Promising Hope (23 page)

Her heart pounded in her ears as Sashe agreed,
looking uncertain. Gregorio came to her side of the table, and
Grace felt like the world was spinning around her. She forced
herself to watch. If he did anything to Sashe, she’d kill him. Or
she’d try, even if it killed her.

He touched Sashe’s stomach, and Grace bit down on the
inside of her lip to keep from crying out. His other hand reached
around her waist until the king cleared his throat loudly. The
intruding hand joined the other one on her stomach, but no one
could miss the smirk on the Thieran’s face.

“The fetus is developing beautifully,” Gregorio said,
removing his hands from her body. “A very healthy boy.”

Sashe stared at him, her eyes shining with tears. “A
boy?”

Gregorio smiled at her, patting her shoulder. “Yes,
it’s a boy.”

The king stood and clapped his hands. “That’s
wonderful!”

Sashe put a hand over her mouth with a half-laugh,
half-sob.

Grace stood up and took her arms, a smile coming onto
her face despite that horrible man’s presence. “Sashe, you’re going
to have a son.”

Sashe smiled and pulled her into a hug.

“Oh,” Grace said, taken aback. She hugged Sashe back.
Gregorio smiled at Grace over Sashe’s shoulder, and Grace’s own
smile faded quickly. She averted her eyes from him. She wasn’t
going to ruin this moment for Sashe by telling her who had just
touched her.

The king and Sashe embraced next as Gregorio took his
seat. The king thanked Gregorio profusely, then made a toast while
Sashe wiped tears from her eyes. Grace sipped from her drink,
glaring at Gregorio over the rim of her goblet, unafraid of showing
her disdain.

“Another son,” King Thomas said, beaming. He let out
a deep breath and lifted his glass to Sashe. “If he looks anything
like his mother, William won’t be the only handsome man in the
castle anymore.”

Sashe laughed as she sat down. “Oh, Your Majesty.”
She put a hand on her chest, looking at Gregorio. “I’m just glad
you decided to come to the castle today!”

Grace forced a smile. Sashe’s last pregnancy had
ended because of the curse. Because of the man sitting across from
them. It seemed so wrong that he would be the one to give her such
joyous news about this child. Grace relaxed her hands on her
silverware and thought of her aims as she’d walked to the dining
hall. She needed to see where she stood. What they’d be willing to
let her do.

“Yes, are you staying here long, sir?” Grace asked
Gregorio.

“I’m not sure yet,” Gregorio said, dabbing his napkin
on his mouth. “We haven’t thought that far ahead just yet.”

“I think it’d be best if you stayed somewhere else,”
Tisha said. He’d been quiet so far, which was unlike him.
“Safer.”

“You think there’s anywhere safer than the castle?”
Kilar asked.

“Well, after that escape, yes,” Tisha said. “The
Avialies found the castle’s weak spots and exploited them.”

“We’re working on reinforcing everything,” William
said.

King Thomas held up his hands. “We have a meeting
after this. You can wait until after we’re finished eating, can’t
you?”

Grace wanted them to keep talking, wanted to figure
out what they were up to. Were they protecting Gregorio from the
Avialies? A hazy memory floated up from the meeting they’d had with
the elders. Jeshro mentioned him, saying he’d be dead soon. Why
hadn’t Gregorio come to the castle earlier, then?

They instead entered a light, pointless conversation.
Sashe couldn’t seem to keep a smile off of her face, even as they
talked about silly things: William said Grace’s parents had visited
every day while she’d been sick and had promised to return later
this morning to check on her; Gregorio spoke about his travels from
southern Haltar where he’d visited his brother; they discussed
upcoming events. The next one was a royal parade through the town,
an event to honor the governors of the land.

“Speaking of which,” Tisha said, “sources say Alastor
isn’t back from Jolen yet.”

Sashe and Grace both looked up. Dar’s father was in
Jolen? Did that mean other Avialies were fleeing there, too? Were
they leaving Haltar because they were afraid or because they wanted
to meet with the elders? Perhaps they’d even help in the
struggle.

“I thought he was smarter than that,” Kilar said,
shaking his head.

“They’re all the same, Kilar.” Tisha narrowed his
eyes. “You keep expecting them to change or act like human
beings.”

“Tisha, please,” King Thomas said before Kilar could
respond. He motioned to his food. “Is pleasant conversation
possible with you?”

