by Jeanne Hardt
“My husband told me a great deal about you. He informed me you enlightened him in many things. Eventually, I wish to spend time with you so you may educate me as well. For now, please tell me about yourself.”
It seemed like an odd request. Had not the king already told her everything of importance?
Her mind went utterly blank, so she said the first things that entered her thoughts. “I am eighteen and the only child of the king and queen of Padrida.” She gulped, feeling a bit like a simpleton. “I enjoy dancing and writing. I cannot cook, only because I have never had the need. I am quite certain I could learn if warranted.” Heat rushed into her cheeks. She must truly be a sight, all red and wrinkled.
The queen sat on her throne, expressionless, seemingly unimpressed.
What more could Olivia say? “I once had a puppy, but he died—”
“My dear.” The queen sat straighter and folded her hands atop her lap. “I find everything you have shared intriguing. However, I want to know who you are. Why does my son love you?”
Olivia looked over her shoulder at Sebastian. He stood tall, and his dark eyes filled with love. Smiling, he gave a slight nod for her to continue.
She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and faced the queen. “Until I met Sebastian, I had never known of the world outside Padrida. Since the time I was a child I dreamed of being allowed to leave and explore what lay beyond my realm. Yet I had no hope. Our laws, based on fears of evil that resided in the forest, forbid anyone from leaving our kingdom. And now, my eyes have been opened and my heart filled. I will always love Padrida, and it will remain a part of me. However, I know I belong here. With Sebastian. I cannot begin to express how blessed I have felt since the moment he came into my life. I love him deeply, and I shall do all I can to be worthy of his love.”
Tears glistened in the queen’s eyes. “You indeed love my son.”
“Yes, Your Majesty, I do.”
She arose from her chair, glided down the steps, and took Olivia’s hand. “You speak as a well-educated woman.” She looked over her shoulder at the king. “And, she does not have an obnoxious giggle that follows every utterance.”
The man chuckled and grinned.
“Sebastian.” The queen placed a hand to his cheek. “You have done far better in your selection than I ever would have done for you. Two days ago, I dismissed Princess Angeline. I could no longer bear her. Forgive my insistence, but I feared you would be without a bride.”
“I forgive you, Mother. And I assure you, you will not tire of Olivia.”
Calm poured over Olivia like a warm refreshing rainfall. The woman whom she had feared was gentle and kind and could very well become a friend.
The king arose from his throne. Aside from a chuckle, he had scarcely made a sound. “You must be famished. I say, we are overdue for a feast.”
The man had barely said the words, when servants bustled in carrying trays of food. They filled goblets of wine and passed them around.
Out of nowhere, all five of Sebastian’s sisters appeared. She would have known them anywhere, because they indeed resembled their mother. They welcomed her with open arms, and a few giggles. Their tiny bits of laughter were far from obnoxious. Truthfully, they burst with love.
They dined on fantastic foods. An assortment of meat, vegetables, bread, and sweets. And since Olivia’s stomach had calmed, she ate her fill.
Light chatter continued around the table, and when they finished eating, it carried on. Sebastian walked off to a corner, talking with his father, while his mother spoke to one of the servants. Sebastian’s sisters surrounded Olivia and kept her fully occupied.
“I cannot believe you knew my name,” Delana, the ten-year-old, said. “That is—all our names.”
“Your brother schooled me prior to our arrival. Even so, I shall be happy to call each and every one of you, sister.”
Delana grabbed her hand. “Shall I show you to your room? I helped prepare it.” She seemed the most talkative of the girls. Because of her age, Olivia could not help but think of Daisy. Yet, Delana and Daisy were nothing alike. Delana acted like a royal. Confident and self-assured.
“You helped? Do you not have chambermaids for such things?”
“Yes, we do.” Estelle, the eldest, smoothed a hand over Delana’s head. “Delana placed a silk pillow on your bed. That was the extent of her help.”
