Chapter 28

The carriage slowed as Olivia and Sebastian entered Black Wood. Olivia’s heart pattered a bit faster.

“I find this all so strange,” she whispered.

Sebastian had been sitting on the seat, facing her, but he crossed over and sat beside her. “As do I.” He took her hand and held it in his, sitting as still as a rock.

“The odd thing is that I am thrilled to be going home. As often as I had prayed to leave, do you not find it unusual?”

“Considering the circumstances, no.” He slowly exhaled, shifted in the seat, and peered out the window. “It is so quiet here. I feel as if a lifetime has passed since I first entered these woods.”

“A life I ruined.”

He cocked his head to one side and narrowed his eyes. “Never say that again. Yes, you changed my life into something I had never imagined, but you most definitely brought me the adventure I sought.” He chuckled softly, then immediately sobered. “And more importantly, love. Love without measure.”

She leaned against him. “Will we survive this?”

“Of course. We have done no wrong, and God will set things in proper order.”

Sebastian’s steady breathing soothed her like nothing else could. “I pray you are right.”

“I have something to confess to you, Olivia.”

She sat upright. This did not sound good at all. “Yes?”

“I have been praying every night and day. Not only when the moon is full.”

She grinned, relieved to hear it. “Do you now believe God does not rest?”

“Any God who could create this,” he jerked his head toward the window, “and you, and our child, does not have time for rest. I have come to feel His presence daily. It is all that has kept me from going mad as of late.”

She put her arms around him and cuddled close. “I know He gives me my dreams. Last night, while we slept in the carriage, I felt a sense of peace. No nightmares plagued me, and my dreams held only light. I saw a woman on a hilltop, wielding a sword, but there was no blood as in my previous visions. She shimmered like light itself, and she was beautiful.”

Unexpected tears pooled in Olivia’s eyes. “I do not understand the meaning of the dream, but without a doubt, it was a vision of the future.”

Sebastian raked his fingers through her hair. “As long as your dreams give you comfort, I do not care if they are visions or merely random fantasies. But I believe in you and your gift. They are the reason why it troubles me having left Basilia. I cannot protect my father.”

“You entrusted Jonah to look after him. He is more than capable.”

“Had it not been for my love of Allana, Jonah would be driving this carriage instead of Severin. Although, Severin did not take kindly to my father’s command that he not only accompany us here, but stay to watch over us.” The movement of his hand stopped. “I only wonder how long it will be before we can safely return to Basilia.”

“Unless the actual murderer is found, it may never be safe.” Olivia sat up and folded her hands on her lap. “What if King Callum comes here with an army?”

Not even the walls of Padrida could protect them from attack, and her people were not warriors.

“The thought crossed my mind,” Sebastian solemnly said. “And if it should happen, I would hand myself over to them before they ever destroyed Padrida.”

“I will not even entertain that idea. I pray we never have to face such a decision.” The carriage slightly jolted, and Olivia peered outside.

They had reached the bridge.

“It will not be easy to tell my parents all that has happened,” she said. “They will be astonished to see us.”

Sebastian drew her close, making no remark, and they sat silently until the carriage stopped in the castle courtyard.

Within a matter of moments, gleeful chatter erupted around them.

“We are home,” Olivia whispered.

Sebastian pushed a smile onto his face, then kissed Olivia. “Home indeed.”

Severin opened the carriage door. “We are surrounded, Highness, but I sense no threat.”

A woman somewhere close to him giggled. “Their driver has the fortitude of a sentry.”

“You are correct, Severin.” Sebastian stepped out and set his feet on the ground. “No threat whatsoever.”

He welcomed the jubilance of the Padridans, and even spotted a few Basilian men in the mix. Those who had stayed behind with their new Padridan brides.

He extended a hand to Olivia and helped her down.

“Our princess returns!” someone shouted, followed by cheers.

Within seconds, a mass of people enclosed Olivia. They reached out to her and offered their blessings for the coming child.

Her smile radiated like the sun itself.

He had done right by bringing her here. They loved her as much as he did.

“What is this?” King Boden bellowed.

The crowd parted to allow him through. The joy in his eyes matched Olivia’s.

“Hello, Father.”

The two embraced as if they had not seen one another in years, then King Boden turned to him. “You have brought my daughter back to me? Did you decide you no longer care for her?” He laughed heartily, then grabbed onto Sebastian’s arm and yanked him into a hug. “My son.” He patted Sebastian’s shoulder and released him. “For whatever reason you are here, I am grateful.”

Sebastian politely bowed his head. “We have much to discuss.”

“Of that, I have no doubt.” He faced the mumbling crowd. “Go on about your business. Tonight, we will feast and celebrate Princess Olivia’s homecoming.”

With appropriate bows and curtsies, the people scattered.

King Boden tucked Olivia’s arm into his own and led her toward the castle entrance. Sebastian strode beside them, taking everything in. Padrida truly was beautiful.

For a short-legged man, Boden walked rather fast. “Your mother’s heart may fail her when she sees you, but in a good way.” He chuckled. “How long will you be staying?”

