by Suzanna Lynn
The sight of the Princess caused bile to rise in the back of his throat. Baylin flushed red with anger at her intrusion. “Well, you did, unfortunately. This is no place for a Lady of the Court to be. You must return to the castle at once. I will be there shortly to dine with your family.”
Instead of heeding his words, she closed the tent flap behind her and walked toward Baylin. “I’m sorry, my Prince, I merely wanted to see for myself that you were well. I have been so worried for you.”
Baylin took a step back from her. “I assure you I am fine. Now please, return to the castle. It is not right for you to be here, especially with me in this state.”
The whole situation felt wrong. Not only because she had burst in unannounced and saw him naked. He felt a darkness beginning to grow between them. He tried to shake off the feeling as he made efforts to put distance between himself and the Princess. Surely it’s the dream… but what if the dream was the truth, like the elf said. What if this was a warning?
Isla took a few steps, bridging the gap between her and Baylin, and reached a hand out, running it down his chest. “Well, I don’t know about that. I would think that I arrived at a perfect time.”
Baylin grabbed her hand and pushed it from him. “Isla, no!”
“No? What do you mean?” The Princess gave a wounded glare. “We are betrothed. There is nothing wrong with me coming to check on the welfare of my future husband.”
Baylin rolled his eyes. He had no intension of marrying the girl, but he wasn’t going to tell her that right before dining with her parents. His refusal of the betrothal would require his father and King Gideon. It would be imprudent to refuse her so directly. “Please leave. I have affairs to tend to before I join you at the castle.”
Princess Isla shrugged playfully. “I suppose. But you must give me a kiss first.”
Prince Baylin’s eyes grew wide. “A… You want me to… I’m sorry, Isla, but I cannot. It isn’t proper, not with me like this, in here. No, I can’t.”
“It’s just a kiss, Baylin. After all, I did go to a great amount of trouble to come see you. I had to take these ghastly garments from the servant’s quarters.” The Princess gave him a wounded look. “Certainly you don’t mean to be so cold to your future wife. Now give me a kiss and I will forgive your callousness.”
Baylin felt like he had betrayed Luana without even doing the act. He was beginning to see what Luana had tried to warn him about. Princess Isla was manipulative, and he had fallen right into her pit of snakes. Maybe she does have a forked tongue behind her teeth.
Baylin tensed up as anger overtook him. “Isla, go!” His voice was loud and his tone was definite.
Isla shuddered at the sound of his words and wore an expression of fear mixed with rage. “As you wish, Your Grace.” The Princess turned on her heel and stormed out of the tent as she mumbled under her breath.
Chapter Fourteen
When Baylin arrived at the celebration, the festivities had begun without him. The great hall within the castle of Mirstone swelled wall to wall with soldiers and villagers alike. The room felt alive with vibrant color. The Kingdom spared no expense decorating the great hall with roses of vivid red and yellow; the fragrance filled the air with its warm scent. The colors extended into the clustered crowds of guests. Those soldiers from Grasmere donned their sapphire blue tunics, while those who belonged to Mirstone wore crimson. Mingled between were the numerous villagers wearing their best dresses and tunics in shades of muted browns, greens and greys. The sounds of laughter and singing rang through the great hall; the whole room was filled with joy and fellowship.
As the Prince shouldered his way through the crowd, he took in his surroundings. The hall, though far smaller than that of Grasmere’s, had an elegant beauty to it. The long rectangular-shaped room displayed silken crimson banners that flowed in great billowy waves across the ceiling, giving the room a sense of warmth against the cold stone. It was early afternoon and the sun shone through the high windows which lined the walls. However, the King planned for the celebration to go on well into the night, for the room was alight with the flames of thousands of white candles hung from golden chandeliers and lining the tables that had been filled to overflowing capacity with more food than most people could dream to see in a year’s time.
