Chapter 13

CHAPTER 13

A s Korth and I strolled down the corridor toward the gardens, the sight of the page boy wending his way toward us, bearing a tray with a letter on it, sent me into a spiral of worry. Had it truly been two weeks already? Despite my assurances to the rebels, I lacked the confidence that Korth was prepared to pour a great deal of money and resources into a war he wasn’t involved in.

I kept my eyes fixed ahead as I took several deep breaths, willing my hand not to shake where I had my fingers interlaced with Korth’s. The rebellion’s success was resting on me. The innocent citizens of Ebora were counting on me. What was deceiving one prince, in the grand scheme of things?

“A missive from Ebora, Princess,” the page boy said with a bow, holding out a tray with a thick envelope and letter opener on it.

I gasped in excitement. “It must be from my father!” I gave Korth’s hand a little squeeze before I took the letter and slit the envelope open. “He said he would write and let me know when he could arrive for our…for our…” I allowed my voice to fade away for dramatic effect as my eyes slid from side to side, face falling by the moment.

My Dearest Odette,

I hope this letter finds you safe and well in Haven Harbor. I write to you now with a heavy heart and news that I wish were otherwise.

There has been an uprising in our kingdom, one that has shaken the very foundations of our realm. The rebels have seized control of the palace, and I find myself ousted from my rightful place as king. For now, I am in hiding, surrounded by loyal guards who remain dedicated to protecting me. But in truth, our situation is precarious at best, and I fear for what the future may hold.

My dear daughter, it grieves me to inform you that it is not safe for you to return home at this time, even for visits. The rebels are ruthless in their quest for power, and they will stop at nothing to harm those associated with the royal family. Your safety, of course, is my utmost priority, and I implore you to remain where you are until further notice.

I cannot predict how this political upheaval will affect your impending marriage to Prince Korth. Whether or not he still wishes to proceed with the union when our kingdom is in turmoil, I cannot tell. What I do know is that your well-being is paramount, and I will do everything in my power to ensure your safety, no matter the cost.

If there is any possibility of aid from Haven Harbor, I would submit the humblest of pleas at this time. I enclosed an additional letter for you to give to Prince Korth. While I hate to request assistance even before your union is finalized, I would be lying if I claimed our situation here was anything but dire.

Odette, know that you are always in my thoughts and that I long for the day when we can be reunited once more. Until then, stay strong, stay safe, and know that you are loved beyond measure.

With all my love,

Papa

I quickly folded up the letter as my eyes filled with tears.

“What is it?” Korth asked, touching a hand to my elbow.

“I don’t want to bother you with my family’s troubles.”

As expected, Korth drew himself up. “Your troubles are mine as well. What’s wrong?”

The paper rustled as I carefully unfolded the pages and offered the first one to Korth. “There has been political unrest in our kingdom for some time, and it seems that…it seems that…” I let out a choked sob. “I just hope my father hasn’t been…” I scrunched my eyes shut and didn’t finish the sentence.

My acting was to be commended. I maintained the princess-like composure that would be expected, but allowed my chin and voice to quiver enough that Korth was sure to take notice and feel compelled to heroically leap in to defend his fiancée.

There was a long pause as Korth read the forged letter. “It says there’s another letter for me?”

I glanced down, as if surprised to remember I still held an additional sheet. “Oh, I forgot.” I held it out so we could both read it at the same time.

Your Royal Highness Prince Korth,

I pen this letter with a heavy heart, yet with a glimmer of hope that you may heed my plea in this time of dire need. It is with great urgency that I reach out to you, seeking your aid in reclaiming what has unjustly been taken.

As you may be aware, Ebora has fallen victim to a treacherous uprising, orchestrated by those who seek to usurp my rightful throne. The rebels have seized control of the palace, forcing me into hiding and plunging our land into chaos and uncertainty. The very foundation of our kingdom is under threat, and I fear that without swift and decisive action, it may be lost forever.

