Thea's Tale (Sisters Of The Curse Book 1) Read online

  “I have counted myself a fortunate man and king. Not only am I blessed with a realm of the best people, I am blessed with my family.”

  The men of the court responded with a roar. The ladies clapped politely. Aland smiled at them all, glancing at Thea as he did so.

  As the noise receded, Aland resumed speaking. “I have put the care of family and kingdom as my priorities always. Tonight, I wish to share with you the steps I have taken to ensure the continued health and prosperity of both.”

  The crowd roared again. Thea couldn’t help smiling. It made her happy to see that the court would be so accepting of Casimir. She searched the crowd, and saw him moving closer. “I am pleased to tell you that I have been asked to give my daughter, my heir, Thea, Princess of Gallivas in marriage. Prince Sebastian of Laurycia has proposed an alliance, and I have accepted! Prince Sebastian, if you would please join us!”

  The crowd roared more loudly than before. Thea struggled to keep the shock and surprise from her face. Sebastian? Sebastian? How could this be? This should be Casimir! Her gaze flew to him, still in the crowd. He stood still, no longer in motion. The shock she felt was mirrored in his face.

  Her thoughts were interrupted as Sebastian bounded up to the dais, bowing first to Aland. He then bowed to Thea, taking her hand and kissing it reverently. When he rose, Aland clapped him on the back, and Sebastian turned to face the crowd, still holding Thea’s hand. She wanted to pull it from him, but dared not in the face of her father and the entire gathering of courtiers.

  “I thank you for your kind reception to this news. Not only am I eager to wed the lovely Princess Thea,” he pulled her hand to his lips and kissed it again, “But I am pleased to make an alliance that I think will change forever the kingdoms of Gallivas and Laurycia, for the better.” He looked at Thea, and then turned forward and winked at the crowd. “I do think I am getting the better end of the bargain!”

  His statement drew laughter and cheers from the court. Thea could see women sighing at the romantic show. She struggled to keep the smile in place, afraid that she would burst into tears and disgrace herself. She didn’t look to where she knew Casimir stood. She could feel the heat of his stare without even seeing him.

  “Let us drink to the happy couple!” Aland boomed. He took a glass from a footman who had appeared and raised it. Thea could see that men with trays had appeared throughout the ballroom. Sebastian took two glasses, offering one to Thea as he leaned in closer to her.

  “For my bride,” he said quietly. “I am very happy, Thea. I hope you shall be also.”

  “I thank you, Sebastian, but I must be honest. I was not aware you’d asked for my hand.”

  “Were you not?” He asked. His face registered surprise. Keeping his tone quiet he said, “I felt sure you knew what I had planned.”

  “No, no…I had no idea,” Thea said. He frowned. She hoped she was not giving offense. “I do beg your pardon.”

  “Sebastian? Thea?” Her father interrupted. “We await you.”

  Thea looked up. All eyes were upon them. “I am sorry, Father. We were merely—”

  “Already lost in one another, eh?” Aland boomed again, cutting Thea off. “Very well, very well. To Prince Sebastian and Princess Thea!” He held his glass high.

  “To Prince Sebastian and Princess Thea!” the guest shouted back. A moment of silence while everyone drank, and then a babble of conversation washed through the ballroom.

  “Thea, may I escort you from here?” Sebastian asked. “I would ask that you dance with me.”

  “I’m sorry?” She shook her head, focusing on him. “Oh…yes, of course.” She couldn’t think. Thank goodness for the years of deportment drilled into her. She might not have felt able to move, speak, or do anything, but thankfully her training took over, and she moved woodenly along with Sebastian.

  Sebastian took her glass and handed both to a passing serving maid and led her to the dance floor. She pushed down her panic, making herself go through the movements. She knew all eyes were on her.

  “Are you well, Thea?” Sebastian asked.

  “I am, I must admit, very surprised, Prince Sebastian. I had no idea of your intent.”

  “I did not know that your father kept my proposal from you, and I am sorry for it. I should have advised otherwise.”

  She risked a glance at him then. He seemed concerned and a little distressed.

