“A present from my future bride,” Sigefroi declared smugly.
“Ahhh!” Apparently, Gunter was having a grand time. “And what present will you give her before the ceremony? A bride bringing such a dowry deserves an extravagant gift.”
“By St Peter’s balls!” Sigefroi felt a stab of shame. Caught in the suddenness of the events, he’d forgotten the most elementary rules of nobility.
“Don’t tell me you forgot!” Gunter roared.
“Aye,” Sigefroi admitted sheepishly. “I’ll think of something...”
“You had better, because the emperor will hear about everything that transpires at your wedding, and he might take offense and forget that you are his favorite knight if you ignore basic etiquette.”
Damn Otto and his many rules. He would certainly take umbrage at such a faux pas from one of his generals.
The dogs sniffed the underbrush, tails wagging as if they found some game. Sigefroi signaled his friends. As one, he and Gunter reached for their crossbows, while Thierry swiftly loaded a sling and whirled it overhead.
In a sudden drumming of wings, a flock of partridge took flight, startling the horses.
* * *
By sunset, Melusine was a shivering mess. Wet strands of hair clung to her face and drenched the back of her dress. While she enjoyed frigid waters in serpent form, as a woman she preferred warmth.
Although she marveled at how easily she had tricked everyone so far, she couldn’t play this dangerous hiding game every single month. Beside depleting her energy, casual magic often led to inadvertent discovery. And discovery of Fae powers would mean death. Mortals usually destroyed what they feared or did not understand.
As she climbed up the cliff trail under her concealing glamour, Melusine realized she would need a safer escape route.
She didn’t remember seeing water carried up from the river. The stronghold must have its own well. Perhaps she could carve stairs down the shaft as a shortcut to the bottom, then excavate a horizontal tunnel from the shaft to the Alzette River. It would take a great deal of Fae powers to accomplish, but then she could reach the river and return to the fort unseen. The plan sounded practical enough.
In the twilight, under a glamour of invisibility, Melusine re-entered the fort before they closed the gate. Once inside the villa, she slipped past the guard, distracting his attention to some noisy sparrow nesting in the rafters while she opened the bedchamber door. As she closed it behind her, she willed it not to creak.
The dark room stood empty. Leaning against the heavy tapestry, she listened for a few moments then let out a sigh of relief. Safe!
The fire had died. She should have some embers brought in from the kitchen fire, but calling servants in her disheveled state would raise too many questions. Better to rely on herself, as she’d always done before.
Using kindling and logs that lay beside the hearth, Melusine built a fire then struck the flint with trembling fingers. When sparks flew on tinder, she cupped her hands and gently blew. A vivid thought on her part, and bright flames flared up. Soon, the crackling blaze generated a welcome heat. With a firebrand, Melusine lit several candles that bathed the chamber in a pleasant glow.
After slipping out of her wet garment, she donned a simple gown of undyed wool, loosely woven for softness and warmth. At the waist, she cinched a wide leather belt, the ends of which fell low on the front. The soft fabric clung to her curves. She hoped Sigefroi would find the dress attractive.
She checked the effect in her hand mirror, a small oval of polished silver. The light, natural shade of raw wool enhanced her creamy complexion. She pushed back plastered hair from her high forehead, revealing wide eyes of the deepest river gray. Her nose was rather small, compared to the women of the area, but Melusine liked it just so.
Turning the mass of her hair toward the fire, she sat by the hearth to brush out the tangles. She let the heat lift off the moisture and dry the long strands to a lustrous sheen. While she enjoyed the familiar ritual, the fresh scent of the river spread throughout the chamber, mixing with the smoky smell of the fire.
She was almost finished when heavy footsteps rang in the hallway outside the door. Sigefroi! Melusine stopped the brush in mid motion.
By the sound of his steps and the angry edge in his voice as he spoke to the guard, Sigefroi seemed in a foul mood. Melusine hoped the guard wouldn’t get in trouble on her account.
The door swung wide then slammed back shut, almost extinguishing the wildly flickering candles. The flames in the hearth leapt and the blaze popped under the sudden draft. Sigefroi took a few steps into the room then stopped, taking in the scene.
