The Wild Swans (3 page)

“I
n Sole, a royal ball would so fill the royal palace, normal government activities would be halted for a week,” Orazio continued, lifting his prominent nose into the air like the sail of a boat.

“How inconvenient. Although I suppose you must miss it?” Elise said
, feigning sympathy. Ambassador Orazio was a fussy, opinionated man. Elise did not enjoy speaking to him, but it was in Arcainia’s best interests to see that he was properly entertained.

Orazio stroked his greasy goatee. “The food
, the colors, the brilliance of Sole cannot be imitated. However, Arcainia is a pleasant post—although I must confess I do not understand your obsession with work uniforms,” he said, watching three secretaries from the Commerce Department walk past. Their department affiliation was clearly indicated by the black bands they wore on their arms over their party clothes.

“For a country as small as Arcainia
, the uniforms provide an easy method of organization and wordless communication,” Elise said, her hand lingering on the red sash tied around the waist of her white dress.

“If you say so
, Princess,” Orazio said, taking a goblet of wine from a serving maid. “I find your lack of class distinction… refreshing,” Orazio said, placing the pause to make it clear he found it anything but. “In Sole, hardly any sort of royal ball would allow government employees to attend.”

If the royals are anyth
ing like you, it’s no wonder
, Elise wryly thought.

“Another symptom of our small country
, I suppose. Our government subordinates have much to do with the running of the country, so we feel it is appropriate to welcome them into occasions of celebration,” Elise said.

“I see
,” Orazio said.

“If you will pardon us
, Ambassador Orazio. Could you spare Elise for a few minutes?”

Orazi
o and Elise turned to face Rune, who spoke the request, and Falk.

Standing side by side, the brothers
made a stark contrast. Rune was bright with his glimmering gold hair, hazel eyes, and charming smile. Falk, on the other hand, had hair that was the dark shade of goldenrod—the darkest out of any of the true children of King Henrik and Queen Ingrid—and brown eyes that were the color of darkly stained wood. Rune was more relaxed; his jaw line, lips, and posture were curved like a soft smile. With Falk, everything from his hair to the distinct frown of his lips were jagged.

Orazio bowed. “Of course
. Prince Rune, Prince Falk,” he said, his voice cool.

Elise blessed Orazio with one last portrait smile. “If you will excuse me
, Ambassador,” she said before she slipped away, a foster brother on either side.

Once they
were far enough away, Elise let her shoulders droop. “Thank you for the timely rescue.”

“You looked like you
were contemplating murder,
Pearl
,” Falk said, as blunt as ever.

“You force yourself to speak to Orazio too much. He is as likeable as a skunk
. You do not have to act as his personal host,” Rune said, ignoring Falk’s observation.

“
But I do,” Elise sighed. “Orazio cannot abide Steffen, so Steffen asked me to keep an eye on him and converse with him in his place. Speaking of Steffen, where is he?”

“Smooz
ing the Loire ambassador with Gabi,” Falk said, nodding his head at the royal pair.

Steffen and Gabrielle made a beautiful couple—all smiles and good will—as they conversed with the Loire ambassador.

“They’re good,” Elise said. “Looking at them one would never realized we barely avoided a war just a few days ago when the Loire ambassador revealed they obtained the contract Steffen made with the Verglas Assassin’s Guild.”

“Sloppy work
that was,” Falk grunted.

“It
wasn’t as close as one would think. I spoke to Mikk before the ball,” Rune said. “According to one of his sneaks, Prince Severin finally put his foot down and told Crown Prince Lucien he wouldn’t let him declare war on us. Plus the contract was for an attempt on Prince Severin’s life. If the guild, and Steffen, was serious, Prince Severin would be dead.”

“Thank heaven for large miracles
,” Elise sighed.

“We could
have survived,” Falk said.

“Yes
, but we would have pulled in every favor and debt we’ve accumulated over the past decade,” Elise said.

