Bianca. “I see what you are giving up for this, my dear. And I find, in the face of your spirit, I cannot be so selfish. You must have the best chance possible. Sadly, that chance does not lie with me.”

  Bianca was touched by his honesty, and reached out to take his hand in her own. “I had hoped to have your council.”

  “And so you shall.” He gave her a final kiss on the hand, while Bianca clung to him. “Never think that we are not friends, your highness. Should you have need of my advice, I am always willing to give it.”

  So it was that Anders and Felix were the only two who chose to ride alongside her. Leander was not joining them. Bianca had gone personally to invite him along, hoping to forge a bond between them, but instead she had found Felix alone in his apartments, looking forlorn. Apparently Leander had decided he did not want to live his life as a secret consort, and had packed up and left.

  Bianca couldn’t blame him, but she felt bad for Felix. It seemed a hard choice he was making, between the love he wanted and the life he desired.

  As she watched the first group of wagons roll down the long road to the mountains, she turned to Felix.

  “Why did you choose to come?”

  “Well, obviously, I still hope to be a king.” He grinned at her saucily. “But it was more than that, Bianca. I think I just have to see how the story ends. It beats going home, and being useless again.”

  She laughed, and looked at Anders. “And you, your highness?”

  He gazed at her a long moment. “I will not be parted from you, your highness. Not while you give me leave to stay.” She saw some hidden emotion deep in his eyes, but he pulled his gaze away, as though embarrassed by his answer, and heeled his horse forward.

  Felix stared after him with an expression of mock thoughtfulness. “I think he likes you, your highness.” His normal grin broke through. “But, then again, who doesn’t?” He, too, put his horse in motion, and trotted off down the road, leaving Bianca giggling behind him.

  It was a motley crew, but Bianca felt hope. It seeped through her, like the warmth from the bright sun.

  Isabelle stood by her stirrup. The queen had come to see them off, and her face was drawn in anxious lines.

  “Maybe I should come with you, dear.”

  “No.” Bianca leaned down and hugged her friend. “Stay here with the king. Thirteen years of absence can’t be washed away in a few weeks. You need to be together. Besides, Vivienne and Fain will take care of me.”

  “Those two.” Isabelle rolled her eyes, although her love for her daughter and her affection for Fain were apparent in her voice. “My daugher is bright and witty, but she tends to set her eyes on the goal and ignore everything else. I’ve no doubt they’ll keep you companioned, but who will care for your heart?”

  Isabelle’s eyes moved to where Robin sat his horse, a few paces off. When she looked back to Bianca there were tears in her eyes.

  “Truly, darling. I can come along.”

  “No, Isabelle.” Bianca was firm, but smiling. She knew the queen was only concerned about her, and she cherished the love it showed. “I will care for my heart. You have spent enough time denying your own.”

  Isabelle wordlessly pressed her hand one last time, then backed off from the column of riders.

  Bianca felt all eyes on her, and knew the moment had come. So she sat straight in her saddle and pulled free the silk scarf that had been wrapped around her shoulders. She let the sun’s rays fall full on her bare back, highlighting the scars that were her father’s only gift to her. She heard the murmur of voices behind her, but she ignored them. She had no cause for shame. She would show her scars as she rode among the people. Show them as evidence of their kinship. Show them as proof of her commitment to ending Brannon’s brutality.

  Robin reined his horse in next to hers. “Is this why you went to visit Ella?”

  She nodded.

  He looked at her back, and she could see the pride shining on his face.

  “I approve.” When she gave him a tiny smile, he returned it. “Are you ready?”

  “I’m nervous.” At least, she thought she was nervous. She might have just been sick. “What if they don’t like me?”

  “You have nothing to fear from the people, Bianca.” His eyes took her in, and for a moment she felt laid bare, down to her soul. “They will love you, for all that you are.”

  And so it was that Bianca, Princess of Toldas, led several hundred rebels into the Toldan mountains, with the sun on her back and bright tears standing in her eyes.

  Chapter 27

  Robin was trying to reassure Bianca.

  “It is a small place, no more than ten families. There is nothing to fear.”

