by Suzanna Lynn
“Father says she is with child,” Isla continued, never removing her eyes from Luana.
“Yes,” Baylin replied. He took a deliberate step, putting himself between Luana and the Princess. “Yes, she is. Master Keon expects she will have the baby by the end of summer.”
Stop talking as though I’m not here. Luana was furious. This woman had intruded on a wonderful morning and now she was standing here judging Luana as though she were some animal.
The Princess walked a few steps closer and reached out to touch Luana’s hair, causing Luana to seize up with tension. Isla laughed. “Let’s hope your son does not inherit certain aspects of her appearance. Can you imagine a boy with this hair? He would more look like an elf than an heir to Grasmere!”
Baylin ran his hand down the back of Luana’s hair gently. The soft motion and warmth of his touch helped to calm her. He looked at Luana lovingly. “Actually, I’m quite fond of her hair.”
Isla looked taken aback but quickly gathered her composure in feigned fondness. “Oh, certainly it is very pretty. Just more suited for a girl.”
To Luana’s shock, Baylin smiled up at the Princess. “Thank you, Isla. Though I assure you a boy is most desired, daughters would be just as loved.”
Luana saw a lightning-quick flash of a sneer cross Isla’s face, but it was replaced with a forced smile. “I’m certain the gods will bless you with many children. Obviously you will have this one with your bed wife.” Princess Isla reached out and took the Prince’s hand. “You must know I pray to the gods every night that it will be a son. I know how much you and the Kingdom hope for a boy. However, certainly your main concern will be producing true heirs with your Queen someday.”
The words cut through Luana like a double-edged sword. His Queen. She knows the King plans to marry Baylin to her. Luana’s heart ached. She looked down at her hands in her lap.
Baylin placed a reassuring hand on Luana’s shoulder as he addressed the Princess. “Right now my only concern is the well-being of Luana and our child.”
“Certainly.” Isla’s gaze fell on Luana, piercing so that her blood ran cold.
Baylin began to walk toward the door. “Isla, perhaps you should go back to your chambers with your family. I will join you all within the hour.”
Never taking her eyes off Luana, Isla hissed, “Well, I suppose.”
Baylin opened the door. “I promise, within the hour.”
Isla finally broke her glare at the bed wife and walked to the door. She stopped in front of Baylin and looked back at Luana. Her face was turned so only Luana could see the slight smirk on it. The Princess tuned to face Baylin with a sickeningly sweet smile. She reached out and touched his face, sliding a finger down his jawline. “Don’t be long. According to Father, we have much to discuss about our futures.”
The Princess leaned toward Baylin and kissed him on the cheek, throwing a knowing glance at Luana. The sight of Isla’s hands on him made Luana clench her fists in her lap so hard that her nails cut into her palms. Luana looked away, unable to handle the scene any longer.
“Goodbye, Isla.” Baylin shut the door behind the Princess as she left. He made his way over to Luana and knelt next to her. Luana was still sitting in her chair at the table with her fists gripped tightly. “Dearest, I am so sorry.”
She wanted to cry, but she was too angry to let the tears fall. “She seems to be very pleased with the arrangements the King has made for the two of you.”
“No,” Baylin protested. “There are no arrangements as far as I’m concerned. It is you I love. I refuse to marry Isla.”
Luana turned her gaze to the growing light out the window. “You cannot say that. As long as your father is King you must do as he commands.”
“I will change his mind,” Baylin said gruffly, standing to his feet.
Luana sat in silence for a few moments. She watched the clouds float in the sky, casting shadows on the land below as they lazily passed by. You can’t win every battle, Baylin. Not even you can fight the King’s will.
He took Luana’s hands and brought her to her feet. “I must go.”
She looked away, too sad to hold Baylin’s gaze. She could only manage to nod without crying.
“I love you.” Baylin leaned in and kissed her lips. He cupped her cheek in his hand. “Please smile for me.”
What do I have to smile about? Luana hated the sadness in his eyes. She forced a small smile.
