Invocation

by Nicole Warner

  I crushed the tria beads in my hand and offered a prayer that I would do my papa proud.

  We stopped at a large white manor near the palace, Lady Drusilla informing me it was there that we would make preparations for my presentation. Soldiers rode ahead to inform their king of my arrival, while others lifted trunks from the wagon and brought them inside.

  Given no more opportunity to worry or reflect on my future, they rushed Adele into the small dressing room to assist. Lady Drusilla, after choosing a light blue dress, pulled the emerald comb from my braid, an indefinable expression on her face, and directed Adele to put it in my trunk. I was only glad she did not know about the butterfly hairpins used to hold up my hair. A short time later they whisked me back into the carriage and my hands shook in earnest.

  I missed the sights of the city because my eyes were shut tight in a whirl of nervousness. I forced myself to breathe, trying to calm myself and only opened them when I heard a sharp clarion.

  Men in leather jackets of light brown, with matching brown boots and black pants, lined the drive. Crown motifs were etched onto their right shoulders. Some held trumpets to their lips and played a rousing and exuberant refrain. It somehow lifted my spirits to hear it.

  My carriage came to a stop and we stepped out. Another group stood in a regimented line before the massive double doors of the palace. They drew their swords in one swift movement and brandished them before sheathing their weapons and bowing.

  A little stunned by the display, I did not know the best response to make, so I only smiled and gave them small nods of greeting. Lady Drusilla tapped my arm and directed me up the short set of stairs into the palace. A vast building, some three storeys in height, the sheer size of it left me amazed, but the older noblewoman rushed me through so quickly I had no time to take it all in.

  We walked through a large hall with a wide, curling staircase and marble pillars along the sides framed by arches. A set of brief steps led into a hall sheathed in glossy, black tiles on both walls and the floor. Portraits of proud men and women in golden frames lined the edges, their oval features blurring before me as we rushed past.

  A turn to the left, followed by another, this time into an extensive library. Shelves, containing hundreds of books, ran along the walls with more rows of shelving jutting into the centre. At the end of those bookshelves were small tables, each set with a single chair. We walked through the wide corridor between and turned to the right, heading to a door leading outside.

  Sunlight beamed on a beautiful garden filled with the subtle fragrance of roses in their final bloom. Flowers of purple, white, and pink blossomed in denial of the cold weather. Among them I recognised pansies, chrysanthemums and asters.

  I wanted to stop to savour them, but their sweet scent would not deter Lady Drusilla from her duty. She briskly stepped past the hedges, small statues and fountains, darling little bridges and hidden alcoves set with inviting marble benches.

  A row of intertwining and trimmed greenery to the left formed a large hedge and, as we walked around, I saw two marquees on either side of a circular building, colourful banners fluttering from the sides. Before them extended a wide, green lawn.

  Arrayed in the shaded area before the structure were a group of men and women. I spotted Eadred and went to walk towards him, but Lady Drusilla forced me to take the long way around the grass, to the trees at the far end. Bright ribbons moved among the branches, lifting languidly in the breeze to sweep across us as we passed. I grabbed one with a fast hand and let it trail from my fingers.

  Lady Drusilla curtsied and waved towards the assembled nobility. I then realised their intent. They wanted me to walk down a grassy aisle defined by short, white pillars wound with purple flowers. My gaze, even from this distance, was only for Eadred. He both smiled and shook his head. I forced myself to glance away as Lady Drusilla flapped her hands again, this time more urgently.

  As I walked, I studied the one person everyone else held in clear deference, the heavy circlet of gold on his black hair unmistakable. King Edmund wore a doublet of dark blue satin with a high collar of thick and finely made lace. His eyes were brown like Eadred’s, but lighter. That was where any family resemblance ended.

  His mouth was wider and eyes closer together, with a much thinner and longer jawline. He was also noticeably shorter than Eadred and wore a strange, black curly wig that fell to his shoulders, paired with a moustache and a short, pointed beard. Both must have been the fashion in Sidem, for several of the nobles copied him.

