It seemed brutally unfair that she had become her father’s victim, because of his false beliefs. The injustice of her suffering made her anger rise higher. She’d done nothing wrong, all her life. And yet, he’d crippled her with fear for so many years.
‘I don’t want to be his daughter,’ she cried. ‘I wanted to leave here as a commoner. I wanted to marry Karl. And now, the king has taken him prisoner.’ She couldn’t bear to call him her father any more.
Clara’s lips formed a line, her expression showing dismay. Smoothing a lock of hair, she added, ‘I’m sorry for what you’ve suffered.’ Her mother leaned heavily against the bedpost as she stood up. ‘No matter what anyone tells you, you have a blood-given right to this throne. Whether your father wishes to believe the truth or not.’
‘I don’t want it,’ she admitted. ‘And I’m tired of him trying to control my life.’ She felt as if the palace walls were closing in on her, forcing her to wed a man she didn’t want, in order to save Karl.
‘What can I do?’ she asked her mother. ‘I won’t stand for this.’
The queen held out her hand. ‘Do you know, you’re one of the few people who still asks for my advice? Most believe that because I am ill, I’m powerless.’ She sent her a quiet smile. ‘But sometimes appearances can be deceptive. And therein lies a different sort of power.’
Serena sat beside her mother. ‘I’m listening.’
The prison walls were cold and damp. Though Karl had tried every means of finding a way out, there was no way to remove the chains without ripping them free of the stone walls.
He was going out of his mind. The captain of the guard, Gerlach Feldmann, had informed him that the princess was going to marry the Freiherr von Meinhardt tomorrow afternoon. If she refused, the king would order Karl put to death.
He wanted to believe that she wouldn’t do it. That she would tell the king to go to hell, and take the freedom she deserved. If they killed him, what did it matter? Without her, his life wasn’t worth much anyway.
Footsteps caught his attention, and he called, ‘Who’s there?’ The sound drew closer, until it stopped before the door of his prison. A hand entered the small space, and he sensed Serena’s presence before she spoke. ‘It’s me.’
Hope poured through him, that she’d come to set him free. Karl took her hand, thanking God that she’d come. ‘Are you all right?’
‘Yes.’ He heard the hesitation in her voice, the tone that something wasn’t right.
‘Open the door, Serena.’
‘I can’t. That’s not why I’m here.’
He rested his cheek against the thick door, and though she held his hand, he already sensed what she was about to say.
‘This isn’t goodbye,’ he told her. ‘You’re not going to stand on the other side of that door and tell me you’re going to wed another man to save my life.’
‘Karl, you don’t understand.’
He let go of her hand, curling his fist. ‘I understand perfectly.’ He wanted to smash his hand through the door, demanding that she stay with him.
‘How long did it take you to give up? An hour? Did the king break another rib until you agreed to do as he commanded, while I sat down here in this rotting hole?’
It sickened him, to think of her surrendering. He’d done everything he could, but it wasn’t enough. She was going to leave him, and when she’d gone off with the Baron, he’d be left to imagine her lying in another man’s bed.
‘I didn’t give up,’ she said quietly. ‘But I can see that you’re in no mood to listen.’
No. No, he wasn’t. His mind was filled up with visions that he couldn’t bear to imagine.
‘Set me free, Serena. If you truly want to fight for us, get me out of these chains.’
She remained silent. He reached out through the small rectangular opening in the door, hoping to feel her hand in his.
Instead, he heard her footsteps disappearing. He kept his hand outstretched, hoping she would return. At last, he drew it back in, and sat down upon the floor with his back to the wall.
What did you expect? his mind taunted.
Chapter Eighteen
On the day of her wedding, the sun was shining, and it was a warm spring afternoon. Serena’s father had arranged for the ceremony to be held within the family chapel, with only the immediate family present, along with a few witnesses. The Freiherr von Meinhardt would be waiting for her at the altar, while the bishop gave the wedding Mass.
