51Chapter 2
"He's in the city!" Nat announced loudly as she ran into their bedroom.
Andromeda glanced up from her book and Larissa turned her head quickly. But Reanna, her hair currently bundled up in Larissa's hands could only move her eyes to look at Nat as she approached through her looking glass.
"He's earlier than expected," Andromeda smiled at Reanna. "Are you nervous?"
"A little," Reanna admitted with a smile. "I do hope it all works well."
"It better. Do you know how many late nights I put in to finish your dress?" Larissa grinned at her.
Reanna smiled back through the looking glass. She had to admit, Larissa had done a wonderful job on this gown. It looked regal and confident with long flowing sleeves and an open 'V' shaped neckline that plunged almost too low for Reana's comfort. The thick hems were decorated with swirling silver embroidery that gave the impression of waves. The pale, silken blue color highlighted Reanna's already bright coloring and made her eyes look like storm clouds. The airy fabric was heavier than it had any right to be, but still managed to appear completely weightless.
Her sisters had dressed up as well, but Reanna was the bride on display. She needed to look better than all of them. Which was why Larissa herself looked like she had come from temple service with her plain brown frock and tightly bound hair. Still, she managed to look breathtaking. She was planning on standing behind others to mitigate the effect.
"How long before he gets here?" Larissa asked, the pins between her lips bouncing.
She was still focused mostly on setting Reanna's hair into a waterfall of freshly set curls that began on her head and traveled all the way down her back. The jeweled comb that would be the centerpiece of the style was waiting on the vanity. The shimmering diamonds, pearls, and gleaming moonstones had been picked before the dress had been designed. Similarly styled bracelets hung at both wrists but the real eye catcher was the large moonstone hanging between her breasts.
"It shouldn't be long. The messenger that told me said he saw them enter the city earlier this morning and it's already past noon," Nat said, sitting down next to the vanity and smiling at her eldest sister. "You look absolutely beautiful, Rae."
"Thank you," Larissa grinned over her head making them laugh.
"Suppose he's ugly?" Andromeda asked thoughtfully, looking up from her book again.
"Don't curse her with that," Larissa frowned. "Or me. Do you know how hard it is to make an ugly person look good?"
"Well, you do all right with me." Nat beamed, chin in her hand.
"You're not ugly," Larissa frowned at her. "You're plain. There's a difference."
"Not to anyone I've yet met."
Andromeda cut Larissa's next denial off. She didn't want to start this argument again. "I mean it. Rae, if he's good king material and a pleasant enough person, but he's ugly, what will you do?"
"Put a sack over his head, I suppose," Reanna said with a grin making them laugh. "Of course I don't care what he looks like. If he's a good king and good man, then I will find him beautiful. Even if it takes a little while to get used to his appearance."
"Suppose he has a nose like Lord Barthlen?" Nat grinned.
"No!" Rae cried immediately as the others laughed.
"All the way out to here!" Andromeda demonstrated over her own nose.
"With that charming wart on the side?" Larissa laughed.
"Not to mention those thick, luscious locks that seem to only want to grow from one nostril at a time," Nat snickered.
"You are all cruel for even thinking of wishing such a thing on me," Reanna put a hand to her heart in hurt causing the others to giggle.
"Nat, comb." Larissa held out her hand and smiled in gratitude when Nat placed the bejeweled silver piece into her palm.
Larissa calmly walked around and very carefully placed the comb there in the center of Reanna's upstyled hair. Adjusted it. Paused. Adjusted it again. Tweaked a few curls. Then stood back and stared with the others.
"Well?" Reanna asked when they said nothing.
"You are a master of your craft, Rissa," Andromeda complimented.
"This, I know," Larissa smiled proudly.
"Well, it's easy to be a good painter when the canvas is so exquisite." Nat beamed, holding out a hand to help her elder sister to her feet.
Reanna took it and stood, looking at herself fully in the looking glass. And she had to agree with Andromeda. Larissa was quite adept at her skills. Seeing herself appear so queenly almost made her forget how nervous she was over what was about to take place.
Cadmus was in the city. He was heading here with all haste. After weeks of waiting and planning and preparations, he was finally almost here.
Reanna still had his return letter on her bedside stand. She had memorized it when she and her sisters spent an entire night going over each line to search for hidden meanings. They could find none. It had been as impersonal and professional as her own.
Princess Reanna Raemonia Reatha Renee Rosalinda, first in line of the Royal Family of Poseidonium;
It is with great pleasure that I receive your letter and I eagerly accept your invitation to join you as a guest of your castle in preparation for our impending wedding. Know that I have not forgotten you since learning of our betrothal so many years ago. I will admit it now so that there are no secrets between us, but I have enjoyed the company of women before yourself. However, it was always done with the knowledge that I was yours to marry. I have no such women now and I come to you as a bachelor eager to join our kingdoms.
I would also wish to inform you that I, too, shall be investigating you on your suitability as a queen. While I cannot deny you the crown, I can determine if my country shall tie itself to yours through this union. With that said, let me assure you that tales of your beauty and leadership have reached my ears even here in Scabrosa. I have no doubts that you will be a fine queen, and I shall be honored to be your king and husband, if you find me suitable.
Preparations for my departure have already begun and I send this now as a response to your own personal message. It shall reach you before I do, though know that you shall be firmly in my thoughts until the day I arrive and long afterwards.
I look forward to our meeting and I'm sure we shall find each other mutually satisfactory. We will speak more at length when I am given a chance to properly introduce myself. Until then, dearest Reanna, keep me in your thoughts as you shall be in mine.
Yours sincerely,
Cadmus Alec Orpheus, second prince of Scabrosa
It was done in fanciful calligraphy on sturdy, personal stationary with a hawthorn leaf, one of the symbols of the royal house, emblazoned in the corner. However, the signature was done with a heavier hand and in a completely different style. It told Reanna that he had someone scribe the letter for him before adding his mark to the bottom.
It almost sounded personal. It still felt rigid and formal. Even after all of this time and multiple read throughs. Maybe it was just because she didn't know him yet.
Well, that wouldn't be true after today. Nodding to her sisters, gathering her courage and regal demeanor about herself like a well worn cloak, Reanna turned and began walking from their room. She did so with head held high and back straight.
She did not wear a crown today, but she still looked very much like a queen.
Poseidonium was a very wealthy country. A very peaceful country. Maybe not as large as Rhamnus to the north, but it was respectable. They were a coastal country and, as such, controlled the majority of the sea trade. Not only that, but there were multiple gemstone mines scattered throughout the northern mountains, a singular, but massive gold mine to the south, and two silver mines to the east. There were natural barriers surrounding the kingdom that would discourage most from attacking and, some said, that the daughter of the sea god herself cared for the royal family.
Whether or not the latter was true, the rest of it certainly was. Only the poorest of people in Poseidonium didn't possess some sort of silver or gold bauble, even just a small one. Because of their wealth, the people were happy, healthy, and peaceful. The justice system wasn't perfect – which one was? – but people tended to agree that it was just and fair.
