The Second Life of Magnolia Mae (15 page)

“I have written to my father. Although, I know he will not object to our marriage, it’s something that I must seek his permission for. As my king, he should be the one performing the ceremony, should he so choose.”

“Do you believe he will make us wait until spring when a journey to Marcello can be made? Will you wait that long?” She lifted the cup of chocolate to her lips.

“I honestly don’t know what he will do. I informed him that it’s of the utmost importance that we wed immediately. Perhaps he’ll send word to our priest that he may marry us here without him present.”

Magnolia bit her bottom lip. “Why? Why did you tell him that we must marry now? He’ll think that there’s some other reason behind it other than that you don’t want to wait. They’ll believe that I trapped you into marriage.”

A slight chuckle came from him, not the response that she had been expecting.

“That’s not something that my father would think of. He didn’t ever marry Jaceson’s mother. I informed him that there had been an attempt on your life, and that I believe more will follow until we’re wed. Once we are united in marriage, the person who is behind this will have to stop or face treason against the crown of Marcello.”

“Do you truly believe that?” It took some effort to keep her voice from rising.

“I do, but until word of our upcoming marriage reaches Marcello, that person believes that you’re dead. There is no need to worry. I know this person believes you’re dead. We know everyone here. These people are loyal to you — they love you. You gave them a home, you gave them hope. They’ll do whatever they can to protect you.”

“It’s not their job to protect me. It’s mine to protect them.”

As people finished their meals, the plates and cups were carried away to the kitchen.

“If you’ll excuse me.” Her tone was polite and a bit on edge.

She needed to get away, so she went to the kitchen to wash the dishes. A few tubs had been filled with soapy water. After rolling up her sleeves, she picked up a plate and plunged her hands into the washing basin. It didn’t take long for a stack of clean bowls and plates to pile up next to her. An older woman came to dry them and put them away. Looking up when she noticed that the kitchen had grown quiet, Magnolia saw not only Alistair, but Jaceson.

“We believe you ladies have done enough work today. Leave the rest of this to us. Go freshen up for the dance.” Alistair’s voice commanded the room with a gentleness that Magnolia was certain these people were not used to from someone of his station in life.

The women started to protest, but he quickly reassured them that this was their way of showing thankfulness for the meal they’d spent so much time preparing.

Magnolia refused to leave them with all of the dishes. There was plenty left to do, plus the food needed to be cleared from the tables. With the help of Jaceson’s and Alistair’s men, the tables were soon cleared, the dishes cleaned and put away, the dining hall swept, and the food covered.

“Thank you for helping so the women could get ready for the dance,” she said before leaving to get herself ready. She had been looking forward to this dance and was ready to enjoy it with her fiancé.

Magnolia pulled out a green floor-length gown with white sleeves from the wardrobe. Green laces tied the sleeves at the elbow but allowed the white fabric to flow down to her wrists. More green laces crisscrossed the bodice, leading to a low, straight neckline, lower than she was used to wearing since she arrived here. The outer skirt was of a slightly darker green with white trim. Once the dress and matching slippers were on, she turned to do her hair. Railynn had offered to stay and help her get ready, but Magnolia had insisted that she needed to get ready herself. The idea of someone helping her dress was still something she was not comfortable with. Though when the dresses needed laced up the back, she was grateful for the assistance. It took a while, but when she was finally done, her black hair was in a tightly woven conch-shell braid. After one last look in the mirror, she stood and smoothed down the skirt of her dress.

The great hall was filled with people in their finest clothes. Young children ran around playing with tops and dolls. In a corner a few of the older men were engaged in a game of morra, while the others watched with interest. As Magnolia walked around the room, she heard bits and pieces of conversations. Older women were sitting near the fire talking about Christmases gone by. Young ladies were gathered together, excitedly talking of the men they would like to dance with. Magnolia walked further into the room.

Alistair came to meet her when he saw her enter. Before they could speak, dancers were called to the floor. He took her hand in his and attempted to lead her through a minuet.

Looking around, she noticed she was not the only one to stumble through the step; the only ones who seemed familiar with it were those who had come from Marcello. After the incredibly awkward dance, Magnolia and Alistair walked over to the men who were playing.

Soon the room was filled with music and a lively Highland reel. Magnolia loved dancing with Alistair. Her mother had taught her many of Scotland’s old dances, so she felt more relaxed dancing the reel. With Alistair leading her through the dances, she felt lightweight and sure of herself. At that moment, things seemed carefree, no worries about the harsh winter months ahead. There was just a room filled with friends enjoying the holiday.

After several dances with Alistair, a few with Jaceson, and one with young Gwain, she found a seat near Nonna. In the old woman’s hand was the fan that Magnolia had made for her, perfect for the warmth in the large room.

“Your parents would have loved to see this. They did enjoy their time in the Highlands.”

“You don’t talk of them much,” Magnolia answered.

“There is not much to say. They loved you very much. They wanted to give you a real home, and that’s why, when we were invited to stay in the Highlands for an extended period of time, they agreed. There was no worry about getting run off while we were there. The day you lost your mother, your father’s heart broke. He followed her shortly after. I know it was a broken heart that was the end of him. He loved you very much, but she was his heart.”

“It must have been very difficult for you to lose your son.” A sadness briefly washed over her as she thought back to her own parents.

