Thea's Tale (Sisters Of The Curse Book 1) (16 page)

“She’s not easy to best,” Thea replied. “I thought surely Marek would discover the stairway. He didn’t even come close. So if you have ideas, I am open to discussion about them. I don’t want to go on like this.” She angrily tossed a pillow back onto the bed. “I’m also infuriated my—our—course is being directed by someone like her.”

“Then let’s find a way to outsmart her!” Isobel exclaimed.

“I am open to any ideas you have,” Thea said. She was happy that Isobel’s ire had something else to focus on. She didn’t how long it would last, but it made her very happy.

A knock on the outer doors stopped conversation. Without waiting for a response, one of the doors opened and Lisette appeared in the doorway to the bed chamber.

“Well, aren’t you all lazy slugabeds!” She walked towards Thea. “My lady, let’s go ensure you won’t shame us all.” She stood next to Thea’s bed, hands on hips.

No one corrected her less than formal manner. They had all known Lisette for too long to insist on formality when they were alone. It was a relief to merely be someone’s friend.

“Had you been here two days ago, that worry would not be even a passing thought,” Thea said, standing, and moving to the dressing room. “You are neglecting your duties shockingly.” She could hear some of her sisters giggling.

“Ah. My lady, I do apologize. Shall I grovel appropriately to make amends?”

Thea turned to see Lisette in the midst of a deep curtsy. She sighed and rolled her eyes. “No, goose. Just move along and help me figure out what to wear. I know everyone watching and waiting to see me wear the same thing twice or look less than fashionable.”

As they walked into the large dressing room, Lisette said, “I think you’re being a little hard on yourself. Perhaps they are somewhat….” She trailed off.

“Venomous?” Thea finished for her.

“Ill-natured at times. It’s normal. We see one another frequently, so the veneer of good manners and breeding slips at times.”

“You’re very charitable this morning,” Thea said.

“I am feeling the effects of seeing someone I love pass on. I feel as though too much time is wasted on the trivial.”

Thea was instantly chastised. “You shame me, Lisette. Truly.”

“Oh, Thea! I am sorry! That is not my intent! I have been considering myself and my actions, not anyone else’s and certainly not yours. Do not berate yourself. You are, though, aren’t you?”

“It’s my fault he’s gone.” Thea said flatly.

“No, it’s not. It was an accident. A horrible accident, to be sure, but accidental all the same. You must not carry this, Thea.” Lisette put her hands on Thea’s shoulders and looked her right in the eye.

“How can I not? Oh, Lisette, I miss him. It’s like an ache.”

“I know. I keep looking for him, and my heart weeps a little when I see Marek.”

“I am not impugning Marek,” Thea began, but Lisette cut her off.

“I know that. It will take time to get used to seeing him.”

“How long? My heart hurts every time I see him because I keep thinking, I need to tell Archibald this or talk to him about that.” Thea could feel the tears welling.

Lisette hugged her, and Thea let her.

“Now, come here and let me look at what you’ve got, and we’ll figure out what you’ll need.” She turned to Thea’s wardrobe, and began rifling through it.

“Lord, Thea, some of these items are years old!”

“But the fabrics are beautiful and were very costly. I can’t just discard them!” Her mother had taught them that in spite of the riches available, it was imprudent to be spendthrift.

“Then we need to remake them and change the decoration. I agree, the fabric is lovely, but the cut—oh, no, we can’t have you in this.” Still holding several gowns in her arms, she marched to the door of the dressing room. Thea could hear her out in the solarium, then one of the main doors opening. Within a moment, Lisette marched back in, still carrying the gowns.

“I’ve sent for the seamstresses. They may need to work late, but we can update this. Now, please sit, Thea, and let’s go through what I have your permission to remake.”

Thea did as directed. It felt comforting to let Lisette take care of her.

“So now, tell me what has happened. Why are you betrothed to Sebastian, and not Casimir?”

Lisette’s head was buried in the wardrobe. Thea knew she would not miss a word regardless.

“I don’t know, and that is the honest truth. For whatever reason, Father has accepted Sebastian’s suit even though I’ve told him that I oppose the match. I don’t understand it. He talks as though he has no choice in the matter.”

“As the king, I cannot believe that.”

“Nor can I,” agreed Thea. “Something doesn’t sit right with me, but Father is resolute in his decision. I can’t bring up Casimir, but surely he knows! It feels like we dance round one another!”

“What happened the other day in the garden, when you three were sitting together?”

“Sebastian and Casimir traded barbs. I am biased, to be sure, but I think Casimir came out on top of that one. Sebastian…” she lowered her voice, “Also received a dressing down of sorts from my father, and he stomped off. It wasn’t a good afternoon for him...although he asked my pardon at dinner. I still don’t truly believe him, and did you see the group of knights from his court?”

“They are certainly fond of imbibing,” Lisette said primly.

Thea looked at her, and Lisette couldn’t keep up her pursed lips. They both burst out laughing.

“Father wasn’t happy with them. He had guards escort all the ladies to their chambers.”

“I heard they caroused until early morning.”

“Your rooms were not nearby, were they?” Thea realized she didn’t even know where they were housed. “Are they still here? I haven’t seen Sebastian privately since then.”

Lisette cocked her head. “You haven’t? He’s been out with his men, riding and shooting, and they spend time in the tilting and practice yard.”

Thea shrugged. “Truly, Lisette, if he spends more time with them, he spends less with me. I don’t want to marry him. So the less time I have to pretend to be overjoyed for this union, the better.”

“And the better to see Casimir?”

“Yes, well, that won’t be happening, either. Didn’t you hear my father? Casimir is to be the region’s emissary to the Empress of Samir. I must tell you.” she lowered her voice, “I think Sebastian had something to do with that suggestion.”

