Blade Heart

  Cara found the way back to her bedroom without much problem. Deep in thought, she barely noticed noble people and staff passing her by. Once alone inside her temporary sanctuary, she let out a heavy sigh. She had missed Morgan before yet never this strongly. And the image of him lying unconscious on the wizard’s bed didn’t help.

  For now she needed to sleep. Gain strength for the morning to come. As she lifted her arms up behind her neck to unfasten the small buttons of her princess gown, a knock on the door had her eyes rolling.

  Following the upsetting encounter with the queen, she’d now have to endure Caius’ recriminations. God, couldn’t they all find enthralling activities and leave her be for one minute? Forgetting about the recalcitrant buttons, Cara went to open the door. And at first glance she knew who the handsome man standing on the other side was.

  Chapter Forty-Two

  “May I speak with you?”

  Prince Melchior had inherited his mother’s blue eyes, but what Cara read in them related to softness, patience and understanding. The rest he had taken from his father. Tall, slim, charming with his blond hair waving around his face, he represented the perfect image of a fairytale prince.

  She let him in without a second thought. To have made it in such a short time, he must have dashed to her bedroom as soon as he was back from his night hunt. Maybe he had something important to say.

  “My lady, I’d be honoured if you would accept my apologies. I should have been by your side when you met my parents.”

  At least he was off to a good start. If he carried on like this she might be tempted to offer him to sit down instead of facing him like an opponent.

  “Apology accepted.”

  “Thank you. My mother can be an intimidating person and I feared you might have viewed her attitude as a personal attack.”

  Intimidating? Cara would have gone for ‘arrogant’ and ‘obnoxious’ in a heartbeat, then again she wasn’t the queen’s daughter. And by the by, how come the prince seemed aware of his dear, lovely mum’s offensive behaviour towards her? There was no way he’d had enough time to get back from his hunt and speak to his parents since she had left the royal salon.

  “How do you know that?”

  “I believe I have a confession to make.”

  The hell if this man didn’t get more interesting every time he opened his mouth. Intrigued, Cara let him talk as she raised an eyebrow. Lips pouted in a funny, childish manner, Melchior rubbed his chin.

  “I was next door, in my father’s chambers, to observe the gathering and I saw you standing up to my mother. You’re a very determined woman, my lady. And might I add, extremely beautiful.”

  God, but the man could sweet-talk his way into a girl’s pants. He sounded honest, maybe a little awed, and his natural charm worked miracles. In another time and under different circumstances he might have seduced her—a time and place where Morgan didn’t exist.

  But her heart already belonged to the leader of the resistance. The warrior who had appeared to her as a stranger and who had made love to her as a soul mate. With his image in mind, she focused on the conversation.

  “Hiding and eavesdropping?”

  “As a matter of fact, yes. When I heard Caius had brought an unknown woman to the palace I postponed the hunt. Then, as you put it directly, I concealed myself and listened. When the wizard explained to my parents his new interpretation of the prophecy I felt compelled to meet you. But before making my presence known I wanted to observe my mother’s first impression of you.”

  “Why? Don’t you make your own decisions?”

  “Not as often as one might think.”

  He didn’t sound like a prince wielding authority over his lands but like a youngster afraid of his mommy. How old could he be? Somewhere between twenty-eight and thirty yet he acted like a submissive teenager. Much like his father functioned around the queen.

  No wonder Caius believed Melchior would always behave towards her with the utmost kindness and courtesy. But as ruler of a country, what about showing backbone in times of war?

  “Well, you know what she thinks of me now.”

  “I do, and I’m glad.”

  About the queen undermining and treating her like dirt? Cara took a long breath to mollify an instinctive bitter remark and didn’t voice her resentment when she saw the sudden smile on his face.

  “Mother likes you a lot.”

  Sure, she does. And jolly Santa lives in a cosy hut in the North Pole with his flying reindeer and magical elves.

  “Are you sure you were in the right room?”

  First he hesitated then he caught her meaning and grinned.

  “I am. She has a tendency to persecute people in order to see their true colours. She may never tell you, but she values your courage and perseverance. I’d go as far as saying she thinks you have what it takes to be princess of Palance.”

  Well, the damn woman’s clever ploy had worked. A little flustered at having been manipulated, Cara pushed her hair back behind her ears.

  “Does it mean you intend to marry me?”

  His former merriness dwindled down as he shook his head.

  “I’m sorry, but I won’t go against my parents’ wishes. I understand you are forced into a delicate situation and I promise I shall do my best to be a comfort to you rather than a burden. My lady, I am your humble servant.”

  He was a spineless, obedient seducer yet Cara couldn’t help but like him. His whole being radiated charm, curiosity and a definite need to enjoy life whatever fate or his mother sent his way. Still, considering his rank and power, she wondered why he hadn’t yet tied the knot with a noblewoman.

  “Believe me when I say I appreciate your pledge as well as the kindness you’re showing me, Prince.”

  “Please, call me Melchior.”

  “All right. Would you mind if I asked you a personal question?”

  “Not in the least. As we will be husband and wife tomorrow, honesty is the key to a fruitful and harmonious relationship.”

