Mysterious Warriors: Alone (13 page)

~ Chapter 29 ~

              Queen Margaret sat at her desk, looking around at her maids and ladies-in-waiting.

              “We have to make this party better than anything anyone has ever seen.” She paused. “Which is going to be hard.”

              “Perhaps you can have fire-wielders?” Roanna suggested.

              Queen Margaret rolled her eyes. “Really? I need something incredible. I want people to see things they’ve never seen before. I’ve had fire-wielders at several parties by now.”

              “Acrobats?” Alice suggested. “Perhaps you need to think of a theme for the party and we can come up with ideas for a theme.”

              Queen Margaret stood. “I like that. If we get something concrete, we can come up with something good.” She paced and looked at her ladies.

              Alice and Terena had been with her longest. Alice, strawberry-blonde hair pinned back in a severe bun, looked at the queen with wild bright-green eyes. She’d always loved planning parties almost as much as Queen Margaret had. She was the queen’s bodyguard of her ladies. Alice was an expert knife-thrower, something she’d learned from her father. Alice had been picked to be the queen’s lady-in-waiting when Margaret had begun to court Prince Warren.

              Terena, with dark brown hair which was never as soft as the queen’s and dark brown eyes, had been hired as the queen’s maid when Lady Margaret and Prince Warren had announced their engagement. She had experience nursing and healing, which was something the king wanted for his new bride. Queen Margaret had assigned Terena to raise her daughters, and the queen suspected they viewed her maid as a mother figure more than they did their own. Rather than be jealous, Queen Margaret was glad her daughters went to someone else with their problems and worries. The queen only wanted to be burdened with joy and gaiety, nothing serious or gloomy.

              Roanna had been hired as Queen Margaret’s lady-in-waiting because of her resemblance to the queen. She was a few years younger, but most people thought they looked strikingly similar. Roanna had suggested the new maid for Princess Tara.

              Lyssa had been working as Queen Margaret’s maid for a dozen years, and she thought she was prettier than the queen. Of course Queen Margaret knew her maid was resentful, and the queen pitied her. But the woman knew her fashion, and she helped the queen pick her outfits as well as the outfits the queen had made for her husband and daughters. Lyssa had an ear to the palace gossip and always enjoyed the social scenes, perhaps more than any of her other ladies.

              “What does Elena like?” Terena asked.

              “She’s a baby.” Queen Margaret gasped. “She doesn’t know what she’d like for a party. Honestly Terena, you should know better than suggest a baby should plan her own party.”

              “How about her mother, Princess Rachel?” Roanna looked up from her paper and ink. “Do you think Princess Rachel should be here to help us plan this party?”

              “Rachel trusts me to throw a divine party for her daughter’s first birthday.” Queen Margaret smiled. “Perhaps we should start with the guest list before we continue to plan the event. The king and queen of Ada’s Circle will be invited, of course. When my daughter married their son, they invited the king and queen of Lenalk. Seeing as they’re our allies, we should probably invite them here.”

              “King Kayne and Queen Lili.” Roanna’s feather moved, and she dipped it back in the ink. “What about the royal family of Magina or Voifan?”

              Queen Margaret blinked. She remembered the dark-haired prince of Voifan.

             
“The pleasure is ours.” Queen Margaret looked over the dark haired young man. He seemed to be in his mid-twenties. “Have you met my daughter, Princess Tara?” She smiled. “She’s been looking for a husband.”

              “Forgive me, Your Highness, but I will never marry.”

              “Why not? Perhaps my daughter can change your mind.”

              “I lost my true love many years ago.”

              “No. We don’t need to invite the royal family of Voifan or Magina.” Queen Margaret insisted. “We need to invite Baron Stefan’s parents. Are they alive?”

              “I’m sure we can find them.” Alice stated.

              Queen Margaret stretched her arms out and gasped as she stared at her ladies. “I’m picturing a sea of velvet and cloth draping from the ceiling. Maybe it’s a sea theme, or mermaids, or something enchanting like that?”

              “We can work with that.” Lyssa pursed her lips.

              “I want everyone to remember this party.” Queen Margaret looked between Alice’s bright green, Roanna’s brown, Terena’s dark brown, and Lyssa’s deep brown eyes. “Everyone will want to talk about this. My first granddaughter is turning a year old, and everyone will look at me and know how much I love my family.”

