Chapter 11

BELLA SMILED, HER CHEEKSstiff from the forced politeness of the evening. It was her engagement ball, something she"d never thought she"d experience. So why was she so on edge?

Her gaze landed on Eirwyn on the edge of the dance floor. She"d always been jealous of Eirwyn"s beauty, ever since she"d first stumbled into the tavern as a child.

Pa had given her everything she wanted, food, drink, clothing. He"d even made Bella share her only doll. At the memory of Pa, the pressure on her chest increased and she looked across the dance floor.

Eirwyn had quietly held court through dinner at the opposite end of the table, everyone hanging on her every word. Those around her had laughed as she spun light and shadow figures across the table. The more they"d laughed and paid attention to Eirwyn, the more Gastone had stiffened and grown moody.

She"d seen the way he glared at Eirwyn, could feel the emotions rolling off him. It was so like the night he"d come to the tavern and turned her world upside down. Was it any wonder that she was on edge?

When the king and his guards had swept inside demanding to know where Eirwyn was, Bella had known her world was about to change. She"d sent a maid upstairs to pull Eirwyn from the bed of some man or another.

The door burst open, and the kind strode inside. His masquerade suit highlighted his hair black as midnight. The starkness of his white cravat and shirt stood out against his tan skin.

The stringed lute twanged to a stop, the wounded soldier by the hearth gasping. Their other bar maids froze and bowls of steaming stew clattered to the tables. The patrons lowered their ale, and Bella saw a few reach for their weapons. The guards at the door settled their hands on their swords, eyes ranging over the crowd.

She wiggled her fingers, weaving magic to straighten her dress and smooth her thick brown hair as she walked around the edge of the bar to the middle of the room. She dipped a low curtsy, quickly wiping her hands on the apron around her waist.

"Your majesty, to what do we owe the honor of this visit?" Bella asked.

The king looked her up and down, and she recognized the interested gaze. But his words had been cold when he"d demanded, "My sister is here instead of at the masquerade."

Bella nodded and held out a hand. "We have a private room, your majesty. If you"d care to wait there, we"ll fetch her."

Everyone in the tavern had been frozen in fear, no one moving or daring to even breathe. Even the guards that had accompanied the king stood silently at attention beside the door.

The king threw his hands wide, white smoke rising from his nose as he breathed shallowly. His eyes dilated. "My sister should be in the private room, not smashing with a dirty–"

Eirwyn had come down the stairs, her dress slightly twisted and her hair wilder than normal. She"d locked eyes with the king, and he"d lifted his hands, a fireball flickering in his palm.

Eirwyn had lurched forward, her hands up as she yelled, "No, Gastone, don"t–"

But it was too late. He hurled the fireball at Eirwyn, hitting the door frame above her head. The wood crashed on top of her even as she dove to the side near the bar. She hit the bar, and Bella had jumped in front of Eirwyn, her hands wide in supplication.

"Your majesty—"

Another fireball flew toward the bar, and Bella panicked. She threw her hands up, deflecting the fireball as her heart raced. Heat slammed into her palms, and she shoved, sending it to the fireplace where it exploded.

Ashes flew over the room. Some maids screamed, others jumped under the tables to hide. Those closest to the door sprinted for the exit, the guards not stopping them.

Bella felt Eirwyn"s hand on her arm, then a gust of wind swept the ashes into a small black tornado and back into the fireplace where it collapsed.

Now that the air was clear, Bella took a deep breath, shifting on her toes as she watched the king warily. He panted, fire still in his palms as he glared at Eirwyn. He lifted a hand.

She had to stop him before he burned down the entire tavern. She couldn"t let him destroy it when it was all she had.

"Enough," Bella shouted, drawing his gaze. "She shouldn"t have missed the masquerade. Eirwyn, apologize. Now."

Bella"s tone brooked no argument, the same tone she"d used on ruffians who refused to cooperate.

"I"m sorry, Gastone. I didn"t mean to offend," Eirwyn said softly, her forehead creased in a frown.

The king narrowed his eyes and his flaming hands burned brighter. "You think an apology is all it takes? You flaunt yourself around town with no regard to who you are or what you represent."

Bella waved her wrists in circles, sending magic to the stools and chairs around them.

They shifted, animating into a grotesque type of soldier. Two gathered around her and the rest formed a wall between the king and those still huddling under the tables.

