by Andersen,Kai
His voice washed over her in ripples, tingling places she hadn’t known existed. She was mesmerized by the intensity in his green eyes. He had moved closer and was now looming over her. Not in a threatening way, but in a way that made her feel very feminine.
“Don’t you want that, Giselda? To be seen as a woman? To be cherished and desired as one?”
She was falling slowly under his sensual gaze. His eyes were so green, as green as the grass in the meadow beside her home when she was a little girl.
“What is it that you really want, Giselda? You, Giselda the woman, and not Giselda the princess.”
The word “princess” snapped her out of her daze. She took a step aside, away from his hypnotic gaze. “Giselda the woman or Giselda the princess, it doesn’t matter. Only Frederick is fit to be my husband.” Her voice could rival the cold blowing wind outside the window.
She swept out of the room as regally as she could. But she couldn’t stop his mocking laughter from following her. His last insulting question burned her ears. “Who said anything about a husband?”
* * * * *
That night, Serena tossed and turned on her bed, unable to find a comfortable resting place for her body. Above her, the rain drummed a steady beat on the roof. She sighed, turning yet again. She wondered when the storm would stop, for it would mean freedom from this crazy household, freedom to pursue her own way, yet the thought of Frederick, whose voice sent tingles through her spine and whose touch made her yearn for something she didn’t understand yet found irresistible, was enough to make her wish the rain would go on and on.
Disgusted with herself, she threw off the blanket and climbed down from the bed.
Perhaps a glass of hot milk would help her sleep.
Donning a thin robe that did nothing to alleviate her shivers, Serena padded out of the bedchamber. The total darkness that hit her made her pause at the doorway. She remembered then that there were no windows on this level, only a row of doors lining an endless corridor. Obviously, her hosts believed in conserving the use of candles, too. She stepped out.
The air here was colder than in her room, causing her to wrap her arms around herself.
Her nipples puckered tightly, as she knew they were wont to do when she was cold. She couldn’t help but remember how they had reacted in the exact same way at the intense look in Frederick’s eyes.
She shivered, a curl of heat slicing through her at the memory of his mouth on her breasts and making her warm all over. She decided that if she really wanted that milk, she’d better go now. Else, she would not need anything other than the memory of Frederick’s kisses.
One hand on the smooth wall to guide her along, Serena made her way slowly, moving along the corridor and then down the winding stairways, grateful that the lodge was built simply enough to prevent her from losing her way. Upon reaching the first level, she stood still for a moment, trying to orient herself.
Just then, she heard a distinct sound coming from one of the rooms ahead. Wondering who else was awake apart from her, Serena crept forward quietly in the darkness, holding out one hand in front of her as she groped along.
The sounds didn’t cease, but continued in a low hum that gradually became unintelligible murmurs and then distinguishable words as she moved nearer toward the source. Her heart started to beat faster as she neared the end of the hallway, where the sounds were coming from. Peeking to her left, Serena saw a cavernous room with pots and pans hanging from numerous hooks on the wall. Two gutted candles stood on one of the long tables to her left. The room’s main source of illumination though was the crackling fire in the grate. Beside it stood a stout woman whose apron strings ended in a neat bow at the back.
She was muttering in a singsong voice while stirring something inside the pot that was cooking above the dancing fire.
Though afraid, Serena was suddenly glad for the heat that blasted her, warming her from head to toe. Tiptoeing in without being aware of it, she caught a few words.
“... rain and wind, all fury ...”
“... come hither ... in ...”
“... away sun and warmth ...”
“... all therein.”
Serena was standing almost on top of her by now, but she still couldn’t see what the cook -- what else could she be? -- was stirring in the pot. If there was anything in it, she couldn’t smell it either. The fire, however, felt so good. “Uh, excuse me?”
The woman started and turned around with a gasp. “Oh, dearie me!”
“Were you singing?”
“Why, it’s you, child.” A wide smile wreathed her face. “Singing? Why, no! Here for a glass of milk?”
Serena hesitated. How did she know? “Yes.”
Cook winked at her. “I used to do that too, when I couldn’t sleep.” She bustled off to the side, and came back with a ladle and a cup. She scooped some of her brew into the cup and handed it to Serena. “Why don’t you try this?”
Serena looked at the cup uncertainly.
“Go on,” the older woman urged. “I promise there’s no poison in it.”
Though Serena was afraid she might offend Frederick’s cook, her own safety was paramount. So, she thrust the cup at her. “You drink first.”
Cook burst out laughing. “You royalty are all the same. Fine, I’ll be your drink taster.” She took a hearty gulp and smacked her lips in satisfaction. “Best blueberry milk I’ve ever made.”
Blueberry milk? Was there such a thing?
Intrigued, Serena took a cautious sip. The liquid slid down her throat, cool and smooth. Funny how something that looked like water tasted and smelled like blueberry. And milk. Before she knew it, she had drunk the whole cup. “This is delicious! How do you make it?”
“It’s a secret recipe.” Cook smiled. In fact, she never seemed to have stopped smiling. “Now, how do you feel?”