“Either way
, war has been deflected. With luck, our countries will remain allies, but for now it is better to focus on more important things,” Rune said.

“Such as?”
Falk asked, one of his eyebrows slanted in disbelief.

“The present
, of course. Elise, you look beautiful tonight,” Rune said, taking Elise’s gloved hand and kissing her palm.

“Thank you. Based on court opinion
, this goes without saying, but both of you look very dashing and handsome as well,” Elise said, watching with amusement as several nearby noble ladies giggled and looked in their direction.

“Hmph
,” Falk said, directing his gaze away from the girls.

Rune
, however, smiled and inclined his head at the ladies, making them giggle louder.

“Prince Rune?” a female garbed in a palace guard uniform said after approach
ing Elise and her foster brothers.

“Yes?” Rune said.

The guard removed her helmet and bowed.

“Good even
ing, Captain Meier,” Rune said after identifying the guard.

“Good even
ing Prince Rune, Prince Falk, and Princess Elise,” the guard said, her greeting started warm, but her tone was chilled by the time she greeted Elise.

“Good even
ing, Brida,” Elise said, familiar with the prickly warrior. She was a captain in the palace guard and was often assigned to guard Elise or Gabrielle as a result of her gender and Steffen’s overactive imagination. She seemed to get along fine with Elise’s family, but she was cold to Elise.

“How can we help you?” Rune said.

Brida bowed again. “I was speaking to Prince Nickolas. He expressed a wish to see you. I offered to fetch you.”

“I’m sorry to say it
, but Nick must do without me. I have just rescued Elise from the clutches of a smug man, and I will not so easily surrender her company,” Rune said, playfully smiling at Elise.

“It
’s fine; I see Mertein with some of the Commerce Department staff. I would like to speak to him,” Elise said.

“I bet you would
,” Falk muttered.

“Elise
, you cannot mean to drop me so soon after I saved you,” Rune said, his hazel eyes wide and sincere.

“I do
,” Elise said.

“I see how it is. You use me as your hero
, and when you have no need of me, you dump me,” Rune sighed, winking at an heiress who dawdled nearby.

“You found me out
,” Elise said, motioning at Mertein when she caught his eye to come closer.

“Very well
. You may leave. Just this once though,” Rune said as Mertein approached them. “I won’t let you go running off with men much longer,” he said, leaning over to kiss her forehead.

“You’ve been out in the woods t
oo long,” Elise said, taking a step towards Mertein. “But I thank you all the same for the rescue—you and Falk both.”

Falk bowed. “Always
,” he said before stalking off, ignoring a pretty girl who tried to get his attention.

“Prince Rune
,” Brida said.

“Fine
, fine. Where is Nick?” Rune asked, turning away as Elise and Mertein clasped hands.

“Good even
ing, Fürstin,” Mertein said, bowing over Elise’s hand.

“Good even
ing, Mertein. I hope I did not pull you away from anything important?” Elise asked.

Mertein shook his head. “Just work discussion.”

“Good. Please pardon my rudeness, but I wanted to dance with you,” Elise said.

“There is noth
ing to pardon. I am happy to talk to and dance with you,” Mertein said with a boyish smile.

“How
have you been?” Elise asked as the young man led her to the mass of swirling dancers.

“Quite well
, thank you,” Mertein said. “My department is busy preparing for the opening of Carabas Harbor, but it is very exciting. And how are you?”

“As well as can be expected. I enjoy parties and feasts
, but sometimes I feel they are more trouble than they are worth,” Elise said.

“
But that cannot be so,” Mertein said with wide, innocent eyes. “Everyone is such great company; the food is outstanding, and it is hard to otherwise find a suitable location in which to dance.”

Elise smiled at Mertein’s
earnest statements. “Everything you say is true. So, let us enjoy our dance,” she said as they slipped into place among the dancers.

“Absolute
ly, Princess,” Mertein said. “I am glad I have convinced you.”

