Chapter 15

When light from the sun brightened Angeline’s room and woke her, she sat up and gleefully stretched. She had not slept so peacefully in a great while.

Not only had Darius satiated every one of her physical needs imaginable for two full hours prior to her slumber, soon Olivia would arrive, and Angeline reveled in the thought. She would put on her friendliest face and draw the naïve woman into her snare.

A messenger had arrived three days ago to alert her to Olivia’s visit, and the reasons why kept Angeline’s mind spinning. Stranger still—Sebastian would not be with her. Angeline had assumed the two were inseparable.

She selected one of her finest gowns, laid it across the bed, then went to her door and opened it. “Shireen!”

Angeline had not even counted to five, when the girl appeared. A very good thing. She hated to bellow her name more than once.

“Yes, Highness?”

“I am ready for you.”

Shireen dipped her head and scurried past her into the bedchamber.

This routine had become dull, but a necessary part of every day. Angeline stood in the middle of the room simply breathing, while Shireen stripped off her nightgown, then placed a multitude of undergarments on her, followed by the selected dress.

Once clothed, Angeline took a seat in front of her bureau and Shireen brushed out her hair. “A braid today, Highness?”

“I will be wearing my crown, so braid the sides and bring them together in the back. The jewels show best when you do it that way.”

“Yes, Highness.” Shireen’s hands worked fast and proficiently. “Shall I secure your crown?”

“Not yet. I will do it myself later.”

Shireen stepped back and lowered her head. “Do you require anything more from me, Highness?”

“Tell Clarinda to prepare mulled cider for our guest. I expect Princess Olivia by midday.” It sickened Angeline to refer to her by title, but she needed her ruse to be accepted by even her lowest of servants.

“Yes, Highness.” Shireen curtsied, then rushed away.

At sixteen, she should be well on her way to womanhood, but the tall awkward girl seemed far from it. If only she could stay innocent. Once the girl took interest in men, her mind might stray from her work. Only time would tell. For now, Shireen suited her.

Angeline’s stomach rumbled, so she decided to follow her to the kitchen. Last night’s romp with Darius left her ravenous and eating would keep her preoccupied until Olivia’s arrival.

It felt odd for Olivia to be sitting on the carriage seat facing Jonah rather than Sebastian. Yet she understood her husband’s reasoning. Sebastian was the last person Angeline would want to see, so he remained behind to tend to his father’s affairs. Including a confrontation with Frederick. She pitied her poor husband’s position. Nothing he recently dealt with was enjoyable.

When Jonah and she left Basilia, the weather had been exceptionally hot. The air had turned frigid as they neared Thanwine.

Olivia tightened a blanket around her, doing all she could to keep warm. If Sebastian was with her, at least she could cuddle against him. She could not consider accepting heat from Jonah in that manner.

Their journey had taken a full five days. Jonah had not complained even once, regardless of his lack of sleep. Even so, he did not appear happy. Nor did Severin the last time they had taken a brief stop. Unlike Jonah, he had made his displeasure known by grumbling about being reduced to driving a carriage once again.

Olivia craned her neck to see out the window. Flakes of snow readily fell.

“Is it not odd, we left Basilia nearly melting in our shoes from the heat, yet here, it is as if the sun refuses to touch the land?” She let out a laugh. “Perhaps God deems Thanwine unworthy of His mighty power and does not grant them warmth.”

Jonah groaned. “Please, do not speak of God. He and I are out of sorts.”

She shivered—more so from his words than the cold. “Why? What has He done to displease you?”

“He hides His head unless there is a full moon—which as you know comes but once a month.”

Should she preach or allow him his beliefs? “Is there something you have asked Him that He has not granted?”

“What I want will eventually be done, but because of God and the coming weddings, I must wait for an unclaimed full moon. At times, I feel our practices border on ridiculousness.”

Though inclined to agree, she did not want to fuel his frustration. “You are upset because the rite for your knighthood will not be performed until after Becca’s marriage. Is that not so?”

“Exactly. Sebastian vowed I would be knighted after our return from the ocean. But because of God . . .” He pointed upward and rolled his eyes. “. . . and His need for rest, I must wait until He sleeps not.”

She covered her mouth to stifle a giggle. “Bless you, Jonah. Do not blame God for the manner in which Basilia wishes to carry out its rituals. If you want to cast blame, state your grievances to the priests. They wrote the laws pertaining to religious practices.”

