Chapter 14

Frederick stood fuming in the middle of the courtyard, facing his uncle’s enormous castle.

Marni circled an arm around his waist and leaned into him. “You have no cause to be angry any longer. You are guaranteed the throne. Everyone at the ceremony heard the priest’s proclamations. No one would dare challenge you.”

“My uncle is one and forty and in exceptional health. Our child will likely be grown and ready for his own throne by the time I am named.” He faced her squarely. “I want to rule while I am still young enough to relish it.”

She glided her fingers across his chest. “Less responsibility will grant you the opportunity to enjoy your son when he arrives. Please, Frederick, be content.”

He shoved her hand aside. “I cannot.”

The king’s sentries stood at every entrance, and whenever Frederick moved anywhere near them, they glared and positioned themselves in front of the door. He had tolerated this behavior for years.

Marni’s head bowed low. His abrupt action had hurt her—something he had never done before.

He took her hand and cradled it over his heart. “Forgive me. I should not render my frustration on you.”

“I understand.” She lifted her head and looked at him with pity.

So beautiful.

If not for her, he would certainly go mad.

He kissed her forehead, then pointed at one of the damnable guards. “How am I to learn from my uncle when his men will not allow me passage?”

She tipped her head to one side. “I have never comprehended why they treat you so. Was it not your choice to keep yourself from your uncle’s dwelling?”

“Yes. However, he has always seen me as a threat.” Frederick released a disgusted chuckle. “Perhaps he fears I will slit his throat in order to take his place.”

Marni pursed her lips and shook her head. “You speak foolishness.” Her brows wove. “If I were to approach the entrance, would I be stopped?”

“They would have no reason to keep you out.” He smiled at his exceptional bride and cupped a hand over her rounded belly. “An expectant mother poses no threat. Do you wish to make a plea on my behalf?”

She lifted her chin high. “I will do whatever I can to aid you. Your happiness is all that matters.”

He drew her into his arms and kissed her deeply. If she managed to attain the freedom he needed in order to go about as he pleased, he could find a way to accomplish his devious task.

Frederick paced on the walkway beside the royal garden. Marni had been inside the castle much longer than she should.

If his uncle harmed her in any way, there would be hell to pay.

“He shall pay regardless,” Frederick muttered under his breath. The thought of what was to come brought a smile to his face.

He had despised his uncle for as long as he could remember. Roland had always paraded about as if he were God, lording over Frederick’s father.

Maybe Frederick needed to merely shame the man. If he could find a way to show the Basilian people, their king was far from perfect, that alone might ruin him and force his abdication.

Discrediting him might be easier than covering up murder.

“Hmm . . .” His mind twirled rapid thoughts.

Every man had a weakness, but what would it take to bring Roland to his knees?

“Frederick!” Marni’s joyful cry turned his head and brought him hope.

She hastened to his side and flung her arms around him. “I had the most splendid conversation with the queen.” Marni’s eyes sparkled in the sunlight. “As you know, Queen Helen truly rules the lands.” She leaned close. “Your uncle does whatever she asks of him. So naturally, I implored her to have him instruct the guards to allow you entry. You are family, for heaven’s sake. I assured her you pose no threat.”

If Marni learned the truth of his banishment, she would think otherwise. “Was she agreeable?”

“She promised to speak to him. And once that bit of business was discussed, we spoke of babies and all the joy you and I have ahead of us in raising our child. She is enlisting her seamstress to sew some garments for our baby. Is that not wonderful?”

“Yes, but . . .” He had no desire to ramble on about infants, including his own. “When will she speak to the king?”

“Soon.” She stroked his cheek. “She vowed to send word, once everything is settled. Honestly, I find this entire ordeal ludicrous. Can they not see how loyal you are? My father would never treat anyone in our family in such a wretched way.”

“Uncle Roland and I have never had a rapport.” Frederick nonchalantly chuckled. “I confess, I was not always a good boy. He did not appreciate my youthful pranks, especially when they involved Sebastian.”

“All boys misbehave.” Marni linked her arm into his. “You are now a grown man. An honorable man. Your uncle will do right by you.” She gestured to the path. “Let us return home and wait. I am most certain we can find something more pleasing to bide our time than standing here in the garden.” She slowly blinked and worked her lower lip with her teeth.

“Most definitely.” He rushed her away.

He could think of no better way to ease his mind as well as his body.

