The Carnelian Tyranny: Savino’s Revenge

by Cheryl Koevoet

  “Mark, I didn’t cook and you know it.”

  “Lucky for us,” he replied.

  She punched him playfully in the arm just as the sound of carriage wheels rolling down the driveway interrupted their fun.

  Arrie and Cinzia arrived in the first carriage as Helena, Adalina, and Lady Matilda pulled up in the coach after them. Cozimo, Bruno, Tino and Celino arrived in the third carriage and Lord Domenico had arrived behind them on his own horse. Eman showed up last, having traveled the short distance on foot.

  “Eman, it’s so lovely to see you. Thank you for coming,” Marisa said, opening the door and giving him a warm hug. Although she knew it wasn’t proper protocol for a future queen, she couldn’t help herself. Eman didn’t appear to mind, either, as his expression warmed into a broad smile when they parted.

  “Milady, the pleasure is all mine. I thank you for your warm invitation.” He turned, entering the living room to join the others who were already enjoying a cup of eggnog.

  “You are the shepherd Eman, are you not?” Tino asked.

  “Aye, my lord.”

  “I have heard much about you from mutual acquaintances in Crocetta. It is an honor to meet you at last,” Tino said. The two of them chatted with each other as Marisa watched in amusement. Eman appeared to be slightly out of his element at Beauriél, but she was glad that he had decided to come.

  She felt a soft tap on her shoulder. Turning to see Lord Domenico appraising the curves of her gown with obvious satisfaction, she smiled at him. “Good evening, Sire.”

  “Your Highness, I am most honored by your invitation to join your family party this evening.” He bowed and kissed her hand, flashing her a devilish grin.

  Just as handsome as ever, Luca was dressed in a formal black tunic and cloak that accentuated his athletic physique. His dark hair had been styled similarly to Darian’s, reminding her of their first meeting when she wondered if the two men were brothers.

  “Lord Domenico, I am so pleased you could come,” she answered, dazzling him with her smile.

  “You are the most beautiful royal in the room, I dare say,” he drawled, his eyes twinkling. “Tell me, will there be any other single women here tonight as beautiful as you?”

  “None that shall fall for your charms, Luca,” Darian answered, chuckling as he slapped his good friend on the shoulder. “You really must find your own woman and stop bothering mine.”

  “He wasn’t bothering me,” she said. “Were you, Sire?”

  Luca shook his head. “Certainly not. And that is very easy for you to say, Your Highness, since you have already snatched up the most beautiful woman in the ten kingdoms.” His flirtatious eyes held Marisa’s. “Believe me, I know. I have searched them all.”

  “It was she who found me, Luca,” Darian said matter-of-factly. “And it was our parents who made the arrangement several years ago. So you see, the matter is quite out of my hands.”

  “Did someone mention a beautiful woman over here?” Bruno asked, stepping between Darian and Luca to kiss her hand. He held it for a moment, grinning at her as if they were the only two at the party. Darian took her hand from Bruno’s and held it up, pointing to the emerald and diamond ring on her finger.

  “Does this ring not mean anything to you two? In case you are unaware, we are engaged to be married.”

  “Ah, Your Highness, you cannot blame a man for trying,” Bruno answered, grinning as he spotted Matilda. “On to the next beautiful flower.” He made his way through the guests to stand next to her.

  “Indeed,” Luca added. “How can we be expected to ignore such an exotic bloom?”

  Darian squeezed his arm. “I cannot disagree with you there, brother.” He winked at Luca before moving on to chat with the other guests. Marisa smiled at him, suddenly curious.

  “Why haven’t you been snatched up by some noblewoman long before now, milord?”

  “Snatched up?” His eyes were teasing. “Perhaps because I have never found a woman willing to put up with all of my faults, Your Highness.”

  “Faults, Sire? Surely you don’t have more than the average male. And I have never known you to be lacking in female company.”

  “Indeed, no,” he said, lowering his voice. “But what is not commonly known is that, despite my reputation for being something of a lone wolf, I am quite unwilling to settle for lust when what I truly desire is…”

  “Yes?” She held her breath.