He briskly rubbed his arms. “You speak wisely. I pray you can do the same in Angeline’s presence. Winning the support of Thanwine could have a great impact for King Roland’s plea to change the law.”

“The very reason we have traveled so far.” She smiled, then laughed. “I can see my breath whenever I speak. How can they endure living in such conditions?”

“I doubt they leave the castle.” He gestured to the window. “Do you see anyone frolicking about?”

“No.” She caught sight of something else entirely. “Oh, my, Jonah. Look.”

He scooted to the edge of the seat and peered in the direction she indicated. “Hmm. Thanwine castle.” He leaned back and huffed a huge breath. “Magnificent, is it not?”

She had become used to his sarcasm, but agreed nonetheless. “It looks larger than our dwelling in Basilia.”

“I assure you, it is. Thanwine is known for trying to outdo everything and everyone in the realms. Not only are their people enormous, their castle in itself is proof of their attempt.”

She made no remark and kept her eyes on the incredible structure before her. No wall surrounded the massive castle. They obviously saw no need for it, being in such a threatening terrain. Abundant snow-covered trees lined the pathway, and the mountain behind the castle rose high above it. So much snow blanketed the ground, it was astonishing the horses could plod their way through. The snow in the roadway had been trodden down somehow.

She moved from the window and cuddled the blanket higher on her neck. “Sebastian told me the snow never melts here. I would not enjoy living in such iciness.”

“Maybe that is why Angeline was so disappointed over losing Sebastian. She wanted out of Thanwine.”

Olivia did not care to envision him with anyone but her. “My husband would have afforded her far more than warmth.”

“True. But it would have been a wretched pairing. Have you heard the woman giggle?” He shuddered. “The sound grates across one’s skin.”

“When I met her, she was in no mood to giggle. Yet, given time, I imagine Tesher could make her gay. If she married him, she would never be cold again.”

Jonah chuckled and wiggled his brows. “Nor would he.”

“I was referring to Angeline taking residence in Oros.” Olivia scolded him with her eyes.

“As was I.” Jonah sat up tall, smirking. “In all seriousness, Highness, I am grateful Sebastian chose you. He is a changed man having you for a wife. I pray one day for the same—having a woman in my life such as yourself. But not you, of course.” His cheeks glowed red, matching his cold nose.

“Allana, perhaps?”

His eyes widened, and he gulped. “Sebastian told you?”

“Yes. We discuss everything.”

“Everything?”

“Do not worry.” She giggled at his befuddled expression. “Sebastian has not given detailed accounts of your activities. However, he told me of your plight and your vow of chastity until Allana is of age. I admire your strength. It is not easy to douse desires once inflamed.”

“You truly are bold, Highness. I have never known a woman who so readily speaks her mind.”

“I only do so because I consider you a friend.” She looked straight into his eyes. “I trust you with my life, Jonah. As does Sebastian. That is why you are here. I do not expect trouble, yet it is always best to prepare for it.”

He tapped the sword at his side. “I am ready for whatever we encounter.”

“Thank you.” She cradled her hands over her belly. “You are aware I am with child.”

“Yes. Sebastian told me. He asked that I keep you both safe.” He jerked his head toward the window. “The forest has many wild beasts. Wolves and such. But they are no match for my blade.”

“I do not care to find out. Aside from the cold, it is another reason to stay within the walls of the castle.”

The carriage slowed and soon after, stopped completely.

The door crackled when Severin opened it and broke the icy bond. “We have arrived,” he droned. “Though I stand upon them, I am afraid I cannot feel my feet.”

Olivia set down her blanket and exited the carriage. Her wool cloak and heavy boots offered some protection from the cold, but she feared for poor Severin. Like her, he had worn heavy garments, but he had been directly exposed to the frigid air for quite a while. Sickles of ice hung from his thick beard and his nose looked almost purple.

She lightly touched his cheek, and although her hands themselves were cold, his skin felt like ice. “We must get you inside. I will see if we can trouble them for a warm bath.”

“Thank you, Highness.”

Jonah hopped from the carriage onto the snowy ground, nearly losing his footing. Had he not grabbed the carriage door, he would have landed on his rump.

The sight tickled Olivia, but she refrained from laughing. He had been acting so bold and dignified, yet the icy ground stripped away his pride.

