Love Schemes

by Stacy Charasidis

  He stood beside her, his tall, lithe body taking its place close to hers in a dancer’s stance. Her breath hitched a bit as he placed his arm around her waist and pulled her close, his other hand twined with hers, and he nodded to the minstrel. She could feel the warmth of his body seep into her and she shivered. He wasn’t overly tall, but he did have to look down slightly to catch her eyes.

  “Yes, yes, you’re a hellion. Now let me show you what I know of the turn step,” he said mischievously. “Something jaunty, my good man,” he yelled to Dag, who started to play. He swept her away, around the room, leading her in a wild dance. Seraphina laughed in delight as he pressed her against his lean length and spun her around, lifting her off the floor for a couple of turns. He took a dizzying step and she found herself clutching him, pressed against him with his arms around her.

  God he feels so good, she thought, and when she looked up into his smiling face, she felt herself tingling with longing and a bit of shock. They stared at each other for a heartbeat before he gave an embarrassed cough and stepped away from her.

  Oh no. When on earth had she fallen in love with Doran Silversmith?

  Chapter 17 – Doran

  Doran pressed Seraphina close to him. God, she was so soft and bouncy in all the right places, and he could feel his body reacting to her. Embarrassed in case she should notice, he stepped away from her. “I’m guessing my turn step is not the traditional one?” he asked with a laugh.

  Seraphina was staring at him. Perhaps he had taken too many liberties.

  “I apologize for getting carried away,” he started but she stopped him.

  “That was way more fun than the usual turn step,” she said with a smile.

  Her skin was glowing in the afternoon sun streaming into the grand room. Her hair shone like flame. For the first time Doran didn’t care about propriety. If not for the presence of the minstrel, he would have kissed her.

  He cleared his throat instead. “Perhaps, but I hardly think us careening around the room like drunken sots would make us popular at any ball,” he laughed lightly.

  “Well, it was certainly better than our first lesson,” she teased.

  He had stepped all over her feet and appeared incapable of following a simple instruction. Of course, he had done it on purpose. No one was that clumsy.

  A bit awkwardly, they got serious and Seraphina explained the complex turn step he needed to practice in order to learn the other five formal dances, and they started to practice.

  “How many dances are there?” Doran asked with trepidation. The turn step was not easy to learn, and he’d bumped into Seraphina a couple of times already. Thankfully, she didn’t seem to mind and didn’t seem inclined to smack him like she used to.

  “Oh, about twenty,” she replied and laughed as he blanched. “But don’t worry, after these five you’ll have enough knowledge to get through the wedding ball.” She bit her lip in consternation as she said it. He wasn’t sure she was conscious of doing it, but Doran was becoming more and more convinced that this marriage was not of her choosing. Seraphina had never said anything, being the dutiful daughter, but Faith had hinted as much to him. Why was she doing this if she didn’t want to?

  It also explained her temper tantrum at his arrival. Faith explained that Seraphina had thought her future husband had arrived early, and had freaked out. Doran frowned at the thought of Prince Brody being Seraphina’s husband. The two men had met when they were youngsters. All the princes of the realms knew each other. Brody wasn’t his favorite, although their older brothers were best friends. They didn’t share any of the same interests, and Brody wasn’t the brightest torch in the bunch. More the physical type, Doran classified him as big and dumb, a good fighter, and apparently, a very good lover (he had heard with a bit of jealousy). Since Doran wasn’t the barbarian type, he never found he had much in common with Brody. He imagined Brody putting his hands on Seraphina and didn’t like the image one bit.

  “Hello? Doran, you’ve smashed into me twice! This is a dance not a drunken brawl you know.”

  “What? Oh, sorry, I was just thinking.”

  Seraphina looked at him with empathy and sighed. “Okay, that’s enough for today. You can go back to your den and do whatever den things you like to do.”

  Normally, that would have been a gift, but today he didn’t feel like solitude. He didn’t want to leave Seraphina.

  “Seraphina, would you like to go for a walk? There’s a path through the woods beyond the north field that is absolutely stunning.”