Elise refrained from correct
ing the sweet boy. Later in the evening, she would have to attend to Ambassador Orazio—a situation thorny enough to make the most enjoyable events sour. But Mertein’s good humor was one of the things Elise liked about him. His good countenance would make marriage pleasant if King Henrik did not find a more suitable candidate.

“
Father. Father,” Elise said, trying to get King Henrik’s attention with no such luck. The King was seated in a chair behind his desk, staring vacantly at papers.

“
Father
,” Elise said, dropping a thick stack of reports on his desk, making a loud smack.

“I beg your pardon
, who—? Elise. H-hello, darling,” King Henrik said, shaking his head as if to clear it. “You startled me, child.”

“I apologize. I knocked
before I entered,” Elise said.

K
ing Henrik smiled. “I must have been deep in thought. How can I help you, daughter?”

“I
have the finance reports you requested,” Elise said, sliding the stack of papers across the desk.

“Wonderful
. Thank you for your swift work,” King Henrik said as he flipped through the top few pages of the report with shaking fingers.

“You’re welcome. Father
, are you alright?”

“Hm?” K
ing Henrik said, looking up at Elise.

“Are you feel
ing alright?” Elise repeated.

“
Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“You mere
ly seem a little preoccupied,” Elise said.

“Nonsense
. I’m fine. I’m just fine…,” King Henrik trailed off as he paged through the report.

“Father?”

“Yes?”

“Did you need anyth
ing more?”

“
No, child. This is all for the moment. Thank you, Elise. Run along, now.”

Elise retreated to the door of the king’s private study. She studied her foster father as the normal
ly attentive man flipped through the financial reports, scattering other papers to the floor.

It
was odd behavior for man who was usually just as fastidious and dutiful as Elise.

Elise flattened her lips
before she left the king’s study. If the behavior persisted, she would mention it to her brothers.

Chapter 2

“It is a shame you
have to leave so soon after your arrival. You haven’t been home for a full month,” Elise said, leaning against a stairway banister.

“I know
, but it was my mistake not to hunt down the female sea serpent as well. Carabas cannot afford to have a sea monster plaguing its harbor when we aim to open it for business in spring,” Rune said.

“I know
,” Elise said. “I shall miss you.”

Rune smiled playful
ly—a gesture that normally made women swoon. “I shall miss you more,” he said.

“Take care
, and be safe,” Elise said, stepping closer to smooth a crease in his over shirt.

Rune
was dressed in his usual hero garb of black breeches and boots with a black, fitted tunic trimmed in gold. “I will do my best,” Rune said, hefting his sword.

“What-ho
, my sweet little family?” called one of two similar men who approached the staircase. They were big and broad shouldered, built like twin bulls. They were nearly identical, except one of the men had a crooked nose that looked like it had gotten smashed a couple dozen times.

“Greetings
, Nick and Mikk. I am leaving,” Rune said.

“What? Already?” Nick
, the younger twin yelped.

“It can’t be helped. A sea serpent is lurk
ing around Carabas’ harbor,” Elise said.

“Again?
Weren’t you dispatched to off one out there earlier this season?” Nick asked.

“I
was. This one was its mate,” Rune said.

Nick tisked. “Shame on you
, little brother. And here I thought we raised you better than to miss monsters. That’s sloppy work. Aren’t you disappointed too, Mikk?”

Mikk
, the older, more serious, and less talkative of the twins, ignored Nick. “Will you return after killing it?”

“I plan to stay at Carabas for a few days. I mean to make sure there
were no hatchinglings. Is there something you want me to look into?” Rune asked.

“No
,” Mikk said.

“
Have you two talked to Father recently?” Nick asked, folding his arms across his massive chest.

“Yes
,” Elise said.

“Did he seem
a little odd?” Nick asked.

“What do you mean by odd?”
Rune asked.

“Act
ing out of character, staring blankly into space, being easily distracted, things like that. Right, Mikk?” Nick said.

“Yes
,” Mikk said, a stony frown etched on his lips as he stared Elise down.

