“When I was fortunate enough to announce the engagement of my daughter, I remarked upon the great prosperity of Gallivas. How all of us working together has made this a kingdom of plenty, and dare we hope, of happiness.”
The court roared, but Thea could see that people were leaning to their neighbors, talking quietly. She leaned forward to get a better look, and saw it all throughout the hall. She had been so involved in her own woes, and honestly—so tired—she hadn’t seen this before now. A thought struck her. Her father had been offering entertainment and diversions to quell whatever this was. It hadn’t worked, and now he had decided to address it outright.
She felt a shiver of fear. He hadn’t talked to her about it. Nor any of her sisters. And just now he’d told her he had no choice. Whatever was coming would not be good. Next to her, Sebastian shifted in his seat. She could feel the waves of discomfort coming off of him.
She wanted desperately to stop her father, and ask him what he planned, but she couldn’t. She sat, just as she’d been trained to do: quiet, polite, respectful. Hoping she could keep it up for the duration of whatever he was going to say. Hoping it wasn’t as bad as when he’d announced her betrothal.
“It seems that just when things are at a peak, there must always be things that balance us out, keep us humble. So I stand before you, and throw open my house to you.” He bowed his head.
Thea forced herself not to look at him. He was drawing this out, making it a show.
“We have uncovered a riddle, here in the heart of our castle. As many have heard, every morning our daughters have slippers that are worn and ruined. We have guards at the doors and throughout the castle. At night, all are abed, including our daughters. Yet each morning, their slippers are ruined, and none can say why. We have, of course, inquired of the princesses.” He gestured with both hands to encompass all his daughters.
Thea felt the heat of the entire hall as people stared at her. She focused on a spot on the far wall, refusing to meet anyone’s eyes.
“They have no recollection, no memory, and no idea of why this is occurring. I have spoken with the guards and all who might know, and no one is able to provide any answers.” Aland looked down at the table and shook his head.
“So your queen and I have decided to open up this mystery to our kingdom. We feel certain there is among us someone who can discover the riddle of the slippers. To that end, we offer a challenge.”
The court, which had been silently listening to Aland, broke into whispers. Aland smiled, and waited for them to die down.
“We want to know why it is the princesses cannot keep their slippers whole. What happens at night that they must be replaced the next day? And so, we throw open our castle to any who would discover the answers to these questions.”
Aland pitched his voice to be heard above the rumblings of the assembled courtiers as he continued, “Here are our terms: Any man who wishes to put himself forward may do so. He shall have three nights in which to discover what happens to the princesses’ slippers. On the fourth morning, he shall present himself to us to report his findings. If he is able to tell us how they come to ruin, he shall have his choice of our daughters to marry and the assurance of a fine position in our court.”
At these words, the whispers grew to animated discussion. This time, Aland didn’t try to speak over it. He clasped his hands behind his back, and smiled.
Thea couldn’t believe it. Her father made this sound like another of the games that had been going on over the past month. Solve a riddle, win a wife! Of course, this would be wonderful for her and her sisters—Catrin had clearly said someone had to discover for themselves what was going on.
She knew her father, however. This would not be the end of the announcement. There was more. He was just waiting to share it. She watched him. He continued to gaze around the hall.
Finally, the talk died down again, mostly because Aland still stood. Those of the court knew he had more to say.
“I feel that we have attracted unwanted, negative attention from those who do not appreciate the prosperity of our kingdom. It is normal when a nation does well for itself, no matter that the prosperity is brought on by nothing more than the work of the people, that there will be those who cast a jealous eye.”
This brought a roar from the men of their court. Thea could see the visitors from Laurycia and Ethion applauding politely, but not enthusiastically.
“Rather than hush this up, or treat this as something to be concealed in any way, we seek the assistance of our people. You have made Gallivas what it is. We feel assured you will manage any challenges given to us. So let any man who wishes to seek the answers come forward. If he succeeds, a wife and position are assured him. Should he fail, however,” Aland stopped, and his expression became fierce, “He must pay a price.”
The hall quieted instantly.
“He shall forfeit his life.”
A moment of quiet, and then everyone in the hall began talking. Thea could see the courtiers from her own court nodding in agreement. Those visiting looked distinctly alarmed.
“I realize,” said Aland, over the noise, “That this may indeed seem harsh. However, with a chance for great reward comes great risk. It cannot be otherwise. Therefore, all may take note that the terms of the challenge are forthright and without deception. I have commanded our heralds to send word of this challenge to all our neighbors. We will accept any man brave enough to take on the challenge—status in life will not matter.”
A momentary hush, and then more talking, louder than before. Those of Gallivas didn’t look quite as pleased with this portion of Aland’s announcement. Thea had to struggle to keep her own expression neutral. Her father had clearly gone mad.
She looked up and down the head table. Her sisters had varying responses, none of them positive. Isobel, she noted, didn’t look as upset as the rest. Thea rolled her eyes. Casimir would not risk such foolishness and certainly not for Isobel.
