Thea's Tale (Sisters Of The Curse Book 1) (29 page)

She stepped closer to the tree. Holding the stick with both hands, she hit the tree experimentally. She hit it again, harder. A few more times and she angled her arms behind her and swung the stick as hard as she could.

The thwack that the impact made sent a vibration up her arms. She dropped the stick. Her arms felt a little numb. Sitting down, she clumsily rubbed her arms.

When the feeling returned, she picked up the stick again. She just wouldn’t hit as hard.

After a few hits, she got into a rhythm. Thinking over Isobel, and her guilty look, and her weaseling words, she started muttering.

“How…dare…you…you…dis…gusting…sel…fish…hag?” Each break in speech she hit the tree. Harder and harder, ignoring the pain shooting up her arms.

“He…is…mine….nev…er…loved…you…so…you…let….him…kill…him…self.” She dropped the stick. She could no longer feel her arms. Sinking to the ground, she rested her head against the trunk of the tree. Tears were falling freely. She must have started crying while hitting the tree.

She could hear Marek in the distance. If he was calling her, he’d have to come closer. She didn’t have the strength to get up.

“Thea!” Casimir appeared on the path. “What are you doing?”

Thea looked up at him and burst into tears.

“My lord! My lady is not desirous of company!” Marek stopped behind Casimir. “I must ask you to continue on.”

“It’s all right, Marek. He can stay,” Thea weakly held up a hand. “Please don’t let anyone else come find me, however.”

Marek nodded, cast a last, hard glance at Casimir, and walked down the path again.

Casimir sat down on a fallen log near her. “What are you doing, Thea?”

“Trying not to kill my fool of a sister.”

“Not to kill one? That’s fairly violent, Thea. What’s happened?” She could hear the humor lurking in his words.

“Why did you put yourself forward to take on the challenge? Did you not just see a man die for this challenge?”

“I did. I am, however, not Ulric, Thea.” He gave her a look.

“I know that you are not him, but he was no laggard.”

Casimir rolled his eyes. “I am sorry to say that I had no hopes for his success. Besides, I would think you happy that I have finally said something to your father and made my intentions clear.”

“Not like this.”

He leaned forward, taking her hands up into his. “I told you that I would marry you. Me, and no other. I can solve this mystery.”

“You don’t know that, and I am certain Ulric felt the same.”

“Thea,” he slid off his log and crouched next to her on the ground. “I love you. I’ve been considering this before Ulric ever showed up. I wrote my father about it. He’s not happy with me, even less so since your father made it clear he would insist all meet the terms of agreement. He understands my concerns with the match your father made, and that this may be the only way I have to change things without starting a war.”

“How is Sebastian handling this?”

“Have you see him today?”

“No. I came down to the hall and had a fight with my father, and then with my sister, and now I’m here.”

“Beating on trees.” Casimir smiled.

“I’m so angry with Isobel! She wants you, Casimir. Even after I have told her that you and I care for one another, she chose not to believe me.” Thea felt the anger rise again, but it was far less hot and uncontrolled. Manageable.

Casimir pulled her close. He kissed her hair, and then, hesitantly, her forehead, and finally, achingly slowly, tilted her head up to kiss her lips.

The heat that had dulled with anger flared into being again. This time, though, the heat rose from her stomach, making all of her senses heighten. She could hear the rustle of the leaves on the ground as Casimir moved her closer. She smelled the fresh bark where she’d hit the tree. Her skin felt as though little bolts of lightning landed wherever she was in contact with Casimir.

He leaned into her, deepening his kiss. Thea parted her lips. She remembered how amazing it felt. His tongue touched her, and she felt him take a breath. He yanked her hard to him, crushing her with his lips, tangling his hand in her hair. Thea almost felt as though she couldn’t breathe.

He pulled back from her suddenly. “You are mine, Thea. I won’t let anyone else have you. Not ever. This past month has been torture for me.”

