Chapter 13

The great hall was finally free from all the guests who had come for the farce of a wedding. Aside from Olivia’s parents, everyone had gone to their respective kingdoms, and Sebastian was glad of it.

The food on his plate had grown cold. He had eaten little.

His sweet wife happily chatted with her parents and occasionally glanced his way. Whenever she did, the smile she bore briefly diminished, then returned once she reengaged in conversation.

It pleased him that she had accepted their fate so readily, but he could not bring himself to share her position. He had not lied about not altering his decision to marry her, yet his future seemed pointless. What good was he if he could not lead his people?

“Sebastian?” Olivia reached out to him. “Father would like to see the ruins of Crenia. Will you take us?”

“Of course.” He nodded at King Boden. “Though I fear you might find it unpleasant.”

“I expect it to be. However, I want to know where my ancestors fought so hard to retain their land.”

“Very well.” It would give Sebastian something to do other than wallowing in self-pity.

They finished the meal and he sent for Jaya to bring a carriage. Their journey would not be far, but Sebastian wanted all to be comfortable. Besides, the people of Basilia were not exactly happy to have the Padridan King in their midst.

When the carriage arrived, surprisingly, Severin sat in the driver’s seat. He jumped to the ground and opened the door.

Sebastian moved close to his side. “I sent for Jaya.” He spoke low as the others entered. “Is he ill?”

“No.” Severin squared his jaw. “King Roland ordered me to come in his place.”

The rumblings of the Basilian people must be worse than Sebastian thought. “Thank you.” He looked the man in the eyes. “I appreciate your loyalty. King Boden has asked to see the ruins of Crenia.”

Severin bowed, then returned to his seat.

Sebastian climbed into the carriage and took the space beside Olivia. She rested her hands over her stomach—something she had frequently been doing as of late. Why she had not informed her parents of her condition kept Sebastian wondering.

Her father fingered the upholstery. “Magnificent. I should like to have one of these constructed for my own use. Now that our bridge is crossable, traveling in this manner appeals to me more so than horseback.”

“Or the wagon we journeyed in to Basilia,” Queen Sonya added.

“I should have sent a carriage for you.” Sebastian smiled apologetically at the queen. “Forgive my lack of courtesy.”

The king shook his head. “You had more important things on your mind. Think no more of it.”

Olivia rubbed small circles on her belly, smiling serenely.

“My dear . . .” Her mother reached across to her. “I cannot wait any longer for you to say it. You are with child. Are you not?”

Olivia’s eyes grew wide, then filled with tears. “How did you know?”

The queen pointed. “Your actions betray you. I doubt you realize you have been acting protectively of your unborn baby.”

“Baby?” King Boden gaped at Olivia’s stomach. “My grandchild?”

“Yes, Father.” Olivia wiped at her eyes and laughed, then took Sebastian’s hand. “We wanted to tell you, but I could not decide on an appropriate time.”

The man rapidly patted his wife’s knee. “Sonya, we are to be grandparents!”

Laughter filled the small space, and Sebastian joined in. How could he not? His coming child was one of the only bright prospects ahead of him.

King Boden held a single finger in the air. “Heed my words.” His stern expression warranted it. “Regardless of what that priest said, in Padrida, your children will be royalty.”

Olivia cuddled into Sebastian’s shoulder, but said nothing.

“Yes.” The queen sat primly straight. She cut her eyes at her husband, who gave her a nod of encouragement. “In Padrida you would be respected and not in fear of an uprising against you. Boden and I discussed this in depth, and we would like you to go back with us to Padrida.” She put her eyes on Sebastian. “The right to reign as king has been taken from you, and yet our people will accept you as prince—husband to their queen, Olivia.”

Olivia sat upright. “Mother, we are needed here.”

“But—”

Olivia held up a hand. “Let me finish speaking, please?”

The queen nodded.

Sebastian sat back comfortably and waited. In this particular matter, his wife’s words would weigh heavier than his own.

“Father can capably rule Padrida for many years to come,” Olivia went on. “When he can no longer perform his duties, then yes, Sebastian and I shall return and lead our people.” She glanced sideways at him and he smiled his approval.

A great deal could change between then and now.

