Thea's Tale (Sisters Of The Curse Book 1) (2 page)

Aland smiled then, a genuine smile, Thea could see. “I thank you for your kindness. It’s good to know that the princesses are well thought of. May I offer that your father is fortunate as well, Prince Casimir? I have enjoyed our discussions, in spite of the troublesome matter. It’s good to see you in our court once more.”

Casimir inclined his head again. “Your Majesty is too generous with praise. Perhaps you could let my father know your thoughts on this? I would appreciate it for when he and I are not in agreement.”

A moment of silence followed Casimir’s words, and then Aland burst out laughing.

“Parenting is the same, no matter what one’s station in life. I shall be glad to write to your father, Casimir. I think we have a number of things to discuss, he and I.”

Thea’s heart leapt. Her gaze flew to Casimir, and she could see the exhilaration in his eyes as well.

“He would be glad to hear from you. The divide between our kingdoms has gone on too long.”

Aland clapped Casimir on the back. “You are correct, Casimir. Now if you will excuse us, the princess and I must attend to our other guests.”

“Of course.” Both Casimir and Mandringham bowed.

Thea’s heart felt light. Nothing could go wrong now. All that was left was to let the rest of the court know.

“Father, I am pleased to see that you are willing to end the feud with our neighbors.”

“I find that boy easier to deal with than his father, Markellus,” Aland said. “Or maybe I am getting soft in my aging years. But there is no need to gift you with a feud not of your making, Thea. You will have enough to deal with once you are queen.”

“Father, you talk of far into the future! I will not have to worry about governing for some time.”

“Perhaps, perhaps not. One cannot tell the future, daughter. It is my wish to see you settled with a man your equal, fit to rule with you. I have been indulgent, but you are now twenty-one. It’s time to attend to not only your future, but that of Gallivas, and your sisters.”

“I couldn’t agree more, Father. I think, even though I know Mother despaired, waiting for the right man was a wise decision.”

Aland looked at her, surprise on his face. “Indeed, daughter? I did not know you had an interest in anyone.”

She laughed. “Come, Father. Don’t bother with pretense. I know of the meeting today.”

Aland frowned. “You do? I had not intended for anyone to know until I made an announcement.”

“With the way gossip travels? Father, really!” She laughed. “It’s all right, Father. I’m happy with your choice. It is my choice, also.”

He smiled, his displeasure gone. “I had thought so. I want you to be happy, Thea, and he is a good man. Well, if you are happy, then there is no need to wait any longer. Shall we tell everyone else?”

Thea smiled so widely she felt her face might split. “Yes, please, Father.”

“Then let’s not waste another moment.” He led her past the groups of people who had stopped to watch their conversation.

They reached the dais at the head of the ballroom. He stepped up to it, and turned to help her up. Her father turned and faced the assembly, still holding her hand in his. Without saying a word, the entire party grew silent, waiting.

“I have counted myself a fortunate man and king. Not only am I blessed with a realm of the best people, I am blessed with my family.”

The men of the court responded with a roar. The ladies clapped politely. Aland smiled at them all, glancing at Thea as he did so.

As the noise receded, Aland resumed speaking. “I have put the care of family and kingdom as my priorities always. Tonight, I wish to share with you the steps I have taken to ensure the continued health and prosperity of both.”

The crowd roared again. Thea couldn’t help smiling. It made her happy to see that the court would be so accepting of Casimir. She searched the crowd, and saw him moving closer. “I am pleased to tell you that I have been asked to give my daughter, my heir, Thea, Princess of Gallivas in marriage. Prince Sebastian of Laurycia has proposed an alliance, and I have accepted! Prince Sebastian, if you would please join us!”

The crowd roared more loudly than before. Thea struggled to keep the shock and surprise from her face. Sebastian? Sebastian? How could this be? This should be Casimir! Her gaze flew to him, still in the crowd. He stood still, no longer in motion. The shock she felt was mirrored in his face.

