by Emma Merrell
Luce drew back from the curtain and returned to the bed. She was breathing a little too quickly. Jonathan had once again saved her, but now the queen was forcing them to be together. It's not as if she hadn't thought about it before, but now it seemed like an obligation. Any romance or spontaneity had just been sucked out of the thing. And then Luce thought of what the queen ultimately wanted it to lead into and a wave of dizziness overcame her. She wasn't ready to be a mother, not yet. Not here. She was supposed to fall in love, get married, build a house, and only then were children supposed to come along.
Jonathan stepped into the room with a serious look on his face, it reminded Luce of the mask-like expression that he had worn throughout their first dinner together. Running underneath, she detected a mix of anger and embarrassment.
"Did you hear?"
"I heard, Your Highness," she replied, rising to her feet.
They stared at each other across the empty space, suddenly awkward and unsure of what to say.
"Again, I'm sorry. I wish that your brother had not done that."
"Yes, he seems to be making all kinds of trouble."
The sarcasm in Luce's voice must have been evident because the prince's face darkened immediately. "Don't be that way. This is a hard situation that we've been put in. You have a high risk of death because of his action."
"At least he was trying to do what he thought best to protect me, to help us escape this place."
"Yes, he tried and failed, instead of being closer to freedom you are now tied even tighter to me and my family. I must get a child in you or my mother is going to kill you, which she would in case there is any doubt. It is lucky that I was even able to talk her out of whatever she had planned for today."
"Do you even want to have a baby with me?"
"No. I don't know. I want the curse broken, and I enjoy spending time with you, so it would not be a horrible thing. But I fear that it could be your death. What if you die in childbirth like Laura? It is why I am upset with your brother. He has put me in a position that I had hoped never to experience again. He has put your life on the line."
Jonathan's eyes were blazing, incandescent, with emotion. Luce could see how much he feared the past repeating itself. He was concerned for them both and Luce couldn't really blame him, but she would never put the blame for that on Jude. He had done the only thing that he could to help them. He wasn't the one who had put them in this damned situation, to begin with. Despite the softening in Jonathan's expression, Luce spoke her next words in anger, trying in vain to lash out. "Of course, Your Highness. You're right and my brother was wrong. Now, I guess we should get to fixing that mistake. Should we do it here on the bed? Do you prefer being on top or bottom?"
Jonathan made a slashing motion with his hand to cut her off. "Enough. I won't hear you speaking like this."
"Why not, Your Highness? The queen told us to get down to business, wouldn't it be better to get started now? I mean who needs romance or affection when you have a death threat hanging over your head?"
"Luce, stop. You must think me a brute if you think that I would take to bed with you here and now. I don't want to feel as if I'm forcing you into anything, I want you to come to me as easily as you did a few minutes ago." Jonathan spoke quietly, but he meant every word that he said.
"Well, a few minutes ago you weren't saying nasty things about my brother."
"I apologize if you took my words that way. I find the whole situation frustrating, all the way around. And I find myself frustrated with you and the way that you're acting."
"Not used to girls talking back, are you?"
"Not really, no. It is what I like about you, but not when you are taking your anger out on me, the wrong person."
Luce gave sigh and sat back down on the bed. This was all too much for her to deal with. What she really needed was time alone to process things, and Jonathan must have known it because when he spoke next it was to bid her a farewell. "I will let you gather yourself. You may stay here tonight so that no one will bother you. I will come again tomorrow, and we will have our picnic."
Luce nodded, and she slipped off the bed to curtsey. "Your Highness."
"Good day, Luce."
When she was sure that he was gone Luce threw herself down on the bed in a way she hadn't since she was a young girl. She felt like a child too, sulky, impotent, and angry. It was silly, this was what she had wanted to happen and now she was upset that it had. Luce had wanted to win the prince over and gain some power in the kingdom and now it looked like she could. The difference was that she was no longer choosing that path for herself, it was a lot less pleasant when someone was forcing you into things. It was the difference between self-sacrifice and being forced to walk the plank at the point of a sword.
She tried to organize her thoughts into a coherent order and look at the thing from all angles. Jude had escaped, which was a good thing. He was free now and he wouldn't have to be anyone's slave ever again. There was the chance that this resistance the queen had spoken of would do something big enough to topple her from the throne, also good. Of course, Luce was rapidly giving up the idea of ever going home again, even if that did happen. If she was pregnant at that point, she knew that she wouldn't be able to just up and leave. A baby would tie her to this place and the prince forever. Her hope was that Jonathan would be a better ruler than his mother and that he would provide her, the baby, and Jude a good life.
A baby. That idea was too big for her to comprehend. The fear of Jonathan being right, and the curse killing her was in the pit of her belly. She turned her mind instead to the actual act that made one. It sounded like tomorrow would be the first time between them and Luce wasn't sure how she felt about it. Jonathan was right about one thing. She had wanted him not too long ago. The kiss replayed itself in her mind and Luce grew flushed. Yes, she could admit that she was attracted to him in that way. It was just going to be so forced feeling. Passion was supposed to be spontaneous, not planned out in advance.
