“I will give it a read.”
“Don’t be angry at Gardwig. We can’t afford to be.”
Richard understood his father. Kings weren’t ordinary humans. They couldn't afford to get revenge, be happy, love, and hate. Although everything was fine in the end, the whole royal family had to go through a lot. Edward sighed heavily.
“You know, I sometimes think that I shouldn't have allowed myself to be loved.”
“But—”
“I love my baby girls. As for the rest, children pay for their parent’s sins. But if the parent doesn’t die on time, he is also forced to pay.”
“Don’t talk like that.”
“I am old, Richard. I haven’t got much time left. You know I would've wanted to pay my own dues.”
Richard shook his head. He didn’t understand what his father meant. Edward looked at his son and thought that he would never reveal the truth to him.
One day, he had allowed himself the liberty of falling in love. He didn’t let Jessie go; he didn’t let her be happy or at least safe with someone else. The result was his daughter, who was consumed by grief. His son almost died because of some stupid wench. He was grateful to Lilian Earton. She was a walking miracle, and the king owed her unto death.
Everything could've been different. My one weakness cost a lot of lives. Imogene, Jyce, Jessie, Edmund, Amalia, her children—they all died because of it.
The crown was a terrible burden. Wearing it demanded the king to commit to terrifying things. Such a life was painful and frightening.
Aldonai, I beg for your understanding, not forgiveness. I forgive myself anyway.
***
In the morning, Richard departed to meet Gardwig. The King of Wellster was already waiting for him. He dismissed his medicus, looked carefully, and nodded at the chair.
“Sit down.”
“Thank you.”
Richard measured his opponent. The king was pale, red-eyed, and evidently tired. On top of it, Richard noticed the special way he had arranged his injured leg.
“How do you feel?”
“I will feel better once I find out what happened,” snapped Gardwig.
It had caused him a lot of trouble to keep everyone silent when Anna didn’t return to the embassy. The rumors had spread fast, and the king had said that she had left to the monastery for prayer. She was accompanied by Edward’s guards.
Gardwig’s wrath was terrifying. The servants didn’t dare to speak about Anna in his presence, and rightly so.
***
“Anna arrived at the palace. The Earl of Earton met her and notified her of the details of the medical procedure,” announced Richard without much emotion. “Having found out why she was brought there, she poisoned the earl and ran away.”
Gardwig angrily swore. He looked at Richard.
“Is the earl alive?”
“He miraculously managed to survive. We still haven't managed to capture her.”
“If I had known about it I would've killed her myself.”
Richard carefully looked at the speaker. Gardwig wasn’t lying. It was clear he really thought that.
“Nobody knew.”
“What are you going to do next?”
The old man’s voice was tired and desperate. He knew that Jerisson was like a brother to Richard. If he were in Edward’s place, he wouldn’t have forgiven him and would have started a war. Being in Ativerna made him feel like a hostage. Aldonai, have mercy on Wellster!
“What is your second daughter’s name?”
Gardwig looked at Richard with mistrust. Before him was not a boy, but a man who was no less tired than he, with sad eyes, a man who nearly lost his best friend and still found the strength to not seek revenge, to not shed blood and drag the country into a well of misfortune.
Gardwig sighed with relief.
“Richard, you and your father,”
“It wasn’t easy for us. I hope that we didn’t make a mistake.”
Gardwig could've said a lot to this, but the words were unnecessary. He simply extended his hand to Richard. It was a gesture of understanding, gratitude, and respect. A lot of things were left unsaid between the two. Gardwig had long ago gotten used to making hard decisions. For Richard, it was only the beginning.
A common idea brought them together. Any proper king was prepared to sacrifice everything for the sake of his people. They both realized that one couldn’t remain on the throne for long if he only took. Both men had to fulfill their royal duty.
Their hands met, and their eyes met. No matter what, Wellster and Ativerna would forever remain neighbors and friends, as long as the kings, their children, and their grandchildren lived, they would remember this testimony.
