Chapter 22

Having been here before, Olivia had no need to peer out the carriage windows, so she made certain they were shuttered before they left Basilia. It helped somewhat in keeping out the cold, but the heat from Sebastian’s body aided her more.

They sat side by side, facing Jonah and Allana. The pair acted friendly toward one another, but Olivia sensed some evolving, deeper feelings. Though Allana had recently celebrated her fourteenth birthday, at least another two years would have to pass before King Roland allowed her to marry. A lengthy time for budding lovers.

Allana leaned close to the window and put her eye to a small crack. “I remember this well. We traveled here years ago, but it remains the same. All I see is white.”

“Exactly.” Olivia laughed. “Are you warm enough?”

Allana settled herself back into the seat, then cut her eyes in Jonah’s direction. “Yes.” She softly smiled, and a rosy blush filled her cheeks. “Please do not let me forget to thank Angeline for this gown. Her generosity touched my heart.”

Sebastian sat tall. “She continues to amaze me. Not only did she plan this elaborate affair, she provided clothing for every woman in the royal houses and intricate masks for all in attendance. The artisans of Thanwine must have worked day and night without ceasing to produce such magnificent ware.”

Olivia cuddled against him. Her sleep had been dreamless for over a week, making the decision to come here less difficult. Perhaps she had been silly fearing Thanwine. “How many people do you think will be here?”

“Aside from the royal families, many lords and ladies will be present. I would say at least over a hundred in total.”

“We will be rejoicing, while the commoners of Thanwine are huddled in their cottages, freezing.”

Jonah grunted. “They choose to live here. No one keeps them bound.”

“Yes,” Sebastian said. “In our lands, people can come and go as they please. Yet most are loyal to their homelands and the kings who rule them.”

“I still find it sad,” Olivia whispered. “In Padrida, we celebrated as royals, with commoners by our side. And as you know, we ate every evening meal together. I knew all my people by name. Can you say the same in regard to Basilia?”

“No. But Basilia has ten times the inhabitants of Padrida. It would be impossible to know them all.”

“I suppose you are right.” She rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes.

Carrying a child had made her wearier than usual. Naps suited her. It would be several hours before they arrived in Thanwine and have the ability to settle into a comfortable bed. For now, she would use her husband as a pillow.

She had little to fear. The caravan of carriages was well protected. King Roland rode in the one ahead of them, along with the queen, Delana, and Catrice. Severin drove for the king and had an additional sentry at his side. Every carriage in the procession held at least one guard.

Sebastian’s warnings had been taken to heart, and yet he had sworn to Olivia that he had not revealed the extent of her dream to his father.

Tomorrow the moon would be full, and the rite of marriage would be said once again. According to Sebastian, God would be watching over them, fully alert and well-rested.

Olivia breathed deeply.

I know You are with me always . . .

The great hall had never looked finer.

Angeline spun in a circle, then flitted around the room, making certain everything was in order.

Although she occasionally felt a twinge of pain, she had almost completely healed. A sense of virtue flooded over her, as if God Himself had returned her chastity.

For the briefest moment, she considered waiting for Tesher to come of age. But only Frederick could give her the means to her rightful end. So, she wasted no more silly thoughts of the boy and focused on the man.

Tonight, she would see Frederick’s true self. Only in the direst of moments could it be revealed, and she would soon bless him with his worst nightmare.

Approaching footsteps in the hallway brought her out of her thoughts.

“Angeline!” Olivia quickened her pace and nearly ran to her. “This is marvelous!”

They embraced like best of friends should. “Thank you. Did you sleep well?”

“Wonderfully. Sebastian is still resting, but I wanted some time with you before the festivities begin. You must be exhausted, planning this affair down to even the smallest detail.” She fingered one of the paper flowers. “They look real.”

“Of course, they do. Our artisans pride themselves over intricacy. Thanwine does not afford us real flowers, so we make them.”

“The linens on the food tables are exquisite.” Olivia closed her eyes and smiled. “I can imagine them full of food.” Her eyes popped wide again. “Truthfully, I could have sworn I smelled something delicious when I came here. I imagine your cooks are hard at work.”

“Everyone is.” Angeline laughed. “I will be glad when this day has come to an end, so I am able to rest.” She took hold of Olivia’s hands. “Are you certain you got enough sleep? This day will not soon end.”

“I may nap this afternoon, but I feel rested.” Olivia tightened the cloth covering her stomach. “My belly has only recently begun to swell, but this child already keeps me weary.” She shrugged and lightly giggled. “I am not complaining. I cannot wait to hold it in my arms.”

“And you must promise to bring your baby and visit me often. I adore children.” Angeline adjusted a slightly crooked tablecloth. “Someday, I hope to have some of my own.”

“You will.” Olivia grinned. “Tesher of Oros will see to it.”

Angeline covered her mouth to feign embarrassment. “Shame, Olivia.” She stepped back and displayed a more serious expression. “I understand how important it was for Prince Frederick and his sweet wife to be here, but I admit, I worry about her. Surely the long carriage ride jostled her. Do you feel it was wise for her to travel so far in her condition? I believe she has less than a month until her delivery.”