The hardships of the day had worn Luce out, and even with all the things that she found herself having to worry about sleep was trying to overtake her. Just as she was on the verge of giving in there was a voice in her head. "Luce? It's Petunia. Don't speak aloud, just think your response."
Luce thought for a moment that she might have been dreaming, but then she realized that her eyes had popped open and she was most definitely awake. "Petunia? What is happening?"
"I wanted to tell you what is happening with Jude."
"You know what's happening with him? Are you the spy in the palace?" She was shocked.
"I am, and I am the one that helped him to escape. He is with my uncle's people now, readying to launch an attack on the palace."
"I guessed as much after overhearing the queen and the prince fight. She wanted me dead, but he managed to step in on my behalf."
"Jude was worried that you would face repercussions of his escape. I promised that I would look out for you. Is there anything that you need?"
"Just keep me updated, I can try and help by passing on anything I find out to you as well. Let him know that I'm proud and that I'll be okay." Luce was tempted to mention the whole have sex or die clause, but she didn't really feel like discussing it, that would make it too real.
"I will let my uncle know when he contacts me. Pray that they are successful, Luce. It would make a large difference to a great many people, not least of all yourself."
Luce felt the connection snap like a rubber band, and she was alone in her mind once again. Every time that she thought she was getting used to this place something like that happened. This was a strange, strange land.
Chapter Thirteen
Jude
Jude stretched, and there was one glorious moment of forgetfulness. He forgot where he was and all that had happened, and he was simply back home in his and Luce's home, snug in his bed. It only lasted for a couple of seconds and then reality intruded, harsher than it would have been if he had not h
ad that moment. He opened his hazel eyes and looked up at the rough-hewn ceiling above him. He had been on the verge of collapse when he and Bran had reached the village this morning, and he had been sent straight up to what would be his new room.
He had no clue what time it was. There was no natural light to help him as most of the dwellings were carved out of the mountain rock. It was a rabbit's warren of tunnels and rooms that Jude was certain would get him lost soon. In any case, he felt rested and ready to see what the village was all about. He looked around the room properly for the first time since he had arrived. There were candles burning in wall niches and judging by the wax, they were the same ones that he had forgotten to blow out before falling asleep. There was the pallet he slept on, a clay chamber pot, a ceramic basin and a pitcher of water in the corner for washing, and a roughly made table with a pitcher and a cup. It was simple, but at least this time he did not have a roommate.
Jude stripped down and filled the basin with water, he rung out a scrap of cloth that had been in the bottom and began washing. The water grew filthy quickly and Jude emptied it into the chamber pot, refilling it with fresh water. He longed, with every fiber of his being to be washing in the stream of water that ran by the fields of his homeland. He hadn't felt properly clean since arriving here. There was a small pile of folded clothing at the foot of his bed and he dressed, grateful that they were clean and much softer than his servants’ uniform. It was just a simple black tunic and pants, but they were the clothes of a free person and Jude felt like a new man wearing them.
He quickly became lost upon leaving his room, the whole place was dark and confusing. He ran into an elderly man and asked where he might find Bran. The old man grunted and waved a hand, signaling for him to follow. He led him through a series of passages and down slopes before they emerged into a wide cavern full of people. Jude spotted Bran toward the rear of the space. He was leading the group in what appeared to be battle exercises. Bran spotted him and gestured for him to join the group. It took him a few minutes to learn the patterns of their movement, but then he quickly fell into line. Tired as he was, it felt good to be using his body like this.
They practiced thrusting imaginary spears, blocking techniques, and what Jude guessed were sword flourishes. It would have been easier to tell if there had been any weapons in anyone’s hands. There were what he guessed to be around two hundred people training, and Jude saw that less than half of them looked fit for any kind of battle. Sure, there were some younger men, but they were vastly outnumbered by the middle-aged and the elderly. Jude began to worry that if this was going to be the attacking force, they didn't have a chance in hell of taking the kingdom. He really hoped that this was just one group of many.
They trained for forty-five more minutes before Bran called time. The crowd began to disperse, and Jude caught a lot of sideways glances, but none were as openly suspicious as the ones he had encountered at the palace. He cut through the crowd until he stood in front of Bran.
"You did well out there. Looking good, eh?"
"I tried. Was that everyone?" Bran asked, wiping his forehead with a sweat rag.
"That was half of our fighting force, the men. The women train with Leona."
Jude was surprised to hear that women were going to be fighting, he hadn't ever heard of such a thing. "Are they any good?"
Bran gave a short laugh. "They give this sorry group a challenge. Leona has them whipped into fine fighting shape. Come, we will go see what the women are getting up to."
Bran led them into a separate room that was a mirror of the first. There was a group of maybe three hundred women doing exercises in here. Jude's eyes went immediately to the front, looking for a glimpse of Leona. He spotted her immediately. She shared her sister's large nose and there was a certain arrogance in her expression, but that was where the similarities between the two ended. Leona wore breeches and her black curls were trying to escape from a long braid that was the same as the men wore. She was beautiful, but more of the warrior than a pampered queen. Jude hadn't even met her yet, but he already knew that he would like her better.