Thea put her finger to his lips. She didn’t know when they’d get a chance to be alone again. She cradled his face in her hands, and drew him to her. She kissed him gently, carefully. Then, acting on instinct that she didn’t know she had, she bit his bottom lip.

His reaction was instantaneous. He crushed her to him, moving so fast that he knocked them both over. He landed on top of her, allowing Thea to feel the way he fit with her, into her. He kissed her hungrily, leaving a trail down her jaw and then onto her throat. Thea arched her neck, terrified he would go on, terrified he wouldn’t.

Something caught his attention because he lifted his head, looking down the path where Marek had gone. Wordlessly, he stood, bringing Thea up with him.

“My lady, I am just glad I was here to help you. May I assist you in anything else?” Casimir asked loudly.

Thea’s eyes widened. Marek was coming towards them. He saw them, and ran to her.

“My lady Thea, are you all right?”             

Thea gave a shaky laugh. “I am, Marek, thank you. I employed your…cure most forcefully. My hands are rather blistered, and I am tired. When I stood, my legs gave out. Casimir was kind enough to keep me from falling.”

Marek eyed her, and then Casimir. “My lady, you might want to take some time to repair your…” Marek gestured vaguely with his hand around his head. “You are looking disheveled.”

“I am sure I am,” she said. “I’ve just given this poor tree what for. While it’s still standing, it’s a bit bruised.” She gestured to where she saw cuts in the bark from her stick.

Marek leaned in, inspecting the cuts. “You have indeed, my lady. But it’s a successful treatment, isn’t it?”

“It is. I shall remember it. Casimir, if you would, Marek will accompany me back.”

Casimir’s eyes flashed at her. Thea silently implored him. She couldn’t afford for him to be seen coming from the woods with her. Not with the way things were now.

Finally, he nodded. “Of course, Thea. I am just glad I was here to render help when needed.”

“As am I,” Thea said. She didn’t move, and Casimir stepped back onto the path. Bowing to her, he left. Thea watched him go. Marek stood silently at her side.

“You need to be careful, my lady.”

Thea didn’t even try to pretend. “Don’t I know it, Marek. Don’t I know it. Well, at least I have an explanation for looking as though I’d been dragged by horses. Would you please help me take the worst off?” She brushed her dress, shaking it to get the small twigs and leaves from it. Marek walked around her, inspecting the effect.

“Perhaps some tidying of your hair?” Marek suggested.

Thea smoothed her hair into place. A few more shakes of her skirts and she looked up at him. “I am not fussing any longer. You brought me out here, and I fell when I was attempting to win a fight with a tree. Does my father know of this practice?”

“Yes, he does.”

“Then my explanation will not invite suspicion. Will you keep any other aspects of our walk to yourself?”

“Of course. As you wish.”

Thea couldn’t hear anything in his tone. “I am sorry to involve you in intrigue.”

To her surprise, Marek smiled. “You have nothing to apologize for. If I may be so bold, my lady, those of us in the castle would much prefer your choice.”

“Really? That is astonishing, Marek! Both the princes are fine men.”

His smile disappeared into a carefully neutral expression. “There are degrees of fine, my lady. I’ll say no more. You may trust me.”

“Thank you, Marek. And thank you for the walk. May I request your presence should I need to abuse a poor tree again?”

“You may.”

“We’d best get back.” She stood up straight. She did feel better, and not just because she’d been able to see Casimir. She felt that she would no longer wrap her hands around Isobel’s neck. That was surely an improvement.

They walked in silence. As they reached the edge of the trees where the gardens began, Marek held up a hand. He stepped out, and looked back and forth, searching.

“What do you seek?”

“I wish to ensure that we do not walk back onto the grounds with anyone else.”

Thea understood. She and Casimir couldn’t afford to invite anymore scandal. It was bad enough that Casimir spoke up for a betrothed woman. If she were caught with him, Sebastian would be within his rights to challenge Casimir to a duel. There were enough chances for Casimir to lose his life. No need to add to it.