  “I thank you for that,” Thea said. It was considerate, regardless of how she felt about it.

  “I hope that you will be happy in spite of the manner in which this was sprung upon you,” he said. “I have felt for some time that we will suit one another well.”

  “You think so, sir? We have not spent much time together,” Thea said.

  “Is there ever enough time when one is part of a royal family?” He asked seriously. “It’s not usually a luxury we have. I did, however, tell my father I wanted to meet you and see what you were like. I like you. You are, by all accounts, an intelligent, witty, and caring woman. You love your kingdom, and are virtuous and kind. I am not foolish enough to think that love happens overnight, but I am hopeful that the way I feel will be reciprocated at some point.” He smiled at her.

  “My parents were a love match. I will confess, I hoped for the same.” She knew she sounded offensive.

  “Had you really no idea of my interest? I thought I had made it most plain.”

  Thea turned her gaze downward, hoping it would be taken for modesty. She had seen no one but Casimir.

  “I am sorry that you were taken by surprise. I care for you. I believe we may be a love match in time,” he said quietly. “At least, I am hoping so.”

  Thea couldn’t answer. She bowed her head, praying that he would leave the matter be.

  He did. He looked away. Once the dance had finished, he led her to the banquet table. “Allow me to get you some refreshment.” He escorted her to a seat, and bowed over her hand before taking his leave of her.

  Within moments her sisters swarmed about her.

  “Oh my! You are so lucky, Thea!” Said Adelaide. While her words were warm, Thea noted that her voice had gone flat once more.

  “I told you that we’d seen him today,” said Celestria. “How wonderful that Father announced it!”

  “Why are you not more excited?” Asked Isobel. “He is such a fine match!”

  “I didn’t know of it until Father announced it,” Thea said. She put a smile on her face. “I am surprised and nervous. I do not know him well, nor he me. I am not an easy person.” She looked around at her sisters, meeting their eyes. “You all know this.” All of them laughed, agreeing. “What if he is similar?”

  “Father didn’t ask you, or even tell you?” Esmay asked. Her mouth turned down in a small frown. “No wonder you are so taken aback. I felt sure you knew, after all our talk earlier. ” She leaned forward, and stroked Thea’s hair, a calculating look coming over her face.

  Thea started. Such a gesture did not belong at a ball. “We can discuss this later, sisters. I thank you for your congratulations,” she said, standing. Thea caught Esmay’s eye to let her know all was well. Esmay smiled, and her sisters parted as Sebastian returned, holding a cup of punch.

  “Here you are, my dear.” He handed the cup to Thea. She took it, drinking deeply.

  “Ladies, if you would excuse us?” He smiled, which of course sent all her sisters, even Adelaide, into a twitter. It was unfortunate his good looks stirred her not even in the slightest. “We must make the rounds.” Taking Thea’s hand, he led her into the ballroom to receive the best wishes of the court.

  Thea held onto the cup, and Sebastian kept her hand as they walked among the guests. She smiled and made small talk, although she couldn’t remember anything she said, or that was said to her.

  She felt as though she’d been struck by lightning when Sebastian stopped in front of Casimir.

  “Allow me to raise a glass to you both,” Casimir said. “I am sure you will be most happy. I
t’s a fortunate match.” His words were formal and correct. Thea could hear the anger and the hurt in them. She felt the unsaid accusation from Casimir even though he did not meet her eyes. He lifted his cup and drained it. He exchanged it for a full cup from a maid and drank deeply again.

  “Thank you, Cas!” Sebastian said, clasping him on the shoulder. “It is indeed, and not just on my side!” He laughed then, a genuine laugh, unlike a lot of the conversation prior.

  That change made Thea look at him. She had not noticed, but apparently Casimir and Sebastian were friends.

  “I’m surprised you were able to keep this to yourself,” Casimir said. There was an edge to his tone. He and Sebastian looked at one another briefly before Casimir turned his gaze to Thea. She felt lashed by the anger in his eyes before he looked back to Sebastian. She struggled to keep the pleasant smile on her face and not scream to him that none of this was her fault.