Elise resisted the urge to squirm under Mikk’s rocky stare. She never felt
that Mikk disliked her, as Falk and Gerhart seemed to, but she suspected she did not measure up to his expectations, and he seemed to vaguely disapprove of her. Whenever she was with him, there was an extra layer of pressure in the air.

“Perhaps
, yes,” Elise said. “The past few times I have spoken to him, he has been distracted. I usually have to make a loud noise to get his attention.”

“You think someth
ing is wrong?” Rune asked.

“We’re not certain.
Our line of business tends to breed paranoia, but it’s always best to be on your toes,” Nick said, tapping his broken nose.

Elise and the royal siblings grim
ly stared at each other, but the seriousness of the moment was broken by a peal of tittering laughter that echoed up the stairwell.

“You wound me
, My Lady, with your laughter. I am serious!”

“
But you cannot be.”

“
But I am. I would positively perish if not for seeing your bright smile every day, Lady Meinhilde.”

“Prince Gerhart
, you are too charming!”

“Please
, call me Hart.”

The male flirt
was the youngest of the royal siblings, Prince Gerhart. He was an angel-faced teenager with curly hair and deceptively innocent eyes. He pushed and peddled his charms as part of his training for his future with the Foreign Affairs Department.

“Prince Gerhart
, I could never take such liberties.”

“Even when I beg you to? I would be delighted to hear my nickname uttered by such sweet lips.”

Elise shook her head as Mikk’s lips flattened in great disapproval. Nick, however, took action. He leaned over the banister and called in a loud yodel, “
Gerhie
! There you are, you naughty boy. Come up and wish your big brother Rune goodbye. He’s leaving, you know.
Gerhie
! Why won’t you look at me?”

Elise and Rune stifled laughter as they watched their younger brother’s expression change from
sophistication to mortification.

Gerhart bowed and made an excuse to his female companion
before bounding up the stairs, taking them two at a time. “Was that necessary?” he snarled.

“Of course it
was,
Gerhie
. You wouldn’t want to miss saying farewell to your dashing, heroic brother. Would you?” Nick asked, batting his eyelashes—a ridiculous gesture given his girth and size.

“Don’t call me Gerhie!” Gerhart
said.

“Temper
, temper. If you don’t learn to control your emotions, you’ll never be as popular with the ladies as Rune is,” Nick said.

Gerhart plunged his hands into his thick ha
ir as if he wanted to pull it out of his scalp. He jumped when Rune placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Take care
, Gerhart.”

“You’re real
ly leaving then?” Gerhart asked.

“I am.”

“Good. I’ll return to being number one in the social scene,” Gerhart nodded.

“On
ly if the black horse doesn’t rear his head,” Nick said.

“Falk is antisocial. He
has admirers, but I am liked by all,” Gerhart said, puffing up his chest.

“True
, you and the Perfect Princess are the court darlings,” Nick said, ruffling Gerhart’s hair.

“Get off! And I am certain
ly above
Elise
’s level of popularity,” Gerhart said, disdain dripping from his words.

“
Spoiled brat,” Mikk said.

“Am not
,” Gerhart said, folding his arms.

“I’m off. I need to leave or I won’t make it to Carabas by dark. Brothers
, take care. Elise, don’t overwork yourself,” Rune said, hugging Elise.

“Goodbye
, Rune,” Elise and her foster brothers chorused as Rune trotted down the stairs, heading for the entrance of Castle Brandis where his horse waited.

“
That was touching. So, who is up for a round of cards?” Nick asked.

“I must return to my office and finish copy
-editing the Black Army’s accounts. Aren’t you supposed to be making inspections today, Nick?” Elise asked.

“Rats. Fine. Let’s go terrorize some recruits
, Mikk. What-ho!” Nick said before leaving as abruptly as he arrived, his twin moving in his shadow.

“Do you
have plans for the afternoon, Hart?” Elise asked.

Gerhart tipped his chin up. “Hmph
,” he said, a high pitched noise exhaled from his nose. He turned on his heels and went back down the stairs.