~ Chapter 30 ~

30
th
day of Fobst, year 520

              The sound of rain added to the beat of the bongo and the pitch of the tambourine. Rachel watched the gypsy family play their instruments at her father’s birthday ball. A little boy, about three or four, hit the bongo, and a man who looked to be his grandfather played the guitar. Beside them, a woman, probably the boy’s mother, danced and performed the tambourine.

              A group of gypsy women danced in the center of the ballroom, feet moving in time with the beat of the musicians. Their long, flowing skirts swirled as they spun, and the women waved multi-colored scarves in their steps.

              “Did you get a pair of bells for your shoes?” Gary joined her and handed her something small.

              Rachel took the small bells and shook her head. “No.” She gently attached them to her dance slippers, specialty made ones with steel on the soles, so when she tapped her feet, they made more noise.

              “Even you look like a gypsy tonight.” Gary smiled as he kissed her cheek.

              “Mother enjoys getting us new dresses for her themes as well.” Rachel glanced at her flowing purple skirt and ruched black top. Her hair was braided and pinned with purple flowers, and a purple scarf adorned her neck.

              “Come my gypsy dancer.” Gary took her hand and gently pulled her into the dance.

              Rachel shook her head. “My mother thinks it’s bad manners to join a dance after it began.”

              “Well I like breaking your mother’s rules.” Gary pulled her close and kissed her. “Come. Let’s enjoy ourselves while Monika is watching our baby.”

              “I wonder why she always insists to babysit Elena.” Rachel spun away from her husband, bringing her arms in the air with a grace she hadn’t felt in a long time. Gold bangles slipped down her arm as she moved. She turned on her steel heel and moved back toward her husband. “I mean, everyone enjoys some kind of aspect of Mother’s parties, and I just don’t understand why Monika will never come by.”

              “Maybe you should ask your sister. Monika is her maid.”

              Rachel shrugged. “I’m just glad she’s good with Elena, and our daughter likes Monika.”

              “Me too.”

              The family of musicians ended, and a woman stepped up to sing.

              “Look over there.” Gary gasped and gestured. “I’m shocked your mother would think of that.”

              Rachel turned and laughed. “Wow.”

              They walked through the crowd to several tents. One housed a family making popped corn, another had a fortune teller, and a third lodged a card game. Ian and Neal were playing cards while Tara, Pearl, and Stefan ate popped corn.

              “There you are.” Tara waved. “This is kind of fun.”

              “We’re surprised to see the tents.” Rachel stole some of her sister’s treat. She threw the white corn into her mouth and closed her eyes as she savored the taste. “So good.”

              “Are you enjoying yourself Princess?” Patience joined them with a curtsy of her large skirt. Her hair was braided with ribbon, and multicolored bangles braceleted her wrists.

              “My father only turns 53 once.” Rachel spoke her mother’s words. “I’m just glad to enjoy this party as well. Sometimes Mother’s visions are too much, like our welcome home and baby party. That was too much.”

              Patience chuckled. “Excuse me Princess.” She slipped past Rachel to where Neal and Ian played cards.

              Rachel’s eyes widened as she noticed Patience put a hand to Neal’s shoulder.

              “How long has that been going on?” She looked at Gary.

              “Patience has been flirting with him since he came.” Tara shook her head. “Don’t worry; Neal has a good heart and head.”

              “He isn’t ready to move on.” Rachel insisted. He couldn’t court someone, and her mother would be angry with Rachel if Neal courted Patience. She couldn’t control what her friends did, but she knew what her mother would say. Besides, Neal was still broken-hearted after losing Janie. He’d tried courting someone different than Janie in Adeline, but there was something in the boldness that made Rachel think Patience was more Janie than Adeline.

              “He’s not, or you’re not?” Pearl asked gently.

              “Neither.” Rachel closed her eyes. “I just can’t see them together.”

              “Who together?” Alex joined them with a drink for Tara. “Hello everyone.”

              “Hey Alex.” Rachel liked her sister’s protector more than the man her sister was courting. “We were just discussing Neal and Patience.”

