Aftermath (10 page)

They both scurried off before he could say another word.

Something was definitely amiss and he was determined to discover what it was. He called Lavare, his captain of the guard, over. Tall, mean and stronger than any man he knew, he told Lavare, “Follow them and see what they are up to.”

Lavare nodded and returned two hours later with a report that they did chores, mostly whispering. He could see or hear nothing untoward. Erin joined them, whispering and giggling with them, but it seemed only ‘women things’. Though several of the castle population did join them, popping in and out, and more whispering ensued.

Oh, and there was much smiling and laughing.

Smiling and laughing.

Wonderful.

Not good. Not good at all.

He knew Trista. The woman had a devious mind. She had some kind of devious plot going on and had somehow bewitched the castle inhabitants to join in. A magic spell, no doubt, cast upon the entire castle population.

The gods help him, but he feared for the lives of everyone in Greenbriar if Trista had a plan.

“Do you think he suspects anything?” Trista asked Nadine.

“I am certain he suspects something. And I am also certain he will be furious when he discovers what you are planning. You may wish to reconsider, Trista.”

“No,” Erin said. “‘Tis time for Braedon to put the past behind him. I agree with Trista. He needs to understand that fun does not equal disaster.”

Trista reached for Erin’s hand and squeezed. Such a mature woman for one still so young. Here was a new sister for her. “You are right. Part of me feels butterflies in my stomach when I think of this. I know he will be angry, but I feel this is what he needs. He needs to see that no harm will come to Greenbriar if a little fun is had. All the people need this.”

Nadine sighed and nodded. “You are right, of course. And I do like seeing smiling faces on our people again.”

Trista smiled. Of course it took more than a few days before the people of Greenbriar got past their shock at the thought of throwing a grand celebration. First wide eyed and frightened, they shook their heads and nearly bolted themselves inside their homes when Trista approached them about a party.

Determined, she knocked on every door, convincing them this was for Braedon’s benefit, as well as Erin and Donny.

And while she was doing that, she immersed herself in learning all she could about running a castle in order to fool Braedon into thinking she was busying herself in that way. Actually, she found herself intrigued by all that went into managing the day-to-day operations of Greenbriar. She even found it fun.

And Nadine, Erin and Donny helped her. And for the first time since her father unceremoniously dumped her at the gates of this castle, she began to feel as if she belonged here.

Now she had to make Braedon see that she belonged here, and not just in his bed.

Day by day she had begun to chip past the reticence of the townspeople, first by showing them she could, indeed, work as their queen. They had begun to come to her for mundane things like petty disputes. Soon they opened their minds to the possibility of living again, of smiling again, of celebrating again.

Of having a king who smiled again.

How could they ever get beyond the ugliness of what happened to Braedon’s father unless that past was relived without incident?

Tomorrow night would be the turning point.

She hoped Braedon would forgive her.

She hoped he would be happy with her for what she was about to do.

She hoped he understood she was doing so because she was growing to care for him.

If not, her future at Greenbriar would be dismal.

The tiny faeries in her stomach had turned into huge stomping dragons by the next evening. Fortunately, Braedon was otherwise distracted on guard-training business and had no idea what was going on, allowing her the time to deal with last-minute details such as food and drink and entertainment, then bathe and dress.

She hurried through her bath then stood in her bedchamber, uncertain what to wear for the festivities.

She had brought limited clothing with her for the trip, not thinking she would be staying permanently.

But her breath caught when she came out of the bathing chamber to find a gown lying on her bed and a hastily scrawled note from Nora, pronouncing it a gift from the seamstresses of the castle, thanking her for the gift of a party.

The castle seamstresses were goddesses of magical abilities, for lying on her bed was a gown of pale green silk shot through with threads of gold to match her wings. It stole her breath away with its beauty and even allowed for her wings to slide through the slits in the back. Tears welled in her eyes and she brushed them away then dressed quickly, pulling her hair into a loose knot on top of her head. She put the matching slippers on, fluttering her wings excitedly, and hurried into the ballroom to oversee the last-minute preparations.