  He stepped further onto the lawn and into the sunlight. The satin material of his doublet shimmered under the burnishing light. He studied me with an assessing eye. A wide smile then appeared, as if in appreciation for what he saw.

  I stopped before him and dropped into a deep curtsy. I pressed my hand to the spot where the tria beads were hidden and then brought them to rest clasped before me as Lady Drusilla had instructed. “Your Majesty.”

  “It’s an honour to meet you at last, Princess Anne.”

  “As I am pleased to meet you.”

  It was all a little strange.

  He clapped his hands together, startling me. “I’ve a surprise for you,” he told me and waved a servant over, the sapphire and gold signet ring on his right middle finger flashing as the sunlight caught it. “A gift for my bride to wear on her wedding day.”

  The servant stepped forward, holding a cushion of royal blue. Upon it was a sparkling wonder of a necklace, a piece even I could see was valuable beyond measure. Filled with the finest cut diamonds and sapphires, it seemed too great a present and one I was not sure I was worthy of.

  “I hope you like it,” he said with a such a proud expression crossing his features, a bubble of laughter threatened to tumble from me. How to tell him it was too much? My gaze flashed towards Eadred. A mistake. I glanced down for a second to regain my composure.

  “Your Majesty, this is a precious gift,” I replied, forcing my voice to show a suitable level of surprise and pleasure.

  The servant presented the necklace, bowing with the cushion lifted before him. I went to touch it, not sure what they expected me to do, but the servant’s eyes widened ludicrously as he pulled it out of reach. With another brief bow, he retreated into the palace. Two of the guards in brown jackets followed.

  King Edmund grasped my hand and turned us both to face the assembled nobility. “May I present, Princess Anne.” The gathered men and women clapped politely in greeting.

  I could not stop my wayward eyes this time, and I drank in the sight of him. His hair was tied into a neat tail, the cavalier hat sadly missing, and he wore a doublet of grey and black. It had been six days too many since our farewell in Arnil Wale and I felt robbed of all those moments without him. I studied the faint shadow lining his jaw, those full lips, and then realised his wide gaze was trying to tell me something.

  With a small flinch, I understood what it was and looked instead to the man standing beside him. He carried a large chain of gold draped over his shoulders, and there was such similarity between them, I was sure this was Eadred’s papa, Prince Earon.

  Grey tinged the brown hair of both his head and full beard, just as Eadred had told me. His eyes were as kind as his son’s but where Eadred’s were a warm brown, his papa’s were blue. He caught my gaze, seeing as I was looking straight at him, and smiled, giving a nod. I could not help it as my lips lifted into the first genuine smile I had shared since arriving at this large palace.

  The King did not miss this small exchange and turned his head. “Ah, perhaps introductions are in order,” he said as he looked at the Prince. “Anne, may I introduce you to my uncle, the Duke of Ralleigh, Prince Earon.”

  Prince Earon dropped into an elegant bow before me. “A great pleasure to meet you, Princess Anais.”

  It induced an immediate reaction. The King demanded, scowling, “Come now! We must call her Anne
to make her feel a part of her new country.”

  “Forgive me, Sire. A slip of the tongue.”

  Eadred was staring at his papa with a frowning suspicion. He shook it off when King Edmund turned to him, saying with brusque indifference, “I believe you already know my cousin.”

  I beamed in pleasure. “It is good to see you again, Lord Eadred.” Both of us stared, and I lost my train of thought. The moment held for a beat too long. When alarm rose in his brown eyes, I sucked in a quick breath. “He was a wonderful teacher.”

  “I can hear it,” Prince Earon commented with much admiration. “It’s remarkable how little accent you have.”

  “There was a lot of trial and error, I must confess,” I answered, already feeling a comfortable familiarity with Eadred’s papa, and knowing the marked resemblance between them was most likely the cause.