It was likely as close to paradise as one could get without actually dying and crossing over to the kingdom of the Father and Mother.
Cadmus watched the largest city he had ever seen pass by outside of his opulent carriage. He saw the women with golden bracelets carrying trays of fresh bread and men with glimmering earrings selling building tools. If even the common people could afford such luxuries, he could only imagine what sort of treasure his future wife would be wearing.
As he continued through the city the poor became common, then the common became wealthy, and the splendor of wealth only continued to grow. He saw some lords that had more fine carriages than himself, and he was a prince!
The home city of Poseidonium wasn't directly on the ocean edge, but it was close enough to be seen if you were willing to travel for a day or so. The close contact to the trading ports meant that there were also a fair number of foreigners with different clothing and architectural styles. Even those people looked quite happy and at home here.
And this, all of this, was going to belong to Cadmus in just a few weeks.
Not for the first time, Cadmus wondered how his father had managed to pull this off. Scabrosa wasn't hurting for money, but it didn't have nearly close to the same amount of wealth. Though it was just southeast of Poseidonium, it had no precious metals or gems. The country was completely landlocked, meaning trade with other countries was limited only to the four already around it. Mostly Scabrosa made its money from insects and lumber. They had a great deal of forests that grew rather quickly providing for them. They also had many natural insect species that didn't occur elsewhere that could be made into jewel bright dyes, great medicines, or lethal poisons. Scabrosa made a decent enough money from its trade.
Though not nearly so much as Poseidonium did.
There was just something much more elegant about the trade of jewels than bugs.
And through some miracle – or treachery – King Erastus had managed to sell off Cadmus to be king of all of this. Through this union Scabrosa was going to finally share in the wealth of this land. Provided that Cadmus could prove to the first princess that he was good enough for her.
The people were happy to receive him. They knew he was their new king and news of Princess Reanna's engagement had spread far and wide. Since they were so happy and well cared for, they had no reason but to be excited for the future he would bring. And though Cadmus remained sitting back in his seat, watching everything pass without moving, they all still called out and waved to him. Some even threw flower petals.
What a wonderfully happy group of people. Soon to be his people.
The Poseidonium palace, made of large, water smoothed, ocean stone bricks and decorated with shells and pearls, was a beauty to behold. It gleamed in the sunlight. The large pond that stretched out back was fed by a small stream that branched from a large river that fed the ocean. When Cadmus passed under the outer gates, he honestly felt like he was in a different world.
It was so completely dissimilar to his palace in Scabrosa. It wasn't even made to be used as a defense against attack. It was a pleasure palace and came with all the luxuries and comforts one would expect from such an opulent masterpiece.
And gathered in front, off the palace steps, waiting to greet him, was the royal family itself.
King Linus, short of stature and round of gut. Queen Melania, tall of stature and thin like a bird. And, most importantly, their four daughters.
Hm? Cadmus only saw three. And a servant girl in a rather opulent gown...
Wait! Was that the fourth princess?! She looked so...plain.
"Here he comes," Andromeda whispered into Reanna's ear. "Nervous?"
"So much so that I might empty my stomach."
Andromeda smiled. "Well, you certainly don't look like it."
Reanna was, as she always was, regal. Head held high. Hands sturdy. Eyes even on the coach as it came to a halt in front of the palace steps. Footmen immediately began moving around as Reanna looked the coach up and down.
It was less fine than any of their carriages. The gold filigree was a nice touch on the elegant hawthorn leaf designs around the edges. A quaint little carriage.
Reanna had to reprimand herself mentally for that thought. That was patronizing and rude. She definitely shouldn't speak that way to Cadmus. Scabrosa was an old, noble country. They made their living through lumber. And she could agree that, despite the lack of ornamentation, the hawthorn leaf carvings were very fine indeed.
A footman ran up with a pair of steps that he quickly set under the carriage door. He moved away and another took his place to grasp the handle on the door. He waited a beat while a crier ran to his position beside the carriage. He cleared his throat and announced loudly:
"Presenting his royal highness, second prince of Scabrosa, Cadmus Alec Orpheus!"
The footman swung the door open. Visions of Lord Barthlen's nose danced in Reann's head. She just wanted him to be a good king and a good man. Good king, good man.
A fine leather boot stepped out. Followed a moment later by a striking young gentleman wearing breaches embroidered with hawthorn leaves, a silk shirt, and a black coat with golden filigree of yet more hawthorn leaves and vines. He wore no gloves, but his fingers bore golden rings, including a large signet ring bearing his family crest. His coat tails trailed behind him as he stepped down. He took a second to straighten his coat, then his hair before stepping forward.
He had a very confident, ground eating stride. A similar half smile on his chiseled cheeks complemented was by a pair of bottle green eyes that shined like emeralds. His dirty blonde hair had been carefully styled back and tied in place with a thin ribbon.
And he had a very strong, chiseled nose with no warts or excess hair.
"He's very handsome. Don't you think so, Rae?" Andromeda whispered as her sisters grinned her way out of the corner of their eyes.
"Very handsome," Reanna agreed softly. A sigh of relief left her. She didn't realize until just then how worried she was he'd have a nose like Lord Barthlen's.
But his nose was perfect. His cheekbones high. His brow cocked with amusement. And there was a certain lilt in his step that spoke not just of confidence but of joy. Like he was happy to be moving and going in the direction he was.
Reanna watched his eyes travel down her sisters. Pausing between Larissa and Nat as he tried to work that out. Then moving back to her.
The girls stood back behind Reanna who stood just behind her parents. As though the extravagance of her gown wasn't enough to announce that she was his marriage partner. By the way his eyes warmed, he was as pleased of her good looks as she was of his.
He stopped a few paces before the royal family. Looking away from Reanna, he smiled to the king and queen before dropping at the waist into a low, formal bow.
"Great King Linus, Fair Queen Melania. It is an honor to be before you at last. I am your servant. You may call me Cadmus."
"Well, good evening to you, Cadmus," Melania grinned over at her daughters. Clearly just as happy that he was handsome as her girls.
King Linus didn't appear all that pleased though. He was making a face until Cadmus rose up again, then he carefully fixed his scowl into a more welcoming expression.
"Let me introduce my daughters," he said, turning and indicating to them. "Then you can go inside and wash up from your trip. You can speak to them more later at dinner once you're rested."
"Thank you, your majesty," Cadmus nodded.
"These three here are my youngest. Andromeda, Larissa, and Nat. And this gem here is my eldest and heir, Reanna."
"Good day, princess," Cadmus bowed to her.
"Well met, Prince Cadmus." Reanna smiled to him as she held out her hand.
He took it gently and Reanna heard her sisters tittering excitedly when he brushed his lips ever so softly across the back of her knuckles and simultaneously ran his thumb against her palm. He smiled up over her hand, a sparkle in his eyes.
