Standing out from the castle, a high tower caught Cara’s eye. It looked like the top part of the keep had been destroyed at some point and rebuilt because the colour of the most recent stones didn’t quite match the shade of the older structure below. Intrigued, she wondered what could have caused such damage.
On the whole, Palance was truly an amazing sight, especially viewed from astride the back of a dragon. Haedron landed without anyone taking particular notice of his massive body. People must be used to him around there and considered him no threat. They did pay attention to her, though.
Guards and soldiers greeted Caius as they walked towards the main entrance while they regarded her with deference and curiosity. She figured her outfit, weapon belt and long cloak must label her as resistance.
Tagging alongside the wizard, Cara stepped inside the vast and splendid hallway of the castle of Palance. The hall bustled with activity. Maids, servants and stiff butlers carried things, dusted furniture, shook drapes, cleaned high windows, went places and gave instructions to one another.
Wearing rich embroidered garments, men and women strolled about while talking in small groups. Although not unfriendly, their features reflected nobility and confidence. Hurrying along the entrance wall, a farmer with two chickens in his arms nodded to her.
Caius took her hand to make her walk faster. Either he didn’t feel like speaking to people or he had fallen into a sulky mode because he didn’t acknowledge anyone, and she had to trot to keep up with his long strides.
Without slowing down they strode through different beautiful sitting rooms, lounges and salons where people played with small bones, cards, dice and strange board games. At the end of a long corridor featuring closed doors on both sides, the wizard finally pulled her into an empty bedroom.
“I will request an audience with King Droman as soon as possible, but first you need to make yourself presentable. I’ll fetch a maid to assist you.”
“I don’t think I need to be assisted and I don’t have spare clothes anyway. What I’d very much like is some food. Caius, I’m starving.”
A funny grin lit his face. “So am I. Right, I’ll see that you get something to eat before we meet the royal family.”
Still at the threshold, the wizard grabbed the door handle. Cara halted him as the thought that had been nagging her since the last conversation she had had with Morgan needed to be clarified.
“Before you go, I want an answer.”
Although a slight frown creased his forehead, he didn’t seem on the verge of lying to her. Their presence in Palance probably signified to him that she’d comply with his every wish and demand.
“What about?”
“Morgan believes I’m the queen of the Amazons. You know what she looks like because you’ve healed her often. So…am I her?”
Incredibly, he seemed relieved by her straightforward question. His sudden alleviation caused her to wonder if he might be concealing something else from her. Pursing his mouth in a sympathetic fashion, he shook his head.
“Morgan has been somewhat misguided of late, I assume because his love for you has troubled his mind. I’m afraid you can’t put faith in his…hold on, how should I say this? His warrior fantasies?”
The expression matched the exact consideration she had sensed in Morgan regarding the Amazon queen. Although he had only watched her in battle, she must have appeared so skilled and fantastic to him that he had developed an illusion of his own. Although Cara’s heart sank at the hurtful realisation, she tried to defend her man’s point of view.
“Isn’t she called Cara?”
“So? Did you think you were the sole bearer of the name?”
“But Morgan also said she disappeared last year.”
Caius drew in a long breath. Then he cast quick glances around him, as if spies were crouching in shadows, and his voice decreased to a whisper.
“Can you keep a secret?”
“Sure.”
“The Amazon queen hasn’t vanished as everyone seems to think. The same way I dispatched Morgan in search of you throughout the Four Kingdoms, I sent her on a long errand. I’m entrusting you with a very private affair here, Cara, so I hope you won’t betray my trust.”
“You can count on me.”
“Thank you. I’ll be back shortly.”
He was about to take off and if she didn’t ask right now she’d miss the opportunity—to what? To make herself even more miserable and obsessed with a woman she’d probably never meet? Who cared? She had to know.
“Is she beautiful?”
His frown deepened as if he didn’t want to hurt or dishearten her more than he already had. “That she is.”
As soon as Caius exited the bedroom, Cara’s shoulders sagged with disappointment. A silly reaction really, given that she had always known she was just a girl from Brooklyn.
But somewhere in her innermost expectations she had wanted to measure up to the beautiful Amazon queen, to see Morgan value her above all women. What a childish moron she could be sometimes.
She looked around her. The place had the definite touch of a guest room but with a grand air. The four-poster bed welcomed her body as she bounced on it to test the fluffiness of the covers. So comfy.
Picturing her eventual future life in Palance felt easy as breathing. The prince would keep her away from the war and its hardship to drown her in wealth, attentions, respect, comfort and kindness.
Her son would be loved, protected, fussed over and brought up in a safe, educated environment. Someday he’d be crowned king of Palance. Who wouldn’t want that for herself and for the child to come?
A dull headache threatened the back of her head and she guessed her brain would soon turn to blobby mush. Of course she wished all those things for her baby, but what about her soul?
Would she go to hell for selling it to prophecy? Would she regret her reasonable decision? More to the point, she had no doubt she’d cry over Morgan for the rest of her days.