  The King grasped my elbow and escorted me away. “Yes, yes, there’ll be time for all of that later. Now you must meet the rest of my court.” He made introductions as courtiers stepped forward to bow or curtsy before me. They became a sea of faces, of considering and calculating eyes that examined my dress and mannerisms, wondering how they could use me, or dismissing me entirely.

  Tension formed in my shoulders and I tried not to show it, keeping my expression polite and welcoming. As the last lady curtsied before me, a servant hurried over and bowed low. “Your Majesty, the refreshments have been served.”

  King Edmund clapped his hands, a wide smile on his face. “Very good! Come, come! Let us enjoy some wine and food. I have entertainment for you, my dear Anne.”

  He guided me towards the marquee where a long table and chairs were set. At the head of the table was the largest chair, covered in a plush, red velvet bordered by rich gold in curling patterns. King Edmund dropped into his seat with a satisfied sound and, meeting my gaze, pointed to a much plainer one to his left.

  There seemed an air of informality to the event as no servants rushed forward to push in my seat, only one coming over to fill the King’s goblet to the brim with red wine. As I sat, the other nobles took their seats, murmuring amongst themselves. Eadred was on the same side of the table, somewhat further down. When I dared a glance his way, I saw he was between Regina and Annette and not looking at all pleased by the arrangement.

  It was a stunning setting. The long lawn rolled out before us, edged by those beautiful gardens brimming with flowers, and beyond that the rich autumnal tones of the trees mixed with hints of green. The sun was sinking low in the sky but still provided a pleasant warmth to the air.

  Music drifted over the gathering and I asked King Edmund where it came from. He smiled, saying, “There are musicians on the other side of the summerhouse. But look, here comes the entertainment.”

  A group of young men and women in strange colourful costumes ran onto the lawn. The funny hats on their heads carried many thin points spiking out and at the tip of each tinkled a tiny golden bell. The unseen musicians played a livelier tune. It was to this that the performers tumbled and rolled in a manic display on the grass. They leapt over each other or were thrown in the air to land in graceful falls, bounding back up and bowing to the clapping of the courtiers.

  The group moved together, climbing on top of each other only to crash and tumble down comically to the delight of their audience. A man sprayed fire from his mouth. We gasped and cried out in shock, then laughed when we realised the fire did not injure him. Another threw colourful balls in the air and caught them in such a fast display I barely kept track of what was happening. Women daringly leapt through hoops lit aflame and twirled ribbons in their hands. For their finale, each performer showcased their astounding skills. I did not know where to look, trying to take in everything. They finished their performance with low bows, well rewarded by our loud clapping.

  A little lost for words, I smiled at King Edmund and told him it was the most marvellous thing I had ever seen. He laughed indulgently and then invited me to eat. Food, in small and colourful portions, was displayed across the centre of the table and I picked up what was closest, chewing slowly. As I looked about, I discovered just how many of the courtiers scrutinised me and tried to appear as if the fare was to my liking.

  The King asked a few questions about my time in Arnil Wale and journey to Sidem. Nothing of consequence and I kept my answers light, not going into any detail. I briefly spoke to Prince Earon, seated opposite me, but King Edmund interrupted and it became clear he wanted all of my attention.

  It was uncomfortable, trying to get to know each other while everyone watched. Our conversation was stilted on both sides. This more than anything prevented me from relaxing. I tried my best to be cordial, complimenting the setting and entertainment.

  A sense of something missing niggled at me. It was his questions about my papa’s health and my family that made me realise what it was.

  “Is there a reason my brother, Willem, is not here with us? I believe he arrived some days ago.” His expression dimmed. I gasped, bringing a hand to my chest in sudden alarm. “Your Majesty, is he indisposed? Injured?” My husband-to-be shook his head, and I asked urgently, “Where is he?”

  “On the road, travelling, I would imagine,” he answered with a casual disregard for my concern.