He smiled in return. “Much better. I will be back soon.”
Baylin turned, leaving the room. At the sound of the door closing behind him, Luana let the grief take her. She fell to the smooth, cold stone floor and let the tears fall down her cheeks.
Chapter Six
Prince Baylin descended the stairway to meet with his guests, the royal family of Mirstone. This is ludicrous. He knew the stress that the arrangement was causing Luana. She is the only wife I have ever wanted. She is the only wife I will ever have.
Baylin had never been one to go against anything his father had commanded or even suggested. The King was a fair and just ruler and had wise counsel in matters both familial and royal. However, this, Baylin could never agree to. Why must I play these games for Father’s sake? I will do anything else he asks, but not this. I must make him see reason.
When Baylin arrived at the guests’ chambers, he could hear Isla laughing through the door. Baylin had to admit he had always found her attractive and pleasant, though he did find her laughter to be somewhat abrasive. None of that matters. My heart is Luana’s alone.
Upon knocking, Baylin was greeted by a handmaid. She led him to the sitting room where the royal family sat, obviously awaiting him due to Isla’s earlier visit.
“Prince Baylin,” Isla called out as he entered the room.
Though Mirstone was the smallest and least lavish of the Kingdoms of Wintervale, the royal family made special efforts to appear as though they were the richest.
King Gideon wore a long crimson red velvet tunic that was trimmed in a rich gold satin. Situated on top of his balding head was a ruby encrusted, gold filigree crown that seemed to exaggerate the two remaining white tufts of hair on either side of his wide forehead.
Queen Fia wore a luxurious gold velvet gown that had a black silk underskirt with crimson embroidery. The skirt was so large that Baylin was unsure how she managed to find her seat when she sat down.
Baylin bowed deeply as he addressed the royal family. “Your Graces. King Gideon and Queen Fia, you honor me with your presence this morning. Princess Isla, you are looking lovely as always.”
Isla let out a giggle at Baylin’s words. He worried she took their meaning much deeper than he intended. In truth, he didn’t want to say them at all, but he had to exercise the proper courtesies on behalf of his father.
The Prince continued, “I do hope you are making yourselves at home as our honored guests. I know Grasmere is far colder than Mirstone this time of year. Is the room warm enough for you?”
King Gideon stepped forward and took a bow, the Queen and the Princess followed suit. “Prince Baylin, it is you who honor us. We are indebted to your hospitality and protection during this trying time.”
“Yes, Baylin,” Isla said, stepping forward and grabbing his hand. “I cannot tell you how thankful I am for coming to our rescue like you have.”
Queen Fia gave the Princess a disapproving look. Isla had never been one to be guarded in her actions and often displayed an air of impropriety. When they were younger, Baylin saw it as one of her charms.
The Princess clung to Baylin’s arm as he addressed King Gideon. “Your Grace, we are doing all we can to rid your Kingdom of the trolls. Our first priority must be to the people of Mirstone.”
“My people!” Isla moaned, not allowing the King time to respond. “Baylin, I worry for them so!”
The Prince guided the distraught young woman to a nearby chair. “Do not worry yourself, Princess. My father, the King, is making arrangements to take back Mirstone.”
Baylin pried Princess Isla’s grip from his arm and crossed the room to sit next to King Gideon. “Your Grace, my purpose in coming this morning was not only so I could check on your comfort. I have been asked by my father, to escort you to war council. He is finalizing plans and we could very well ride within the next week.”
“Ride?” Isla repeated. “Certainly you don’t mean to take part yourself, Baylin.”
“Undoubtedly I do,” he replied. “I am to be King of Grasmere. What kind of King would I be if I sat safely back while my men died protecting the Kingdom?”
King Gideon shifted in his chair and Baylin realized the depth of his words. He should be uncomfortable. He fled with his wife and daughter without any thought of those they left behind.
“But Your Grace,” Queen Fia interrupted, “surely your father would not want you to go into battle. You have yet to provide an heir to the throne. What would happen to Grasmere should you fall without an heir, gods forbid?”
