Island in the Forest (Shrouded Thrones Book 1)

by Jeanne Hardt

  “So . . .” She stared into his eyes. “You will not leave me? Even for a moment?”

  “Not once we are in Basilia. For now, I must bid you goodnight. The hour grows late.”

  She had been so busy, the setting sun escaped her notice. “I despise parting.”

  “As do I.” He pressed his lips to hers, then skimmed them down her neck.

  Breathless, she pointed at the door. “Go, before I beg you to stay.”

  He nodded, placed a small peck on her forehead, then walked out, taking part of her heart with him. The only time she felt fully alive was when he stood by her side.

  As she readied herself for bed, she tumbled around thoughts of carriages, oceans, and demanding queens. Sleep would not come easily.

  * * *

  Four days had passed since King Roland sent for the carriage. Sebastian assured Olivia it would arrive at any time.

  Excitement coursed through her veins, and her nerves kept her from eating.

  Sebastian had no difficulties. Not only did he devour his own food, he finished her portion of eggs and bread as well. “You should eat. We have a long journey ahead of us.”

  “Do you believe the carriage will come today?”

  “Quite possibly.”

  Her stomach flipped. “If you are finished, come with me to the orchard. I want to see it once more before we go. Besides, if I do not do something, waiting will surely drive me to madness.”

  He grinned and scooted his chair back. “We cannot have that.”

  They casually walked along the path she had taken more times than she could count. Even though she intended to return here one day, it still saddened her to go. “I feel torn in two pieces.”

  “I understand. I would feel the same if I had to leave you behind.”

  Laughter erupted from somewhere not far from them. Within moments, a Padridan woman passed them, chased by a Basilian man. Neither was in any sort of distress. Quite the opposite. Olivia had seen this behavior ever since the crossing.

  Because the journey to Basilia had been delayed, it allowed more opportunities for relationships to form between a number of the Basilians and her people. Several young ladies had bound themselves to the men, but before they advanced their understanding, they had to receive approval from both kings.

  Olivia had already witnessed ten marriages. They might have rushed their love, yet her own experience proved it could quickly come upon anyone.

  The unions brought about more changes. Three of the men requested to stay in Padrida with their new brides. The others would be taking their women to Basilia.

  Older residents had no desire to leave. The youth begged permission. And like Orman, their parents insisted they wait until they reached their eighteenth year. In the meantime, some planned to journey out simply to see what they would find there, but had no plans to remain. Having a choice made everyone happy.

  Especially her.

  Had she never seen Sebastian on the other side of the ravine, she would have been bound to Donovan, and all hope of happiness would have ended.

  Olivia squeezed Sebastian’s hand, thankful to have him by her side. “Jonah told me they felled many trees in Black Wood to build our bridge.”

  “Yes. In doing so, they cut a wide path through the forest. It will make it easier to travel from one kingdom to the other.”

  “And what of the wild boars? Do they continue to be a threat?”

  “Some have been killed, but the forest is vast. Travelers must continue to be wary.”

  Basilian trumpets blared.

  Olivia pressed a hand to her heart. “Could that be . . .?”

  “The carriage.” Sebastian tugged on her hand, and they raced to the courtyard.

  The trumpet blasts brought everyone. Excited chatter surrounded them.

  Olivia could scarcely stand still, waiting for the carriage to cross the bridge.

  “Are you ready for our venture?” Sebastian moved behind her and encircled her with his arms. His warm breath soothed her taut neck.

  “Yes.” She turned in his arms, grasped him tight, and kissed him deeply.

  “Where did that come from?”

  “Here.” Again, she put her hand to her heart. “I have never been happier.”

  “Only now has our day started. Soon, you will see more than you have dreamed or imagined.”

  “As you wrote in your letters?”

  “Yes, but real. You shall be able to reach out and grasp it.”

  She spotted Rosalie in the crowd, and when their eyes met, Rosalie hastened to her side. Almost immediately, she started crying, something Olivia had expected.

  Rosalie sniffled. “I hate goodbyes.”