A large man walked toward them. At first, she believed him to be either Talman or Varlan, but then recognized him as Darius, cousin to the royals. He bore no smile. Exactly the way she had seen him many months prior.

“Welcome.” Even the inviting word held no warmth.

“Thank you.” Olivia stepped past Severin. “Our driver needs to be taken within as quickly as possible. I worry he is almost frozen.”

Darius grunted. “Your man still stands. I assure you he is unharmed.” He splayed his arm toward the castle. “Follow me. Angeline awaits you in the great hall.”

“What of our horses?” Jonah asked.

“I shall enlist our marshal to tend them.” He headed up a series of stone steps. It looked as if they had recently been swept clean of snow. Even so, flakes continued to fall and had already covered the area in a light dusting.

Jonah took Severin by the arm and helped him along. Darius might have claimed him to be unharmed, but Severin could scarcely walk.

Several times, Darius eyed him and smirked. His actions were both unfeeling and disrespectful. After all, they were guests and should be treated with graciousness.

Darius opened the massive front door and bade them inside. They wasted no time. Even after the door closed behind them, the chill in the air remained. No wonder. Olivia tipped her head back and gazed upward. They were merely in the entryway, but the ceiling rose so high, it would be impossible to heat such an enormous space.

“Brush the snow off your clothing before we go on,” Darius said. “And mind your steps. The snow on the bottom of your boots may cause you to slip on the stone floors.”

Jonah helped Severin remove his snow, then dusted off his own. It pleased Olivia to see him take such exceptional care of the man. She had few flakes on her clothing, but stomped her feet to remove what she could from her boots. Falling in her condition would not be wise.

“This way.” Darius headed down a long hallway, and they followed.

Long before she saw it, the crackling sound of the blazing fire beckoned her like a caring friend. Severin and Jonah must have heard it as well because they quickened their pace.

They entered the massive great hall and faced the glorious fire. Angeline stood in front of it, cradling a mug. “Bless you.” She touched a hand to her bosom. “Come warm yourselves. The fire will help from the outside, and you can drink some of this wonderful cider to heat your insides.”

A thin young girl stood near the entrance to the hallway. Angeline bade her closer with the wave of her hand. “Shireen. Take their cloaks and hang them to dry.”

“Yes, Highness.”

Shireen helped them peel away their outer garments, then bustled off with her arms full. The heavy wool cloaks looked cumbersome, but the girl managed. They had barely put their backs to the fire, when she returned.

She ladled some of the beverage from a large pot suspended over the flames and poured the hot liquid into heavy drinking mugs. She handed one to Olivia.

Olivia smiled at her, but passed the cup to Severin. “You first.”

He cuddled it in his grasp and sipped. “Thank you, Highness.” Shivering, he kept his back to the flames. Droplets of water fell to the floor from his melting beard.

“My, oh, my,” Angeline muttered. “You are a sight.” She turned to Darius. “You are about the same size. Take him to your chamber and give him warmer clothing.”

“Yes, Highness.” Darius dipped his head, appearing anything but pleased. His smirk had vanished along with Severin’s sickled ice. Grumbling something inaudible, he led Severin away.

Shireen passed over two more cups of cider, then glanced at Angeline before exiting. No words were exchanged, but they seemed to have an understanding. Olivia had experienced that with Rosalie. They knew each other well.

“So . . .” Angeline tipped her head to the side. “Why have you come? Few people travel this far north. They find our weather unpleasant.” She let out a lovely laugh. “Your poor driver would surely agree.”

“Yes.” Olivia found herself fully at ease and smiled. “I fear he would.”

Jonah loudly cleared his throat. “Darius indicated our horses would be tended. What of our belongings?”

“Worry not.” Angeline politely nodded to him. “Your things will be secured in our guest chambers. Is there something you require now?” Again, she laughed. “Aside from warmth?”

“No.” Jonah eyed her quizzically, and understandably so. The joyful sound she expressed was not at all annoying, but pleasant. “This cider is doing wonders. Thank you.”

“My pleasure.” Angeline studied him briefly, then faced Olivia. “You have yet to tell me why you have come. Shall we sit, or do you prefer standing?” She pointed at a shuttered window on the far side of the room. “The window seat is one of my favorite places. I would love to show you the view from there.”

