She was so involved in her internal conversation she didn’t realize that Casimir was answering Isobel’s question. Hastily dropping the pendant into her pocket, she took the cup with the potion in it and brought it to Casimir.
“May I be completely forthright, Isobel?” Casimir leaned closer to her.
Isobel nodded warily. Thea could tell she wasn’t sure if she really wanted to hear what he was going to say, but she couldn’t retract the question now.
“Sebastian asked your father first for Thea’s hand. I am merely evening out the playing field. Once I succeed, Thea will have the right to choose which of us she wants. Which is how it should have been.” He smiled as he saw Thea come to him with cup in hand. “Thank you, Thea.” He drank, and Thea had to work to keep from sobbing.
“Why did you not speak up?” Isobel looked on the verge of tears as well.
“I didn’t want to ruin the chance to end our kingdoms’ feud. Sadly, it cost me. But now, things are more as they should be.” He gave Thea a tender look.
“Would anyone else care for wine? I have poured enough for us all.” Thea hurried back to the sideboard to bring the tray over. Most of her sisters stood, and came towards her. Nearly everyone took a cup, and sat down. Thea was the last to move back to the couches. Casimir scooted over and patted the space next to him.
“Please sit with me, Thea.” The look he gave her was so full of trust. Trust she didn’t deserve. Oh, Cas, she thought. You or my sisters. I didn’t put a lot in. Please don’t drink it all! Please be able to wake!
“This will teach you not to hesitate in the future.” Beatrix laughed.
“I realize that,” Casimir said. “It’s a delicate act of balance—how to make a move when you ought to versus rushing in and making things worse.”
“You have made things more favorable for your suit,” Sybbl said thoughtfully. “I don’t think Sebastian will accept it, however. Are you prepared for that?”
“I am,” Casimir leaned back. “I realize this. I have written to my father, and he agrees to stand with me.”
“I’m sure Sebastian’s father feels the same,” said Angharad. “You came here to end a dispute but you may have started another.”
Casimir started to laugh. “It’s very apparent that Aland has taught you all well. Every one of you is capable as a statesman. Perhaps he should send you to meet with the Empress of Samir rather than me or some other man.”
“I’d go,” said Celestria. “It would be fascinating.”
“Normally, I’d agree. But matters here are more pressing,” Casimir said.
“Hopefully we can end the week without you and Sebastian coming to blows,” Adelaide said. “He was very angry tonight.”
Casimir regarded her. “He was. I think it’s poorly directed. I am of the firm belief that if Sebastian would accept my claim, he would find greater happiness in a different direction.”
Adelaide’s eyes widened. They flew to Thea’s, who smiled at her. She wanted Addy to know that she didn’t mind, and in fact, would happily throw him over if she could. Adelaide gave her a tentative smile, and then spoke to Casimir.
“You are more attentive than I gave you credit for, Casimir.”
Esmay and Serafina shared a smile at her words. Thea could see that she wasn’t the only one who knew of Adelaide’s feelings, although she didn’t think all her sisters did.
Casimir steered the conversation to time past when he’d fostered at the castle. Thea didn’t talk much, just watched him. She couldn’t get enough of him. She finished her wine, and stood up.
“I think I am going to retire.”
Casimir jumped up. “Then I shall as well.” He held out a hand to Thea, who took it. He walked towards the door of his room and then turned to her.
“This has been a wonderful evening. May I ask to repeat it tomorrow?”
“Of course,” Thea whispered.
He bowed over her hand, allowing his lips to brush the backs of her fingers. Then he turned and went into his room, closing the door. Thea stood for a moment, just looking at the door. Then she walked away, wondering when he’d fall asleep.
“Well, shall we get a few hours of sleep?” She took her cup back to the sideboard and went to her bed. She couldn’t shake the feeling of utter guilt for being too weak to stand up to Catrin’s demand. To her, it was tantamount to murder. On both their parts. She stared at the ceiling unable to sleep until it was time to head below. She made sure to stomp around in front the lady-in-waiting, and she dragged Viviana over to Casimir’s door, where they did everything but knock on it. Neither the lady-in-waiting nor Casimir stirred.