"Truly, my lady, the tales of your beauty did not do you justice."
"You flatter me, good prince," Reanna smiled at the complement.
"That's enough for now," Linus said quickly, grabbing Cadmus by the arm. Pulling him away from his daughters hand. "Come inside, Cadmus. You must be exhausted."
"You are too kind, my king," Cadmus smiled at him. The very image of charming and kind. He didn't even look back at Reanna as the overprotective king led him up the stairs.
Melania came close and took Reanna's hands as her sisters all whispered eagerly.
"He's very handsome, dear. You are quite lucky."
Reanna grinned. "I'll be lucky if he's as much a leader as he is a looker."
Melania frowned. "Reanna, you are going to be a perfect princess. Are you not?"
"I aspire to be my best as always, mother," Reanna grinned as her sisters giggled behind her.
"Now see here," Melania turned, hands to her hips. "I won't have your attitude scaring him away. You will be a proper princess. At least until you two are married. That means I expect all of you to be on your best behavior at all times. You will dress the part of proper princesses."
She looked to Nat.
"You will keep all snarky comments to yourself."
She looked to Larissa.
"You will not go off on long tangents about any subject that enters your head."
She looked to Andromeda.
"You will behave and keep your sharp tongue to yourself."
She looked at Reanna.
"And for the love of Oceane, I will not have anyone mentioning your curses!"
Larissa rolled her eyes as Reanna frowned.
"Oceane's gifts to her royal family are well known, mother. We can hardly keep such a thing secret."
"We can discuss her gifts, of course. I won't, however, allow anyone to mention the words 'cursed princesses' so long as Cadmus is here. At least not until you're safely married.
Reanna raised an eyebrow. "Are you hunting the poor lad?"
"I might as well be," Melania said regally, head held high, turning on the steps. "Now go."
"We'll meet you at dinner," Reanna said, figuring that was the least sharp-tongued thing she could say.
"Change into a different gown for it," Melania chuckled climbing the stairs. "You must look your best."
Reanna frowned up at her. "I've barely worn this one an hour."
"Yes, and he's already seen you in it," Melania pointed out. "Move along girls. Not too fast. You don't want to start sweating."
Larissa was rolling her eyes again as Nat giggled.
"I am not changing gowns," Reanna crossed her arms stubbornly. "I mean, really."
"My thoughts exactly," Larissa nodded in agreement. She was not letting her artwork be destroyed so soon after giving life to it.
"Let's just go," Andromeda touched Reanna's arm. "I think he looked nice. Not just physically. He seemed very polite to me."
"A bit cocky," Nat added as the four of them began moving up the steps.
"I like the confidence," Larissa shrugged. "Reanna? What do you think?"
"He is very handsome," she agreed.
"A very neutral non-answer," Nat grinned. "Share your thoughts with us, Rae. How are we supposed to begin judging him if you don't tell us what you think?"
Reanna shrugged. "That's all I can say so far. He's handsome. I've spoken just a few words to him. I don't nearly know him."
"A thoughtful answer then," Andromeda smiled.
"A queenly answer," Larissa corrected. "I thought he seemed quite charming."
"Really?" Nat looked surprised. "I don't know. I didn't really like the arrogance."
"It's called pride, Nat. And it's not at all misplaced when held by someone deserving it. A second prince, soon to be king deserves a little pardonable pride."
"It would only be pardonable if he earned it," Reanna said. "Being betrothed at five years old is hardly an accomplishment. Let's see if he deserves it."
Laughing, the four girls stepped into the palace. The day was still young and the brief introduction was hardly a meeting. They were going to be dinning with him tonight and that was where, Reanna determined, she would be most likely to see his true character.
Dinner had been planned by Nat. She had done research on it and helped the cooks prepare everything for the evening. It was a combination between Poseidonium food, which featured a great deal of shellfish and spicy flavors with Scabrosa styled foods, which was heavy in gravy and featured more red meat.
The princesses were first to arrive. Reanna hadn't changed gowns, because she refused to do so. Her mother gave her a look for it when she appeared. But Reanna was steadfast as everyone chose their formal seating arrangement rather than the familiar family one wherein everyone tended to just sit anywhere that they liked.
When it came to a formal seating, they had to sit in specific locations. Linus at the head of the table, of course, with Melania on his right. Depending on the occasion, a different sister would sit to his left. It was Reanna today, seeing as it was her formal meal. Then Andromeda and Larissa. Across from Larissa, Nat was sitting leaving a space between her and Melania for Cadmus.
The prince was right on time – the rest of the family was early. He bowed low when he entered and came forward to the place that was obviously indicated for him. A servant came quickly and pulled out his chair for him.
Unlike Reanna, Cadmus had changed for dinner. Into a golden and ivory dinner coat with another silk shirt with embroidery of small white flowers at the neckline and sleeves. His hair had been styled slightly differently and he smelled like myrrh.
"Please pardon my lateness," he said as he made himself comfortable.
"Not at all," Melania beamed at him. "You're perfectly on time."
"I shall be certain to be early at our next meeting," the prince beamed at her. "Your majesty. Your highnesses. It is a pleasure."
"You've rested well?" Linus asked as he waved the servers forward with the first course.
"Wonderfully, sire. Thank you for asking. The room you have given me is quite beautiful. I am absolutely enraptured with the view of the mountains. I admit, I have no such view from my own room at home. Thank you for your consideration, my queen."
"Oh, it wasn't me," Melania assured him. She gestured around him. "Nat here is in charge of such things. She's seen to all the details of your arrival dinner and events for the engagement."
"Nat?" Cadmus looked confused for a second, turning to the youngest sister. Then he beamed brightly at her. "Then that was you who arranged that lovely flower display for my tables? The scents and colors all complemented each other quite wonderfully."
"Thank you, Prince Cadmus," she nodded to him politely.
"Please, just call me Cadmus. Seems fitting, considering the circumstances."
Nat nodded to him. "Cadmus then. I'll be happy to accommodate you in any way I can. If you need anything, please let me know."
"I would if you had not already thought of everything and then some. You have a great head for planning and details, princess."
Nat's polite smile became quite genuine. She knew she wasn't so pretty as her sisters, but when she was complimented on her work, it really got to her heart.
"Call me Nat. Everyone does," she nodded to him.
"All my girls are quite accomplished," Melania told him proudly. "Larissa here is known as the most beautiful girl in all the land."
"It is a well deserved title," Cadmus nodded to her. "Even in such a plain frock, you shine like the sun itself. I feel blinded just by casting my eyes upon you."
"You do flatter, Prince Cadmus," Larissa smiled gently at the compliment. She picked up her spoon and began stirring her light, slightly spicy soup. "You must be a wordsmith."
"I prefer to leave poetry for the poets. I would like to speak true compliments, not hollow flattery."
Larissa nodded. "It must be quite a task. Some people are quite difficult to compliment."