The sun streamed through small slits in the slats of the window she had indicated. The idea of opening it in order to see out intrigued Olivia, but it seemed unwise. Yet, she did not want to insult her host by refusing. “I would enjoy seeing it. Sitting suits me.”

“Highness?” Jonah said, turning both their heads.

Another laugh from Angeline. “You were not addressing me, were you?”

“No. Princess Olivia.” He emphasized the word as if he found the need to make a point. “If you do not mind, I would like to remain here by the fire.”

“Please do.” Olivia smiled at him, then followed Angeline to the window seat, where folded blankets lay stacked.

Angeline handed her one. “Here. Wrap yourself up before I open the shutters.”

Olivia gladly complied, praying an enormous draft of air would not rush in. Angeline also covered herself, then worked the latch and forced the wooden covering open. The shutters crackled in the same manner as the carriage door, breaking their frozen bond.

Icy air wafted over Olivia’s cheeks, but the breathtaking view made up for the diminished warmth. Not only could she see the extent of the castle, but many other dwellings as well. Smoke billowed from every chimney. “I am amazed at how high the mountains are, and I see cottages rising up everywhere through the thick trees and snow—even in the utmost peaks. I cannot comprehend living in such cold, but your people make their homes here.” She faced Angeline. “Thanwine is beautiful—completely unlike anywhere I have seen before.”

“Yes, it is. Regardless of the cold, the people of Thanwine thrive without complaint.” Though only moments had passed, Angeline fastened the window shut once again. “So tell me. Why did you come?”

The last time Olivia had been this close to Angeline, her mind had been clouded by many other things. Perhaps the fresh crisp air made her more alert, but she saw Angeline in a different light. No longer weeping, her features were purer. Her beauty paled to that of Sebastian’s sisters, yet she had a unique quality. A royal air that had obviously made her desirable to Tesher.

“There are several reasons for my visit.” Olivia peered directly into Angeline’s eyes. “First, I had to make certain you are faring well.”

“A letter of inquiry could have accomplished that and saved you from the risk of frostbite.” Angeline chuckled gaily. “However, I am pleased you came. Your kindness touches my heart.”

Olivia shifted her gaze downward. The dear woman could not have acted more graciously. “I wanted to see you for myself.” She lifted her eyes again. “Are you indeed well?”

Angeline sipped her drink, then blew out a long breath. “My heart is on the mend. Truthfully . . .” She took of hold of Olivia’s hand, which surprised her, but she did not wrench free. “. . .meeting you in Basilia has helped me more than anything else. I like you, Olivia. I wanted to hate you, but it was not meant to be. You and Sebastian were made for one another. Although I find it a shame his throne was taken from him, I could tell you matter more. I saw in his eyes how much he loves you. They never held that for me.”

“And yet, I hurt you.” Olivia scooted closer. “I should never have told you his heart had not loved before me. You were justified calling me cruel.”

“Honesty may sometimes seem cruel, but it is always right.” She stroked the back of Olivia’s hand with her thumb. “Chide yourself no more for it. Be my friend, and all will be well.”

Olivia nodded, and Angeline released her.

Strangely, the air around them heated in a pleasant way. Quite possibly, Olivia had already accomplished what she set out to do, by building a bridge of friendship between the realms.

Angeline looked beyond her to where Jonah stood by the fire. “What is the other reason for your coming?”

“I wanted to see your kingdom. I was trapped in Padrida my entire life, and I wish to see all the realms.” She placed a hand on the wooden shutters. “You cannot imagine what it feels like being captive in your own kingdom.”

Angeline jerked her head toward the window. “You are mistaken. I am surrounded by snow and cannot come and go as I please. Had we not been expecting you, the passageway would not have been cleared. Whenever I desire to leave here, it takes a great deal of planning and the efforts of many a servant. Talman’s wedding will be a challenging fete.”

“A masquerade.” Olivia smiled. “We received our invitation. It sounds marvelous. Becca has been talking about nothing else. Your brother and she appear to be quite in love. I noticed how he doted on her at our . . .” She fumbled with what to call it. “Our . . .” Completely perplexed, she threw her hands in the air. “Well, you know.”

“Yes, I do.” Angeline leaned close. “I am grateful for the time I spent in Basilia at your affair. Had I not attended, I would have failed to meet young Prince Tesher.” Her cheeks filled with a rosy blush. “Is it wrong of a woman my age to find someone so young desirable?”

