The Heart Between Kingdoms

by Mary Dublin

  "It's… it's your father," she stammered.

  They called it the Crimson for the color of the discharge that came from each rattling cough. Daniel had never really understood until today just how apt the name was. By the head of the king's bed, piles of thin rags lay soaked with splotches of deep red. The number of them was so great, it was a wonder the king had any blood left in his body.

  Daniel stared, riveted at the awful sight of the pallid, wafer-thin old man nearly invisible under layers of blankets. Esmae wriggle her fingers in Daniel's grasp, and he realized with a start he had been squeezing her too tightly. It was with some difficulty that he pulled away from her to near the small crowd of healers, herbalists, and priests that clustered in the bedchambers.

  "Your Highness," Ellis, the lead healer of the castle, gave him a deep bow as he neared.

  "He's getting worse?" Daniel breathed, unable to find it in his heart for any sort of pleasantries.

  Ellis stole a mournful look at the old man. "Much worse, I'm afraid. His body is defeated. I can't see him making it through the next week."

  "Who are you bringing me now?" The king had caught sight of them, croaking with what little authority he had left. "I told… told you I didn't want to see anyone else!"

  "I-it's Prince Daniel, my king," the healer murmured. "Your son."

  Daniel made his way to the front and took a seat on the side of the bed. The king stared up at him for a moment, tired blue eyes looking strained as they thought this over. The hesitation in his father's face made Daniel want to weep on the spot. The Crimson had taken more than his father's physical strength.

  "Yes, yes. My Daniel," the king muttered. "My Daniel…"

  A weak smile twitched on Daniel's lips. "You haven't eaten," he noticed. "You've got to try and keep your strength up, haven't you?"

  The king made of noise of disgust. "It all tastes like sand to me."

  "Sand, but you need it," Daniel insisted gently.

  "Oh, spare me. What difference does it make what I need at this point?" The king shut his eyes and drew in a slow, painful breath. "We both know my time is up, my boy."

  Daniel shook his head, cold fear etching its way up his spine as he rested his hand atop his father's. "Not yet. Don't say that. You're still here."

  For a moment, there was a firmer consciousness in the king's eyes.

  "You need to be ready," he urged. "Nothing can truly prepare one for the throne, but I know you can do it. You need… you need to be ready. Remember what I've taught you. Know who you can trust, and who to keep at arm's length. And find a worthy wife to rule by your side."

  The hairs on the back of Daniel's neck prickled. "Esmae," he told his father carefully. "I've already chosen who I'm going to marry. Esmae. You remember her, don't you?"

  The king's eyes clouded with confusion. "Esmae?"

  Daniel turned and beckoned to Esmae across the room. Perhaps his father only needed to see her to refresh his memory. But Esmae couldn't seem to bring herself to move. One of the healers put a gentle hand on her shoulder and guided her to the bedside. She threaded her fingers in front of her midsection, eyes wet, and offered a kind smile.

  "Your Majesty—"

  "The conwoman!" the king rasped.

  Esmae flinched as though she had been slapped. "W-what?"

  Expression flooding with anger, the king turned his unfocused gaze to Daniel. "You foolishly allowed her to ensnare you once more?"

  "Father, she's not—"

  "She lies!" The king's breath shuddered, and his words gradually became less intelligible, though they lost not of their fury. "Get rid of her before she makes off with what she can and leaves you with nothing but a broken heart!" He turned his head and rattled out a cough into a rag clutched weakly by the hand Daniel wasn't holding. In an instant, the cloth was red.

  Daniel gasped. "Father!"

  The healers surrounded immediately, a couple of them swiftly escorting Daniel from his seat to make room. There were murmured assurances that they would do what they could to make his father stable, but Daniel didn't have it in him to respond. He leaned against the wall to steady himself, clenching his jaw.

  It was then that he realized Esmae was nowhere to be seen.

