Of course, no one else looked at it as confirmation of a curse either, so perhaps they could be forgiven. Although no one outside her family seemed to mourn him as they did. While she understood it, she did not like it. There was far more discussion regarding Marek, their new guard.
He was a nice man and thorough. Quiet, like Archibald. When she’d sent word to her parents, he had returned with their invitation to dine in the hall. He’d spoken briefly about his hope that he would measure up to his predecessor. Favor at court being what it was, Thea had been surprised and gratified to see a sheen of tears in his eyes.
Right now, he stood behind her chair. Tonight, she was on the right hand of the king, and Sebastian next to her. He had been most solicitous when she’d come into the hall.
Thea found she was still nettled with him, in spite of his kind apology the night before. He knew of Casimir’s interest. He ignored it in favor of his own interests. And in complete disregard of hers.
“I hope that you will attend with us when we bury Archibald.” She looked directly at Sebastian. “He is being laid to rest in the family plot.”
Sebastian’s eyebrows raised. “Indeed? I had not realized he was so valued a retainer.”
“He had been with us since I was young. I grew up with him, as have my sisters. He is family.”
She had to give him credit. He recovered from his lack of interest well. “In that case, not yet being family, I am honored to be invited. Will this be a public affair?”
“Yes, it will. He has earned the right to be lauded. But we will bury him privately. You are welcome to join us, should you wish.”
She could tell he did NOT wish, but would not say so.
“I should be honored,” he said, inclining his head. They both turned to their plates. Thea knew she was being bull headed but didn’t feel like making the effort to move past it. After a moment, Sebastian turned to the person next to him, who happened to be Adelaide.
Thea wasn’t sure if that was good or bad for Adelaide. She risked a peek at Addy—her face was happy. She was pleased to speak with Sebastian, and he was pleased to speak with someone who was not castigating him.
She could see the ladies who had cornered her yesterday, Lady McIvers and Lady Tottenham, eyeing all three of them speculatively. She smiled brightly at them and raised her cup.
They had not expected her to be watching them, and both blushed and turned away from the head table. Thea smiled into her cup.
“You should not devil them,” her father leaned towards her, not taking his eyes from watching the rest of the hall. “It does you no good. Plus, they do not forget.”
“They are making a mountain out of the fact that Sebastian speaks to my sister.”
She felt Aland shrug. “That’s their place, Thea. There will always be those you can count on to get the word out, as it were. Once you recognize them, they are useful. And it makes them happy.”
“Yes, I am sure spreading as much speculation as possible does make them happy.” She didn’t feel as magnanimous as he did.
He quietly laughed. “Well, you and your betrothed should be besotted with one another. It’s how it’s supposed to be. Real life has nothing to do with what is supposed to be. He’s so handsome, you’re so beautiful. Rise above it, my girl. It is not worth embroiling yourself in.”
“Father, may I ask a personal question?”
He looked instantly wary. “You may. I reserve the right to decline to answer.”
“Did something...untoward happen at your wedding?” She didn’t realize it, but she lowered her voice as she asked.
“Why do you ask, daughter?” His more formal answer told her she’d struck on something.
“The gossips alluded to it yesterday, but ran like a fox before the hounds when Mother gave them the eye.”
“Our parents were most happy. Not all our neighbors were, and there was one who made a scene at our wedding. No,” he held up his hand. “I will not tell you more, but it was quite the scandal at the time, in spite of all the importance it didn’t have.”
Thea felt deflated. Ever since pondering her father’s actions yesterday, and then her mother’s, she felt there may be reasons other than the match itself for her father agreeing to Sebastian.
Casimir was on the other side of Adelaide, which gave her no opportunity to speak with him. It wouldn’t do to halloo at him down the table. Nor did she have the freedom to wander and stop and speak with whomever she chose, unlike the rest of the courtiers present in the dining hall. No, her father expected that the court would come to them, and he enforced that idea with his daughters.
All well and good for maintaining royal standards but inconvenient when one wanted to conduct clandestine conversations in plain sight.
Her thoughts were interrupted by her father standing up beside her. He didn’t speak, just waited for people to quiet. Thea tensed, remembering his last announcement.
“I stand before you once again, although not as happy as I was the last time I asked for your ears.” He looked down. “As you may have heard, Archibald, head of the princesses’ guard, was killed this morning. The grief we feel at his passing cannot be expressed. There is no replacement for such a man. We ask that you offer your prayers for his safe journey home.” He bowed his head, and the rest of the court followed suit.
Thea could hear the shufflings from those unused to her father being silent. A few people coughed. Then her father began to speak again.
“Archibald, as you know, believed in being prepared for every eventuality. Even for the time when he would no longer be with us. Therefore, we have taken his advice and appointed Marek, Earl of Courceny, as the new head of the princesses’ guard. Marek,” he turned to look beyond Thea where she knew Marek stood, “Congratulations.” He inclined his head. The rest of the court did as well.