“No.” Olivia rapidly shook her head. “Age us unimportant, when it comes to the heart. Your brother and Becca are proof of that.”

“Yes. Talman adores her. I intend to make certain their ceremony and the festivity following will be talked about for years to come.” She ran her fingertip around the edge of her mug. “You told me your heart had been broken. Will you share with me what happened and how you overcame it? After all, we are now friends, and I trust I can learn from your experience.”

Olivia had to reach deep into her soul to bare herself to Angeline. Talking about Donovan was never easy, and yet within moments, she recanted everything. Angeline listened without uttering a word, or scarcely making a sound at all. She seemed completely enthralled with Olivia’s story.

As for Jonah, after an hour had passed, he took a seat on a cushioned sofa close to the fire. It looked as if he might have dozed off, but it mattered not. Olivia felt no threat whatsoever in being here.

Shireen came in, refilled their mugs, then wandered away.

Olivia took several sips. “I fear my throat has dried, speaking so endlessly.”

“You held me captivated.” Angeline gestured to the barred window. “I cannot believe how much time has passed. The sun no longer beams its rays through the tiny cracks. Soon, we shall be called to dine, but I imagine you are famished. I have been a wretched host by offering a beverage but no food.”

“The cider is plenty.” Olivia took another drink. “In regard to food—is it not difficult to come by in such terrain?”

“Meat is plenty. The forest offers abundant game and we have exceptional hunters.”

“But what of other food? Grains for bread? Fruits and vegetables that could not possibly thrive here?”

“Are you unfamiliar with trade?” Angeline’s eyes widened.

“No. We traded goods freely in Padrida, but it offered all we required. With whom do you barter?”

Angeline lifted her head high. “Issa mostly. They are nearer to us than any other realm. They provide grain and any other food imaginable. In exchange, we give them meat and fineries. Our artisans are some of the best in the kingdoms.” She leaned close. “Our men quarrel over who will make the deliveries. If you know anything of Issa, then I do not have to explain.”

Olivia looked away. “I understand perfectly. Donovan would have loved Issa.”

“Forgive me.” Angeline stared at the contents of her cup, frowning. “You truly did have your heart broken. Such a betrayal would devastate any woman.”

Olivia nodded, but made no remark. Speaking about Donovan had drained her emotions.

Angeline let out the saddest sounding sigh. “What you said about Donovan threatening to poison your father with tannin root—I believe you called it—troubles me. How could he be so cruel?”

“Donovan wanted to be king. Some men will do anything to gain power.”

“True. But I pray, for your sake, Donovan is dead. A man such as he deserves nothing more.” She once again grasped hold of Olivia’s hand. “When you return to Basilia, please tell Sebastian I will implore my father to stand behind King Roland’s wish for a change in the law. My brothers may be more difficult to sway, but until Father relinquishes his throne to Talman, Father’s word bears the power of Thanwine.”

“Thank you.” Olivia squeezed her hand. “I was wise to listen to my heart and come here.”

Angeline smiled, and when she did so, she looked lovely. She stood from the window seat and stretched. “My bones ache from sitting so long. We must wake your man and prepare for supper.”

Though Jonah sat upright, his head had fallen backward and he loudly snored. He had slept little on their journey, so Olivia could not fault him for his actions.

Severin had not returned, but Olivia assumed he was making certain the horses were being tended, as well as their belongings.

Nothing felt amiss, so she happily followed Angeline to the bedchamber she would be occupying for the next few days. A thick wool dress hung from a peg on the wall.

“A gift,” Angeline said, pointing at it. “I thought red would be lovely on you.”

Olivia fingered the exquisite dress, then hugged Angeline. “Thank you.”

“I am glad it pleases you. The garment is lined with the softest of silk, so the wool will not irritate your skin. This dress should keep you comfortably warm within our walls. I shall leave you to change. I look forward to conversing with you again after our meal.”

Angeline walked out and left Olivia alone.

At least they had spoken about Donovan and put the unpleasantness behind them. Perhaps after supper she would tell Angeline about her coming child. A much happier topic for conversation.

No longer did she hold any feelings of jealousy for the woman. Angeline posed no threat. To her, or to Sebastian. Quite the opposite.

Angeline had become an ally.