Olivia glanced at Sebastian, questioning him with her eyes.

“We are not certain,” Sebastian said. “As I mentioned, we have a great deal to discuss.”

“Hmm.” Boden fidgeted with his beard. “Well. Say no more, until Sonya is with us.”

They reached the front gate, and Olivia broke free from her father and ran toward the guard. “Gerard!” she squealed and hugged the man.

Sebastian shook his head, grinning.

Poor Gerard’s eyes widened larger than the full moon. As she stepped back, he pushed his lengthy hair from his face. “Princess Olivia. You are home.”

“That I am. How do you fare, Gerard?”

“Very well, Highness.” He puffed out his chest. “Lady Margaret is with child.”

“Wonderful!” She leaned close to him. “As am I.”

Gerard grinned. “We were told. The king speaks of little else.”

King Boden held up a hand. “Yes, Gerard. Why not tell all my secrets?”

“Forgive me, sire.” Gerard bowed low, then waved them in.

Sebastian marveled at the ease in the air. Such happiness had come to feel foreign, but he relished it. He treasured even greater the expression of utter peace and contentment on Olivia’s face.

He followed close at her heels, not wanting to distance himself from her.

King Boden led them to the familiar great room. He braced a hand on the mantel of the fireplace and gestured for them to take a seat on the chaise. “Wait here, while I find Sonya. I assume she is still in our bedchamber, sewing on one of her many gowns.” He crossed to Olivia, kissed her forehead, then walked away.

Olivia smoothed her skirt and sighed. “Being here makes me feel like a child again.” She stared at the empty fireplace. No fire burned, but it was not needed. They did not use the room for cooking, and the air was seasonably warm.

“You are no child, but I understand.” He took her hand. “But please, do not forget why we are here. As much as I wish things could go on in Padrida as they always have, I fear that would be unreasonable to expect.”

She somberly nodded. “Even so, I intend to enjoy being here for as long as I can.” She pushed her hand into his hair. “We will face whatever comes together.” The kiss she gave him reminded him of the importance of treasuring every moment. Worry merely made his head ache.

Queen Sonya rushed into the room, and Olivia jumped to her feet and embraced her.

“Let me look at you.” The queen stepped to the side and pushed down the fabric over Olivia’s stomach. “Yes, there is a slight bulge. How much longer?”

“About four and a half months,” Olivia said. “Long enough for us to settle in here and prepare for our child.”

Sebastian could think of no better way to start the conversation. Olivia’s parents now knew they would not be leaving anytime soon. They appropriately gaped.

Sebastian stood. “We hope you will not object, but we decided to accept your offer to live here.”

The queen threw up her hands, then lunged at him and wrapped her arms around his body so tight she took his breath. “You dear man.” She kissed his cheek. “You have made this grandmother-to-be extremely happy.”

Sebastian was quite certain his cheeks glowed red. Olivia’s giggle confirmed it.

“No.” King Boden shook his head. “I cannot accept that this comes so readily. You said we have much to discuss, so tell me, why have you come?”

“We should all have a seat.” Sebastian led the way, by returning to the chaise and sitting down himself.

Boden folded his arms. “I prefer to stand.”

The joy in Queen Sonya’s eyes faded. She held onto Olivia’s arm, and the two sat beside Sebastian.

He chose not to waste any time and told them everything that had happened in Thanwine. Olivia occasionally interjected bits of facts he had neglected, but all in all, they told their side of the story. The only version they knew.

Sonya covered her heart with both hands. “Does your mother truly believe you to be a murderer?”

“Honestly, I am not sure. I fear she holds Olivia more responsible than myself. My parents do not know her as I do, or anywhere close to the degree you know her. Olivia is innocent, and I could not bear keeping her where she was not wanted. Here, she is loved, and I will stand by her side forever on your lands, if that is where we must stay.”

“I remember Callum of Oros,” Boden grumbled, then sat tall. “I wanted to run him through when he spoke against Olivia at your wedding rite—if I dare even call it that.” He shook a finger in the air. “Let him try to come here and disrupt my realm. I will see his head on a platter.”

“Please, Boden,” Sonya said. “The thought repulses me, and our daughter does not need to hear such things in her condition.” She sighed. “Sebastian, I feel dreadful for your cousin, Frederick. Losing his wife and child in such a manner must have devastated him.”

“Perhaps.” Sebastian could not have her entertaining falsehoods about Frederick’s character. “Though we told you we do not know who actually poisoned Marni’s drink, I feel Frederick played a part. He has never been a blameless sort. When we were boys, he kept himself in the middle of every calamity, no matter its extent.”

“You think he is capable of murdering his own wife and child?”

“As Sebastian said,” Olivia whispered. “Frederick tried to save the child.”

“Yes.” Her mother fanned her face. “An image I will not soon erase from my mind.”

“None of us can.” Olivia shifted on the seat toward Sebastian. “I am so tired. Can we continue this discussion later? Maybe after supper?”

