Chapter 11

Perhaps Angeline’s selection had been foolish. Wearing black in such heat was never wise, but she had a statement to make that no other color would accomplish.

She stood in the elaborate courtyard garden and fanned herself with her hand, while watching everyone flutter about. The wonderful display would soon begin, and she wanted the best view possible. Soon, Sebastian would be put in his place, his Crenian bride along with him.

Angeline had yet to catch sight of her. She could not possibly be as fair as Darius had indicated. However, someone else intrigued her more, and she had gotten an eyeful of him.

“You are acting rather smug, sister.”

Talman’s voice over her shoulder momentarily startled her, but she quickly recovered.

“Smug?” She cast an appropriate frown. “Is that better?”

“Somewhat. But why in God’s name did you wear black? No one has died.”

“Yet.” She pursed her lips. “I want every king in the realms to view what Sebastian did to me. He broke my heart, and I have every right to mourn.”

Frederick and his round-bellied wife headed in their direction. Angeline’s heart pattered harder from the simple contemplation of what would eventually happen between them.

She nudged her brother. “Be kind,” she whispered.

“Why would I not?” Talman folded his arms and stood rigid. His beastly stance annoyed her to no end.

At times, she wished she had been an only child.

“You must be truly miserable,” Princess Marni said, with a concerned-looking smile. “Bless you for coming here. It cannot have been easy.”

Angeline took hold of the girl’s hand. “It is not.” She leaned close. “My brother, Varlan, assured me all would be set right today. I am here to support your father’s claim against Sebastian. The royal house of Thanwine wants nothing more than to see your husband in his proper position.” She gave Marni’s hand a light squeeze, then smiled at Frederick.

Her words prompted him to stand much taller. She had accomplished a necessary task, putting herself in his favor.

Marni released her and cuddled into him. “My dear Frederick will be the finest of kings.”

He kissed the top of her head. “She flatters me. I am the blessed one, simply by having her as my wife. A throne matters not.”

“No?” Angeline studied his face. Knowing what she did about the man, he had to be lying, but he had mastered the craft. He showed no outward sign of deception.

“Well . . .” He smiled broadly. “It is of importance when those who are set to rule are unqualified. I cannot stand by and watch my cousin taint the highest throne in the land. If I can prevent the devastation of our realms, so be it.”

“You are to be commended.” Angeline had never been fond of men with red hair, yet Frederick held her interest. He had an extraordinary stature and no doubt exceptional strength, and if she were fortunate, a great deal of potency in the bedchamber. Surely, she could light up his green eyes with a bright flame far more capably than his young bride.

His green orbs held hers. “My cousin erred when he cast you aside.”

Angeline sniffled and nodded. “Please, speak not of it. I cannot undo what has been done, so all I ask is that you carry out what is necessary to avenge my grief.”

“You poor dear.” Marni rested a hand on her arm, then faced Talman. “Take care of her. A broken heart is not easily mended.”

“I shall.” Talman bowed his head, and the pair wandered away.

“I shall?” Angeline poked him in the side. “Was that all you could think to say? Could you not support the magnitude of my sorrow?”

“Do not chide me, sister. I could scarcely keep from laughing when you begged him to help. Avenge my grief? You have not shed one genuine tear over Sebastian. You may deceive others, but you shall never fool me.” He sucked in a large breath. “If you will excuse me, I see my beloved. I pray today’s occurrences will not darken her feelings for me.”

Before Angeline could remark, he hastened away to his blonde-haired bride-to-be. Sweet little Becca.

Angeline groaned, sickened at the way Talman fawned over her.

Every one of Sebastian’s sisters played their virtue like perfectly tuned instruments. They had to have faults. How could any woman be beautiful and chaste? The combination did not meld together in the least. Most women who bore such perfectly pleasing feminine features used them to their advantage and not in a righteous way.

The courtyard grew fuller with every moment that passed. Angeline had caught Darius’ eye a time or two, but quickly turned her head. Lydia stood dutifully by his side, and whenever the two were together, Angeline preferred not to have interaction with either of them. One-on-one activities with the married pair suited her needs far greater.

