Casimir's Journey (20 page)

“Hello?”

He turned. “Roys, I’m sorry. I was looking around. Rather off-putting that we’re in the same place those two dead princes slept.” He shuddered.

“Aren’t you sure of this?” Roysten was alarmed.

“I am. Doesn’t mean I don’t get the chills to think about those poor sods. I doubt they had a Grizelle.”

“Hopefully, we have a Grizelle,” muttered Roysten. “What do you want me to discover?”

“Adelaide—which one is she?—told me that Sebastian, that’s the rude one—is put out at the princes having a go at this. Apparently,” Hadden grinned suddenly, “He doesn’t like the competition. The last one declared for his fiancée…” He thought for a moment, but couldn’t remember her name.

“Thea. Rather a cold fish to have all these men fighting for her.”

“She’s a lovely fish, nevertheless. What I discovered is that the Princess Adelaide is in love with sissy’s beau. I think he feels the same way, if what I saw was accurate. Thea doesn’t look all that bothered.”

“Cold fish,” Roysten said again.

“In any event, dig around. See what the talk is. Rather curious that he’s not taking a shot, but he’s got too much to lose at this point. I’m sure it chafes at him.”

“Perhaps he needs a little encouragement to be needled?”

They grinned at one another. Hadden slapped Roysten on the shoulder. “Good man. We think alike. Now let’s get some sleep. Tomorrow, we get to go round and be social,’’ Hadden made a face. “You’ll be on your best behavior.”

“Oh, yes sir, Sir Hadden. Please, Sir Hadden, tell me more of what I must do.” Roysten had a simpering look.

“Shut up,” Hadden said, laughing.

Yes, he was very glad that Roysten was here.

His eyes flew open. Presumably it was morning. He looked around the room. Yes. There was sunlight coming in through an upper level casement. This was the most comfortable bed he’d been in since…he wasn’t sure when. His camp cot was nowhere near this nice.

He sat up. As he did so, Roysten came in. He was dressed, and amazingly, washed and brushed. “Look at you. Quite the esquire, you are.”

Roysten sniffed. “No call for manners in camp. There’s call here. I’m going to get you out alive.” His tone was grim.

“We share the same goal, you know.”

“I’m not likely to have my head turned by one of the pretty princesses.”

“Oh, I don’t know. The only one I spoke with at any length was mortified at least twice during our conversation. I’d not say my odds are all that favorable at this point in time,” Hadden grinned ruefully.

“It only takes one, and you’ve got a one-in-twelve chance,” said Roysten. “Today you need to get to know them. Focus on them, but try not to offend any of the little lordlings. I’ll dig about, see what’s what. Can you manage on your own?”

“What, you think I can’t tie my tunic without you? I’ll be fine, bumble through it.”

“Not you, your lordship,” Roysten said, laughing. He was teasing again about Hadden’s manners. “It’s like you’re to the manor born. Just fit right in with the rest of them.”

“Help me figure out what to wear. Never been to a viper pit where you had to be well-dressed.” Hadden got out of bed, suddenly grumpy.

“Never fear, Sir. The king’s already sent you some things you might need to make your stay more comfortable,” Roysten walked over to the wardrobe and pulled clothing from it.

“I’ve never worn such finery,” Hadden said. “I don’t feel right. I’d rather wear my uniform. I’m a soldier, and—”

Roysten held up a hand, stopping him. “You are a soldier, yes. But now, my good sir, you’re a knight. One that might be king one day. You will comport yourself properly.”

Hadden just stared and then burst out laughing. “Since when did you become knowledgeable on court etiquette?”

“I’ve been with Lord Maddox a long time, and he used to be at court more,” said Roysten firmly. “I won’t have you shame him, or yourself. Now stop your chatter and get dressed.”

Hadden complied, completely taken aback at the change that had come over his former comrade. Roysten had slipped into the role of servitor with ease, and seemingly held no resentment. He’d grown up with Roysten around the manor house of Lord Maddox, but he’d not thought the man might have been at court. Maddox was so determined to stay far from it, Hadden had thought he had no experience of it.

He stood quietly as Roysten dressed him, making sure that he was clean and presentable.

“I’ll call for a bath for you before dinner. You are already marked as some sort of bumpkin. Everyone will be expecting you to be unwashed and uncivil.”

“No need to take offense, Roys. I haven’t. I am uncivil. I live in a tent and bathe infrequently. We don’t change our clothes daily, as you well know. I won’t hide who I am.”