Nonna reached out her hand and gently patted Magnolia’s cheek. A soft smile graced the older woman’s face when she finally spoke. “They left me you. I know things have been hard lately. I know that you feel you do not belong here, my little one. You have always belonged here. Always.”

She watched in wonderment as the old woman slowly got up and walked out of the great hall. Did she know? After all, she was the one who had written about Daciana returning someday. Is that why she didn’t ever push Magnolia to remember?

“Have you had enough of a breather? I’d like this dance, m’lady.” Jaceson stood before her with his hand out.

“What about Railynn?” Despite the fact that she had told herself she would not get involved, she wanted to know if there was anything there on his end of things. Then she could let Railynn know to look somewhere else if needed.

“What about her?” he asked as he led her back toward the dancing.

“Will you be dancing with her?”

“It did not occur to me to ask her. She has been dancing all evening.” Those golden eyes flicked over in the direction where the auburn-haired Railynn was dancing with one of the guards.

“Well, she is a very pretty girl, and she is easy to talk to. Did you think she would be sitting in the corner all night alone?” She couldn’t hide the amusement in her voice.

“Of course not. I just thought that she would save a dance for me. We have known each other for a long time now.” His gaze kept going over to where the subject of conversation was currently dancing and laughing.

“Does it bother you that she is not dancing with you?” Magnolia pursued the subject as they began dancing. Only when the dance allowed them to come back together, did they get to speak.

“Perhaps a little. Though, I don’t know why.”

“Time to look for the reason.” She grinned at him. “I think if you pay some attention to her, it wouldn’t be unwanted.”

Jaceson stared at her.

The rest of the dance passed in silence as Magnolia hoped she had hinted enough for him to ask Railynn to dance.

“Thank you for the dance, m’lady.” Jaceson’s eyes twinkled at her.

“Go ask her before the next dance starts.”

Magnolia walked toward a quiet corner where she found Alistair engaged in morra. The next hour-and-a-half was passed watching chess, with the occasional glimpse toward the dance floor. Jaceson and Railynn had danced several reels together. The room started to empty out as the night drew on. Soon, there was only a handful of people left and they were watching the chess match.

Magnolia excused herself to retire for the night. Dragoste was soon at her side; during the dance, he had been curled up by the fire, being adored by children. Once in her room, she let down her hair and sighed. It had started to give her a headache about an hour before. She slipped out of the hot dress then pulled on a nightgown. Dragoste jumped onto the bed, appearing to be ready to sleep. Magnolia brushed out her hair then went to bed, fatigued from the day’s exciting activities.

CHAPTER TWENTY

T
HE FIRE DANCED, FLAMES
jumping hungrily into the air, licking at the logs beneath. Faint music was in the background.
Was that “White Christmas” she heard? She turned away from the fire to see
her brother sitting there
with his
stocking on his lap.
The candy was flowing out of it, spilling over onto his pants and the floor.

“Merry Christmas,
M&M.”

Her voice quaked from holding back the tears that threatened to fall. “Merry Christmas,
Jace.” She scooted forward, wanting to be closer to him.
He had been the one constant in her life. “Everything is different now.”

“I know,
but you’re not alone.”

“Sometimes it feels that way. I need you. I want Bash.”

Jace’s golden eyes looked at her with a
heavy
sadness. “We are there. We have been with you every single day. Not leaving you when you’ve been sick, even there tonight while you danced.”

“What?” Her eyebrows knitted together as she thought about his words.

“I told you before.
We
won’t
leave you. You’re stuck with us, dear sister.” He reached out to tug on a strand of hair. “Open your eyes, open your heart,
and you’ll understand. You’ll find us once you can do that. There are many changes coming soon, things that will test you. Remember all that you learned here. Remember what you learned of Alistair when he lost Daciana the first time.
Use that information. It may help you. If all else fails,
appeal to the king.
He cares for his son,
but history
has shown
that he loves power. Having Avengar there will benefit him more than not. Remind him of this. Remember…”

Jace’s image
started to drift into darkness
as
everything around her faded.

“…I love you,
M&M.”

The dim light from the dying fire was all that illuminated the room as her eyes flicked open. She could feel Dragoste’s warm body next to her own. Carefully, so not to wake the wolf, she slipped out of the bed to stoke the fire. It roared to life, casting shadows across the room.

With a blanket around her shoulders, she went to sit on the window seat. The moon was full, bright, and beautiful. It hung high over the dark sea. A glittering reflection of it and the stars made the sea look alive. As the tide moved, so did the stars and moon that were on it.

She thought of the dream that had just awoken her. Jace had told her she needed to remember. Facts from the history books and the journals jumped into her mind, waiting for her to grasp hold of them. Alistair had given up his throne to his brother. That had to be Jaceson, since he had no other siblings. The ring had not been found on Daciana’s body. Gordon must have taken it to the person who’d paid him to kill her, perhaps as a trophy or as proof that she was dead. Magnolia didn’t have that ring now. If Alistair would need proof that the person who had ordered this was who he thought it was, then the ring could come in handy. She also knew that Nonna had been the one to foretell of Daciana one day returning to save her people from being run off the land that they had finally claimed as home. Nonna could be her truest of allies here. She stayed up for hours, thinking of all that she had learned in the little bit of time before she’d come back to this place, playing the stories her father had told her over and over in her head.