"True, you make it easier than most. However, beauty is quite fleeting. I prefer to look just a bit deeper to find my compliments."
"And yet you speak only to my beauty?"
"I speak first to your beauty. It is the thing one sees immediately, after all. I saw Nat's organization first. I'm sure as I get to know her, I'll find other things to admire. Just as I will you. Forgive me my lack of knowledge, I'll do my utmost to better myself."
Larissa grinned at him. "You do speak pure flattery, Cadmus."
He winked at her just slightly. "I'll win you over soon enough. You might even come to like me."
Larissa took a delicate sip of her soup. Deliberately not answering.
"My second eldest Andromeda," Melania continued, "is quite the scholar."
"Indeed? And what is it that you study?" Cadmus asked interestedly.
"The stars, my prince," she smiled at him.
"A fascinating subject," Cadmus nodded. "One I'm afraid I'm not so well versed in."
"We're a seafaring folk. The stars are our guide," Andromeda beamed.
"Scabrosa is entirely landlocked. To my great disappointment. I've never even seen the sea."
"Oh, you must. It's a sight unlike any other."
"Well, I hope to do just that while I'm here. And maybe, once the sun sets, you can teach this ignorant man a few things about the stars."
"It's a dreadfully dull subject to those uninterested."
"You might be surprised what I find interesting," Cadmus grinned at her. Bringing his soup spoon to his mouth to take a taste.
The steaming broth hit his tongue. It was just cool enough not to burn.
Cadmus sputtered and coughed. His spoon dropped to the table and he quickly picked up his napkin to cover his mouth. The royals blinked in surprise as he appeared to struggle to gather himself for a moment.
"My," he coughed, lowering the napkin. "I don't ever think I've taken a bite of food that's bitten me back."
"Oh!" Linus looked embarrassed. "I'm so sorry, Cadmus. I forgot that our food has more spices than your people are used to. Nat, I'm surprised you didn't see to that."
"I did," she said, confused. "It's very bland."
"Bland?" Cadmus laughed, his cheeks a bit red. "Goodness, I'd fear to see what your people actually describe as spicy."
Soft laughter from across the table had them all looking to Reanna. She was delicately taking sips of the mildly spicy soup. Nat was right, in her opinion it wasn't very hot at all. They ate much spicier foods on a daily basis. Though...
"I suppose to someone who's never eaten a pepper, they must seem quite painful."
Cadmus smiled at Reanna as he gently folded his napkin back onto the table. "My lady, you must be quite strong to take such pain without flinching."
"Consider it conditioning," she shrugged. "It's all I've ever eaten, so it seems normal to me. I'm sure Nat will make the appropriate changes to the menu from now on though."
"Oh, please, don't," he begged her. "I wish to learn your culture. Culture includes food. If this is to be my home, I want to enjoy it as much as you do."
Reanna's smile warmed just a bit. "Careful what you ask for, Cadmus. You might not have a tongue when it comes time to marry."
"I've hunted bears I feared less," he laughed.
"You hunt, Cadmus?" Linus asked interestedly.
"Indeed, your majesty. I used to go riding in the forests of my home – pardon, my former home – all the time. Hunting is a very popular sport in Scabrosa. Though I think I would find much different prey so far from my familiar forests. I'm excited to find out."
"Do you consider hunting to be so important then, my prince?" Reanna asked politely.
"A hobby," he corrected. "One I like to indulge in when the circumstances allow me. Surely you too have something you enjoy doing, Princess Reanna?"
"Painting and piano are quite lovely pastimes."
"Very proper," he nodded, still grinning at her.
"And...riding," she continued. Earning a glare from her mother.
But Cadmus leaned forward interestedly. "Truly? Pleasure strolls through the city gardens?"
"Those are quite nice. Andromeda enjoys those a great deal. She likes the flowers and the trees. Of course she never gets tired of looking at the sky. I find it a great deal more entertaining though to be riding free in the plains. Across the woods. As far to the mountains as I can get."
Cadmus's grin widened. "A strong rider then. You have your own leathers, I assume."
"Leggings and pantaloons."
"Naturally. It would be quite cumbersome to attempt such riding in a full skirt. I can't even imagine how you ladies manage to stroll in those."
"I tend to let my hair down when I do it," Reanna continued. Watching him carefully. "I rarely ever come back clean. There's always dirt and sweat."
"Enough." Melania's sharp voice cut Reanna off. She glared at her daughter for a moment. "Reanna really does enjoy her piano and watercolors though. She doesn't ride often."
Because Melania didn't let her, Reanna thought with just a hint of bitterness. Riding like that wasn't something that a proper princess should do.
Cadmus remained smiling at her. "You'll have to show me your watercolors and allow me to hear you play, princess. And I should love to enjoy a ride with you. If you're ever in the mood for one of your rare outings, of course."
Reanna smiled and nodded once. "I'm sure it will be a very enjoyable time whatever the event."
Cadmus nodded back, lifting his spoon to take another sip of his soup. He was more prepared for the sting of the spice this time, but it still left him sputtering just a bit. He knew, of course, that these people loved spicy food. He thought maybe he should have sampled the native fare on the way here and tried to avoid this happening.
He didn't want to insult anyone though, so he ate from everything put in front of him. The pheasant that had been cooked in a hearty, dark gravy was the easiest to eat and obviously was an attempt at mimicking his home's food. He made sure to compliment Nat and the cook on the success of their recipe. The steamed vegetables, covered in a dark red spice that he had never tried before, was the hardest thing to swallow. He still made sure to compliment Nat and the cook.
By the end of the feast, and after a tart that wasn't nearly so sweet as he would have wished, Cadmus could barely taste anything. More than once he had needed to wipe tears from his face because the food had burned holes into his cheeks. But he had eaten it.
His efforts were well rewarded when Linus patted him on the back and congratulated him on suffering through the most painful meal of his life. Cadmus couldn't even say if the flavor had been a good one on account of the fact that he hadn't been able to taste it around the fire that had burst on his tongue that no water could extinguish.
"You're a determined man," Linus admired.
"Most call it stubborn," Cadmus laughed, still coughing.
Linus gestured to a servant. "Bring the prince some fresh milk."
"No, thank you, your majesty. Truly, I'm quite full."
"Water won't douse that blaze, boy. Trust me."
Cadmus grinned wearily as the princesses stood up. Their mother converged on them, glaring at Reanna for her unladylike comments during the meal. Talking about riding and other such things that a lady had no business being interested in.
"Will you behave?" She asked her unhappily as Larissa adjusted her dress. "What if Cadmus had been turned away by your little hobby?"
"Truly mother, riding is such a degenerate crime. I should be strung up." Reanna worked very hard to resist rolling her eyes at her queen.
"You will not be wearing your riding leathers so long as he's here," Melania ordered, lowering her finger at her daughter. "I'm already forced to find new suitors for your sisters. I am not letting you scare off your betrothed as Nat did."