Your Highness, I beseech you to lend your aid in retaking the castle and restoring order. Your military prowess and strategic insight are renowned far and wide, and your assistance in this matter would be invaluable. Together, we can stand against the rebellion before it has too much time to gain momentum.

I understand that this is a considerable request, and it is one that I do not make lightly. However, the bond between Ebora and Haven Harbor extends from before the siren plague, and I trust that you will not turn a blind eye to the plight of a fellow ruler in need. Your support in this endeavor would not only safeguard the future of Ebora but would also serve as a testament to the strength of our alliance.

Your Highness, I implore you to consider my plea and act swiftly in the face of our adversary. With your aid, we may yet emerge victorious, and the light of justice may once again shine upon our kingdom.

Lastly, I humbly request that even if aid cannot be sent, you keep my daughter safe until this matter is resolved. She is my most precious treasure, and her safety is of utmost importance to me. I trust in your kindness and goodwill to ensure her well-being when I cannot provide that for her here during these troubled times.

With deepest respect and gratitude,

King Raquel of Ebora

“I’ll understand if you don’t want to marry me,” I told him in a slightly quavering voice. “According to these”—I nodded toward the letters—“I’m not even a princess now. You have no obligation to me anymore.” I hung my head.

A strong finger hooked under my chin and brought my face up. The kindness and understanding radiating from his gaze would have warmed even the frostiest of hearts.

“We’ll figure it out. I’m not going to abandon you, and I still plan to marry you and love you unconditionally, even if your kingdom has some civil unrest. It could be that our marriage will help settle it. All is not lost.”

The phrase love you unconditionally stuck out to me. There was no such thing. But even so, raw guilt plucked at my heartstrings. I knew I’d have to lie to Korth and manipulate him as part of this, but him being so gallant and chivalrous was making betraying him much more difficult. He ought not to be used. If only there was another way…

But there wasn’t.

A watery smile lifted my lips. “I’m fortunate that I can count on you to always be honorable. I wouldn’t want to marry anyone else.” I raised onto my tiptoes and tilted my head upward to invite him closer. Chaperone watching or not, I planned to kiss him so thoroughly that the poor boy would forget his own name and leap to do anything I asked. It would be impossible for him to resist. But after a quick glance down at my face, he swallowed hard and released me as if he’d been burned. His hasty step away left me feeling somewhat disappointed.

“In regard to this missive”—Korth beat the second letter against his palm—“I will call for some emergency councils to address the concerns. Entering a foreign civil war before we’re married would be unprecedented, but under the circumstances… I will need to send a correspondence to your father so we can assess the situation and formulate a plan?—”

“But how long will that take? There are sure to be pirates in the vicinity. Wouldn’t it be better to send military reinforcements now? If you send messengers to Ebora and they’re intercepted, the rebels will just lie. There is no way to determine that any missive will be received by the correct party. My father’s life is in danger right now and if the rebels find him—” I choked up.

Korth sighed. “You’re right. There isn’t much time to delay. Is there a safe house or somewhere you can contact your father? Clearly he’s still able to correspond with you, and he must have some guards protecting him from—” Something in his voice caught. “I’m glad you are here and safe.”

“I am, too. I feel protected around you.” I stepped back in to lean gently against Korth. His arms wrapped automatically around me and I slid my arms up his back, appreciating how muscular his chest was.

An intrusive cough sounded from down the hallway and I pulled back from Korth, annoyed. Chaperones, chaperones. I’d never get Korth alone.

“And I’m sorry,” Korth said quietly. “You spoke about the possibility of rebellions and I dismissed it as hypothetical. I’ll make sure to prepare a committee to examine this situation as soon as possible.”

“Thank you.” I squeezed his hands. “My father’s life depends on how swiftly this is dealt with. I’m glad I can trust you to take care of it.”

“I’ll update you as soon as I have confirmation,” Korth told me, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “Don’t worry.”