Marek placed his fist over his heart, and bowed to Aland. Her father continued. “We are also able to relate that we have spoken to the Prince Casimir at length. He has agreed, with his father’s consent, to journey to the kingdom of the Empress of Samir, to bring her son back to foster in our court. We are fortunate and honored to have such an ally as the Prince Casimir and his kingdom of Ethion. To Casimir!” Aland raised his glass. “We wish you Godspeed and great success in the court of the Empress.”
Everyone lifted their cups. Thea raised hers without much heart. She glanced down the table. Isobel’s eyes were red. She could see that many of the court had taken notice. At least no one would suspect her and Casimir of anything. Perhaps it would also throw off Sebastian.
She risked a glance at him. He was staring at Casimir. Casimir must have felt it, because he lifted his cup to Sebastian with a sardonic grin on his face. Thea didn’t imagine the air of smug satisfaction that passed across Sebastian’s face. She turned back to her father. She didn’t know if she could keep her composure, when what she really wanted to do was to toss her drink at Sebastian.
“Now, in celebration of those who have left us, and those now allied with us, let us eat!” At Aland’s words, servants entered carrying trays loaded with boar and game. Platters of bread appeared like magic.
Thea thought about her words to Sebastian some time ago. She had learned through her father to pay attention to the tenor of the court. The manner in which many fell to the food told her they were relieved to be doing routine things. That the past few days of things not being normal had set the court off, particularly as the most recent event was one of tragedy. She leaned into her father.
“Things are somewhat off, Father.”
“I know.” His expression didn’t change. “We must set things to right as quickly as possible. Too much change in too short a time gives people too many things to ponder.”
She nodded, using The Gaze to survey those before her. It would not do to look anything other than somber given the events of the day. “You speak as though you don’t want them to think.”
“In some cases, I do not. Too many thinking together of
ten gives me great headaches.” Aland sounded tired.
“I miss him already,” she said.
Aland covered her hand with his. “As do I, daughter. I do hope that his assessment of Marek is correct.”
“Marek is a good man, Father. Archibald would have chosen nothing less.”
“Thea, what happened to you before the chandelier fell?”
Thea wasn’t ready for the shift. “I woke from a nightmare and could not remove myself from it.”
“How is that so?” Aland turned to her now, concern apparent. “How did you not know you were awake?”
“I can’t describe it, Father. When I looked around, I did not see our chambers, but the woods of my dream. I was running through woods, and I could not get out.” It was as much as she dared tell him.
“How did you hurt your foot?”
“I don’t know. I moved to get out of bed, and noticed that I had blood seeping from my toe. I have no explanation for what occurred. It added to my fright.” She looked down, unwilling to meet his eyes. She was too afraid to see blame in them.
“I am sorry, Father. Had I not been hysterical, Archibald…”
“Child, it was but an accident. A horrible one, to be sure, but an accident all the same. You must not blame yourself.”
Thea’s composure cracked. “I do, Father. Utterly. Had I not been a goose, he would not have been there trying to right me. But I was, and he died.” She struggled to keep her face calm.
“Daughter, I am telling you, as a ruler, you cannot take responsibility for every death. As a leader, you will take enough responsibility as it is. You cannot do so for accidents.”
“I thank you for your words, Father.” She looked away.
“We will speak of this more, Thea. I know of what I speak.”
“I know that. I do not wish to argue.”
“Very well. I wish to see you in my chambers in the morning.” His voice brooked no discussion.
“Of course, Father. I am at your disposal, as you know.”
He nodded, and turned to speak to her mother. Thea met Ceridwen’s eyes, and felt the love in that one glance.
She looked over to the other side to see Sebastian and Adelaide still talking animatedly. That would set the gossips aflame. So be it. She deliberately did not interject herself into the conversation, but sat, quiet and content. She watched the court.
The death of Archibald would not end with his burial, she could tell. People were unsettled. His death had rattled people, bringing up concerns. What, she could not tell. Everyone celebrated when the betrothal was announced. How had things changed so in a few days?
She resolved to meander more, and not be so focused on her problems. After the funeral.
Chapter Six
Thea collapsed onto her bed. The funeral had worn her out. There had been a wonderful service for him in the castle chapel. She and her father had spoken. In spite of the restlessness she’d observed the evening before, she could tell that people liked to see the high regard in which Archibald had been held. He was not a noble but merely a soldier. He’d impressed Aland on several campaigns and when the conflict ended, Aland had brought him back to the castle.
Thankfully, her meeting with her father had been postponed. She had no idea as to what he wanted to speak with her about. She couldn’t stop the frisson of fear that washed through her. His pronouncements had not given her much joy lately.
Marek came into the sleeping chamber. “My lady, I will be just outside the door, if that is acceptable.”
She sat up. “Of course. Will you be comfortable with that, Lord Marek?”
“I shall, my lady. You have but to call, and I shall be there.”
“Thank you, Lord Marek. And I thank you for being there for us all today. It has not been an easy day.” He didn’t respond, and she could feel his hesitation.
“You are free to speak your mind, Lord Marek.”
“I shall miss him greatly, my lady.”
“I will as well, my lord.” He smiled, and left the room.
Thea lay back onto the bed. Her sisters began to trickle into the room, many with the same idea.