As if on cue, Serena yawned.
Cook laughed. “Off to bed with you now, dearie.”
“All right.” Serena yawned again. That drink was certainly potent. She should remember to get the recipe before she left, secret or not. Her feet started moving toward the hall. “Good night.”
“Have a good rest, dearie. I promise you, everything will be all right.”
Leaving the kitchen and already half-asleep, Serena didn’t hear the ever-smiling woman sing some more words. Nor did she see the fire winking out or the pot becoming mysteriously empty and flying through the air to rest upside-down on the rack.
Chapter Six
“So, you never did confirm yesterday, is the promise to your mother the reason you’ve been gallivanting around the world in search of a wife?”
“Not really. I mean, I did promise my mother, but I wasn’t in any hurry to get married.”
Frederick’s mind was on the game they were playing. The chess board lay on the table between them. They’d been at it for the past two hours, and as Frederick had learned, his skills at the game were being sorely tried by a master. “It’s my father who’s hopping mad, impatient for wedding bells and the pitter-patter of tiny feet.”
“Well, you have to admit that you’re not getting any younger.”
He shot her a wry look. “Gee, thanks.”
Serena laughed. “I can’t believe you didn’t meet even one eligible girl. Wasn’t there a real princess in the bunch?”
“There was. Many of them, in fact.”
“So?”
“Stop distracting me! I can’t think with your chattering.”
“Give it up, Frederick. Just admit that you’re not as good as me in this game.” She smiled sweetly. “I promise I won’t tease you about it.”
“When kangaroos moo.”
“Kangaroos don’t moo.”
“That sums it up.”
“I see you’re going to be difficult about this. While you’re thinking about your next move, why don’t you entertain me with your story? I’m bored.”
“You’re always bored.”
“That’s be
cause I’ve got an active and intelligent mind.” She ignored his unprincely snort. “So, why didn’t you marry any those real princesses? Seems to me that’s your only qualification for a bride.”
“Hmm ... I wonder what piece I shall move.”
Frederick avoided the shrewd glance Serena sent his way by bending his head closer to the chess board. Damn, he hated it when someone could decipher him so easily. And for that someone to be a woman --
But it was also exhilarating, to match wits with Serena and to try to get one over her. It was something that hadn’t happened so far with any woman. They were all too eager to agree with him on everything.
“Somehow, I get the feeling it’s not a question you’d like to answer.” She leaned toward him, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “But then, that’s the kind of question I love the most.”
“You’re imagining things.”
“I’ll hound you forever.”
“Forever is a long time.”
“Time has no meaning.” She grimaced. “At least, not while we’re trapped in here. I can’t believe this never-ending rain.”
Frederick moved his pawn. “I’m sorry you have to be stuck here.”
“It’s not as if it’s your fault.” She looked glum as she took in the board, moved her rook and snatched up his bishop. She brightened. “But you’re not distracting me so easily. So what gives?”
“You’re certainly tenacious.”
“Like a leech.”
“Yuck. Creepy, slimy things.”
“Stop changing the subject.”
“All right. What’s it to you, anyway?”
“It sounds interesting, and it gets more interesting when you won’t answer what’s supposed to be a simple question.”
Frederick realized the tactical error he’d made. He could’ve given any number of reasons: they weren’t pretty enough, intelligent enough, princessly enough, whatever enough. But because he had evaded the question, he had unintentionally revealed its importance.
“All right, all right.” Warmth crept up his neck. He was both irritated and embarrassed. He’d never bared his soul to anyone before, but something about this girl before him, something in her sincere green eyes and the attentive way she leaned toward him, made him want to confide in her. He wasn’t comfortable about it, though.
“I --” He studied the chess board intently, realizing inconsequentially that it was his turn. “I -- my parents, they truly cared for each other,” he blurted out. The words flowed a bit easier now that he had started. “Their relationship wasn’t about power or wealth or strategic alliance. They had this genuine affection and respect between them, and I want that. I want what they had.”
He’d expected Serena’s mocking laughter, so he wasn’t prepared for her gentle understanding.
“There, that wasn’t so hard to admit, was it?”
But he realized he should have known, or at least, guessed. This was the girl who had run from a strategic alliance and dreamed of marrying for love.
He looked at her now, her sexy rumpled appearance stirring his blood once again. In accordance with her wishes, he had kept his lust under rigid control. He pretended not to see her sexily tousled hair piled on top of her head in a loose bun or her red kissable lips. He had actually forgotten about his lust as they bantered, and he tried to evade her question.
Now it all came rushing back.
He liked her, liked bantering with her and liked being friends with her. He admired her, and he was still in lust with her. No matter how much he suppressed it, he had to admit that lust was very much a part of what he felt toward her.
She must have seen the desire in his eyes or felt the sudden tension in the room, for her gaze turned wary. “What?”
“But I’m willing to forego all that, Serena, if you would marry me.”
Chapter Seven
Selena looked stunned.
Frederick was shocked, as well. Had he really blurted it out just like that? What about his deathbed promise? For though he had said that he believed her when she said she was a princess, what he really believed was that she believed she was a princess. There was a fine line there somewhere, but a line nevertheless.
