Chapter 12

Olivia gave Sebastian a quick kiss on his lips, then released him and ran to her parents. They encircled her, and all three embraced as one. Tears readily flowed, yet Olivia no longer wanted to hold them in. These were appropriately shed.

Her father placed his plump hands to the sides of her face. “It was all I could do to keep from running that blasted king through. No man has the right to discredit you.” The concern in his features wrenched her heart.

“Please, Father. Do not be angry. Did you not teach me long ago that laws must be obeyed?”

“Bah!” He waved a hand, dismissing her words. “Not when they are unreasonable.”

“Boden.” Her mother set a hand on his arm. “Let us be glad in our reunion with our daughter. Speak no more of violence.” She cupped Olivia’s cheek. “You made me proud. It had to have been difficult for you to endure their scoffing. And poor Sebastian—I could see he is grieved.” She glanced behind her, where Sebastian stood talking to his father.

“He is.” Olivia looked cautiously about, making certain she would not be heard. Most everyone had dispersed to the great hall, where a feast had been laid out. “Sebastian’s cousin, Frederick, is said to be wretched. Sebastian fears for his people.”

Her father’s head drew back. “The young man seemed decent enough to me. He defended you, my dear. Honestly, he was one of the few who spoke whom I did not feel compelled to bloody. Priests included.”

Her mother smacked his arm. “Shame on you, Boden.”

“Do not scold me for speaking the truth, Sonya.” He patted his belly. “I miss Padrida. I have not had a good night of sleep nor a pleasant meal since we left. This venture has not proven to be what I expected.”

King Roland wandered up behind him. “If you are hungry, we have plenty. And I assure you, we have capable cooks.”

“Yes,” Sebastian added. “I fear you have not received the welcome you deserve. Please, forgive us.” He bowed low to her father.

“For heaven’s sake, Sebastian. Am I not more to you than a mere guest?” He opened his arms, and Sebastian moved into his embrace. Her father hugged him firmly, then patted his back and released him.

The sight warmed Olivia to her core.

Her mother laughed. “That is what I longed to see. After all, when we parted you two were not yet wed. That has changed, and Sebastian has become not only your husband, but our son.” She gave him a hug of her own.

“Thank you.” A slight blush rose into Sebastian’s cheeks. “I wanted your arrival to be celebrated. It sickens me you had to witness these proceedings. I never wanted to put Olivia through such scrutiny. I had hoped she could win over the kings of the other realms to our way of thinking. However, she was never given the chance. They had decided their course of action prior to the rite.”

“You are both coping with the outcome far better than I would,” her father said. “How can you contemplate participating in the festivities?” He gestured to the castle. “The laughter coming to my ears reminds me of our yearly crossing celebration. Music and no doubt dancing are involved. Do you honestly wish to join in their gaiety?”

“I helped plan this celebration,” Olivia said. “Sebastian and I feared the priests might dissolve our union. That did not happen, so we have reason to be joyful.”

Her father fiddled with his long beard, his brows nearly touching. “At least one king supported you. What is it about Issa that discounts them? Does not every realm have a voice?”

Olivia linked her arm into his. “Come with us to the great hall. We shall dine and in time, all your questions will be answered. Perhaps you can meet King Imran and all his wives.” She grinned, waiting for her words to sink in.

“Wives?” Her father rapidly licked his lips. “He has more than one?”

“Yes. Three. And many children.” Olivia guided him along the pathway to the entrance which led to the great hall.

Sebastian escorted her mother and followed them, along with King Roland.

They might not have the opportunity to talk privately for quite a while, but Olivia wanted her parents to get a feeling for the other realms. She, too, had much to learn about them. Most of what she knew had come second hand from Sebastian. And though she believed all he had told her, she wanted to acquaint herself with every royal. Deep in her heart, she felt confident she was no different from any of them.

Regardless of her blood.

Oddly, Olivia felt merry. The weight she carried on her shoulders had lifted simply by acknowledging her ancestry.

She no longer had to pretend to be someone she was not. Her gaiety seemed to have worn off on her mother, who stood just as tall and carried herself like the queen Olivia knew her to be. She had engaged in a lengthy conversation with King Imran and two of his wives. Her mother had even danced with him. His third wife, Udelle had declined the invitation and remained in Issa, expecting their first child any day.

As for Olivia’s father, he kept himself occupied at the tables of food and in the company of King Roland. A pleasant sight to see. Far better than the two spitting nails at each other.

“I fear we have not been properly introduced.”

Olivia turned to face Angeline and found herself forcing a smile that up until now had easily come. “No, we have not. I was told you are Princess Angeline of Thanwine.”

“Yes.” She looked as if she might cry at any moment. “And you are the fair Olivia. The woman who stole my dear Sebastian’s heart.”

Olivia felt dreadful for the woman, but had to stand her ground. Angeline needed to know the truth. “One cannot steal something readily given. His heart had previously been claimed by no one.”

