Chapter Eighteen
Rillie
Rillie could hardly between it as the days turned into weeks. Queen Angelica had given Baelan and Rillie their own apartment in the royal compound, but Rillie rarely saw Baelan – he was often down at the docks, or out at sea with the other members of the Zhekan navy. Rillie had hoped that Queen Angelica would abolish the navy – obviously, it was a failed project – but unfortunately, she had done little yet as queen. Baelan hinted during the few moments that he was home that she was having a difficult pregnancy, as well as learning as much as possible from the Zornaya, who had agreed to stay on as a royal advisor until Angelica and Aerdan were more firmly in place.
But Rillie couldn’t help but wonder whether or not she and Baelan would ever get to enjoy a quiet life to themselves.
Finally, the night before their wedding came. Baelan was granted three days’ leave from the navy, and he came back to the royal apartment in high spirits. Rillie had organized a special meal for him – she’d had the cook make all of Baelan’s favorite dishes – and she greeted her betrothed at the door with a kiss.
Baelan grinned. Rillie did have to admit that spending more time in the sun on board the ships had deepened his tan and strengthened his muscles. Now, he was almost brawny instead of lean.
“Hello, my love,” Baelan said. He dipped down and kissed Rillie on the cheek.
Rillie smiled. “I am so pleased to see you,” she said.
“Have Selene and Aine been treating you with kindness?”
“Oh, yes,” Rillie replied. “Selene has helped me with my gown for tomorrow.”
Baelan grinned. He kissed Rillie again, this time on the lips, pulling her close and wrapping his arms around her waist. Rillie purred in his arms before breaking away.
“The cooks are coming by soon with dinner,” Rillie said. She smiled. “And then we can enjoy a nice meal together.”
Baelan chuckled. “The men were teasing me,” he said, raking a hand through his dark, tousled hair.
“Oh?”
“Saying that I’ve finally become domesticated,” Baelan replied, snickering. “If you could see them swinging around on the ropes, you would laugh, too.”
Rillie laughed politely.
“My love, why are you so quiet?” Baelan asked. “What is the matter?”
Rillie bit her lip. “Baelan, will your mother accept me? And what of Aya? I know you were betrothed.”
Baelan sighed. He sat down in a chair by the fire and warmed his hands. The weather had begun to change, and spending all day outside had left him chilled to the bone.
“My mother only wishes that Aya and I had been promised to each other,” Baelan said. “And I wish for her to come around, but perhaps it is not possible. She was not thrilled when Selene married Phaelenx, but now that they are planning for a family, she is much warmer.”
Rillie wrinkled her nose. She didn’t much like the idea of a mother-in-law who only saw her as a breeding vessel.
Baelan laughed. “Don’t pout, love,” he said. He pulled his boots off and stretched his feet out before the blazing fire. “You don’t need my mother’s approval – you will always have mine.”
As always, Baelan’s comforting words made Rillie feel better. She smiled, genuinely this time, and went to prepare the table for supper.
Rillie and Baelan were served a huge meal. Roast lamb, pork loin, and grilled chicken were laid out on the massive table.
“Why, this is enough food for ten people,” Rillie said. She gingerly poked her fork into a piece of lamb. Despite the delicious smells wafting in front of her nose, she found that she had little appetite.
Baelan, on the other hand, was wolfing down a huge plate of food. Rillie smiled indulgently as she watched him shovel down forkful after forkful of lamb.
“Are you feeling all right, love?”
Rillie nodded.
“Are you nervous about tomorrow?”
Rillie flushed. Selene had talked her through the basics of a Zhekan ceremony – but she was still a little unsure. What if something happened with Arsinoe? Or Aya arrived, and threw a fit that she wasn’t Baelan’s bride? Rillie’s stomach was pitching about in her body like a ship in a storm, and she felt almost nauseous as she stared at the table laden with food.
But Baelan’s smile was reassuring.
“No, love,” Rillie said. She forced herself to eat a small mouthful of lamb. “I feel perfectly fine.”
After dinner, Rillie and Baelan went to bed. Baelan fell asleep immediately, but Rillie lay awake on the silken sheets, tossing and turning until her limbs ached and she was sweating heavily.
A loud, sudden sound startled Rillie and she jumped, clutching the silken counterpane to her chest.
“Baelan,” Rillie hissed. “What is that?”
Baelan faintly stirred, mumbling and rolling over in bed. He groaned and rubbed his eyes. “What?”
“That sound,” Rillie whispered. There it was again – a loud thump, that sounded like it was coming from the door to their suite.
“What sound?” Baelan sat up in bed. Aside from a few embers in the grate, their cozy fire had gone out and the room felt damp and chill. “Rillie, what did you hear?”
Rillie’s heart was in her throat and she could barely speak. The sound came again, louder than before.
Baelan leaped out of bed and grabbed his trousers, pulling them on his muscular legs. “Stay here,” he hissed. He walked quickly to the fire and lit a torch, then moved out of the bedroom.
Rillie was unable to stay silent. Something horrible was happening, and her beloved might be in danger. As quietly as she could, she crept along the hall, ducking in doorways so Baelan wouldn’t see her.
