“Don’t let him in,” she ordered.
“I already told him,” said the queen.
Bethany and Debowrah carefully helped Ob drink the hot tea. It wasn’t enough to relieve his pain, but it would take the edge off.
The young prince slumped back against the pillow, a little sigh escaping his lips. Bethany felt a stool brush against her legs. She looked back to see Erin positioning it for her. She sat down, taking her brother’s hand.
“Not good, eh Sis?” Ob asked with a half-hearted cough.
Bethany shook her head. She wouldn’t lie to him, as much as she wanted to. She glanced up at her brother and mother. Gilead shook his head angrily before stomping out of the room.
Trust him to be angry at a dying man, thought Bethany.
The queen took a seat on the other side of the bed, tears already working their way down her face. Meanwhile, Erin took up a position beside the door, ready to defend their privacy from anyone who dared open the door.
“You wanted to know what I saw during my travels,” Bethany began, wanting to draw Ob’s attention away from their crying mother. “I got see Topaq, and Mirartock. They’re so big, Ob. You could live there your whole life and still get lost. It was so hot there you never stop sweating. You could almost taste the heat.
“The women wear next to nothing. You’d love it,” added Bethany, hoping to get a smile from her brother. She didn’t look up to see how their mother responded to her quip. “The port is almost as big as the city! Remember learning about their trading out of Topaq? It’s a totally different thing to see all those white sails. Row after row of them.
“After leaving Topaq, we—I mean—I rested on the beach for a few days. I swam in the Great Sea. The water down there is actually warm. And I ate some of the strangest fruits. There was one called breadfruit. It actually tasted like sweet, wet bread. You would have loved it.”
“Did you… meet a lot of interesting…pe…”
“People?” asked Bethany, momentarily glancing up at Erin. “Yes. Some of the very best people. But also a lot of broken people. Met a family with a little girl who had been bitten by a snake. We-I couldn’t save her.
“I also traveled with the Zemê across the Central Wastelands. It was so boring. Nothing but sand as far as the eye can see. And hot. It was downright miserable.”
“The Lurran?” he asked before coughing, his lips turning red with blood.
Bethany bit down on her tongue, fighting the tears. “Yes. They saved me from an attack. I was wounded and I stayed with them for a couple days. They live in the cliff side, on this wide ledge. The buildings are half caves, half built out from the cave entrance. And they’re ruled by a woman. The Grand Mother, she’s called.
“They’re very nice. They equipped us-me for the journey over the Whitecaps. They gave me everything I needed… without asking for anything in return…I never would have made it home if it weren’t for them.”
Bethany felt a hand squeeze her shoulder. She looked up, ready to berate whoever had interrupted her monologue. Erin’s sad eyes flicked from her face to the bed. Bethany turned to look at her brother. He lay relaxed, his eyes open, and a little blood trickling out of his slack mouth. Slowly, his brown eyes faded and glazed over.
“He’s gone,” Erin said.
The queen dropped her head onto the mattress, her crying becoming audible. In the midst of her weeping, Bethany heard a faint cough. Her heart was too broken to worry about her mother’s cough.
Long before either woman was ready to face the world, the door creaked open and Lord Miach entered. Bethany cringed, wondering what the old man could possibly want.
“May I speak with you, Bethany?” he asked, his voice gruff with some unknown emotion.
“Not now,” Bethany replied, willing to take his anger as long as it came later; she wasn’t up to dealing with him.
“I need to speak with you,” replied the lord.
“The princess said ‘later,’” Erin said, stepping between Miach and the rest of the room.
Miach’s face twitched, anger mingled with fear flashing across his features for a short second. The lord nodded once to Erin before making his escape.
“Thank you, Erin,” Bethany said with a sniffle.
“That man is entirely too full of himself,” Debowrah said as she wiped the tears from her face; once again she was the controlled, decorous queen.
“You have no idea,” Bethany mumbled as she forced herself to her feet and pulled the soiled cloak over her brother’s face.
“It seems as though we are cursed,” said the queen as she gazed down on the body of her son. “First the children, and now Obadyah.”
Bethany squeezed her eyes against the images of her past. Queen Arabelle had said something similar when Bethany had been plotting against them. Are we cursed, or is someone trying to destroy our lives? Could it be Wolfric?
“Come, Mother, let’s let the healers in to handle the body.”
Debowrah nodded. “I’m going to my room to lay down. Sir Caldry, will you take Bethany back to her room?”
Erin nodded and offered his arm to the princess. Bethany took it and followed him out of the room. The hall was crowded with spectators, wondering what had happened to Obadyah. After all, until Gilead produced a son, he was the heir to the throne. One look at Bethany and Debowrah’s faces and the crowd knew the answer. Without any encouragement, the spectators began to make their way out of the family level.
Bethany spotted Miach among them. His weathered face glared at her from where he stood before he turned and marched to the stairs. Erin gave her a little tug, drawing her attention to her feet. She followed Erin to her room. By the time they reached her room at the end of the long corridor, the mob of onlookers had dispersed and the healers had entered Ob’s bedroom.
Without an invitation, Erin slipped into the bedroom behind Bethany. He shut the door with his foot as he dragged the princess into his arms.