Olivia once again caressed their unborn child. “We want our children to grow up in peace. And we do not want them to be chastised for the blood in their veins. When they are old enough to understand such things, Padrida will accept them and give them the respect they deserve.”

“Why not come with us now?” her father said. “Allow them to be reared in a homeland where no one will treat them as inferior.”

Olivia squeezed Sebastian’s hand and begged him with her eyes to speak.

“Your Majesty,” he said. “We truly are needed here. It may seem all issues have been settled, but I know my cousin well. Frederick will not sit by idly and wait for my father to be on his deathbed. Frederick has craved the high throne for as long as I can remember, and he will not rest until he can usurp him.”

“But your cousin stated plainly he would wait and use the time to learn how to rule.”

Sebastian grunted. “He spoke only what he had been instructed to say. Father threatened to expose him had Frederick done otherwise.”

The king thrummed his fingers on the cushioned seat. “Your family is complicated. I do not know what your cousin has done to make him so untrustworthy, but I trust you. Still, can you not be just as effective from Padrida?”

“No.” Sebastian released a long breath. “My presence here should keep Frederick at bay.”

“The subject is quite delicate,” Olivia added. “I hold onto hope that Frederick learned from his mistakes and will stand true to his word. Even so, I must stay by my husband in Basilia until we are certain no threat remains.”

Her father grumbled something indiscernible, then chuckled. “A grandchild. Exactly what we need to bring joy to our miserable existence.”

“Miserable?” Queen Sonya tipped her head and narrowed her eyes. “I feel otherwise. This past month has been exceptionally pleasing.”

The looks exchanged between the two amused Sebastian, but he refrained from laughter.

King Boden swallowed hard, then coughed. “Forgive me, my dear. I was referring to all that has transpired since our arrival in Basilia.”

She pursed her lips and folded her hands on her lap.

The carriage jerked to a halt.

When Severin opened the door, Sebastian stepped out first, then assisted Olivia. He almost extended his hand to the queen, but stopped.

It appeared the king was making amends. He and the queen were locked together in a kiss, so Sebastian let them be and closed the door.

Severin returned to the driver’s seat, and Sebastian pulled Olivia into his arms. “Lately, I have neglected to tell you how much I love you. Can you forgive me for being so glum and unfeeling?”

“You have never been unfeeling.” She fingered his beard. “I can forgive your poor mood as long as you honestly do not regret your decision to marry me.”

“Never.” He stroked her long hair. “Will you be patient with me while I try to decide what to do next?”

She placed his hand on her stomach. “Can you not simply be the man I love who is waiting for his child to be born? Cast aside thoughts of thrones? At least for a while?”

For the first time in a long while, a genuine smile came forth. “It never occurred to me I could merely enjoy living.”

“Is that not what we are supposed to do?” Her beautiful smile lit up their dismal surroundings. It seemed she had not even noticed the ruins. She stood on the tips of her toes and kissed him. “I love you Sebastian.”

That alone made life worthwhile.

The carriage door opened, and her parents emerged, smiling.

Her father cleared his throat. “All is well. Now, where—?” The man froze, staring at what lay before them. Every trace of happiness vanished from his expression.

“Oh, my,” the queen muttered.

Olivia drew in a long breath. “I had no idea it was this horrid. After all these years, why has it not been cleared?”

“The Basilian kings chose to leave it this way,” Sebastian said. “They claim the damage is a reminder to the people of what happened. These grounds are a good deterrent for war.”

He guided them forward. Olivia stayed clutched to his arm, and her parents clung to one another.

The passing of one hundred years had allowed grass and weeds to grow amongst the rubble. Buildings made from stone and brick had nearly diminished to ground level. All but the former castle. The exterior walls had been beaten down, but a single turret remained.

They stepped around charred remnants of wagons, barns, and poorly constructed wood dwellings and headed toward what was left of the castle.

“The last battle was fought where we are now standing,” Sebastian solemnly said, then pointed to a mound of grass-covered dirt. “I heard the bodies were burned there. They dug no graves.”

The king nodded and trudged on. Tears stained his cheeks.

Olivia tightened her grasp. “Would this land not be better suited if it were to be made livable once again?”

“We have plenty of land for our people. I agree with the kings before me, these ruins serve a just purpose.”

The galloping of a horse turned their heads. Sebastian immediately recognized the large, rugged-faced man riding toward them. “Roderick?”