  He watched as she flushed a bit. Was it pleasure? Rage? You never knew with a redhead.

  “Sure, I’d love to,” she said with a pleased smile.

  Doran’s heart did a little twist of pleasure.

  Chapter 18 – Seraphina

  They had walked for about half an hour before they got to the place Doran wanted to show her. She’d been there before with her parents, but had forgotten all about it. It was hard to get a horse through these woods so she rarely explored here. She wasn’t sure, but she suspected the ruins had once been a small castle. The foundation stones were still there, huge white blocks. Whatever it had once been, it had been dismantled by time. Trees ringed the stones and through a break in the trees was a short bank that bordered a narrow flowing stream.

  Doran offered his hand to help Seraphina up onto the stones. The feel of his long, strong fingers clasped with hers sent a shiver through her body. Dismayed at her reaction, she yanked her fingers from his the moment she was steady on her feet. Doran had already turned to stride across the stone floor and didn’t notice. Seraphina sighed with relief.

  “I love this place,” he told her, standing at the furthest edge of the floor. “It would make a wonderful summer cottage, away from the hustle and bustle of castle life.”

  Seraphina joined him and silently agreed. On the west side, past the trees were green rolling hills. A gurgling stream wended its way merrily through the countryside, and for a brief moment, Seraphina could see her and Doran galloping their horses across that field together, laughing. She flushed as she shook the thought aside. She wasn’t going to be marrying Doran. A big dumb barbarian was coming to do that honour.

  He jumped down and held his arms up for her. She took his hand and jumped lightly from her place on the stone. She landed and fell forward. To keep his balance, Doran took a step back and wrapped his arms around her tightly to keep them from falling.

  He stood there for a moment, steadying her. She was pressed against him from chest to toes.

  “You okay?” he mumbled, setting her away from him reluctantly.

  “Fine—” she started to say when she heard the horn.

  Doran looked startled. “What is that?”

  Seraphina looked surprised. “It’s the summoning horn. Someone important has arrived at the castle. We have to go back.”

  They raced back and when they arrived at the castle it was complete pandemonium. Coming in through the kitchen and cutting through the castle, they could see the courtyard was completely filled with horses, animals, and people.

  “What is going on?” Seraphina asked Belle, her old nanny, who was watching the confusion from a safe place near the castle doors.

  “Oh, Seraphina—”

  Faith hurried over, a worried look on her face. “Now Seraphina, I don’t want you to panic.”

  Seraphina’s eyes grew wide. “Panic? Why?” She paled. “Oh God, who’s here?”

  Faith twisted her hands together. “Your betrothed, his Highness Prince Broderick Bertram Bartholomew Larwick, otherwise known as Brody, has arrived, two weeks early.”

  Seraphina gave a small screech of shocked fury before she fainted.

  Chapter 19 – Doran

  “Seraphina!” he cried in alarm as her face drained of blood and her legs gave out. He caught her as she fell, laying her gently on the ground and attempting to revive her.

  “I’ll get cold water and a cloth,” Belle said calmly, heading to the
kitchen. “I’ve done this a thousand times watching this girl lose her temper.”

  They barely heard Belle over the din. Doran was fanning Seraphina with his gloves, and Faith was holding her hand and glancing out the castle doors worriedly.

  “Where’s my bride?” a young man roared jovially from outside.

  “Seraphina, wake up!” Doran shook her shoulders. “Now’s not the time to be a big chicken.”

  “Move aside boy,” Belle said.

  Doran looked up. “What are you—”

  Belle threw a bucket of water in Seraphina’s face.

  Everyone backed away quickly as she spluttered.

  “That’s not cold water and a cloth!” he exclaimed with horror.

  “What the HELL did you do that for?” Seraphina asked him accusingly.

  “I didn’t!” he said, indignantly. Belle had conveniently disappeared.

  “Seraphina!” King yelled from the courtyard, his booming voice echoing through the doors.

  “Let’s go,” Faith said, hauling her up and pushing her outside, wiping her down as she did. Doran followed warily. Would she slap Brody’s steed and cause a scene? He secretly hoped so.

