Chapter 22
I’d found the garden terrace to be enchanting at night, but there was no question that it was meant to be enjoyed at sunset.
As we walked through the double doors and onto the terrace, I was immediately struck by how breathtaking the space looked drenched in the majestic, late-afternoon sun.
Pinks, blues and peaches illuminated the sky like a pastel blanket embroidered with patterns of silver clouds.
I was overcome with awe as I admired the meticulous stitchwork above our heads.
Eventually, I tore my eyes away from the sunset long enough to take notice of our surroundings. Bulky white candles had been sporadically placed between planter boxes and around the water fountain.
Tarben was carefully studying my every movement while I drank in the scene.
“I’d hoped for us to have a picnic, but the weather didn’t abide by my plans, so I thought we’d be safer under the cover.
” He pointed to the glass ceiling, partially sheltering us from the elements.
“It’s supposed to rain so, is this acceptable? ” He rubbed the back of his neck.
It didn’t look like rain was on its way, but it would be a fraction warmer under the cover, so he’d get no complaints from me. I dragged my eyes back to him. “I think it will suffice.”
His shoulders relaxed and he offered me a crooked smile.
His eyes wandered from my face to linger on something over my shoulder.
I turned and saw he was staring at the wall, where we had sat and talked, amongst other things…
An image of him positioned between my thighs flashed into my mind and something in my core fluttered again.
He cleared his throat, as if he’d been having the same thoughts.
“Shall we?” He gestured towards the table.
Atop a blue tablecloth on the wrought iron table sat more candles that flickered in the light breeze, gold-rimmed tableware, goblets and a decanter of red wine. At the heart of the table was a golden vase filled with fresh asters.
“I’m very impressed. Is this another one of your royal duties?” I teased as he helped me into my chair.
“It’s all part of the service,” he said, taking the seat across from me.
He filled my goblet with wine, then poured some for himself. After the other night, I wasn’t particularly eager to drink again, but, after he’d gone to so much effort, I didn’t protest.
“What shall we toast to?” I asked.
He thought about it for a second, then said, “To your powers.”
Shock drained the color from my face. Did he know? Was this a trap? “My powers?”
“Yes, your powers. You look bewitching in that dress, so it only seems fitting that we drink to it.” The corners of his lips were raised upwards as he said the words. The tension in my body instantly eased and laughter bubbled out of me.
Tarben pretended to look offended, but amusement danced in his eyes. “What’s wrong with that? I thought it was poetic.”
“You are very suave, but how about we toast to good health instead?”
“Lady’s choice.” He shrugged, but the crinkle in the corner of his eyes remained—he’d achieved his goal, he’d entertained me.
We clinked our goblets together. “May Ceda bless us with continued good health,” said Tarben. As well as being goddess of earth, Ceda was the deity of fertility, harvest, health and the seasons.
I forced myself to take a sip of my wine. “When do you leave?”
“Tomorrow, at first light.” There was an emotion in his eyes that I couldn’t quite place. Regret?
“Why are you going?”
It was impressive, really, how quickly four words could dampen a mood.
He sighed. “Hywell’s death is tragic, but it also causes complications. There has been some unrest at the border and without him there to keep an eye on things for us… I need to go and assess the situation myself. Possibly intervene.”
“Unrest because of the war?”
He sipped his wine and nodded.
“What about you? Do you want Solvardunn to join the war?” I asked, curious despite myself.
“I’d never want to enter into war,” he sighed.
“Yet, things can’t continue this way. Countless lives are being lost while Solvardunn buries its head in the sand.
” There was a definite bitter undertone to his words.
“Our neighbors have pleaded with us for assistance and yet we sit safe and comfortable behind our fortress walls. What my father doesn’t realize…
” There was a pause, pregnant with unspoken thoughts.
“What my father fails to grasp is that our safety is an illusion. Conflict rages across Anerdor, and it’s only a matter of time before it reaches our doorstep.
I don’t want to sit and wait for that day to arrive.
I want us to fight for our kingdom and fight for this continent. ”
Tarben was so noble. It was not surprising, given all I’d learned about him during my time here. “I think you are very brave and will make an exceptional ruler one day,” I said, meaning it.