Baylin thought of Luana and the life growing inside her. He could not help but smile. “I have an heir that is well on his way.”
Isla huffed in shock. “An heir? You mean your bed wife’s child? It’s not even born, and it’s not a trueborn. What if it is a girl? Even if it is a boy, you can’t possibly be suggesting that it be allowed to rule.”
Queen Fia grasped her daughter’s arm reproachfully. “Hush.” Isla gritted her teeth together and scowled at her mother.
The Queen turned her gaze to Baylin. “Apologies, Your Grace. I’m certain Isla only meant to point out that, though the news of your child is most welcome, he or she will not be considered a trueborn heir to the throne. The child of a bed wife cannot rule the Kingdom of Grasmere.”
“You’ll find that he can, and he most certainly will when he is of age, should the worst happen.” Baylin rose to his feet. “Though I can assure you I do not plan on falling in battle, so there is little to concern yourselves with.”
Isla wore a look of shock. It was the first time Baylin had ever thought of her as unattractive.
“Well, Prince Baylin,” said King Gideon, standing up in front of him, “let us attend your father presently so we may take back Mirstone.”
Chapter Seven
After months of harsh, icy weather winter afflicted upon Grasmere, the sun finally cut through the clouds and shined over the Kingdom, sunny and warm. It smiled down on the snow-covered land, bringing warmth to drive the chill away at last.
Luana sat alone, staring out the window, absorbing the heat of the sun. Baylin had spent the last week in an endless war council. When they were able to spend time together, he would not speak much about it to Luana, most certainly because he did not want to worry her. But she knew war was upon them. She could not help but be concerned.
She was entering her third month being with child and, when they should be enjoying this time, Baylin was constantly away. Also, it seemed whenever Baylin did manage to steal away from war council, Princess Isla would inevitably show up requesting Baylin’s presence.
As Luana waited, she attempted to read, however thoughts of the Princess kept intruding on her pleasure. She makes me sick. She is exceedingly fake and manipulative. She plays the victim, pretending she’s concerned for the people of Mirstone though she cares nothing for them. What’s worse, Baylin can’t see her for what she truly is.
Luana hated Isla. There was nothing redeeming about her. Yes, Luana was biased. After all, the King wanted Baylin to marry the Princess. However, it was much more than that. Isla was unkind and appeared to enjoy the pain she caused Luana. To add insult to injury, Baylin was forced to play host and give in to the spoiled girl’s every whim.
Luana was tired and had had enough. I am tired of being locked up in my bedchamber and tired of Baylin spending all his time in war council with his father. And most of all, I am tired of Princess Isla.
Thankfully it had been two whole days since Isla had managed to weasel her way into the chamber, and Luana welcomed her absence.
As Luana tried to return her attention to the book, she heard a light knock at the door. Who on earth could that be? Luana, being a bed wife, didn’t receive any guests, and most everyone knew Baylin would be in war council with the King.
Luana’s handmaid, Meg, who had been busy at work cleaning, crossed the room to the door.
Luana heard Meg’s reply to the visitor at the door. “Apologies, Your Grace. His Grace, Prince Baylin, is at war council.”
Luana looked up to see Isla standing in the door staring at her.
Luana felt her body grow warm with a flush of anger. Can she give us no peace? She knew Baylin would not be here.
Isla did not wait to be invited as she barged into the room. “I will wait.”
Meg gave Luana a panicked look. Luana understood it was not the girl’s fault and nodded to dismiss her. With relief, the maid hurried back to the private bath to continue her cleaning and escape Isla’s presence. Luana, however, was not so fortunate. She had never been forced to spend time alone with the Princess. Baylin had always been there as a shield between the two.
Custom dictated that Luana had to bow to Princess Isla, and for Baylin’s sake, she did not want to be disrespectful. She stood and gave the Princess a quick curtsey. “Your Grace.”
“Luana, is it?” the Princess asked with a slight curtsey. “Thank you for allowing me to wait in your chambers for the Prince. Mother is terribly boring.”