  Luca looked up at her slowly, his face reddening and his lips parting to form a shy smile. “Love and companionship.”

  “But I don’t understand,” she said. “In my opinion, the fact that you are searching for true love would only make you more desirable to the ladies, milord, not less.” Never had she imagined that this devastatingly handsome man, and with a title no less, would ever have trouble finding love.

  “Most women only see what they wish to see.” He shrugged, watching as Adalina, Matilda and Bruno chatted together. “And the few women that possess the qualities I deem important are usually the same ones who have already prejudged me, believing I am not worthy of their affections.”

  She stared at him, stunned by his words.

  He gazed at her ring, adding softly, “Or, they have already been spoken for.”

  She touched his forearm, looking earnestly into his eyes.

  “Sire, I don’t know what to say. I must admit that even I have misjudged you. But some woman who is worthy of you will see the man you really are and fall head over heels in love.”

  “Thank you, Your Highness. Tell me, are there any more like you at home?”

  She laughed. “No, I’m the only one.”

  “Such a pity.” He grinned, winking at her.

  The cook entered the room and announced that dinner was ready. Luca slipped her hand through the crook of her arm and led her to her place at the head of the table.

  As Darian eyed them with mock jealousy from the opposite end, Luca winked and hurried to take his seat next to him, nudging his best friend and grinning broadly.

  The guests around the table chatted cheerfully, remarking on the beautiful tree and how delicious the food smelled. In the middle was a centerpiece of stacked oranges, speared with cloves and surrounded by holly leaves. A rich, holiday scent hung in the air while the candles cast a warm glow onto the faces of the guests. Darian interrupted the joyful banter as he stood to toast.

  “Here is to my beautiful fiancée who has greatly enriched all of our lives in the way she has opened our eyes to a whole new world of beauty. May every Christmas here be as blessed as this one. Ap eirie.”

  “Ap eirie.” The guests all lifted their goblets into the air.

  Marisa watched the faces of the loved ones gathered around the table, listening quietly to the cheerful chatter filling the room. Her eyes rested on Darian who was laughing at something Lord Domenico had said. She had never felt so blessed; there was nowhere else she would have rather been than right there, celebrating with her family and friends. The happy banter continued during the delicious meal of honey boar and roasted cinnamon apples.

  After the dessert plates had been cleared away, the group moved into the living room to admire the decorated tree. Marisa read the Christmas story out loud as everyone listened in awe. She glanced up from her reading a few times and saw Eman smiling and nodding at her. After the story had ended, she closed the book solemnly.

  “Amen,” Eman said.

  Marisa smiled at him and jumped up to distribute the presents waiting patiently under the tree. She instructed them to open each gift, one at a time so that everyone could see. Everyone was amazed by her creative and thoughtful gifts.

  She gave Helena, Adalina, Cinzia and Matilda specially-made gold bracelets studded with dark red Carnelian stones. Arrie received a homemade watercolor drawing of the Eiffel Tower and Lord Domenico received one of Crater Lake. She gave her uncle yet another of the gorgeous Rogue Valley.

  For Celino, she had found a rare antique lamp and she gave
Eman a new tea set complete with teapot, cups and saucers. Tino received an English dictionary she had bartered off Celino and Bruno was surprised to receive an antique dagger similar to the one that had belonged to her great-grandfather. She gave Cozimo a bound leather copy of the ancient Carnelian scriptures and Mark was pleased with his custom-made longbow complete with a leather quiver full of arrows.

  Lastly, she presented Darian with a wooden case that contained an exquisite silver sword. Handcrafted especially for Marisa’s father years ago in Terracina, her uncle had uncovered it from the royal archives chamber where the Fiore and Macario family heirlooms had been stored ever since the shipwreck.

  “I shall carry it with pride.” Darian’s eyes moistened, visibly moved by the priceless gift.

  “I know you will,” she answered, kissing him softly.

