Thea's Tale (Sisters Of The Curse Book 1) (27 page)

“I am better, thank you. I am sad. I wish that Ulric had not died.”

“It was sad. I wonder what his father will say.”

“I am sure we will find out,” Thea said

He didn’t reply. She gave a small sigh. She was going to have to refrain from treating him as an outright enemy, even though that’s how she saw him at the moment. She was spared from more conversation as the footmen came out bearing platters. She kept her eyes on her plate when she wasn’t looking out at the crowd.

After people had been eating and conversation began to rise, Thea heard Aland say to Casimir. “I think now would be a good time to let us know your thoughts, if you are still so inclined.”

Thea, glanced at her father in confusion. Sebastian, between Thea and her father, appeared as though his face was carved from stone, save for the pulse throbbing at his temple. Whatever Casimir was about to say, Sebastian was not happy about it. Thea took a moment of pleasure in that notion, then gave Casimir her attention.

“Thank you, Sire.” He stood, and said in an almost-shout, “Good people of Gallivas!” Everyone went silent, turning to look at him.

“Some weeks ago, King Aland honored me by asking that I act as our region’s ambassador to the court of the Empress of Samir. Not only to bring her son back here, but to ensure that our nations coexist peacefully. You may recall that I begged for leave to discuss it with my father, as a good son ought to.” There were nods from the crowd. “Initially, he agreed that this was something that I should do. However, things have changed, as we are all aware.”

Casimir looked around and continued. “After much discussion between us, we have come to a different conclusion regarding the proposal made by His Majesty. We are greatly honored, but I must decline the offer.”

Aland frowned. Casimir saw it. “Your Majesty, if I may continue?” Aland nodded. “I must decline because I am putting myself forward as a challenger to solve the mystery of your daughters, of the twelve princesses’ slippers.”

Next to her, Sebastian snorted, and crossed his arms. “That will sort things out nicely.”

Thea glared at him and leaned forward. She couldn’t believe Casimir would do this. Did he forget where they were just yesterday? It was all she could do not to scream at him. She clenched her hands under the table and kept her face neutral. She could tell that Sebastian was waiting for a reaction from her, and she wasn’t going to give him one.

The rest of the court was talking excitedly. Casimir held up his arms again. “I must also let you know something, Sire.

“And that is?” Aland asked dryly.

“I will be claiming my bride on the morning I solve the mystery. I tell you now so that we are prepared for a wedding.”

Thea risked a glance at Isobel. Isobel’s face had brightened, although Thea could see she was trying to remain neutral. Poor Isobel. She could not give up hope. Thea understood completely.

“I would be happy for you to marry any of my daughters, Casimir,” Aland said.

“I’m delighted that you think so, Sire. With that, I ask that you all raise your glasses to my bride.” He waited until everyone in the hall had raised a glass, and then loudly said, “To Princess Thea!” And he threw back his head and drained his cup.

***

Thea got up the morning after Casimir’s announcement with her mother at the foot of her bed. She allowed her mother to lead her through the task of dressing. Neither spoke. Thea couldn’t. She had so many emotions running through her she couldn’t sort what she wanted to say first.

Thankfully, Ceridwen didn’t require any conversation. Once dressed, they walked to the doors of the room together. They were the only ones in the chambers.

“Where is everyone else?”

“They are at the noon meal. As you can imagine, Casimir has tossed a hornet’s nest right into the middle of our court. Sebastian is furious. He’s written to his father. Casimir will not retract his wishes. Your sisters…” Ceridwen took a deep breath. “Well, I will say this. As the eldest, it’s to be expected that you have multiple suitors. That doesn’t make it easy for those younger.”

“What about Isobel?”

“She acquitted herself well. I saw her when Casimir declared for you. She wanted to cry, but she didn’t. I understand she has done so since, privately. She’ll grow out of it, Thea. He has only ever loved you.”