Baylin wound through the people toward the front of the room to meet with the royal family. His chest heaved with deep, deliberate breaths as dread weighed on him at the anticipation of the meeting. Baylin knew what was expected of him next. I am supposed to make arrangements to join the two Kingdoms by marrying Isla. I will not. I risked my life for them. I have saved their Kingdom. They cannot ask this of me. However, the Prince knew it would not be as simple as refusing. Political arrangements would have to be made by his father. First, I must convince Father to allow it. This will be in no way easy.
When the Prince got closer to the front of the room, he could see his uncle, Lord Cadman, had already sat beside Princess Isla, speaking quietly with her. She was giggling and looked perfectly at ease until she spotted Baylin approaching.
He drew near the royal family and gave a bow. “Your Graces.”
“Prince Baylin,” King Gideon said with a friendly smile as he stood and returned the bow. “You honor us with your presence.”
“The honor is mine,” Baylin said, glancing at Princess Isla. He could tell she was still in a mood from their quarrel earlier that morning.
Queen Fia rose from her seat and bowed gracefully. “Prince Baylin, you have restored peace to our Kingdom. How can we ever thank you?”
“No thanks are needed, I assure you,” Baylin said. “It is my duty to the realm to keep the troll hordes in check. Your people are safe, that is thanks enough.”
The Queen smiled affectionately at him. “You will be a great King one day, Your Grace. It will be an honor to call you our son.”
The words hit the Prince like a club to the gut. He fought to keep his composure. He glanced at Isla, who glared at him like a spoiled child nursing the wound of a well-deserved scolding.
Before Baylin could speak, King Gideon gave him an affectionate clap on the shoulder. “I’m afraid you missed the big introduction. I had a whole speech prepared to introduce the Kingdom to their savior! Goodness knows, they all owe you their lives. The least they could do is applaud your presence.”
“I certainly appreciate the gesture,” Baylin said. “But no thanks or applause will be necessary. It is my duty, as the future King of Grasmere, to ensure that all the Kingdoms of Wintervale are safe.”
Queen Fia smiled at the Prince. “You are far too modest, Baylin! You are going to have to get used to being praised and admired. I’m sure my dear Isla will help you with that.”
Baylin nodded politely to the Queen and turned his attention to King Gideon. “Your Grace, I do appreciate you inviting me to the celebration. It is a great sight to behold, and I know my men appreciate the food and rest it brings. However, I must inform you I will be returning to Grasmere at first light.”
“What?” Princess Isla sat up in her seat, her eyes wide with shock. “You can’t! We are to plan the wedding.”
Queen Fia grabbed her daughter’s hand and shot her a disapproving look.
King Gideon gave Baylin an apologetic look. “Forgive my daughter, my Prince. As you know, she has a tendency to speak whatever is on her mind.”
Before Baylin could speak, Lord Cadman stood and interrupted the conversation. “Your Grace, King Gideon, do forgive my nephew. I’m sure his eagerness to return to Grasmere rests in the thoughts of his father’s dwindling health.”
Baylin gritted his teeth. What makes him think he has any right to intercede? I am the future King of Grasmere.
“However,” Cadman continued, “as Prince Baylin will remember, he does have a duty to both Grasmere and Mirstone to move forward with the joining of the two Kingdoms.”
The smile that spread across Cadman’s lips made Baylin’s stomach turn as he remembered th
e nightmare. He had to remind himself, again, it had only been a dream. Or had it? He was starting to believe the elf’s magic had, indeed, worked.
King Gideon nodded in agreement with Lord Cadman. “I understand. I also worry for your Lord Father, the King, Prince Baylin. He has been a longtime friend to me, and I value his life above all others. I assure you we all pray to the gods that his health returns and he will rule for many years to come.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.” Baylin nodded. “I’m sure it would lift his spirits to know you hold him in such high regard. I will most certainly tell him when I—”
“However,” the King interrupted, “Lord Cadman is right. We must get the wedding plans underway.”