  “I’m not afraid they’ll hurt me.” Her irritation was clear. “I am afraid they won’t listen to me.”

  “Our wagons have been rolling into their village all day. I am sure they will at least be curious enough to listen.”

  “Great,” she grumbled, “they can laugh me out of town after they’ve heard what I have to say.”

  “This is silly, Bianca.”

  “I know that, Robin. But I’m nervous. Just leave me alone.”

  Robin pulled gently on his reins, allowing Bianca to ride ahead. Once she was ahead of his horse and couldn’t possibly see him, he let a grin spread across his face. She had been fearless in Regal’s council hall, but now that she had to address a few villagers her nerves were getting the best of her.

  Robin wasn’t worried. But he was having a very hard time trying not to laugh at her.

  They rode that way up the tiny mountain road, until the village came into view. Then Robin pulled back up to Bianca’s side. Their wagons had been trickling in ahead of them, but Bianca rode at the head of all the actual fighting men, and they could only move up the road four abreast. He didn’t want her cut off from all her protectors, just in case he happened to be wrong.

  Something was off. The village was oddly quiet, with no children running about or chores being done in the yards. Robin was on guard, wondering at it, until they came in sight of the village green.

  He had been right; there were, perhaps, ten families in the village. And every single member of every single family was standing on the green, waiting to greet their princess.

  He glanced sideways at Bianca’s face. Her eyes were soft and full of wonder, and slowly a joyous smile spread across her face. The villagers murmured in welcome as she slid down from her horse, and then gathered around her. Bianca moved among them, clasping hands, exchanging smiles, learning the names of those brave enough to speak up. One little girl shyly offered up her small arms, and Bianca knelt down in the dirt, heedless of the fine fabric of her skirts, and gathered the little girl close for a hug.

  When she stood, she looked around. The green held several large stones, set up for mounting, and Bianca clambered up on one so that all those assembled could see her face.

  “I thank you for the welcome.” The crowd murmured back, nodding their heads in response. “As you surely know, I am Bianca, daughter of Brannon, and I have returned to Toldas to offer the people a choice.” She took a deep breath. “My father has brought nothing but ruin to this kingdom. He has impoverished our farmers and workers to gild his own palace. He has terrorized and imprisoned those who spoke against him. And now he is poised on the brink of war with our neighbor to the south, because his thirst for power has not been satisfied with ruling Toldas.” She shook her head, and smiled at the villagers. “I am young—just a girl, really—and I do not have
an army at my back. All I have are these.”

  She turned, and let her shawl slip down her shoulders. The scars from Brannon’s beatings were clearly visible, and the villagers gasped. Bianca let them take a long look, and then turned back.

  “These are my constant reminders of what a man with too much power, and no restraint, may do to those weaker than he. They are my constant goad, driving me to protect others from the tyranny of my father. And they are the symbol of my promise to you. That I will give my blood, my body, and my life in service to the people of this land, if you will have me as your queen.”

  She waited. Robin watched her, standing serenely before the crowd, and for once in his life he could see the currents almost as well as the Dame. For a few seconds, the future was crystal clear.

  One by one, the villagers knelt before Bianca in the age-old gesture of fealty, one hand over their hearts, the other fisted against the ground. Above their heads, Robin’s eyes met Bianca’s, in a look that was full of triumph.

  His whisper didn’t carry, but somehow, he thought she heard it.

  “All hail the queen.”

  ***

  Bianca was tired. Everyone could see it, but there was little they could do to help. In every village it was the same. She greeted them, spoke to them, and then accepted their fealty. She would stay up late into the night, allowing individuals to speak with her in private, sharing their concerns and their hopes. Some spoke to her of how they wished the laws might be in her new government. Some spoke about the taxes. But some made heart-wrenching pleas that she might find some lost member of their family—some brother, some child, some wife—and send them home from whatever prison Brannon had cast them in. She got less and less sleep, and sometimes, after speaking with one of her new subjects, her eyes would be red with tears. But always they had to push on in the morning, to head for the next town, the next village. There was no time to rest, and no time to wait. Little by little, they were gaining supporters, people of Toldas who packed some few belongings and joined them in their march across the kingdom.