Thea's Tale (Sisters Of The Curse Book 1) (6 page)

“Prince Casimir,” she said, inclining her head.

“Princess Thea.” His lips tightened.

“Cas! Where have you been?” Sebastian leaned around Thea. “I’ve barely seen you this morning!”

“I’m sure you had eyes for none but your betrothed,” Casimir said. “I’d not intrude on that.” He smiled at Sebastian without looking at Thea.

“Right you are! In spite of Thea’s charms, I’d like some time to speak with you later today, if you will allow it.”

“Of course.” With a brief smile that tore Thea’s heart, Casimir agreed, and then turned to the person on the other side of him. Thankfully, it was not Isobel, but Adelaide.

Sebastian brushed his shoulder against hers. “How are you doing, my dear? This day has already been long.”

“I am well.” She didn’t look at him, or touch him back.

“You have been quiet throughout luncheon. Is anything amiss?” His tone was kind.

“I’ve been paying attention to bits of conversation around the table to get a feel for our peoples’ reaction to our betrothal. It’s important to make sure that the court is content and happy with the course my father has set for them.” She didn’t want to talk about anything personal.

“Why would they not be happy with our betrothal?” Sebastian peered at her. Thea could tell he hadn’t expected a serious answer to his inquiry.

“Have you not watched court when they are unhappy with the decision of their king? It is never overt, but the odor of discontent is present and grows easily. It will reach a point where it boils to the surface and, it is usually worse than it needs to be.”

“I have indeed seen such. I didn’t realize you had as well.” He leaned back in his chair. She felt he was taking stock of her.

“Sebastian, I have been trained to lead for many years.” She took a bite of bread, chewing slowly. “Once my father accepted that there were no sons forthcoming, he made sure that his kingdom would pass to a good steward.”

“Even more so now,” Sebastian said. “Together we will be good stewards for both our realms.”

“I think we will need to discuss how to manage the two kingdoms.” Thea looked down at her trencher. She didn’t want to agree to something that she had no intention of honoring.

“I think your father and I can decide that,” Sebastian said, patting her hand.

He didn’t notice her mouth fall open slightly at his words. He had turned to Aland.

“Well, my lady,” Casimir spoke quietly. “That is rather a blow.” He didn’t glance at her.

Thea looked around the court to see who might be watching. She could ill afford to have anyone see them argue, should that occur.

“As I did not expect great things, I am not sure where I am to be disappointed.”

“Really, Princess? I would think you would be most content with a prince who states his intentions and moves forward.” He was still angry over what she’d said the evening before.

“There is only one prince I am willing to be content with,” Thea replied. She didn’t want to say anything further. Having this conversation in view of the entire court made her nervous. She leaned onto the table, making eye contact with various courtiers. She didn’t want to look furtive or suspicious in any manner. All returned her smile. Her feelings aside, the court felt her father made a wise choice. She sighed. One more thing to make her end goal more difficult.

“Is that so? I am most gratified to hear it.”

Without turning to see his face, Thea could hear that she was forgiven.

Inhaling, stifling the smile that threatened to overtake her, she now turned to him. “How long shall we continue to enjoy your company, Prince Casimir? Will you not need to inform your father of the newest developments?”

Her caution paid off. Immediately her father leaned around Sebastian to address them. “He will, indeed. I think a visit to Markellus is in order. Once you have done so, Casimir, I have another proposition for you.”

“Oh, Your Majesty? What might that be?”

“Based on some of our previous conversations, I believe I am correct in assuming that both your father and you wish to rectify the rift between our kingdoms?”

Thea leaned back. She didn’t want to interfere in this. In honesty, she couldn’t believe Aland chose this as something to speak of at an open dinner. Better to be silent to hear all that was said.

“As you well know, Your Majesty.” Casimir inclined his head.

Thea could see that some of the courtiers who were moving about had slowed so as to linger near the head table.

“There may be more than one reason for that desire, eh?” Aland gave Casimir a look Thea could only describe as arch.

She had to restrain from raising her brows. She looked to her mother. Ceridwen had not bothered to hold back. Her eyebrows approached her hairline.

“There are many facets to seeking harmony, Your Majesty,” replied Casimir. His face gave no appearance of guile. “Harmony has a way of creeping into all aspects of life, don’t you think?”

“It can, my boy, it can. To that end, it would increase the harmony of our entire region if we were to be on better terms with the kingdoms of the north. I have had a letter from the Empress of Samir. She wishes to send one of her sons to foster at our court. I would be obliged if you would meet with her and accompany him here.”

Thea frowned. This was the proposition? For Casimir to play the errand boy? She looked to her father, but stopped when she saw Sebastian’s face. He was not looking at her, but Casimir. Was Casimir right? Did Sebastian know that Casimir cared for her? Could he have put this idea into Aland’s head to insure Casimir was no longer around?

