Chapter 18 Nora
Nora
While the men set off to hurt each other, Melody and I prepared one of the guest rooms. We stood opposite each other on either side of the bed as we undressed the linens, much like we used to at the old house.
“So, that’s a good sign.” I couldn’t clamp down my mischievous smile as I broached the topic.
“What is?” Her gaze remained fixed on removing the pillows from their cases, but I knew it was with great effort.
I hummed behind my smile, concentrating on tearing off the old sheets. “That he made a visit just for you.”
Her golden locks spilled over her shoulders with an adamant shake of her head, her bangs swaying across her forehead.
“Oh, come on, Mel. It’s so obvious.” I paused my work.
She did the same, slowly lifting her blue gaze to me. “It is, isn’t it?” She bit her lip. We both broke out in smiles and laughter. “He’s so different from anyone else that’s shown interest in me.” She stared off in contemplation before saying, “I like it.”
“I have to admit, I’d much rather you find someone whose hairline hasn’t started receding.
” As more and more rejected the acceptance of her magic, the age range of suitors quickly entered middle age.
A couple at the end had already retired.
Last I heard, Jenta had caught the eye of Mr. Pepins.
Probably why the older man hadn’t proposed to Melody during Nick’s search for a queen, because that thieving backstabber had been vying for the wealthy man’s attention as well.
It was hard not to feel a little grateful toward the horrible viper, because now Melody could live with me in the castle, and date appropriately youthful men.
She sighed, but the relief that she didn’t need to marry for the family’s well-being shone brightly in her countenance. “How things have changed.”
“Indeed.”
Pointedly, she stared at me from across the bed. “Your Majesty.”
I picked up a naked pillow and threw it at her. She caught it with mock offense. “Not very queenly of you.”
“Apparently it is, since I’m the queen and I did it.” We laughed and continued dressing the bed. Once the sheets and pillowcases were fresh, the comforter fluffed and wrinkle free, I asked, “How long do you think he’ll stay?”
“I’m not sure. He’s… adventurous. Truthfully, I don’t even know if he has plans to spend the night.”
“But you hope he does?” I probed, knowing the answer.
“But I hope he does.” Her smile radiated with joy, the kind she deserved to have, always.
I feigned a sigh as we departed from the guest room. “It’s a shame our work might go unappreciated then. It’d be even better if two people enjoyed it.”
The insinuating impropriety made her gasp aloud, and she smacked my arm, all while adorning that glowing smile. “That would be too scandalous.”
“Oh, and straddling him in a tent wasn’t?”
“Nora!” Her hand was over my mouth before I could blink as she gazed around to see if any guards or staff were in earshot.
My smile was as big as the moon. I took her hand in mine.
“You know you have no one to impress, right? In my reign, those persnickety rules of society will crumble. Too much judgment passes among the upper class, it’s time we rattle their cages.
” We continued walking hand in hand through the elegant hallways.
Melody’s cheery demeanor dimmed. “Nora, as much as I wish that were true, you’re too new in your reign to be that radical. Flagrant disregard for society and their expectations will only make it more difficult to accomplish the things you want to—the things you need to.”
I couldn’t help rolling my eyes. “You sound just like Ricks.” It became almost routine for me to suffer Ricks redirecting my plans to align with something more “proper”.
He loved that word. I’d debated calling a clergy member to perform a marriage ceremony.
Invitations to the nuptials of Herschel Rickson and the word “proper”.
Talk about rattling society. While I’d proven to win battles in the past, it seemed he usually came out the victor, unfortunately.
Insecurities about my position or belonging in this role still ran rampant, and I wouldn’t be too proud to admit that having Ricks’ guiding hand had been a comfort.
To myself, at least. Times when I’d greeted the public against his recommendations proved more difficult to navigate.
As much as it pained me, Melody drove home the point I’d been struggling to accept.
Rules and traditions. Behaviors and attitudes.
Nick taught me that in our positions, all of those things were just as much weapons to be wielded as my daggers and his sword.
She laughed softly. “Well, I take that as a compliment. He’s been around this way of life for a long time.”
It was my turn to cover her mouth. “Don’t say that too loudly. He has ears like a bat and seems to always be around. I don’t want you encouraging him.” She batted away my hand and returned an eye roll of her own.