  “As do I.”

  “I promise, if my baby is a girl, we shall name her after you.” She kissed Olivia’s cheek.

  “I would be honored. And I have not forgotten you wish me to be godmother.”

  Dane and Orman joined them.

  Dane dipped his head at Sebastian. “Thank you again for helping me in the keep.” He faced Olivia. “I promise to take care of Rosalie and keep the people of Padrida fed.”

  “Good!” Olivia hugged both of them in turn. “Do not let my father suffer.” She laughed, then moved her attention to Orman, who had been noticeably quiet. “You will journey to Basilia soon enough. Time will pass quickly.”

  The boy frowned and stared at the ground.

  Sebastian braced a hand on his shoulder. “I shall keep my eyes open for a suitable match. You deserve a fine woman.”

  “Thank you, Your Highness!” Orman bowed low, then ran off and joined his friends. Though Olivia could not hear what he was saying to them, she believed she knew. Especially the way he kept pointing at Sebastian and grinning like he had just been given the best gift ever.

  And perhaps he had. Not every young boy could claim friendship with a future high king, especially one who promised to help find him a bride.

  Happiness overtook all of Olivia’s trepidation. It quickly plummeted when her parents drew near. How could she bid them goodbye?

  Olivia looked from one parent to the other. Both had eyes that held not only tears, but love. For her and each other.

  “Do not worry yourself over the queen,” her mother said. “After all, you taught me how to love. You will win her heart.”

  Olivia embraced her. “I love you. Take care of Father.”

  “I will take care of her,” he said. “With you gone, she shall need me more than ever.” He blubbered into a sob, so Olivia shifted into his arms.

  “I love you, Father.” She kissed his cheek. “Never forget what a fine king you are. I shall do my best to remember all you taught me, and the example you set.”

  Gerard and Korvin huffed and puffed, carrying one of her trunks to the waiting carriage. She had been so caught up saying her goodbyes, she had neglected its arrival.

  Her father grunted. “In all my days, I have never beheld such finery. Basilia must have wealth beyond measure.”

  Sebastian laughed. “No, Your Majesty. We have fine artisans capable of intricate construction.”

  When Olivia pivoted around to see it, her knees weakened. She grabbed onto Sebastian. “Intricate construction? It is a masterpiece.”

  He led her close, and she ran her hand over the wood. The exterior boasted carvings of swirled patterns that circled windows to the sides of the door. Someone had painstakingly painted the swirls in an array of majestic-looking gold, silver, and blue.

  Sebastian opened the door. “Are you ready?”

  A lump formed in her throat. She ran to her parents and hugged them a final time. “I shall come back soon with stories to tell.”

  Her father held a hand to her cheek. “I expect nothing less.” He gave her a loving pat, then motioned to the carriage.

  Her mother openly cried, which pained Olivia more. She could spend all day saying farewell, but her new life awaited her.

  Gerard and Korvin brought the last of her things and carefull
y stacked her trunks on a platform at the back of the carriage. At the front, two solid white horses pawed at the ground, as if they, too, were ready to be on their way.

  She peered upward to the driver, who held the reins. An aged man boasting a long white beard. He smiled and nodded when she met his gaze.

  Heart racing, she took Sebastian’s hand and climbed into the carriage. The interior proved to be even more elaborate. The red cushioned seats were most definitely fit for a king. Before sitting, she brushed her finger across the velvety fabric. “I am speechless.”

  Sebastian sat close and put an arm around her. “Then, simply open your eyes wide and take everything in. Sometimes, words are unnecessary.”

  Though the carriage was large enough for four passengers—two side-by-side facing one another—only she and Sebastian would ride within. It jerked, and she grabbed onto his leg.

  He chuckled. “We are on our way.”

  “Your driver is quite old. Are you certain he can manage crossing?”

  “Did he not bring it here?”

  “Yes, but—”

  “He is more than capable. His name is Jaya, and he has been in my father’s service for decades.”

  Decades. She was not eased.

