Authors: Lisa Manifold
Casimir's Journey (31 page)
Now, as he stood at the altar, he felt nervous again. So many things had stopped this, the one thing he wanted above all. He wanted to make it through the day, and leave with his wife at his side.
There were so many guests, they’d moved the ceremony to the great hall. Maddox sat with his father, and a few rows back, he saw Grizelle with a woman who looked a little like Catrin. He peered at her, and she caught his eye, and shook her head. Catrin’s mother. That’s who it was. Ceridwen had said she was alive. They also sat on his side, and he was grateful.
He had mixed feelings about Catrin. She’d caused the death of three good men. While he was alive, he knew he’d died. He’d been gone. People had seen his head cut off. There were those who wouldn’t stand close to him, and if they found themselves with him without others about, they left, making the sign against the evil eye. How Catrin had managed to save him, he would never know. He wasn’t sure he wanted to. But he felt there was something undone, something that still needed to be said regarding Catrin. She’d behaved as a mother would have, doing anything to protect her child.
Standing at the altar, waiting for his bride, he felt the deep pang of loss. His mother was not here. She was too ill to travel. Markellus had nearly missed the wedding. He didn’t want to leave Sophy, not when she was so sick. But she’d insisted, and told him that she wasn’t planning on dying while he was gone.
He saw his brothers sitting with his two fathers, and he had to grin. While they were happy he was alive, it had been a shock. They’d adjusted to life with a new heir, and the road there was not yet smooth.
If they misbehaved, he could always set Thea on them. Thoughts of her made him smile even more widely.
No more was the shy, reserved girl he’d fallen in love with. In her place was a strong woman, unafraid to take on those bigger or stronger when she fought for those she loved or what she believed. He thought that the strong Thea had always been there, lurking behind the shy Thea, but she wasn’t convinced. She felt the adversity had brought it out. “I’ve paid a high price for my competency,” she told him seriously. “I shall not squander what cost me so dear.” A cloud had moved over her face. He knew she didn’t mourn just the loss of him.
After what seemed an eternity, Thea appeared at the doors of the great hall. She was on the arm of Aland, and Casimir could see her through the sheer veil. She was beaming, and the strength of her love shone from her like the sun.
He was staggered by her. As she came closer, he reveled in his good fortune. When they reached him, Aland gave her hand to him, and he took it, and pressed his lips to her fingers. He knew it wasn’t part of the ceremony, but he couldn’t help it.
The most delightful blush rose up Thea’s cheeks. It was a lovely contrast to the sky blue of her gown, which shimmered like the water in a clear stream. She took his breath away.
The priest smiled at them both.
“Welcome. Your Majesties, lords and ladies, knights and honored guests, we are here to witness the joining of Gallivas and Ethion in the persons of the Lady Thea and Lord Casimir.” Casimir met Thea’s eyes, and they smiled at one another.
The priest moved through the ceremony, but Casimir wasn’t attending. He was watching Thea, and she was watching him. He couldn’t wait to be alone with her, away from all the giggling of her sisters, the sly innuendos of the older ladies, and the guffaws of the men. Merely to be in peace was just as desirable as being alone with his bride.
“Please repeat after me, Prince Casimir.” The priest looked expectantly at him. Casimir looked at the priest, not really seeing him until Thea’s hand tightened on his. He nodded.
“I, Casimir Hadden, do take thee, Thea, to be my lawful and only wife. To have, to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for all the days of our lives, from this day forward.”
His voice carried out over the crowd, clear and strong as he repeated the words of the priest.
Then it was Thea’s turn. To his surprise, she made her vows in a voice that suggested she was trying not to cry. He squeezed her hand.
“Prince Casimir, you may welcome your lady.”
Casimir stepped close to her, closer than he’d been since he kissed her the night his memory returned. He lifted the veil, thinking what a silly thing it was. As if he wasn’t already impatient enough. He cupped her face in his hands, cradling her.
“You are my heart, Thea. Forever.”
“And you are mine.” She smiled, the tears in her eyes shining like the stars.
He leaned down, and touched his lips to hers. Without warning, he fell into her in such a way as he’d never felt before. The disconnect he’d felt ever since Catrin had healed him, had put him back together felt, in that moment, healed. He was whole and one again.
He kissed her hungrily, feeling the flames of desire spring to life as she responded to him.
A gentle clearing of the throat reminded him that they were still in public, and would be for some time to come. He stepped back, and smiled ruefully at her. The twist of her mouth told him she was experiencing some of the same pangs.
“I present to you the Prince and Princess of Ethion and Gallivas!” The priest threw up his hands, and the entire hall let out a roar.
Thea’s sisters rushed to congratulate her. In the front was Adelaide, who hugged Thea, and at her side, Sebastian.
“Congratulations,” he said to Casimir. “And thank you.” That last was said quietly.
“Worked out for the both of us,” Casimir grinned, clasping the other man’s hand. “You’ll be here soon enough.”