Catrice, the youngest, peered around her sister’s skirt. “I have a pet turtle I can show you.”
Olivia bent down to her level. “A turtle for a pet? What is its name?”
“Greta. She is a girl.”
“I love all kinds of animals.”
“Catrice,” Estelle said. “Olivia has other things to tend. Greta can wait.”
The sweet girl pouted, but was soon laughing again with the other girls.
Olivia sensed Sebastian over her shoulder and turned to find him grinning. He gestured to his sisters. “May I steal her away?”
Allana giggled. “Be good to her, brother.” All of the girls were lovely, but Allana had a unique radiance. She was quiet and reserved, as well as dignified and astute. Though only a girl of thirteen, Olivia understood why Jonah looked fondly upon her.
Sebastian extended his arm to Olivia. “Allana, you have no worries in regard to my treatment of this beautiful woman.”
They wandered from the girls, followed by more laughter.
He guided her to an empty hallway. She grabbed hold of him and kissed him before he had the chance to initiate it.
“My, you are eager.” He kissed her again. “I confess, I have wanted this for the past few hours.”
“As I have.” She lay her head on his chest and hugged him tighter. “I do not care to wake up from this marvelous dream.”
“It is no dream.” His fingers glided into her hair. “From here forward, our lives will only get better.”
His father loudly cleared his throat. “Excuse my interruption. Your mother wishes to retire and asked that I find you so she might bid you goodnight.”
Olivia took the opportunity of having the king alone to say what she had been eager to. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
His head drew back. “For interrupting?”
“No.” She laughed. “For easing the queen into accepting me. I feared the worst, but my worries were obviously unfounded.”
“My dear. It was all your doing. I merely relayed what you had said. If you should thank anyone, thank Princess Angeline for being so undesirable.” He shuddered. “The royal household would have suffered had she moved into this dwelling.”
“Perhaps.” Olivia kissed his cheek. “Still, I must thank you. Had you relayed my words insufficiently, I doubt I would have had this outcome.”
He rubbed the spot on his face and smiled. “Sebastian. Keep this gem close. Now, come with me and bid your mother goodnight.”
They did as he asked, then they, too, parted ways, as much as it pained them both.
Delana and Catrice guided Olivia to her bedchamber.
“Do you like it?” Delana lifted the silk pillow, then plumped it and put it back in place.
“Nothing could be more perfect.”
The girls hugged her, then skipped off down the corridor.
Olivia shut the door and leaned against it, taking it all in. The room was similar in size to her own. Yet it held a more feminine charm. Even if she added up all her gowns and fineries, it would never amount to this much silk and lace. She already felt like the queen she would one day become.
Weariness overtook her. The bed looked comfortable, but would it be as fine as hers?
She climbed atop it and lay back into the pillows. Delana’s silken one rested under her head. The bed cradled her body like a gentle hand, and her eyes easily closed to the image of the lacy white canopy.
She released her thoughts of upcoming vows and drifted into sleep, hoping to dream of her unborn children.
Chapter 40
After Delana and Catrice went off with Olivia, Sebasti
an decided to take the opportunity to speak to his parents about the plans for their wedding. He had been chiding himself ever since.
Had he been smart, he would have waited until his mother was well-rested. Her weariness had brought on a slightly ill mood, and they had been arguing for nearly half an hour.
Sebastian had to make her understand. “We do not need or want an elaborate wedding. We merely wish to say our vows and be legally bound.”
“So you have told me time and again. However, it is inappropriate. When a future high king marries, it is to be celebrated by all five realms. If you want Olivia to be accepted and respected by the other kings, they must acquaint themselves with her.”
They stood in the center of the great hall, now empty of everyone, with the exception of his parents and him. Their loud argument filled the space and heated the air. Servants were likely whispering about them behind closed doors. Regardless, Sebastian would not wait possibly months to say their vows. He had promised Olivia something else entirely.
His father huffed and fisted his hands on his hips. “For heaven’s sakes, I have heard enough. You will compromise.”