King Roland strode down the pathway and headed toward Frederick. Though she could not hear their muffled interchange, Frederick did not appear pleased. After several minutes of a seemingly heated discussion, both men left the courtyard.

Angeline grabbed the opportunity and hurried over to Marni. “I cannot believe your husband abandoned you. Is there trouble?”

Marni linked her arm into Angeline’s. “You are kind for being concerned. I am not abandoned, nor am I alone. My brother is close.” She jerked her head toward the far end of the courtyard. “Have you met Tesher?”

“No. Well . . . I may have seen him years ago when he was but a boy. It appears he has grown substantially.”

Marni let out a soft laugh. “Soon, I fear he will be overcome with swooning women.”

“I can see why. He is extremely handsome.” Although tall and lanky, the boy had potential. In time, he could be quite enjoyable. “So . . . why did King Roland take your husband from you?”

“I do not know, but he insisted it was urgent.”

“I pray he returns soon. The sun is almost high above us and the ceremony will be starting.” Angeline moistened her lips. “I must find a beverage. I fear my attire has me spent.” She patted Marni’s hand, then slipped from her grasp and hurried away. Something was amiss and she intended to discover what it was.

King Roland scowled. “Of course Estelle informed me of what transpired in Oros. She would not have Sebastian and Olivia walk blindly into this affair.”

Frederick firmed his stance. He hated being drug off into the confines of a castle he had not been allowed to step foot in for more than four years. “You cannot interfere with the ruling of the priests. Once Callum states his grievances, you will be forced to name me as heir.”

Roland grabbed the front of Frederick’s tunic and twisted. “No one can force me to do anything! You will not sit on the high throne any time soon.”

“Are you threatening me?” Frederick sneered at the man and yanked free from his grasp. “I am the rightful heir and you know it. No one will support Sebastian’s claim to the throne.”

“My son may no longer be allowed his ascension, but I will retain my throne to my very last breath.”

“No.” Frederick would not wait that long. “I shall see to it I win the favor of the people of Basilia. They have no confidence in a king who permitted his son to take a tainted bride. I will not allow them to fear that another realm may stake claim to the high throne, because of your inadequacy.”

“If you try to usurp my position . . .” Roland put his face within inches of Frederick’s. “I shall send Estelle to inform your bride as to why you were banished from my dwelling. As of now, you have led everyone to believe it was your choice. That your grief over the loss of your father kept you in his castle. Cross me, and the truth will be made known.”

Frederick jutted his chin high in the air. “You have no proof. It would be your word against mine.”

“Do you truly want to play this game? For if you do, I shall call upon Estelle and Becca to testify before the priests. They both bore witness to the act, as you are well aware. Had it not been for Becca hearing her sister cry out, you would have accomplished the deed and ruined Estelle forever.”

“And yet you chose not to prosecute. Why, uncle?”

The man stared at him, breathing hard. “You were young, and my daughter beautiful. I do not condone your actions, but I have tried to understand them. Besides, you are my brother’s only heir. He doted on you when your mother died, and he loved you more than himself.” Roland shifted his eyes to the floor. “You are my blood. To this day, I despise what you attempted, yet I have always hoped you would seek forgiveness for your wicked ways and better yourself.”

Frederick smoothed the front of his tunic. “Can you not see that I have?”

“I am not convinced. Force not the issue of ascension and prove to me you are deserving. You can begin by speaking kindly of Olivia. The sweet woman cannot be faulted for her bloodline.”

“But—” Frederick stared at his uncle, unsure what to say. This had gone better than he had expected. Even so, he did not want to wait years before taking his rightful place.

“I have rendered you speechless.” Roland released what sounded like a chuckle. “I did not think it possible.”

“Forgive me, Uncle. I feared the worst, and yet you offer me hope.”

Roland pressed a stiff finger into Frederick’s chest. “Prove yourself. Any attempt to sway our people against me, and I swear I shall never name you. Behave as a wretch, and I will do everything in my power to show all of Basilia what kind of man you are.”

“On my father’s grave, I vow to prove my worthiness.”