Balking at the idea, Cara gasped as a light knock on the door startled her. Was Caius back already? Before she could stand up, two maids came in. The youngest girl, who carried a tray, nodded at her while the other one deposited what looked like two wrappings on the empty side of the bed.
“Your dress, my lady.”
Ten minutes in Palance and people called her a lady. Impressive! The maid mustn’t have been expecting an answer because she walked over to the bed post near the wall to show her a rope made of fabric.
“Call us for anything you need. In accordance with Master Caius’ instructions, we’ll prepare a hot tub for you.”
The young girl set the tray down on a magnificent square oak table, which had long legs ending in narrow ankles and was probably hand-carved. She pulled up an antique chair with a caned seat and looked at her.
“My lady.”
Guts writhing with hunger, Cara didn’t hesitate. Mindless of royal guests’ proper manners, she sat down, smelt the wonderful aroma wafting from the bowl then dipped her spoon in the broth.
Although sipping the delicious soup, she already had an eye on the side plate filled with ham, roasted meat cut in thick slices, some kind of smoked fish and a small loaf of bread. Beside those goodies, there were also fruit and various pastries she couldn’t identify.
The maids busied themselves while she wolfed down her first meal in forever. They went in and out with large steaming buckets of water, and filled the tub in the adjoining room. Cara heard them move things around before they came back to smooth the rumpled bedspread.
When she pushed her plate back and sighed with the pleasure of feeling her belly full, they bowed before ushering her into the bathroom. Contrary to the grandeur of the palace, the size of the round bath fell short. She recalled Caius and Heather’s makeshift tubs to be a fraction bigger. Heck, didn’t they enjoy taking care of their bodies?
Whatever, it would do. She experienced an awkward moment of self-consciousness when the girls stripped her naked, but figur
ed she’d have to get used to their ways. She soaked in hot water while they washed her hair with precise, coordinated gestures. Once done, the more mature maid rolled a sheet around her body to dry her off.
In the bedroom, the other girl had opened up the wrappings. Cara disregarded the pair of evening shoes as soon as she saw the gorgeous dress. A one-shoulder strap on a ruched bust accented the full-length flowing skirt while the bright turquoise gave the gown a definite princess-like beauty—a marvel destined to be worn in a king’s palace.
The maids helped her fasten the dress before doing her hair. Then they opened one side of a massive wardrobe and had Cara stand in front of a mirror attached to the inside of the door. Although she looked a bit like Cinderella going to the prince’s ball, she still enjoyed the pretty, glamorous reflection.
“You’re a real princess.”
She wheeled around at the sound of Caius’ voice. Wrapped up in her own image, she hadn’t heard him enter the bedroom. He had taken the time to freshen up too because he wasn’t wearing his wizard’s robe anymore and was instead dressed in a dark blue outfit. He took in her gown with a satisfied expression and held a hand out.
“Come, Cara. The royal family is waiting for you.”
Chapter Forty-One
She had never mixed with royalty. Figuring they wouldn’t go for a handshake or a hug, Cara opted for a courteous head bow. The king of Palance observed her with an appreciative eye before motioning her to sit down on a plush divan bed. For all she could tell he didn’t look frightening or severe—or even particularly strong. Then again, he commanded men to fight his battles for him.
The queen was a different story. Although petite, she carried herself like a ruler whose subjects toed the line. Strength, resolution and pride enhanced her delicate features and Cara sensed this small person might well be the true power behind the façade. She became certain of it when the queen studied every inch of her face and body at length with her icy blue gaze. The frown wrinkling her brow didn’t relent.
On their way to the king’s private salon, Caius had informed Cara that they knew all about the new interpretation of the prophecy as well as her crucial part in fulfilling it.
They were also aware of the next step involving their son Melchior. Lacing her fingers to conceal her edginess, Cara watched the royal couple. As etiquette probably required, King Droman spoke first.
“Prince Melchior isn’t yet back from his night hunt, however he shall join us erelong. Caius tells us you have mended the fabric of time and existence and I must say this is an admirable achievement. I praise your bravery for—”
“Will she also need courage to sneak into our son’s bed?”
Okay, so the tone was set. The queen didn’t look like she expected an answer although she had sharply interrupted his approving homily. With a voice as cold as her stare, she had her husband embarrassed and fidgety with a single sentence. He tried to calm her down by taking hold of her hand.
“There’s no call for bitterness, my dear. Prophecy is prophecy and we have to abide by its inescapable laws. I am certain the lady Cara has full knowledge of our ancient scriptures and has accepted them.”
His wife whisked her hand out of his grasp. “This is precisely the point, isn’t it? She isn’t a real lady. Her blood is naught but that of a peasant.”
Wow! She was really going for it. ‘Bitterness’ didn’t quite apply to the queen’s cold attitude as her superior gaze began to get on Cara’s nerves. ‘Snob’ or ‘condescending’ would have been far more accurate in this case. Her uneasiness fading away, Cara kept her fingers entwined to quench her growing irritation before addressing the king with the little royal vocabulary she knew.
“Your wife is right, Your Majesty. My blood is red just like all the people who depend on your justice and generosity. Actually, I wonder why I have been chosen instead of a real princess. Do you believe the prophecy made a mistake?”