Serena wore an ivory silk gown, embroidered with a thousand seed pearls. Around her throat rested a choker of diamonds and more pearl teardrops hung at her ears. Last, came the tiara that her grandmother had worn upon her wedding day. It was heavy, but Serena hardly felt the weight of the emeralds and diamonds as her sister adjusted her veil.
Her body and mind were numb as she allowed them to dress her. She hadn’t slept all night, worrying about Karl. Though she’d wanted to reassure him, the fury in his voice when she’d refused to free him had silenced her. She didn’t know if her idea would work, and even if she’d released him, she doubted if he would have listened.
No, she could only hope that everything would work out as she and her mother had planned.
The queen sat in a chair watching Serena, a satisfied expression upon her face. ‘It’s time for the ceremony. Now, behave like the princess you are and prepare for the wedding. All will be well in time. You’ll see.’
Her mother departed, leaving her with her ladies. Anna was already dressed and awaiting her at the chapel.
As Serena walked toward the family chapel, surrounded by her ladies-in-waiting, her heart turned from ice into stone. At the thought of her father’s fury, a thousand fears rippled through her. What if this didn’t work?
Anna walked down the aisle first, carrying a bouquet of spring lilacs tied with ribbons. Serena followed, her hands clenching her own bouquet of white lilies, their deep scent choking her. Her father walked behind her, as was the custom. And yet, she half wondered if he was trying to keep her from fleeing. Her mother sat in the front row, a hopeful look in her eyes.
The bridegroom was kneeling at the altar, his back to the wedding guests. Serena was afraid to look as she knelt by his side.
‘You look beautiful,’ he murmured, but his voice was not the baron’s.
She lifted her eyes to his, fighting to keep her courage.
Don’t say a word, Karl’s eyes seemed to command.
Serena turned around to glance at the queen and saw her mother’s calm, contented smile. It was the greatest act of defiance either of them had ever enacted—to wed the man she wanted, right in front of her father’s eyes.
And as she heard Karl’s low voice speaking vows before the bishop, followed by her own, she was careful to keep anyone from seeing his face. Rings were exchanged, for the bishop had already blessed them at the altar. The cool band of gold was an intricate band of leaves, and it reminded her of the days they’d spent together in the abbey.
‘I told you I hadn’t given up,’ she murmured beneath her breath.
‘Don’t be afraid of what happens next,’ he answered. ‘I love you, Serena.’
When it came time for the kiss of peace, his mouth met hers in a slow kiss that reminded her of all the reasons why she loved him.
Then he turned to face a shocked King Ruwald, along with the rest of the palace witnesses.
‘What have you done?’ the king demanded. Though his words were directed toward Karl, Serena stepped forward with his hand in hers.
‘I’ve married the man of my choosing,’ she answered. ‘And you’re going to let us go.’
The king’s fury was visible on his reddened face, a vein pulsing in his throat. With a signal to his guards, soldiers came forward. Serena tried to grasp her train, and Karl took her by the hand, leading her out the side door of the chapel. Outside, the sunlight nearly blinded her, but Serena ran as fast as she could. Horses awaited them, and Karl lifted her up, before mounting his own stallio
n.
He sent her a roguish smile. ‘Any regrets?’
‘None.’ With that, she spurred her horse onwards and rode as fast as she dared. Karl led them down a path that trailed over the hill. When they reached the other side, he pulled his mount to a stop.
Hundreds of soldiers stood armed, with Lohenberg flags flying. She recognised Fürst Michael, while behind him was an older man with a greying beard and a shrewd look in his eyes. König Sweyn. She recognized the king of Lohenberg in that split moment.
The look in her husband’s eyes was one of disbelief and gratefulness.
‘I always imagined you’d have a more traditional marriage, Karl,’ the king said, by way of greeting.
‘So did I.’ Karl led Serena forward, bringing her beside the king. When the Badenstein guards emerged over the hillside, the two dozen men stopped short at the sight of the army.
‘I sent word to your father and brother, but I never imagined they’d come this fast,’ Serena breathed.