  Prince Brody was sitting on his giant horse. He was a big man, Doran remembered, easily six and a half feet, brawny and wide in the shoulders. Like Doran, he wore his blond hair shoulder length. He was a friendly guy, more often than not wearing a wide grin and laughing at something. The only problem with Brody was that if intelligence was a light, his was almost out.

  Seraphina was looking at the large prince with horror.

  Brody didn’t notice.

  “My lady,” he said, vaulting off his horse and giving her a deep bow. He was wearing armour and it made a loud clashing sound. “I am honoured to finally meet my bride.” He gave Seraphina an appreciative glance before his eyes flicked to Doran. “Doran! My old friend!” he exclaimed, striding forward and enveloping Doran in a bear hug.

  Why did big men like to hug him? He wondered idly. “Urk,” was what came out of his mouth before he could catch his breath. “Nice to see you too, Brody,” he said with a smile. “Welcome! We weren’t expecting you this early. As the castle’s steward, I’ll have to ensure all your rooms are prepared and your guards can be housed.”

  “Thank you, my good man. At Oakmoor it has been raining for weeks and I was so bored I decided to come a few days early.”

  “You’re two weeks early,” Seraphina said bluntly, looking unfriendly.

  King was speaking with an older gentleman, one of Oakmoor Castle’s advisors named Murdock, who had accompanied the prince on his journey.

  Where Brody was big, tall, burly, light haired, and jovial, Murdock was small, thin, and mean looking. He had dark hair, a long pinched face and a sharp nose. He didn’t smile and he looked at everyone with dark, evil eyes. “The prince,” he sneered at the title, “was bored as it rained yesterday afternoon, although it would appear it felt like weeks.” Brody was smiling and nodding, standing proudly with his chin up.

  “Is that a little cape on the back of his armour?” Seraphina whispered to Doran, staring at Brody.

  Doran looked. It was. He nodded and tried not to smile.

  He remembered Murdock from his stay at Oakmoor. The man had been cruel to Brody, and to all the boys who had rotated to that castle for fostering, come to think of it. He was surprised the man still held such a position of power.

  “I regret that we are a few weeks early, but the prince wouldn’t wait.”

  Brody allowed his horse to be led away. “It was so boring at home, and I heard at the village tavern that Doran was here with some very pretty girls. Better to hang out with friends than by yourself, I say. Anyway, all my brothers are out hunting. I wasn’t allowed to go in case I got killed…you know, before the wedding.”

  King smiled at the prince. “You are certainly welcome here, my boy,” he said, clapping Brody on the back. “Let us get you some refreshment while we organize the sleeping arrangements.”

  Doran was already on it. “Ava!” he called. She was standing at the castle doors watching the burly prince with her mouth open. He strode over to her. “Don’t drool,” he said with a grin and pushed her jaw up with his finger.

  “He’s absolutely gorgeous,” she whispered.

  Doran looked at Ava in surprise, and then he frowned. “Perhaps, but he’s Seraphina’s fiancé, not yours, so don’t you dare do anything foolish,” he said sternly.

  “Like proposition him in his room?” she asked slyly, still staring at the prince who was now heading their way.

  “That’s exactly what I mean,” he said, turning brisk. “Are their suites ready? I had asked Millie to prepare them early to avoid any last minute panics.”

  “Yes, I did them yesterday. Everything’s ready, but I’ll personally double check Prince Brody’s room, just to make sure.” She gave Doran a cheeky smile.

  He shook his head and rolled his eyes. That girl had too many hormones.

  Chapter 20 – Seraphina

  Seraphina fumed as she watched Prince Brody laughing and eating, waving his fork around and flinging meat everywhere. Doran was smiling as he listened to one of Brody’s tall tales—she believed this one was about his hunting prowess. Ugh.

  She watched as Doran skillfully evaded the large thumping arm that was heading for his back, again. Brody loved to touch people, and an earlier hearty thump had almost put Doran’s face in his food. Doran had discreetly moved his chair and turned his body, not only so he could see Brody’s enthusiastic arm coming, but so that it would hit his chair instead.