The room was a bustle of activity as food was set out and the minstrels prepared their music for the evening. Nearly everyone was in attendance, from the smallest child to the oldest adult. Trista’s senses picked up the nervousness of everyone in attendance, especially those who were old enough to recall the last time a party was held in Greenbriar. She wished she could tell them the burden rested on her alone, that if Braedon ended up furious she would take full responsibility, but she knew it would not allay their fears.

‘Twas then she realized they loved their king and wanted his happiness, wanted him to no longer feel the pain that had lived inside him since the night his father died. She wanted that too.

She spied Donny and Erin looking lost at the table of food, holding hands tightly. She knew they were both nervous about tonight, afraid of what Braedon’s reaction would be. She hurried over to them and grasped their hands, then signaled the minstrels to begin playing music. Once the strains of song began, she knew that Braedon would hear and come investigate, but the time for trepidation was past.

“Shall we have some fun?” she asked, plastering on a happy smile despite the pounding of her heart.

Releasing some of her magic, she let golden dust burst around them. Donny’s eyes widened and he laughed, jumping up and trying to capture the dust in his hand. Erin looked to her and grinned.

The music was lively and soon enough, raucous sounds of laughter began. It was not long before people were dancing, children were running, the townspeople were eating and joking and a full celebration was in force.

Trista wandered throughout the crowds, which had now spilled out into the courtyard, the ballroom filled to capacity. Jugglers entertained children and adults alike and ale was flowing as amply as water. Music and laughter resounded in the air and Trista beamed.

“What in all that is holy is going on here!”

And just as quickly, the entire courtyard and ballroom went silent as Braedon’s distinctive bellow was heard above the loud noise of the celebration. Trista halted mid-stride and turned toward the sound of his voice. He approached her, his face red and twisted with anger.

She maintained a calm demeanor, refusing to battle with him tonight, knowing she would need to hold onto control. Now was not the time to anger him further. This was her gift to him and she must remember that. If it took every ounce of self-control she possessed, she would not let him raise her ire here this eve.

“Good evening, Braedon, and welcome to the celebration.”

“Have you gone insane, woman? What do you think you are doing?” She spread her arms and smiled at him. “We are having a party.”

“Why?”

“Because it is high time one is had at Greenbriar.”

“I gave no authorization for a party.”

Clasping her hands behind her back, she said, “As I recall, you informed me that any plans of such nature were to be made between Nadine and me. So we planned.”

“That is not what I meant!”

“Really? How was I to know that?” She was doing a fine job holding her temper in, she thought.

“You knew exactly what I meant, dammit!”

He looked rather funny when he squinted like that, especially since no sun shined in the darkness of night. “I knew no such thing, Braedon. You are undoubtedly thirsty. How about some ale for you and your guards? It has been a trying day. And we have a feast of pheasant and fowl of other natures. Bread and cheese and—”

“Stop talking! I cannot think when you talk so much!” She would remember that for future arguments. Signaling one of the servants, the woman came forth with a tray of ale. Trista calmly took one of the cups and presented it to Braedon. “Here. Drink. You look thirsty.”

Glaring at her, he took it from her and gulped the ale, then slammed the cup down on the tray, immediately grabbing another and doing the same.

“My, you are thirsty,” she said, hoping he would drink several more in succession.

“This party is over.”

“No, ‘tis merely beginning.”

“Celebrations are not allowed in Greenbriar.”

A crowed had formed behind them and around them. A very quiet crowd who watched their discussion with rapt interest. And right next to her stood Erin and Donny.

“Braedon. I understand what transpired the last time a celebration was held at Greenbriar. My heart breaks for your loss. But do not fear all parties will result in the same. I beg of you, do not do this.” She whispered the last so only he could hear.

He opened his mouth to speak, but instead Nadine’s voice spoke beside him.

“Dance with your betrothed, Braedon.”

