Princess Avenger - Brightcastle Saga Book 1 (13 page)

He slammed his
fist into the stone of the bench and watched as the edge crumbled
under the force. His body was changing. He shouldn’t be strong
enough to cause such damage. Fear lay like a cold stone in his
stomach. He had to find another Defender, someone who could give
him the guidance he needed. He couldn’t afford to leave
Brightcastle yet, though that would be much the safest course for
himself and those around him.

Vard’s
thoughts turned again to Alecia. He hadn’t seen the princess face
to face for three days
-- except just now, as she stared at him from her window.
She had hidden herself away since that day in the meadow and he
couldn’t blame her. At least she’d be safe in her chambers, but the
niggling worry over how she had eluded him the morning of her ride
with the squire persisted. Now, the advent of the ball presented
further difficulties. He must put this obsession with her body and
her lips aside. At least in public, she’d be protected from
him.

He rubbed the
stone that lay on the leather thong around his neck. The solidity
of the talisman beneath his fingers grounded him. His breathing
slowed and he let his fingers drop back to the bench. He had work
to do in preparation for the King’s visit and not much time to
complete it. Security arrangements would be a welcome distraction
from his troubles.

The following morning
dawned bright and clear. Alecia breakfasted in her chambers, the
drapes drawn back to reveal Brightcastle town and the Southern
Alps. Her father had crossed the mountains in his youth and often
spoke of the marvellous cities and people from far off. The stories
had ended with the death of Princess Iona. Smiles had given way to
dark moods, benevolence to hoarding and an obsession with the
trappings of his office.

Why did his
loss mean suffering for the people of Brightcastle? Were Alecia’s
efforts to restore the balance of right and wrong having the
desired effect? Should she be trying to influence her father and
counter the evil advice of Lord Finus rather than rescuing
individuals and exacting revenge? Would the prince listen to her?
Probably not. His entire focus seemed to be securing the throne for
his line, and that meant a husband for Alecia and male children as
soon as possible.

The King had
so far produced no heirs, and royal watchers muttered about the
Queen’ s miscarriages. Alecia knew how her aunt longed for children
and was only too well aware that a son for the King would make her
father’s need for an heir less pressing. Perhaps this trip would be
the tonic the Queen craved and there would be good news in the
spring. It would not come soon enough to save Alecia.

She sighed and
dropped her napkin on her plate. Those were problems for another
day. It was time to dress so that she could greet King Beniel and
Queen Adriana on their arrival. It would be good to see them
again.

Vard buttoned his shirt
and met his eyes in the mirror. His black dress uniform was
spotless, as were his boots. The sword at his right hip was freshly
sharpened and the silver tassels on the scabbard washed and combed.
The prince would not find fault and neither would Alecia.

He frowned at
the thought. Alecia’s opinion of him wasn’t important. Her safety
was the only thing that mattered. The prince had been adamant about
that, declaring that Vard must not let the princess from his sight.
The man was paranoid and possibly mad. That would explain many of
his actions.

Vard’s frown
deepened and he turned from the mirror in disgust. He had been
responsible for all the security arrangements for the King’s visit
until he had reported to the prince this morning. Now the security
of the King rested in Lord Finus’ hands. Vard didn’t understand the
reason for the change, and anything he didn’t understand made him
nervous. Vard had met Finus’ type before and they couldn’t be
trusted.

Alecia’s
safety remained with Vard and that made him edgy too
-- for several reasons, not the
least of which was the kiss they had shared. His mind wouldn’t
leave it alone and his treacherous body wanted more. Perhaps the
princess would be better off escorted by Finus. He snarled at the
thought of the lord’s hands on Alecia and gripped the stone until
his heart slowed to its normal rhythm.

The King would
be arriving soon. Time to take one more ride along the route the
monarch would travel just to be certain all was in order.