While dancing in the underground castle Thea kept looking for Catrin, but she did not make an appearance. Thea was so distracted she fell into Roderick. For the first time in ages, she saw something flicker across his face.
“Thea? What are you doing? Where are we?” He looked around the ballroom. “What has happened?”
“I fell into you, Roderick. Don’t you remember?” She watched him. He looked confused, and then, as if a cloth had wiped his face clean, the confusion disappeared.
“I am glad I was here to stop your fall, my lady” he said in a completely different tone. He made sure she was steady and drew her directly back into the dance.
Whatever had surfaced from the real Roderick barely had time to breath before it was gone. It brought back the worry of what would happen to all these princes who were here.
Between worrying over them and Casimir, Roderick led her back to the boat before she realized how long it had been.
She walked with her sisters through the glittering woods. Lifting a hand up, she pulled a leaf off of one of the gold trees. It came off with a distinct snap. She turned it over in her hands. It looked like a leaf, veins and all, but it was gold, soft and pliable due to how thin it was. How had Catrin created all this?
She tucked the leaf in her pocket. Misery washed over her as her hand touched the pendant. She pulled her hand out quickly, and shoved the thought of it away.
Once back in her chamber, she barely hung her dress in the wardrobe and fell into bed before she was asleep. She had meant to stomp in front of Casimir’s door, but was so tired, she forgot.
***
Thea stayed in her chambers the next day. When Beatrix and Mirabelle asked her if she planned to come down to eat, Thea replied, “I will be staying here. I have no wish to watch what is going on.”
They looked at her, and then Mirabelle said, “I agree, Thea. What are you going to do?”
Thea lay back in bed. “Go back to sleep. I’m so tired, I can barely hold myself together.”
She didn’t wake up until after the noon meal. When she did, she could hear her sisters in the solarium. She got out of bed and put her wrap on over her nightdress.
Her mother sat with Mirabelle and Emaline. “Thea! I am glad you are awake. Are you unwell?”
“I am, Mother. I am so tired, and all that is going on makes my heart heavy.”
Ceridwen didn’t say anything soothing. “I’m sorry. I have no answers. We will have to let it unfold as it will.”
“Where’s Casimir?” Thea sat down across from her mother, avoiding the midday sun that was streaming in.
“With your betrothed and your father,” Ceridwen said gently.
“Is he still? Casimir said if—when—he succeeds, I will have the right to choose, as both he and Sebastian will have an equal claim to my hand.” She couldn’t believe he’d said that last night. She wanted to confirm he wasn’t talking hopefully, or merely optimistically.
“He is being somewhat forward,” Ceridwen said, frowning. “But he is correct. He spoke at length with your father regarding his claim. While Sebastian has a prior claim—”
“By virtue of rushing in solely in order to cut out Casimir!” Thea interjected.
“Because he asked for you first,” Ceridwen corrected, “Casimir also has a claim due to honorably accepting a challenge which offers a cho
ice of one of the king’s daughters upon successful completion. There are no exceptions that take those who are betrothed out of the choices. I suppose,” she said, folding her hands, “That one could even stretch it to include married daughters. The proclamation was written with a vagueness that now creates problems.”
Thea sighed. Where was the Thea of such energy and vigor from yesterday who stood up to her father? She was tired and heartbroken at the things she’d been tasked to do. That’s where she was. Thea tried to stir herself, but just wanted to nap.
“I suppose I must join everyone in the hall this evening.”
“Yes, you must. I find it acceptable that a lady would wish to avoid some of the tension that has taken up residence in our court during the day. People are more on their own during the day. But in the evening, we all come together, and you must be there.” Ceridwen gave her a stern look. “You can manage this, Thea. I know you can.”