Roland’s eyes narrowed into slits. “I loved my brother. Do not tarnish his memory.”

Frederick breathed hard. “I loved him as well.”

Bells chimed from the courtyard. “It is time,” Roland whispered.

They walked silently together from the great hall and returned to the waiting crowd.

A sense of calm covered Frederick, not to mention, utter joy. His uncle had confirmed his deepest desire. One day, Frederick would sit on the high throne.

He searched for his wife and found her with Tesher. Her eyes held concern, but he shook his head and said nothing. Now was not the time. Frederick’s thoughts focused solely on what he would say in regard to Olivia. He had yet to see the woman, but he needed to find a way to show his understanding and sympathy for her situation. Even more so, he had to come across as convincing.

The bells had chimed, yet Olivia’s parents still had not arrived. They were a day overdue, and she feared the worst.

She stood in the arched doorway of the hall that led to the courtyard, but could not move. Nothing was progressing as it should, and her heart weighed heavy.

Running footsteps neared.

“Sebastian?” She rushed to him. “Have they been found?”

He leaned over and braced his hands on his knees, puffing out labored breaths. “Yes. Severin discovered their party a half-day’s ride from here. Your mother claimed the journey took longer than they had anticipated.” He stood tall and smiled. “I am more inclined to believe she had difficulty not stopping along the way. The sights would have impressed her, as they did you.”

Olivia let out a relieved laugh. “It may be best they do not attend this rite.”

“You misunderstand. They have just now arrived. Severin is settling their horses, along with Roderick. He seemed rather pleased to see them.”

“Roderick pleased?” She shut her eyes and shook her head. “I pray Father does not fall into his farce once again. Roderick shows loyalty only when it suits him.”

“Worry not. Roderick may not have given us the help we require as of yet, but I still hold onto hope. You know full well his true loyalty has always rested on Donovan.”

“Yes.” She grabbed Sebastian’s hand. “Let us not speak of him today. My heart is heavy enough.”

“Very well.” He gave her a quick kiss on the lips. “The bells have chimed. We must go to the courtyard and say our vows.”

“Do you truly think the ceremony will proceed that far?”

“I know not. Yet I am prepared for whatever might come.” He patted the hilt of his sword.

The sight gave her no comfort. “God help us.”

“The moon is full. God is alert and here by our side. He will not forsake us.”

She rested a hand against Sebastian’s chest. “One day, I shall prove to you He is always with us. Full moon or none.” Even so, her heart had not eased. “I shan’t be able to warn my parents of what is about to transpire.”

He brushed his hand across her cheek. “Have no worry. I alerted Father to their arrival, and when I left him, he intended to go to them and make them aware. The blow will be softened substantially.”

She nodded her understanding, but nothing could calm her. Her father would not willingly stand back and watch his daughter be shamed.

Sebastian extended his arm and she walked with him to the courtyard.

He leaned close. “You look beautiful. Just as you did on our real wedding day.”

“Thank you.” Though inappropriate because of her lost virtue, she wore the same white dress. Since their union would soon be disavowed, she saw no need to wear something else. As nervous as she was, it honestly felt good to dismiss the people’s ill thoughts of her and walk proudly beside her husband. Sebastian and she were not to blame for the ridiculous laws.

As for Sebastian, she loved seeing him in his purple tunic. Royal and handsome. Yet soon, his future would be stripped away. At least, they could not take away his title as prince.

Her child’s status was another matter entirely.

A platform had been raised at the far end of the garden, and the courtyard had filled to capacity. Those who could not manage entering sat atop the wall surrounding it. Loud murmurs came from beyond, no doubt from people who could not get near.

Sebastian guided her to the top of the platform, which was surrounded by sentries dressed in full armor. Jonah stood closest, much to Olivia’s relief. It gave her some sense of peace having him near.

Olivia had been told the royal families would be standing adjacent to the dais. She had not met them and prayed they would not cause an uprising, but it was simple to recognize them by their attire. Crowned heads and silken fabrics said a great deal.

One woman in particular caught her eye. She wore an elaborate crown with red jewels, yet it was her black dress that caused Olivia to take a second look. No other woman in the crowd wore such a dismal color.