The moment passed, Gardwig sighed and smiled.
“Your father must be proud of you.”
“I hope so. Let’s discuss the matter.”
“Maria, my second daughter. She is a year and a half younger than Anna. I will write to the regent today and will stay here until she arrives. I will attend the engagement ceremony and give you my blessing. Besides, it would be good for me to get a bit more treatment. As far as I understand, Sir din Dashar won’t go to Wellster.
Richard replied with a smile.
“I suppose he won’t, Your Majesty.”
“Call me Gardwig.”
“I assume, dear Gardwig, that he will not leave his student.”
“Do you think the countess will stay with her husband?”
“If it weren’t for her…”
Gardwig nodded and remembered.
“I’d be happy to have her as my guest in Wellster, together with her teacher.”
“We also need such doctors!” Richard joked.
The main things were already said and taken into account.
“Fine,” Gardwig said with a smile. “I will send my medicuses to them for training. Maybe there will be some use in it.”
“Do you feel better?”
“Not much, but at least Tahir didn’t lie to my face. I cannot stand the doctors who give nothing but promises, but in reality, wish to leave you as soon as possible.” Richard nodded sympathetically. Gardwig looked at the table.
“I cannot offer you wine. Wine isn’t good for me for medical reasons, but I can offer you cold spring water.”
“With pleasure.”
The men clinked cups and drank some water together. Richard was optimistic. He would look at Maria, educate her, and make her fall in love with him. She would have no choice.
As for him, warmth, care, and tenderness were a good substitute for love and passion. Maybe I will learn to love this strange girl? Time will tell.
Gardwig respected Edward. He wished for his son to become like Richard, only he wouldn't see him grow up. He wouldn't last to see his grandchildren. Time would tell.
“What’s the official version?”
“I suggest presenting it as if Anna had suddenly felt the taste for prayers and left to the nunnery.”
“Hmm.”
The explanation wasn’t perfect, but it gave the monarchs a chance to save face. As for the gossip, it was inevitable. Either way, nobody could prove anything. If someone tried to, Altres in Wellster would deal with them. Gardwig suspected that Edward’s secret service was also up and running.
“Let it be so. I will support any version that allows you and me to save face.”
The men exchanged meaningful glances.
“I wish I knew where my beastly daughter was.” Gardwig sighed.
“I don’t,” retorted Richard. “I hope she got what she deserved.”
***
The two men would've been pleased to see Anna at that moment.
After the captain tested her, the woman received the unflattering and unprofitable role of ship whore, although reserved for the captain and his officers. If she behaved well, they would sell her as a concubine into good hands. She had already received some slaps in the face. The men made her understand that the ocean fish were
n’t picky. They took away all her money and jewelry. The only thing she could do was pray to survive until the end of the voyage. She cried, prayed, and pined after Lons. If only she had run away with him, if only she had known.
Anna was going a long way to the Khanganat. Uncertainty loomed ahead of her. As for Aldonai, the aldons claimed he heard all requests, but answered rarely.
***
After his visit to Gardwig, Richard headed to the Ivernean embassy, reported his arrival, and waited to be invited in. He didn’t have to wait long. After about ten minutes, Adrian appeared in the living room.
“Your Highness.”
“Your Highness.”
The princes exchanged bows.
“Wine?”
“Thank you.” Complying with the gesture of welcome, Richard sat down in a chair. He relaxed a little, and after making small talk, gradually got down to business.
“Your Highness, I beg to inform you that we have signed an agreement with Wellster.”
“I suppose that means—”
“Yes. I will have to marry one of Gardwig’s daughters. I offer you my most sincere apologies.”
Adrian shrugged.
“We have expected such a decision. I guess we should congratulate you on a successful marriage?”
Richard smiled. Right now, he felt genuine affection for Bernard’s son. After all, he could've reacted violently.