              “Oh she likes him.” Alex noted. “Did you see them while we were shooting in the range?”

              “Hello my darling Little Hummingbird.” Stefan joined them with a drink for Tara.

              Tara took the drink in her free hand and sipped from each cup.

              “But Neal can take care of himself.” Alex finished with a roll of his eye.

              “In cards?” Stefan looked at the man.

              “Never mind.” Gary chuckled. “This is a nice party, isn’t it?”

              “Did you see the little boy playing the bongos?” Pearl grinned. “He’s so cute. I heard him and his grandpa go to the beach in Southside and play to make money.”

              “Beach bums.” Queen Margaret stepped between her daughters. “Hello my darling girls. Your dresses look divine.”

              “Thank you Mother.” Tara stated.

              “Yes.” Rachel meant the words. “Thank you.”

              “Happy Birthday Father.” Tara embraced him as he joined them as well.

              Rachel followed the sentiment and statement, and King Warren touched both daughters’ shoulders. “I am so blessed to have a beautiful wife and loving daughters. What more can a man ask for?”

              “More grandbabies.” Queen Margaret winked. “And his other daughter married.” She turned to face Stefan. “When are you going to ask for Tara’s hand?”

              “Hand?” Stefan’s face reddened, and Tara groaned.

              “Don’t make her wait too long.” Queen Margaret insisted. “Come Warren my darling, we have more guests to speak with.”

              As they left, Rachel looked at her sister. “More guests to speak with. I wonder if Mother groups us with her other guests.”

              “Well she does have to be an excellent hostess.” Pearl paused.

              “Wow.” Tara looked at her friend. “Very true.”

              Pearl bit her lip.

              “Do you want to dance again?” Gary looked at his wife, and Rachel nodded. She was ready to keep dancing with her well-made shoes, swirling skirt, and especially her wonderful husband.

~ Chapter 31 ~

              Tara wiped sweat from her brow as she turned and looked at Alex. His bright blue eyes met hers, and he breathed heavily. “That was a nice jab. I didn’t know if it would be a good idea to spar with you, but it is rather enjoyable.”

              Tara smirked and tousled his dark hair. “You’re cute when you’re out of breath.”

              He stared at her, and she wondered if she said something he didn’t understand. She was just teasing him. They were good enough friends for him to know that, right?

              “You are such an incredible woman Tara.” Alex whispered. “I’ve loved you for a long time.”

              Her heart pounded in her ears, and she stared at him. Unsure how to respond, what to say or do, she remained still. The moment pounded on in heartbeats as she stared into the bright blue, hopeful eyes that remained on her face. She didn’t know how she felt about Alex. He was a friend, someone she was comfortable with, and her heart was nearly claimed by someone else.

              “Alex…” She didn’t know how to say the words. Her throat caught, and she saw the look in his bright eyes. He knew what she was going to say, even if she didn’t.

              “I know you have feelings for Stefan, though I don’t understand why.” Alex shook his head. “He’s obsessed with birds, and I am obsessed with weapons. We share the same interests, and we have a long history together.”

              “I’m sorry.” She whispered as her heart broke. It wasn’t Stefan who she was choosing. She loved Sacrifice, but neither Alex nor Stefan could know. She didn’t want to hurt Alex, but it would be better if he knew she had feelings for someone else, even if it wasn’t the man he believed her to.

              “Never mind.” He turned. “You keep courting Stefan and pretend he’ll make you happy. I know he won’t. If you give me a chance, I know we can make a wonderful life together. You’re ignoring your feelings if you think Stefan will satisfy you.” He took her face in his hands and held her so she couldn’t look away. “Have you really never thought about us being together? Your mother would prefer you courting a baron, I know that, but you have the choice of who you court. You can love me, and I already love you. Be with me Tara, and I know you will not regret giving me this chance.”

              “I’m sorry Alex.” She whispered. “I know we’re good friends.”

              “Friends.” He released her and turned. “That’s the word all guys want to hear from women. ‘Friends.’” He faced her once more. “I don’t want to be your friend anymore.”

              “That’s all I can offer you.” Tara huffed. “I’m sorry if you thought we had something more. I didn’t think I was leading you on, but I don’t love you.” The words slipped from her lips, and she couldn’t take them back. His face was frozen in shocked horror, and she put a hand on his arm.