Then she chided herself for her lack of compassion. She knew very well how difficult it was to give up on someone you cared for. Still, why did Isobel persist? She knew Casimir loved Thea…or did she? Did she just think Thea was telling tales?
Her musing stopped when Sebastian leaned in close to her. “Were you aware your father was planning this?” He didn’t sound pleased.
“No, indeed not. I am as surprised as everyone else.”
He threw himself back in his chair. “This opens the door for those not of royal or even noble blood to try and make a name for themselves.”
“Or die.” Thea looked at him. “You realize if they fail, they will die? That doesn’t seem a worthwhile risk to me.”
“You don’t consider your sisters worth dying for?” He raised a brow at her.
“I consider it foolish to take on a task one must either succeed at or die, with nothing in between. I would die for any of my sisters, but I certainly wouldn’t ask someone else to do so.”
“You almost sound as though you pity those who might take the king up on his offer.” Sebastian sounded amused.
“I do. I think the odds are very poor for anyone who comes forth. Nor do I want to have any man’s death on my conscience,” she said. I already carry enough guilt for Archibald.
Sebastian leaned forward. “You do not understand the risks most men take then, Thea. Most men who wish to advance from the position in which they were born take chances that have a life or death outcome. It’s a way to distinguish oneself, to show that one is worthy of advancement. I think it a fair offer on the part of the king.”
“That’s easy for you to say. You will not have death on your head.” She crossed her arms.
“But I do, every day. As do you. As the people who will rule our kingdoms, we hold the lives of all who serve in our hands. Anytime someone joins our service, there is a chance of death. I honor that choice, and that sacrifice, if it comes to it. I know that you do also. This is merely a different facet of that. Not,” he added, sitting back again, “That I am goin
g to be overjoyed should the pig boy be successful.”
When he spoke in this manner, she could see his attractions. He was not snide or denigrating to her. He was being a ruler. She gave herself a mental shake. Now was not the time to see Sebastian as anything other than a hindrance to a life with Casimir.
“I do not understand why my father would make such a fuss over shoes,” she said. She had to work to hide her irritation.
“Why can you not tell him what brings your shoes to their state?” Sebastian sounded genuinely curious.
“Because we are unable to tell him anything! We have no answers, as I told him a fortnight ago!” She resisted the urge to glare at her father. She was sure he could hear her, but was choosing to be deaf for the moment.
“I was given to understand your rooms were searched?”
“Thoroughly. Lord Marek is most meticulous at any task he undertakes. We have no way of getting out of doors, we are not sneaking out of the castle at night. I have no answers, Sebastian. I fear what this will bring.”
“I will be fearful only if the pig boy gets uppity,” Sebastian said, taking her hand. “You will not be a part of this. You are not available to anyone else.”
“I am surprised that you don’t take my father up on his offer.”
“Why would I? I have no need of advancement, and my father would not hear of his heir taking such a chance.”
Thea was about to give him a biting response when her father stood. “The queen and I shall retire.” He took Ceridwen’s hand and began to move from the table. “You all will retire also,” he said to Thea as he passed.
Thea nodded, and filed in behind her parents. Sebastian still held her hand. As she passed Casimir, he glowered briefly at their joined hands and then cleared the expression from his face. Her sisters were following behind her, and still Sebastian stayed with her.
You’re not family yet, she thought mutinously. As they exited the hall, Aland turned to his daughters.
“Go to your rooms. Do not dawdle. This is an announcement that will have people up late and there will be many roaming this evening. We need to give the court time to settle down about my decision. I will,” he said, looking at Thea, “be willing to entertain conversation on the matter with you tomorrow. Any of you who wish to may join your mother and me for breakfast. Sebastian, while I do not invite you to breakfast, I will be happy to see you later in the day, should you wish. Would you be so kind as to escort the princesses and their guard to their rooms?”
Sebastian had no choice but to agree as her father didn’t wait for an answer. He turned and swept her mother up with him, making for their rooms. Marek stepped forth, leading them all towards their chambers.
“I will be interested to hear what your father has to say in private,” Sebastian said, gazing into the distance. “I’ll be interested to hear what my father has to say,” he turned and looked at Thea with a grin.
She didn’t answer, merely nodded. She could feel fear beginning to set in, like a cold fog that started around your feet and slowly enveloped you. Had Catrin seen such a move from her father? She dropped Sebastian’s hand and rubbed her arms as a chill swept over her.
***
As they readied themselves for bed, Thea heard people enter. It was not the habit of anyone to enter their rooms after they retired. She set down her brush and walked towards the door.
Marek walked towards her, followed by one of the queen’s ladies-in-waiting.
“My lady, the king has sent her to stay with you this evening. He doesn’t wish to have anything happen to you. The king has also ordered there be someone present at all times whenever any of you are within chambers.”
Why her father hadn’t thought of this before, she didn’t know. Why now? What if one of them said something revealing? The thought filled her with horror – if the woman learned anything from any of them, she would die.
“You may tell my father thank you for his concern,” she said, not waiting for his response. It was no different than having a lady-in-waiting in their chambers any other time. Only this was her mother’s lady, which told her that her father was hoping to discover something. She was just afraid one of them would slip.