  With a voice as sweet as honey, he delivered his bit of wisdom with such sincerity that Cara wavered for a second. This man definitely was marriage material and the girl who would end up with him someday should treasure her luck.

  “Don’t you have feelings for a woman?”

  A shadow fell on his face while a fleeting light of sorrow crossed his gaze. So he does care for someone?

  “Even if I do, the choice isn’t mine to make.”

  He loved a woman. Given his weak personality he’d never have the guts to reject the prophecy or to confront his mother. He’d spend the rest of his life longing for a happiness he might have held if he had fought for it. For the first time since she had met the prince, Cara felt pity for him.

  “Who is she?”

  “The princess of Moonstill. We’ve known each other from a very early age and our mutual feelings have grown over the years.”

  A childhood sweetheart. The unexpected revelation touched Cara even deeper than his warm, friendly attitude towards her. At the same time she cursed the prophecy for destroying two more lives. A lump in her throat rendering her unable to comment, she listened to the rest of his confession.

  “Our kingdoms being allied, the princess and myself should have exchanged vows a long time ago, but my mother held over our betrothal. You see, she has always believed the prophecy would one day concern me and because I am the firstborn she kept me free of bonds. In spite of my dearest hopes, her suspicions have been confirmed and my beloved is lost to me.”

  As Cara reflected that she had at first viewed the prince like some kind of enemy, the knot in her throat expanded. In fact he was just like her—a prisoner of fate. Trapped within birthrights and magic, they were being used as pawns and thrown right into the middle of an intricate prophetic war. Neither of them had asked for it, both of them would suffer the consequences.

  “I’m sorry, Melchior. I had no idea. I guess I’ve been so dejected over my own sacrifice that I never imagi
ned you’d find yourself in the same situation. I owe you an apology for the way I talked to the queen about you.”

  “Which sacrifice? Are you saying you love someone?”

  He looked surprised in turn and a little disconcerted. Yet a good-natured smile reappeared on his face when she nodded.

  “Then we are in the same boat. I don’t know about you but the idea brings me appeasement in a strange manner.”

  She understood his language. Similar experiences and mutual understanding sometimes gave rise to prosperity in marriage and strengthened bonds of friendship. Except that she had no intention of marrying him.

  “You’re a good man, Melchior. I’m glad we’ve had this discussion and don’t worry your secret is safe with me. Now if you don’t mind I’d like to take some rest. Tomorrow is going to be a big day.”

  “Without doubt.” He took her hand to brush his lips on her fingers. “I bid you goodnight, my lady. May your dreams lie with me. I know mine shall.”

  Once the charmer, always the charmer. A genuine grin lifted the corners of her mouth as she saw him out with a touch of sadness. Wishing again that circumstances were different, she’d love to have the prince as a friend.

  With some twisting she managed to get out of the lovely gown without ripping it apart. Once naked, she donned her dark green outfit—so much more comfortable than the princess dress. Then she placed her boots and daggers right beside the bed before lying down. Better to be prepared than sorry.

  * * * *

  Melchior didn’t enter her dreams. When she woke up at the break of dawn her brain only retained pictures of Morgan, the sword in his hand glittering with the blood of his enemies. Pale sunrays filtered through the bedroom window. She squinted to put on her boots and fasten the weapon belt around her waist.

  Nobody challenged her as she found her way to the kitchens. She had figured noble people wouldn’t rise so early. Although the castle staff would be up, she didn’t think they’d ask her a single question.

  The plan she had devised was simple. Grab some food and water, exit the palace like a guest going for a morning stroll in the streets of Palance, hide in the nearest forest and wait for Morgan—because as soon as Caius’ sleeping spell wore off, her warrior would come for her. That she knew in her bones.

  Cara had briefly envisioned searching for Haedron around the countryside, but she had no idea how he would react to her and she didn’t really feel like riding him on her own. Besides, how would he know where to take her? She couldn’t speak the weird language Morgan employed with him.

  As she had rightly assumed, maids and servants pointed the way to the kitchens without batting an eyelash. Happy to oblige, the cook offered her bread and cheese folded into a clean napkin. Cara walked back to the grand hallway with the bundle in her hands. Her sense of direction must be improving.

  She stepped outside. Royal guards appeared to be on duty, aligned along the front entrance of the castle every ten feet or so. Activity had already begun in the courtyard with soldiers saddling horses, leading them out or taking turns. So far, her escape had turned out to be a piece of cake.

  Although most of them cast her glances when she went down the few steps opening onto the courtyard, she didn’t hold their interest for longer than a few seconds. They had jobs to perform.

  As she thought the trickiest part of her plan was over a masculine voice behind her sent her pulse kicking.

  “Where are you going?”

  Chapter Forty-Three

  Her instincts didn’t let her down. Turning round in a fashion she hoped was natural, Cara held out the bundle of food.

  “To have my breakfast out here. I need some fresh air this morning, but I’ll be happy to share some bread with you.”

  She looked for signs that Caius wasn’t buying her lie. She must have sounded sincere because he just shook his head.

  “No, thank you, I’ve already had mine.”