Melusine finished brushing her hair, then pushed back her thick tresses and faced him, but she did not rise.
Confusion flickered on Sigefroi’s face, but only for an instant. He came forth, holding crossbow and quiver in one hand, a spear in the other. He looked as formidable in the firelight as Achilles before the walls of Troy. Melusine cringed at the intrusion of the faraway memory.
“I knew it was you!” Sigefroi’s voice rumbled like a brewing storm. “I saw light through the cracks in the shutters.”
“Aye, my lord.” Melusine rose, bracing herself to meet his wrath. “I said I’d be back after sunset. I always keep my word.”
“Hellfire and damnation!” Marching to an open chest, Sigefroi threw his hunting gear inside in a clatter, slammed down the lid then faced her again. “Is it not enough to make me swear ludicrous oaths?” He glared at her like a lion with amber eyes. “I won’t have you corrupting my guards! How did you get the simpleton to lie to me? Did you give him gold? Promise him special favors?”
Stunned, Melusine couldn’t think of a benign answer that wouldn’t betray her Fae powers.
“Speak, wench!” he boomed.
Despite the tremor that shook her, Melusine managed a cool smile. “I didn’t do anything of the sort, my lord. Your guard is loyal. He couldn’t possibly have seen me leave or enter through this door.”
Crossing both arms on the leather jerkin, Sigefroi planted his feet apart and glared at her. “Nay? Don’t you lie to me, wench! How else could you get out and back in? The shutters were locked!” His gaze followed the clay conduit that led the smoke through the tiled roof then he gazed at her dubiously. “I don’t like to look like a fool in front of my men! Where, or with whom did you spend the night and the entire day?”
With a calm she didn’t feel, Melusine returned the brush and mirror to a stool beside the hearth. “My lord, you promised not to inquire, remember?” She glanced at Caliburn hanging on Sigefroi’s hip. “Unless, of course, you wish to relinquish the sword.”
Anger and uncertainty battled across Sigefroi’s stern face.
Melusine kept her tone even. “Good. Then we have an understanding.”
Sigefroi dropped onto the bed, took his head in both hands then rubbed his stubbly jaw. It sounded like parchment under his fingers. “Can you tell me why a woman of your standing, who enjoys the best the world has to offer, needs such unreasonable freedom? I don’t like it. It’s unnatural!”
“Truly?” Shocked at his unfairness, Melusine repressed a smarting retort. “My lord, you go wherever you please, anytime you chose. Like all noblemen, you take your freedom as a given, don’t you?”
“Aye. And anyone would be ill advised to contest me that right!”
“Then how can you blame me for wanting to enjoy the very same thing, only once a month? Is it asking too much?”
“It goes against decency!” Sigefroi rose from the bed and paced in front of it, one hand wrapped around Caliburn’s hilt. “Even I defer to my brother the Duke! And to the Emperor!” His expression softened. “I do understand the need... but why the secrecy? Why not tell me where you go and what you do?”
“It would be a restriction of my freedom, my lord.” Melusine drew confidence from his wavering. “But that’s not my point. I thought we had an agreement.”
“Aye, we do.” Their g
aze met. The scowl upon his brow wrinkled into a frown and his mouth opened, but he only shook his head then threw up his arms in surrender. All hostility faded from Sigefroi’s face.
Melusine rejoiced at her victory “Then let us both honor our word and never mention this again. Agreed?”
She offered a slow, seductive smile. Sigefroi’s eyes roamed over her shapely body, and Melusine congratulated herself for the choice of the gown.
His gaze fixed on her face. “How is it that, when I am with you, my anger always vanishes?”
“Perhaps, for the same reason I can’t look at you without remembering the feel of your hands on my skin,” Melusine said huskily, steering his mind along a safer path.
Sigefroi reached for her and pulled her close. “Woman, you drive me wild with lust.”
