by Andrea Boyd
“Why did you tell Father about me and Brett?”
She withdrew her hand from my hair. After a few moments of silence, I finally turned to look at her.
“You seem to forget that I work for the king and not for you. It is my job to keep him informed.” The hard set of her jaw only angered me while increasing my pain at the same time.
“So, that is all I am to you? A job.” I turned back toward the window and somehow managed to keep the tears at bay. She would not get the satisfaction of seeing my heart crumble. “Just leave me alone. I do not need you here.”
She would probably tell my father, but I no longer cared. It was time to remember who she was. A servant. It had been foolishness on my part to think of her as anything more. I would not make this mistake in the future. The door click behind me, separating us in more ways than one. I had never felt so alone as I did in that moment.
Five
Rian
Hearing of the princess’ misdeeds was shocking—especially coming from her father. Still, it did not compare to my own sins. Without listing each gruesome detail, I would never be able to convince King Farris of my unworthiness. I was trying to leave that part of my life behind, and since I had no intentions of marrying his daughter, it was unnecessary to reveal anything to him.
“I will give you a couple of days to consider this offer. Spend some time getting to know Adrika. I think you will find her amiable enough.”
The king turned his attention back to his breakfast while I moved the food around on my plate. He made it sound as if it were a business deal. It was not unusual to marry for gain, but I had nothing but a title and a name to offer—a tarnished one at that. Did he not care about his daughter’s happiness?
If I were to view this as a business deal, it would be a very lucrative one for me. I could one day rule this kingdom. Admittedly, that part alone was enticing, but would it be pleasing to God? I would rather live in a hut as an exile to my country than to go against His will.
A bigger question came to the forefront of my thoughts. What was the hurry? King Farris spoke as if he wanted this wedding to happen between me and his daughter sooner, rather than later. Noting his ancient features, I could understand him wanting to see his daughter settled before his impending death, but why me?
A knock at the door interrupted the awkward silence that had fallen between us. The princess’ handmaiden entered and curtsied in front of the king. She stayed in that position while he continued chewing. She did not straighten until he spoke to her. Even then, she kept her gaze averted to the floor in front of her.
“What is it, Damini?”
“Your Highness, I came to inform you that Princess Adrika is unwell. She is unable to join you for breakfast.”
King Farris’ face paled, and he finally looked at the servant. “What is wrong with her? Does she need to be seen by the healer?”
“No, Your Highness.” She hesitated and looked to the side before going on. “She is just a little under the weather, so to speak. A little rest and she will most likely be better by this afternoon.”
He took a deep breath and then resumed eating. Damini stood waiting to be dismissed. The way this king interacted with his servants reminded me of my father. This thought had me even less inclined to finish my meal.
“Tell her to come to me when she is well enough, and find one of the guards to escort Prince Rian. You may go.” She curtsied before hurrying from the room.
I thought it strange that the guard had not kept watch over this visit, but it was clear now that the king wanted no one privy to our conversation. I could not blame him. His decision to keep me prisoner here was starting to make sense as well. Things were happening so fast, if I did not know better, I would think he had it all planned before my arrival.
After breakfast, I decided to take a trip into town. Although I had not requested one, a horse had been provided along with two warriors to accompany me. The first thing I did was search out a new cloak and warmer clothing. Even with the warmer than normal temperatures, it was still much colder here than in Rivania.
I found a barber and had my hair cut and my nails groomed. It had been years since I had allowed myself this luxury. I usually took care of my own grooming, but the grime of my time in prison seemed to be embedded into my skin. My face was shaved clean but I decided to stick with the short haircut I had worn for the last ten years. There would be no more grooves cut into the side of my hair and beard marking me as a soldier of Rivania. That life was behind me for good.
My guards trailed behind as I entered the local pub in search of a dinner. I was shown to a table near the back and the two warriors took a table in the middle of the room. Had I welcomed them to sit with me, they most likely would have declined. Whether from orders or their dislike of me, Farris’ men had refrained from interacting with me more than necessary.
A plate of herb-roasted chicken with vegetables along with bread and a mug of ale were set before me by the server. The man’s lip curled in disgust when I thanked him. “If you need anything, you can let me know, Your Highness.”
He should not have addressed me as such. In Kearnley, that title was reserved for rulers. The way he said it had sounded more like a taunt. I looked around at the faces of the patrons. Some wore a scowl as they looked my way while others studied me with open curiosity. I started in on my food, deciding it was best to keep to my meal and ignore those around me.
After leaving the pub, I tried to post a letter to each of my brothers. Unfortunately, the guards intervened. I was not surprised. This was proof King Farris feared my family’s retaliation. My only hope was that word would somehow make it to one of them. I remembered how fast gossip could move across the country.
When we returned, I ordered a bath delivered to my room. As I sat in the small tub, I longed for the luxury of the hot spring behind the barracks. I would not be caught unclothed out of doors now that I knew the princess was known to roam the mountainside. For her sake alone, it was a wonder that the king had not rebuilt the surrounding wall. The next time I wanted a bath, I would go there after dark.
