Chapter 11
Isolde I could not bear to watch them carry his body out of the dungeons. The crowds would gather and spit on him as he was placed in the wagon. He would be returned to his mother, but then what? Would he truly leave our homeland? Would he dare return to the stables? Was that even a choice? Had I seen the last of Lorcan Tarak? And gods, why…why did I care?
How could he ever stomach to be around me? They placed him on the rack and branded him with my family sigil. Like one marks their livestock should they wander off. My bloodline had clipped his wings and taken away any sense of freedom he had. He could travel across the Salted Sea. Start life anew. But every time he removed his shirt, our mark would remind him until the day he died that he suffered for a crime he did not commit. That he handed us flesh to save his mother’s soul.
I remained in the castle like a dutiful daughter, my wedding would be here in just over a week. I could feign interest in that. And then, I was to spend my days devoted to a man who would never be devoted to me.
I missed the waters of the brook. I felt stronger there. More in tune with my gift. The city that surrounded us hid the natural element from me. Funny, I possess the powers of water but could not quench the flame they set upon Lorcan. The gods are often cruel in their distribution of talents.
I took to wandering the halls with Posey as my loyal shadow. I hadn’t explored the corridors since I was a child. If anything, getting lost in my castle would prove to be an amusing tale to liven the atmosphere at supper. The mood had become so glum since the death of Horace. Everyone waited for another taster to die. It almost felt like death would pose some sort of relief. It was the waiting for it that caused the tension. I began taking twists and turns in the castle until I met the dead end of ornate drapery. Posey sighed in frustration, but I ignored her. She had learned by now that I had no patience for her stupid remarks.
I turned around, but the sound of whispers caused me to halt and listen. Posey gave me a look of disapproval, but I tiptoed toward the voice coming from behind the drapery.
“He will pay for what he did to you.”
The words were alarming, yet strong enough to call me over to the drapes where I was able to peer in through a crack. Posey grabbed me by the wrist, but I shook her off. There, in an alcove no larger than a closet, Raelan lay with his presumed lover, the squire.
The boy didn’t look as helpless or miserable as I had imagined. On the contrary, he looked content in his lover’s arms. Thus, making me jealous of a nameless boy with a missing tongue. Would this be my life, spreading my legs so Raelan could plant his seed when his real passions were given to one who could not even whisper the secrets of love? Posey once more pulled at my wrist, but I refused.
“No one suspects me. And the next time I target Savio, it will be more than just an attempt.”
Raelan’s admission rang out loud and clear. It was he who had tried to poison my father. Knowing it was my betrothed turned my blood cold. If he could try to kill the king and claim a crown that would eventually go to him anyway, wouldn’t he try to kill me as well? As the king, he could renounce the laws of purity and rule in solace on the throne. He would have no lineage, but what did Raelan care? All he wanted was to live his life with his lover in peace. When he died, the lords could fight over the throne. Perhaps the savages from across the Salted Sea would take over and turn Borvo into a land of barbaric worship.
I half respected him for his plan-seizing what the world denied him. But his actions had brought pain and suffering to Lorcan and nearly cost Cora her head. My father was not a respectable ruler, but treason is treason no matter who sits on the throne. And what of my marriage bed? Would I have to fear a dagger at my throat every time I closed my eyes? Would every goblet of wine that crossed my lips bring with it the threat of poison?
I wanted to tell Lorcan of this news. Perhaps with my testimony, I could bring a title to his name.
Erase the shame my father had crowned him with and offer riches to ease the suffering we had previously bestowed upon him.
I turned abruptly and slammed right into Posey. “Ow!” she cried. I clamped my hand over her mouth and pulled her away from the drapes, which were now parted by a rather fierce-looking Raelan. He was shirtless, and although his trousers had been pulled up, the strings remained untied. The pants hung off of his hips in a way that would pose to be rather erotic, had I not just discovered my fiancé in the arms of another man.
He sealed the drapes closed behind him to conceal his young lover. “Isolde. It is not proper for you to spy on your husband.”
“Why Raelan! You frightened me,” I cooed. I took a slow step back and dropped my hand from Posey’s mouth but held her wrist, keeping her close beside me. “Husband? How you jest! We have not exchanged the words that would make us joined just yet, cousin.” A nervous laugh escaped me. “I did not wish to intrude, nor was it my intent to…how did you phrase it? Oh yes, spy. My mind is not as sinister as some would believe.” I held my head high. “I was exploring the castle. In my absence from court, I had forgotten about all its hidden gems.”
Raelan placed his hands on his hips and ran a tongue over his bottom lip. Again, it would have been erotic had I not just witnessed the truth.
“Despite what you may have seen—”
“I have seen nothing.” I gave him a slight curtsey. “I wish you a good afternoon. I shall see you at supper.” I tugged on Posey’s wrist, beckoning her to follow. My heart felt as though it were beating within my very throat as I walked away from him. We paced ourselves, walking away as proper ladies would, but my mind was screaming at me to flee. When I heard the sound of Raelan’s boots slapping against the floor, I knew I had not escaped my kin. He was well aware I had not only seen but heard.
Grabbing my skirts, I ran as fast as my legs could carry me, leaving Posey calling my name. I doubted he would hurt her, but I’m sure he would threaten the daft girl. I didn’t look back but ran through the corridor until I found myself flying in the direction of one of the guards. He caught my arm, his eyes wide with concern.
“Princess Isolde. What are you running from?” He placed me behind him and drew his sword just as Raelan ran into the corridor. I allowed myself a moment to catch my breath. The guards took in the sight of Raelan, shirtless, pants carelessly tied, boots tossed on in haste and not buttoned. “Princess…” the guard began, afraid to say the words. I had come to them running as fast as I could, my face was probably locked in terror and here Raelan stood half-dressed. Yes, we were to be married, but our vows were not spoken yet, and our predicament could cause quite the scandal.
I stepped in between the guard and Raelan and forced a laugh. “Oh, cousin! I do believe I have won this round.” Raelan eyed me warily, not commenting but rather waiting anxiously to see what lies my tongue would tell. I turned to the guards. “Forgive me. My dear cousin and I have played tricks on each other since we were young. I knew he was resting in his room; he often fences during the day, you see.” I was speaking so fast, that the guard looked at me as though I were mad. “Anyway, I snuck against the door and cried fire! Poor Prince Raelan ran out half-dressed, and when he saw me, he chased me just as he did when I was a small child. It was all in good jest, and I do apologize to you, cousin Raelan. It would appear I spoiled what would have otherwise been a very pleasant afternoon for you.” Raelan ran a hand across his thin, white beard that traced his jaw and offered me a smile. “Yes, my dear. I’m happy to see you have not forgotten how to play the game.” We eyed each other for a moment before he conceded. “Well, I suppose I must dress for supper. I cannot show up shirtless before the king.” He gave me a slight bow, and I extended him a curtsey. The guard still looked at me quizzically as Raelan walked away. I just hoped Posey was smart enough to get away and lock herself up in my chambers while I had distracted him.
“Is there anything I might do for you, my princess?” the guard asked, his eyes searching mine to see if my elaborate tale held any truth.
“Yes. Tell Fitz in the stables to have my horse saddled and ready to ride at dawn.”