Braedon turned his gaze on his aunt. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me, son.” Nadine signaled the minstrels to play with a short sweep of her hand. “Dance with your future queen.
Now
.”

Though Trista had not spent long in Greenbriar, she had never heard the short, clipped, angry tone of Nadine’s voice that she heard just now. From Braedon’s wide-eyed look, he had not either.

When the music started, Braedon placed the empty cup on the serving platter and pulled Trista into his arms. Granted, he did it roughly, but he followed his aunt’s command, frowning at the old woman who bore a smug, satisfied smile on her face. He continued to frown at her as he danced Trista into the ballroom, following the minstrels there. The crowed followed behind Trista and Braedon.

She did not quite understand what had transpired between Braedon and his aunt, but it struck her that it had been somewhat monumental. Either way, she was grateful for Nadine’s command.

The party had truly begun.

Braedon fumed silently, still shocked by the tone of his aunt’s voice, a tone she had not used since he was an errant child. He would not embarrass her out of respect, but later he would have words with his betrothed.

“I cannot believe you did this without my permission.”

“I sought only your pleasure, Braedon,” she said, excitement and trepidation warring in her golden eyes.

“We all only want your happiness.”

“I am happy with the way things are.”

Her smile did not reach her eyes. “No, you are not. You are caught up in the pain of the past, a pain that has you in its grip and refuses to let go. You will never be happy until you put it behind you.”

“You know nothing of which you speak, Trista. Leave it alone.”

“I know more than you think.”

“You were not here when it happened,” he said, looking beyond her to the smiling faces, remembering that night so long ago when there was a similar celebration. Only then, his mother and father were here, laughing and dancing and enjoying the night’s festivities.
Until the wizards came. Then there was blood and screaming and swords and fighting. Then there were lightning bolts of pain and his father lying on the ground in a pool of blood. Then the celebration and the laughter died, never to return to Greenbriar.

“When you lose your focus, people die. It is always best to be prepared.”

“Bah. You and your guards are well prepared. You can relax a bit. All castles are prepared for inside attacks now, Braedon. Besides, you have me now and I have magic,” she said with a wink and a grin.

He laughed. “You are a child and know nothing of these things. You can do nothing to help.”

“I can help you fight the wizards. My people have done it before. My sisters have helped.”

“You cannot help me. With this party or with warfare against the wizards. You are a small woman who knows nothing of life or of pain.”

Her smile disappeared. “And you are a cold-hearted fool who is blind to those who love you. You might at least open your eyes and see your brother and sister before they are lost to you forever.” What was she trying to say to him? “So you are saying they alone love me?”

“Well, do not look at me, for I can never love a man whose heart is so closed to love.” She stilled and pushed away from him. For the first time he noticed her tears were golden. “I am not a child, Braedon. I am a woman with a woman’s heart and a woman’s pain. Please do not tell me that I do not know what it means to feel pain. Your words cut me and I bleed. And it hurts. Please do enjoy the celebration for your people went to much trouble to put it together. And look at your brother and sister, before it is too late for you.”

Before he could say anything, she backed away and slipped into the crowd. He started to go after her, but something she said made him turn and search the crowd. He spied Donny and Erin laughing and dancing with a crowd of strangers. Their joy pulled at his heart. That they felt such happiness without him hurt. Surprisingly, it hurt.

“Yes, they still love you.”

He turned to find Nadine beside him. “I am surprised they even know me.”

“You would be surprised by many things if you would only open your eyes.”

“Such as?”

“That I love you, that Erin and Donny love you.”

Nadine threaded her arm through his and rested her head on his shoulder. “And Trista loves you too.”

“I cannot love anyone.”

“And why is that?” she asked.

“Because I must concentrate on protecting all my people. Love is…distracting.” Nadine laughed and kissed his cheek, then forced him to look at her. “Silly boy. It is well past time that you get over losing your parents. Yes it was heartbreaking, but loving someone does not mean losing them. You have always been very smart in military matters. Now it is time to be very wise and use the same intelligence on matters of your heart.”