Bethany didn’t know how long they stood there, holding each other. Slowly, though, she grew concerned that someone would wonder where Erin was. It took all her willpower to pull her tired body away from his warm embrace.
“You should go,” she began. “Gilead might start looking for you. If you’re caught here…”
“I know. I know. I just couldn’t drop you off. You shouldn’t be alone right now.”
“I could always send for Miach,” she said, trying to make a joke out the sad day stretching out before her.
Erin glowered down at her, unamused.
“Teasing,” she said. “Go. I’ll be okay.”
“If you’re sure.” Erin bent down and kissed her cheek.
Bethany barely felt the gentle peck. Her mind was still with her brother, his body slowly cooling as the last sign of life faded away. At least with the children she had had some warning as their illness progressed. Obadyah had been fine this morning, laughing at a servant’s fumbled attempts to serve them warm milk. She had slipped on the steps, landing on her knees, and splashing milk all over Gilead’s legs.
How could a life end so abruptly?
Bethany squeezed her eyes shut. She was too young to handle so much death. In less than three weeks, she had watched as seven members of her family passed away. Bethany stumbled back against her bed before collapsing on the soft surface. She pulled her legs up and wrapped her arms around them.
Bethany suddenly became aware of the scarred knight still watching her.
“Please, leave me alone.”
Erin gave her a nod before disappearing into the empty corridor.
Chapter Twenty
Erin walked away from the princess’ bedroom. It had been difficult to leave her alone, but he suspected Miach would be looking for him soon enough. If they were caught alone in her bedroom it would be devastating for the marriage contract. Erin stopped in his tracks, a sudden desire to go back making it hard to walk. If only they could be caught together. He would get Bethany then, rather than Lord Miach.
Then again, Bethany’s reputation would be ruined and the king would stop trusting him.
The scarred knight forced his feet back into motion. He wouldn’t do that to Bethany. It would be tricking her into choosing him. She needed to do that on her own, and she never would. Erin understood why, but knowing didn’t make it less painful.
Erin turned the corner, ready to descend the wide staircase, only to thump into another strong body. Erin glanced down to find himself face to face with Miach himself.
The older man took the necessary two steps to put himself level with Erin.
“Where have you been?” Miach growled.
“I escorted the princess to her chambers, as per the queen’s request.”
“How long does it take you to drop her off?”
Erin ground his teeth together, his mother’s voice in the back of his mind berating him for the unattractive habit. He had no defense against the lord’s questions. The fact was he had been alone with the unmarried woman, holding her in his arms. He could hardly tell her fiancé that.
“She is upset at the death of her brother. She was not able to walk fast. And I wanted to make sure she was okay before I left.”
“What’s it to you if the princess is okay?”
“I serve her.”
Miach’s glower darkened. “You sure that’s all you do?”
“Are you implying something?” Erin asked.
He noticed a maidservant watching the confrontation. Erin gave her a grimace before nodding toward the main level. Hopefully she understood the meaning of his nod when she ducked into the servant’s stairwell and disappeared.
“Yes. I think I am,” replied Miach without noticing Erin’s exchange with the maid.
“Then I suggest you be more specific. What are you accusing me of, Lord Miach?”
Before the older man could reply, Gilead appeared at the bottom of the staircase and began jogging up to where they stood.
“Is there a problem, gentlemen?” Gilead asked with a forced smile.
Erin knew the king should be mourning his dead brother rather than mediating between jealous men.
“Sorry for bothering you, my lord,” Erin said with a bow. “It seems Lord Miach does not trust me in my assignment of protecting the princess.”
Miach’s glare darkened until Erin wondered if the old man would draw on him.
“You and the woman were alone in her room,” countered Miach.
Gilead glanced at Erin, a smile pulling at his lips. “You really worried Bethany is doing something inappropriate with Erin?”
The tone of the king’s voice made it abundantly clear he never expected his little sister to harbor feelings for a man as ugly as Erin—making any response from Miach sound ridiculous, thought Erin.
“Well, this wouldn’t be the first time she’s let some man between her legs,” countered Miach.
Erin struggled to maintain his composure of relaxed innocence as his hand moved to his sword hilt of its own accord.
“As I understand it,” said Erin, barely keeping his voice calm, “the princess was raped while in Tolad. That is hardly her ‘letting,’ I’d say.”
“Oh please. The girl’s a little hussy. She’ll take anything with a penis, hence my concern.”
Erin didn’t stop to think as he pulled his fist back and punched the lord in the jaw. Miach went down hard, his hand flying to his sword as he slid down the first couple stairs. Despite his age, Miach was back on his feet, sword drawn, in record time.
“Stop. Both of you,” ordered the king as Erin drew his own sword. “I mean it.”
Erin obediently stepped back, lowering his defensive stance but keeping his sword drawn. Reluctantly, Miach did the same.
“Lord Miach, let me remind you to speak of your betrothed with deference. According to the crown, she is innocent. What happened in Tolad was not within her control. If you have a problem with this, you should have said so before.”
“I have no problem with her impurity,” replied Miach.
“Then act like it.” Gilead gave the older man a glare that could have melted man’s bones. “You are dismissed.”