They walked down the corridor with Marek a discreet distance behind them. “Then why did you allow Father to push through this ridiculous engagement? If you’ve known this all along, why?” Thea stopped, taking her mother’s arm. “You could have saved a great deal of trouble for all of us.”

“It is not, in the end, my decision to choose whom you marry. That is your father’s right. I did tell him my thoughts on the matter. However, there were…” Ceridwen pursed her lips as though she’d tasted something bitter. “Extenuating circumstances. Those pushed your father towards Sebastian as the best choice.”

“Tell me something, Mother. Did Casimir say anything to Father that indicated his interest? I know he didn’t ask for me, I know that. But did Father know outside of your opinion?”

Marek gave a slight cough behind them. Thea and Ceridwen both looked at him, and he raised his eyebrows. Two serving men were passing. Both bobbed and said, “My ladies,” as they passed. Once they’d moved beyond earshot, Thea turned back to Ceridwen.

“Well?”

“I believe that Casimir gave some fairly pointed hints, but he did not ask for your hand outright.”

“Would it have made a difference?” Thea asked.

Ceridwen gave her a look filled with sadness. “I do not think so, Thea. I am sorry to tell you that.”

“Why is Father against him?”

“He’s not against Casimir. Sebastian just has a…a strong argument for the merits of a match.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means I am not at liberty to share the details of the discussion between your father and intended.”

“Mother! You’re being vague. What does Sebastian have as a bargaining stick? It must be something of substance. If Casimir should solve the mystery and win my hand, will there be repercussions from Laurycia?”

“We must go. You have been missed, and you must be prepared. The tensions are high. I doubt you’ll be able to take your ease any time you are out of your rooms until Casimir completes the three nights of the challenge.” Ceridwen took her arm and started walking again. It was apparent she wasn’t going to say more on the subject of why her father had agreed to Sebastian.

“Wonderful. May I please go back to bed?”

“No, you may not.” Ceridwen tucked Thea’s arm in her own. “These are the things that make us stronger.”

“I don’t feel strong. I feel shattered that a man is dead and another, one whom I love, may soon follow.”

Ceridwen stopped. “Thea, these are part of the burden that you must carry as a ruler. We have not had any real strife thus far in your life. Your father and I have been fortunate. But strife comes to us all. How you choose to act defines you. Of course, if you really wish, you may go back to bed and pull the bedclothes over your head. The things going on now will still be there when you emerge.”

Thea felt ashamed. Her mother was right. She hadn’t been raised to shirk responsibility. “I understand, Mother. Consider your message delivered.”

“Good.” Ceridwen began walking again.

“What does Father say about Casimir’s choice?”

“He is torn. Given what I have told him and the many strong words you have had on the matter, he wants you to be happy. In fairness, he thought you’d be happy with Sebastian. He didn’t realize you returned any feelings towards Casimir. Sebastian has a greater claim on you, but…well.” Ceridwen sighed. “Casimir had a copy of the proclamation that was sent out, and given the wording there is nothing to stop him from claiming you.”

Thea laughed. “I know it’s not appropriate, but that is funny! Father is normally more attuned to language than that. Wait…” She thought for a moment. “Was this a deliberate oversight?” She whispered, not wanting even Marek to hear her speak the words.

“I am sure I don’t know what you’re referring to. It’s an unfortunate piece of phrasing, but as the proclamation is the king’s word, Casimir has a legitimate claim. If he succeeds, he will be permitted to marry you.”

A wild hope flared in Thea. She found she couldn’t speak, and she walked next to her mother, thoughts racing. Marry Casimir! No fighting, no machinations, just being able to marry him.

“Oh, Mother.”

“Can I tell your father that you will not object to this change?” Ceridwen raised her voice so that Marek could hear her.

It took Thea several seconds to realize what her mother was doing. “Oh. Yes, I will agree to this change. As the king’s own words have made this a possibility, I will not go against him.”

“I am glad, Thea. You are a dutiful daughter.”