Our laughter filled the hall as we continued toward the tea room.
It had become our little tradition to take time to sit in the pretty parlor decorated by Nick’s mom.
He usually had meetings in the afternoons, and when I didn’t have appearances to make, it was important I made sure Melody wasn’t alone too much.
To her credit, she worked harder than I did at integrating with the high society ladies.
I knew she enjoyed it, but I also knew better now.
Learned how to read beneath her vivacious, smiling face.
It was easy to recognize something that lingered behind my own eyes as well, that feeling when you don’t quite fit in.
Which seemed crazy because Melody was a natural.
But change can be hard to accept, and we’d been through a lot of it.
We entered the room that had become our little cove of reprieve.
Pink damask wallpaper plastered the walls, complemented with gold filigree accents, mirrors, and vases.
Candelabras were lit and dispersed throughout the room.
A burgundy sofa and two matching chairs angled before bay windows overlooked the ocean.
We sat in silence, waiting for our tea to arrive.
One day during our first week living within these walls, we’d raided the pantry to peruse the stock.
All sorts of beverage mixes and delicacies from around the world lived in that kitchen.
To my delight and heartache, I found my mother’s favorite tea.
My father tried to always have some on hand, but when he passed, Eucinda made no effort to replenish it.
The day I emptied the tin from a land across the sea had been the most sorrowful since they’d both passed.
Until Eucinda destroyed that glass heart, that is.
So, as predictable as the sun rising in the morning, I would enjoy my mother’s oolong tea, and Melody would sip her chamomile.
The staff knew not to linger or disturb us, only tending to the fire on occasion.
Usually, our schedules wouldn’t allow us to stay longer than an hour, but I’d grown fond of this time.
It quieted the world, allowing me to contemplate whatever I needed to with my precious sister.
In beautiful routine fashion, we drained our cups and sat in silence while the embers crackled their tune in the hearth.
Playing on a loop in my mind was the preparations we’d established for the Argora Vale refugees.
My thoughts swirled, trying to ensure that no rock had been left unturned in regards to settling a group of people.
I kind of dreaded receiving those first reports, knowing that if I’d missed something, it would take days for supplies to reach them.
My first truly ambitious task as queen, and there was a chance I’d monumentally fail them.
Heaving a sigh, I sank further into the chair.
Only time would tell, and until then, I had other important tasks to focus on.
We’d made excellent strides in providing for South Harbor’s hungry, but I hadn’t realized that other villages, towns, and even the bigger cities had small pockets of unsheltered citizens. South Harbor had been the worst, but in my naivety, I’d assumed the wealthier areas didn’t have that issue.
Tomorrow I’d have a meeting with Ricks and several representatives from towns and cities to discuss their needs. Simultaneously tackling that and the Argora Vale residents was going to be a lot, but for this quiet hour, I simply sat with my sister and watched the ocean breathe.
Nick and I stood before the closed double doors. The staff opened them for us, and we strolled into the dining room, hand in hand. Melody and Tio sat in their same spots as earlier, and Marco, unsurprisingly, sat in Nicholas’s chair at the head of the table.
I laughed under my breath and shook my head.
Nicholas placed his hands on Marco’s shoulders, his grip wrinkling the fashionable jacket.
“Looks like you’ve made a full recovery after taking Tio’s hit today.
” Nick reached for my hand again, leading me to my chair beside Marco, who had so haughtily assumed the role of King of Highcrest. I’d be sad when this snowy haired man returned to his kingdom.
I rested my hand along Nicholas’s forearm in silent thanks and took my seat.
He joined at my side, directly across from Tio.
Not the spot for the king, but I loved seeing Nick’s humility every single day.
It never failed to amaze me how wrong I’d been about him.
My heart beamed as I took in his beautiful face and gently cupped his cheek, silently thanking him for being so amazing.
His sparkling eyes watched me as he took my hand and pressed my palm to his lips.
My stars, how I loved him.
“Can’t keep me down for long, cousin.” Marco raised his already full wine glass and tipped it toward us in the air before sampling it. For all his critiques and bold opinions, he never had commented on the wine.
Nicholas leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, folding his hands before him. “Tio, my wife tells me a guest room has been prepared for you.”