“How?” Sebastian asked.
“Tomorrow, I shall call for the priest to hear your vows. The rite will be performed so you and Olivia are properly wed.”
His mother’s brows danced. “How is that a compromise?”
“I am not finished.” His father’s eyes narrowed. “Helen, you shall have your elaborate wedding in two months’ time. Though our son and his bride shall already be lawfully bound, we shall repeat the ritual for the purpose of celebration and as you said, the opportunity for the kings of the realms to meet her.”
Sebastian viewed it as an excellent compromise. He watched his mother’s reaction, wondering if she felt the same.
Her lips screwed together, then she released a long sigh. “I suppose it will have to do.” She took Sebastian’s hand. “My concern is her heritage. If the other kings hear of her tainted bloodline, it might diminish their opinion. Yet, if they meet her first, she can win their loyalty as she has ours.” She stepped nearer. “I do not want anything to harm your reign, or that of your offspring.”
“I understand. I feel quite confident, it will not become an issue.” His head pounded. “I must get some rest. You as well.” He kissed her cheek. “Goodnight, Mother.”
As he passed his father, the man patted him on the back.
Yes, they all needed sleep. And though everything had gone much better than he had hoped, first thing in the morning, he needed to secure precautions for their upcoming stay at the ocean.
It was imperative Jonah go with them, and Roderick needed to remain in Basilia. At least Sebastian’s father understood the situation and could make certain Roderick stayed behind.
* * *
It felt as if Sebastian had barely shut his eyes, when he opened them again to daylight.
He should be nervous about his upcoming nuptials, but every ounce of his concern lay elsewhere.
By his mother’s request, he and Olivia were not allowed to see each other, until they said their vows. He missed not being able to bid her good morning, but had important tasks at hand. His mother’s demands had given him time to carry them out.
He hastened to Jonah’s cottage and rapped on the door. He wished Jonah would have taken the king’s offer of residence in the castle, when he had commissioned him as Sebastian’s mentor, but Jonah enjoyed the freedom of his own dwelling. The man had been a farmer before taking an interest in swordplay.
“Who wakes me at this hour?” Jonah grumbled from the interior.
“Your prince.”
Jonah opened the door, frowning. “I admire the way you use that to your advantage whenever needed.”
“I need you.”
Jonah’s head dropped, shaking back and forth. “I give you credit for not shouting it in the presence of men this time.”
“Olivia and I are to be married today. I would like you to stand as a witness.”
Jonah’s head popped up again, and he smiled. “That is the sum of your need? You see, I would very much like to return to my bed. It has been such a great while since I have had a decent night of sleep. And I was having such pleasant dreams . . .” He opened the door a bit wider. “At what hour will the rite be said?”
“I know not. Father is acquiring the priest.”
“You woke me for I know not.” He waved a hand. “Leave me to rest. Come back when you have secured a time.”
When Jonah moved to shut the door, Sebastian grabbed hold of it. “There is more. And I fear, you shall not be able to have a respite for some time.”
Jonah beat his head against the wood. “Bother it all.” Grumbling, he motioned for Sebastian to enter.
His dwelling was in utter disarray. Clothes strewn about and unwashed dishes stacked high. Worse yet, they held partially eaten food that stunk to high heaven. “You truly need a chambermaid.”
“No. What I need is the opportunity to recover from our last venture. Do you know how much preparation went into that bridge-building undertaking?”
“I appreciate all you have done.” Sebastian tossed aside a tunic and sat in a chair. “I trust you more than anyone. You know my concerns over Roderick and Donovan.”
Jonah pushed a pile of clothes onto the floor and sat on the edge of his bed. “Has something happened?”
“No, and I would like it to remain that way. Olivia wants to seal our love on the ocean’s shore.”
Jonah’s brows lifted high. “Go on . . .”
