Thea's Tale (Sisters Of The Curse Book 1) (7 page)

Emaline stepped close to Thea. “You shouted at one another?”

“We did.” Thea felt her face close down. No matter which direction she went, it was somewhere she didn’t want to go.

“But—” Sybbl interjected.

“It doesn’t matter, does it? He decided this was the match for me, and told me about it at a ball. That’s why I am angry with him. He didn’t consider me at all in his deliberations. And what,” Thea said, brushing angrily at her gown, “Does that tell my future husband? That I am not to be consulted on things that are important? Father has raised me—raised us all—to be capable of ruling; to be strong and capable. His actions with Sebastian do not say that. It troubles me,” she finished, sitting down again.

Silence greeted her outburst. When she looked around, she could see varying levels of discomfort on the faces of her sisters.

Serafina spoke first. “I don’t think Father chose Sebastian for any reason other than he thought he’d be a good match for you, Thea.”

“It would have been nice to have been asked,” grumbled Thea.

“Is that your only objection?” Adelaide asked.

Thea could hear tension in her sister’s question. This betrothal was bad news to more than just herself. She placed her hand on Adelaide’s again.

“No, Addy, it’s not. I do not think Sebastian values me as I want to be valued as a wife.”

“That affection and regard can grow.” A mask fell over Adelaide’s face as she stood. “We need to go and ready ourselves, sisters.” She brushed off Thea’s hand and moved to their room.

Thea stared after her. Addy loved Sebastian. Could this get any worse? What a mess. Had her father just spoken with her prior to accepting Sebastian’s proposal, all of these hurt feelings could have been avoided.

Talk turned to more mundane matters. Thea felt thankful that the conversation between herself, Viviana, and Esmay about their dreams had not continued. She wished she could fix things between herself and Adelaide, but that didn’t seem possible right now.

Her mind flew to the words of Catrin. “I curse you! I curse you to learn what selfishness brings!” She could still hear the cry of the witch in her mind. The memory of it made her shudder. Was it mere coincidence?

It had to be. Her father’s actions had upset both she and Adelaide. He did not realize what he had set off. If she were being fair, which she had no interest in at this point, her father had not behaved in a way that was so out of the ordinary. He was a good man and a good father. He chose a strong prince for her, but by not consulting with her she and Adelaide were unhappy.

And Isobel! What to do about Isobel? She cared for Casimir. Thea chose to put aside that Casimir bore some fault in this by being attentive to Isobel. If—when—she and Casimir were able to finally be together, Isobel would be hurt.

Truth be told, Thea was a little hurt that none of her sisters save Adelaide knew her well enough to have noticed the feelings she and Casimir had for one another. Well, maybe her mother knew. It didn’t help matters, however.

So many unpleasant things to face. Was this the curse Catrin had spoken of? Thea shook her head and stood up. She would not dwell on it. While Catrin indeed had the power of an enchantress, that didn’t mean she could really curse someone. What a silly notion.

***

Later that afternoon, everyone had gathered in the gardens. More socializing. Thea sighed. Her personal feelings aside, she’d always thought becoming betrothed meant a time of great excitement. Thus far, all she’d really done was be trotted about by either her father or Sebastian. Her face ached from smiling.

Her father and Sebastian had finally moved off to chat together, leaving her sitting with her mother and some of her sisters under a large shade canopy. The garden felt heady with the scent of the flowers.

Thea picked up her fan from the small table and vigorously tried to cool her face.

“My lady, may I join you?” Lisette, her Lady in Waiting, stood in front of her.

Thea smiled. “Lisette, of course. I’ve hardly seen you these past few days.”

Lisette sat in a chair on the other side of the small table. “It’s been a very exciting past few days, my lady. I can certainly understand that you were otherwise engaged.”

Thea looked at her, and then burst out laughing, in spite of the general malaise she couldn’t seem to shake off.

“Really, Lisette, stop! I’ve missed you, too.”

Lisette smiled. “Why didn’t you tell me that you were about to be betrothed? I was surprised.”