Tisha dropped his gaze. “My apologies, your
Majesty.”

The rest of the meal dragged on. Once it was over,
the men moved to the doors, ready for their meeting. Tisha and
Kilar were already deep in conversation as they walked out.

“I’m glad you’re feeling better,” William said,
waiting for Grace by the door.

“Thank you,” she said. She wasn’t sure what else to
say. They walked into the corridor, where Gregorio stood. She
halted in her steps, her muscles tensing.

“I’m not sure where I’m supposed to be going,”
Gregorio said. “Tisha and Kilar went ahead of me.”

“I’ll walk you,” William said. He touched Grace’s
back. “Perhaps later on today, we can go riding.”

Grace nodded, forcing a smile. Why was he being so
nice to her? Was it all appearances? That seemed to be their entire
relationship. “That sounds nice.”

“Lady Grace,” Gregorio said with a bow. “I hope we
can move beyond our barriers.”

Grace let out an incredulous laugh. “How do you
propose we do that?”

“I’m sure we can find a way. We’re both civilized
human beings, no matter what Tisha thinks.”

She clenched hands into fists. “Are you going to
curse them again?”

“Grace,” William said, “you shouldn’t be concerned
with the Avialies anymore.”

She looked at him, but she had nothing to say to him.
She was marked to protect them. She felt as though cutting off her
concern for them would be just as difficult as deciding not to be a
woman anymore. It was a part of her.

A voice from the dining hall doors made Grace jump.
“What did you say?” Sashe stood a few feet from them, her face pale
as she stared at Grace. She slowly looked at Gregorio. “Did you… I
don’t understand…”

William shot Grace a glare and turned to Sashe. “It’s
nothing, Sashe. Don’t worry yourself.”

“But you said…” Sashe said to Grace. “You asked him
if he was going to curse them. The Avialies?” She shook her head,
her eyes wide. “You can’t be…”

“I am,” Gregorio said calmly.

Sashe’s hand went to her mouth.

“Gregorio, that wasn’t necessary,” William said in a
low voice.

“Why not? Everyone else in the castle knows,”
Gregorio said.

Sashe pushed past them silently. Grace followed her,
and William didn’t object. “Sashe,” she called.

“Leave me alone,” Sashe called over her shoulder as
she fled up the stairs.

“Sashe,” Grace said. She jogged to catch up and she
took Sashe’s arm.

Sashe pushed her away, and Grace tripped on the step
and nearly fell from the next one. Sashe grabbed her dress to
steady her. “I’m sorry,” she said breathlessly. “He—he’s the reason
I…”

“I’m sorry,” Grace said, taking Sashe’s wrist. “I
wanted to tell you, but William…” She swallowed. “I’m sorry.”

Sashe met her eyes. Her eyes looked so much like
Sierra’s, the same shape and color. She let go of Grace and backed
away. “Just leave me alone.”

* * *

Grace tensed when a knock sounded at the door. She
didn’t want to see William. Just the thought of him made her
sick—and not the giddy sickness she’d felt for the last couple
weeks.

Marisa left her side to open the door, and Sashe came
in, wearing a traveling cloak. Her face was stripped of the agony
Grace had seen only a couple hours ago. “Lady Grace. I hope you’re
feeling better than you were at breakfast.”

Grace smiled, letting out a breath of relief. Relief
that it wasn’t William and relief that Sashe seemed to have
forgiven her. “I am, thank you.”

“Well, I thought we could get you some fresh air. I
can take you into town, and we can go to the market.”

Grace raised her eyebrows. Usually servants of the
castle shopped at the market, but she would not pass on an
opportunity to get out of the castle walls. She wouldn’t have to
worry about William or Gregorio. “That sounds wonderful.”

“Great. I’ve really wanted to spend time with you
since you’ve arrived but I haven’t had the chance.” Sashe walked to
where Grace sat at her desk. “I didn’t have the chance to tell you
at breakfast that your dress is beautiful.” She ran her fingers
over the periwinkle blue. “It looks stunning with your skin and
hair.”

Marisa joined them. “Doesn’t it? Especially the gold
trim. It was a gift from William. One of Lady Heather’s
dresses.”

Grace still couldn’t figure out what the dress was
supposed to signify. Perhaps he was hoping she’d be taken with such
lavish gifts? He had to be smarter than that. She closed her book
and stood. “I’m ready to go if you are.”