Thea looked over her shoulder at Marek. He had the hint of a smile at the corner of his mouth. She knew he’d be questioned, as did Ceridwen. So they made it possible for him to give an answer that would be suitable. Well, to everyone but Sebastian.

Thea met his eyes and smile. Marek didn’t return the smile, but she could see his pleasure in his eyes. Turning back she gave a tug on Ceridwen’s arm.

“Come Mother. I feel ready to take on whatever is coming.”

“Good. I’m not sure it will be that easy. It’s good to feel optimistic, though.” Ceridwen’s voice was dry.

Thea ignored her. It didn’t matter. She had to make sure that Casimir succeeded. That was a task in and of itself, and she had not been successful with trying to help Ulric.

They had reached the hall. The doors were closed, and Thea could hear the noise from within.

Ceridwen looked at her. “Are you ready?”

Thea nodded. “I am. Let’s go.”

Ceridwen nodded at the heralds, who opened the doors. “Her Majesty, Queen Ceridwen and Her Royal Highness, Crown Princess Thea!”

All heads swiveled to the door to watch them walk in. Thea could see that everyone was still eating. In response to the smells of food, her stomach rumbled. She could smell boar, and guinea fowl. After Casimir’s announcement last night, she had not been able to eat another bite.

“I’m so hungry!” She whispered to Ceridwen.

“As you should be. You’re sitting next to your father.”

Thea scanned the head table. “Where is Casimir? And Sebastian?” For the first time since both had come to Gallivas, she didn’t see either one of them.

“Your father
requested
that they eat in their rooms. After the noon meal yesterday, he told both of them they were curdling his digestion, and he wasn’t going to stand for it any longer.”

Thea held in a giggle. “I would have liked to have seen that. That should allow for things to be more peaceful.”

Ceridwen gave her a look. “Remember that this, while potentially bringing you great happiness, could potentially bring less than positive things to others.” She walked ahead of Thea. Thea looked more carefully at her sisters at the head table.

Isobel glared at her. Adelaide looked down at her trencher, picking at her food. Mirabelle gazed at her with an undecipherable expression, and the rest of her sisters had versions of frowns, grimaces or pouts. None of them could be described as happy in the slightest.

“I take your meaning,” she said quietly to Ceridwen as they reached the head table and walked behind it to get to their seats.

Thea sat down. Her father leaned over immediately. “Has your mother apprised you of the situation?”

“As much as she could. She told me rather quickly. Perhaps we could talk together after the meal?”

Aland made a noise that sounded a lot like disgust. “It will have to be much later. I feel like the court jester juggling monkeys, Thea. What a mess. I should have married you off years ago and your thoughts on the matter be damned!” He grabbed a chunk of bread and tore it.

“Father, that sounds suspiciously like soured grapes. I would like to point out that I did not arrange my own betrothal.”

“Don’t toss my decisions in my face.” He waved a hand at her.

“We do have an audience,” Thea gave him a mild look.

“I don’t care at the moment, Thea. I always knew it would be difficult with twelve daughters to sort out, but I didn’t realize that the very first one one would be on task to finish me.”

Thea laughed, and muffled it. She didn’t want others to see her laughing as though Ulric hadn’t just died. “Father, please contain yourself. I am happy to talk with you, and see if we cannot come up with a manner in which to settle this.”

Aland glared at her. “I can’t even eat in peace, or at least I couldn’t, until I tossed those two out. God’s teeth!” He took another bite of bread.

“What have we heard from Ulric’s kingdom?”

Aland chewed for a moment, and then swallowed. “I wrote to his father before I allowed him to accept the challenge. I told him that I would have no choice to go through with things if it all went poorly. I tried to give Ulric the chance to step down with no stain on his honor. Both assured me they understood. Not that it matters now, as I am receiving missives daily from his father.” He sighed. “Can we not just stop with the nighttime excursions, or whatever is going on?”