Miach didn’t hesitate to turn and stomp down the steps, disappearing into the bailey.
“You’re really going to allow that man to marry her?” demanded Erin before he could censure himself.
Gilead let out a deep sigh. “I need his troops. He has an army of his own and has been reluctant to help with the war efforts. Part of their marriage contract is that I have full control over his soldiers.”
Erin didn’t respond. He was too angry to think of something diplomatic.
“And need I remind you, Erin, that her future is no concern of yours. As much as I appreciate the risks you have taken for her, she is still not your little sister. She is mine.”
Erin nearly burst out laughing. Was that what they thought? I care for her as a little sister?
Boy, were they in for a surprise.
Instead of laughing, Erin nodded. “Of course, my lord. I meant no offense.”
“I know you didn’t,” said the king, clapping Erin on the shoulder.
Bethany sat before her empty fireplace, staring at the remains of the last fire. In May, the fires were only lit on occasions of unusual cold. In the three days since Obadyah’s death, she had barely set foot out of her room, despite the urging of Cilia, her lady-in-waiting, and Erin. Bethany knew she was giving in to a deep depression, but couldn’t find the will to fight it. Normally she was too stubborn to feel anything painful for long. Before all this, her policy had been ignore what wasn’t pleasant. But there was nothing pleasant left in her life to distract her from the pain of loss.
Her days of freedom were disappearing before her. Soon, very soon, she would be wed to Miach and trapped in his castle. She knew the lord would never trust her to have a life outside of her duties to him. She wouldn’t help the ill or visit the poor, but Gilead would have his army.
A soft knock on her door interrupted her depressing thoughts.
“Enter,” she said, just loud enough to be heard.
“My lady,” said the soft voice of a servant. “You’re needed in your mother’s room.”
Bethany finally drew her eyes away from the empty fireplace. What did Mother need? No doubt she wants to snap me out of this.
The princess silently followed the servant to her mother’s room and entered, stopping suddenly in her tracks. The room was dim, with only a few candles lit to offset the drapes blocking out the sunlight that normally streamed in through the narrow window. A cloying smell of herbs and human sweat hovered in the air, making Bethany hold her breath.
It didn’t take her befuddled mind long to realize what was happening. Her mother was sick with the strange illness.
Gilead sat next to their mother’s bed, silently listening to the queen’s soft words. It was only when Bethany forced the shock into the back of her mind did she understand her mother’s words.
“Don’t make Bethany marry that man. He’s cruel. And she’s suffered enough unhappiness in her life.”
Gilead turned, suddenly taking notice of Bethany’s presence. He rose from his seat and gave her hand a squeeze.
“When did she fall ill?” Bethany asked, absently noticing Healer Pharem standing unobtrusively in the corner.
“Shortly after Ob’s death.”
“Why didn’t anyone tell me?”
“She wouldn’t let us. She thought she would get better.”
“Get better? How bad is she?” whispered Bethany.
Gilead hesitated a moment before speaking. “It won’t be long now.”
Bethany’s eyes widened. Had they really waited until her last moments to tell me?
“She wants to talk to you,” continued Gilead, tearing into her thoughts.
Bethany blinked back the tears and walked passed her brother to take his seat.
“Hey Ma,” she said, unable to think of anything else to say as the door banged shut behind Gilead.
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“I’ve waited for you to tell me on your own, in your own time,” whispered the queen, forcing Bethany to lean in to hear her words. “But I’ve run out of time, myself. Sir Caldry brought you home, didn’t he?”
Bethany felt her mouth open in shock. How in the world had she figured that out?
“Uh… what do you mean?” she asked, playing dumb in a last ditch effort to save Erin.
“He brought you all the way from Tolad. He saved you?”
Bethany felt her face crumple as she nodded. “He did. He attacked the prince when he was… you know. Then he saved me again and again as we journeyed north.”
“And he taught you to fight?”
Bethany nodded again. “How did you figure it out?”
“This and that,” said the queen with a hoarse cough, bringing up a wash of reddish-green phlegm. “You two often use the same phrasing. Then you kept accidentally saying ‘we’ when you talked about your journey. Plus there’s the way he looks at you.”
“How does he look at me?” Bethany asked, feeling guilty for talking about herself as her mother lay dying, but she couldn’t help it.
“Like he loves you. Like he’s ready to fling himself in front of you to save you from the arrows.”
Bethany felt her jaw drop again. Love? She knew Erin was interested. After all, he had kissed her a few times. And she knew it wasn’t some passing emotion, but never had she dreamed the same man who had once whipped her could possibly love her in the way her mother described it.
“I tried—cough—I tried… to get… Gilead… to.”
“Stop, mother. Save your breath. It doesn’t matter. My path is set.”
Debowrah looked sadly at her daughter, a single tear leaking out of her unfocused eyes. “No path is set,” the queen whispered before closing her eyes and letting out one last long sigh.
Bethany held her breath as she watched her mother, looking for any signs of life. Before she could say or do anything, Pharem ran to the other side of the bed and felt for the queen’s breathing. There was nothing to find.
The Dothan Chronicles: The Complete Trilogy Page 76