“I saw her last night, before Sebastian and I retired. She appeared quite well, even rather gay. I understand her excitement. In a short while, she will be able to cradle her baby in her arms. You should not worry. Frederick would not have brought her, if he feared the journey might harm her or their child.”

“Thank you.” Angeline held a hand over her heart. “It eases me to hear you say it. I tend to worry about everything. All I want is for this to be the happiest of all occasions for all of the realms. There has been too much discontent. We are not at war, and yet the murmurings of the people concern me. We must show everyone we are united, and they have nothing to fear.”

Olivia kissed her cheek. “Bless you.” She moved close to the fire and put her back to it. “Would it be asking too much for something to eat?”

“Come with me.” Angeline extended a hand. “I will not have you fainting from hunger.”

She led Olivia to the kitchen and they poked around at the items already prepared. Olivia pointed at the sweetbreads, so Angeline nabbed several pieces, along with her favorite mulled cider. It would do for now.

“Make certain there is plenty for tonight,” Angeline said to Clarinda, as the woman ladled each of them a mug of cider. “Some of our guests will not be indulging in wine.”

“Yes, Highness.” Clarinda bowed to her, then stirred the contents of the pot.

The aroma of apples sent a shiver down Angeline’s spine. The sweet fruit would serve a greater purpose than any servant.

She chose to entertain Olivia slightly longer than she had intended, but the ruse of friendship would serve her well, so she gladly cultivated it. Besides, this particular part of her game brought her immense pleasure. Fooling the woman who had taken Angeline’s rightful husband represented a victory in itself.

The last time Frederick had been at castle Thanwine, he was a boy intrigued with the snow.

All that had changed.

Marni lay flat on her back, breathing slow and steady. Not only had she managed sleep during the night, it was midday, and she peacefully napped.

He paced in their room, bored beyond belief. Thank God he would be king of Basilia and not required to live anywhere else. Oros was hot and stifling, and Thanwine cold and dreary. Though not underground as he had been in Oros, he could not gaze from the barred windows. Too much cold would be let in. Only in Basilia did he feel completely free.

He had gotten little rest last night. Whenever he had tried to sleep, the baby kicked and woke him. He swore it wanted out, and how could he blame it? The thing was trapped within its mother.

Frederick eyed her closely. Perhaps he should have left her in Basilia.

He chuckled to himself. Ever since his arrival in Thanwine, his thoughts had dwelled on getting close to Angeline. He had not been able to cast aside fantasies of her since their dance in Oros. As of yet, he had been unable to comprehend what about her seemed familiar. She tormented him.

“Marni.” He lightly tapped her cheek. “You must rise. The ceremony will begin within the hour.”

A pleasant smile lifted her lips, compelling him to kiss them.

Her eyes fluttered open. “You wake me with a kiss? I am truly a blessed woman.”

He lay down beside her and put his hand on her stomach. “No. It is I who am blessed.” He gave the mound a peck. “Have you had enough rest? It may be a long night.”

“I feel wonderful.” She pushed herself up, then swung her legs over the side of the bed. “Will you help me dress?”

“Of course.”

Angeline had sent an abundant gown with plenty of room for Marni’s enormous bulge. He could have called for a servant to assist, but took it upon himself to care for her. He wanted no one else touching his wife or coming anywhere close to their unborn child.

Once he had her fully clothed, he helped her into a chair and brushed out her long hair.

“Frederick,” she whispered. “You are so good to me.” With every stroke, her blissful smile broadened. “That feels incredible.”

He paused, bent low, and kissed her neck. “I pray you have not forgotten the other ways in which I can bring you pleasure.”

“I have not.” She tipped her head back and gazed up at him. “But I will happily let you remind me after our baby is born.”

Looking down upon her, he received the most satisfying view he had beheld all day. With her body preparing for their coming child, her bubbies were larger than ever.

He grinned. The boy would have to share.

The thought put him in a mood he could not soon satiate, so he returned to brushing her hair. Once satisfied with his work, he positioned her crown. “I long to place my aunt’s glorious headpiece here.”

“I pray I shall not be old and gray before I see it.”

He knelt beside her. “Worry not. I have a plan which will bring it to you soon.”

“Tell me.”

He took her hand and cradled it to his chest. “I dare not. The less you know, the better. But I assure you, you will be queen long before a single gray hair comes to your head.”

She took his face in her hands and pulled him to her, kissing him deeply. “I love you, Frederick.” She lightly patted his cheek. “I suppose you should take me to this affair before it passes.”

He helped her to her feet.

“Oh.” She pointed. “What about our masks?”

“We will return to the room for them after the ceremony.” He grunted, then laughed. “When Talman takes Becca to bed her. The old man had best hope she bleeds.”

“She will.” Marni lowered her head. “As did I.”

Frederick faced her and made her look at him. “I was gentle, was I not?”