Their eyes met. The woman’s chin quivered, then she lowered her head and dabbed at her eyes with a kerchief.

Olivia wished she could ask Sebastian who she was, but it would have to wait.

A tall priest, dressed in his appropriate long white robe, moved to the center of the platform and faced them. He clutched the Holy Scrolls. Another two priests stood off to one side, and the crazed holy man who had performed their initial ceremony hovered behind them.

She tightened her hold on Sebastian.

The officiating priest raised a single hand in the air. “Many have gathered here today to witness the union of Prince Sebastian of Basilia to Princess Olivia of Padrida.”

Muffled whispers filled the air.

“Princess,” someone scoffed.

Olivia shut her eyes and did all she could to dismiss the hatred that cloaked her. A far cry from the jubilant reception when Sebastian and she had arrived in Basilia.

“Notice was appropriately posted on the Holy Door of the temple,” the priest said a little louder. “Does anyone have just cause why these two should not be bound together?” The tall man jutted his nose upward.

“I do!”

Olivia turned sideways to see what man had spoken. Even though she had expected this, it still stung. Sebastian also looked back, but fortunately kept a firm grip on her hand.

One of the kings stepped forward. “I protest,” he repeated.

The man was one of the tallest present, and his royal stature unmistakable.

Olivia shifted her gaze to Estelle, who had her head bent low. All five of Sebastian’s sisters stood in the crowd this time and not by Sebastian’s side. Their mother hovered close to them. All had changed.

“A challenge has been voiced by King Callum of Oros,” the priest declared. “Come forth and state your claim.”

Sebastian led Olivia to the side of the platform, while the king took the center and faced the people.

King Callum puffed out his chest. “For centuries, our realms have followed strict laws regarding who is entitled to rule. We find no fault with Sebastian of Basilia, however, our grievance lies with this princess from a kingdom of which has just recently been made known. This Padrida, which we were led to believe holds the remnants of the Crenian people.”

The mumbling grew in volume.

“Silence!” the priest bellowed. “All must be heard!”

“As we all know from our history,” Callum continued, “the Crenian king fled with his people to escape an unwinnable war. For more than one hundred years, the Crenians have been in hiding. Their kings had no choice but to breed with the common women of the realm, thus weakening their royal bloodline. This so-called princess of Padrida has a farmer’s daughter for a mother. She is not fit to be called princess, let alone a future high queen.”

The crowd erupted in a mixture of cheers and jeers.

“He speaks the truth!” someone yelled.

“Cast her aside!” another screamed. “We do not want a poor-blooded queen!”

“Silence!” the priest shrieked.

Olivia had no idea a holy man could be so enraged, but that was the least of her worries. She had caught sight of her red-faced father. The poor man looked ready to explode, held back by the hand of King Roland. Her mother stood behind them, her head hung in shame.

If only their journey had delayed them longer.

King Callum remained stone-faced. “Our kingdoms have made certain every royal pairing is that of full-blooded noble heirs. We cannot lessen the purity of our lines by allowing a mixed-blood woman to corrupt them. We ask that their union be disavowed, and that Prince Sebastian be kept from ascending to the high throne.” He pointed at two large men in the front of the crowd. “Thanwine stands behind us. King Hadwin may be bedridden, but his sons, Talman and Varlan are present to support our claim and his backing.”

“Come forth,” the priest demanded, and the pair did so. “Do you indeed agree with King Callum of Oros and support his stance against this union?”

“Yes,” they said in unison.

Some of the sorrow faded from the face of the woman in black.

“Olivia of Padrida.” The priest motioned to her. “Come and stand before me.”

She gulped and widened her eyes at Sebastian, not expecting to be called out alone.

He cast an encouraging smile and nodded. “You will be fine,” he whispered.

Her extensive training took hold. Her father had told her she would have to endure difficulties, and choices would not always be her own. She faced the priest, standing tall. “Yes?”

“Your title as princess has been challenged. Is it true your mother, the queen of Padrida, comes from a family who farmed?”