  “But why? Did something happen to him on his journey? Have you received word from him why he is not yet in Sidem?”

  “There’s no cause for alarm, Anne. Your brother was here, but an urgent matter forced him to return to Chartelyr.”

  “That cannot be!” I exclaimed. “Willem promised he would be here for our wedding.”

  “Do you doubt me?” he asked and grabbed my fingers, squeezing them. “You will soon be my wife, and a wife’s role is to trust her husband. When I tell you something, your only response should be to believe me. If I tell you Prince Willem returned to Chartelyr on urgent business, that is what happened.” His hand crushed mine for a brief second before he let go to speak to Prince Earon.

  I did not know how to react and feigned listening to the musicians play, biting my inner lip and trying not to show my dismay. There were some sweet foods on the table, the only thing I found at all appetising, and I ate two portions, gathering some much-needed composure.

  King Edmund turned his consideration to the more vibrant conversations around us. He joined in whenever a topic drew his attention with hearty laughs and large, gulping drinks of wine. His cheeks grew flushed and his gaze became glazed.

  I noticed how often those glassy eyes glanced at a well-endowed courtier seated further down the table. Miss Emily Rowe, if memory served correctly. He leant forward to speak to Emily, oblivious to the way Prince Earon frowned. She wore a far more revealing gown than any other woman at the gathering. Glittering gems adorned ears framed by tight copper curls. Emily laughed, reaching for her goblet with plump hands embellished with rings, and raised it towards the King.

  The light faded, the lowering sun falling behind the palace walls, and servants came out to ignite covered lanterns. The courtier’s loud merriment drowned out the music, fuelled by wine. Their voices blended into a roar and I placed fingers against my temples, closing my eyes briefly.

  King Edmund angled his body towards Emily, clearly enjoying her flattering regard. So I leant back in my chair as discreetly as I could to gain Eadred’s attention. He was already sitting away from the table, his expression sombre, but turned when he saw my small wave. “Help,” I mouthed, but in Chartel so only he would understand.

  Eadred nodded and held up a hand, telling me to wait a little longer. Casually he spoke to Regina and Annette, then placed his goblet down, before standing and coming around to whisper in his papa’s ear.

  At Eadred’s prompting, Prince Earon said to his nephew, “I think we might enjoy some dancing. Don’t you agree?” The suggestion was met with cries of delight, couples leaving the table with uncommon eagerness. The musicians increased
the tempo of their music accordingly, and soon most of the chairs were left empty.

  King Edmund turned to me, asking if I would like to join them. I politely refused the offer, citing tiredness from the journey. “Well, I want to dance,” he said. “If I cannot convince my bride, then I shall find someone who will!”

  The partner he chose was Emily Rowe. As I watched, I understood the woman’s role in his life. Their intimate dancing made it all too obvious.

  Eadred took the newly vacated seat on my left. “Everyone is well distracted. How can I help?”

  “I would like you to take me to my bedchamber.” He gave a startled snort and, with cheeks blooming to pink, I realised my mistake. “I did not mean …” I began, but he lifted a hand to ward off my words.

  “Don’t be embarrassed. I understood perfectly well what you meant,” he reassured me. “If you can wait a moment, I’ll speak to my father.”

  They spoke with a jovial familiarity, showing the close bond between them. The Prince gave his approval, nodding at his son and smiling my way. When Eadred held out a hand to help me stand, I took it gladly, savouring the all too brief touch.

  Before we left, Prince Earon asked Lady Drusilla to dance, and it made me happy to see them together. Lady Drusilla’s expression spoke of some hidden emotion, but I was beginning to know her well and thought I knew what it was.

  Elron moved out of the shadows, frightening me for a second before comprehension set in. “Your Highness,” he greeted with a bow.

  “Elron,” was my quick reply. I still sensed the antagonism he held for me, though I no longer wondered at the cause. Some things were, in every way, perfectly clear.

  “Our chaperone?” I asked as his friend followed us through the garden.