Chapter 19

Though only a month had passed since their dreadful ceremony, Sebastian felt as if it had been much longer. Time had sluggishly drug on.

Regardless of how he felt, his beautiful wife radiated joy. She had her head out the window of their bedchamber, gazing at the courtyard below. Muffled chatter filtered upward from the people gathering for Eural and Estelle’s wedding.

“I find it so odd to be underground,” Olivia said, “yet peering from a window. Do you not find it incredible they can bring in sunlight through funneled tunnels?”

“Funneled tunnels?” He rubbed his jaw, then laughed. “I have never heard them referred to in such a way. But yes, it is quite unbelievable how the people of Oros managed to build this structure. I only hope Estelle will be content here.”

“And happy.” Olivia left the window and put her arms around him. “I wish my parents could have come, but after their journey to Basilia, I feel Father is more comfortable staying in Padrida. I doubt they will ever be fully at ease with the people of other realms.”

“They did well at our reception, but it seemed they stepped outside their comfort to make certain you were faring well.” Sighing, he drew her closer and tenderly rubbed her back.

She peered up at him. “I can tell you are troubled. Is it because Frederick is staying in the room beside ours?”

“Yes. I want to celebrate with my sister, but being anywhere close to him dampens my spirit. When we arrived, did you see how he strutted around me, gloating his position with every smirk?”

“Ignore him.” She flattened her palm against his chest. “Be the man I know you to be and do not allow him to spoil your joy.”

He took her hand and kissed it. “Very well. We shall ignore him together.”

“Sebastian!” Delana rapped hard on their door. “If you do not come at once, you will miss the ceremony!”

He strode across the floor and opened the door wide. “Is it already time?”

“Yes.” Delana shook her head. “Mother feared you had forgotten. Everyone else has already taken their place.”

Olivia came to his side. “I am to blame. I was watching the people gather.”

Delana’s nose wrinkled. “Are you going to wear that?” She pointed at Olivia’s crown.

“Yes, she is,” Sebastian said. “I do not care what anyone thinks of it. It is her right.”

“But—”

“Do not argue with me, Delana. I should at least be able to count on my sisters to give Olivia the respect she deserves, as well as support.”

Olivia sighed. “Please do not scold her. If it will save us from being chastised, I can leave it in our room.”

Sebastian shook his head. “You look beautiful just as you are, and I want you to wear it.” He extended his arm.

Delana rolled her eyes, waved for them to hurry, then hastened down the hallway.

They did what they could to keep up with her, but soon she went out of view. Sebastian helped Olivia descend a set of fanned steps, then they rounded a corner to the courtyard.

His parents stood at the front of the crowd, close to the marital dais. Estelle and Eural were already on the platform, facing the priest.

Sebastian led Olivia through the mass of people and tried to shut out the murmurs following them. Once they reached his parents, not only did he receive a look of relief from his mother, the noise from the crowd fell into hushed whispers, until the sound died into silence.

He glanced to the opposite side of the dais, only to find Frederick wearing his blasted smirk. He stood with Marni and the rest of the royal house of Oros. It made sense, though it would have been more fitting for him to stand with the house of Basilia. Even so, this arrangement suited Sebastian. The farther from Frederick he could keep himself, the happier he would be.

I must stop this!

If Sebastian could not release his hate, he would destroy himself.

He put his mind and his eyes on his sister. This was Estelle’s day—one she had waited a long while to celebrate. Her golden hair shimmered in the funneled light. Eural gazed at her with genuine love, and Sebastian prayed it would never die.

His mother had wanted the rites said in Basilia, but because Estelle and Eural would be making their home in Oros, they chose to have the ceremony here. Estelle had claimed she wanted to prove to her beloved that she embraced her new home with fondness and desired for all her family to see her thriving there.

The priest spoke the same words Sebastian had heard twice before with Olivia at his side. To his sister’s good fortune, no one objected to her union with Eural. The vows following were spoken without interruption. Had Sebastian and Olivia arrived minutes later, they would have missed the rite entirely.

So little time spent on such an important occasion.

The priest raised the Holy Scrolls into the air. “Only in death may their bond be broken!”

Cheers resounded from the crowd.

Eural lifted Estelle into his arms and carried her from the platform. By his right, he would take her to their bedchamber and consummate the marriage. Once finished, they would eventually return to celebrate.

Sebastian could have done the same with Olivia, but he had promised her an ocean setting for the act, so he had waited. Eural, on the other hand, rushed from the courtyard with so much eagerness in his eyes, it brought laughter to everyone he passed.

Olivia tugged on Sebastian’s arm. “Why are they leaving?”

“To seal their bond.”

“Oh.” She craned her neck, watching them go. “Is everyone here aware of what they are about to do?”

“Of course. The priests require it. You and I were an exception.”

“For that, I am grateful. I would have been mortified, if we had been forced to act.” She leaned into him. “But why is the priest following them?” Her eyes widened as she waited for him to answer.

The crowd broke formation. People mingled about and softly chatted.

Sebastian pulled Olivia to the far side of the courtyard, so they could speak discretely. “The priest must have proof of Estelle’s chastity.”