Her thoughts were interrupted as Sebastian bounded up to the dais, bowing first to Aland. He then bowed to Thea, taking her hand and kissing it reverently. When he rose, Aland clapped him on the back, and Sebastian turned to face the crowd, still holding Thea’s hand. She wanted to pull it from him, but dared not in the face of her father and the entire gathering of courtiers.

“I thank you for your kind reception to this news. Not only am I eager to wed the lovely Princess Thea,” he pulled her hand to his lips and kissed it again, “But I am pleased to make an alliance that I think will change forever the kingdoms of Gallivas and Laurycia, for the better.” He looked at Thea, and then turned forward and winked at the crowd. “I do think I am getting the better end of the bargain!”

His statement drew laughter and cheers from the court. Thea could see women sighing at the romantic show. She struggled to keep the smile in place, afraid that she would burst into tears and disgrace herself. She didn’t look to where she knew Casimir stood. She could feel the heat of his stare without even seeing him.

“Let us drink to the happy couple!” Aland boomed. He took a glass from a footman who had appeared and raised it. Thea could see that men with trays had appeared throughout the ballroom. Sebastian took two glasses, offering one to Thea as he leaned in closer to her.

“For my bride,” he said quietly. “I am very happy, Thea. I hope you shall be also.”

“I thank you, Sebastian, but I must be honest. I was not aware you’d asked for my hand.”

“Were you not?” He asked. His face registered surprise. Keeping his tone quiet he said, “I felt sure you knew what I had planned.”

“No, no…I had no idea,” Thea said. He frowned. She hoped she was not giving offense. “I do beg your pardon.”

“Sebastian? Thea?” Her father interrupted. “We await you.”

Thea looked up. All eyes were upon them. “I am sorry, Father. We were merely—”

“Already lost in one another, eh?” Aland boomed again, cutting Thea off. “Very well, very well. To Prince Sebastian and Princess Thea!” He held his glass high.

“To Prince Sebastian and Princess Thea!” the guest shouted back.  A moment of silence while everyone drank, and then a babble of conversation washed through the ballroom.

“Thea, may I escort you from here?” Sebastian asked. “I would ask that you dance with me.”

“I’m sorry?” She shook her head, focusing on him. “Oh…yes, of course.” She couldn’t think. Thank goodness for the years of deportment drilled into her. She might not have felt able to move, speak, or do anything, but thankfully her training took over, and she moved woodenly along with Sebastian.

Sebastian took her glass and handed both to a passing serving maid and led her to the dance floor. She pushed down her panic, making herself go through the movements. She knew all eyes were on her.

“Are you well, Thea?” Sebastian asked.

“I am, I must admit, very surprised, Prince Sebastian. I had no idea of your intent.”

“I did not know that your father kept my proposal from you, and I am sorry for it. I should have advised otherwise.”

She risked a glance at him then. He seemed concerned and a little distressed.

“I thank you for that,” Thea said. It was considerate, regardless of how she felt about it.

“I hope that you will be happy in spite of the manner in which this was sprung upon you,” he said. “I have felt for some time that we will suit one another well.”

“You think so, sir? We have not spent much time together,” Thea said.

“Is there ever enough time when one is part of a royal family?” He asked seriously. “It’s not usually a luxury we have. I did, however, tell my father I wanted to meet you and see what you were like. I like you. You are, by all accounts, an intelligent, witty, and caring woman. You love your kingdom, and are virtuous and kind. I am not foolish enough to think that love happens overnight, but I am hopeful that the way I feel will be reciprocated at some point.” He smiled at her.

“My parents were a love match. I will confess, I hoped for the same.” She knew she sounded offensive.

“Had you really no idea of my interest? I thought I had made it most plain.”

Thea turned her gaze downward, hoping it would be taken for modesty. She had seen no one but Casimir.

“I am sorry that you were taken by surprise. I care for you. I believe we may be a love match in time,” he said quietly. “At least, I am hoping so.”