He looked suddenly fascinated by the wine in his hand. “My father is an exceptional ruler,” he started. “He truly loves this kingdom. It’s precisely this love for his kingdom that blinds him at times.”
“I’m sure that’s more common than you realize.” I thought of my own queen and her refusal to acknowledge how bad things had become in Vantillios. Was it possible that her denial was a symptom of her love for the kingdom?
We sat in silence, both roaming our own thoughts, until Tarben looked at me and smiled.
“Thank you for meeting me this evening. I wish I could have seen you sooner, but with everything that’s happened…”
Another pause. The flames of the candles continued to flicker in the breeze. I did my best to hide my shiver. “Did you know him well?”
“I’ve known him since I was a boy. We weren’t close but, of course, he was a member of my father’s court.”
He looked thoughtful for a moment. “Oriane knew him better than I did. Her aunt was Lord Hywell’s first wife.”
It was a throwaway comment—an afterthought—but I was stunned.
My surprise must have shown because he continued. “She died before Oriane was born, but he always took a special interest in her because of it.”
“What do you mean?” I asked, unable to bite down my curiosity.
He shifted in his seat. “I’m not sure she would want me to say.”
“Of course,” I responded, although I was desperate for more information.
Lord Hywell took a special interest in Oriane?
This mysterious connection between the two of them must be why she looked so unlike herself in the great hall.
She was in mourning because he meant something to her. How fascinating.
“Do you have any idea who would have done something so awful?” It wasn’t the most romantic of topics, but I had to ask.
His eyes darkened. “No. Though I suspect it was someone with a score to settle with him—Lord Hywell could be ruthless at times. It made him more than one enemy in the kingdom.”
“So you don’t believe it’s witchcraft?” I kept my tone casual, even though I leaned forward, eager to know what he thought.
He looked at me incredulously. “Alara, no. Those are just silly rumors from the servants, nothing more than fairy stories. There are no witches in Solvardunn.” He continued more gently this time, “Please, don’t concern yourself over that nonsense.”
He took my hands in his. “We will find the bastard responsible. In the meantime, I want you to know you’re safe here. I won’t let anything happen to you, even while I’m away. My father has reinforced security around the castle and the Royal Guard are on high alert for any suspicious activity.”
I sincerely doubted that the Royal Guard could protect anyone from a murderous witch, but I swallowed my cynicism and instead asked, “How long will you be gone?”
“It’s hard to say, but hopefully only a few days. Especially because my interests lie very much here, at the castle.” A suggestive smile crossed his face as he met my gaze.
My stomach did a somersault. What in confinement was that about? I jerked my hand away, as though his touch was the flame my grandmother had warned me not to play with.
“Are you okay?” Tarben asked, a crease forming between his eyebrows.
I was spared from having to respond by a procession of servants delivering trays of steaming food.
I sucked in a deep breath. It was probably just a combination of the sunset and the wine making me feel so strange. I needed to slow down on the drinking, that was all.
With a forced smile, I said, “This looks delicious. Let’s eat.”
***
The evening passed in a glimmering haze.
At some point, the sunset melted into twilight, then twilight melted into nightfall, but it did so stealthily, evading my attention.
I was only vaguely aware of the twinkling stars and the moon ornamenting the velvet, black sky.
I barely registered the servants that came and went, serving dish after dish and refilling our goblets.
My mind was focused with razor-sharp singularity on the prince sitting across the table from me.
It was like existing in another world. A world where Tarben and I were the only inhabitants.
Everything was going exactly how I had planned it. Well, almost everything.
During the course of the evening, I’d felt an increasingly light and blissful sensation in my body.
Giddiness. Obviously, I couldn’t allow for that.
I had a very important job to do, and I couldn’t get distracted by the nice feelings I was having.
Remember the curse. Remember why you’re here.
Remember what will happen if you go home a failure.
“You’ve gone quiet. What are you thinking?” Tarben asked, his face cast in a golden hue from the dancing candlelight.
“I’m thinking how flawless this night has been and how it’s a shame it can’t last.” The fact that it was not entirely a lie came as a surprise.
“We’ll have many more just like it when I return from the border.” His grin turned flirtatious. “We can sit around the hearth and I can feed you little chocolates…”