  “My father didn’t want me talking of it until things were settled. You know how it is! I’m not the only one who can keep secrets, apparently. The king didn’t even tell Thea! Can you believe such?” Sebastian laughed again, shaking his head. His words, his actions, they all seemed too hearty to Thea. “We shall manage things differently, won’t we, Thea?” He asked as he smiled down at her.

  Thea winced, wishing herself anywhere else at that moment. Sebastian implying there would be children with Casimir looking on, a glower in his eyes. Both men waited for her to speak.

  “I should hope so. It’s very old fashioned, to me.” She couldn’t look at Casimir, and hoped Sebastian didn’t hear the quaver in her voice.

  “But all’s well that ends well, eh?” Sebastian laughed, taking her hand in both of his and patting it. “I’d rather stay here, but we must continue on,” he said to Casimir, and Thea could hear the regret in his voice.

  They were friends. Close enough that this caught Casimir by surprise. How could this be? She forced all such thoughts from her then. She needed to get through the evening, and then she could talk to her father. It would not be easy, but he would have to extract her from this marriage.

  She allowed Sebastian to lead her to the waiting throng.

  ***

  As the evening drew to a close, guests departed, some to other parts of the castle, some to their own estates. Sebastian stood with the king and queen, as one soon to be family, accepting congratulations yet again. Thea stood with her sisters, her face aching. She didn’t know if she could ever smile again, she’d worked so hard at it this evening. She’d not seen Casimir since she and Sebastian had spoken with him.

  “Well, get some rest, young man,” said Aland, taking the queen’s hand. “We shall need to delve into the business of our kingdoms tomorrow.”

  “Of course, Your Majesties,” Sebastian said, bowing to them both. “Princesses,” he said to Thea’s sisters. He rose and stepped forward, taking Thea’s hand. “Thea,” his lips brushing her hand as he looked up at her.

  Thea could hear some of her sisters sighing around her and resisted the urge to roll her eyes. If she were being fair, which she felt no inclination to be, she’d be delighted at his show of romance. Were there no Casimir...

  “Very well,” said Aland. “My dear, daughters, to bed.” He left the room, and Thea and her sisters followed. Thea looked over her shoulder. Sebastian stood watching them, a smile on his face. He looked happy, Thea thought.

  She hurried to catch up to her parents. “Father, may I speak with you?”

  “Tonight?” Aland asked. “Can this not wait until morning?”

  He really has no idea, Thea thought. He truly had no inkling that he was high handed in doing this without telling her or that there was anything wrong with his actions. She pushed that aside to focus on the matter at hand.

  “Yes, please, Father. Tonight.”

  Aland exchanged a glance with Ceridwen. She spoke immediately. “I am sure you will be fine with a morning appointment, dear. Over breakfast, perhaps?” She smiled at Thea and Aland.

  Thea could feel her sisters behind her, waiting, watching, and listening. She braced herself. “Thank you, Mother, but I really do wish to speak with Father before this evening is over.”

  “What is amiss, daughter?” Aland seemed genuinely puzzled, which made Thea want to strike him.

  “I would prefer to converse with you in private, Sir,” she answered.

  Aland glanced at Ceridwen again. “I suppose, if you must. I shall give you five minutes in my chambers. My dear, I shall join you shortly,” he said to Ceridwen. “Daughters, to your rooms.”

  They scattered around Thea and Aland, some glancing back fearfully. Adelaide was the last to pass Thea, and she squeezed Thea’s hand as she went by.

  Once everyone had moved on, Aland turned to Thea. “Come.” His face showed a mix of annoyance and concern.

  Thea trailed in his wake, taking deep breaths as she did so. This would not be easy, and a part of her feared what her father might say or do. But she could not marry Sebastian.

  Aland stopped at the door of his private sitting room. He held the door open silently as Thea hurried in, wanting to be done with what was sure to be a difficult discussion with her father.

  “Well? What is this about? When last we spoke, you were both happy and excited.”

  “Why did you not tell me it was Sebastian who asked for my hand?”

  “That is what this is about? Thea, we spoke before I made the announcement. You were happy, in agreement with my choice for you. I venture to say you were even eager for it!” Thea could see that he was beginning to feel angry. She could also see concern for her in his face. She hurried to respond. She didn’t want to feel his anger if she could avoid it.