"Without her calming influence, the people would"ve revolted years ago. She"s not flaunting herself. She"s setting worried minds at ease, something you should learn to do."

His eyes flashed. "How dare you speak to me like that."

Bella twisted her wrists, growing the stool soldiers and chairmen in size. She narrowed her eyes as his hands flared brighter.

"By Borga"s blade, if you throw another fireball in this tavern, you will lose your crown so help me gods." She widened her feet, prepared to die defending her father"s tavern, her home, her refuge.

"You"ve already destroyed the sigil of Jurus over the door frame. Do you really want to tempt the gods tonight?"

The king jerked slightly and glanced over. The top of the sigil could still be seen at the base of the stairs. He glanced back at Bella, looked at Eirwyn, then back again.

"The guards will escort you home, dear sister. Go now, before I change my mind."

Eirwyn had looked at Bella, but Bella didn"t dare take her eyes off the king.

"Go on," Bella said softly. "We"ll be alright."

She only hoped it was true.

Eirwyn whispered, "Honifery protect you."

Bella nodded, noting the way Gastone watched Eirwyn walk slowly across the floor like a hawk eying its prey. The gods would see justice served, but she just hoped it wasn"t justice for her death or the destruction of her father"s tavern.

She swallowed hard and lifted her voice. "The same goes for all of you. Get out."

The wall of chairs shifted, allowing the patrons to mass rush the door. Two of the guards left with Eirwyn, but two more remained, one on either side of the door.

The king released his magic, the white smoke drifting from his hands. Bella returned the chairs to their tables, but the barstools remained protectively behind her.

"You worship the old gods?" he asked.

She nodded slowly. "I find their ways make more sense than what the new religion spouts. The popular opinion isn"t always the right one."

Gastone snorted, a white tendril of smoke curling from his nose as he smiled. "How clever. Jurus, Borga, and now you quote Honifery? How curious..." He paused, and she shifted on her feet as he staRed at her.

"Do you follow all of Borga"s teachings?"

She held her hands together in front of her, portraying an air of confidence even though her stomach was in knots. "While Borga is popular today among those who wish for more freedoms, I follow Borga because he ensures the ale and wine are safe and brings more travelers. Without Borga, I"d have no business."

The king"s eyes glittered, sending a spark of awareness through her. She was walking a fine line and couldn"t let her guard down. He nodded regally, as if deciding something and pleased with his decision.

"You mentioned a private room? I"d like to see it now."

Bella tilted her head, not trusting him for a second, no matter how drawn to him she was. . "Certainly, your highness. Would you like a pint of ale as well?"

He nodded, and the light from the fireplace illuminated his high cheekbones, straight nose, and perfectly styled hair pulled back at the nape of his neck in elaborate braids.

"I would, thank you. I apologize for the mess. I will, of course, have it fixed tomorrow."

Bella nodded and waved to the narrow hallway that led to the room, her stomach twisting in knots as nerves assailed her.

Just like it did now. She hadn"t been able to eat tonight at the ball, just like she hadn"t been able to eat a bite when the king had asked her to sit with him in the parlor that night. She"d served him the stew Eirwyn had made earlier that night but had kept their conversation on safer topics than his sister.

They"d discussed religion, books, music, and art. He"d been attentive, and she"d slowly relaxed around him. The next day, word arrived that Eirwyn was going to Glathen to negotiate a peace treaty. Then the workers had shown up to fix the tavern along with an invitation to a private dinner at the castle. That was when he"d propositioned her for a week long dalliance that had morphed into so much more.

Her mind wandering as she twirled and met her dance partner in the middle. He was some random duke that she couldn"t remember the name of who only danced with her for political favor.

She"d learned a lot over the past six weeks living in the palace, most of it regarding her position. She was the gateway to the king, and he asked questions about the political pulse of the people in town.

During their first week together, he had wooed her with flowery words, bringing her books she"d never heard of, and asking about the rumors in town. He had been invested in her opinion.

He had declared his love and proposed exactly one week after they"d met, had promised her all the books, tutors, and magic school she could ever want... if she would help him learn to be a better king to the peasants.

She loved him too. How could she not, when he had given her the world? But her stomach twisted every time he said something derogatory toward the commoners, folk just like her.

She felt Gastone"s gaze on her, ever watching, ever appraising. She"d come to crave his approval in such a short time.

Lailant said it was because her father had been gone for so long. He"d been gone to war for years now. Only those who were too old or too young came to the tavern anymore. And the injured, shady characters, and draft dodgers.