A young woman flew into the living room. She was tall and good-looking. Richard rated her highly: he noticed her thick, ash-brown hair decorated with flowers and her pink dress made of a light material. He stood and bowed. The lady responded with a curtsey and stole across the room toward her brother. She gave the prince a casual kiss on the cheek.
“Brother, I’m going out for a while.”
“Where?”
“To the same place as yesterday.”
“Make sure you take guards with you.”
“Yes. Miguel is going with me as well.”
“Your H-Highness?”
Richard faltered, for he couldn’t believe his eyes.
Is that LYDIA?
Before him was a gorgeous woman with beautiful hair. She was a bit too thin, but quite fit.
Is this a joke?
Lydia laughed in a familiar, poisonous giggle.
“Your Highness, it’s me. I could never imagine that the change of clothes would produce such an effect on you. Or maybe you couldn’t see beyond the old dress? Anyway, it doesn’t matter. Your Wellster princess is waiting for you, and I can finally enjoy freedom.”
Richard only shook his head. The voice was hers as well as the nasty character.
Lydia. No, thank you. A snake can bolt, but it will never stop biting. Even if she were the most beautiful woman in the world, I would never take her for a wife.
Richard didn’t say this out loud. He complimented Lydia on her looks, kissed her hand, talked to the prince a little longer to agree on the times of departure of the embassy, and left for the palace.
I wonder who could've turned this duckling into a swan! A most curious thing. No matter how much one decorates Lydia with flowers, nothing could make up for her surly disposition. I don’t envy the man who will marry her.
Chapter 7.
Young fruit.
Brother,
I hope everything is well in Wellster. I want to inform you that all our efforts weren't in vain as we finally signed the agreement with Ativerna. I demand an explanation about Anna’s secret marriage. Meanwhile, send Maria to Ativerna. Dress her up and make sure she is still pure. They won't forgive us if we mess up a second time. I will stay here for now.
Thanks to doctor Tahir Djiamin din Dashar, my ulcer is beginning to heal. He promises that the wound won’t open up again. Provided I lead a healthy lifestyle, I could hope to live significantly longer. Send my greetings to Milia and take care of the children.
Gardwig.
Having read the letter, Altres sighed in relief. He had already received a few messages from his agents, but he still felt uneasy. Everything went against his plan. I should've killed that whore and her husband a long time ago. The only reason I didn’t was for the sake of the agreement. The most important thing is that Gardwig is not mad at me and that he doesn’t remain a hostage of the situation. Thank Aldonai for prolonging my brother’s life. Altres would've paid an arm and a leg to keep his brother alive.
He resolved to see Milia. Although he thought Gardwig’s wife a silly goose, she still loved her husband. She was worried about him. She needs to be reassured, lest the milk disappear. Aldonai, have mercy.
He didn’t have to send for Maria. The girl was already in the palace. After Gardwig’s departure, kind-hearted Milia brought her girls to the palace to educate them herself. Maria seemed to be a good girl. She was cheerful, flirtatious and charismatic but didn’t seem to have a weakness for teachers. Altres would have to invite midwives to check her. He winked at his reflection in the glass mirror, which was unusually clear.
Let’s get to work!
***
“Lilian, this is great! Congratulations!”
Lily sighed.
“Thank you, Lydia.”
As it turned out, she and Jerisson weren’t careful enough, and their carelessness bore fruit. Everyone, from the king to the Virmans, wished her the best. Everyone smiled, everyone handled her like she was a crystal vase. Ugh!
The earl had fully recovered and returned to his duties at court. He kept repeating how much he wished to leave for Earton with his wife, but Edward wanted him at the palace. It looked like the countess had to give birth in the capital. Not a big deal, I’m up to my ears with work.
“I looked through your books and calculations and made some corrections. Overall, we are doing well. No larceny, we should meet the estimates and can expect profit from the very first day.”
Lily sighed.