Sebastian didn’t say anything. He looked towards Adelaide and a smile curled his lips. “I hope you’re right.”
Casimir turned to his father and Maddox, who had come to his side. “I’m so glad you’re both here,” he said. They hugged him, and he knew that he was home.
The feast had been going on for hours. Casimir stifled a yawn. Now what he wanted on top of everything else was to sleep. He was tired from the many toasts offered in his honor, his bride’s honor, their future children’s honor, and so on...
He saw his father trying to discreetly head for the door. Halfway there, a veiled woman stopped him. There was something familiar about her.
He felt Thea start next to him.
“It’s her,” she said. In one swift motion, she was standing, her hand in his, and she pulled him to where his father stood.
She moved quickly, threading her way through the now mostly intoxicated guests. He was glad for it as it allowed them to move easily.
The woman was beginning to turn from Markellus when Thea reached them, and her hand shot out and caught the veiled woman’s arm.
“Leaving so soon?”
There was a dangerous tone to Thea’s voice.
“I have seen what I came to see.”
It was Catrin. Her voice under the veil was quiet and firm.
“How kind of you,” said Thea sharply. “Please do not leave anything behind when you go.”
“Thea, may I offer some advice? I speak from many years of experience. Do not hold this hate to your heart. Do not feed and cherish it. It—I—am not worth it,” Catrin said.
Thea opened her mouth, and then closed it. Casimir could tell that whatever she had been expecting, that wasn’t it.
Catrin continued. “I am sorry. I ask your pardon, although I do not seek your forgiveness. I have taken much, and do not feel it appropriate.”
His heart went out to her. Why he couldn’t be as angry as Thea, he didn’t know. After all, he was the one who had lost a head, even though he’d regained it.
“Thank you, Lady Catrin,” Markellus said, inclining his head. “I thank you for my son.”
She didn’t speak again, just turned and made her way to the doors. As she reached them, she walked out without breaking her pace, or looking back.
Thea let out a huff. “How can the pair of you be so forgiving?”
Markellus crossed his arms, a sign that he was thinking. “When you were born, Cas, we allowed the people of the kingdom to come and pay their respects. People from all walks came and offered gifts, blessings, and the like. There was one woman—she made your mother and I a bit nervous, although we couldn’t explain why. We talked of it afterwards, and found that we’d both been concerned when she approached you. She bent over your cradle, and I could almost see her fall in love with you. You cooed at her, and gave something like a smile, and she bent a little closer. Your mother and I were on the edge of our seats. Then she stood up and told us that you would be the most honorable, noble and chivalrous of men, and we would never have any reason to be anything other than proud of you. That you would be a shining example of what a king should be, or something like that. I don’t remember exactly.”
Markellus sighed. “When we thought she’d finished, we both relaxed. But then she bent over your cradle again, and we both leaned forward. She whispered something to you, and then smiled at the both of us, curtsied, and left. We never saw her again. That woman was Catrin. Even then she was skilled at changing her appearance. I remember her as an old woman. So does your mother. Tonight, when she told me this story, I said, ‘It was you!’ and she acknowledged that it was. I asked her what she’d whispered to you before she took her leave, and this is what she told me. “I will keep you safe always, little Prince. I shall never let anything happen to you.” She has done great harm, but I believe it was done out of love. How odd, that she loved you so, Cas. From the cradle, you’ve had a hold on her. And she was right!” he said, suddenly breaking the contemplative mood. “You have been nothing but our pride.”
Casimir smiled. The last piece clicked into place. Why he couldn’t hate Catrin.
All was well.
While writing is a lonely profession, there are so many people who walk with you as you create your tales and stories.
First, to my husband and children. As I turn this in, it’s my anniversary and I can’t wish for anything more than many more years with my amazing husband, Jimmy. My Darling Boys, I love you.
My family is a constant source of strength and support. Mom, Dad, Shannon, Dick, Liz, Sue, Don – I’m so fortunate that you are mine!
My critique groups – both the Tuesday and Thursday night groups. My craft and ability wouldn’t be where it was were it not for you all. Thank you.
To my friend and writing partner, Monica Poole.
To my amazing editor that I am so fortunate to call friend, Rachel of Millar Editing. There is no way in any dimension this would have gotten done without you. I owe you a day at the beach, at the least.
Finally, thank you to my readers. I love my characters, and my stories. The fact that my mom and I aren’t the only ones who do is both wonderful and amazing to me. Thank you!
Reviews are like manna from heaven, so if you enjoyed this, please leave a review!
You can find the other books of the Sisters Of The Curse Series here:
Book One:
Thea’s Tale
Novella:
One Night At The Ball
Lisa Manifold lives in the amazing state of Colorado with her husband, two Darling Boys, two dogs, and a perpetually offended cat. She is an avid reader, skier, and costumer. You can find her online at:
Website:
Writing From The Top Of The Street
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/authorlisamanifold
Twitter:
@LMManifold
Amazon Author Page:
amazon.com/author/lisamanifold
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