Angeline whimpered. “I heard you are kind, yet your words are harmful. Do you not understand what it feels like to have your heart broken?”

“Yes, I do.” She studied the woman’s puffy eyes, searching for acceptance. “I am sorry you have suffered. In time you will heal, just as I did. I have no doubt there is a man deserving of your affections. Let your heart lead you.”

Angeline sniffled. “I thought it had.” She erupted into a sob and rushed away.

Perplexed by the encounter, Olivia chose not to follow and allow her to grieve.

Estelle hastened toward her, wide-eyed. “Olivia, I am so sorry. I can tell by your expression, she said something that troubled you. Can you ever forgive me for this day?”

“Forgive you? It was not you who caused today’s events to unfold.” She cast an encouraging smile, hoping to comfort Sebastian’s sweet sister. “How well do you know Angeline?”

“Very little. When she came to our kingdom, she spent most of her time with Mother. I saw Angeline at meals, but she said almost nothing at all. She simply giggled and batted her eyes at my brother.”

“He told me she perplexes him, and I can understand why. Her behavior is that of a young girl, not a woman in her twenties.”

“Did something happen?” Delana popped her head between them—an act she had proved to be proficient at.

“Delana.” Estelle scolded with her eyes. “Should you not be in bed?”

“Father told me I can stay up later than usual. Only Catrice was made to leave.” Delana puffed up tall. “I am viewed more as a grownup every day.” She leaned close. “I even had some wine.”

“You are but ten!” Estelle fisted her hands on her hips. “Who gave you the beverage?”

“Princess Angeline.” Delana pointed across the room.

Olivia looked in that direction, only to find Angeline sipping from her own goblet, while intermittently dabbing at her tears.

Estelle took hold of Delana by her shoulders. “You are much too young to drink wine. You should have refused it. Do you understand what I am saying?”

“Yes.” Delana kicked at the floor. “But . . . Angeline was simply being kind to me. When she used to visit, before Olivia and Sebastian married, she would bring me presents. Lovely silks from artisans in Thanwine.”

“Only because she wanted to find favor with our brother.” Estelle released Delana, then bent down to her level. “It is hard to understand, when you are so young. But the very fact she gave you wine proves she is not thinking clearly.”

“I feel sorry for her,” Delana whispered. “At her age, her prospects of wedding a prince is fleeting.”

When they looked Angeline’s way again, she was no longer alone. She stood beside young Prince Tesher of Oros, far too close to be appropriate. Her tears had vanished, and she had set aside her kerchief. Even more improperly, she casually moved her hand up and down his arm.

Olivia gaped at the sight. An odd way for a woman in mourning to behave.

Tesher cradled a goblet of wine that trembled in his grasp. He could easily spill it at any moment.

“Hmm,” Delana said. “She must be doling out wine to everyone.” She craned her neck and scanned the crowd. “Where is Allana? She will not be pleased to know Angeline has her hands on Tesher.”

Estelle fumed. “Excuse me, Olivia. I must find Eural. We cannot allow this.” She hurried away as quickly as she had arrived.

“Fifteen is not that young,” Delana said, crossing her arms. “Wine should not be an issue for a boy of his age.”

“I fear it is not the wine troubling Estelle. I believe you may have been correct about Angeline. She wants a prince, and it would seem she desires Tesher.”

Considering Angeline’s youthful behavior, it could be a proper match. And it would certainly make Jonah’s life less complicated if Tesher claimed Angeline, so Allana would be free to pursue.

Laughter grew in volume and filled the great hall. It pleased Olivia to see people enjoying themselves, but she felt slightly guilty for her own happiness. Whenever she caught Sebastian’s gaze, he looked miserable.

She could not fault him for his pain. He had taken her as his wife, and fortunately, their union would not be dissolved, but in exchange, he had lost everything he had spent his life training to become.

His mother had vanished soon after the festivities had started. His father remained, but looked just as dour as Sebastian—even in the company of her father.

They might not speak it, but Olivia knew King Roland and Queen Helen blamed her for Sebastian’s misery.

She shifted her eyes to Angeline, who continued a silent seduction of the young prince. Bewildering to say the least. It quite possibly made Angeline feel better about herself by finding favor in Tesher’s eyes.

At least the woman had stopped shedding tears. That alone eased Olivia’s heart.

If Olivia looked her way one more time, Angeline swore she would charge the woman and gouge her eyes from her head. Her sugary sweet sympathy made Angeline want to retch.

She put her back to her and focused on the handsome young prince. “Be careful, Tesher. You do not want to spill your drink on your fine clothes.” She glided her hand all the way down his trembling arm, then ran her fingers over his and took the cup from him. “Shall I get you more?”

“Please. It is quite good.”

She released a warm sensual laugh. “The finest things in life make us warm from the inside out. Wine is but one of those delights.”