Her mother stood. “Of course. I will take you to your bedchamber. It is just as you left it. The men can stay behind and plot as men do.”

Sebastian helped Olivia to her feet. “I will join you shortly.” He kissed her cheek and allowed her mother to lead her away.

Boden tapped his hand soundly on the mantel and watched them leave. As soon as they were gone from view, his eyes moved to Sebastian. “We must prepare for war.”

His blatant remark caught Sebastian by surprise, but he could not argue against it. “Your daughter believes she ruined my life, but it is I who destroyed hers. How can I make this right?”

“You cannot change what has happened. When you first came to us, I did not want to accept your involvement with her. But I have learned to trust that God brought you here for a reason. We cannot challenge God.”

“A plan He has laid out which we have not yet seen?” Sebastian leaned against the wall, facing the man.

“Yes.” The king’s face shadowed over. “Perhaps the prophecies will come to light after all this time.”

Sebastian folded his arms and studied him. His assumptions of the man were true. “You believe Olivia is the woman in Masa’s prophecy.”

Boden grinned. “You know of Masa?”

“Of course. We have a book of his writings. I have read every prophetic word time and again. Nearly all his predictions have come to pass, save the greatest. That of the female warrior who will end all wars and reign supreme.”

Boden’s eyes shifted downward, and he drew invisible lines on the mantel as if scrolling words. “Not until the earth runs red, and every king is lying dead.” He lifted his eyes. “I do not care for that particular part.” He released a muffled chuckle. “If I abdicate my throne and give it to Olivia, maybe I will not have to die to fulfill the prophecy.”

Sebastian pictured images of his own father, lying in blood as Olivia had envisioned. He refused to believe any of it and shook his head. “It cannot be her. She has never wielded a weapon, and her archery is sorely lacking.”

“Maybe so. But we do not know when this prophecy will come to pass. By the time she ascends to power, she may be quite skilled.” He moved in close and stared into Sebastian’s eyes. “No one can force or deny a prophecy. They happen at will by God’s command. If Olivia is the one foretold, we must stand behind her.”

“And prepare for war.” The words fell from Sebastian’s mouth without thought.

King Boden solemnly nodded.

It seemed Severin would do exactly what he had been trained for. Sebastian needed his help to build an army.

The men of Padrida had a lot to learn.

Sebastian walked the familiar hallway to Olivia’s room. No guard stood outside her chamber door, but up until now, Padrida held no threats. That had changed, and from this day on, Sebastian would see to it that a sentry would always be near his wife.

He eased the door open and went in. Not surprising, he found her sleeping. Growing a child had taken much out of her.

They had several hours before the evening meal, so he removed his outer garments and lay beside her. She blissfully moaned and draped an arm over his torso.

“I hope that is you, Sebastian,” she mumbled, without opening her eyes.

“Who else would it be?” He kissed her forehead, and she cuddled closer.

“I have been doing a great deal of thinking,” she whispered.

“I assumed you had been asleep all this time.”

Her head lifted, and her eyes fluttered open. “No. I have been dozing in and out of slumber. My mind cannot rest.”

“Can I help? I am happy to give your back a generous rubbing if it would ease you.”

“It sounds wonderful, but not now.” She lifted herself up on one elbow. “I feel so weak, and it troubles me.”

“You are with child. Women in your condition are expected to be fragile.”

“Perhaps so, but I do not care for it.” She tapped a hand on her stomach. “I love our baby, but I do not want to feel helpless. I understand I am in no condition at the moment to train, but . . .”

Train?

Sebastian’s heart thumped.

“Once the baby comes,” she went on, “I want you to teach me how to wield a sword. If the need should I arise, I must be able to defend myself.”

“I can defend you.” He had to convince her otherwise. “Women were not made for swordplay.” Olivia could not be the woman of Masa’s prophecy. It would mean all the realms would be at war, and Sebastian could not fathom the amount of horrific bloodshed.

She smiled. “My sweet protector. As much as I always want you by my side, I have to be reasonable. You could be needed elsewhere. And though women, as a rule, are softer than men, I can become strong. Will you teach me?”

He swallowed hard. How could he refuse her? “Yes. But not until well after our child’s birth. You must give your body time to heal.”

She fondled his beard, and he shuddered.

“I will,” she said, grinning. “I can also enlist Severin to help with my archery. I have seen him shoot. He is as brilliant as Jonah.”

The sensations she created with her teasing hand were fighting the fear she had rendered with every word she uttered. “We shall see.” He held her firmly.

“You are shivering, Sebastian. Are you cold?”

“No. Have you forgotten how you make me feel when you touch my beard in that manner?” Somehow, he had to hide what had truly made him tremble.

She scooted up and kissed him. “We have never coupled in my bed. Do you desire it?”

“Always.”

No armies currently stood outside the gates of Padrida. No threats hovered close. The hour had not yet come to fight, so he cast aside every other thought and focused on her beautiful face.

He loved on her with all of himself. Body and mind, until they both fell into a deep slumber.