  The bridge was barely wide enough for the carriage. The moment it struck the wooden slats, she swore her heart stopped beating. She had never gone this far before. Was she afraid, or excited about the prospect?

  She craned her neck and took in everything outside the window. Her people lined the wall, waving their farewells. Daisy’s father lifted her high in his arms. A sight that warmed Olivia. The sweet child vigorously waved. Gerard and Lady Margaret—now newly married—stood beside Daisy, smiling and sending her on her way.

  So many lives had entwined with hers. She would carry them with her wherever she ventured, with the man she loved by her side.

  He clutched her hand. “Are you all right?”

  She turned from the window. “I cannot express my feelings.”

  He said nothing, but his smile affirmed he understood.

  The wheels clopped over the wooden planks, and she chose not to peer into the gorge. She shut her eyes and waited until the final bump that set them onto solid ground.

  As they moved into Black Wood, she found it to be much like the forest in Padrida, yet the trees to the side of the path were plentiful and far thicker. The Basilians had done a fine job of clearing the pathway. They had somehow smoothed the earth, which lessened the jarring of the carriage.

  Along with King Roland, most of the Basilian men had already returned to their realm. Those who had acquired brides were also well on their way home, not wishing to wait for the slow carriage. However, a number of men on horseback accompanied them.

  Olivia happened to be the only woman on this particular journey, but she did not mind. All that mattered was Sebastian and the world in her view.

  They had gone some distance within Black Wood, when Jonah appeared in her window. She giggled at the way his golden curls bobbed to his horse’s gait.

  He eyed Sebastian. “Your Highness. Your man has lagged behind. I am going after him.”

  “Thank you, Jonah. When you find him, report back to me.”

  “Yes, sire.” He clicked to his horse and vanished from view.

  “Your man?” Olivia poked her head out the window, attempting to see where he had gone, then sat back in her seat, facing Sebastian. “Of whom does he speak?”

  Sebastian rubbed a hand along the sheath of his sword. “Roderick.”

  “Roderick? And why in heaven’s name is Roderick your man?”

  “I employed him.” He shifted and faced her squarely. “I do not trust him.”

  “And therefore, you brought him into your service? Is that not unwise?”

  He took hold of her hands. “No. I took my father’s advice. Enemies are easier to observe when close. Roderick is to be a stable hand. Neither Father, nor I felt it wise to leave him in Padrida.”

  “And Roderick agreed to leave my father’s service for yours? I thought he disliked you.”

  “Truthfully, dislike is not harsh enough. Despise might be a better word. And yes, Roderick seemed pleased with the prospect.” He patted her hand. “Worry not. Jonah and I will both keep our eyes on him. He shan’t trouble you.”

  She had actually appreciated the idea of leaving Roderick far behind, but burdening her father with him would not have been good. Sebastian had made a wise decision, whether or not she liked it.

  “I trust you.” She fingered his beard. “And I will not allow anything to ruin this moment.” She returned her face to the open air and set aside worries of Roderick.

  It might have been enjoyable to make this journey on horseback and be fully in the midst of her surroundings, but she had never been given the opportunity to become an accomplished rider. The horses in Padrida were used for plowing, not riding. So, this arrangement suited her. The window allowed her a fine view and she was comfortable on the cushioned seat beside Sebastian. More so than she would have been on the back of a horse.

  A burst of sunlight brightened the carriage. The most beautiful meadow she had ever beheld came into view. “Sebastian, look!”

  He leaned over her shoulder. “Incredible, is it not?”

  “May we stop? Please?” She begged him with widened eyes.

  “Of course.” He reached out the window on his side and patted the top of the carriage. Within moments, they jerked to a halt.

  Sebastian opened the door and stepped out. He extended his hand. “M’lady?” He bowed low.

  Olivia giggled, took his hand, and eased onto the ground.

  She gasped and dropped to her knees, then bent into the greenery and inhaled. “I have never smelled anything like this!” Laughing, she stood and ran across the field.