My mind could not help going back to King Farris’ suggestion that Princess Adrika and I should marry. Surely, he would come to his senses. She was beautiful, with a spiritedness I found attractive. Admittedly, the thought of a life with her was fascinating. But I knew that regardless of her past sins, she deserved better than me—whether her father believed it or not.
After dressing in some of my new clothing, I headed down the hall to the one place in this castle that I had loved in my youth. As far as I was concerned, Dermot had the best library in all of Kearnley. I stepped over the threshold into the room and took in a deep breath of the scent that can only be found in between the pages of an old manuscript.
I opened my eyes, looking around for a few minutes without even leaving the doorway. This library was three times the size of the one in Gilvary. Heavy drapes concealing the tall windows darkened the room, making it seem more cozy. Every available space on the walls was covered in shelves filled with books. Overstuffed arm chairs sat in groupings throughout the room, providing excellent places to curl up and read for hours on end.
A spiral staircase led to the upper story where there were even more books along with cubbies holding rolls of detailed maps. A classroom was set up on one end. Most of those books were used to aid in learning. I had not spent much time up there in my youth. I had felt I learned enough while at home. Instead, my free time visiting here had seemed better spent in a fantasy world of my own choosing.
The guard behind me cleared his throat which effectively pulled me out of my reverie. I made my way to the other end of the long room and knelt to light the kindling beneath the firewood that had already been laid.
“Allow me to call for a servant to do that for you.”
“That is quite unnecessary. I know perfectly well how to light a fire. I have been self-sufficient for these last ten years.”
“Hmm,” was
his only reply. So, he did not believe me. I could not care less.
After the fire was going, I lit a lantern on a nearby table and started my perusal of my favorite section of books. Unlike other libraries I had visited where the books were catalogued by the author’s last name, here someone had taken the time to group them by subject matter. My favorite had always been novels of adventure. It did not take long for me to find my favorite book among them. My brother, Garrett, had given me a copy of The Temptress for my ninth birthday. I had read it many times, but not since leaving home.
I settled down into one of the armchairs in front of the fire with a quilt across my lap and was soon lost in the story. A few times, I was distracted by the guard as he milled about the room. Whether from lack of interest in reading or fear of distraction from his duties, he had not taken a book for himself. I was glad when he finally landed in the chair across from me. He seemed content just to sit there and stare mindlessly into the fire.
It felt as if we had been there no time at all when Princess Adrika’s handmaiden entered. Damini stopped halfway into the room. She stood there biting her lip and rubbing one of her arms as her gaze darted from me to one of the windows.
“Was there something you needed, or did you just come to enjoy the library as I have?”
She gave a belated curtsy. “Please do not stop reading on my account, Prince Rian.”
The woman stood watching me as if to see if I would do just that. Her strange behavior awakened my curiosity. She gave a slight nod of her head as if she had reached a decision. Then she quickly walked over to the window and pulled back one of the drapes a few inches.
“It is time for you to make ready for the evening meal.” She turned and left the room.
I was trying to make out her odd performance when the drapes began to move. A pair of silk clad legs peeked out, followed by the rest of the princess. Her gaze briefly met mine before she turned away.
“Were you hiding from me?”
She turned back and glanced once at me before looking down toward the floor. “No, Prince Rian. To disturb you would have defeated the purpose of you coming here.”
“In the future, I would not be opposed to a little conversation. I heard that you were under the weather. It is good to see you out of your room. I pray you are feeling better now.”
Her brown-eyed gaze only made it to my chest. For some reason, I wanted her to look directly at me.
“I am feeling improved from this morning. You must excuse me now. I need to ready myself for the evening meal.” She curtsied which irritated me to no end.
Her father was not present. Why could it not be like it was out on the veranda? Had King Farris informed her of his idea that we should be married? Surely, he had. Before I could think of what to say, she was gone. Hopefully I would see her outside of her room later that night.
I sat for the longest time, the book forgotten in my hand, questioning my need to speak with the princess. We certainly never had a relationship before now. Even without considering the difference in age, she had been spoiled, and I had been angry. Sometimes when I thought about the events of my life, I still felt that way.
Another guard came to take the place of my quiet companion. I did not expect any more interaction from this new one. His speech took me by surprise. “Prince Rian, you are to dine with the royal family tonight. Perhaps you would like to freshen up?”
I had just had a bath and donned new clothing. I was as fresh as I was going to get, but I did not say this. Instead, I refolded the quilt on my lap, extinguished the lantern, and tucked the book under my arm before preceding him to my chambers.
The guard led me through the door at the back of the dining hall and directed me to sit beside the princess. Princess Adrika spoke my name and nodded in my direction. It was the only acknowledgement I received. We sat in silence while servants dished food onto our plates. I looked out over the sparsely populated room. It seemed quieter than usual and curious glances were aimed my way. Even if I was a prince, I was still a prisoner here.