Her civility took Luana by surprise. Is she trying to be friendly? Luana felt certain it must be a trick.
Isla sat down on the settee by the hearth and flipped through one of Luana’s books that had been left there. “I’ve never liked books.”
It was a statement, not a question. However, Luana felt obligated to respond. “Indeed, Your Grace?”
“Not in the least,” Isla said, picking up another book and thumbing through it. “They tend to be so boring, and they always smell strange.”
Luana was thankful the Princess’s attention was on the book because she had to stifle a laugh with a forced cough. She’s like a child who wants to be entertained. Luana felt almost sorry for her. Perhaps she’d never had any real friends, growing up a Princess.
Luana picked up her favorite book and held it out to the young woman. “Not all books are boring, Your Grace,” Luana said. “You need only find one that speaks to your heart.”
Isla took the book and turned a few pages. “And does this one speak to your heart? What is it about?”
“It does, Your Grace,” Luana said as she blushed. “It’s a romantic tale about an elf Prince who meets a young woman and they end up falling in love with each other.”
The Princess looked up at Luana, considering her. To Luana’s surprise, Isla had a warm expression on her face. Could I have been wrong? Maybe she’s as threatened by me as I have been of her. We have both been forced into circumstances against our wishes.
“Am I to assume, then, that you enjoy reading?” Isla asked, as she laid the book down and smiled at Luana.
The Princess’s tone was so sweet and kind, it was becoming hard for Luana to hate her. “Yes, Your Grace, very much.”
Isla’s warm expression turned to one of sinister mocking. “Well, there will be plenty of time for that once you’re back in your beloved village, won’t there?”
Luana was dazed by the Princess’s bluntness. It had all been a game to Isla. Like a spoiled child playing a game of make-believe. Just a way to keep her entertained while she passed the time. Luana knew the Princess wanted her gone, but she had never thought her to be so direct. Luana kept silent while she struggled to gather her composure.
Isla stood up and walked across the room to Luana. “What’s the matter, dear? You honestly didn’t believe when I marry Baylin I will allow you to stay.” Isla reached out and cupped Luana’s chin, forcing Luana to look at her. “Or was it that you thought he actually loves you?”
Luana jerked her chin from Isla’s grip, looking away.
“Oh my!” Isla said, throwing her head back with a laugh. “You do think he loves you!”
Luana gritted her teeth together, struggling to contain the anger that boiled inside her as Isla verbally assaulted her.
The Princess’s tone was malicious and deliberate. “You are nothing more than a base-born nobody who Prince Baylin was forced to make a child with.” She smiled coldly. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m certain he enjoyed lying with you; most men do. In the moment, they don’t care who they are with. But rest assured he will never see you as anything more than a slave to have his way with.”
Luana could not contain her anger anymore. “Baylin does love me!”
Luana’s anger only fueled Isla’s malcontent. “You silly little fool. You think because he dotes on you that he loves you? His only concern is that little bastard in your belly. As soon as you push the brat out, he will have no further use for you. Once he has gone to battle for me and rid Mirstone of the troll epidemic, he will take me for his Queen.”
Luana wanted to hit the Princess. She wanted to reach out, wrap her hands around her neck and strangle her. “May you choke on your own words. If only I could be there to see it.”
Princess Isla’s expression changed from pleasure to anger. She swatted Luana across the face with the back of her hand.
“What is this?” Boomed Baylin’s voice as he opened the door to the room. “Isla, why have you struck Luana?”
“Baylin! I mean, Your Grace, I…” The Princess stuttered, trying desperately to make up an excuse. It was obvious she had not been expecting to get caught. She tried to gather her poise as Baylin made his way to Luana’s side.
Baylin looked into Luana’s eyes and stroked her cheek. “Are you okay?”
Luana sighed with relief. Thank the gods. The slap was worth it for Baylin to see the Princess for what she was. She nodded, leaning into him as he took her into his arms and held her.