He opened wide eyes at her sarcastic, softly delivered speech. Beside her, Caius cleared his throat. A few feet away, the queen shot daggers at her yet managed to retain her impassive composure.
“You would do well to remember that a still tongue makes a wise head. If and when your opinion is required you shall be notified.”
“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t realise that fact when I saved the world from destruction. Perhaps you’d like me to go back and undo it?”
“Cara!” Caius glared at her as he lashed out her name, a scowl plastered on his usually smooth features. She gave him a feigned smile.
“What? What did I say? I had the impression everybody was happy to let me risk my life, but maybe I should have waited for a signed mission order. Damn, I didn’t appraise the situation, did I? And I rushed head-on into danger without asking permission. By the Mighty Royal Gods, what was I thinking?”
The silence that followed would have given the sandman nightmares. Incredibly, the king cocked his head away from his wife to conceal a spontaneous grin. Fingers tightened into fists, Caius glanced at the furious monarch.
“Please accept my apologies, my queen. Cara has suffered a lot these past days and she isn’t quite recovered.”
“Enough, wizard! The girl looks very much recovered to me so let’s discuss more pressing and important matters. Can you assure us she’s destined to bear the heir to the throne of Palance?”
“Without the shadow of a doubt the prophecy has chosen her.”
“Then so shall it be.”
Unbelievable. After ranting about her impure or mucky blood, the queen now agreed to the terms. Those people really put unshakable faith in divine predictions. Having re-assumed a straight face, the king turned to his wife.
“Marriage isn’t necessary to bear a child. If the idea distresses you too much and if Cara is willing, we can raise the child without her.”
The mere thought of abandoning a baby that hadn’t yet been conceived revolted her. A biting remark pursing her lips, Cara held it in as the queen reacted even faster.
“And have a bastard on the throne? Are you out of your spirits, husband?”
“Well, it might have been an option considering—”
“There’s nothing to consider. Melchior shall marry this girl and father a legitimate son who will be our salvation.”
“As you wish, my dear.”
The king capitulated with the simplicity of a man used and trained to obey the person who wore the pants. Without appearing to notice his compliance, the queen centred her attention on Caius.
“Is there a particular date for the child to be conceived?”
“Yes, your majesty, but I still have to draw cosmic charts before I can tell you more. In any case, I fear the prophetic day is upon us.”
Gruesome. They were debating her sex life the way two hagglers would talk over the counter. Unlike her, neither of them would be sent into an unknown bed and forced to take in an undesired dick. And the fact that it happened to be a royal penis didn’t lighten the matter in the least. Unaware of Cara’s train of thoughts, the queen nodded.
“Then by all means we need to act swiftly. On account of our family, friends and allies, the official ceremony will be held after the next moon.”
“It might be too late, my queen.”
“I know, which is why I’ll make arrangements this night. Melchior and the girl shall pronounce their vows in private tomorrow.”
What? Tomorrow? Impossible. This can’t be happening. Yet as Cara caught the woman’s inflexible stare the truth hit her at last—the unavoidable and unconsciously postponed realisation that she was trapped.
As long as it had been idle talk she had figured she’d find a different solution or a way out somehow. Now that a definite date had been set and her back scraped hard against the wall, she understood her current position could only be referred to as ‘deep shit’.
With Morgan knocked out on Caius’ bed, nobody would save her. Without memories, friends or assistance of any kind, she had no other option but to rely on her
self. A few days ago she might have crumbled in fear, but her recent adventures had toughened her and this big mess helped her grasp something else.
She knew there would be no other Morgan for her. He alone had unleashed the power of her passions and shown her the true meaning of life. He alone had fought for their love while she had wavered. She wouldn’t make the same mistake twice and the Four Kingdoms would have to find another laughingstock—because she was quitting.
And, by the way, where was the elusive prince? Shouldn’t he have been present at his own wedding arrangements? Suppressing a sneer, Cara held a hand up. She switched her gaze between the king and the queen while she strained to let her voice sound sincere.
“We’re all here planning a wedding, yet I don’t see the groom. Is the subject so trivial to him or does he have better things to do? He’s supposed to be the father of my child, but it looks like hunting is more important than meeting his future wife. I don’t care, mind you, it’s just a question of courtesy.”
For a wonder the queen and Caius let her speak without interruption. Spurred on by their undivided attention, Cara continued.
“Something has to be straightened out, though. I will act according to your wishes, but you must know that I’m doing so against my principles. I have no desire to become a princess and I don’t want to marry your son. No offence, I’ve just always believed I’d marry for love not prophecy. That’s all I have to say. Now if you’ll excuse me, I don’t think my husband-to-be will show up anytime soon so I’ll be going back to my room. I’m sure you don’t need me to work out the details.”
With that, she stood and exited the king’s private salon. None of them dared call her back. None of them whispered so much as a single word until she stepped out and closed the door.
No doubt she had set tongues wagging behind her back, but she couldn’t care less. In all likelihood she had made them believe she’d be a willing participant to their mockery of a wedding. The first part of her plan was a success. On to the next phase.