The woman sat down in a chair. The good thing about those who served the royal family in their private chambers was that they knew how to be unobtrusive. In spite of her worry, Thea forgot she was there.
They made themselves ready for bed, and gradually fell asleep. Thea remembered thinking that at least they had not endangered her mother’s lady. She hoped that they would go back to not remembering waking, now that there was someone to witness them getting up in the middle of the night.
But it was not to be. Thea woke suddenly. She was instantly awake and alert. She sat up and looked over to where the lady-in-waiting sat. The woman was asleep. She could see that her sisters were stirring. It didn’t make sense that they were awake but the lady-in-waiting was not.
“Is she awake?” Serafina appeared by the side of Thea’s bed.
“I don’t know. Let’s see.” Thea went over to her and stomped her feet. The woman didn’t stir. Thea felt someone behind her.
“Does she wake at all?” Serafina whispered.
Thea stomped again. Nothing. She jumped up and down several times, and still, the woman didn’t move.
“No. She does not. If you recall, we were like this, too. She’s going to ensure that we never get free,” Thea said, unable to stop the horror of such a thought.
Serafina put an arm around her. “We must keep more hope than that, Thea. We will be discovered, and in a way that does not cause anyone else to die. We must not give in to despair.”
“You are right,” Thea sighed. “It seems, though, as if the rules change every time we feel we have a handle on them. I am so angry Father would risk her.” She nodded to the woman.
Serafina led her away, back towards her bed…and the staircase. “He does not know, Thea. If he did, he would not risk her. We know now that her being here will not risk her, either.”
Thea didn’t answer. There was nothing to say. It was time to go below.
***
The next morning, she woke before her sisters. They usually returned before first light. She’d been able to sleep a little more, but not deeply or restfully. Her mind was too busy.
She rose and went to her parents’ sitting room for breakfast. As she knocked, the door flew open, and she nearly collided with Tomas.
“My lady! A thousand apologies!” He gave a deep bow.
“It’s fine. Are they within?”
He backed up and held the door open wide. Thea strode in. Her parents looked up.
“I didn’t think anyone would join us,” said Aland. “I’m glad you’re here, Thea. Please, sit.”
Tomas set a plate in front of her, but Thea didn’t move towards the food.
“Father, what are you thinking?”
“Thea!”
“I am thinking I need to face this potential scandal head-on, and make the best of it I can. You have not heard the rumors, Thea. I have. Daily, and from several sources, some stories so farfetched it makes the both of us cringe in the retelling.” He shook his head.
“Will you really allow anyone to apply to solve the puzzle of our slippers?”
“Of course. Anyone may take the risk. If they are willing to put their lives on the line, I don’t see why all stations of life are not capable.”
“So you will be happy if one of us ends up with the stable boy?”
“I don’t think that’s going to happen.” Aland didn’t look bothered by her outburst or her tone.
“Why not? Any may apply.”
“Because if one fails, one dies. It seems unfair to say, ‘Find out where my daughters go ruin their shoes at night or die!’ I understand that. However, the measure of life versus death is a good measure of what is important to a man. A man is not going to risk his life lightly. I venture to say we may not have any takers at all. No one wants to risk dy
ing for a completely uncertain future with immeasurable odds.”
Thea considered his words and then nodded.
“I know it sounds barbaric to you, or you wouldn’t be here spitting fire at me with your looks, but I did it to protect you girls.”
Thea nodded. “I don’t agree, but I see your point, Father.”
“As well, I am telling the world that in spite of the mess we find ourselves in, which, by the by, you could end today if you would tell me true regarding the slippers…” He raised his brows at Thea.
“No? Well, I must try. As I was saying, I am letting the world know that yes, something is amiss with my daughters. I hinted at some sort of nefarious methods or persons last evening. I want the mystery solved. I am also letting the world know that my daughters are valuable. That in spite of this, they are not to be dismissed. I want to ensure you keep your engagement, and that your sisters are able to make their own. If I do not place a high value on all of you, no one else will either.”
“It makes sense, in a completely convoluted way,” answered Thea slowly. “I am afraid, Father. I do not want to be known as the princess who let men die.”
“Men die for far less. I think the honor of twelve princesses and the hand of one of them is a fine trade off. What will the lady-in-waiting who stayed with you last night tell me if I ask?”
“As far as I am aware, she did fine. She was still asleep when I left.”
“That does not bode well for her ability to see you are safe,” Ceridwen said with a frown.
“Why now?” Thea asked.
“I admit, I was remiss in not doing so before,” said Aland. “However, now I will be able to produce a bevy of those we trust who can testify that none of you are running off at night. Trust me Thea. We need to be able to make such a statement. I do not want your honor compromised. The thought that any of you might leave the castle unattended does just that. I need to negate such rumors.”
“That won’t stop people from talking.”
“No, it won’t. But it lends credence to our position and shows a willingness to give our people verification from outside the family that what I am telling them is the truth.”
Thea's Tale (Sisters Of The Curse Book 1) Page 16