  In the middle of a mass of florae, she spun in a circle, then plopped down upon it. She fanned her hand over tiny purple flowers intermingled with white blossoms. When she lifted her head, she stared in awe, taking in the enormity of her surroundings. The vision went on forever.

  Far-away mountains with snow-topped peaks lined the horizon to the west. Padrida rarely saw snowfall. She could not imagine residing in such a cold land.

  The east held a never-ending blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds. The direction Sebastian had told her the ocean lay.

  He strode toward her. “Watching you brings me more joy than all of this combined.” He sat beside her.

  She feared there would not be enough hours in the day to see everything in such an enormous world. “Do you not realize the beauty here? I am awestruck.” She picked a flower and tucked it into her hair.

  “Yes, I see the beauty.” He pulled her close and kissed her with one of his many wonderful, enticing kisses.

  She wanted more, but her many questions took precedence. “Tell me of the kingdoms of this world.”

  He gestured to the snowy mountain range. “There you will find Thanwine. Princess Angeline’s realm.”

  She nodded. She had heard enough about that kingdom. “What others?”

  “There are five altogether. Issa lies in the center plains. However, it will be some time before I take you there. If ever.”

  “Why?”

  “Issa lacks morality. Though they keep the law and rarely give us trouble, men go to Issa to get drunk on wine and enjoy the company of . . . women. The good I see in a kingdom such as Issa, is that it keeps raucous activity away from the other realms.”

  “Oh, yes. I recall the mention of the brothels of Issa, right before our fathers nearly pummeled one another.” She laughed. “I shall not venture there anytime soon. Go on.”

  He shook his head, grinning. “To the east, as you know is Basilia, and as much as it pains me to say it, the remains of Crenia. As you know Basilia took possession of your lands when your people fled.”

  “I am aware. But, do not let it trouble you. Because of us, those wars are forever ended.” She lifted her face to the sun
. “So, Thanwine, Issa, Basilia, and Padrida. Where lies the fifth?”

  “Farther to the east. On the utmost end of the ocean’s shore is the kingdom of Oros.”

  The ocean. She longed to see it more than any other place. “How far is the ocean?”

  “It lies a half-day’s ride beyond Basilia.” He pointed east. “Nearly three days from here.”

  She drew a single finger up the nape of his neck, then caressed his beard. “That is where I want it to happen.”

  He tilted his head into her touch. “What?”

  “Where I give myself to you. I want to love you to the sounds of the waves crashing on the shore, just as you described them. Is it possible?”

  He cradled her hand to his chest. His heart rapidly beat, and his palm dampened with sweat. “Can you feel the effect you have on me? Simply speaking of it increases the beat of my heart. And yes, I will make it happen for us. After a brief stop in Basilia, we shall continue on to the ocean.”

  “So quickly? We must marry first.”

  “I shall enlist our holy man to perform the rite the moment Mother accepts you. Which I assume will occur instantaneously.” He extended his hand. “Let us be on our way. The sooner we arrive in Basilia, the closer you shall be to your ocean.”

  She allowed him to lift her to her feet, although she hated leaving the wonderfully pungent field. She appreciated Sebastian’s confidence in her ability to win over the queen, yet wasn’t convinced. For now, she would enjoy every moment and try not to think about the woman.

  They returned to the carriage and happily cuddled into each other’s arms.

  The meadow went on for hours and soon the sun began to set. That in itself radiated like a masterpiece. She had seen many sunsets over the trees of Black Wood, but nothing like this. The enormous yellow ball dipped into the snow-topped mountains, instantly cooled by their icy caps. Deep purple colored the night sky.

  Jonah returned with Roderick by his side, and they set up camp for the night. The other five men who accompanied them helped build a fire and prepared a light meal for all to share. Jonah gave no indication Roderick had caused him difficulty, but remained close to him wherever he went.

  Once they finished eating, Olivia and Sebastian returned to the carriage and nestled together for a quiet night’s sleep. Surely, she would dream of the ocean. Since all her dreams were coming true, what would she imagine once she held everything she ever wished for in her grasp?