They moved quickly through the garden and got to the stairs without incident. Marek opened the door and lit the torch. As she hurried behind him, she could feel her hands stinging. When they reached the top, and Marek was snuffing the torch, she asked, “Marek, is there anything to help with the blisters I now have?”

“I will have a salve sent up to you. Discreetly.” She saw the flash of his teeth in the semi-dark. He swung the door open and allowed her to exit the stairway.

She waited for him to close the door and followed him towards her rooms. At her door, she put her hand on his arm. “I want to thank you for helping me to find a solution. It’s one I think will serve me well.”

Marek smiled, but didn’t speak. Thea opened the door and headed in.

As she came into the solarium, Serafina jumped up. “Thea! You’re back! Oh!” She took in Thea’s appearance. “What happened to you?”

“I went for a walk. In the course of my walk, I fell. Thankfully, I didn’t run into anyone. Where’s Isobel?”

“She’s gone to her bed. I believe she’s been crying since you left.” Sybbl didn’t look up from the book she was reading.

“She deserves to cry.” Thea wasn’t going to indulge anyone’s attempts to make her feel bad for what she’d said.

“I agree. I’m merely imparting information.” Sybbl looked up then. The corners of her mouth turned up. “You are a right mess, Thea. You’d better tidy up.”

“I’m heading for a bath right now. Serafina, would you ring for a maid to start filling the tub? I’m also expecting something from Marek.”

“What happened to your hands?” Celestria gasped.

Thea smiled. “I managed to rid myself of some of my anger. My hands suffered for it.”

“These are going to be painful tomorrow,” Beatrix said, taking one of Thea’s hands.

Thea took her hand back. “They will. But I am restored to a less volatile temper, so it’s worth it.” She smiled at her sisters and went into the dressing area. Taking off her clothes, she put on a dressing gown to wait for the bath.

As the maids dragged out the tub and began the process of filling it, she laid down on her bed. She saw Isobel curled on her own bed and ignored her. She knew it was not kind, but she couldn’t forgive. Nor would she lie about it. Better to say nothing.

She must have dozed, because she found herself staring at a young girl touching her shoulder carefully.

“My lady, I have a salve from Lord Marek. He instructed me to tell you to put it on immediately. As well as after your bath.” She held out a small pot.

Thea took it. “Thank you. Is the bath ready?”

“Almost, my lady. If the salve needs time to sit, you will have time.” She hurried away.

Thea opened the pot, and sniffed. She could smell marigold in it. Smoothing some on her hands, she felt an immediate lessening of pain. She’d need to put more on after the bath, but there was enough for several days’ use.

She leaned back and closed her eyes. She could hear someone walking past her bed but kept her eyes closed. The feet stopped.

“Thea,” Isobel said quietly.

“No, Isobel, I don’t wish to hear it. You’re always striding about, willing to find fault and hurl accusations at us all. You never listen to anything you don’t wish to hear. And you are merciless when making your argument. Now you can experience that which you serve up. I am uninterested in anything you have to say. I don’t care whether you’re sorry. I may have cast a shadow over the castle, but you ensured that daylight will be a long time coming. Now please leave me alone.”

She could hear Isobel crying as she walked away. Thea hardened her heart. It wasn’t enough that Isobel wanted someone who didn’t want her, and had determined to have him no matter the cost. She’d also managed it so that if she couldn’t have him, she’d see him dead. Thea wasn’t sure that had made it through to Isobel, but she’d keep telling her until it got through.

And even then, she wasn’t sure she’d forgive Isobel.

Finally, the bath was ready. Thea handed over her dressing gown and got into the tub. Even with the salve, her hands burned in the water. One of the maids started to wash her hair. For the first time all day, she allowed herself to relax. She thought about seeing Casimir this afternoon.

Thoughts of his kissing her, lying atop her—the heat flamed in her cheeks. She’d wanted to be closer to him, to touch him, feel his skin on hers. She was both sad and relieved that Marek had been close by. When she’d bitten Casimir’s lip, he seemed to lose control. The thought thrilled her. She hoped she’d be able to see him without blushing, without their last meeting coming immediately to mind.