Thea couldn’t answer. She bowed her head, praying that he would leave the matter be.

He did. He looked away. Once the dance had finished, he led her to the banquet table. “Allow me to get you some refreshment.” He escorted her to a seat, and bowed over her hand before taking his leave of her.

Within moments her sisters swarmed about her.

“Oh my! You are so lucky, Thea!” Said Adelaide. While her words were warm, Thea noted that her voice had gone flat once more.

“I told you that we’d seen him today,” said Celestria. “How wonderful that Father announced it!”

“Why are you not more excited?” Asked Isobel. “He is such a fine match!”

“I didn’t know of it until Father announced it,” Thea said. She put a smile on her face. “I am surprised and nervous. I do not know him well, nor he me. I am not an easy person.” She looked around at her sisters, meeting their eyes. “You all know this.” All of them laughed, agreeing. “What if he is similar?”

“Father didn’t ask you, or even tell you?” Esmay asked. Her mouth turned down in a small frown. “No wonder you are so taken aback. I felt sure you knew, after all our talk earlier. ” She leaned forward, and stroked Thea’s hair, a calculating look coming over her face.

Thea started. Such a gesture did not belong at a ball. “We can discuss this later, sisters. I thank you for your congratulations,” she said, standing. Thea caught Esmay’s eye to let her know all was well. Esmay smiled, and her sisters parted as Sebastian returned, holding a cup of punch.

“Here you are, my dear.” He handed the cup to Thea. She took it, drinking deeply.

“Ladies, if you would excuse us?” He smiled, which of course sent all her sisters, even Adelaide, into a twitter. It was unfortunate his good looks stirred her not even in the slightest. “We must make the rounds.” Taking Thea’s hand, he led her into the ballroom to receive the best wishes of the court.

Thea held onto the cup, and Sebastian kept her hand as they walked among the guests. She smiled and made small talk, although she couldn’t remember anything she said, or that was said to her.

She felt as though she’d been struck by lightning when Sebastian stopped in front of Casimir.

“Allow me to raise a glass to you both,” Casimir said. “I am sure you will be most happy. It’s a fortunate match.” His words were formal and correct. Thea could hear the anger and the hurt in them. She felt the unsaid accusation from Casimir even though he did not meet her eyes. He lifted his cup and drained it. He exchanged it for a full cup from a maid and drank deeply again.

“Thank you, Cas!” Sebastian said, clasping him on the shoulder. “It is indeed, and not just on my side!” He laughed then, a genuine laugh, unlike a lot of the conversation prior.

That change made Thea look at him. She had not noticed, but apparently Casimir and Sebastian were friends.

“I’m surprised you were able to keep this to yourself,” Casimir said. There was an edge to his tone. He and Sebastian looked at one another briefly before Casimir turned his gaze to Thea. She felt lashed by the anger in his eyes before he looked back to Sebastian. She struggled to keep the pleasant smile on her face and not scream to him that none of this was her fault.

“My father didn’t want me talking of it until things were settled. You know how it is! I’m not the only one who can keep secrets, apparently. The king didn’t even tell Thea! Can you believe such?” Sebastian laughed again, shaking his head. His words, his actions, they all seemed too hearty to Thea. “We shall manage things differently, won’t we, Thea?” He asked as he smiled down at her.

Thea winced, wishing herself anywhere else at that moment. Sebastian implying there would be children with Casimir looking on, a glower in his eyes. Both men waited for her to speak.

“I should hope so. It’s very old fashioned, to me.” She couldn’t look at Casimir, and hoped Sebastian didn’t hear the quaver in her voice.

“But all’s well that ends well, eh?” Sebastian laughed, taking her hand in both of his and patting it.  “I’d rather stay here, but we must continue on,” he said to Casimir, and Thea could hear the regret in his voice.

They were friends. Close enough that this caught Casimir by surprise. How could this be? She forced all such thoughts from her then. She needed to get through the evening, and then she could talk to her father. It would not be easy, but he would have to extract her from this marriage.