Chapter 20

The air in the enclosed courtyard had become stifling, not to mention rank-smelling. The offensive body odors bothered Frederick slightly more than having to endure Sebastian’s close proximity. He paraded his bride around like a prize, and Frederick had to restrain himself from ripping the crown off her head. Did no one else see the outward blasphemy in her wearing it?

He downed another goblet of wine—the only thing momentarily keeping him sane.

Marni took the empty cup from his hand. “I am worried about Tesher.”

Frederick breathed a relieved sigh. He feared she would chastise him for drinking so heavily, and he was in no mood to be nagged. “Your brother looks happy. Why worry?”

Frederick watched him and Angeline twirl around the small area of the courtyard that had been cleared for dancing. He would probably be happy as well if he were so near the woman’s protruding bubbies.

“She is too old for him.” Marni shook her head. “Father is furious, but he has chosen not to say anything to Tesher. He does not wish to embarrass him in front of the wedding guests.”

“Why be furious? She is princess of Thanwine and ripe for marriage.” And many other things. “If Tesher chooses her, so be it.”

“But he is meant for your cousin, Allana. She is beautiful and sweet. I want her for my sister, not Angeline.”

Frederick faced his wife. “Your wants matter not where Tesher is concerned.” He drew his finger along her creased brow. “Think no more of it. If you insist on worrying, trouble yourself with our coming child and be happy for God’s sake.”

She bent her head and rubbed her large stomach. The child had been kicking so much lately, it had been keeping Frederick awake at night.

“You are right, as always.” Marni patted her belly, then kissed Frederick’s cheek. “An alliance with Thanwine would be good for Oros. It has been more than a generation since a Thanwinian has claimed one of us. We are overdue.” Her eyes heavily drooped.

“You need rest. I shall accompany you to our bedchamber and leave you to sleep.”

She nodded. “Thank you. Promise you will come and join me eventually?”

“Eventually.” With less than two months remaining in her pregnancy, she had grown too large to enjoy, so he had no difficulty leaving her alone in bed. Mirella had kept him satisfied, but he longed to have Marni become her old self again, void of the invasive child.

He waited patiently, while Marni bid goodnight to everyone they passed.

Once he got her settled in bed, he went back to the courtyard for more wine. Some of the best he had tasted since his last visit to Oros.

To his relief, Sebastian and Olivia were nowhere to be seen.

The minstrels appeared to be growing weary, but they kept playing regardless. King Callum undoubtedly paid them plenty and instructed them to continue until everyone had retired to their rooms.

Estelle and Eural had joined the celebration for a brief time, but had returned to their bedchamber. Frederick could have sworn the girl was limping, but she smiled nonetheless. Eural must have been ruthless, considering the amount of blood on the sheet. He had taken what Frederick had wanted all those years ago. If only he could have shown Estelle how a real lover handled himself.

Frederick chuckled. Not only had the wine eased away his tension, it brought on warm thoughts. Memories of his wedding night with Marni came to mind. There was something incredibly righteous about taking a woman’s virtue. It brought on a feeling of power no crown could duplicate.

Having young servant girls came close to simulating the feeling, but they paled in comparison. Since he did not want to impregnate them, he made certain they had not reached the age of monthly bleeding. But because of their youth, they had no bubbies to enjoy.

If only he could bed a chaste princess once again.

For that, he envied Tesher. Angeline would be a fine piece of flesh. At her age, not only did she burst from her gown, she was surely ready to erupt elsewhere.

Frederick set aside his goblet and stood tall. King Talman approached.

Thinking quickly, Frederick filled another goblet and handed it to him as he neared.

Talman politely nodded. “Much thanks.” He took a large gulp.

“The heat in Oros torments me,” Frederick said. “But it must be even more painful for you. Thanwine and Oros could not be more different from one another in regard to weather.”

“Yes.”

Hmm. Not one for conversation.

“My condolences for your father,” Frederick persisted. “He was a fine king.”

“He was. I intend to make him proud.” Talman jutted his chin and stood in perfect profile as if to gloat over his blasted crown. Did he not fully comprehend that one day, Frederick would be his superior?

“You will.” Frederick refilled his own cup. The servants had made themselves scarce. A shame, since he had had his eyes on one in particular.

He scanned the crowd. “I do not see Becca. Did she retire?”

“Yes.” Talman emptied his goblet, then pointed at the flask.

Frederick thought twice before doing his bidding, but despite his reservations, he filled Talman’s cup, then forced a smile. “The wine is exceptional. You should ask King Callum where he purchased it. You may want to serve it at your own wedding, which my wife and I are looking forward to attending. Such a brilliant idea having a masquerade.”

“My sister is taking care of all the arrangements. You should tell her.” Talman grunted, then strode away.

Bastard.

Frederick tightened the grip on his goblet, wishing his hands were around Talman’s thick neck. How dare he speak down to him like he was a mere commoner?

The loud music and laughter surrounding him had begun to grate on his nerves. A flash of long red hair caught his eye. The servant girl he had noticed earlier. Twelve, perhaps thirteen at best. She had the shape of a boy, so he assumed her to be relatively safe.

Foolishness!

He knew not of anywhere in this damnable kingdom to steal away with the girl. In his own castle, he had specific rooms for that purpose—chambers no one but he was permitted to enter. Here, the risk would be too great.