Karl reached out and took her hand. ‘After I followed you back, Michael and Hannah returned to Lohenberg. He asked our father to intervene.’ He pressed the back of her hand to his mouth. ‘I didn’t know if the king would agree.’
She managed a small smile. ‘I’m glad he did. And that our arrangements were successful.’
‘You should have told me last night,’ he said. ‘I thought you were planning to give up.’
‘You were so angry with me, you hardly let me speak at all. And there were guards there who were loyal to my father. I couldn’t reveal our plan until my mother’s servants could free you.’ She frowned a moment. ‘But I’m not certain what happened to the freiherr.’
Karl took her hand in his. ‘After we freed his wife and son, Captain Feldmann imprisoned the baron in my place.’
Just what the baron deserved, Serena thought to herself.
‘He may need to leave Badenstein after this,’ Karl continued. ‘Else your father will punish him for the betrayal.’
As if in response to Karl’s prediction, the king of Badenstein appeared with his men. Though her father was still dressed in his wedding finery, he looked like a man bent upon revenge. His face was beaded with perspiration, while his ruddy face revealed his fury.
When he moved forward to Serena, he ordered, ‘We will have this marriage annulled. I did not give my consent.’
The king of Lohenberg rode forward, his expression calm. ‘Ruwald, shall we go somewhere else to discuss this in private?’
‘That—that bastard just married my daughter!’
‘Karl may not be of legitimate birth, but I have recognised him as my son. He and the Princess Serena were betrothed before this, and you agreed to the marriage then.’
With a sudden shift in mood, the king of Lohenberg’s voice grew angry. ‘But when my son was no longer the heir to the throne, instead of discussing a new negotiation with me, you turned your back on the agreement.’
‘I will not have my daughter wedded to a commoner.’ Ruwald reached for a handkerchief and swabbed at his forehead. It was as if his rage had manifested itself physically, and he stumbled forward.
Serena urged her horse forward. ‘I am proud to be married to Karl. Whether he is a commoner or a prince, it doesn’t matter to me.’ She bowed to König Sweyn, since she could not curtsy on horseback. ‘I consider it an honour, and I will gladly pass my claim to the Badenstein throne into Anna’s hands.’
‘There will be no need for that,’ König Sweyn responded. ‘I have made a different arrangement within my kingdom. Karl will still hold a role of leadership.’
But Serena didn’t trust her father to relent. He was clutching his heart, rubbing his arm as if it had gone numb. ‘I will not agree to it.’
‘Then I will consider your country cut off from mine,’ the king of Lohenberg countered. ‘We will cease trade between our people. What do you think will happen to your economy? Badenstein is smaller than our country and I assure you, it will have little impact upon us.’
König Sweyn’s words seemed to break through to her father. His expression turned pale. ‘We will discuss this further. Perhaps … an arrangement may be made.’
‘Indeed.’ With that, the king directed his soldiers to close in around them as they departed.
Serena held for a moment, as she caught sight of her mother, standing amidst her ladies. ‘Wait for me,’ she pleaded to Karl.
Instead, he escorted her back, helping her down from her horse in front of the queen. He dropped to one knee and Clara smiled, raising him up. ‘Regardless of what my husband believes, I knew you would make a good husband for Serena.’
‘I cannot thank you enough,’ Serena whispered, embracing her mother. ‘You’ve given me the most precious gift.’
‘And perhaps you’ll give me the gift of a grandchild within another year or two,’ her mother replied. ‘If God grants me that time to live.’
After Serena drew back from her mother, Anna hurried forward and flung herself into her arms. Happy tears filled up her eyes. ‘I’m so glad for you, Serena. Truly, I am.’
Serena hugged her sister and promised that she would send for her to visit soon enough. After she finished saying her goodbyes, she cast another look back at her father. His men were supporting him as he walked back to the palace, and defeat did not suit him.
She was so overwhelmed at everything that had happened, she didn’t care where Karl was taking her. She was with the man she loved. And that was all that mattered.
They continued riding for the remainder of the day, until at last they passed the borders of Lohenberg. There, Karl offered his father the hospitality of his home.