She and Sashe walked through the castle while
chatting politely. Grace wondered if she were allowed to even
leave, but everyone must know she’d be back. Dar was still here.
Her heart sped at the thought of him. She doubted she’d have any
chance to see him for quite some time. William would make sure of
it.

Near the front doors, Tisha intercepted them. He ran
a hand through his ink-black hair. “Ladies, where are you headed
for the day?”

“We’re going to the market,” Sashe said, touching
Grace’s arm. “She needs some fresh air after being sick for three
days.”

“What a splendid idea,” Tisha said. He smiled at
Grace, and she managed to return it. “Be careful.” He walked to the
stairs Grace and Sashe had just come down, then paused at the
bottom. He called over his shoulder, “Remember, Sashe, what we
spoke about yesterday.”

“I wouldn’t forget,” she told him.

Grace shot Sashe a questioning look, but Sashe
ignored it. They entered the courtyard. “I forgot to tell the
servants to have our horses ready,” Sashe mumbled. She tugged on
Grace’s arm to follow her to the stables. “Come on.”

Sashe walked in first, her chin held high. Grace
trailed behind her with her hands folded behind her back. She froze
in her steps when she saw Dar. He was bent down by one of the
horses checking its hoof. His hair fell over his eyes and he
brushed it away hastily. He looked like he’d lost some weight, and
his clothes and skin were stained with dirt. She felt like she
hadn’t seen him since the jungle, since she’d kissed him in the
cave and told him she loved him, when she’d been desperate to keep
him alive. That felt like ages ago.

Sashe cleared her throat, and Dar quickly
straightened. His mouth dropped open when he saw Grace. He looked
exactly as she felt—stunned and in awe. She let out a soft
laugh.

“Lady Grace,” he whispered. “You’re well. I’ve been
trying to see you for days…”

Grace smiled. “I’m fine.” She took a step closer to
him. “Thank you for coming in the other day.”

Neither of them had to say more. Grace knew he knew
what she spoke of by the way his face darkened and his gaze
surveyed her neck, searching for bruises Marisa had covered with
makeup. His jaw tightened. “If anything would have happened to
you…” He trailed off, shaking his head. “I’m just glad you’re
okay.”

She wondered how well Tisha and Kilar were listening
to them. Did they hear every last word? She smiled at him. “I was
worried about you.”

“Me? I’m fine as long as you are.”

Sashe touched Grace’s arm. “I hate to interrupt, but
Grace and I are going into town. May we have our horses, Dar?”

“Oh, of course.” Dar’s cheeks darkened, and he turned
away. He and another boy saddled up the horses. Dar handed Grace
the reins, and she let her fingers brush against his. She whispered
her thanks. He held her gaze until she had to mount her horse and
follow Sashe out of the stables.

She thought she’d feel more relaxed outside of the
castle walls, but instead she worried about Dar. She wasn’t there;
what might they do to him? But William’s words echoed in her mind:
he wanted to use Dar to keep her on good behavior. He wouldn’t hurt
him unless she did something to anger him. If he did… nothing would
keep her here. She’d leave in an instant. She longed to see Sierra
and the other Avialies. Amina, Vin, even the elders.

She and Sashe rode along silently for a few minutes
as they went towards Renaul. The castle was separated from the city
by a high concrete wall and in the front, a grassy field. The other
sides were surrounded with light forest, but straight towards
Renaul was half a mile of grass and wildflowers. It was a peaceful
path.

“Thank you,” Grace told her. “For arranging
that.”

Sashe smiled at her. “Of course.”

“How…” She glanced over her shoulder at the imposing
castle. “Are they worried you’ll do anything against their
wishes?”

“I have too much to lose to go against their wishes.”
Her hand lightly touched her stomach.

“Are you scared?” Grace asked.

Sashe glanced at her. “Of what?”

“I don’t know… that it might happen again?”

“Yes, I suppose I am. In my head, I know it won’t.
The king isn’t an Avialie, of course, plus you and Sierra broke the
curse. But I’m still nervous. I can hardly sleep without a Mahri
potion.”

“They allow you to take those?” Grace asked.

“They give me many allowances because Thomas asks
them to.”

It took Grace a moment to realize who Thomas was. She
never referred to the king by his first name. “Oh.” She fiddled
with the reins, looking over her shoulder again. There were many
things she wanted to say to her—apologize again, ask about her last
pregnancy, ask why she’d brought her out here. “Do you think
they’re listening to us?”