“Why would he follow us?” Olivia whispered.

“I know not.”

Roderick dismounted, and moments later, Severin appeared, sword in hand.

Roderick chuckled. “I come peacefully,” he scoffed at Severin. “For God’s sake, set aside your weapon. Have you forgotten, we serve the same king?”

Severin warily sheathed his sword. “Highness, am I needed here?”

King Boden stepped between him and Roderick. “This man is unarmed. He will give us no trouble.”

“I agree with King Boden,” Sebastian said. “However, I would like you to stay with us.”

“Yes, sire.” Severin bowed low.

Roderick grunted. “When I learned you were coming here, my king, I wished to join you so I might pay respect to our ancestors. Men who sacrificed all.” He shot a scornful glare in Severin’s direction, then bowed his head. “It pains me to think of the suffering and the amount of Crenian blood that stained these grounds.”

“Blood mingled with that of Basilians,” Olivia softly said.

She bent down and plucked a flower that had sprung up between two broken stones. “Even among the ruins, there is beauty here.” She handed the purple bloom to Roderick. “Hope has sprung to life. Not only in this small flower, but from my union with Sebastian. Nothing good has ever come from holding onto hatred.”

“Yes, Highness.” Roderick stood tall. “Shall we go farther? I would like to see the turret.”

“Of course.” King Boden bade them onward. Roderick hastened to his side, accompanying him and the queen. Severin kept pace with them.

Olivia held Sebastian back. “Wait but a moment.”

“Are you unwell?” He stared at her stomach.

“No. I am fine.” She tapped the bottom of his chin, and he shifted his gaze to meet hers. “This is the first time I have seen Roderick since my arrival in Basilia. Perhaps you can find a way to insert Donovan’s name in conversation. I would like to see Roderick’s reaction to having it spoken.”

Sebastian looked beyond her to the others. They had gone quite a distance ahead. “It may not be wise. Especially speaking of Donovan in your parents’ presence.”

“Give it some thought. Eventually, I would like you to take my father into your confidence in regard to Donovan. It is important for him to know he may still be a threat.”

“I agree. I will arrange to meet with your father privately this evening.” He kissed her forehead. “Come now. We should join them.”

“Yes.” They linked hands and hurried along the rough ground to the others.

Sebastian helped Olivia over large heaps of broken brick and crumbled stone. It was hard to fathom the size of the battering ram that must have been used to bring down the castle. They had no moat or any other semblance of protection aside from the diminished walls.

Roderick rushed toward them, wide-eyed. “The steps of the tower are intact. Is that not remarkable?”

Olivia placed a hand to her heart. “I read in the royal ledgers that Queen Madeline had been holed up in a turret. She would have been heavy with child. Many men died protecting her.” She moved slowly to the structure and leaned her head against it. “How frightened she must have been . . .”

Feeling his wife’s pain, Sebastian’s chest constricted. He went to her and held her close. “You will never have to endure such torment.” When he shifted his eyes to Roderick, the man smirked, but quickly sobered.

“Please stop, Boden!” Queen Sonya emerged from the other side of the structure. “My insane husband decided to ascend. I doubt it is safe.”

“Worry not.” Sebastian hurried after the man, with Roderick at his heels.

Though the steps remained, they were far from sound.

Sebastian carefully went up, rolling his feet over rubble and crumbling stone. “Your Majesty! You should not climb!”

“Bah! I am almost at the top!”

The circular steps went on endlessly. The tower compared in size to those in Sebastian’s own dwelling.

“For a fat man,” Roderick grumbled. “He can certainly move.”

Sebastian stopped and faced him. “Mind yourself and be respectful. The man is your king.”

“I beg to differ, Highness. I answer to King Roland of Basilia. As the priests proclaimed, unlike the kings who reigned in this castle, Boden is not fully royal. That in itself disavows my respect.”

Sebastian grabbed him by the tunic and pushed him against the wall. “Without King Boden, you would have nothing. He brought you into his service in Padrida and made you a guard. Had it not been for him, you would have likely been a sheep herder or farmer. You owe the man a great deal.”

“I owe him nothing.” Roderick spat out the word.

“Highness?” Severin called out from below. “Do you require my aid?”