He was sure she’d say “yes.” She had so much to gain -- wealth, power, status, respectability. She wasn’t immune to him, either, judging by her flushed cheeks. He groaned, remembering the dark nipples crowning her luscious breasts. He reached toward her, the chess game forgotten.
“But -- but --” The words seemed stuck in her throat. Her eyes were round and huge as she stared at him.
“But what?”
“But you’re going to marry Giselda!”
Shock rendered him speechless for a long moment. When he finally found his voice, he asked, “Who told you that?”
“Giselda.”
A moment of pure silence … and then a great big sound burst from him. He laughed.
He couldn’t help it.
Serena’s eyes narrowed. “What’s so funny?”
“Giselda --” He wheezed. “She can always -- make me laugh.”
Her back stiffened. “I’m sure that’ll be great for your married life.”
“She’s greatly delusional, that sister of mine.” He could see that Serena still did not understand. “Giselda’s lying.” He saw in her eyes the exact moment realization dawned on her.
“You mean -- you -- she -- you’re not -- not --”
“She was never my betrothed.” He had his laughter under control by now. “She is, and always will be, my sister.”
“I … see.” Fire flashed from her eyes. “Why did she lie to me?”
“I’m sure you can guess.”
A moment later, Serena nodded. “She wants you.”
“Not that she’ll have me. Now, about my proposal …”
He was disconcerted when Serena scooted backward, shaking her head. There was something like regret in her eyes, but it was hard to see.
“I can’t.”
His heart thundered in disappointment, and then quieted down. He forced a smile. “All right. I suppose you’ve a right to your choice.”
He, the man of every girl’s lustful dreams, had been rejected. His coveted marriage proposal turned down. How had this happened?
Serena righted her chair and gestured with her head toward the board. “I believe it’s your turn.”
Frederick bent his head over the chess board and pretended to be absorbed in studying the game. “So, how come I didn’t see you when I was scouring the world for potential brides?”
He felt her cautious glance on the top of his head.
“I don’t know.”
“Oh, c’mon. You were in hiding, weren’t you?” He made his voice deliberately mocking.
“I wasn’t!”
He hid a smile at her indignant tone. “Sure you were. I’ve seen every eligible -- and ineligible, for that matter -- princesses there are, and I didn’t even catch a glimpse of your shadow.”
“Maybe you haven’t been to all the kingdoms, as you like to boast.”
“Of course I have --”
“Can’t you hurry up? You’ve been staring at that board for the past fifteen minutes. No wonder it’s taking us hours to finish even one game.”
She spoke her mind, was disrespectful and blunt. And he loved every minute of it. It was such a refreshing change from the fawning and subservience he normally encountered in the women he interacted with, bedsport aside.
“Okay, okay.” He moved his remaining bishop, only to have it snatched up by her knight. “Couldn’t you have warned me before you did that?”
“Certainly not.” Serena bared her teeth. “I have a competitive streak. I play to win.”
“I’ve noticed.” A sudden thought occurred to him. He stared at her. “You’re right. I was so fed up at the whole process that I cut my tour short. I wasn’t able to visit the southern kingdoms.”
“Your loss. Southern maidens are some of the most beautiful girls in the
world, if you’ve heard the rumors. One of them might have been your princess.”
He caught the sudden pained look on her face. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine, don’t worry.” She waved a hand in the air.
“I’ll have to go there one day, maybe as soon as this storm’s over.”
“I wish you luck.”
He studied her profile and admired the pert nose, the creamy complexion and the gleam of her gold locks. She seemed to grow more beautiful each second he stayed in her presence.
He remembered something. “But you told the queen you came from the west --”
Serena slanted him a mysterious look. “Did I?”
“Yes, you did.”
“I didn’t do anything of the kind. She deduced it all on her own.” Her voice was mocking as she said, “How clever of her.”
Frederick’s eyes narrowed on her face, which contrived to look innocent as she concentrated on the game. “You deliberately misled her?”
“I didn’t! I just hadn’t finished telling my story --” At his doubting look, she laughed out loud. “Okay, I did. I misled her. I deliberately misled all of you.” She disarmed him when she looked into his eyes. “I have to protect myself.”
Even as admiration welled up in him at her alertness and cunning, his thoughts flew to their conversation in the library early this afternoon. Was she lying to him about being a princess? Was that part of her strategy?
Seconds later, he chuckled. What did it matter? Whether princess or not, Serena wasn’t willing to marry him. She wasn’t willing to be his lover. He’d never met a female who was so unwilling to have anything to do with him. Maybe that, coupled with their enforced proximity, was why he found her so interesting.
Their conversation, even when it was nonsense, held his attention. Playing chess with her was also interesting.
Recalling her last statement, he felt a fierce surge of protectiveness go through him. He didn’t question it; it felt right as determined resolve filled him. “I will protect you.” His voice was grave and sincere. “No one will harm you again.” It was said in so solemn and fierce a voice that it was almost a vow.