She went to the next partner, the dance blurring together along with the passing evening. She finally bowed low and begged for a reprieve. She went up to her room to use the facilities, not wanting to chit chat with any of the noblewomen in the large bathroom on the main floor.

She sat in front of her vanity and powdered her nose.

Gastone is going to lose the throne if you don"t do something about it.

She sighed, not sure what she was supposed to do. She"d spent weeks coaching him on how to reshape his image with the people. He was too temperamental, too volatile.

It"s not his fault, though. He needs a strong woman at his side, and Eirwyn"s been dragging him down for years.

She touched up her lips, her mind wandering in a haze. They had compromised to have the wedding here in her hometown, then they were going to take a wide honeymoon tour of the nation before going to the capital.

Eirwyn should stay at the summer palace. She"s less likely to make Gastone mad if she"s out of sight.

Bella nodded at her reflection as it shimmered. Gastone had been strict but pleasant in the past few weeks as they"d gotten to know each other. She knew they could have a great marriage but more than that, she could change the kingdom for the better.

Maybe even bring Pa home and end the blasted war. She stood, going back downstairs to continue working on the nobles. It wasn"t only the commoners who needed to think differently about the king.

****

When Eirwyn awoke thenext morning, she was in her large bedchamber with plush sheets and giant pillows. She snuggled in deeper, turning onto her side with a sigh. She winced at the pain in her stomach and soft footsteps approached the bed.

"Are you awake?" Bella whispered.

Eirwyn hummed and rubbed her face against the clean sheets. With a start, she sat bolt upright, her gaze swinging around the room to find Bella standing next to her bed.

She wore a gold and Red brocade gown, the corset laced tight. The silk sleeves shimmered in the soft afternoon sunlight that spilled into the room from floor to ceiling windows.

A bell tolled outside, and she knew she was back in Demerel in the palace. Her dreams had been full of Knox and the forest and flying over the trees.

She took a deep breath, calming her racing heart. Bella clasped her hands in front of her. Not a strand of hair was out of place, and her brown eyes were concerned but curious. All of their friendship, Eirwyn had felt like Bella watched her like a science experiment.

She looked around and held her stomach. "What—what are you doing here?" she asked.

Bella smiled tightly. "I wanted to check on you. You disappeared last night."

Eirwyn groaned and laid back down, rolling over and pulling the covers back up. "I just don"t feel well."

"Aw, I"m so sorry," Bella said woodenly. Eirwyn looked up at her, blinking and trying to think. It was too early for her brain to make sense of why Bella was acting slightly off.

Bella went to the window and stared out. "I wanted to talk with you about your behavior last night at the ball. You shouldn"t talk to your brother like that. He"s trying his best and ruling the kingdom is a difficult thing to do."

Eirwyn slowly sat up, frowning. A month ago, Bella would"ve been complaining about Gastone with her over a pint of ale at the tavern.

Eirwyn breathed deeply and closed her eyes, tears threatening. "You"re right, I"m sorry. I"m not trying to cause problems between you two."

Bella turned from the window, her back straight and her eyes cold. Her expression made Eirwyn freeze on the bed, reminding her of Gastone. She"d seen that same stone cold expression as a child, and it always led to pain.

Her stomach twisted in worry, confusion, and fear.

"I know, but with that being said, I want you to consider staying here at the summer palace after the wedding. We"ll be touring the nation before going to the capital for the winter."

Eirwyn nodded, breathing through her nose and trying to control her roiling stomach. Sweat beaded her upper lip.

"I"m happy to give you two space. I know I set the worst off in Gastone. I don"t know why he hates me so, but it will help you start your marriage right without me underfoot."

"And the rest of the engagement dinners and balls. You should take a step back and let your brother have his moment in the spotlight."

Eirwyn"s stomach rebelled, and she raced to the bathroom and retched. Bella"s voice came through the open door. "I"ll tell your maid you"re awake. She"ll be right in to help you."

Eirwyn heaved and tears pricked her eyes. It was the same feeling she"d had her whole life. She was weak, nauseous, and shaky. Why did this always happen to her? Why was she constantly sick? Was it the castle that made her so anxious?

Or was it just always walking on eggshells around her brother?

Perhaps she"d visit Lailant and see if she could help. She didn"t have time to be sick, not with the wedding coming up so quickly. She had to help Bella prepare while staying out of her brother"s way.