"Hey," Nat frowned. "It's hardly my fault. Larissa gave me a gown that was practically sewn in gold and he still wasn't interested."
"I think I'll use silver next time," Larissa frowned, leaving Reanna to begin fixing Nat's hair instead. "It will probably look better against your skin. How are you so tan?"
"I go outside a lot. My job doesn't confine me to a desk at all hours."
"More's the pity," Melania sighed. "A princess shouldn't be tan and thick skinned. Look at Andromeda, Nat. Her skin is properly pale and delicate."
"You mean sickly?" Reanna raised an eyebrow.
"Enough sass from you, child." Melania stepped forward to adjust the lay of her necklace. "Cadmus is a fine gentleman. He's handsome and kind. Exactly what you could ever ask for in a husband. So you will behave properly so as not to ruin your chances."
"Please, mother," Andromeda laughed. "He's trying to be a king. He probably wouldn't care if she had Rissa's personality and Nat's looks. She's crown princess. What more could a man wish in a wife?"
"He could wish for a proper lady who knows her place," Melania gave her daughter a look as she pulled some colored paint from her handbag hanging at her waist. "Here, put this on her lips, Larissa. You need some red to make them grab his attention. If you drive a man mad with lust, he'll do anything for you. Including looking past some...eccentricities."
Larissa frowned, turning the small clay pot in her hand. "You were hiding this on you? Where did you even get it?"
"I had one of my ladies lift it from your make up kit. Put it on her."
"The color is all wrong. This red is too deep. You should have picked a pink, a coral maybe. This red will look unnatural and too dark against this dress."
Melania gave a long sigh. "Larissa, we want him to lust after her."
"Don't let father hear you say that," Andromeda snickered.
"His attention needs to be on her lips and breasts. I assume that's why you chose such a long necklace and such a deep neckline."
"I chose the neckline because it accentuates the necklace. I chose the necklace because moonstone looks wonderful with Rae's coloring. I don't tend to deal in the lustful arts of fashion."
"Maybe it's time you began studying them, then." Melania gave her a look. "Use the lip paint. And don't make it obvious. Reanna, you will speak with him now. Try not to act like a barbarian. I don't want the entire world thinking I couldn't raise a proper princess."
Gathering her skirts, Melania walked away towards her husband and their guest. To distract him while Reanna had her lips painted. Still struggling not to roll her eyes, Reanna turned to her sisters while Larissa opened the pot to frown at the color inside.
"If I hear 'proper princess' one more time..." Andromeda grumbled.
"I rather like him. He seems kind," Larissa smiled, touching her pinkie to the paint. The dark red might have looked good with a darker dress, but the light blue...
"He seems disingenuous," Nat corrected, crossing her arms.
"Nat," Larissa jerked her chin forward towards the table. "Get me that candle."
"What are you doing?" Reanna frowned as Nat moved to obey.
"I'll not have anyone say my styles are gaudy and tasteless," she said, passing the pot to Andromeda who quickly covered the top. "This won't last long, Rae, but it should be just long enough. Thank you, Nat."
Taking the burning candle in its small silver bowl, she tilted it so that the cream colored wax pooled against the side and the flame began licking at the glass. Ignoring the heat on her hands, Larissa quickly mixed her pinkie into the wax. Just enough to dull the color. Bringing it down to a more acceptable shade of red. Still not something Larissa would have chosen, but something she could stand.
"It's not very durable, but this wax shouldn't dry too stiff. All the same, try not to move your mouth overly much, Rae. It will be quite unattractive if your lipstick falls off."
Andromeda and Nat laughed as Reanna allowed her lips to smile gently. The wax was hot against her lips, but the color wasn't overpowering. Larissa put on only a very thin layer, making sure that she was careful to shape it just right to Reanna's gentle smile.
When she finished and stepped back, she wasn't totally pleased. The red was still too harsh against the pale blue of her dress, but at least it wasn't the severe red she had been given.
"'Good work, Rissa," Nat praised.
Larissa nodded, turning Reanna around. "Now go and make him love you."
Reanna nodded, thanking Larissa more than heading her command. Trying to keep her lips still, she walked forward calmly and elegantly towards her parents and Cadmus who was currently sipping on a glass of milk to ease the fire in his mouth.
Melania saw her approaching and gently touched Linus's arm. He frowned at her and almost refused to allow her to pull him back. Melania wasn't going to let even her husband get in the way of marrying off her daughters though and she applied a little more pressure and he finally obeyed so Reanna could step forward to Cadmus alone.
The prince looked at her and quickly passed the milk back to the servant who had brought it. He cleaned his lip before facing her with shoulders up and hands clasped behind his back. He smiled brightly at her, but her expression didn't change.
"Forgive me, princess. I'm afraid that meal wasn't enough to acclimate me to your spices."
"I've been told that our native food can be quite biting to those unfamiliar to it."
"Well, I'm sure I'll have plenty of time in the coming weeks to adjust. I'd like to eat something more native at our wedding."
There it was. They hadn't really been avoiding speaking of it, but nor had they quite acknowledge the impending truth of it yet.
"Princess," Cadmus started gently. Hesitated. Then continued. "Though it might seem shallow of me, I can honestly say that I'm not at all disappointed in your appearance. What I've seen of your personality doesn't leave me wanting either. Though, I admit, I'm not nearly as familiar with you as I wish to be. Plenty of time, of course, but I'm eager to know you sooner. I hope you don't think me too forward to say so."
"No, not at all," Reanna assured him, hyper aware of the movement of her own lips with the wax placed over them. "I wish to get to know you sooner as well. It would be easier to call off the wedding early if you're unworthy of my crown."
Cadmus started laughing. Reanna looked at him carefully. Searching for disgust at her declaration and her 'improper', strong willed personality.
"I could not agree more," he nodded, smiling pleasantly. "You have every right to be strict about the standards by which you judge me. To be fair, princess, I'm going to be just as harsh."
"You?" Reanna grinned. "You're getting a queen. What could you possibly find fault with?"
"Well, just because you will be queen doesn't mean you deserve to be queen. Besides, you're also to be the mother of my children. A mother's role is very important. I wouldn't want to condemn my people nor my offspring to a terrible mother."
Instead of being offended, Reanna found herself pleased. "A wise decision, Cadmus."
He nodded his head as the door to the room opened. Giles walked inside, a bright smile on his face and a wooden box in his hands.
"Ah, Prince Cadmus!" He beamed brightly, coming towards him. "I'm so glad I caught you."
"And you are?" He asked calmly.
"Cadmus, this is Giles, my father's closest adviser and Nat's partner in castle business," Reanna introduced as the man bowed his head over the box. "He's been with our family for some years now. He'll be assisting Nat to see to the comforts of your stay."
"Wonderful," Cadmus nodded to him.
"Evening, Giles." Linus grinned, stepping up beside the prince and princess. "What business do you bring today? Do you need Nat?"