“Of what else do you speak?” His turquoise eyes captivated her.

She tapped the tip of his nose. “I fear you are too young to be told.”

He squared his jaw and stood taller. “I am no boy.”

“Tesher.”

Damn. Just when things were becoming enjoyable, Eural interrupted, with Estelle practically glued to his body.

“This is such a wonderful affair,” Angeline said to her. “I commend you and your family for being so gay. It cannot be easy, considering the outcome of the proceedings. Then again, I have no doubt your cousin, Frederick, will make a fine king. I assume you are happy, as long as the high throne is kept in your family. Am I not right?”

“Sebastian would have been a great king,” Estelle said. “But we must abide by the law.” She stepped closer. “Is it not horribly difficult for you to be here? Your emotions are surely spent. You should do yourself a kindness and retire for the evening. The guest chambers have been prepared. If you would like, I can call for a servant to show you the way.”

“Retire? So early?” Angeline took hold of Tesher’s hand. “The prince and I were just becoming acquainted.”

Eural’s eyes shot fire, so Angeline moved nearer to Tesher, to further fuel his brother’s rage.

“Tesher,” Eural grumbled. “The hour grows late. Bid Princess Angeline goodnight.”

“No.” Tesher glared at him. “I was about to have another glass of wine. You have no authority to tell me what to do.”

Angeline forced a stoic mask to cover her glee.

Eural panted heavy breaths through his nose. “Father will not be pleased.” He stormed away with the lovely Estelle leeched to his side.

“Hmm.” Angeline watched them until they were out of sight, then focused her attention on Tesher. “Perhaps I was mistaken about you. As you said, you are no boy. You stood up for yourself as a man. I find your fortitude admirable.”

“Thank you.” He wiggled his empty goblet at a passing servant, who filled it without pause. His hand no longer shook.

Angeline followed suit, then waited to speak again until the servant moved on. “How often do you drink wine, Tesher of Oros?” She dipped her finger into the burgundy liquid, then slowly ran it around the rim of the goblet. Once certain his eyes were fully vested in her action, she placed her wine-laden finger in her mouth and closed her lips around it. When she finally withdrew it, she took as much time as possible, allowing him to appreciate the action. “Delicious.”

Tesher gulped hard. “I rarely partake.” He stepped away from her and casually leaned against the wall. The way he feigned ease amused her.

Angeline glided into the space beside him. “Tonight has granted you the opportunity to indulge. A young man such as yourself should never waste the chance for indulgences at such occasions.”

“May I speak openly?” His youthful chest heaved.

“Of course.”

“You dressed in black for this affair. Earlier, I saw you weep, and now . . . Princess Angeline, what do want from me?”

She had been enjoying herself so much, she had forgotten her attire, as well as her feigned sorrow. “Forgive me.” She sniffled a few times, then turned away from him. “You made me smile for the first time in a long while. For the briefest of moments, I felt like my old self again.” Chin quivering, she faced him, with tears she had managed to bring forth. “I used to be constantly happy, looking only toward a prosperous future with a loving husband and family. You cannot imagine how it felt when I learned Sebastian had chosen another.”

Tesher rested his hand in the small of her back. “Do not cry,” he whispered in her ear. “All will be made well.” His fingers moved ever-so-slightly.

The sensation had her tingling all over. She doubted the virtuous boy had ever before touched a woman in any manner. “You are too kind. One day, some young woman will be blessed to find your favor.” She took his hand, cradled it in her own, then lifted it to her lips and kissed it.

He breathed harder with every passing second. His glorious eyes held wonder and a young passion she wished she could further explore. But as enjoyable as this interaction had been, Tesher was only a minor part of her plan. She had sown a seed, and now she needed to leave him pondering, in order to allow the feelings she had planted to grow and mature.

She jerked her head toward the hallway. “Your brother returns, and I fear your father accompanies him. I had best go to my chamber and keep you from reprimand.”

“Damn their interference.” The boy scowled and repositioned himself, yanking his shoulders back. “Will I see you again?”

Even his cursing charmed her. “Of course.” She dipped her head and hastened away. King Callum’s loud admonishments of Tesher followed her along the corridor.

It took her no time at all to find a servant to inquire about accommodations for the night. The young girl knew her and led her to a bedchamber of which Angeline was quite familiar. She had slept in this very room many nights.

Angeline had grown extremely weary. Plotting and scheming proved to be tiring, but well worth the effort. Truthfully, all had come together much easier than she thought it ever would. The kings had disavowed Sebastian and his whore with nary a word of disdain from her. Then again, dressing in black had been a bold statement in itself.

She lay down on the soft mattress and stared toward the window. The full moon beamed light that illumined her surroundings in an eerie gray. The dismal color seemed appropriate.

She closed her eyes and revisited every aspect of her plan. All was falling perfectly into place.