Melusine weakened into his unyielding embrace. His piercing amber eyes gazed into her soul. When he stared at her lips, she parted them slightly in invitation. Sigefroi smelled of the forest, smoke, and leather. Gently at first, he took her mouth, then his demanding kiss stole her breath. Suddenly, he broke all physical contact, leaving her wanting.
Sigefroi’s smug grin infuriated Melusine, but two could play that game. A delicious aroma drifted from the kitchen.
“Will you take me to the hall for supper, my lord? I’m famished,” she said lightly, as if his kiss had not affected her.
His smile faded away. “Aye, but I will satisfy my need of you later. Make no mistake about it. And this time I won’t let you out of my sight.”
Melusine took his offered arm, reveling in his uncommon strength. “I promise not to escape, my lord. This night will be ours to enjoy.”
Chapter Seven
Since Sigefroi had left the bedchamber at cockcrow to brief the guards about the arriving wedding guests, Melusine had some private time before the servants brought her bath. In the absence of a divining basin, she had to improvise. After pouring fresh water in the wash basin of the bedchamber, she lit a row of candles around it.
In the chilly down, she tightened the green woolen shawl about her shoulders.
Bending over the basin, Melusine called softly, “Palatina?”
The water rippled. “Melusine? Is that you? Where are you?” The young face in the basin looked like Melusine’s own reflection. Same creamy skin and wide gray eyes. The girl, however, wore white silk and kept her darker hair in a tight bun, which made her look older.
Melusine’s heart leapt with joy at the sight of her triplet sister. “Palatina! Finally. I’m so glad you answered. Are you well?”
“As well as one can fare while condemned to remain secluded under a mountain, away from worldly pleasures.” Bitterness hardened Palatina’s clear voice.
“I’m so sorry, sister.” Melusine swallowed hard on a clenched throat. “I never meant for you and Meliora to pay for my mistake.”
“It took me a long time to forgive you...” Palatina’s eyes clouded over. “But I realized no good would come from blaming you. Still, my cave is a very lonely place.”
Tears rolled down Melusine’s cheeks at the thought of the harm she had caused. “I’ve often felt lonely, too.”
Palatina offered a half smile. “Only one significant mortal dared visit me in fourteen decades, an adviser to the king of Aragon. He never returned, though. Since the man was already old, he must be long dead by now.”
Remorse stabbed Melusine’s chest. “I feel terrible.”
Palatina shrugged. “I have my books, of course. A few shepherds know of my existence and provide me with food, medicinal herbs, and books from a nearby monastery. They call me the hermit. Once in a while they bring me a child or an animal in need of healing. But what good is all my knowledge if I can’t share it with the rest of the world? I miss the sky, the colors, the beauty... I can run in the wind through a water basin.”
Melusine swallowed a lump of guilt. At least, she was free to roam. “How can I ever atone for embroiling you into this? I was misguided to seek revenge against our father. I now understand human weakness. Love can alter anyone’s judgment.”
“You revised your opinion of mortals?” Palatina sounded intrigued.
“Aye. Manipulated by his heir, blinded by love, our father never meant to betray our mother and bring about her curse. I should have consulted Aunt Morgane before making such drastic decisions.” Melusine wiped away a tear. “After we locked him into the Crystal Cave, our father must have died of solitude and despair. But he was only a victim, not the monster we believed him to be.”
Palatina nodded. “I, too, changed my mind about our father, but only because I understand how he must have felt... just like me in my cave. At least, I know one day I’ll walk out of here, still young enough to enjoy life. All he had to look forward to was a slow and lonely death.”
The same sad images haunted Melusine’s nightmares. “All because of me. I deserve my serpent curse.”
“It was not your fault alone, sister. Meliora and I went along willingly. It’s only fair we all paid for the deed.”
“Still... it was my idea.” Melusine trembled under the burden of her guilty conscience but took hold of herself. “How is Meliora? She still ignores my summons. It’s not like her to hold a grudge for so long!”
“I fear her punishment is the harshest for her sensitive soul. Being forbidden to love or be loved must be the worst torment. She pours her affection onto an enchanted hawk and leads a reclusive life in her castle on Mount Ararat.”
“I’m glad you two still talk.”