Baylin noticed a quick glance between Lord Cadman and Princess Isla. The exchange made him uneasy. His heart raced at the thought. I will not marry her. I must convince Father to undo this betrothal. He searched for the words that would buy him the time he needed to remove himself from the situation. The Prince had never been someone who would lie or deceive, it was not part of his nature. However, this situation required the delicacy of a lie if he was going to return home and dissolve his pending marriage to the Princess. “Your Grace, I understand, and I certainly plan to do as you ask very soon. However, I insist that I must return to Grasmere first. I must see to the condition of my Kingdom as well as that of my father.”
“Boy, you…” Cadman began.
“I am your Prince, Lord Cadman. You will remember your place.” Baylin faced his uncle with a grimace on his lined face. His nostrils flared in anger as his lips parted in a snarl. “I am to be the High King of all the Keld Kingdoms, and my first duty is to the welfare of those Kingdoms.” His words echoed like the roar of a dragon through the great hall. All those within the massive room fell silent as they turned to stare at the confrontation taking place at the royal family table.
His uncle could not hide the expression of shock and embarrassment that covered his face. The Princess looked fearful as she shot a piercing glance at Lord Cadman. King Gideon and Queen Fia, both of whom were visibly shaken by the angry display, tried their best to smile as though nothing was the matter.
The King stood, addressing the room. “This is a celebration! We need more to drink! Bring out more wine and ale for our guests! Eat, drink!” The room erupted in applause and everyone went back to being boisterous and lively.
Baylin turned to the King and bowed his head respectfully. “Apologies, Your Grace. I meant no disrespect.”
The King smiled at Baylin. “Not at all, not at all! It’s understandable.” Gideon then turned and looked at Cadman with a piercing stare that caused him to look down at his lap.
“My Prince,” Queen Fia said with a musical tone. She stood and gracefully walked around the table to where Baylin stood. She placed a delicate hand on his arm and motioned to the table. “Won’t you please sit and dine with us. You have done so much for the Kingdom, you must allow us to celebrate your victory.”
King Gideon chuckled. “Now come, Baylin. How can you refuse my lovely wife when she is so charming? You can see how hard it is for me to deny her the things she wants.”
“Hush,” the Queen said, playfully waving a hand at her husband as she guided Baylin around the table to his seat.
The Prince smiled at the King and Queen’s banter. It reminded him of his own parents. “I suppose a proper dinner would be nice.”
“I reckon so,” said Gideon boisterously. “I’m sure a nice feather bed would hit the spot as well. I had the servants make up a room for you so you can have a proper rest after all your time in camp.”
Baylin only nodded a slight bow of the head at the King. He wanted to argue, but did not wish to upset his hosts by reminding them of his wish to return home. Tonight, once everyone is heavy with drink, I will slip away and return home.
Servants brought course after course of food, all while keeping the wine and ale flowing. Baylin nursed his drink as day turned into night. I must keep a clear head if I wish to slip away quietly. The moonlight shown bright through the high windows, adding a cool cast to the candlelit room. Many of the guests in the room, both townspeople and guards, were beginning to feel the effects from drinking to excess. Now is my chance. I can make it appear the celebration has made me tired.
The Prince stood and addressed the King and Queen. “I do beg your pardon, but I believe I am in need of rest. I appreciate your hospitality and do regret leaving early.”
“Of course,” Gideon replied. “Allow me to have someone show you to your room.”
“Oh… Not at all…” Baylin stumbled over his words. “I will find it. Plus, a walk would do me some good.”
“Nonsense, I insist,” the King said, raising a hand and motioning to a nearby steward. “Please see that Prince Baylin finds his room, and make sure the guards are put on the door as we discussed.”
Baylin’s forehead wrinkled as he raised his eyebrows and tilted his head to one side. “I beg your pardon, Your Grace, but what guards do you speak of?”
“It is nothing, my Prince,” replied Fia, putting a gentle hand on his arm. “We have instructed our guards to stand watch outside your door. A simple precaution to ensure your safety while you are with us.”
Baylin swallowed hard. “I appreciate the gesture, truly. However, you will find my own guards are perfectly capable…”
“Capable of allowing you to leave the Kingdom?” Cadman’s slick voice cut through the air.
Baylin turned and looked at his uncle. “My comings and goings are my own business. Certainly none of yours!”