  The difference between the two men was shocking. Brody was big and loud, and used large, expansive gestures to express himself. Doran was lithe, muscular, refined…beautiful, Seraphina thought to herself, staring at Doran from across the table. She knew her life was going to change from this point forward and it upset her. She had just started to enjoy her new routine of lessons in the morning and dancing in the afternoon. She had started to look forward to her time with Doran, even shiver with excitement at seeing him. After that impromptu kiss he’d given her, she’d kissed him another thousand times in her dreams. Now this big, goofy bonehead was going to ruin everything.

  The evening seemed interminable.

  Murdock was sitting beside Brody picking at his food, his face squeezed into his customary sour expression. King sat beside Murdock, pretty much ignoring the man. He was having a feisty conversation with Belle, who was sitting beside him. King stood up and raised his glass. “I’d like to make a toast to our guests!” he said loudly, thumping his knuckles against the table.

  Doran gave her father a small smile and raised his glass with everyone else. She focused on his mouth and remembered what those lips felt like. She wanted to kiss him. His slender fingers held the goblet gracefully. She imagined those hands on her—

  “Seraphina, my dear?” Her father’s eyes were twinkling.

  Doran was looking at her curiously, eyebrows raised.

  Flushing, Seraphina picked up her goblet and raised it like everyone else.

  “To our esteemed and honourable guests. We welcome you to our home. What is mine is yours! May your stay be everything you want it to be!”

  What the hell does that mean? Stupid speech. Seraphina thought a little meanly. After all, it was King’s fault this fiasco was happening at all. Arranged betrothal, hmmph.

  King continued. “I think, with all the youth now residing in the castle, it’s time to have a little fun. Belle has suggested that a gathering and small dance be held this weekend to celebrate Prince Brody’s arrival and welcome him to our fair village.”

  Seraphina glared at Belle, who just shrugged her shoulders.

  Clapping erupted around the table. Ava was clapping the loudest and whistling. Faith was clapping too and laughing with delight. A party! Everyone was excited. King lifted his glass to finish the toast. “Bottoms up!” he roared.

  Brody was smiling ear to ear. He stood up an
d started a speech of his own. After “I’m honoured to be here…” Seraphina tuned out. She watched as Doran listened attentively, even if his eyes appeared a bit glazed. Doran did have impeccable manners.

  She sighed.

  Chapter 21 – Brody

  “At dinner you didn’t pay any attention to your future bride, you big oaf. She spent the evening staring at Silversmith!”

  “Murd, did you see my vintage warrior-knight gauntlets? I can’t find them in my trunk and I know nanny packed them for me.”

  Brody and Murdock were in Brody’s suite of rooms. A large, comfortable sitting room with a plush couch and two chairs was connected through a doorway to a spacious bedroom. Murdock was pacing the sitting room, stopping occasionally to look out the stone window into the starry night. He stopped to watch as Brody, head stuck in his trunk, tossed everything out of it.

  Murdock grit his teeth. “Do you need them now? You are retiring for the night. It’s not time to play games.”

  “Makes me feel better to have them nearby. Ah, here they are!” Pleased, Brody pulled them out and held them. “Oh look, nanny wrote a note…”

  Murdock grabbed the note and crumpled it. “Did you hear anything I’ve said? You need this marriage, Brody! Your prospects stink, otherwise. Do you want to live in your father’s castle at the mercy of your brothers for the rest of your life?”

  Brody didn’t think that was a terrible option, but Murdock scared him, so he said, “No, of course not.”

  “This girl is royal, rich, and beautiful. You could do a lot worse.”

  “I know,” he mumbled, putting his gauntlets on. They made him feel better, especially since Seraphina scared him too.

  “It’s time to grow up,” Murdock hissed. “Tomorrow you start courting the girl. We can’t chance messing this up.” Murdock slammed out of the suite.

  Brody sighed, punching the gauntlets together. It had been a stressful day and he had excess energy to spare. Murdock was so mean. Maybe he should go for a ride. He wished he had someone to wrestle with. A light knock sounded on the door.

  “Come in!” he yelled. “Murdock?”