"No, I'm not here on business," Giles assured him. He beamed, holding out the box to Cadmus. "This is a gift to you, my prince. From Princess Reanna and the royal family to welcome you here. I'm so sorry for my lateness. I would have had it ready when you arrived but you brought a few more servants than we were expecting and I had to allocate more rooms."
"Oh, I do apologize," Cadmus frowned, taking the box. "If I had known-"
"It's no problem at all," Giles waved the apology away. "Princess Nat sees to everything. We weren't prepared for it, but we're always ready to receive surprises. Everyone in your party is successfully settled, your horses have all been wiped down and fed, and your carriage is stored away."
"Wonderful," Cadmus beamed, nodding to him and Nat both. "Shall I open this now?"
"Oh, please," Giles nodded eagerly.
Reanna's eyes moved over to Nat. Despite the present being in her name, she knew nothing about the box or what might be inside. The innocent smile that Nat gave her told her just to go with it and trust her ability to choose gifts.
When Reanna looked back, Cadmus had lifted the wooden lid from the box and was holding it out for Giles to hold. He moved the silk that rested over the gift. Then his face broke out into a wide smile at the beautiful blade nestled inside.
The dagger was about the size of his forearm, curved just slightly with a hooked tip. The smooth edge gleamed almost as bright as the gold leaf that decorated the iron hilt. The leather padding with wrapped with thin golden cords and it was emblazoned with the seal of the Poseidonium royal family. Twin pearls, pale red and the size of his thumbnail, decorated opposite ends of the hilt and were surrounded by tiny diamonds.
"It's very strong," Reanna promised him as though she knew. Which she did. In a way. She knew Nat, and her sister would never give someone a useless, ornamental dagger. "You enjoy hunting, do you not? Is it fitting?"
"Oh, princess..." Cadmus breathed, lifting it from its bed of silk. The sheath, also pearl and diamond encrusted, lay beside it. He held the long dagger up to the light and watched the way the sun from the window struck all the many facets of the diamonds and the edge of the blade. "I don't think I've ever seen its equal."
"A gift like that should be hung up on a wall somewhere," Giles said, beaming.
"Nonsense," Linus laughed, hitting Cadmus's shoulder. "A gift like that ought be used. You hunt. Then let's hunt."
Cadmus looked to the king. His eyes sparkled with interest. "I've never said no to a hunt, majesty."
"Good. Then let's not start now. Nat."
"Yes, father," she stepped forward serenely.
"You arrange it. We'll go tomorrow. Before the ball in your honor that afternoon. And before you we begin all the wedding planning."
"As you wish, father," Nat nodded. Her mind was already whirring quickly.
"Reanna, do you wish to join us?" Linus asked her. "We'll be on horseback."
"That's all right, father," Reanna declined politely. "It's very difficult to ride freely on a hunt."
"She'll be delighted to go," Melania cut in, touching Cadmus's arm gently. Getting his attention so that the glare Reanna threw at her was missed. "It is a fine blade indeed. You must be quite tired though, Cadmus. Why don't you seek your bed. We'll talk more at breakfast tomorrow."
Cadmus passed the box to Giles so he could lift the sheath. He gently slid the dagger into place before nodding at the queen.
"As you say, your majesty. It's been quite a journey and I'm tired from fighting the fire in my mouth through this entire meal. I'll take my leave of you here."
"Goodnight, Cadmus," Linus nodded to him.
"My king. My queen. Princesses." He nodded to all of them, then Reanna last, reaching for her hand.
She placed it into his and allowed him to kiss her knuckles again. He almost winked at her when he came back up. He was smiling brightly, a spring in his step, as he walked from the room with his new dagger in hand.
The door shut behind him gently.
And Reanna turned on her mother.
"Why did you do that?" She demanded to know angrily, the wax on her lips cracking from the frown suddenly forced on them.
"Do what?" Melania asked as though she might not have a clue.
"I just said I didn't want to go hunting with him. Why did you volunteer me?"
"You are wise in the ways of the people, Reanna. But you are ignorant in the ways of men."
"I like her that way," Linus grumbled, walking off.
Reanna watched him go, crossing her arms unhappily. "I don't enjoy hunts, mother. Especially as I'm not allowed to participate in them. And since you just forbade me from wearing my leathers around him, I'm assuming you'll want me to ride in a gown, sidesaddle, the entire time."
"Oh, how you suffer," Melania said dully. "Larissa, very good work with the lip paint. Didn't I tell you it would work well?"
"You are ever wise, mother," Larissa rolled her eyes.
Melania missed the action and sarcasm both. "As it happens, Reanna, men enjoy showing off for ladies they wish to impress. You are not going along to hunt. You are going along to be admired and to admire. When he makes a kill, you will compliment his strength and skill and act as though the animal might frighten you because of its sheer size."
Linus frowned, looking up from the table where he was sampling some of the remains. "Melania, darling, that sounds suspiciously familiar."
"Don't be silly, Linus," she beamed at him. "I was talking about men who need such ego boosts. You're too fine a hunter to require such coddling from a lady."
"Just so," Linus nodded in agreement as Andromeda snickered behind her hand and Nat rolled her eyes behind his back.
Melania gave Reanna a look as though to say 'see?'.
Reanna's eyes were nearly lost to the back of her head. "That's all well and good, mother, but I do not want to do any of that. He has to impress me genuinely."
"Such a stubborn child. Oceane must really think to test my patience by giving me your curse."
"My blessing isn't about you, mother."
"Larissa, Reanna needs a gown comfortable to ride in, and attractive. Most importantly attractive. She must look her absolute best."
"I suppose you want red lip paint too?" Larissa asked dully. As though she were somehow unaware of how to dress her sisters.
"Study up on sexuality, dear. You're going to need it."
Larissa and Nat shared a long look as Andromeda continued to snicker.
"Mother," Reanna got her attention again. "I am not going out hunting in a gown. Besides the simple ludicrousness of being forced along to feed his ego with false compliments, there's the impracticality of a full gown while hunting. There are predators in the woods. Suppose one of them sets their sights on us and I'm the only one that can't flee because of my gown?"
"All the better then."
Andromeda raised an eyebrow as Reanna frowned.
"You would have me eaten by wolves or lions, mother?"
"Of course not." Melania looked offended she would even suggest it. "If you're attacked though, that gives him an opportunity to rescue you. Men simply love playing the knight to a helpless damsel. They especially love the praise and adoration that comes afterward."
"Why does it feel like I'm the one trying to impress a crown prince and not the other way around?"
"No chances, Reanna. You are an impetuous, stubborn girl. I'll have you know that no high born man would want such a wild wife were she not royalty."
"I'm considered wild now, am I?" Reanna's arms were crossed. Annoyed. "I suppose if I were born a prince, my behavior would not only be normal but encouraged."
"Yes, but you were not born a prince. Now go. Get some sleep. And no riding leathers!"
Reanna turned on her heel and marched from the room in a huff. Her sisters remained right on her heels. Only Nat turned back to see Melania looking quite sad.