And hurt, if Thea knew her friend. “I would have, on my honor. You and I were equally surprised.” She looked out at the garden, not wanting to meet Lisette’s eyes.

“No!” Lisette said loudly. Her exclamation drew the gaze of Ceridwen. Lisette inclined her head to the queen, and then turned back to Thea, lowering her voice.

“You had no idea that Sebastian had asked? I’m not surprised at his asking. He’s been trailing about you like a dog after a bone. I suspected it was only a matter of time, but didn’t the king speak with you once he’d asked?”

Thea shook her head. “No. I had no idea, not even when he drew me up on the dais, what was coming. Or rather, I had an idea, but it was completely wrong.” She risked looking at Lisette then, and then down at her lap. “Needless to say, I did not know my father’s intentions.”

“Did Casimir not speak with your father?” Lisette spoke in nearly a whisper, leaning forward, her tone gentle.

Thea’s head whipped up.

“Why…why would Casimir speak with my father?” She kept her voice steady. She and Casimir had worked so hard to not draw attention to themselves. She would neither confirm nor deny anything about him.

“Thea. I am your oldest friend. I know you. You and he were generally most discreet, but as your oldest friend, and as the person charged with looking after you, I could see it. I am rather surprised Her Majesty did not intervene.” Lisette stopped, unwilling to go further.

Thea understood. “My mother knows. Or, at least, I think she does. It seems she does….”Thea broke off, impatient with her own dithering. “I don’t know. I think she does.” She huffed. “Fat lot of good it’s done.”

“Thea, I am sorry.”

“Oh, so am I. It’s all a terrible mess, Lisette!” She dropped her voice to keep from wailing. “I don’t want to marry him. I think Adelaide does, though. And now, Casimir is angry at me—oh, my!” Her hand flew to her mouth.

“What?” Lisette looked worried.

“We need to find some time to talk in a less populous area,” Thea said. Her little gasp had been noted by two of the ladies who had come to the shade canopy to speak with her mother.

“I am unsure, my lady. I would be honored to assist you with your wardrobe, but have not been favored with your schedule,” Lisette said slightly louder than necessary. She’d seen the two ladies, who of course were terrible gossips, as well.

“I shall consult with my father, Lady DeKasen. I am most appreciative of your offer of help.” She smiled graciously at Lisette, and then did what they privately referred to as “The Gaze.” She’d seen it employed, not only by her parents, but by most of the visiting monarchs. It allowed the king to casually look to see who was watching while looking completely unconcerned. Thea could never understand why so many didn’t see right through it.

Allowing her eyes to travel in The Gaze, she met the eyes of both of the ladies. She gave them both small smiles as they each made a curtsy. Unfortunately, they must have felt an invitation, because they changed course, like ships under sail, and headed for where she and Lisette sat.

So much for sitting quietly. Thea stifled a sigh, and gave Lisette a sharp glance when she didn’t stifle hers.

“Lady McIvers, Lady Tottenham, how good it is to see you. Join us.” She knew they wouldn’t leave, so might as well get it over with.

“Thank you, my lady. It would be an honor,” Lady Tottenham said. Thea wanted to roll her eyes at the simpering manner, but didn’t. This was part of court life.

“May we offer our sincere congratulations, my lady?” Lady McIvers smiled genuinely.

“I thank you both. Prince Sebastian is a good man. I am fortunate my father looks after us all so well.”

“He’s a well favored prince, my lady,” Lady Tottenham giggled. “The king has indeed looked after you well!” She and Lady McIvers both laughed at that.

“With several princes in attendance, we can hope for more announcements of the same,” Lady McIvers said slyly.

“Oh, yes, my dear Prudence!” Lady Tottenham tapped Lady McIvers’ hand with her fan. “Wouldn’t that be delightful?”

“Indeed it would,” Lady McIvers replied.

Her gaze was caught by a glimpse of Casimir. His black hair was shot with glints of blue in the midday sun. He came under the canopy with Isobel on his arm. Seeing her to a seat near Ceridwen, he stood for a moment talking with the queen. Thea strained to hear their conversation, but she couldn’t catch their words. Whatever he said made the queen smile and Isobel giggle, a flirtatious, coquettish sound that ground across Thea’s nerves.