Olivia’s parents had been gone a full day, and her heart already ached from their absence. She had forgotten how much she enjoyed having them near. If only their kingdoms were not so far apart. Then again, the close proximity of their lands sparked one of the key reasons for the wars of long ago. Abundant land prompted greed.

Distance, it seemed, was a good thing.

Before her parents’ departure, Sebastian had told her father Donovan could still be a threat and warned him to be wary. Her father had not acted overly concerned about the possibility, stating that if Donovan lived, he would not dare show his face in Padrida.

If only she could so easily dismiss Donovan.

With her parents’ return to Padrida, Sebastian had been more loving than ever. But since the priest’s proclamation forbidding Sebastian’s ascension, the sparkle in his eyes had vanished once again.

She prayed she could find a way to bring it back long before their baby came. If not, surely the arrival of their child would accomplish it.

“Are you about ready?” Sebastian yanked on his boots. “Father asked to speak to both of us, so I fear there is some urgency.”

“Yes. I can do nothing more to enhance my appearance.” She set aside her hairbrush. “One day soon, I would like a lady’s maid to help with my hair. Someone similar to Rosalie.” She swiveled on her chair to face him. “I asked Mother to tell her our news. Our child will come soon after hers.”

Speaking the words prompted a flood of thoughts. Olivia hoped she would be able to go to Padrida as she promised and make certain the healer tended to Rosalie. Traveling so late into her own pregnancy would not be easy.

“Olivia?”

She looked up to find Sebastian staring at her. “Yes?”

“You were elsewhere just now.”

“I confess, I was.” She stood. “I have been troubled over how to tell your parents about our child. I honestly believe your mother will never smile at me again, regardless of the fact that I shall make her a grandmother. As much as the news should be celebrated, how can she be joyful over our coming baby, knowing it will not be granted title?”

“It will still be her grandchild.” Sebastian took both of her hands in his own. “Mother has a big heart. She grieves for me, but she does not blame you. She cares a great deal for you, Olivia. Eventually, she will accept the situation as it is.”

“And your father?”

“He is handling matters as best he can. He desires to have the law changed, but in order to do so, all realms must agree. A simple majority will not stand for something so crucial.”

Just as Olivia feared. “Oros will never comply. Not when they have so much to gain if Frederick takes the high throne.” She rubbed the backs of Sebastian’s hands with her thumbs. “Perhaps we can bring Thanwine into our favor. Yes, Angeline’s heart is aching, yet I feel I can win her trust. I can sympathize with her, having experienced my own heartbreak.”

Sebastian’s head drew back. “You cannot be serious. I am the reason for her poor disposition, and you are a reminder of what she cannot have.”

“And because of that, my concern for her would be seen as genuine. Possibly even admirable. Would it not?”

“That or insanity.” He released her, frowned, and ran his hands through his hair. “Do you find her trustworthy?”

“She has given me no reason for distrust. Besides, I saw her with Tesher, which gives me hope. Though he is years younger, they have a similar youthful spirit. It could prove to be a suitable match, and one which would take her mind from you. I could encourage her to pursue him—show her that love is attainable.”

Sebastian studied her closely, and she smiled. She could tell he had not expected this from her, and it pleased her to know she retained a bit of mystery.

She coyly tipped her head. “There is another who would benefit from this arrangement.”

“Who?”

“Jonah.”

“Jonah? How would a pairing of Angeline and Tesher affect him?”

“When your sisters showed me the passageways, Allana spoke of Tesher. She believes they are meant to be bound. And yet, she indicated feelings of fondness for Jonah.” Olivia rested a hand on Sebastian’s chest. “Tesher would not be an issue, if he claimed Angeline.”

Sebastian’s eyes narrowed. “Why did you not tell me sooner of Allana’s interest in Jonah? The man has been tripping over himself, trying to find ways of winning her favor.”

“Yes. She told me as well.” Olivia laughed at the memory. “How he almost plummeted into the moat.”

“Poor Jonah is bewitched by her. Regardless, nearly three years must pass before Tesher is of age to marry. Angeline will not grow any younger, and I doubt King Callum would approve of the pairing, but he would readily welcome his son’s courtship with Allana when the time comes.”

She glided her fingertips across Sebastian’s chest, grinning. “Tesher looked quite smitten with Angeline. A king’s wishes are often cast aside, when a prince falls in love.” She kissed his cheek.

“I cannot argue your point.” He smirked and gestured to the door. “Let us not keep my parents waiting—for us, or for our news. Shall I tell them, or would you prefer to?”

Her heart pounded at the mere thought. “You should. You know them much better than I, which gives you a good understanding of when to reveal it.”