  “Okay. I guess I’ll see you later then.”

  She had to get out of the city before the streets bustled with people and horses. The drawbridge might also get too crowded to cross over without waiting her turn. Despite her resolve, she hadn’t yet taken a single step when the wizard raised his hand to halt her.

  “Hold on, Cara. I’ve spent the night studying the skies and drawing cosmic charts. I’m fairly certain a strange phenomenon will occur tonight so we don’t have much time to spare.”

  “To do what?”

  “To get you married of course.”

  Oh yes, that! Positive she’d be miles away from Palance by then, Cara had banished the stupid wedding from her thoughts.

  “Come on, Caius, we still have plenty of time. I don’t need hours to get ready, you know, and right now I’d like to discover the town.”

  “You’re going to have your whole life to walk the city streets. There are far more urgent matters to attend to first and you, dear girl, shall be the princess of Palance before the sun is high.”

  What? So soon? He doesn’t mean that. Not for real. Oh, God, can this be happening? When the wizard seized her arm firmly, Cara understood she wouldn’t escape today. Nor any other day.

  The inconceivable realisation cramped her heart. Frozen from the inside, she flinched as dozens of bells abruptly started to peal. And the quiet settlement exploded in turmoil.

  Guards ran to the low wall overlooking the town. Soldiers dashed across the courtyard while others sprang onto their horses and rode out of the castle grounds straight to the city.

  Looking frightened, a few servants raced back inside the palace. Meanwhile the loud bells kept on ringing and clanging like they were announcing the end of the world. Cara registered the sudden upheaval with wide eyes. Although unaware of the nature of the danger, she felt her stomach tightening.

  “Caius, what’s going on?”

  “Go inside. Now. We’re being attacked.”

  His hand still around her forearm, the wizard pulled her towards the entrance. Intuition telling her not to struggle but to find safety instead, she let him drag her along. As they crossed the hallway to pass through a sitting room she perceived as vaguely familiar, he loosened his grip a little.

  “Where are you taking me?”

  “To the prince’s living quarters. It’s the safest place in the whole palace.”

  “Won’t he mind us trespassing?”

  “I don’t think you’re rightly assessing the situation. Alarm bells are ringing because scouts must have reported an impending attack and our people must stay inside the walls. It can only mean that Devlyn’s armies are marching to Palance as we speak. When his troops get here there will be an assault on the city, so you see, I don’t believe Melchior will care much about an unforeseen visit from us. Remember that you are our future, Cara.”

  Yeah, she had an inexplicable tendency to forget about that point. Bad, bad girl! With a pout she followed him while maids, noblemen and women hurried past them without a glance.

  She’d never seen so many of them at the same time, even less with scared or disoriented expressions distorting their features. Amidst the confusion, the bells carried on ringing, the ominous sound adding to the disorder.

  “Is Devlyn leading his armies?”

  “I shouldn’t think so. He has loyal, clever captains he can count on and he’d rather stay put in Agravar.”

  “Typical.”

  They had reached a part of the palace Cara hadn’t seen before. As the wizard knocked on a massive oak door, she directed her attention to the six men guarding both ends of the corridor. Big and obviously trained to fight, they wouldn’t stray from the prince’s side but would defend him with their lives. When a butler opened the door, Caius instructed him.

  “Tell the prince we’re here.”

  The man bowed his head and vanished inside to forward the message while the wizard brought her closer to him.

  “This isn’t an ideal moment to meet a prince, but you’ll have to make do with it. Rest assured he’s a very underst
anding person.”

  So Melchior hadn’t told anyone about their private encounter last night. Good for him. On a deep level she had sensed he could be trusted yet she had been deceived by people before. His silence was proof of his honesty and will to please her. Without further ado, the butler came back to usher them in.

  The clanging of bells lowered to an annoying thrum inside the large, luxurious setting. Wearing metal coverings over his chest and arms, Melchior smiled when they entered his private chambers.

  “I fear this isn’t a good morning, Caius.”

  “Certainly not, my prince, but despite these difficult times I have the honour of introducing your bride, Cara.”

  She grinned at Melchior’s knowing, warm smile. He looked so much like a young boy delighted to share a secret.

  “It is a true honour to meet you, Lady Cara. I am humbled by your beauty.”

  “The pleasure is mine.”

  “You shall be free from danger in my chambers. Please stay here until this unfortunate incident is over.”

  “Are you going to fight?”

  Somehow she had trouble picturing the charming prince as a tough warrior. Although he wore metal plates like armour, his mellow personality didn’t fit the character—unless she had misjudged him.

  “The king must stay alive. My father is too old to battle the enemy and his life too valuable. As heir to the throne, it is my duty to lead our armies.”

  Her estimation had been the right one. He had no desire whatsoever to go to war and his sole motive derived from his compulsion to be a dutiful son. Probably scared shitless, he still put on a composed face. Cara hoped he wouldn’t get hurt. The loss of such a forbearing, kind ruler would be terrible for the people. Setting her breakfast bundle down on the table next to them, she smiled.

  “I’ll pray for you, Melchior.”

  “In that case, victory is already mine.”