              He yanked free from her fingers, and Alex stormed toward the door. “I hope you are happy with Stefan.” He slammed the training door shut as he left.

              Tara fell to her knees, tears escaping her eyes. She couldn’t keep the flood from flowing, and she wasn’t sure why she was crying. It wasn’t like she loved Alex. Sacrifice was the man she loved, and she couldn’t change how she felt. Perhaps she had no idea who the man behind the mask was, but Tara knew Sacrifice would always be her partner and by her side.

              Alex was her protector, not her partner. He was beginning to understand she could protect herself, but he still wanted to save her. She didn’t want a man to save her, she wanted a man to fight by her side. She remembered Janie’s favorite book,
Tale of a Knight
by Adam Hans.

             
Tara leafed through a few pages and started reading. “
Destin cut the man holding Janie from the back. The man dropped, dead. Destin threw Janie one of his swords. ‘Fight!’

              “She stared at him. He had told her to fight. Her father had always told her to run.”
Tara looked up. “What is this book about?”

              “It’s about a woman who disguises herself as a man.” Blake gently took the book out of her hands. “She fights to save her family from the evil royals.”

              Tara shook her head. She’d always wanted to end up with a man who was her best friend. What was Alex? He was more than her protector; he
was
one of her close friends. Tara smirked. Blake hadn’t wanted to end up with a woman like Janie… Janie? Tara frowned as she rushed to the small library on the first floor. What had been the surname of the character in
Tale of a Knight
?

              She found the leather-bound book in their library and opened the cover. “
In the kingdom of Guama, an evil king ran the land. There were few good people left in Guama because of the king. Aaron was his name. He had a tallant for evil.
” She leafed through the pages. “
’If you wish to find her, ask for the daughter of George Creaton and tell them that Larry Martin sent you.’
” Tara stared at the page.
Janie Creaton?
Was it possible Blake’s real name wasn’t truly Janie? Tara sat hard and held the book, more questions invading her mind. Alex’s declaration was no longer the biggest shock to her system.

              The room glistened with glitter, as did her dark locks, and Queen Margaret couldn’t be happier with the look of her birthday party. Of course it was beautiful, just as she’d planned it.

              “Look at my girls!” She rushed to Tara and Rachel.

              Tara stood tall in a mint-colored velvet dress with a wide mint tulle skirt. She wore white lace wings on her back, and her hairnet was affixed with glitter and small green flowers. Her lashes were dusted with sparkles, and her lace slippers matched her wings. Rachel was dressed likewise in the shades of rose and white. Rachel’s long hair was pinned with roses and jeweled clips.

              “This is quite the party.” Tara stated.

              “Well a woman only turns…” The queen paused. “Never mind.” She didn’t want to admit her age.

              “You look like a fairy princess.” Rachel stated kindly.

              “Thank you.” Queen Margaret gripped her gold wand in hand. The thing sparkled with diamonds and rubies, matching her red attire. “I always wanted to throw a fairy princess ball, but then you both grew up so fast. So now I get the party I always wanted.”

              “I’m glad.” Tara didn’t sound so, but the queen ignored her daughter.

              “Where’s Stefan?” Queen Margaret frowned as she noticed her daughters were alone. “Where’s your husband?”

              “Gary’s getting us something to drink.” Rachel answered.

              “Oh.”

              “And I haven’t found Stefan yet.” Tara paused. “I had a lot on my mind, and Rachel and I were talking about it.”

              “Well don’t let your fiancé find you here without him. You need to look for Stefan.”

              “He’s not my fiancé.” Tara stated. “I don’t think he’s the right man for me.”

              What a cruel trick!? The queen shook her head. “Don’t say such nonsense child.” She touched Tara’s cheek. “You know a baron is the right man for you. You must love him.”

              “Why must I?” Tara’s voice broke.

              “Because you need to marry and have children. That’s what you’re here to do.” Queen Margaret couldn’t comprehend why her daughters didn’t understand their purpose. “Stop looking so upset. This is my party, and you will both enjoy it.”

              Tara exchanged a glance with Rachel. “Yes Mother.”