It felt a bit arrogant to think it, but what other reason was there?

Casimir asked, “Would that not be better suited for one of your trusted advisors, one of your court, Sire? I do not think I am the best choice, flattered though I am that you would think of me.”

Aland leaned back in his chair. She leaned forward a little to see her father. Generally, no one outright argued with him in hall. In chambers, it was a little less formal, but this was a rare sight. Conversation in the court dulled as everyone strained to hear what Aland would say.

“Normally, I would agree, Casimir. It would be better to have one of our courtiers meet the Empress and escort her son. However, I believe it’s important to present a united front. As well, I also feel to have one of royal blood meet with the Empress is a better choice. She’s entrusting her son to our care. I am not sure a courtier would give that the gravity it deserves in her eyes.”

Thea leaned further forward. Her father was lying. Someone who didn’t know him well would think he’d presented a logical argument to a problem out of the norm. She had sat with him in numerous Council meetings, negotiations, and the like. She knew when he was not being completely honest. While his reasoning was sound, it was in no way the driving force.

Without moving her head, she allowed her eyes to move to Sebastian. He still watched Casimir, and she knew without a doubt that this idea had come from him.

She leaned back. On the surface, acting for another realm conferred great trust, and honor. The problem would be to keep Casimir from going. It would not be easy to find a way to decline this honor.

“I would ask Your Majesty’s leave to confer with my father. Much as I am honored by your trust, I will need to speak with my king before agreeing.” Casimir must have noted the intense focus of Sebastian, but he remained unruffled. Thea hoped that he would be planning how to get out of this.

“Of course. I would ask that you write to him soon, as the journey north will take some time. You must cross the sea to get to the capital of Samir, where the Empress holds her court.” Aland nodded, and turned to Ceridwen.

Before Thea could speak, Sebastian leaned around her once more. “That will go a long way with Markellus, surely?”

Casimir shrugged. “One can never tell with kings,
Bash
. You know that. My father may have other plans for me. While I will one day wear the crown, at present time it rests on the head of another. I never forget that.” He gave Sebastian a full smile. To Thea, there seemed something more to it, almost wolfish.

She felt Sebastian withdraw slightly, whether from the nickname or the words, she couldn’t tell. The corners of her mouth quirked up, and she suppressed the urge to smile. The noise level of the hall had returned to normal. The show was, as far as the Court was concerned, over.

But the show between Casimir and Sebastian had just begun.

Chapter Three

Thea’s eyes flew open. Where was she? Without moving, she looked around. She was in her chambers. The moment before she’d opened her eyes played so vividly before her still, she’d not realized her eyes were closed.

She remembered again the glittering forest that was not like other forests. The trees were of silver and gold. Again, she stood in a great hall, lit to the heavens with candles. Everything glittered.

It felt safe to move now. She couldn’t tell why, but this dream didn’t feel safe. Like the day before, her legs were tired, as were her feet.

She got out of bed slowly, feeling stiff. Waking up physically tired two days in a row took its toll. She didn’t understand why she felt this way. Looking around the chamber, she could see that about half of her sisters were still abed as well.

Walking quietly, she made her way to the solarium. Viviana and Esmay sat together, partaking of some mulled wine. She sank gratefully down next to Esmay.

“I am so tired this morning!” Thea poured herself a cup, waving away the maid who rushed forward.

“So am I,” said Viviana. “We didn’t even stay up all that late last night.”

Thea sipped her wine, considering how to ask about her dream. “I think I ate something that did not agree. I had vivid dreams all night.”

“I did as well,” said Esmay. “What did you dream, Thea?”

“I think I was with all of you. That’s the sense I get, that we were all there.”

“In a forest that glittered!” Viviana sat forward.

“And in a castle? Not this one, but a beautiful castle, at night?” Thea asked.

Viviana nodded, and Thea looked to Esmay. She nodded as well.

“What is going on? Why would we all dream the same thing?”

“It makes me nervous,” Esmay admitted.

“I don’t know what to make of it,” Thea sat back studying her cup. “It makes me nervous as well. Something doesn’t feel right, but I can’t tell what it is! This week just keeps getting worse!” To her horror, her eyes filled with tears.

“But you have Sebastian! How is that anything other than good?” Viviana gave her a puzzled look. “He’s a perfect match for you, Thea. He’ll be a good king with you.”

“I don’t know that he means to rule with me,” Thea mumbled.

“What? What makes you say that?” Esmay took her hand.

“I began to talk to him at the noon meal yesterday. He had the temerity to pat my hand and tell me he’d work out the particulars with Father!” Thea’s pent up indignation spilled out. “Like I’m some sort of simpleton!”