Shaking the thought off, I turned to the princess. “I did not see a book in your hand when you came from behind that curtain in the library. What were you doing back there? Were you spying on me?” I ducked my head and smiled hoping she would take it as the joke I meant it to be.
She glanced sideways but still did not look directly at me as I had hoped. “Spying? That is your area of expertise, is it not?” She covered her lips with her fingertips drawing my gaze there. “What I meant to say is, I left it on the window seat. That is my favorite reading nook, so I just leave my book there until next time.”
How would those thick lips feel if pressed against mine? I quickly glanced away. King Farris was to blame for my wayward thoughts. Surely I never would have considered such a thing before.
“Is that why you hid away in the library? Are you afraid you will surrender to my charms and reveal all the secrets of Dermot?”
The corners of her lips turned up. “What makes you think your charms would have any effect on me?”
“Princess, if that were truly my objective, you would be as helpless as a lamb.”
She turned and looked directly into my eyes then. “You seem awfully sure of yourself.”
For a few seconds, it felt as if everything around me paused. I had been longing for her to look at me, without realizing how unsettling it would be when she did. As if sensing my feelings, she jerked her gaze back to her plate suddenly. A beautiful shade of rose bloomed up the side of her face. We ate in silence for a while, but I caught her taking peeks at me from the corner of her eyes.
“Will you be out on the veranda tonight?” What was I doing? I had no intentions of starting a relationship with this woman. Therefore, I had no business engaging her in this flirtation. Still, I was eager for her answer.
“I . . . I do not know.”
The king stood up on the other side of her and the princess practically jumped from her seat. I remained seated. Even my father had not expected his family to scrape and bow the way King Farris did. Or maybe it was just the women in his life that he expected it from. It was hard to tell since the only family he had left was his daughter. I tried to remember his interactions with his wife, but admittedly, I paid little attention to such things back then. I looked down the table to see the king’s brother-in-law still seated.
The king moved past his daughter. “Prince Rian, I hope you have a lovely evening. Daughter, come with me. I will speak with you before I retire.”
“Yes, Father.” She looked down at his feet as she spoke.
This daughter seemed of little more consequence than a servant. The anger that always seemed to simmer just below the surface bubbled to the top with this thought. King Farris was like my father had been in more ways than one.
Six
Adrika
How could I be attracted to this man when I had been pining for another earlier on this day? No one could deny that Prince Rian was handsome—even before when his hair and beard had been shaggy and unkempt. I could smell his spicy, manly scent over the smell of food wafting through the dining hall. Something about him seemed to loosen my tongue. I would never consider speaking to another man in the same manner. When my father asked to speak with me, I was reminded of the dangers Rian posed on my life. I chided myself all the way to Father’s chambers.
“I had expected you to come to me today.”
“I am sorry, Father. I forgot.”
He sat down at the small table in his sitting room and motioned for me to sit to his left. I folded my hands in my lap and looked down at the table while I silently begged him not to bring up his knowledge of me and Brett. I might die on the spot if he did.
“You are eighteen years old.” He cleared his throat. “It is past time that you should be married. Your uncle has been after me to allow him to find you a husband from among his people.”
My stomach clenched at his words. Had he changed his mind? Of all my prospects for a husban
d, the thought of being married to a Cordelian stranger was the worst. I visited my mother’s country once. Some of the men there were openly cruel to their women, and no one batted an eye. There, even the more fortunate among women lived in oppression.
It was fine for my father to find a wife from Cordelia because he would hold power over her. It would be different with a man from the same country. A husband from my mother’s homeland could mean a life of misery, and I would be helpless to do anything about it. Given the choice, Rian was the better option, only he was not Brett.
Father stopped speaking for a moment, and I glanced his way. He reached out as if to place his hand on my shoulder but pulled away at the last moment. “I would think you would not like that, and I certainly would not want a Cordelian ruling my country once I am gone.”
Relief poured over me. I let out the breath I had been holding.
“I have chosen Prince Rian to be our next ruler. I offered him your hand in marriage this morning. He is going to take the next couple of days to decide. And Adrika . . .”
He took my chin and turned my face toward him. My eyes stung with unshed tears. My chest hurt with the effort of holding them back. “I expect you to do whatever it takes to make sure he agrees to this union.”
Father’s choice for my husband had little to do with me and everything to do with his rule over this kingdom. I felt like a worthless token, to be used in securing Rian’s place on the throne and nothing more. My desires did not matter in the least.
“Oh, Poppa.”
I slid from the chair to kneel before him, laying my head on his knee. I wanted to plead for him not to make me do this. I wanted to beg him to change his mind, but all I could get past the thickening of my throat was this endearment from my youth.
“Rika.”
He had not used my nickname since the day I began wearing the undergarments of a woman. I had thought it was yet another sign that I had grown up, but it had not taken long for me to miss it. Things were different after that, and the distance between us had only grown after the death of my mother.