Tio cleared his throat. “Yes, I heard. I am very grateful, thank you, Your Majesty.” He glanced at me and bowed his head.
“It’s no problem at all,” I said with a welcoming smile.
“I’m going to take him to South Harbor tomorrow, show him around,” Melody chimed in, unable to hide her excitement.
To my delight, Tio looked at her with matching excitement in his sea glass eyes.
“That’s a wonderful idea, Melody.”
The doors at the front of the dining room opened as a staff messenger sauntered through, walking over to Nicholas and me before announcing that we had a visitor.
“Two in one day. My, we’re popular today,” I said. “Who is it?”
“Miss Alaina, Your Majesty.”
The lightness in my chest turned leaden. Of course, she was welcome, but she and Evenita seemed to be a pair. And the last time Evenita came to the castle, she revealed danger. A knot in my throat tightened. I reached for Nicholas’s hand instinctively and squeezed.
“Please, bring her in,” Nick said, firmly securing my hand in his, as if being my anchor.
Marco moved abruptly. “I think it’s time you take your seat back, cousin.
” He scooped his wine before spinning around effortlessly, walking behind me toward Nicholas’s chair.
Nick didn’t move quickly enough for him apparently, as Marco added, “Wouldn’t want other guests to think I run this kingdom, would we? ”
In Nick’s classic way, he chuckled, shaking his head gently before rising.
He was well versed in the ways of Marco, a language I often still had a hard time deciphering.
The abrupt act seemed oddly…respectful. Nicholas clapped a hand on Marco’s arm before moving behind me to the head of the table like a game of leapfrog.
My husband wasted no time reaching for my hand again in his correct chair.
I placed mine in his, though I was certain it must have felt more slick than minutes prior.
My heart picked up speed with each passing moment until Alaina entered through the doors. I rose, unable to remain fastened to my seat. “Alaina, is everything ok?”
The scope of her gaze ran across the faces present before returning to me. She dipped in a curtsey. “Your Majesties.”
I noted how she included Marco in that formal greeting, her eyes lingering in his direction before Nicholas spoke.
“Please, join us.” Nick gestured to one of the many empty chairs that ran along the absurdly long and formal table.
She moved with grace to the chair next to Tio as a staff member pulled out her seat.
Since last I’d seen her, she’d changed her hairstyle.
Countless braids cascaded from her head, among a mix of curled pieces draping alongside them.
And without Evenita by her side, her once brown eyes now mirrored the sky.
“Lovely to see you again, Miss Alaina,” Marco said, reclining in a casual position against the back of his chair beside me, wine swirling in his cup. No one could miss how his own piercing eyes raked over her. I now saw the strategy of his abrupt chair switching idea—closer to our newest guest.
“I don’t mean to intrude,” she said timidly.
“After your bravery last month, you are always welcome at Highcrest, Miss Alaina. What brings you to us this evening?” Nicholas asked, the ever poised royal.
“Evenita sent me,” she began, and my lungs seized. My stare bore into her, waiting for her to connect with it, to reveal why she’d come. Instead, her eyes drifted to Marco. “For you, actually.”
My eyebrows met in the center, confusion taking hold. “Marco?”
“Well, that’s very interesting.” Marco’s statement was goading. He adjusted in his seat, leaning forward against the table. “To what do I owe the pleasure?” A little too much suave poured from his lips with the rest of us in their company.
“We are to depart for your kingdom. Like, immediately.” She took the glass one of the staff had just filled with burgundy liquid and drained half of it.
“Are we?” Marco’s smirk could have stretched from one end of the table to the other. I wondered how many people spoke to him in such a way, besides Nicholas. Titleless people didn’t dictate the actions of royalty. Very much my style, though.
“Why?” My question came out more demanding than I intended, but at least it stole her attention.
“It’s regarding the curse in the north. Evenita says that years ago, records were kept and taken overseas. A place far enough away that, in the event of dark magic returning, they wouldn’t be destroyed,” she said.
“That’s good planning,” Tio chimed in, eyes widening.
“Indeed,” Melody said under her breath. “Do you think they kept record of how to stop it?”
A pop from the fire was the only sound brave enough to break the tension we all seemed momentarily suspended in.
Alaina replied, “That’s the hope.”