Olivia’s head drew back. “Please do not tell me he intends to examine her.”

“No.” Sebastian refrained from chuckling. Olivia’s unawareness of the practice should not surprise him. “Her chambermaid will wait outside their door until she is called upon. Once Eural and Estelle have completed their bonding, they will give the soiled sheet to the maid, who will take it to the priest. If there is no blood, Eural must vow that Estelle felt pain, but was not torn, and therefore, she did not bleed.”

“It seems barbaric. Why did they not question you in regard to my pain?”

“I assume it is because they had already determined they would disavow you. But since I testified to having had you, they chose not to dissolve our marriage.”

She peered out into the crowd, then faced him again. “If they determine Estelle is not a maid, will her marriage to Eural be renounced? Even though only moments ago the priest declared only death could break their bond?”

“Yes. It is the only way to insure the royal bloodline remains pure. As you know, the priests do not stray from the law.”

“It is foolish. They follow the law only when it suits them. Had they dissolved our marriage, you could have wed Angeline and you would be happy again. You could have had your throne, and—”

“Stop.” He took her face in his hands. “I am happy. I want no one but you. By the time we said our official rites, you were already with child. Do you honestly believe I would have given that up for a throne?”

“But—”

Loud cheers stopped her cold. Even if they had not, he would never allow her to think he wanted anyone else.

They faced the cheering crowd. The priest stood at its center, wielding a heavily blood-stained sheet.

“Oh, my,” Olivia muttered and buried her face into Sebastian’s shoulder. “Poor Estelle.”

“She will be fine. You are well aware the discomfort soon subsides.”

“But I had none with you.” Olivia blinked up at him, frowning. “Did you question my maidenhood?”

“No.” He stroked her cheek. “I was grateful you showed no signs of pain, because I did not want to hurt you. I assured myself our bodies were simply ready to join, and therefore God blessed you with pleasure alone. Besides, we moved slowly and relished it. As quickly as their sheet was produced, Eural did quite the opposite.”

“I understand this is a ritual . . .” Olivia’s sad expression had not changed. “But it takes away from the beauty of it. They courted for years. Eural should have allowed Estelle to savor the act.”

“He is a good man, and I believe he will. Have you not noticed they remain in their bedchamber? Now that the priest has acknowledged Estelle’s virtue, they can take their time with each other. Not only now, but for the rest of their lives.”

He kissed Olivia’s forehead, then startled when someone tapped him on the shoulder.

“Why are you hiding in a corner?”

Sebastian turned to face Angeline.

Olivia lit up with a bright smile and hugged her. “I am so glad to see you again.”

“You as well. So, tell me, why are you here by yourselves, while everyone else is drinking wine and celebrating?”

The change in Olivia both astounded and relieved Sebastian. He never would have thought Angeline could be a welcome interruption. It made him even happier seeing her in a color other than black. He had tired of everyone looking at him as the cause of her deep mourning.

“Olivia had questions regarding the marital rituals,” Sebastian said. “As you know, she and I did not follow the proper rites.”

“I am more than aware.” Angeline laughed in a manner unlike the giggles that had always annoyed him. Jonah had told him he thought she had changed, and Sebastian was seeing proof of that.

She took Olivia’s hand. “So, what questions do you have, or has Sebastian already told you all you asked of him?”

“He has explained more than I ever wanted to know. I feel horribly for Estelle. Can the priest not believe Eural’s word alone in regard to her purity? This display of their bedding seems like an incursion on their privacy.”

Angeline slowly nodded. “Sadly, some women have been known to lie. And a prince not only deserves someone pure, he must have an untainted woman. The bloodline has to be preserved.”

“So I have been told.” Olivia shook her head. “More often than I can count.”

“You poor dear.” Angeline hugged her once again, then patted Sebastian’s arm. “Take care of her. She is a treasure.” She gnawed at her lower lip and looked away, scanning the crowd. “Forgive me for leaving you, but I must speak with Tesher.”

She flitted away.

“Angeline perplexes me,” Sebastian muttered. “She is not the woman I met before I found you.”

“For that, I am grateful.” Olivia smiled, lifting Sebastian’s spirit. “Had she been then as she is now, you may never have come searching for me.”

He wrapped an arm around her. “All is as it should be.” He pointed across the courtyard. “Mother has been trying to get our attention. We had better see to her, or forever regret it.”

Olivia laughed, and they made their way through the crowd.

He paraded her proudly, never to be ashamed of their union.

Angeline pushed through the mass of people, winding her way toward Tesher.

She had chosen a turquoise gown for the affair and hoped he would appreciate seeing her in it. It boasted a low neckline and tight waist, appropriately pushing her bosom high.

He appeared to be in deep conversation with his sister, Pasha, but the instant his eyes met Angeline’s, he stopped speaking and stepped away from her.

Pasha shrugged and wandered off. If Varlan had any sense at all, he would be with her. But Angeline would not trouble herself with her brother’s lack of intelligence. Her own needs weighed heavier.

“Angeline!” Tesher quickened his pace. “I feared you would not be here. Not with your father’s recent passing.”