Olivia could not bear to look at her and kept her eyes on the priest. “Yes. From what I was told, my mother herself once worked the soil. There is no shame in rendering food from the land. It is commendable.”

Sniggers and muttering surrounded her, but she ignored it.

“To me,” Olivia added with intensity, “she was always queen. She is an exceptional ruler who loves her people. I learned a great deal from her and my father as well.”

“And yet . . .” The priest set aside the scrolls and folded his arms. “Your father, the king, was also bred from both royal and common lines. Is that not so?”

“Yes. Out of necessity. Our kingdom was cut off from the other realms. The king had to marry a commoner if he wanted an heir. The marriage itself made the woman royal, and the people of Padrida accepted her as such.”

“It is a sacrilege!” “Shame!” “She is not a true princess!”

The cries filling the air did not cease until the priest held up his hand once again. “I fear,” he said, sighing, “I must agree with the people. However, I cannot disavow this union.”

Enraged cries ensued.

“Let me finish what I have to say!” the man yelled.

A hush fell over the crowd, and the priest lifted the scrolls into his hands. “The laws we follow were written by man, but instilled on them by God. The right to rule is God-given and one set to high standards.” He looked directly at Olivia. “You bear no blame for your parentage, but I am required to adhere to a higher law. The throne of a king must be held by a man deemed better than a commoner. One whose blood has been kept pure. Sebastian retains that blood, yet because he bound himself to you, his heirs will not be unadulterated. The high throne of the land is at stake, and your children shall not be allowed title.”

He nodded to Sebastian. “Come forth.”

Sebastian walked with confidence to Olivia’s side and put his arm around her. He said nothing, simply waited.

The priest peered down his nose at him. “Had you not rushed your rites with this woman, you might have spared yourself from being cast aside from your birthright. You insisted the rite of marriage be performed and I have no doubt you have bound yourself physically to this woman. Is that not so?”

“Yes. We are fully bound.”

“As I suspected. That cannot be undone, and under God’s law, your union in marriage cannot be broken or disavowed. When the time comes for your father to name his successor and relinquish his throne, he shall not be permitted to pass it on to you. Do you understand what this means?”

“I do.” Sebastian stood firm and unwavering. “May I speak my mind?”

“It is your right.”

Sebastian took Olivia’s hand, then spun to face the crowd. “I cannot argue against the laws of the land. However, I shall do all I can to have them changed.”

Confusion covered the faces of all present, along with mixed mumbling.

“My wife . . .” Sebastian lifted their entwined hands. “Is caring, noble, and intelligent. More so than any other woman I know. No finer queen would reign, and yet, unless I can change the course of our practices, you shall never comprehend what you have forfeited.” He pulled her close. “I do not regret my choice and would do it all over again. Love is far more important to me than purity of blood.”

“The kingdom of Issa stands behind Sebastian and his union with Princess Olivia!”

Olivia snapped her head around to see who had spoken. She had heard nothing positive about Issa and its inhabitants and doubted the proclamation would matter. Regardless, it felt slightly uplifting to have some support.

“Your words have been noted, King Imran,” the priest said.

“Noted and discounted,” King Callum grumbled. “Issa does not abide by the same governances our God-fearing realms uphold. Love alone cannot rule. Our laws stand. I beseech the priests to see to it that a rightful heir be named.” He pointed at a red-haired man in the front row. “Frederick of Basilia!”

Cheers once again filled the open air, repeating Frederick’s name over and over.

King Roland strode onto the platform, glaring at Callum. “No heir shall be named this day! It is my right as high king to see fit when I wish to abdicate.”

“We want assurance you will name a rightful heir.” Callum narrowed his eyes. “If you do not, Oros will claim the high throne. We are next in line.”

Shouts of no rang out around them.

Every sentry grasped the hilts of their swords. Jonah’s eyes shot fire.

Olivia’s heart thumped hard. This would not end well.

“Stop!” Frederick leapt onto the dais. “Today is not for fighting. We have gathered to honor the sanctity of our rites.” He cut his eyes at King Roland, then faced the people. “Our king is the greatest in the land. I am proud to call him uncle, and I am honored you see me as one who can stand in his place. But now is not the time.”