  Esmae watched the ripples trail across the clear stretch of water. The small, smooth waves rocked the lily pads and flower buds that bobbed along the surface. The polished stones nested at the bottom gave the reflecting pool a periwinkle hue. It was unnatural and distinctively human-made, but she found it comforting all the same. Her jeweled leather shoes lay discarded on the grass, allowing her bare feet to brush across the stones.

  It never ceased to baffle her that so few people visited the gardens without a dinner party or ball to encourage them. As of late, she had become less resentful of the emptiness. Less frequenters to the palace gardens meant a safe refuge she could come to and ensure she wouldn't be disturbed—particularly that prestigious decorator that enjoyed looking down her nose at Esmae.

  She was safe from nearly everyone here, except Daniel.

  Sure enough, it was only a matter of minutes before she heard the familiar cadence of his steps tromping through the low grass. She turned to see him emerge from a maze of rose bushes, scanning the statues and pools briefly before spotting her. She said nothing as he took a seat beside her on the ledge of the largest pool. And as she moved to lean her head on his shoulder, neither did he.

  "Before, when I was… well, you know," she said in a soft voice. "I used to be able to hide in flowers like these when I didn't want to be found. I would just curl up inside, wrap the petals around me and just… drift."

  She watched a gossamer flower drift further across the rippling periwinkle. To a flower that size, that small part of the gardens was its entire world.

  "He didn't know what he was saying, Esmae."

  "But he did," she whispered.

  "How can you know that?" His tone wasn't harsh or biting. Only soft, despondent.

  "The healers and the priests will write it off as madness, but it's the opposite. Perhaps it was only for a moment, but he… remembered. He remembered me as he first knew me. I upset him."

  She felt Daniel's head shake. "That's not possible. How can he remember that, but not… not even recognize me when I entered?"

  His voice grew tighter, clawing at Esmae's heart. She shouldn't have run off. Shouldn't have left him to seek her. As fond as she had grown of the king of Mirrel, he was Daniel's father, and she couldn't begin to imagine what he was going through.

  "I can't say for sure," she answered, keeping her words steadier for his sake. "But the sickness seemed to have tampered with the glamour that erased his first memories of me. I can only hope it was temporary." She shuddered and squeezed her eyes shut, unable to bear the thought of the king holding onto his hateful memories of her in the end.

  Seeking Daniel's hand, she looped their fingers together and rested her other hand on the back of his.

  "I'm sorry," she murmured. "I'm so sorry."

  He let out a slow, shuddering sigh and shifted to lean his head atop hers. His pulse hammered wildly against her palm, and she could only imagine the strength it required to hold his composure.

  "Ellis said he won't make it through the week," Daniel said. He paused heavily, voice wavering. "I don't know how much time I've got left with him before he's gone and I…"

  Feeling him shudder, Esmae raised her head sharply. Daniel faced her with a clenched jaw and misty eyes.

  "I don't want to ride to Anglian Estate tomorrow," he confessed. "I don't think I can, Es."

  She squeezed his hand, wanting nothing more than to tell him not to go. To stay with his father and let Lord Anglian deal with being stood up. But she couldn't do that.

  "You have to," she said softly. "The Anglians have made it clear what their idea of weakness is. We can't afford it to let them think that of you. They would take a canceled audience as a personal offense."

  The pain etching itself into his fac
e almost made her take the words back, but he spoke before she could. "I thought there would be more time. I'll never forgive myself if he's gone when we come back."

  Esmae forced herself to hold firm. "When he's gone, there will be little time for you to deal with affairs like delivering trade agreements in person. It has to be now or never. Your father is one of the strongest people I've met, Daniel. If Ellis says a week, then it means a week, if not more."

  When he didn't answer, she cupped the side of his face and gently traced down one side of his jawline, urging his eyes to not become distant.

  "I'll stay," she decided reluctantly. "One of us should. And you shouldn't have to stay overnight at Anglian Estate. Have your meeting and come back. A shortened stay is better than none at all."

  As the prince gazed deeply into her eyes, the corners of his mouth lifted in a tremulous smile.

  "You're right," he sighed. "Of course you're right. Father would have wanted it. Mirrel won't stop on my account." He kissed her cheek, the scruff on his jaw tickling her. "Anglian was close to my father," he added thoughtfully. "He should understand my rush."