“I am beyond tired,” said Celestria, flopping down next to her. “It is so hard to stay awake today!”
“I know,” Thea said. “It doesn’t feel like I’m getting any rest at night.”
“I nearly nodded off in the middle of the service,” said Esmay as she passed by. “Thankfully, Sybbl nudged me hard, and it brought me back to attention.” She yawned, and went to her own bed.
“Maybe we can nap today,” said Emaline. “I am sorely in need of a nap.”
“Why don’t you send word to Father?” Thea waved her hand towards the door. “We can eat in our rooms and maybe go to bed early.”
There was a murmur of assent, and Emaline went back out, presumably to send someone to tell Father. Thea sighed. She could go to sleep right now. She turned her head. Celestria had fallen asleep next to her. What a wonderful idea. She closed her eyes.
When she woke, the candles were lit throughout the sleeping chamber. Thea propped herself up on her elbows, looking around. It looked like they had all napped. Unlike the last several nights, she had not dreamed.
She sat up fully, stretching. She still felt sore, and her right foot hurt where her toe had bled. It throbbed slightly.
It was not yet full dark. Moving carefully, so as not to disturb Celestria, she edged out of bed. She walked quietly through the solarium, and opened the doors to the hallway. Marek stood with another guard across from the doors.
“My lady? May I help you?” He sounded nervous.
“I am fine, Marek. We all fell asleep. Could you have some dinner brought up?”
“I believe the king would like your company this evening, my lady.”
Thea smiled. “I will be happy to go and see him, if you would accompany me. I can have dinner arranged also.” Marek led her to their private sitting room. She’d last been here when she and her father argued. It wouldn’t be as intense now, not with her mother present. She hoped.
Marek opened the door, and she entered. He didn’t come in, but closed the door behind her.
Her mother sat before the fire.
“Thea! Marek said you had all fallen asleep. Are you well?”
“We’re all so tired, Mother. That’s all. How are you this evening?”
“Sad, my dear. Very sad. Your Father is sleeping also. It’s been a long day for us all.”
“It has. It doesn’t seem real that Archibald is not here.”
Her mother sighed, indicating the chair across from her. Thea sat down. “No, it doesn’t. How is your foot, dearest? I notice you are favoring it a bit.”
“It hurts, but it’s nothing to fuss over, Mother. May I ask, have you seen Sebastian today?”
“I have. Why do you ask? I would think your focus would be...elsewhere.”
Her mother was trying to be delicate. Thea could appreciate it.
“I am not thrilled with the marriage, Mother. Let’s not pretend otherwise. Not here. But I find it odd that during a crisis, my future mate is not much to be seen.”
“Perhaps he feels that he needs to let you mourn in peace,” Ceridwen said mildly.
“Have you seen much of our other guests?” It was the best way she could ask about Casimir without naming him.
“I believe a number of our male guests went hunting today. With the influx of visitors, the kitchens are glad of the help to supply them. And the young men are restless.”
“Mother, is there any chance that I could beg off this marriage? I do not see myself enjoying even a fraction of the happiness I see between you and Father.”
“Really? How so, Thea? While I understand your personal preferences, I do not see such a lack of harmony.”
“He does not respect me as an equal,” Thea said bluntly. “And if I am honest, which my vanity struggles with, I do not think I am his first choice, either. What is really going on here, Mother?”
“What do you mean?” Ceridwen looked guarded.
“I mean that Father seems to have some reservations as well, but he pushes ahead. Everyone is telling me how wonderful this will be, but it seems to be mere words. And having seen him in the company of others, I do not believe I am his preference. So why persist with this engagement which does not bring the happiness it ought to anyone involved?”
She felt very reckless, putting it all out in the open. Even though she was not telling her father, telling her mother was pretty much the same. Ceridwen would tell him all. Thea didn’t mind. Her mother yelled less.
“Thea, you must trust that your father makes decisions based on his wish for the best for you. If nothing else, you must trust that.”
More oddness. Thea could hear the smallest of pleas in Ceridwen’s words.
“I do trust him. But I do not understand this move. There are too many things that do not sit well. They continue to not sit well. Please consider that. However,” Thea got up. “I did not come to see you in order to argue. I wanted to let you know that all of us are so tired, we would like to eat in our rooms this evening. You and Father are welcome to join us,” she said hopefully.
“I would love nothing more. I think that we must eat in hall,” Ceridwen said with regret.
“Of course. Will you let Father know I came to see him? We had plans to meet, but events keep thwarting us.”
“Yes, my dear.” Ceridwen stood also. She moved close to Thea and enveloped her in a hug. Thea relaxed against her mother. She always smelled good and comforting, like her garden in the sun.
“Thank you, Mother.”
Ceridwen just nodded, and sat back down. Thea left. When she reached her rooms, Marek still stood at the door.
“My lady. I do not think any of your sisters are yet awake.”
“That’s alright, Marek. They need their sleep. I am going to lie down again. When we wake, we’ll be joining my parents.”
Thea's Tale (Sisters Of The Curse Book 1) Page 11