“I am proud to tell.” He extended his arm and escorted her from their chamber.

The idea of Olivia becoming friendly with Angeline left Sebastian with a feeling of unease, yet he admired Olivia for being so gracious. Maybe if she reached out with good intentions to the royal house of Thanwine, it would aid in mending their tarnished alliance. His sister, Becca, would appreciate the act, since she would soon be a part of the royal Thanwinian family and living among them.

Sebastian proudly escorted his expectant wife to the great hall. His parents were already seated and surprisingly, Estelle was with them. He had assumed from the summons, only Olivia and he would be joining them.

Hours remained before the evening meal would be laid out, but servants bustled about. They filled goblets with wine and placed trays of bread and an assortment of cheese on the table.

His mother lifted her head, bearing no smile. “Please have a seat.”

Sebastian helped Olivia into a chair, then took his own. “You appear glummer than on the day of our ceremony, Mother.”

“I do not care to speak of that. It is not why we are gathered, however, the outcome has some bearing on our dilemma.”

Olivia reached under the table and grasped Sebastian’s hand. He smiled at her, but it did little good. His poor wife seemed as miserable as his mother.

“What dilemma?” He looked from his mother to his father.

His father cleared his throat, then waved the servants away. Aside from their fading footsteps, silence hung around the table.

“Frederick has requested entry into our dwelling,” his father finally said.

Estelle whimpered and stared at the table.

“No!” Sebastian pounded a fist on the thick slab of wood. “Do you not see how the simple mention of him troubles Estelle? She would not sleep at night knowing he might be within our walls. Nor would Becca!”

“And yet,” his mother whispered, “Frederick has displayed considerable change since his marriage to Marni. She came to me today beseeching my help.”

“Of course, she did.” Sebastian lowered his voice, but nothing could mask his anger. “Frederick’s ascension will raise her just as high on a pedestal, and one day, their child will become high king. The dream of every mother.” He stared at her to drive his point.

“Yes.” She lowered her eyes. “No matter how we might feel, we must abide by the law and allow Frederick his ascension, but not until your father is ready.”

“It pleases me I have some say on this issue,” his father grumbled.

“Do not be harsh, Roland. I only want what is best for everyone. Frederick claimed he wishes to learn from you, but he cannot when our doors are sealed against him.” She shifted in her chair and took Estelle’s hand. “In a few short weeks, Estelle will become Eural’s wife and a member of the royal house of Oros. A full moon later, Becca will also leave our castle and join with Talman of Thanwine. I suggest we make a compromise regarding Frederick.” She kept her eyes on Sebastian’s father. “You have always been fond of compromises.”

“Yes. When they are reasonable. What is your concession?”

Sebastian leaned back in his chair, waiting. He feared he already knew what she had in mind.

She sat primly straight, unlike Estelle, who kept her head low and her eyes focused downward.

His mother’s face remained expressionless. “Allow Frederick into our dwelling after Becca and Talman’s rites. Estelle and she would no longer be a consideration.”

Just as Sebastian feared. “And what of Allana? Or Delana and Catrice for that matter? What of their safety?” He looked at his mother, hoping for a reaction, but she continued to be stoic. “And what of my own wife?” he persisted. “I do not trust Frederick to be near any of them!”

“Sebastian!” his father barked. “Your outbursts are not helping this situation. Calm yourself and be the man I taught you to be.”

“I cannot be calm. Not when I fear for my sisters, and even more so, my wife! She is expecting our child for God’s sake!”

Estelle’s head popped up, and his mother gasped. “A child?”

Olivia’s eyes opened wide and she swallowed hard, yet she said nothing.

Likely, she regretted giving him the responsibility of sharing the news. His timing had not been the best. The words came forth of their own accord. Unfortunately, anger often caused such things to occur.

His father gaped at him. “How long have you known?”

“Since before the ceremony. We could not decide when to break the news, not with the child’s status in question.”

Tears streamed down his mother’s face. “It is so unfair.”

Estelle put an arm around her. “Do not cry, Mother. We should all be pleased with their news.” She smiled at Sebastian, who happily returned it.

“Yes,” he whispered, then brought Olivia’s hand to his lips and kissed it. “This child means everything to us. In our eyes, it will be the finest in all the lands. A priest’s words cannot discount the value of the life growing within Olivia’s womb.”

His father stood. “Nothing truer could be said.” He walked around the table and knelt beside Olivia. “Are you feeling well?”

“Yes, sire. Better than should be expected, considering all that has transpired.”