‘No, thank you,’ the king responded. ‘We’re only a few hours away from the palace. Stay with your bride, and enjoy your wedding night.’
Serena dropped into a curtsy before the king, pressing her forehead to his hand. ‘I will forever be grateful to you, Your Majesty.’
König Sweyn appeared pleased. ‘I shall expect to see both of you at the nuptials of Fürst Michael and Lady Hannah within a few days.’ He shook his head as if in disbelief. ‘Two weddings within a week. A pity you didn’t consult with me sooner, Karl.’ A gleam appeared in the king’s eyes. ‘Or should I say, Fürst Karl?’
Serena sent him a startled look. ‘I don’t understand.’
‘I have granted the kingdom of Vertraumen to both of you, as a wedding gift,’ König Sweyn answered. ‘It will still remain a province of Lohenberg, but Karl will rule over the island as their prince. When Michael becomes king, he has agreed to grant Vertraumen its independence, once the province is restored to its previous condition.’
The heaviness in his throat constricted, and Karl bowed before his father. ‘Sir. I don’t deserve the honour.’
‘No, I don’t suppose you do. But she does.’ The king smiled. ‘Any woman who can tolerate marriage to you deserves her own kingdom.’
I would lay the world at her feet, if I could. It seemed impossible, that after losing everything, he now possessed wealth beyond price.
‘We’ll leave you now,’ the king pronounced. ‘And in the morning, you will bring the princess to the palace. We’ll finish the arrangements for Vertraumen at that time.’
When his father had left, Karl embraced his wife. Serena’s eyes were shining with joy. ‘Even if your father had not restored your title, I would still be happier than any woman in the world. I don’t need a prince to know how much I love you.’
‘You’re everything to me,’ he breathed, crushing her close. ‘More than any kingdom.’
Epilogue
Karl and Serena walked along the beach with their son Ranier holding their hands. Every few steps, they swung him high while the boy laughed with delight.
Along the edges of Vertraumen were newly built houses, each boasting a small staff and a private beach for the wealthy families who spent their holidays here. It had taken over a year, but the islanders were more than willing to adapt. They’d revitalis
ed the island, making it into an exclusive place where royalty and other wealthy ladies and gentlemen could enjoy a sanctuary with full privacy and no interruptions from the outside world.
And in turn, the people of Vertraumen had enjoyed the profits, becoming a prosperous island kingdom. Karl had formed a council of representatives from all parts of the island, and they held regular sessions to discuss the island’s needs. He’d found the people were open to new ideas, and he’d enjoyed bringing mechanical solutions to address their agricultural challenges.
‘Have you heard from your mother?’ he asked Serena.
She nodded. ‘She sent me a letter just this morning. Father still has made almost no recovery from his apoplexy. My mother has tried to assume his duties but … she has asked me to return to Badenstein as Princess Regent.’
‘You’re still his heir,’ Karl said softly. ‘Is that what you want?’ He knew it would gall the king of Badenstein to no end, if Serena returned to rule over the country. Especially with a bastard husband at her side.
‘It won’t be easy,’ she admitted. ‘But if you’re with me, it will be all right.’
Just as they reached the manor house, the skies opened, and rain poured down over them. Serena hurried into the house and handed Ranier off to his nurse, with orders for a bath and bed. She kissed her son, but was startled when her husband opened the door and led her back outside.
‘What are you doing?’ she asked. ‘We’ll both be soaked.’
Karl took her hand and closed the door, leading her into the garden. As the rain drenched them both, she shrieked when he lifted her into his arms.
Against her ear, he murmured, ‘I thought you loved standing in the rain and being foolish.’
She laughed as he lowered her to the ground. ‘And I thought you weren’t that sort of man.’
‘I am when it suits my purpose.’
‘What purpose is that?’ She lifted her face to the rain, letting it soak through her hair. The water dampened her gown, moulding it to her skin.
‘If you’re cold and wet, you’ll need a hot bath. And then, I’ll have to wash every part of you.’
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