“They are my business!” shouted the Princess. “We are to be married. You cannot go to Grasmere.”
The Prince took in a deep breath and rolled his eyes. “It is my duty to return to Grasmere while my father is ill. It is not up for debate; I am returning home.” Baylin turned and walked around the table in a huff. He bowed to King Gideon and Queen Fia. “I cannot thank you enough for your hospitality, and I do regret having to depart early.”
Gideon walked around the table and shook Baylin’s hand with a tight grip. “I understand, son, truly I do.”
Baylin sighed, his grip relaxing with relief. “Thank you, Your Grace.”
“However,” the King kept his grip tight on Baylin’s hand, “I’m afraid you will not be going anywhere.”
The Prince searched his eyes. He turned his gaze to Fia then back to the King. “What… I don’t…”
The King, with a smile planted across his face, said through gritted teeth, “Boy, do you think I’m going to let your affections for some commoner bed wife ruin the fate of my Kingdom?”
Baylin failed to hide the shock that shown across his face. He looked at Isla, then Cadman and then to Queen Fia. They were all smiling, as though they were in on a joke he had not been aware of.
King Gideon continued to smile as he whispered ever so quietly, so not to draw the attention of the guests of the celebration. “Yes, I know of your whore and the little brat she carries in her belly. I know of your constant demands to your father to allow you to make her, some riffraff from Open Shaw, the Queen of Grasmere. I even know your dear, sweet mother is not against the idea.”
The young Prince searched the King’s face in disbelief, certain this must be some dream. This man who stands before me cannot be the same man I have known all these years.
“Do you want to know what else I know?” the King continued. “The only thing keeping your little bed wife and your bastard alive is your cooperation. So be a good lad and sit.”
Anger boiled up inside Baylin. How could I have been so blind? They are all snakes, and I have been letting them coil around me from the beginning. Luana saw them for what they were; now my blindness could destroy us both.
Baylin sat down in the chair between Princess Isla and Lord Cadman. He then turned to Cadman. “What could you possibly gain from all this?”
Cadman gave a sly grin. “Baylin, will you never learn? He who controls the
heir controls the Kingdom.”
The words echoed to Baylin as he recalled the dream from that morning. It was not a dream. It was a vision, a warning. I’m meant to protect the Kingdom from my own flesh and blood.
“You do not control me,” Baylin spat.
“Do we not?” Princess Isla interrupted. “Your love for that bed wife is your undoing. Love, Baylin. Love is weakness.”
Baylin glared at Isla. “You mean like the love you professed for me?”
“Oh my goodness, you really believed that?” The Princess threw her head back and laughed. “I must be better than I thought!” She laughed again, joined by her family. “The only thing I love is power, and I will have that in abundance once I’m Queen of Grasmere.”
Cadman leaned in close to Baylin’s ear. “Make yourself comfortable, nephew, you’re going to be with us for quite some time. Unless, of course, you want to see your precious Luana dead, which I can happily arrange.”
The Prince felt like a piece of rope, unraveling and coming loose. Is everything around me a facade? He looked at the smiling faces, the villagers as they danced to the music. The soldiers, laughing and eating as they told stories of the war. Is the whole room filled with people who are against me, or are they as unsuspecting as I have been? His heart pounded in his chest as the panic set in.
He searched the room, praying to the gods for help. Most of his men were in control of their senses. Men of Grasmere were commanded to avoid drinking to excess when outside of the safety of the Kingdom. It was a practice meant to prevent them from being taken unaware while incapacitated. The Prince never dreamed it would be used in a situation like this. He continued searching the room and spotted his loyal friend Ferric standing motionless in the sea of people, with his eyes set on Baylin. He appeared as though he had seen the whole exchange take place. Perhaps he did see it. Maybe there is hope.
Ferric had been Baylin’s friend since they were boys. They had played together, practiced fighting together and, as the Prince’s right hand, they had developed a way of communicating through simple gestures that others might overlook. Of course, this had only been a game they had played as young boys; there was no guarantee Ferric would even recognize the subtle gesture.