  After all the gifts had been opened, Marisa sat down at the piano to play a few Christmas carols. Everyone enjoyed listening as she joined Mark and her uncle by singing along. Arrie sang along to a few of the songs that he had learned from his time on earth. She sang her most beautiful rendition of O Holy Night and, when it was over, she kissed each guest before finally settling down in a chair next to Darian.

  “When will you sing me a Crocine song?” Darian whispered softly, stroking her hand.

  “After you sing one in English,” she answered smugly.

  Alessio threw more wood onto the fire and Cinzia poured more eggnog for whoever wanted it. The room was lively as the guests chatted happily, enjoying one another’s company.

  Suddenly, Eman rose from his chair and approached Marisa, sinking down on one knee. The chatter in the room stopped as he unfastened the amulet from around his neck and held it out to her.

  “Your Highness, I too have a gift. Although I do not have much to give you in the way of worldly possessions, what I do have, I offer to you with all my heart.”

  Gazing into his dark brown eyes, she saw the solemnness in them. She took the oval-shaped jewel from him, examining its intricate network of silver flourishes and admiring the rich purple color of the gem. It looked antique, and she suspected that it was probably some kind of heirloom.

  “Oh, Eman, it’s so beautiful, but I can’t take this from you.”

  “Please, Your Highness, I beg you to wear it in my honor.”

  Marisa hesitated, glancing around at the faces quietly observing them. She couldn’t take the most valuable possession the poor man owned, but she didn’t want to offend him, either.

  At last, she removed the ruby necklace she had received from Darian and set it gently on the table. Then she took the amulet from Eman, placing it ceremoniously around her neck.

  Eman smiled, touching the stone gently. “Guard it well, my child, for it shall guard your life.”

  Her smile faded. “What do you mean?”

  “This gemstone was cut from a shard of the Ambrogia stone. Its light from within shall cloak you from evil eyes whenever you wear it. Those with an impure heart shall be blinded from your presence.”

  “Thank you.” She paused, struck by his words. “I’ll wear it with pride.”

  His hands clasped hers with a sense of urgency. “Do not lose hope, milady, whatever happens. Always pray, always trust and always remain faithful, even when you think all hope is gone.”

  “I will.”

  “Promise me,” he pleaded.

  “I will, I promise.” She leaned over, hugging him tightly. “Thank you for your friendship.”

  “You shall make a worthy queen,” he whispered softly against her ear. He released her to stand, bowing to the other guests. “And now, I must return home, but I wish you all a most blessed evening. And remember, Your Highness, never lose hope.” He quickly left the room.

  Jumping up, she hurried to see him to the door, but, by the time she entered the vestibule, the front door was already closing behind him. She opened it and peered into the night.

  He was gone.

  CHAPTER 13

  VEXATION

  The night air was crisp as she strolled over to the small command box on the opposite side of the driveway. The guard stepped out to meet her. “Your Royal Highness,” he said, nodding respectfully.

  “Good evening, sir. Did you just see the man who came out the front door? The one wearing a large hat?”

  He looked at her with a quizzical expression. “I do not know who you are referring to, Your Highness. Nobody has come through that door since my shift began. Are you certain he did not exit through the back door?”

  “I saw him go out here, on the front side.”

  “Do you need assistance in locating him?”

  “Uh, no—no. Carry on, sir.”

  “As you wish, Your Highness. Have a lovely evening.”

  “Thank you. Good night.”

  She walked back toward the front door, puzzled by Eman’s sudden disappearance. When she returned to her guests, they were still talking over near the fireplace, ignorant of Eman’s abrupt disappearance. She sat down beside Darian, slipping her hand into his and absently stroking the amulet around her neck.

  A few hours later, it began to snow lightly and Alessio suggested that Tino, Bruno, and Lord Domenico leave with the ladies before it began to accumulate. Tino and Bruno helped the women into the carriages before stepping in themselves. Luca mounted his horse and escorted them back to Crocetta.

  After most of the guests had gone, Arrie, Mark, Alessio and Marisa went back into the living room, lingering near the fire just a little while longer. Darian disappeared upstairs, but returned within minutes holding a large, wrapped gift. He set it down on the floor in front of her.