The thumping grew louder and louder until Rillie was positive it was right outside of their door. Baelan grabbed a sword that was hanging on the wall and brandished it with his free hand. The door burst open, and Rillie gasped, covering her mouth with both hands at the sight.
Captain Maeraria burst in, her dark eyes gleaming in the dim light. If she was shocked at the sight of Baelan, she didn’t show it.
“You!” Baelan growled. “What in the name of the gods are you doing here?”
“I have come to take what is rightfully mine,” Maeraria crowed triumphantly. The sound of her rough voice sent shivers down Rillie’s spine and she pressed herself against the doorway, hoping to conceal herself in the shadowy hall.
“Rillie doesn’t belong to you, or anyone else!” Baelan cried. Then he launched forward with the sword.
The sound of Maeraria’s scream chilled Rillie. Baelan had plunged the sword into her chest and she crumpled to the floor, bleeding profusely.
“Rillie!” Baelan yelled. “To safety, come! With me!”
Trembling with fear, Rillie darted into the hallway. The sword was still plunged into Maeraria’s chest, and blood was bubbling out of her nose and mouth. Rillie could see the life leaving her body as she lay on the richly carpeted floor.
Dashing forward, Rillie grabbed Baelan’s hand. He led her at a fast pace into the main hall of the royal compound, waving the torch like a beacon.
Royals were rushing into the center of the compound in various states of dress, gasping when they saw Baelan and Rillie. Baelan’s eyes were wild and fierce.
Huen pushed his way through the crowd. “I’ll go get the queen!” He yelled before turning on his heel and sprinting out of the compound.
Just as Rillie was beginning to feel safe and secure again, she gasped at the sight of Maeraria’s crew, led by Flint. He looked just as hard as ever, and Rillie shuddered.
When Flint saw Rillie, he laughed. “Calm down,” he said. “We mean you no harm.” He shook his head. “The captain drugged the whole crew. When we woke up, we knew exactly where she’d gone – we’ve come to help you.”
Rillie blinked in surprise. “Thank you,” she said softly. Her head was spinning, and for a dreadful moment, she was afraid that she would pass out.
“Rillie,” Baelan said urgently. “Go back to bed.” He puffed out his chest. “I will stay until this is resolved.”
“No,” Rillie said. She stood straight and tall. “My place is by your side.”
It seemed like no time at all before Aerdan and Queen Angelica were rushing into the royal compound. Angelica looked disheveled but regal, and when she saw the crowd of strange men in the hall, her eyes grew wide.
“We were the crew of Captain Maeraria,” Flint explained. “She broke into the compound.”
“She is dead,” Baelan said tonelessly. He dropped his sword and it clattered to the stone floor with a loud clang. Rillie looked down and bit her lip at the sight of crimson blood staining the blade.
Queen Angelica nodded. Aerdan stepped forward and cleared his throat. “So, you are free,” he said to Flint.
“Aye.”
“How would you like to earn Zhekan citizenship?” Aerdan asked. “You and your men are obviously much more fit sailors than our own navy. If you sail with us, you will enjoy many privileges.”
Flint’s narrow face broke into a wide grin. “Aye,” he said again, stepping forward and sticking out his hand. Aerdan shook it heartily, and the crowd cheered.
“I am pleased to introduce our new navy,” Queen Angelica said, clearing her throat. The crowd fell silent. “And Baelan?”
“Aye?” Baelan turned to the queen. “What is it?”
“You are hereby released from your naval duties,” Queen Angelica said.
Baelan grinned. He pulled Rillie into a close hug. As Rillie closed her eyes and rested her head against that of her betrothed, she realized that the horror was finally over.
“It’s over,” Baelan whispered to Rillie.
Tilting her face up to his, Rillie kissed him gently. “Aye,” she said softly. “It is, indeed.”
--
There was much celebrating and carousing that night, although neither Baelan nor Rillie took part. They went back to their chamber and climbed back into bed. This time, Rillie fell asleep without a second thought.
In the morning, when Rillie woke up, the sun was shining bright and high in the sky. She sat up in bed and yawned. Glancing over to Baelan’s side, she saw that he was missing.
Selene was standing in front of the bed, holding a brilliant blue silk gown. “I have told Baelan to stay away until later,” she said with a mischievous grin. “It is bad luck, you know.”
Rillie flushed. “Thank you,” she said.
Selene beckoned Rillie forward. “I will help you dress,” she said. “Would you like breakfast? The cook sent up a large tray.”
Rillie glanced over to the small table by the fire and saw a large silver platter loaded with eggs, sausages, and a pot of honey. It smelled delicious, but her stomach was still upset.
“No,” she said quietly. “I am nervous.”
Selene gave her a kind smile. “Do not worry, Rillie,” she said. “I may have had some doubts about my brother, but I am sure he will make you very happy indeed.”
Rillie smiled so widely that her cheeks hurt. She slid out of bed and walked over to Selene. Selene pulled off Rillie’s nightshift and handed her a silken slip. Rillie pulled it over her head, then Selene helped her with the silk gown. The brilliant cobalt blue set off Rillie’s pale skin and blonde hair. Her grey eyes almost looked like sapphires against the beautiful color of the silk.
“You look very beautiful,” Selene said. She stepped back to admire her handiwork. “Now, come with me. It is time for you and my brother to wed.”