“Yes.” She said the word, but shifted her eyes downward as she did so.

“What are you not telling me?”

“I was nervous and rigid, and you, my dear husband, are no small man.”

He grinned. “Something you have learned to appreciate.”

“Now. But then . . .” She shook her head. “I pity Becca. Talman is a beast of a man, and she is petite.”

“As were you before our child.” He chuckled and stroked her cheek. “Think no more of the past. My cousin will endure what she must—as every woman must.”

Marni nodded, then lifted her head and finally smiled. “It was well worth it.” She took his hand and set it on her belly. “Feel. He moves like a champion.”

“He is my son. He will be nothing less.” Frederick extended his arm. “Come now. We must show our people their future.”

He escorted her from their chamber to the great hall.

Everyone he loved to hate was in attendance. From his uncle, to his cousin, with his tainted bride.

The enormity of the room pleased him. Even with so many people, he could still breathe.

He scanned his surroundings. The walls were lined with empty cloth-covered tables, no doubt meant for the feast that would be laid out following the rites. A dais had been built to the side of the grand fireplace. Like the wedding in Oros, the priest stood there along with the bride and groom. Once the vows were spoken and the newlyweds had proven their virtue, it would be used for minstrels, and the masquerade would ensue.

He wanted to get beyond the formalities in order to eat, drink, and dance. Marni would likely retire early, allowing him ample time with Angeline. He needed to explore her further.

He caught sight of Tesher. The pompous boy stood as if he were in his own kingdom—all virtuous and smug. His eyes rested on Angeline. The ridiculous imbecile would not know what to do with a woman of her status, so he had no business contemplating her.

She looked incredible dressed in red. And though Frederick had not managed to catch her gaze, the time would come.

The priest held up his hand and a hush fell over the crowd. Every holy man in the realms looked so much alike, it was difficult to discern one from the other. They all wore the same long robes and righteous expressions.

“Notice was placed on the door of the holy temple indicating the intent of this union,” the priest droned. “Is there anyone present who objects to King Talman of Thanwine being bound to Princess Becca of Basilia?”

“Do it quickly, before she changes her mind!” someone shouted from the back of the room.

Low chuckles resounded.

Beautiful Becca turned her head toward the crowd. A lovely blush filled her cheeks, then she smiled at Talman, all the while holding his beastly hand.

Surely, she could not be in love with the ape?

The priest stoically held the Holy Scrolls high. “Being there is no protest, King Talman of Thanwine, do you bind yourself to Princess Becca of Basilia, from this day forward and forevermore?”

“I do.” Even his words came forth like an apish grunt.

“And do you, Princess Becca of Basilia bind yourself to King Talman of Thanwine from this day forward and forevermore?”

“I do.”

Frederick felt the soft sweetness of her voice to his very core, yet her innocence would soon be gone for good.

He glanced over at her sister, Estelle, now as impure as himself. She held onto Eural as if she actually loved him. How could she? No men in any of the realms were deserving of his fair cousins.

Marni tugged at his arm. “Can you see the ring Talman put on Becca’s finger? It has a stone. Why does mine not have one?”

She had spoken louder than she should.

Frederick leaned into her and put his mouth to her ear. “Speak not of such things in the presence of all these people,” he whispered with enough anger to remind her of her place. “I will procure a new ring for you, when I am king.”

She looked away, but nodded.

Regardless of how much he loved her, she was never to challenge him.

“Only in death may their bond be broken!” the priest proclaimed, and the crowd cheered.

Frederick shook his head. Only in death or a blood-free sheet.

Talman lifted Becca into his arms and carried her from the dais. Frederick recognized a trace amount of fear in his cousin’s blue eyes.

They disappeared from the room, followed by the priest, and the musicians began bringing their instruments to the platform. Simultaneously, servants bustled in with trays of food and started filling the many tables. Loud chatter surrounded Frederick, but he could not keep his mind from wondering what Talman was doing to Becca.

“I despise this part,” Marni whispered.

“But you love all that follows it.” Frederick led her away from the crowd. “In regard to your earlier remark, never again speak down to me.”

“I did no such thing. I merely asked—”

“You are doing it again. If I cannot trust my wife to uplift me, who can I trust?” He took her chin in his hand. “Smile for me.”

She pushed her lips into one, but it was not convincing.

“I forgive you, Marni, only because I am aware that in your delicate condition, your mind is not right. However, if ever I hear you say another negative word about me in the presence of others, I shall lock you away until you can right yourself.”

She let out a laugh, and he almost slapped her.

“Frederick, stop playing.” She tenderly caressed his face. “I know how much you love to jest, but why not wait until we have our masks on? Then you can play to the fullest extent.”

“Very well.” He refused to create a scene and succumbed to her for the moment. Once their child was born, he would teach her manners.

He stood silently by her side and waited.

The musicians plucked strings and tuned their instruments. Everyone in the great hall mingled about, but the mutterings grew more intense as time drug on. More than thirty minutes had passed since Talman whisked Becca away.

Something was amiss.