Though it would not be as fulfilling, he chose to veer his desires in another direction.

He casually wandered up behind Prince Tesher and tapped him on the shoulder. “You look as if you could use another drink. Let me occupy your lovely partner, while you have some wine.”

Tesher frowned. “Where is my sister? Can she not dance with you?”

“Your sister has retired. In her delicate condition, dancing is not wise.”

Angeline pursed her lips and met Frederick’s gaze. “You have not danced at all tonight.” She cast a look of pity, then faced Tesher. “Why not allow him one dance?”

Tesher scowled. “You said you would dance with me alone.”

She worked her hand up and down the boy’s arm. “Yes, I did. However, I feel sorry for Frederick. Does not everyone deserve the opportunity to dance? After all, it is one of the greatest ways of expressing joy, and are we not celebrating?”

Tesher kept a hand on her waist and did not move. “But—”

“Shh.” Angeline pressed her fingers to his lips. “One dance. No more.”

Sluggishly nodding, Tesher kicked at the ground and wandered off.

Frederick watched him leave, then focused his sole attention on Angeline. “The boy is smitten with you.”

She laughed in a far-from-innocent manner that further intrigued Frederick. “I do not understand why he finds me appealing. But I confess, his attention flatters me. Especially when your young cousin has been rumored to care for him.”

“Allana?” Frederick took Angeline’s hand, then placed her in an appropriate dance hold.

Angeline stepped closer than this particular dance warranted, but he would not even entertain the idea of correcting her. “Yes, Allana. So sweet and beautiful. I saw her earlier, but her parents whisked her away when the guests began overindulging in wine.”

“My aunt and uncle are protective of their daughters. And with the princes of Issa strutting about, I understand their need to remove the girls.”

Frederick did all he could to keep his eyes on Angeline’s face and not on her bubbies, but it was a difficult chore. Their abundant rounded form beckoned him and caused his mouth to water.

“You move well,” he said, spun her, then drew her in again.

“Thank you. As do you.” She locked eyes with him. Something familiar lay within them, but he could not discern what it was.

The woman had an unattractive upturned nose and could not compare in beauty to his cousins or his wife, but something about her had his blood on fire. Likely her exceptional body. And since the body truly made a woman female, only everything below her neck mattered.

She blinked slowly and inhaled deeply. “A realization just struck me.”

“What might that be?”

She lifted her head higher. “I am dancing with the future high king. I doubt I shall sleep tonight, entertaining the thought.”

Finally, he had met someone who appreciated his worth. “Now, it is I who am flattered. I am a mere man, and though one day I shall sit on the high throne, my purpose will be to serve the people, not myself.” He studied her closely and still could not understand the familiarity he felt in holding her. “I am not the first future high king you have consorted with. I assume since you have shed your black gown—and cavorted with young Tesher—you have set aside all feelings for Sebastian.”

“I not only set them aside, I buried them.” She smiled devilishly. “Deep.”

God, this woman torments me. “You will fare better without him. I love my cousin, but he can be impossible at times. Be glad he chose another.”

“Impossible?”

Frederick laughed, hoping he would not expose his hatred of the man. “He and I grew up like brothers. You have two of your own, so I am certain you understand how a brother can get under your skin and annoy you.”

“Say no more. I comprehend perfectly what you mean.” Her fingers rubbed ever-so-slightly across the back of his hand. Had she done it mindlessly or purposefully?

He tried to ignore the sensation she created, but it was not easy. Slow, steady breaths seemed to help. “I attempted conversation with your brother, Talman, but he would not engage with me. Is he always distant?”

“Talman is a boar, and I mean that in the sense of a pig, though truthfully, he could put you to sleep with dismal conversation.” She tipped her head and lowered her eyes. “Even so, I love him. And now that he is king, I should not speak poorly of him. He is enough of a beast, he could choose to call for my head, if I improperly cross him.”

“Hmm.” Frederick spun her again, then yanked her firmly back into place.

She gasped. “Oh, my.” Her eyes widened and she smiled. “A strong man, I see. I will be certain never to cross you, High King.”

He savored hearing the words, and coming from her lips, they ignited more than pride.

Tesher stepped up beside them. He folded his arms in what appeared to be a pathetic attempt to look bigger than he was. “The tune has ended, along with your one dance.”

“So it has,” Frederick said and set Angeline’s hand in his. “She is yours.”

“Yes, she is.” Tesher narrowed his eyes and put his arm around Angeline’s waist.

Frederick bowed to her. “I thank you for the extraordinary dance. Perhaps we will have another opportunity at your masquerade. Talman indicated the planning is all your doing. I shall happily anticipate all you have to offer.”

Wishing she would offer what he craved troubled him more than anything else. A dangerous thing to ponder considering her status, not to mention his.

Angeline curtsied, then once again locked her eyes on his.

Who are you really, and why do you mesmerize me?

Tesher hurried her away and broke the enchantment. Unfortunately, Frederick was not satisfied and decided to return to his bedchamber. Even if Marni slept, he could take her from behind and gratify his aching need.

Though not his vessel of choice, she would have to do for now.

Once he arrived back in Basilia, Mirella would be waiting for him.