The eastern woods, the Black Woods, opposite the direction of the shore, weren't nearly so deep nor tall as the forests Cadmus had been raised in. The people used the lumber that came from within, but the terrain was a little too rocky and uneven to provide a steady source for trade.
However, the unspoiled lands made a perfect sanctuary for animals to grow. And where large animals roamed, their predators inevitably followed. There were reports of wolves in this territory as well as bears and the occasional lion. There were well worn riding paths for hunters and smaller hiking trails for hunters without horses.
This horse riding hunting party was led by Linus, as was his right as king. Cadmus remained very close to him though as his personal guest and son-in-law-to-be. The king carried a crossbow and his attendant riding just behind him had a second one already notched and ready to be traded out when the one in Linus's hand was used. Cadmus had his new dagger strapped against his thigh and a more traditional bow in hand that he had brought from home. His attendant was at the ready with water, food, cleaning cloth, and whatever else the lords might need. They had also brought five strong male servants to bring home anything that they killed so that it could be cooked for the ball tonight.
And heading up the back of the pack, Reanna was bored out of her mind.
Because it had been a direct order, Larissa had no choice but to outfit Reanna in a gown. However, Larissa was also clever and loving. Reanna's gown was only partially a gown. The tight bodice transitioned into a long skirt that split open at the front revealing another 'skirt' underneath that was really only a length of fabric. Under the 'skirts', Reanna was not wearing her riding leathers, as ordered, but a pair of dark stockings that matched beautifully well with the green of the dress that Larissa had picked so she camouflaged better with the trees. Though Reanna was forced to ride sidesaddle for this little adventure, she could, if she needed to, throw her leg over her horse's back properly and the 'skirt' of her gown would part to allow her.
And the dagger strapped to her thigh remained hidden the entire time. No one would ever imagine a blade in Andromeda's hands, so no one thought to look when she passed something to Reanna in secret behind their backs. If Reanna was going into a forest where there was even a slight chance of her being prey to a large animal, her sisters wanted her to be safe.
That was why Reanna loved them. However, all three of her sisters had volunteered to stay behind for this expedition. Only she had been forced to come. To admire and look pretty for the men. Melania had practically forced her to memorize a script. If Reanna had wanted to be a troupe performer she would have studied dancing and acting. That little quip had earned her a glare and a lecture about a queen merely being a different sort of performer.
So far, they had only found a few pigeons. Linus had taken shots at all of them but had only managed to bring down one. The bird was in one of the servants' satchels and Reanna could already see it, cooked and stuffed, on her father's plate.
At the moment, they were following the trail of a stag that Cadmus had spotted. They had recently crossed some fresh scat, so they were both sure they were close. Already they were over exaggerating how much of a beast it must be. Reanna was thinking that she hadn't had venison in some time and that it sounded pretty good. If the two men could focus on hunting it and not gloating about something they hadn't even seen yet, she might actually be able to eat some tonight.
At least they were past stories of old conquests. Linus had told Cadmus the tale of the large black bear he had felled with only three arrows. Still completely unaware that the bear had been brought down by a guard's spear that had been quickly removed so the king could take full credit.
In return, Cadmus regaled them with the story of the lioness that had nearly killed him. He even offered up three long scars on his arm as proof of his adventure. He told them that he still used her pelt to sleep with in the cold winter months.
Reanna, meanwhile, was dreaming about riding. Preferably free and unrestricted across a long open plain, maybe even down a beach. Her palomino horse, dubbed Freeheart by Reanna herself when he had been born four years ago, kept pace with the two ahead of him easily. He was a stallion and his natural instinct was to lead ahead of her father's gelding. However, Cadmus was also riding a stallion. A gorgeous roan that was tossing its head and kept looking back at Freeheart as though making sure Reanna's horse knew who was alpha.
Since Reanna didn't feel like dealing with two stallions getting into a contest, she kept hers back and forced him to allow Cadmus's Treeskipper to be boss. Because Freeheart was well trained, he allowed it, but under extreme protest.
Reanna kept him distracted by petting along the soft coat of his neck, right in that little spot above his shoulders that he loved getting scratched. She promised him an apple and a sugar cube in her head along with a more proper ride the both of them would enjoy later.
She hadn't done anything this trip. She couldn't even vomit the script her mother had forced her to memorize over the men because, aside from the pigeon, they hadn't caught anything yet. So she was just going on an uncomfortable forest ride in a gown. She wondered if she turned back now how long it would take the men to notice she was gone.
"My lord, tracks," one of the servants pointed ahead of them in the path.
"Allow me," Cadmus smiled at Linus.
The king gestured forward, beaming at the prince and the fun he himself was having. He hadn't caught anything yet but he was enjoying Cadmus's company. He was a delightfully charming young man.
Cadmus dismounted and passed Treeskipper's reins over to one of the servants. He stepped forward carefully to avoid disturbing the tracks before kneeling down and looking them over, his brand new dagger gleaming at his hip. He frowned as his eyes moved over the prints in the dirt path.
"How big does it look?" Linus asked, taking a drink from his waterskin. "Which direction?"
From behind him, Reanna frowned as she leaned forward. Those didn't look like deer tracks...
"These aren't hoof marks," Cadmus grinned, running his hand along one of the indention. "These are paw prints."
"Paws?" Linus leaned forward interestedly. "From what?"
"The size...the shape...These are lion tracks. No doubt in my mind. I see these all over the forests at home. He's big, too." Just to see how they compared, Cadmus pressed his hand down against one of the paw prints, marveling at the size. His hand was easily dwarfed by the print.
He was immediately filled with the thrill of the hunt. It was so much more enjoyable when chasing a fellow predator. They put up a greater fight than prey, animals that only knew how to run away.
"A lion..." Linus repeated in awe.
"Father, let's go back," Reanna said immediately. "We don't have enough men with us to defend against a lion. It's probably already taken the stag anyway."
"We should just hunt the lion," Cadmus grinned eagerly, moving back to his horse. "Now that is a catch worthy of a king."
"Father," Reanna gave him a look. "You're not seriously thinking about it. We didn't even bring any guards."
Linus looked at Cadmus for a long moment. Taking in the excitement of the challenge on the younger man's face. How could he be expected to turn around and unman himself like that before a young whelp?
"I think a lion hunt is a good omen for things to come," he agreed eagerly.
"Father-"
"Hush, Reanna. Even your mother says I'm the best hunter in the kingdom. I can handle a little lion."
Yes, but mother lies to make you feel good. Reanna didn't say that, though she dearly wanted to. She tried a different tactic.
"It could attack us. I'm wearing a full gown, father. I would be eaten before you two even realized I had been attacked."
The thought of his daughter coming to harm paused Linus. He looked back at her, concerned and conflicted with his crossbow in hand. He hadn't considered that. Of course he couldn't allow his dear daughter to come into danger.
"Then you should just fall back," Cadmus suggested with a polite smile. "The lion is ahead of us, you will be out of danger if you stay behind."