“We have been raised differently from the princesses in most courts,” Esmay said. “Most families have a son to carry on the burden of ruling. It stands to reason that many would not feel comfortable or be familiar with the way we’ve been brought up.”

“Does that mean I am to bend to the way he was raised? This is my kingdom! Not his! It is my responsibility! Am I to stand two steps behind and deny all that I was taught?” Thea glared at a sofa across the room.

“I don’t think he would want you to do that,” Viviana hurried to assure her.

“You didn’t see his dismissal of me,” Thea huffed. “It was shabby. He says all the right things, but his dismissiveness of my future role in my own kingdom tossed all that by the wayside, to me.”

“What is wrong, Thea?” Adelaide came into the solarium, squinting at the bright sun spilling in the tall windows. “Are there more cups? I barely feel up to being out of bed this morning. It’s worse than yesterday.”

Thea set down her cup on the small table, and poured a cup for Adelaide, handing it to her silently. She sat on a sofa across from Thea.

“So what is amiss, sister dear?”

Adelaide’s soft voice always calmed Thea.

“I do not think Sebastian appreciates all the skills Father has spent years teaching me. I very much fear he plans to be the sole leader of our two kingdoms, my thoughts and wishes be damned.”

“You can’t know that,” Adelaide objected.

“When I attempted to discuss the organization, he patted my hand and told me he’d discuss it with Father!” The memory made Thea angry every time she thought on it.

“Oh. I want to absolve him, but such a statement makes it hard,” Adelaide admitted.

“I think he just needs time to adjust to how Father has raised Thea, and really, all of us,” Esmay added.

“I think I am not the right choice for him,” Thea muttered.

Adelaide looked closely at her. “Right or wrong, he is the choice Father has made. There’s no getting around that, Thea,” she said softly.

Something in her tone made Thea look up. Adelaide was good at maintaining a serene façade, but Thea could see a hint of sadness in her. Her mind flashed to just before the ball, and then after, when all her sisters were congratulating her. Adelaide had been somewhat subdued. As they were close, her lackluster response was odd. Thea knew she ought to speak with Adelaide about it, but didn’t want to bring it up in front of anyone else.

“A choice made without my consent!”

“Father indulges us on many things.” Viviana gave her a ghost of a smile. “We’ve been fortunate. I believe he feels this is the best thing for you. Laurycia is a good kingdom to be allied with.”

“It’s not the only one, and again, I could accept it better were I given a chance to offer my thoughts.” A few tears slipped from her eyes.

Esmay patted her hand. “He’s a good man, his poor response to you aside. You can learn to love him, Thea.”

“I don’t want to learn to love someone!” Thea stood up, setting her now empty cup on the table. “I’d like to love my future husband before we show up at the altar!”

“That is a luxury none of us are guaranteed,” Adelaide said quietly.

“That doesn’t mean I have to be happy about it.”

“Thea, please do not fight with Father about this,” Viviana begged. “It makes him so cross. You know how he is. You’ll need to find a better argument for your wishes. He’s made it public. There will have to be a very sound reason for not going through with it.”

“I’m afraid I can’t,” said Thea. She walked towards the windows, staring absently out onto the gardens. “I told him I don’t love Sebastian, and he told me essentially that my feelings didn’t matter.” She let her head fall into her hand, not wanting her sisters to see her crying again.

“Surely not,” Esmay said, coming to stand behind Thea and put an arm around her. “I can’t believe that.”

Thea nodded. “Believe it. I was told that my wishes were secondary to his decision. I never thought to hear my father say such a thing.” She rested her head on Esmay’s shoulder.

No one spoke. Tired as she was, Thea felt better. They all turned as more of their sisters came in.

“Are we all feeling slow and stupid?” Isobel asked. Beatrix and Sybbl were behind her, Sybbl yawning.

“Did you dream last night?” Viviana asked. Thea wished she hadn’t. The fact that three of them had similar dreams was unsettling enough.

Isobel giggled, and it sounded very loud, disturbing the peace of the solarium. “I did. Mostly of one fine young man, a princely visitor.”

Beatrix giggled with her. “And just who might that be?”

“There’s only so many princes about as of late. I think the field is rather small,” Isobel said archly.

“Oh, please do elaborate, Isobel. I’m fine with not being the only princess facing marriage.” Thea put a smile on her face.

“Why are you being coy?” Viviana bounced a little on her settee. “There are only two princes at court! Are you in love with Casimir?”

“Vivi, don’t tease. Isobel doesn’t have to say anything if she doesn’t wish it,” Adelaide spoke to Viviana while glancing at Thea.

“Oh, it’s all right, Addy,” Isobel twirled around, lifting her arms and shawl over her head. “I can’t think why I didn’t notice him before. After all, he rather grew up with us, did he not? Casimir is a fine man. And a Crown Prince,” she finished with a smile.