Thea threw herself back, tossing her hands up as she did so. “Can I? I am not so sure. I go from being certain that I can navigate things and do the right thing, to being sure that I can do nothing right. I feel like I’m on one of the swings that travel with the fair. With a couple of pushes, I am high up and nothing can touch me. And then suddenly, I am nearly on the ground, through no effort or fault of my own.”
Isobel, lurking near the sideboard, which now groaned under trays of food, snorted. She didn’t bother trying to hide it.
“Isobel, that is not appropriate for a lady. Certainly not for the daughter of a king. Contain yourself.” Ceridwen didn’t even look at her.
Thea hid a smile. It felt nice to hear someone else get after Isobel.
“Eat something, Thea. I know you haven’t been eating much.”
“Mother, thank you. I will. What are Casimir and Sebastian doing? They really ought not to be together today.”
“Your father and I have managed difficult guests before, Thea. He will have them occupied in separate corners.” Ceridwen smiled.
Thea smiled automatically. She was so busy turning things over in her head, she didn’t have a lot to say. In order to stave off more conversation, she got herself a plate of food from the sideboard. Thankfully, her mother didn’t press her to talk, and she was able to eat in peace.
As the afternoon wore on, Thea felt restless. She wanted to see Casimir. That would mean going out though. She dithered a little longer and then went and readied herself. She dressed a little nicer than she would for the day as she had a feeling she might not get back to her rooms before the evening meal.
Oddly, her mother had stayed with them all afternoon. Once Thea was dressed, she came out and sat with Ceridwen again. “I think you’re hiding out, Mother.”
Ceridwen darted a guilty look at her. “I am. Your father is annoyed at everyone who breathes around him. Your beaus are the same and equally lacking in grace. No one is showing a shred of patience. I finally had enough and told your father I wanted to spend the day with our daughters. He knew what I was about,” she finished with a laugh, “but he didn’t stop me.”
“I’m going to head out into the fray,” Thea said.
“You want to see him, don’t you?”
“I do. I’m afraid, Mother. I’m afraid—”
“Don’t say it,” Ceridwen said abruptly. “Don’t borrow ill.”
“Do you have any idea where I might find him?”
“I think you might try in the tilting or practice yard. I suggested it to your father. Why don’t you take Adelaide with you?”
Thea glared at Ceridwen. “Mother, if you know all these things, why did you let Father do what he did? Had he just gone along with the way people felt, we’d have had none of this.”
“Sebastian not only asked first, he had some persuasive arguments in favor of the match.”
“What does that mean?” When Ceridwen didn’t answer, Thea threw up her hands and went in search of Adelaide. She found her in the dressing room.
“Addy? Would you care to come out with me? I am going out. I want to see Casimir.” She wasn’t going to pretend anymore.
“Why would you want me to come with you?”
“I’m fairly certain that Sebastian is hot on his heels. Wouldn’t you agree?”
Adelaide smiled. “You’re probably right. But…he wouldn’t be interested in seeing me.”
Thea shook her head. “I don’t agree. I think he would be very happy.”
“Do you think so?”
Thea cursed herself for not seeing how Addy felt earlier. “I do. I’ve been watching him for a while. While he’s promised to me, I don’t believe it’s where his heart lies.”
Adelaide’s face lit up. Thea felt good about dropping all pretense. And while she still felt immensely guilty, she couldn’t begrudge Addy this happiness. “Let’s hurry. That way, we will have time to return and dress for dinner. .”
With her help, Adelaide got ready quickly. Arm in arm, they left their chamber and went towards where the knights would be practicing. As they drew closer, Thea could hear the shouts of the men and the clang of the swords.
The practice yard lay off the main courtyard and could be watched from a small balcony overlooking it. It was near the king’s chambers, but no one was there, so they were able to make it there unseen. Her father didn’t like them gaping at the men. He said they were there to practice, not prance about for the ladies.
“Mother was right. Look.” Thea lifted her chin. Casimir was below, working furiously with one of the castle guards. They looked to be evenly matched. He was sweating, but his sword flashed as he and the guard traded blows. Thea sighed. He looked divine.