Alecia sighed as Vard
cantered his brown gelding back through the main entrance. He did
look striking in his uniform, dark hair curling over his collar and
white gloves gripping the reins with practised ease. Even on the
nondescript gelding, he had a presence that could not be
disregarded. A gorgeous black destrier or a dappled gray charger
would have suited his nature so much better. Her father had many
horses, more than he could ever hope to ride. Perhaps she could
convince him to give Vard a mount that suited his station.

She turned
back to the gilt-edged full-length mirror that hung on the wall
beside the window. The striking cobalt-blue satin gown was
embellished with silver embroidery on the strapless bodice and on
the hem of the organza overskirt. The lacing at the back
accentuated her small waist and generous cleavage, and the color
made her eyes appear blue. She reached for the silver tiara and
placed it in her hair, then donned the sapphire necklace and
earrings that her mother had always said were her favorite
adornment. It seemed to Alecia that jewellery was the only item of
her mother’s that she had to remember her by. Still, it was an
enduring monument to the woman who had left her life much too soon.
She pushed the sad thoughts from her mind and turned her attention
to her makeup.

As she applied
the last stroke of blusher to her cheeks, there was a knock. She
opened the door to Vard. Her heart raced as his eyes ran over her
finery and then rose to meet hers.

“
It
seems long since I last saw you, Princess.” His voice sent frissons
of excitement along her nerves. Alecia wished he would say her name
again, as he had the day in the meadow.
I was wise to avoid
him
.

She wrapped
herself in aloofness. “I have been busy, Captain. I thought you
would be glad to have the duty of my safety off your hands.”

A spasm
crossed his face that Alecia couldn’t interpret. Was it anger,
disquiet? Perhaps some of each? The steely mask slipped back into
place.

“
Your
safety is always my duty, Princess, whether I spend time in your
company or not. I’m here to escort you to greet His Majesty King
Beniel, and this evening you’ll accompany me to the Grand Ball.” He
stepped aside, his hands tightening into fists for a moment.
What has unnerved
him?

Alecia joined
him in the hall. She looped her arm through his, admiring the stony
muscles of his forearm.

He removed her
arm and placed her fingers there instead. “Best to follow protocol,
Princess. You wouldn’t want anyone to assume we are betrothed.”

Her stomach
flipped at his words and she snatched her hand away, intent on
adjusting her dress one last time. What must he think of her! She
had circled her arm through his in the intimate style of lovers,
without thinking. He waited for her to complete her fussing and
placed her hand on his arm again before leading her along the hall
to the stairs. She was grateful that he said nothing as they walked
to their appointed position behind Prince Zialni, just inside the
front gates of the castle.

The distant
cheers of the townspeople drifted to Alecia as the King made his
way through the town. Red and gold silk bunting lined the path to
the front entrance and the gravel had been swept clean. The
servants were all in position in the red, white and gold uniform of
House Zialni. Standing opposite her across the drive was Ramón. He
wore a red and gold velvet tunic over spotless white breeches. His
white gloves carried gold embroidery that matched the scabbard of
his sword. His sharp blue eyes regarded her with frank
admiration.

Alecia smiled
at him. She missed Ramón’s company and easy manner.

Vard cleared
his throat. “A good-looking man, the squire,” he said. “Don’t let
your father see you making calf eyes at him, though. He’s not for
you, I think.”

Alecia turned
to Vard. “Oh, and you would know to whom I am promised, would you?
If that is the case, please tell me.” Alecia bit her lip. She had
not meant that last to pop out. She did not want him to know that
she had so little control of her life.

His gaze
narrowed. “I didn’t say I knew your father’s mind, Princess, but I
know enough to see that your father would never accept the squire
as your husband. It’s a pity, as I think Zorba could make you
happy, or happier than you…” He trailed off.

What had
he been about to say? Happier than she deserved to be? Did he think
so little of her? Sudden tears sprang up and she looked away. “I
will not be content until my people are.”
She turned back to Vard and found him studying
her, his gaze narrowed.

“That’s rich
coming from you,” he said, quietly. “Your father is responsible for
the suffering in Brightcastle.”