Palatina smiled as if to some private thought. “She developed a taste for honeyed sweets and looks rather plump these days. It becomes her. But she never let go of the rage that kept her alive all these years. Better hatred and resentment than no feelings at all, she once told me.”
Melusine couldn’t control the sobs shaking her. So many lives ruined by her foolish desire to avenge her mother. “Poor Meliora. I wish I could comfort her.”
“Her wounds will take a long time to heal, if they ever do.” Palatina straightened and set her even gaze upon Melusine. “Enough sad stories. Why did you summon me, sister? You sounded almost joyous.”
Wiping her eyes, Melusine managed a smile. “I’m getting married today!”
Palatina’s face glowed with genuine joy. “Married? I can’t believe it! What happened to the cynical girl who deemed mortal men unworthy?”
Melusine chuckled. “I guess I grew wiser.”
Dimples punctuated her sister’s smile. “How wonderful! Do you love the man?”
“Aye.” Melusine suddenly realized it was true. “Although I seduced him solely to obey the Goddess, I think I do love him. He makes me feel all warm and soft inside.”
Palatina’s face turned ashen. “What about your curse? Does he know?”
“Nay. He’s a Christian. He can never know I’m Fae. If I can keep it a secret until his death, the Goddess will lift my curse.”
Palatina’s features froze, her eyes wide in surprise. “The Goddess can do that?”
“Aye, the Goddess can do anything.”
“I wish you luck. Should I tell Meliora? I can only imagine her despair. She’ll be upset and resent you even more if the Great One lifts your curse. All she wants is a man to love and children to nurture, and her curse forbids it.”
Melusine shook her head slowly. “I shall not add to her distress.”
“Then let it be our secret. But you will tell me everything. I miss the world so much. Who is your betrothed and how did you seduce him?”
“Well...” Melusine searched for words.
Ignoring her attempt to answer, Palatina went on with her usual volubility. “And you’ll have to tell me which nobles will attend the banquet. Will there be jugglers, storytellers, dancing? I don’t want to miss any of it. I’ll be watching through the divining basin. How I envy you!”
Melusine laughed good-heartedly. “You haven’t changed a bit, Palatina. All right. I’ll tell you everything... But promise to ke
ep me informed about Meliora.”
“Aye. Don’t worry, I’m not angry at you anymore. I miss you so much.”
“I miss you, too, Palatina. I really do.”
* * *
The blast of trumpets startled Melusine. Her fingertip caught on the opal broach she was pinning to her soft yellow gown. “Ouch!”
She berated herself for being so nervous and sucked the tiny drop of blood while a servant girl hurried to secure the jewel on her wedding gown.
“I’d also like you to wear this!”
Melusine jumped at the familiar voice. “Sigefroi? How long have you been standing here?”
Holding a lovely box with inlaid mother of pearl, he stared at her in unabashed wonder. She did the same. His clean-shaven cheeks invited a kiss, but she refrained in front of the servants. Years of solitude had made her shy about public displays of affection.
The white silk tunic and red chausses looked regal on Sigefroi’s muscular frame. He opened the box for her.
Melusine gasped at the precious jewel laid on the crimson silk lining the case. The exquisite gold crown shone with emeralds, blue lapis, amethysts, topaz, and rubies in a pattern of entwined wild flowers.
“How beautiful and delicate! I wager this is the masterpiece of a famous goldsmith, my lord.”
“Aye. It was once the crown of a French queen,” Sigefroi announced with pride. “My late mother, Princess Kunegonde of France, trusted me to pass her family keepsake to my chosen bride.”
“Chosen?” Overwhelmed by the solemnity of the gift, Melusine felt her throat clench. Finally, she managed in strangled voice, “I couldn’t accept such a priceless memento.”
“Of course you can, and you will.” With a rueful smile, Sigefroi took the crown and handed the box to the servant. Then, facing Melusine, he grew serious. “Had we met in normal circumstances, my lady, I would choose no other in the entire Christendom.”
Melusine swallowed hard. “Even with all the promises I exacted from you?”
Curse of the Lost Isle Special Edition Page 52