“Don’t hide who you are. Just don’t live down to their expectations. Rise above, far above them.”

“I won’t shame myself, or you, or Maddox.” Hadden was gentle. He couldn’t tell what had spurred this in Roysten, but he was a good judge of men, and he could see that this was a matter of great pride for his friend. “I don’t want anyone saying Maddox acted hastily or with poor judgement.”

“Good,” Roysten gave him a smile. “You do as I tell you. Swan about with those girls, see what’s what with them. I’ll find out the rest. There looked to be some lovely ladies who were serving last night.” He winked.

“Lonely, perhaps?”

“Most certainly,” answered Roysten. “Let’s get you down to breakfast, and I’ll collect you afterwards.”

“Do I need a nursemaid?” Hadden was amused.

“You’re among the nobles and the royals now, Hadden. You need to act as one of them.” Roysten didn’t even smile as he spoke, looking over Hadden one final time. “Be familiar once you are able to speak one-on-one with the princesses or in a small group. Until then, use all those manners we used to tease you over. You can’t be too well mannered. I’d guess, as well, this court is tired and heartsick. They’ll appreciate your congeniality.” He nodded, satisfied. “Let’s go. Follow me and be leisurely.”

He turned and left the room. Once they were in the hallway that led to the main doors, Hadden stopped him. “Wait. I want to see this room.” He walked forward. It was a solarium, and the walls were made of glass. He’d never seen such a thing, but the sun hitting the windows and making prisms all throughout the room reminded him of something—what? He shook his head. There was something, but he couldn’t catch it. It was like a fragment on the edge of memory. It would come to him.

“What a wondrous room! Have you ever seen such glass?” He asked Roysten in a low whisper. He didn’t want anyone to hear him, to think him a yokel.

“The king is most considerate of his daughters,” Roysten said formally. “I beg your pardon, my lady. We were just leaving.” He bowed, and Hadden saw that the hallway continued on beyond his chamber. A young woman, a girl really, was walking towards them.

He bowed. “My lady.”

She laughed, and it was the tinkling of water on stones. “Rise, if you please. I am Viviana, the youngest of King Aland’s daughters. It is my pleasure to meet you, Sir Hadden. My congratulations on your recent honor.”

When he looked up, she’d dropped a pretty curtsy.

“No, it is my pleasure entirely, my lady. May I be of service to you? I was on my way to breakfast. May I escort you?”

“I would be delighted,” she said, moving to take his arm. “I’m the lucky one this morning! That’s what happens when you’re up earlier than everyone else!”

“Or hungrier,” he said, and she laughed.

“Or hungrier,” she agreed. “Then may I assume you are hungry as well?”

“Famished,” he said, grinning.

“Then we are of one mind for the moment,” she said. She had even bigger dimples than her older sister, Adelaide. She looked merrier in general. She was also younger, and that might account for some of it.

“I must inquire,” she said as they left the rooms, “Whether or not you had any idea that you were to be knighted? You looked very surprised last evening.”

Hadden looked down at her. Her face was upturned, and there seemed to be no deceit in her. He sighed inwardly. He was going to drive himself mad questioning everyone’s motives, even this young girl’s, but the last two challengers—had they been too trusting? Look where they ended up. He must never forget what fate awaited him if he should let down his guard.

“I have been esquire to Lord Maddox for some time, my lady. I have trained to be a knight, but had no specific date as to when my lord might think me ready.” He chose his words carefully, aware that they were walking into the gallery overlooking the great hall, and more people were passing. Most offered deference to Lady Viviana, and varying degrees of polite gestures to himself. He didn’t miss the eager eyes, and he was sure that this conversation would be reported. Not just to Viviana’s family, but throughout the court.

He’d been accurate calling this a nest of vipers. No wonder everyone looked worn and tired. No wonder Lord Maddox avoided it these days.

“Regardless of his reasons, I am glad he asked father to do it,” she said, sounding like the girl she was. “Court has been most…trying as of late It is nice to see something good happen for a change.”

He leaned into her so that he could speak quietly. “It’s to be expected. You cannot take the time to mourn as you’d like. How well did you know the princes?”

He wanted to see what her reaction was, gauge it beside that of Adelaide’s.