“No! Stay with the women!”

“Yes, sire.”

Roderick glared at Sebastian. “Do you intend to release me, or shall we stand here all day and worry your lap dog?”

Sebastian let him go with a shove. Roderick stumbled and landed on his rump, but shot right up again. “My king is waiting.” He pointed upward. “We had best join him. It would be a shame if he fell from the turret.”

“Yes. A fall of that sort would certainly end him.” Sebastian firmly grabbed Roderick’s arm. “Similar to a fall from the bridge in Padrida—though not quite so far to the ground.”

Roderick’s smirk returned. “Like the fall poor Donovan took, hmm?” The man kept his steely eyes glued to Sebastian’s.

“What are you not saying?”

Breathing hard, Roderick ran a hand over the scar on his cheek. The hate he had displayed when Sebastian had rendered it came forth once again. “Your status as prince may not have been stripped from you, but you will never measure up to Donovan’s quality,” Roderick hissed through clenched teeth. “Never.”

Sebastian’s heart pounded. Roderick knew something more.

“What is keeping you?” King Boden’s head popped into view. “You can see all of Crenia from the top of the tower. I am living proof these stairs are utterly safe.”

Roderick lifted his chin high. “What are we waiting for, Highness?”

Something needed to be done about Roderick and soon. The man was dangerous.

They ascended to the top together and joined the king. Yes, a fall from this height would end a man, but the incredible view could not be denied.

Boden braced his hands on the ledge of the chest-high wall. “Crenia must have been glorious in its day.” He pointed eastward. “Is that distant line of blue the ocean?”

Sebastian moved to his side, all the while keeping a close watch on Roderick. “Yes, it is.”

“I would like to go there, but not now. Perhaps on another venture.” He let out a long, slow breath. “I must return to Padrida on the morrow. I have never parted from my people for any length of time, and it troubles me.”

Roderick stood at the king’s other side. “Who governs in your absence?”

“Alwin. I trust him with my life.”

“Alwin?” Roderick scoffed. “You had best return quickly. The man might be a capable guard, but he is no ruler. You should pray there is no uprising.”

“Why would there be?” The king’s eyes narrowed.

Roderick pulled his shoulders back. “These are troubled times, are they not?” He answered the king, but kept his eyes on Sebastian.

“Be careful!” The queen’s yell rose high into the air and echoed around them.

“We should go down,” Sebastian said. “The queen is concerned for our safety.”

King Boden’s body slumped. “That woman is always worried. I love her with every part of my being, but she takes away all my fun. A man needs excitement outside his bedchamber. This is the closest I have come to it since the unrest with Donovan.”

Roderick chuckled. “Your need for adventure might soon be satisfied. One does not know what the future holds.”

“True.” The king gestured to the stairway. “I am no seer.”

Sebastian stopped him from descending. “You first, Roderick. I shall follow the king.”

Roderick grunted, yet did as told. Sebastian could not risk the man accidentally tripping the king and causing him to tumble down the lengthy stairwell.

When they reached the bottom, Olivia was waiting. She sat on one of the lowest steps, crying.

Roderick eyed her, then passed by without uttering a word. A wise choice.

King Boden knelt beside her. “My sweet girl. I fear this has been too much for you.”

“Oh, Father . . .” She circled his neck with her arms and held him close.

Sebastian took a seat next to her and placed his hand in the middle of her back. “Your mind remains on Queen Madeline?”

Olivia’s eyes pushed out more tears and she nodded. “As I sit here, it is as if I feel her pain and the fear—how did she endure it?”

“It would seem being here has given you a better understanding of how our people suffered,” King Boden whispered and released her. “Your great-great-grandfather left Crenia to protect her and their unborn child. He was wise enough to know they could not overcome Basilia. He chose not to sacrifice the lives of those he held closest to his heart.”

Olivia shifted toward Sebastian. “Take me from here. It hurts too much to stay.”

He stood and helped her to her feet.

King Boden frowned and walked from the tower, and Sebastian led Olivia after him.

These ruins had always troubled Sebastian. He had come here as a boy with many questions, but never before had he grasped its painful significance.

When they returned to the waiting carriage only one thought remained.

Never again.

Sebastian would do everything in his power to keep peace in the realms, even if it meant giving up his birthright forever.