“I need you to go ahead of us and secure lodging. A large tent should do us well. Take someone you trust to assist you and thoroughly scout the area. I want my bride to remain fearless. If she learns Donovan could be alive, I doubt she would smile again.”
“So you have said. And, a bride should smile abundantly on her wedding night.” His raised brows wiggled.
Sebastian scowled.
“Forgive me, Highness. I shall do as you ask.”
“Thank you. I will send word when I know the hour of our ritual. If you start now, you should have time to gather all you need to make us comfortable at the ocean. And then, as I said, I want you to go on immediately following our rites. We shall go slowly in the carriage. Hopefully then, you will have everything in place for our arrival.” He stood and went to the door. “I thank you for doing this, and I vow when we return from the ocean, I shall not disturb you for at least a week. It will give you an ample opportunity to sleep.”
“Sleep matters not.” Jonah flopped backward on the bed. “Knighthood on the other hand—”
“Shall be granted.” Sebastian walked out, then whipped around and reopened the door. “You are getting up from there, are you not?”
Jonah jerked upright. “Yes, Your Highness.” He waved him away.
Sebastian left, and this time kept going.
He headed to the kitchen and enticed one of the cooks to make his favorite breakfast cakes. No matter where he went in the castle, whenever he turned a corner, he made certain Olivia was nowhere about. Fortunately, he would never have to do this again.
Once his hunger had been satiated, he went to his father’s chamber, secured the hour for the wedding rites, then sent a messenger to relay the information to Jonah.
Everything was falling into place.
* * *
“Sebastian?” His father rapped on his door. “The priest is in the great hall.”
Sebastian smoothed his clothing. His father had brought him the same wedding tunic he had worn for his rites. Royal purple with gold braiding. Sebastian fastened it with his prince’s broach.
He had considered shaving, knowing his mother would prefer it for such an occasion, but it might have displeased Olivia. Besides, the way she touched it . . .
He shivered in a pleasant way.
No. It was best left alone.
He opened the door and found his father waiting. “I see it fits.” He brushed a hand across Sebastia
n’s shoulders. “You remind me of myself years ago.”
“Mother frequently says the same.” He blew out a breath. “How is she faring? Does she remain angry about this ceremony?”
“Her indignation has subsided. So much so, she loaned your lovely Olivia a gown.”
“That was kind of her.”
“Yes. And it looks splendid on your bride-to-be.”
“You have seen her?” Sebastian’s heart thumped.
He nodded, grinning. “And soon you shall.”
Sebastian’s heart went into his throat. Though not nervous, the anticipation of her beauty set his body aflame.
His father slapped him on the back. “You will be fine, son. I envy you. The first time is always memorable.”
“What makes you think that is on my mind?”
“Is it not?”
Sebastian groaned, feeling suddenly like a young boy again being schooled by his father.
The man laughed. “I knew it was.” He gave him another firm pat. “And here we are. If you will excuse me, I shall join your mother.”
They had reached the great hall.
Everyone of importance in his life awaited him. And yet, Olivia was the only one in the room who held his eyes. She faced the opposite direction, but he knew her regardless. Her slender waist and her cascading dark brown hair gave her away. White silk covered her. Pure as snow.
The priest held the Holy Scrolls in his hand. He, too, wore white. His heavy straight robe brushed the floor, and its long, full sleeves made his hands appear tiny. His bushy white eyebrows rose high as he watched Sebastian approach.
His five sisters stood to his left in a perfect row ascending by height. His father joined his mother on his right, where Jonah stood as well. Enough witnesses to satisfy the priest.
He had feared Olivia might be hesitant to have the rites said without her parents present, but she had assured him this was for the best, and that for now, Padrida needed them more. Sebastian hoped they would find a way to attend the official ceremony, once his mother had settled on a date.
He stopped several feet from the holy man, and when Sebastian took Olivia’s hand, her breath hitched. She turned her head and gazed into his eyes. His pulse quickened. He would never forget this moment and the love coming from the woman beside him. Her eyes penetrated his soul.