She grasped onto both of his hands, and the look he gave from the simple act made her heart thump hard. “You are a dear for your concern.” She kissed his cheek, and when she backed away, his eyes rested on her bosom.

Good.

He rapidly shook his head and lifted it, his roaming eyes as well. “You are so beautiful. That color suits you far better than black, though are you not still in mourning?”

“Thank you. I chose a color inspired by your eyes.” She moistened her lips. “As for mourning, my father is in a grander place, so I have no need to grieve him. In regard to Sebastian and the depression his rejection brought upon me, that, too, has passed. I had the pleasure of spending time with his lovely wife. She and I are now friends, and for that, I celebrate.” She broadly smiled. “Have you some wine as fine as what we drank in Basilia?”

“Better.” He grinned and puffed out his chest. “Father brought it from Issa. No other kingdom celebrates quite like they do.”

“Are you old enough to comprehend all that goes on in Issa?”

“As I told you before, I am no boy.”

She liked him more and more. A shame she could never have him. “Shall we?” She linked her arm into his and happily guided him to the beverage table. The mutterings, as they passed the royals from every realm, fueled her more than desire.

No one wanted her to be with Tesher, yet they knew they could not challenge the pairing. As a full-blooded princess and Tesher a prince, if he chose her, no one could rightfully object.

She handed him a full goblet of wine, and he drank every bit in a series of swallows.

“Slow down,” she laughed. “I cannot have you drunk. Who would dance with me?”

“I was thirsty.” He swiped at his mouth with the back of his hand. “But I promise, I shall keep my senses about me. I do not wish to share you with anyone.”

She moved in closer. “Do you truly mean that?”

“Yes. I have thought of no one else since our last meeting.”

If only she were sixteen and pure. She could have such a memorable time with him. A handsome young man like Tesher might have made her want to remain chaste, but, oh well. She was many years from sixteen and had more important things to accomplish.

She coyly tilted her head. “I received your letter. It touched my heart.”

“I feared perhaps it had not arrived. You said nothing of it.”

“Did I not just now tell you?”

“Yes, but . . .” He extended his empty cup to a servant. “Fill it again.”

The red-haired girl complied without question.

“But, what?” Angeline asked as soon as the servant walked away.

“You affect me.” He took a large drink, but this time did not finish the contents. “Not only do I think of you in daylight hours, you invade my dreams.”

“Me?” She touched a hand to the swell of her bosom, drawing his eyes. “Will you tell me the extent of my invasion?”

His cheeks glowed red, and he guzzled more wine.

She let out a sensual laugh. “Sweet, Tesher. You need not answer. But I am confused. There are several young princesses who are much fairer than I. Ones who have surely captured your interest. Am I not too old?”

“Old?” He rolled his turquoise eyes. “In two months, I shall be sixteen. You are what, two and twenty?”

“Three and twenty.”

“It matters not. We are much closer in age than your brother and his betrothed. If I am not mistaken, more than twenty years separate them.”

“Twenty-three to be exact.” She laughed gaily.

“So, you see. A mere seven years between us does not concern me. As for your beauty . . .” His eyes shifted toward her mounds once again. “No young princess possesses your qualities. I cannot take my eyes from you.”

She tucked her fingers under his chin and lifted his head. “I can see that.”

His cheeks reddened deeper.

Yes, naughty boy, you have been caught.

Angeline leaned close to whisper in his ear. “Do not feel ashamed for admiring a woman’s attributes. A man’s yearnings are completely natural.” She stood upright and nodded toward the other side of the courtyard. “Do you see Prince Yakar of Issa?”

“Yes.”

“Watch him closely. He drinks freely and his eyes wander without shame.”

Tesher scowled. “He is immoral.” He put his face close to hers. “I heard he has lain with his sister.”

“Yes. The same has come to my ears. Yet the kingdom of Issa allows their people to follow their desires, wherever they may lead.”

Tesher took a step back and folded his arms over his chest. “Why are you speaking of these things? Do you approve of their behavior?”

“No.” She held a hand to her heart. “Certainly not. But only moments ago, you spoke of how capably they celebrate. Although immoral, they are free to do as they please. I hate to see you chastise yourself for your thoughts. Your purity is commendable, but it is wrong for you to deny human instinct. God created us to mate, and therefore imbedded desire into our very being. Do not label yourself guilty because you have experienced feelings God wants you to feel.”

His arms relaxed to his sides and he smiled. “I have never thought of it that way. When I wake from dreams of you, I say prayers, begging forgiveness. But now, I see the truth in your words. God instilled in me those dreams, did He not?”

“Yes.” She lovingly rubbed his arm. “You have not yet revealed the degree of my involvement, but I am honored God chose me to participate in your nighttime visions.”

His chest rose and fell more and more rapidly. “Dance with me?”

She widened her eyes and held a hand to her bosom. “I failed to notice the music had started. Our conversation kept me enthralled. But yes, I will dance with you, and you alone.”

He took her by the hand and led her close to the dais, where three minstrels were playing lively melodies. One on a dulcimer, another a flute, and the third on a lute. They were quite accomplished and a good distraction from Angeline’s burning desires.

Speaking with Tesher in such sensual conversation had her yearning for him in a way no amount of verbalizing could satiate.