  Esmae nodded dutifully. There were too many important lords and ladies for her to keep track of, but the Anglian name was mentioned often enough that she knew it to be an important one. It would serve him well to have peace with that family.

  "Come on," she murmured. "I'll help you get ready."

  Gently pulling her hand from his, she slid her feet out of the water one by one. She pulled up the teal folds of her gown as she twisted around to slip on her shoes. As she fastened the jeweled straps around her ankles, she gave her fiancé a curious look.

  "You're not going to let those lords convince you to grow a full beard, are you?"

  Daniel touched his face. "You don't like it?"

  She shook her head, reaching to drag her fingers through the dark scruff. "This suits you. I just want to know how bristly my kisses will become."

  Daniel chuckled deeply, leaning in to plant one on her then and there.

  "Only a little," he promised.

  Their lips met, and he caressed the side of her face, eliciting a pleasant sigh when she paused for a breath. His fingers slid along her cheek and tucked a long lock of her dark hair behind her ear.

  It wasn't the first time in her months with him that she prayed she would never get too used to his kisses.

  "I suppose I can handle that," she said with a chuckle.

  Even when their faces pulled away, they remained close enough for her to throw her arms around his neck. Her eyes slid shut as he wound her into his own embrace, squeezing her gently. His breathing hitched, causing a lump to form in Esmae's throat. Her magic may have been long gone, but in that moment, she willed her strength to lend itself to him.

  When they released each other, Daniel wore a weary but grateful smile. He stood, offering his hand to help Esmae to her feet.

  She relished his smile, knowing it would become rare once the inevitable came around.

  Chapter

  Two

  Dawn shattered the night sky with streaks of gold and brilliant pink. A dozen men were already dressed in half-armor and saddled outside the gates of the palace in two straight lines of six. The yard was still busy with activity, servants filling the knights' saddlebags with canteens of drinking water and food for the ride. It was over half a day's journey east to the estate, and Daniel knew better than most that riding with hungry men was hardly better than riding alone.

  Daniel heard all this from the distance of the stables. The first bit of sunlight warmed him right through his long coat, making it seem for a moment a little less like autumn. It was as though the world grew colder each day his father weakened.

  "You're never bothered about anything, are you?" he muttered as he clipped Amos' gilded bridle under his jaw.

  The horse flicked its ears. Its black eyes moved from Daniel to a sudden spot over his shoulder.

  "You were going to leave without me?"

  Daniel turned sharply, heart hammering in his chest from the inexplicable voice. Brennan hovered in midair, level to his face. His arms were crossed, his expression guarded.

  "Brennan, you have to stop sneaking up on me," Daniel said, shooting him a mild glare. He tried never to look cross with any of the Evrosea fairies, worried that a single scowl could frighten them away. But Brennan was more resilient than most. And persistent.

  Brennan smirked. "It's not my fault you're too thick-headed to see me coming."

  Shrugging, Daniel returned to attaching the bridle in its proper place. With a few clicks of metal and leather, Amos was outfitted for the trip. He gathered the reins in his hand. "I wasn't sure you still wanted to come. Esmae's staying behind, you know."

  "Yes, I know. Esmae and I have already spoken." He raised his eyebrows. "Does that mean my invitation is revoked?"

  "Of course not," Daniel said, taking the extra precaution to glance down the stretch of the stables to ensure no one was coming. "The difference is this journey is going to be a great deal more rushed than I thought before. I can't imagine you'll be very comfortable. I figured with Esmae coming along and staying overnight, it would be easier to get by without you having to hide as much."

  The hesitation on Brennan's face was plain, and Daniel took it as an answer. He gave the fairy a half-smile and tugged the reins gently to urge Amos to follow. "It's alright. I understand—"

  "No! Wait, wait." In the blink of an eye, Brennan was in front of him again.

  Amos snorted restlessly, not pleased with the sudden stop.