When Lydia came in for a visit, Lily was in the middle of making calculations. She obviously didn’t show Lydia. She left the books on the table and went to instruct the servants about an herbal brew. Lydia opened one of the books and couldn't take her eyes off the numbers. The new method of bookkeeping interested the girl. The apologies quickly turned into explanations and had soon sparked a discussion. Talking to Lydia made it clear that she was a real Dreiserian financier. It would've been a crime not to use her quick brain. Lily was far removed from economics and finance. She took care of accounting out of necessity.
Lily trusted Lydia with the secret information. The methods of production at Mariella were real know-how. As for the profit estimations, there was nothing special about them. On the contrary, they could encourage the princess to open a Mariella Fashion House in Ivernea.
“The embassy is leaving for home soon.”
“I am very sorry to hear that!”
Lily was genuinely upset. The state would have benefited from having an intelligent queen, but Richard had made a different choice. What a pity!
“Me, too. We didn’t have enough time to get to know each other properly.”
“We can write to each other and visit each other.”
“Princesses cannot travel when they please. Besides, the king wouldn't let you come either.”
Lydia sighed.
“In that case, we will simply send each other letters. Let them think what they want.”
Lydia smiled.
“They will read them over.”
“Let them read!”
The princess shook her head. Lilian was intelligent, but sometimes she acted like a small girl.
“I want you to know that I am very grateful to you.”
“What for?”
“For Richard. He came in this morning to break off the engagement agreement and saw me in my new outfit. He didn’t even recognize me! Can you imagine?”
Women and the subject of their gossip never change.
“No!” Lily giggled. “I hope he didn’t fall from his chair.”
“He nearly did! To be honest, I
’m glad he didn’t pick me.”
Lydia didn’t mention the blackmail.
“Why?”
“Although the prince is a worthy husband, and although I am a princess myself, I think we wouldn't have gotten along. He needs a quiet and home-bound life. I like numbers and freedom.”
The women exchanged glances. Both of them could be quite hard to live with. It was hard to find a man who was able to look deeper, past the prickles of irritability and thorns of casual malice. Such heroes were rare. Being a hero wasn’t easy.
For instance, it took Jerisson being poisoned before he appreciated his wife for her true worth. Yet, not every man could survive such an education.
As soon as Lily remembered Jerisson, he came knocking on the door. He walked in and took a bow. Looking at their love, Lydia even got a bit envious. They looked happy together. The earl couldn't take his eyes off his wife. Lily smiled.
“How are you feeling?”
She was genuinely worried about her husband’s health. There was no X-ray or EKG, so there was no way to tell if the poisoning had done any serious damage to his heart, stomach or kidneys. For the first two weeks, Lily didn’t leave her husband’s side. Gradually, he felt better, and soon, was fully recovered. The situation with Anna made him stop trusting women. The only exception was his wife. The rest of them could go to Maldonaya. I’ve had enough of it!
Furthermore, Lily was pregnant. Jess doted on her. It was his child and a brother to Mirrie. I cannot wait!
***
The month passed without any special events. Lily wasn’t required to attend court and could use her status as a pregnant woman in order to get some quiet and privacy. She frequented Taral, the Mariella Fashion House, and the Royal Treasury. Mirrie followed her everywhere. The Earl of Earton would often join them, and the happy family could spend more time together.
He and Lilian weren’t particularly compatible. They had conflicting personalities, education, and views on life. Yet, for the sake of their daughter, they tried to be tolerant toward each other. The fact that they never had any disagreements in bed also helped. Besides, Jerisson was grateful to his wife for saving him and remembered that a pregnant woman was a dangerous, unpredictable, and absurd being. Nevertheless, beauty was a powerful weapon. He forgave Lilian a lot of things. Gradually, he and Lily got used to each other’s ways and learned how to reach a compromise.
The Price of Happiness: A Strong Woman in the Middle Ages (A Medieval Tale Book 5) Page 35