  “I have one more gift for you,” Darian said mysteriously as Alessio and Mark smiled knowingly.

  She stared at the gift, wondering what it could be. She removed the fabric and opened the lid of the box, squealing with delight as a small puppy dog with a long snout and large, brown eyes looked up at her with a frightened expression. As soon as she began to stroke his soft brown fur, he wagged his short tail wildly and licked her face.

  “Oh, Darian, he’s so beautiful!” she exclaimed as the pup jumped into her lap. “What a perfect gift!”

  “I thought that you could use a little company out here.”

  Mark petted him gently. “What are you going to call him?”

  She thought about it for a moment. “I think I’ll call him Jackson.” She turned to Darian. “Thank you. I love him.”

  “You are welcome, my love.”

  “It was a nice party, Risa.” Alessio said. “Well done.”

  “Yeah, we’ll have to make it an annual tradition after the wedding,” Mark said. “When are you going to tie the knot anyway?”

  She shifted uncomfortably. “We don’t know yet. Darian and I haven’t settled on a date yet.”

  “But it’ll be soon, right?”

  There was a moment of awkward silence.

  “Mark, it’s not that simple. We’ve only known each other for a few months.” She buried her face in Jackson’s soft fur.

  “Well, yeah, but I thought you loved each other.”

  “We love each other very much,” Darian assured him. “What your sister means to say is that she first needs to adjust to life as a queen before she can focus on being a wife.”

  Alessio cornered her with his eyes. “So when are you two getting married?”

  Marisa shrugged.

  His face became stern. “It’s gonna take months to prepare for a royal wedding. You two need to fix the date as soon as possible.”

  “I know.”

  “Believe me, Alessio, there is nothing I want more,” Darian added in an irritated voice. “But your niece has her own opinion on the subject, and I am finding it difficult to convince her otherwise.”

  She stared at the floor, saying nothing.

  “I thought you two would be getting married sooner rather than later. Especially since he cannot become king unless he marries you. Are my assumptions wrong?”
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  “Darian knows that I love him,” she answered, sidestepping the question. “But I’m just having a hard time with this whole marriage thing.”

  “What marriage thing?” Alessio’s eyes narrowed at her.

  “Don’t look at me like that,” she said defensively, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks. “I realize that it’s perfectly normal to marry young in Carnelia, but I’m only eighteen. Back in Jacksonville, most girls my age don’t even have serious boyfriends yet. I just don’t see what the big rush is for us to get married.”

  “You are not most girls!” Alessio said, raising his voice. “You are the Supreme Ruler of Carnelia, and you must consider your throne!”

  “I know that, Uncle Al. I just need some time.”

  “Time?” Alessio’s face turned red. “Years ago, your parents wisely chose this exceptional young man to be your future husband and king. Eighteen years later and miracle of miracles—it turns out you both actually love each other! What’s not to understand?”

  Darian crossed his arms, averting his gaze.

  “Please don’t get mad at me! Look—you’ve all known about this for years, but I haven’t! Six months ago, I thought I’d be attending college, not settling down.” Hot tears stung her eyes. “Would you be pushing me to get married if we were back in Jacksonville?”

  “In case you haven’t noticed, we are not in Jacksonville!”

  There was another awkward silence.

  Arrie pulled Marisa aside, his tone serious. “Your Highness, nobody is forcing you to do anything you do not wish to do. However, you must understand that your primary duty is to marry as soon as possible in order to produce royal heirs and secure the Fiore dynasty.”

  Her lip quivered as she covered her face with her hands. How could she explain to these men the conflict in her soul? She loved Darian more than anyone, but the idea of marriage was so frightening to her. It meant loving a man on a level so deep that if anything ever happened to him, her life would be over. But wasn’t that how she was already feeling about him? Why was she so fearful of the commitment?

  Darian clenched his jaw. “Her Highness and I will talk about this privately at another time. But now I think that we should return to the castle before the snow gets too deep.”