He kissed her forehead and arose once again. “This coming child is a blessing from God. Helen, do you not see it as such?”

Her tears had not ceased. “Of course, I do. But it breaks my heart that the child’s future is questionable.”

He shook his head and sighed. “Are not all futures questionable? Life never guarantees a pleasing outcome. I intend to enjoy my grandchild, and I suggest you set aside all else and do the same.”

Estelle handed her a kerchief, and his mother dabbed at her eyes. “As of late, I have not been myself. I have tried to be strong, but I do not cope well with disappointment. I shall attempt to do better.” She faced Olivia. “I have been unkind to you. I pray you can find it in your heart to forgive me.”

Olivia released a shuddering breath. “You have not been unkind, so the request is unnecessary. We have all suffered disappointment, but we are not defeated. We must be strong and support our king.” She smiled at Sebastian’s father. “Sebastian and I have accepted our situation, and we choose to be happy. God will not forsake us. He has a plan far greater than we can comprehend.”

“Yes,” Sebastian said. “I often struggle to accept I am not always in control of my own fate. But I do not believe God wishes us to blindly make decisions that could have grave consequences.”

His father had remained standing. He hovered close to his mother with his arms folded over his chest. “You speak again of Frederick,” he huffed.

“Yes. The issue has not been resolved.”

His father braced his hands on his mother’s shoulders. “Frederick is of our blood. As your mother indicated, he has calmed since his marriage to Marni. Their coming child will likely ease him substantially more.” He sat in the chair beside Estelle. “My dear, when he . . .” His features contorted. “Well . . . you know of what I speak.”

She nodded.

“When it happened,” his father went on, “I wanted to tear Frederick apart from limb to limb. Yet now, I find myself wanting to trust him.” He tightened his fist and beat it against his chest. “I need to have faith in him. It is the only way I will manage sleep at night, knowing one day I shall be required to put the fate of the realms in his hands. Can you find it in your heart to grant me your blessings, so I may allow him in? If I do not, I shall never discover whether his newly found calm is genuine.”

Estelle closed her eyes and bowed her head. “Please do not ask it of me.”

Sebastian contemplated his father’s words. It troubled him that they made sense. “Father?”

The man shifted his gaze. “Yes?”

“I am willing to consider Mother’s compromise, but with several conditions.”

“Go on . . .”

“Frederick must only be allowed in our dwelling during daylight hours. He cannot have his own bedchamber within these walls. In addition, until he can prove his trustworthiness, he must be accompanied at all times by one of your trusted guards, not one of his choosing. Lastly, if he makes even one untasteful remark to my sisters or my wife, his permission to be here will be withdrawn. God help him if he lays a hand on any of them.”

His father’s brows wove, then he slowly nodded. “I find your conditions reasonable.”

“As do I,” his mother whispered and wrung her hands on the tabletop.

Her diminished demeanor pulled at Sebastian’s heart. Only moments ago, she had been strong and self-assured. This behavior was unlike her. The news of Olivia’s pregnancy had affected her more than he had expected.

He stood and crossed to her, then knelt at her side. “I shall speak to Frederick and explain our decision, so trouble yourself no more with this.” He gestured toward Olivia. “Why not take Estelle and my wife and go for a stroll in the garden? You can discuss Estelle’s upcoming rites and give Olivia some comfort and motherly advice in regard to our coming child. I know she would appreciate it.” He placed his hand atop hers. “I love you, Mother.” He peered into her eyes. “I am not broken, so please stop worrying over me.”

She tightly grasped his hand, then cradled it to her cheek. “You were meant to be king.”

“Perhaps. But as Father said, all futures are questionable.” Her eyes remained affixed to his. For the first time in a long while, he saw a glimmer of joy.

“I shall walk with my daughters.” Her smile brightened and she looked beyond him. “Olivia, my dear, do you feel well enough to accompany Estelle and me in the gardens?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

His mother scooted her chair back. “Please, Olivia, call me Mother.”

The expression covering Olivia’s face warmed the room. She dipped her head in response, seemingly a bit tongue-tied.

Sebastian helped her to her feet, then they parted with a kiss. For now, he could rest easy, knowing the strain between the two women he loved more than any others had been eased.

Frederick was another issue altogether. It would take a great deal of convincing for Sebastian to accept his cousin as a changed man. Even so, they had to afford him the opportunity to prove himself.

Sebastian intended to suggest Jonah as the one who would guard him. Together, they could make certain Frederick adhered to every restriction.