“My father is
not responsible,” Alecia said, drawing closer to Vard so she could
speak without being heard. “It is that unspeakable advisor who
turns his heart against all that is right and good. You do not know
him as I do.”

“Your sight is
colored by your love for your father, Princess. Lord Finus isn’t to
blame, at least not entirely.”

“You have been
in Brightcastle all of five minutes,” she said coldly. “What can
you know of anything?”

Vard’s mouth
snapped shut and Alecia turned her attention to the assembled
servants.

Ramón’s
admiring look had become a scowl. A fanfare of trumpets blared and
the King’s party came into view. Rows of red-uniformed soldiers
rode on white horses ahead of a polished redwood coach, with a
golden Zialni crest on the carriage door. Behind followed three
more coaches with different crests that identified the passengers
as minor royalty. Beyond that rode the servants on assorted horses,
from ponies and palfreys to fierce-eyed stallions. Last of all came
another group of soldiers on their prancing white mounts. Alecia
suppressed an impulse to stand on tiptoe like a street urchin,
instead wrapping herself in calm as she waited for her first
glimpse of the King.

As the
procession reached the castle gates, the double lines of soldiers
peeled off to each side, allowing the King’s carriage to enter the
gravel drive. The carriage drew to a halt level with Prince Zialni,
and a middle-aged man with the unmistakeable Zialni nose leaped out
to engulf his brother in a bear hug. Alecia smiled at the sight
even as she thanked the Goddess that she had escaped the curse of
the large, hooked proboscis. Uncle Beniel was taller and thicker
than her father, with none of Jiseve’s grace, but his looks were
still striking enough to turn heads. Despite becoming King, Beniel
had lost none of his enthusiasm and zest for life.

“Alecia!” The
King wrapped his arms around her and Alecia gasped as the silver
braid on his dark military uniform scraped her cheek. “You are as
beautiful as ever. So much like your mother.” He sighed. “She was a
marvel.” He lowered his voice. “Jiseve has not been the same man
since he lost Iona. She always was able to balance his darker
moods.”

Alecia frowned
and glanced at her father, who wore his trademark scowl. He must
have heard the King’s words. Alecia hurried to introduce Vard.

“Captain,”
Beniel said as Vard rose from a bow. “See that you protect our
niece. She is an important link in securing the Zialni claim to the
throne of Thorius.”

Vard’s eyes
swept over her briefly. “The safety of the princess is paramount,
Your Majesty.”

A dark-haired
woman with tilted green eyes, wearing an emerald gown with silver
thread over the bodice, appeared beside the King. She placed her
hand on his arm. “Do you not think these discussions would be best
conducted away from the ears of the servants, my dear?”

“Of course, my
love. Here, greet our niece.” Beniel drew Alecia forward. Queen
Adriana’s eyes were fixed on the captain and several moments passed
before her aunt met her gaze.

“Alecia,
dear,” she said, “it is so very delicious to see you again.” Alecia
dropped into a low curtsy and was drawn to her feet by her aunt.
Adriana’s eyes were again on Vard. “Who is your escort?”

Vard stepped
forward. “Captain Vard Anton, Your Majesty.” He bowed over the
Queen’s gloved hand and then grasped her fingers. “If I can be of
service to you in any way during your stay here, you’ve only to
ask.”

The Queen
seemed lost for words. Was there a woman alive that he could not
entrance with his animal attraction?

Finally the
Queen recovered her poise. “Thank you, Captain. Perhaps I will save
you a dance this evening.”

Vard bowed
again and stepped back as the royal couple moved on. There were
other members of the royal party to be introduced but Alecia could
not forget the exchange between her escort and the Queen.

Eventually the
royal entourage entered the foyer of the castle and Alecia found
herself standing beside Ramón at the foot of the staircase.

“Hello,
Princess. I have not seen you in several days.” He made it sound as
if she had been avoiding him.

“I have been
unwell,” Alecia said.

“Oh? Millie
said nothing of your illness.”

“I do not tell
my maid every sniffle I suffer.” She sounded defensive even to her
ears.