Perhaps Olivia had been wrong about Frederick. Maybe they all had . . .

“My cousin,” Frederick continued, “followed his heart and married the woman he loves. He believed she would be accepted as a future queen, and seeing her exceptional quality, I can understand his reasoning. Olivia has stood before you shamelessly, and justifiably so. She did not join with Sebastian to bring grief to our realm, she became his wife out of the same love he bore for her. We cannot condemn love.”

Thundering applause followed his words.

Frederick pulled his shoulders back, smiling. “I did not expect this honor, but I will gladly serve every one of you as your king when I am called upon to do so. My uncle has many years to reign, and during that time I will learn from him, so one day, I may capably rule.”

More applause.

Olivia grasped hold of Sebastian, whose body had gone rigid. He stared at the ground, breathing hard.

“My people!” Frederick shouted. “Do not bear ill feelings toward Sebastian and his bride. Honor the love they have for one another and chide them not. Our kingdom will stay strong, and the high throne will remain pure and held by a rightful Basilian!”

To cheers and more hand clapping, Frederick stepped off the platform and joined his wife, who was visibly with child.

Sebastian fumed beside Olivia, but said nothing.

The priest gestured to them. “Stand before me.”

With a gentle tug, Olivia urged Sebastian in the man’s direction. She had not seen him so defeated since he had expressed concerns over his mother’s approval of their marriage. Those days in Padrida seemed as if they had happened years ago, though only months had passed.

The priest cleared his throat. “Your union has been confirmed this day before God and all present. Only in death shall this bond be broken!”

The three other priests joined him and stood by his side. “Only in death,” they muttered in unison.

Olivia locked eyes with the crazed priest, much to her regret. His brows lifted and he smiled crookedly. “You shall be tested beyond measure,” he droned, followed by a sadistic-sounding chuckle.

The other priests quickly escorted him from the platform.

King Callum and the Thanwinian princes followed them, leaving Sebastian and Olivia alone on the dais surrounded by the dutiful sentries.

Olivia finally managed to look at her mother. Tears streamed down her cheeks. Olivia wanted desperately to run to her and offer comfort, and that time would soon come.

Olivia had survived the ordeal without shedding a tear or becoming enraged. She could have gone without hearing the prophetic words from the wretched priest, but she would not allow even him to trouble her. Her questionable ancestry was finally out in the open, and Sebastian and she could proceed with their lives.

Jonah came close, scowling. “None of this is right. Can we not fight it?”

“Yes,” Sebastian hissed in a whisper. “But not now.”

Jonah slowly nodded. The matter was not settled by any means, but Olivia could not comprehend how they could possibly change the law.

She spotted the woman in black talking to Frederick. Though she did not behave quite so forlorn, she still appeared dour. “Who is that woman?”

“Princess Angeline,” Sebastian said, stone-faced. “I believe she came here to gloat, knowing full well what would transpire.”

“Dressed in black?”

“She is in mourning.” Jonah’s blatant sarcasm seemed unwarranted.

Olivia looked from one man to the other. “You should not be so unfeeling.” She took hold of Sebastian’s arm. “Is it not obvious our union broke her heart?”

“Perhaps. Yet, do you not feel that wearing a color depicting death is slightly . . .?” He waved his hand in the air, as if searching for the right word.

“Ridiculous,” Jonah mumbled.

“Not exactly . . .” Sebastian’s nose wrinkled and he squinted his eyes. “But, close enough.” His odd expression was completely unlike him. “The woman perplexes me, Olivia. I never once offered her affection, nor did I pledge myself to her. Of course, Mother may have led Angeline to trust that a commitment was forthcoming.”

“Well . . .” Olivia grasped Sebastian tighter. “After today, your mother might wish she had succeeded in manipulating your union with Angeline. However, I am your wife and our marriage cannot be undone.”

“Thank God,” he whispered and kissed her forehead.

Though relieved to hear him say it, she prayed Sebastian had no regrets. And as much as she wanted to share the good news of her pregnancy with his parents, she decided it would be best to wait until every king returned to their proper home and the tension created by the proceedings died down.