“She was. At least they are not fighting one another.”
Sebastian was also working with a guard.
“Father probably did that. Maybe they’ll be better behaved tonight. Less sniping.”
Adelaide giggled. “It’s tiresome, isn’t it? What happened to manners?”
“Casimir told me all is fair when love is at stake, real or otherwise.”
“He’s right, Thea.”
“Addy, do you want to?”
“Yes. Shall we divert them?”
“Absolutely. I think you have the harder task. Sebastian doesn’t really want me, Addy, but he wants the eldest princess. So you’ve got to distract him from that.”
“I wonder what is driving him to marry where he doesn’t choose to.”
Thea looked carefully at her sister. Adelaide wasn’t angry, or upset. She was genuinely thoughtful.
“I don’t know. Mother said that Sebastian would have prevailed even if Casimir had asked because he had some persuasive arguments for the match. Those were her words.”
“I wonder what those were.”
“I think I should ask Father. What do you think?”
Adelaide stared at her and started to laugh quietly. “Can I please sit next to you tonight? I know Father switches up where we sit based on his mood, but he won’t put either of them near you, and if you’re really going to do it, I want to hear what he says.”
“Of course. Just come in next to me. I’ll ask him.”
“What’s gotten into you, Thea? You’re becoming rebellious.”
“What is the worst thing that could happen to me? We’ve lost Archibald. We were not able to save Ulric. Now, I may lose Casimir. I’m tied to someone I don’t love, and who doesn’t love me. There are a few things that could make my life worse at the moment, but being direct with Father isn’t one of them.”
“I have been worried. You’ve been staying in our rooms.”
“Oh, well, there are good reasons for that. I’m tired. Aren’t you tired? I was feeling like I might fall over before I started sleeping in and not coming out until after lunch. And with Casimir saying all that he has, I don’t have the patience to deal with either of them when they are together. I know that’s rude of me to say when two fine men both want to marry me, but there it is. The way they constantly take jabs at one another is maddening.”
“It is. Oh, look! I think they’ve seen us.”
Thea looked down. Both Casimir and Sebastian were looking up at the balcony. Adelaide beamed, and Thea looked quickly at Sebastian. He was looking at Adelaide, not her. He didn’t look angry.
She smiled, and met Casimir’s eyes. She knew she was blushing. Casimir kept smiling at her, and his opponent took the opportunity to give him a whack with the flat of the sword, which made him jump. He immediately focused on the guard. Thea laughed softly.
She and Adelaide stood and watched them for another half an hour. Finally, the guards were called in to some other chore, and both Casimir and Sebastian ended their practice. Sebastian said something to Casimir and then pivoted on his heel and stalked away.
“Go. Now.” Thea gave Adelaide a shove. “Catch him in the corridor. Keep him distracted. He was looking at you today, Addy. Make the most of it.” She pushed her again.
Adelaide ran from the balcony. It made Thea smile. This was one thing she could right, no matter what happened to her. She looked down into the practice yard again. Casimir was staring at her. She went down the stairs that led to the yard, expecting to catch up to him there, but he appeared in front of her before she’d come fully down the stairway.
“I’m glad you came to see me.” His voice was husky. He smelled of sweat, sun and something spicy. He put an arm around her waist and pulled her to him.
“I had to see you.” She was breathless at him being so near.
He didn’t answer, but leaned down and kissed her. It was not gentle, but hard and demanding. He didn’t ask, only took. She lifted her arms and hesitantly put them on the spot where his neck met his shoulders. His skin was hot and slick. She curled her nails into the skin, and he moaned into her mouth. He stepped closer to her, forcing her backwards until she bumped into the stone wall. It felt cool on her back, contrasting with the heat coming off of Casimir.
He lifted his hands to her face, cradling her. He nudged his leg between hers, making her gasp. She leaned against the wall for support. Her legs felt like jelly.
Thea's Tale (Sisters Of The Curse Book 1) Page 28