  “I did not know you meant Sebastian,” she said, attempting to remain calm.

  “You didn’t know….” His voice trailed off. “If not Sebastian, then who is it, Thea? Who else might be worthy of your hand? Furthermore, Sebastian has made his interest plain. I watched you carefully. You did not reject his advances.”

  “I didn’t realize he even made advances!” She said. Her anger spilled over. “Why did you not tell me that he had asked for my hand?” The tears that had threatened most of the evening slipped out, and she brushed them impatiently from her cheeks.

  “I didn’t think I had to!” Aland also struggled with his anger, his bewilderment showing. “We spoke of this, Thea! Who else would speak for your hand?”

  “I cannot marry Sebastian, Father! I do not love him, I will not marry him!” She couldn’t name Casimir, not now. She wanted to, but feared her father’s reaction. He was speaking as though no one other than Sebastian had asked for her.

  “You are making no sense, and I am trying desperately to understand, Thea,” Aland said, his words careful and measured. “Based on our conversation, I had no reason to think that you would be anything other than happy regarding my choice of a groom for you. If you do not care for him, why did you allow me to think you did?” Hands on his hips, he stared intently at her.

  “Because I thought you were speaking of another!” She cried out at last, unable to bear his gaze. “I do love another, therefore I cannot marry Sebastian.”

  “Daughter, I have pledged my word to Sebastian. Not only to Sebastian, but to his father, from one king to another. This cannot be undone.”

  “Not even the fact that I love another makes a difference? You and mother married for love. Why would you deny me the same?”

  “You did not let me know there was someone who had engaged your interest. I have given my word. I cannot break it, Thea. Would you have me known as one who reneged on a promise?”

  She sat down onto a bench in front of the fireplace. She buried her face in her hands. Taking deep breaths, she willed the tears to stay put.

  “You will learn to love Sebastian. He is a good man, handsome, a brave knight and a good leader. This other will fade,” Aland said.

  Thea looked up at him. “Can you say that you would have gotten over
Mother?”

  Aland winced. “Thea, I have no choice. Your choice not to confide in me has led me to a place where I cannot go back on my word, nor will I. I have been attentive to your wishes for many years now, but I can do so no longer.”

  “This is my fault? You ought to have come to me the instant Sebastian spoke to you! Why did you not tell him you needed to speak to me before giving your consent?” She could feel her voice rising.

  Aland’s restrained anger burst through. Thea knew that questioning his actions had pushed him too far. “Because I like him, and he will be a good king, for both you and for Gallivas. I felt you liked him as well. You know I have long despaired over not having a male heir. He will be a strong king to you as queen.”

  “I am your heir! Why does a man make any difference to that?” She could not believe what he’d just said.

  “You are indeed my heir. However, you need to have a strong king by your side.” Aland’s face closed.

  “I won’t marry him.”

  “I understand your reluctance, Thea. However, I have given my word. I wish you had come to me, let me know there was another that you cared for. As you did not, I cannot indulge you. I wish that it were not so, but I have made the best decision I could given the information I had. You will marry Sebastian. And daughter,” he said, taking her hand. “I do believe you will come to love him. Let us go to bed now. There is no sense in furthering this conversation.”

  Thea stared at him. Wrenching her hand from his, she stifled a sob, not wanting to show weakness, and ran from the room. She did, however, take care to slam the door behind her. She could hear her father roar “Thea!” but she did not turn back.

  As she ran down the hallway towards the rooms she shared with her sisters, she started to cry. No longer caring who might see or hear her, she allowed the tears that had been threatening all evening to spill over unchecked. She could feel the heat from the torches along the wall as she ran past them.

  How could father do this to her? Marry her off without even telling her because he thought it best? All based on what he thought he saw! Why did he not ask her? She stopped in mid-step. She was so upset that her father brushed off her feelings that she’d forgotten to ask what reason he had to deny Casimir’s suit. She’d have to ask tomorrow. She wasn’t going back in to see him tonight.