Elise sighed as she watched the young prince go
before she smoothed the black skirts of her work uniform and set out as well.

Elise
was last to arrive to the royal family dinner some weeks later—or the second to last, as it were. “Where is Father?” Elise asked.

“Dunno
,” Nick said.

Princess Gabrielle
, Steffen’s beautiful wife, further explained. “Good evening, Elise. King Henrik should be along shortly. He sent a note ahead of him; he is bringing a guest.”

“I see
,” Elise said, heading for her usual chair between Nick and Falk. When sitting by age, as the Arcainia Royalty tended to do for formal occasions, Elise sat between Falk and Gerhart. However, the youngest prince gave Elise dirty looks and would ignore her for the duration of the meal if she tried to sit near him at a time when it was not required.

As
Steffen and Gabrielle were seated next to the King, Elise usually chose to sit with her friendliest brother, Nick, when Rune or her remaining foster brother, the intellectually minded Erick, were not present.

“Hey there
, Perfect Princess. Sit on down and join in the fun,” Nick said, pushing Elise’s chair out for her.

“Thank you
,” Elise said.

“Does anyone know who this mysterious guest is?” Nick asked
, turning back to his siblings once Elise was seated.

“I
have not heard of any visiting dignitaries,” Falk said, rubbing a lock of his stick straight hair between his fingers.

“No one new
has entered Castle Brandis,” Mikk said.

“Father hasn’t been meet
ing specifically with any family of nobility,” Gerhart said. “No one’s been trying to squirrel their way into our good graces either—well, no more so than usual.”

“It seems odd
that he would invite a guest to a family dinner,” Princess Gabrielle said.

“
If his counselors are going to join us, he tells us several days in advance. This was very sudden,” Steffen said.

Nick nudged Elise. “
Has he said anything to you, Elise? After Steffen and Gabi you see him the most.”

Elise shook her head. “For the past week
, he has spoken little with me, except…”

“Yes?” Mikk said
, leaning forward so he could peer past his twin and stamp Elise with one of his heavy gazes.

“He
has taken a sudden interest in Arcainia’s gross income and wealth,” Elise said.

Gerhart snorted. “He’s K
ing. It’s not odd that he should be concerned with his country’s finances.”

“Yes
, of course. But he’s requested a number of reports. He wants to know on a daily basis what the accumulated wealth is. Previously, he would ask for estimates. Now he wants specifics,” Elise said.

M
ikk tapped the table with a spoon as he thought.

“Perhaps it is time
that we more closely watch Father,” Steffen said.

Nick nodded
, looking like Mikk in his seriousness.

Before
any of the other siblings could respond, the doors banged open, and King Henrik entered the private dining room with a tall, regal woman.

“Children
, allow me to introduce you to Lady Clotilde,” King Henrik said, approaching the table.

Elise
and her foster siblings stood, inclining their heads in deference to their father.

Elise
studied Lady Clotilde under her eyelashes. The woman was almost as tall as most of Elise’s foster brothers. Her shoulders were wide, but she walked with an air of self-assurance few ladies of Arcainia could muster. Although she was King Henrik’s guest, she wasn’t more than a year or two older than Steffen. She was fair haired and had light blue eyes that were almost colorless. She was pleasing to look at, but she gave off the same sort of sharp beauty as a crow or a bird of prey.

K
ing Henrik smiled widely as he escorted his companion to the table, seating her in the empty seat next to his.

“Lady Clotilde
, may I introduce you to my children: Kronprinz Steffen and his wife Prinzessin Gabrielle, Prinz Mikkael, Prinz Nickolas, Prinz Falk, Prinz Gerhart, and Fürstin Elise,” King Henrik said before he too sat.

The introduction bothered Elise. Whenever K
ing Henrik introduced his family he usually waxed poetry over them for a bit and called them by their first name. Never before had King Henrik introduced her in an informal occasion as Fürstin.