The women were just about to finish up by the looks of things and Jude was content to watch as they waited to meet Leona. They appeared to be in good fighting form, they were a tight unit that moved together in perfect synchronization. They looked better than the men had, that was for sure. After ten more minutes things wrapped up and he and Bran went straight over to Leona, who was downing a cup of water.
"Leona, this is Jude, the man I was telling you about."
"Ah, so you're Anne's little mistake. We are glad to have you."
Her voice was a husky rasp that reminded Jude of a seventy-year-old pipe smoker, but he doubted that was really the case. Her face wasn't creased enough for her to be doing that, there were only faint lines at the corners of her mouth and eyes. Up close she was noticeably less beautiful than the queen, but there was still a regal aura that came off her in waves. She may have been less beautiful, but she was certainly no less intimidating.
"I'm glad to be here."
"Come, let's have lunch outside in the fresh air."
The way that Bran acquiesced without a word led Jude to believe that although he was the head of this place, that Leona was the one with the real power. They wound their way out of the caves to an outdoor area that was tented with cloths. There were low, rock tables scattered about and rough stools around them. Along one whole side was a bank of earthen grills where a variety of meats and vegetables were being cooked. The smell made Jude's mouth water.
They chose a table and sat down. It was much warmer out here than in the caves, and the fresh air was nice. There was a pitcher in the middle of the table and Bran poured each of them a glass of water. "To our newest recruit."
They toasted and then Leona asked where he was from and what his life had been like. Jude spoke of his parents and his old masters, but most of all he spoke of Luce. Leona broke in, "You love her greatly."
"I do. It's why I'm here, doing whatever you need me to do."
"Good. I like to hear that. Love is a powerful motivator."
Jude was tempted to say you should know but killed the words on his tongue. In any case, a girl was approaching, and Bran waved her over eagerly. "Jude, that is my daughter Berenice. You will like her."
She drew near, balancing a tray of food. "Father. Leona. And who is this?" Berenice asked while setting out plates and cutlery with speed and efficiency that Jude marveled at.
"This is Jude. He comes from the palace. The queen brought him over on accident with one of the girls, his sister."
Berenice gave Jude an appraising eye, taking in his foreign appearance in a look that traveled over him completely. He studied her as well. She was as tall as her father but lacked his girth, and she had inherited his thick brows and bold features. She was a striking, handsome girl, but her features were a bit too strong to be called beautiful.
"It must be your stew that I tasted last night. It was delicious.
She warmed to him instantly and Jude knew that he had said the right thing. "Thank you."
"Come sit by your father," Bran said, patting the ground beside him.
"I'm working right now."
"Oh, they won't miss you. Come. Sit, sit."
She suppressed a sigh and threw herself down by her father. Jude hid a smile. This girl was her daddy's princess and she knew it. Luce had been the same way with their dad. The thought of her brought him a brief stab of worry, he hoped that she was doing all right. He would have to speak with Petunia soon and find out for himself.
Jude was jerked from his thoughts when Leona addressed him. "Do you have any questions for us while we are together and have the time to spare?"
"What do you think our chances of being successful are?"
"I think that they are very good. We have many well-trained fighters now, and we possess the element of surprise. They will not see us coming. Anne's forces are also very well- trained, but she has f
ewer of them. She will call her people to arms, but they are disheartened. They care little for her and I believe that it will be easy to sway them to our side."
She spoke with such assurance, but Jude still had a hard time believing that a force of five hundred could lay siege to a city that size. Convincing the people to turn against the queen was really the only way that he saw their plan have even the smallest chance of succeeding.
"But what about the queen's magic, and that of her people?"
"My sister's magic is not one that can hurt us. I don't believe that she has many with offensive magic, mostly healers and the like instead."
"But you have offensive magic," Jude said.
Leona and Bran shared a quick look and Jude had the feeling that he had put his foot in it. When she spoke again it was in measured tones, "We will never use my magic in the fight against it. I have sworn it off forever after seeing what it has wrought. The only thing that I still do is to cast the null net around us."
And you use Petunia's magic to your advantage as well, Jude thought silently. "All right. I get it."
They ate in silence after that, and as quickly as possible. Leona excused herself and Bran hurried after her. He had, at least, left Berenice with Jude, instructing her to give him a tour.
"Well, you certainly hit a sore spot right off the bat, didn't you? We don't mention Leona's power. It brings up bad memories for her and it makes my father grossly uncomfortable to think about, he would rather pretend that she was as normal as you or I."
"But she's not. Why wouldn't they take advantage of what she can do? I mean, the power to curse would be a pretty fantastic weapon."
Berenice shrugged. "It goes against all that we are fighting for. It is the magic that causes my friends to be stolen away. Enough of all this, let's go have a look around."
They spent a good portion of the afternoon touring the caves. Jude learned a few essential things like where the bathing area and food larder were located. He tried to pay close attention as they went, attempting to map the place out in his head, but it was next to impossible. This was a place that you had to live in for quite a while to learn. Jude bet that by the time he did stop getting lost they would be marching on the palace already.