  Brennan gave the horse a flat look. "Sorry, am I making you late for something?" He stared at the horse for a second longer than necessary, as if expecting an answer, before turning back to Daniel. "I still want to go."

  "Are you sure?" Daniel asked with a perplexed frown.

  "Yes, I'm sure. I'd like to hear what Anglian has to say about the trade agreement. Besides—" Brennan gestured around himself grandly. "Have you seen how early it is? I flew all the way out here at this hour. Of course I'm not backing out!"

  Daniel felt a smile tugging at his lips. Brennan knew as well as anyone that Esmae would more than happily spend the better part of a morning finding the exactly perfect cushion in all the palace for her old friend to rest on. Yet, he still chose to ride with him, in the confinement of a cloak no less. It was an odd sort of flattery, but flattery nonetheless.

  He unfastened the iron clasp of his cloak and held it open. "You're a man of your word, Brennan. I'm glad to have you."

  To his mild surprise, Brennan's face lit up at the sight of the waiting pocket. With no complaints, he glided down and pried at the silk flap.

  "Finally," the fairy was muttering to himself. "It's freezing out here."

  A chuckle escaped Daniel as he released Amos' reins to give Brennan a hand with holding the pocket open.

  Brennan shot his amusement a narrowed-eyed look. "What?"

  "Nothing." Daniel hesitated, glancing away. "It's just strange to think you're alright with pockets. Esmae was beside herself with fear of being trapped when she was… you know."

  Brennan hummed thoughtfully. "I like to think of it less as being trapped and more as being given an excuse to sleep the rest of the day."

  With that, he dropped down into the pocket and disappeared from sight. Daniel had to focus to feel Brennan's weight settle at the bottom. At the back of his mind, Daniel heard Esmae's small, frantic voice ask if he was sure she wouldn't be forgotten while hiding in his pocket. To that day, Daniel couldn't help but be amused by such an impossible notion.

  There was no frantic thrashing; only a slight shift as Brennan made himself comfortable. Taking it as confirmation that he wasn't going to change his mind, Daniel fastened the clasp of his cloak and took the reins again.

  "I'll let you out the first chance I get," Daniel promised. Brennan's acknowledgement came in the form of a tiny thump on his chest through the cloak.

  Leading Amos to the palace gates
, Daniel spotted Esmae immediately. She milled amongst the knights, patting some of the horses' necks as she passed. There was a distant sort of look on her face—one that told him she wasn't looking forward to Daniel's departure any more than he was. When she caught sight of him, she straightened immediately and put on a smile.

  "Brennan?" she asked under her breath once she was close enough.

  Daniel nodded. "With me."

  Her smile became a little more genuine. "Are you ready?"

  "Almost," he said, taking her by the hand. "There's one last thing. I'm leaving Sir Logan to watch over you."

  "Watch over me?" She laughed uneasily. "You'll only be gone for a day."

  He shook his head. "With my father's health where it's at, I don't want to take any chances. You never know what could happen. I just want to know that you're safe."

  Esmae's reluctance wasn't easily concealed, but she didn't argue. "I suppose."

  Servants materialized from the crowd to take Amos from Daniel's possession and finish preparing him for the journey. They would lead him to the front and ensure he was fed and watered and his saddlebags full. With the horse out of his grasp, he set a hand on Esmae's back and guided her through the crowd.

  He didn't have to look long before he spotted Sir Logan. The ginger knight towered over his counterparts in the royal guard, even from where he was leaned up against the pigs' pen. With his helmet on, he was nearly seven feet tall. Feeling Esmae huddle a little closer to his side as they cut towards him, Daniel wondered if it wasn't a stroke of luck that Sir Logan was only donning half armor today.

  "My friend," Daniel called.

  Logan been eating a pear with thirsty bites, but when he saw the prince approaching he hastily stuffed the entire thing into his trouser pocket.

  "Yer Highness," he said, wiping his mouth as he bowed. He smiled at Esmae next. "My lady. I'm at yer service."

  Daniel nodded, fixing the knight with a stern implore. "Anything she needs. Whatever it takes to keep her safe, you understand?"