“He is a fine man,” said Thea. She kept her face still, smile in place, not allowing her features to change. She must not. “He’s a good match for any princess.” She thought she might choke on the words, but other than a quick flash of the eyes from Adelaide, no one seemed to notice.

Isobel hugged her shawl to her. “He is. He is a good match. He’s handsome, and charming, and I danced with him most of the evening at the ball! We must not all hope for your good fortune, Thea!” She smiled at Thea. Thea couldn’t help it—she started.

Isobel was the grumpy sister. She complained. She found fault. Her voice strident no matter what she said. But this, this was a different Isobel.

She really liked Casimir, Thea thought. She knew he didn’t love Isobel— she knew he loved her—but to see Isobel, the skeptical, wary Isobel, behaving like a lovesick girl startled her. What did Casimir mean by this? Surely he knew that to toy with a woman’s affections was not appropriate? She’d have to speak to him. Provided she could pry him away from Isobel. Provided she could get free of Sebastian.

She huffed inwardly, struggling to keep her expression still.

“Well?”

Thea looked up. All her sisters faced her expectantly. She must have missed something important. “I’m sorry?”

“What do you think, Thea? Do you think Father would entertain him? How long has he been at odds with Casimir’s father?” Isobel frowned at her, impatience making her tap her foot.

Was it her imagination or did some of her sisters look very uncomfortable with this conversation? She glanced around again. They did. Isobel was still tapping her foot, waiting for an answer. So answer she must.

“I have not been part of their conversation, but Father did say that he and Casimir had come to common ground last night,” Thea said slowly. “And Father did ask him to travel to the Empress of Samir’s kingdom to fetch her son. That is a sign of his favor.”

“That is a matter of opinion,” Isobel said with a grimace. “He will be gone for ages!” She flung herself across from Thea onto a couch.

“Indeed, he will,” Esmay said. “That does not mean that he will forget you, Isobel.” She patted Isobel’s hand. Even as she consoled Isobel, her eyes flew to Thea’s.

Thea could feel sweat beading at the base of her skull. She could not bear this talk of Casimir. She felt Adelaide’s eyes on her, and she ignored it.

“I am not sure what to advise you,” said Thea. “I did not fare so well in concerns of matrimony.”

“What do you mean?” Sybbl interjected. “You fared extremely well!”

“Not as you might think. Father did not tell me that Sebastian had asked for my hand. I only discovered it at the same time as everyone else. I had no idea he had accepted the proposal. I feel a great deal of surprise at Father’s actions.” She stopped, not wanting to continue.

“But you are happy with the betrothal?” Beatrix leaned forward, her face creased with concern.

“I...I don’t know.” Thea stumbled at such direct questioning. “I will not pretend, though, that I had any inkling of it, or that I previously thought of Sebastian in that fashion. He’s a good man from a good family, and I think he will be a good leader. Other than that, I do not know him well.” Thea looked down, not wanting anyone to see the tears that were threatening.

“Now that things have been settled, I can’t imagine he would rush you,” said Adelaide, also looking down.

Her tone was off. Again. Thea looked up, her own distress momentarily forgotten. “Addy?” She leaned over to her sister, placing her hand on top of Adelaide’s.

“It’s nothing, my dearest,” Adelaide looked up, a bright smile on her face. “I just feel…sad that you are not overjoyed. That our father may have had something to do with dampening that joy.”

“I’ll live,” Thea said, smiling herself. She didn’t wish to say anything that she would feel bound to, and this conversation was causing pain to more than herself. “Now, ladies, how is everyone feeling this morning?”

“I told you, I feel wretched,” Isobel frowned as she stretched. “Was there something amiss with dinner last night? I have not felt right since the night of the ball.”

“Nor I,” said Beatrix.

“I must confess, I don’t feel my usual self,” said Esmay.

“It has to be the food, if we are all ill,” Sybbl said. “We shall need to let Father know. Who knows who else may be sick?”

“I am not so sure it was the food.” Thea stood up and walked to one of the windows. She stared out onto the gardens, thinking. Turning back to where most of her sisters now sat, she asked the question she was afraid to hear the answer to. “Have you had odd dreams lately?”

“I have,” Isobel said. “No doubt the result of spoiled food.”

Thea could see her sisters nodding in agreement. She sighed. She didn’t really want to pursue it, so she let the matter drop. Serafina and Angharad had come in, both yawning and stretching. They looked tired as well.

“Then let Father know,” Thea directed her words to Isobel.

“What?” Isobel stared at Thea. “Did you just hand off responsibility?”

Thea started. All her sisters were looking at her as though she’d sprouted a second head. She laughed. “I am not at the top of Father’s list of favorites at the moment. Hearing potentially bad news would be best coming from someone he didn’t just have a shouting match with.”