“My lady?” She pulled her attention from Casimir when Lisette’s voice broke into her thoughts.

“I am sorry, ladies.” She smiled widely. “I did not attend. I found myself slightly overtaken by the heat.”

“Of course, my lady,” said Lady Tottenham, while she and Lady McIvers exchanged a glance. Thea noted that Lady McIvers glanced forward to watch Casimir with the queen and Isobel, and then not-so-discreetly nudge Lady Tottenham.

“We are all looking forward to the wedding,” Lady Tottenham pretended there had been no nudge.

“Oh, a royal wedding,” sighed Lady McIvers. “We haven’t had one here since your parents’, Your Highness, and what a lovely day that was!”

“Oh, yes! Indeed it was!” Lady Tottenham quickly agreed. “Her Majesty was so very lovely, she took my breath away when she entered the chapel! Do you remember her train, Prudence?”

“Yes, I do. I must tell you, my lady,” Lady McIvers said to Thea, “All the ladies were most envious of it! A masterpiece of lace! Has Her Majesty shown it to you?”

“She has, yes,” said Thea. She wasn’t sure why they were dithering around with old memories like this, but it kept her from staring daggers at Casimir.

“The amazing thing was that she had blossoms scattered on the train and they gave off the most amazing scent! Roses, is what they were. Pink and white roses. I think that it would have become quite the fashion if —” she stopped.

Ceridwen must have been listening to their conversation, because she turned around and gave a fierce stare to Lady McIvers. Lady Tottenham darted a frightened glance at Ceridwen.

“My lady, would you be so kind as to excuse us?” Lady Tottenham asked Thea hurriedly.

“Of course. My thanks on your good wishes,” Thea said automatically. What had Lady McIvers been about to say? Why had Ceridwen cut her off? She gave her mother a questioning look.

As both the ladies stood and quickly left the tent, giving deep curtsies to Ceridwen and the princesses, Thea looked intently at her mother. Ceridwen had a bland look on her face that gave nothing away, and certainly didn’t answer Thea’s unspoken question. Ceridwen turned back to Casimir as though nothing had happened.

“What was that all about?” Lisette asked in a whisper.

“I don’t know,” Thea said, also talking through the smile plastered on her face. She didn’t want to attract Ceridwen’s attention again. Not like that. While Aland could roar in a way that made most courtiers uncomfortable, Ceridwen could make them quake in their boots without ever raising her voice.

“I may have to seat myself near the old biddies at the next meal,” said Lisette. “You know they won’t be able to keep still about this, foolish things.”

Thea watched the two ladies moving away quickly. She could tell they were arguing, with Lady Tottenham doing most of the talking and scolding.

“I’ve never heard any gossip about my parents’ wedding. Have you?” Thea kept her voice low.

“No, nothing, and you know I’d come to you if I had. Not that people are completely open near me,” said Lisette. “I am too well known as your confidant.”

“I am so glad that you are,” Thea responded. “I’ve missed you terribly these past few days.”

“Use your wardrobe as an excuse, Thea. It will be understood if you tell your father you need some time to do this. Particularly since the engagement was a surprise, you won’t have had any time to prepare yourself. Go to him today, and ask him. We’ll be able to talk.”

“I shall.”

“Mayhap we’ll be able to get some time to work on this in the next day,” said Lisette. “It will give me a chance to see what Lady McIvers was talking about.”

“Would you? But please be careful. I think it’s pretty obvious why we’ve not heard anything.” She raised her eyes in the direction of where Ceridwen sat, with Casimir making her and Isobel laugh. In that moment, the mystery was forgotten as she wished Casimir mute.

“It will be well, Thea.”

“I am unsure, Lisette. I am told such by others, but I do not have the same faith,” Thea replied, not taking her eyes off Casimir.

“Thea. Stop.”

Lisette’s stern tone broke off her stare. “You’re right. I am being obvious.”