“He watches you like a hawk, so it wouldn’t surprise me.” Lisette leaned back into the wardrobe. “You will need to be careful.”

“Lisette, did you know that Sebastian was interested?” Since Thea hadn’t seen it herself, even though her sisters claimed to, she wanted to see what someone else thought.

“He certainly made efforts to be noticed by you. Only those who know you, I think, would have seen that you paid him no mind.”

“Father claims he didn’t see me rejecting him, so he thought I’d be happy with Sebastian.”

“With all due respect to both you and your father,” Lisette pulled her head from the wardrobe, holding shoes, “I do not believe the king is being entirely honest. No, you did not outright reject him, but you did not pay him any notice at all and certainly not to the level that would allow for a successful suit.”

“Does it not seem odd then, that my father would accept him?”

“What does Casimir say? What did your father say when Casimir asked for your hand?”

“He never even got the chance to ask.” Thea said, glumly.

“I’d be interested to hear what reason the king would give for not considering any other suitor for your hand,” Lisette said. “While Sebastian has a great deal to offer, there is a relationship, though strained, between Ethion and Gallivas. Not as much with Laurycia. It would have made sense for His Majesty to hold out for an offer from Ethion or even proffer one himself!”

“I’ll have to find a time to ask.” Thea said impatiently. “I can’t be seen to be fawning over another man, particularly one as eligible as Casimir.”

“Yes, he is most desirable. It would seem that the king’s decision has created havoc between you and your sisters.”

Thea looked at Lisette, who was studiously examining a riding boot. “Yes, there has been.”

“How are all of you doing?”

“We are struggling through things.” Thea sighed. “It’s been hard. You know I don’t like fighting with any of them. There have been a fair number of tears shed and accusations hurled.”

“I’m sorry, Thea. I—” She stopped.

The seamstresses were hovering at the door to the dressing room. Thea had been so intent on her conversation she hadn’t heard them approach.

She and Lisette immediately dropped into appropriate formality. Thea let Lisette take the lead on directions regarding the garments to be remade, as well as what needed to be constructed new.

The seamstresses left carrying armloads of dresses. Thea sat at her table, tired. Suddenly, she sat up.

“Lisette, has there been any gossip about the cobbler?”

“What do you mean?”

“My father called me in this morning, and railed at me. Apparently, the maids have brought an absurd number of slippers to the cobbler, who brought them to the steward, and Father thinks that we are sneaking away and ruining our slippers. The conversation did not end well. He accused me of leading my sisters out and about to ruin our reputation, as well.”

Lisette just stared. “I don’t even know how to best respond to that, Thea. It makes no sense. I haven’t heard anything, but I will circulate and see what people are saying. Thea, may I ask a question that is not meant with any disrespect?”

“Of course. If I were going to have you hauled away for disrespect, it would have been long before now.” Thea leaned on her table, wanting nothing more than a nap.

“Is your father well? So much of what you tell me does not seem like the king we all know.” Lisette sounded extremely nervous, and Thea sat up. Thea had heard her father state that a courtier who could be honest in spite of self-preservation concerns was a treasure. She would not have Lisette be concerned over speaking honestly to her.

“Lisette, I beg of you to say such things to no one else, but I am glad that you are concerned enough to say them to me. I am unsure how to answer you. I feel something is greatly amiss with my father. I do not know what it might be, and that bothers me as well. We have always been close and worked well together as ruler and heir. Something has gone from that relationship. So your question is fair, and I understand that you ask out of love and genuine concern for his well-being.”

Thea couldn’t miss Lisette’s sag of relief. She knew she trod upon treacherous ground.

“I thank you for your indulgence. I speak only from concern, but I…”

Thea patted her arm. “You’re fine. Let’s move on.” As the Crown Princess, she couldn’t entertain this conversation, but it was good to know that Lisette’s thoughts had gone to the same place her own had.

In spite of not being able to unburden herself entirely, it felt good to be honest with Lisette as much as she could. They finished going through her jewelry, and Thea gave Lisette permission to meet with the queen over jewelry concerns. Personally, Thea thought Lisette was asking for more than she needed, but Lisette had protested.

“It’s my duty to make sure you are turned out to the best of your ability. It doesn’t matter that you are not happy with the engagement. If you do not look your best—look resplendent—I shall suffer for it.”

The knowledge that Lisette was right and would be taken to task over Thea’s appearance quieted her protests. Lisette left with instructions for the seamstresses, her mother, and the cobbler. Once she’d left, Thea sought out her sisters.

None were within chambers. Looking out the windows of the solarium, she could see why. The day shone bright, and everyone wanted to escape to the outdoors. Their chambers, which had always been a haven, were beginning to take on the feel of a prison. She might as well join them.

As she made her way to the garden, she thought over her conversation with Lisette. She didn’t think she’d crossed the line, saying something she shouldn’t have. After all, Lisette had not come to an unfortunate accident.

Thea thought she ought to be appalled at her black humor. She couldn’t chastise herself, however. Things had come to a place where being naïve or hoping for the best would not help them end this curse and free themselves from the wretched Catrin.

The smells of the garden hit her as soon as she walked out of doors. Her mother spent a great deal of time cultivating her flowers and working with the gardeners. The results were felt all through spring and summer when most of the court found reason to be outside. Everyone had learned, some via harsh reality that her mother’s flowers were not to be manhandled or bothered in any way. As long as the members of the court—and even her own family—respected such, all were welcome.

Thea was grateful for that. It allowed her and her sisters to be in a less restrictive environment while still being entirely proper. It also allowed for moments such as now, when Casimir approached her, giving a deep bow.

“My lady, may I walk with you?”

“You may,” Thea took his arm. “How are you this morning, Prince Casimir?”