She sighed and looked around to see that no one was close enough to hear, and responded equally quietly. “None of us knew Ulric all that well, but I thought he was great fun. Silly, and a little overdone in his behavior, but a good man. I truly believe that he thought he would succeed. And Casimir,” she looked away, but not before Hadden saw that a sheen of tears glistened in her eyes.

“He fostered with us, did you know that? He was like one of our own, and he and Thea had loved one another since they were children, although I wouldn’t know, being somewhat younger and not remembering such details. I know my mother would caution me for speaking so, but it seems with Casimir gone, life has left our court.” She clamped her lips together.

He could see that she was worried she’d said too much. In normal circumstances, he’d agree that she had, but there was an air of desperation about her. It was part of the wrong feeling he’d had since arriving.

“I am so sorry, my lady. I can assure you that I don’t wish to join their ranks. Although I must wonder if you’d speak so eloquently of me, as you have done for both those fine men.”

His words, said teasingly, brought a smile to her face.

“Is there a reason I should not? Other than you seem to take the thought of death lightly?” The wisdom in her face belied her years.

“I do not take it lightly at all,” he said. They were entering the breakfast room, a smaller, less formal eating area off the great hall. Unlike camp, the size indicated that not everyone ate at once. Perhaps they all had trays sent to their rooms, he thought, mouth twisting in a smile. He returned his attention to Viviana. “I am a great believer in speaking honestly, forthrightly. Perhaps that is not mannerly or very courtly. I have no wish to be a mourned dead man, my lady, no matter how prettily you mourn. I want to succeed.”

“So that you may be king?” Now she definitely didn’t look her age. She looked far, far older.

“Oddly enough, that’s not the driving motivation.” He spoke simply.

“Then what is? Risking one’s life is no small matter.”

They sat together at one of the long tables. It seemed dining was less formal at breakfast, for there was no head table as there was in the great hall. She had chosen the place to sit, and he was interested to see that she chose to sit on the edges of the room, rather than somewhere more central.
They’re dying to talk, to get this out,
he thought
. They want to. All I need to do is to give them the opportunity.

“My lady, with all due respect, I risk my life regularly.”

“How so?” His gentle reminder of his station didn’t stop her from continuing this line of questions.

“I was recently in Ethion. We’ve been on the border for some time. There is a persistent concern over the bandits that cross the border and steal livestock and goods. When we come upon them, it is a fight to the death. They do not come quietly.”

“Were you chasing them across the border?” She leaned forward, not sitting back even when a serving girl set a place and cup in front of her.

He leaned back for a second server. The food smelled divine. Hot and he didn’t have to hurry. That alone put this above camp life, in spite of the risks.

“No. We were investigating the feeling of the place.” Maddox hadn’t told him that his mission was secret. “We merely traveled, stopping at inns and talking and listening.”

“What did you hear?”

“People are very unhappy over Casimir’s death. He was well thought of, more so than his brothers. This prince, for whatever reason, holds a special place in his peoples’ hearts. It may also be that people are feeling even more sentimental now that he is gone,” he said pragmatically. “That often happens. But I do think it’s a sincere regard. They loved him. They wonder why your father didn’t spare him, as they believe that is what royalty does for one another.” He looked at her. He knew his words were harsh.

Her mouth had fallen open. “No one ever speaks like that.”

He laughed, feeling cynical and sorry he had to expose her to it. “Yes they do, my lady. You may not hear it, but they do.”

A few tears slipped from her eyes.
You’re two for two, my boy
, he thought.
You’ve made both ladies cry within under an hour of your company.

“I don’t know if I want to listen to this.” She didn’t sound as friendly as before.

He leaned forward, taking a big bite of the bread on his platter. “You may not want to, but it’s important that you do. As a princess, you will never be free of being a leader of sorts.”

“I’m the youngest! Of twelve!” Her reply came quickly, and with scorn of her own.

“Does that mean you will not marry a king? That you will not end up with your own home and lands to rule?”

“That is the job of a husband!” Now she looked angry.

“It is, but what if he should go to war? My lord Maddox has a very capable lady. She ran the household and estates when he was called to service for your father. Is your eldest sister not the heir? Will she turn over the responsibility of the kingdom to whomever she marries? Is that how she was raised?”

She stared and then laughed. “Thea? Not ever. She is as passionate as a man!” Her mouth flew open as she realized what she’d said.

He nodded. “Exactly. So you must learn to pay attention to what is being said outside your immediate court. Learn to question.” He took another bite of the bread.

“Now you sound like an old man,” she grumbled.