"I like that idea," Linus beamed again, turning to his daughter.
"No, father, don't-"
"Reanna, stay back. Cadmus and I will go ahead."
"Wait!" Reanna reached out for them pointlessly.
They were already turning around to begin walking forward. The servants sent her desperate looks, just as worried for their king as she was. They couldn't do anything though. He had ordered her to stay back and so she must. Reanna couldn't disobey her father and king.
So she was forced to sit there as she watched the two men and the servants walk away as they were swallowed up by the trees. She remained still until she could no longer hear them talking and laughing as they went. Practically inviting the lion to attack.
"I can't believe this," Reanna dropped her head back in annoyance. Freeheart was happier now that the other stallion was gone. As much as she would want to catch up to them and try to defend her father, she couldn't. She had been ordered to stay behind.
Besides, what could she do against a lion in a full gown with only a dagger?
"Come on, Freeheart," Reanna pulled on his reins. "There's a lake around here. We'll stop there so you can drink and we'll wait for them to return."
Though he couldn't go as fast as either of them wanted, Freeheart was happy to step away from the other two horses and strike out on their own. His head was up, his eyes looking around eagerly as she led him through the trees.
The lake here in the woods had formed at the base of the mountain that originated from high up the rocky cliffs. It wasn't a very wide lake, but it circled around most of this side of the mountain. The path that they were on wasn't very far away from a circular bank of the lake.
Reanna jumped down from the saddle as they came in closer. The heels she was wearing were wide and rather low, but they were still heels – at Melania's insistence. She stumbled slightly in the ridiculous shoes and had to hang onto Freeheart to avoid falling.
Her horse nickered at her, sniffing at her hair. Reanna smiled at him gratefully as she pushed herself back up. She took the reins in hand and walked him down towards the water's edge. He followed, eager for a long drink.
They reached the bank and Reanna removed the bit from his head so he could enjoy his water. She placed the gear at her feet as Freeheart lowered his head and she began stroking his neck.
Really, if she wasn't even going to be able to heap false praise over Linus and Cadmus, what was the point of being here? She should return home. Get some guards. Bring them back and give her father more proper protection against a lion.
In fact, that was exactly what she was going to do. If he got angry at her for disobeying an order, she would claim female concern and fret over him until he forgot. If nothing else, the acting required to do so would make her mother happy.
She continued petting Freeheart, letting him drink his fill first. She didn't want to pull him away before he was satisfied.
A lion. Really. What were the two of them hoping to accomplish here? She could fawn over a stag as easily as she could over a large cat. In fact, she'd fawn more because the false admiration wouldn't be mired by the very real annoyance at their masculine stupidity.
"How is it that men run the world when they're so recklessly foolish?" She asked her horse.
Freeheart lifted his head, water dripping from his mouth as he looked at her with one big, brown eye. It was filled with affection and adoration. He loved her as much as she loved him. He gave her some measure of freedom, and Reanna gave him the same in turn.
As she was petting and scratching along the underside of his jaw, smiling at him, he suddenly went very still. His big brown eye widened and began roving quickly in his skull as he began backing up nervously.
"Freeheart? What's wrong?" Reanna turned quickly, taking his reins in hand. Her own gaze quickly scanned through the trees.
She didn't see anything immediately. Her horse's instincts and senses were picking up on danger that she couldn't yet detect.
"Okay, calm down, boy." Reanna began pulling on him gently. She picked up the bit to put back into his mouth. She didn't want to make him move so quickly after watering him but-
There! To her far left in the trees. It was a flash of color. Like gold. Freeheart began pulling on his reins as Reanna's heart sped up in her chest.
A flash of gold.
"Come on," she pulled on her horse.
The beast came out from the trees. Cadmus was right, he was big. Probably the biggest lion that Reanna had ever laid eyes upon. Admittedly, she hadn't seen that many, but should the monster be that large?
Freeheart saw the lion and reared back in fright. The reins slipped from Reanna's hands. She cried out, reaching for them quickly. It was too late. Freeheart's hooves hit the ground and he broke into a trot, aiming for the trees.
"No!" Reanna cried out, reaching out as though to catch him.
He was already gone.
Shaking, her eyes moved slowly back over to where the lion had emerged from the trees. It was a little bit of a distance, but not nearly so much as she would have preferred. That lion would be on top of her before she could close half the distance to the trees.
Freeheart's cry had caught the lion's attention. Now it was looking over her, frozen in midstep. One front paw held up off the ground as it stared at her. The black and gold mane rustled in the breeze as only his tail twitched.
Twitching tails was a bad thing in the pampered house cats. It usually meant that the animal was about to strike. And the lion's claws were considerably bigger.
"Okay..." Reanna whispered, very slowly taking a step backwards.
Though her instincts were screaming at her to, she wasn't going to run. She didn't want to entice the cat into chasing after her. So if she moved incredibly slowly, deliberately...
The lion's eyes remained on her as she shimmied towards the trees. She dared not take her eyes from him. If she looked away, he might just pounce.
Moving just as carefully as she was, as though it were afraid she might pounce, the lion lowered its front paw down. Did that mean he was about to give chase? Was it permission for her to go? She really wished she had studied lions right now.
His front paw touched the ground.
And the lion roared.
Screaming, sure she was about to be devoured, Reanna turned. She knew that she wasn't going to make it, but she had to try. She sprinted towards the tree line. She could already feel the lion's claws digging into her back. Ripping and shredding her to pieces-
Then she reached the trees. She wasn't eaten. She didn't even hear the lion chasing after her. Confused and curious now, she turned back, one hand on a tree trunk. Ready to run again.
The lion hadn't moved. It was looking down at the paw it had tried to place on the ground. She could hear, even from this distance, the cries of pain coming from his enormous throat. As she watched, large, dark drops of blood hit the ground.
Oh. He was hurt...
His tongue began lapping at his paw, but whatever was causing the pain couldn't be licked away. The blood just flowed faster as the lion agitated his injury. And as he did so, his cries of pain became that much more acute.
Despite herself, Reanna found herself turning. She stepped down slowly back towards the lake. The lion was too focused on the pain in his paw to notice her. Even as she came in closer. It wasn't until she had shuffled almost directly to his side that he finally heard the steps of her heels against the rocks. His large head lifted and his paw remained suspended, more blood flowing.
What a large beast...
From afar, he had been large, but up close he towered over her. Reanna stopped there, heart beating too loud in her throat. He was going to kill her now. She was stupid to return. His eyes were even with hers and she came here hoping to do what?
But as the two of them continued to stare at each other, he didn't attack. His large golden eyes, with circular pupils as dark as the abyss, blinked at her. She thought she saw something like...intelligence glowing from behind the orbs.
Was this a faerie in disguise? Or maybe a witch? It wouldn't be the first time that someone had run across such a thing. Especially so deep in the woods.
In case he was, to be proper, Reanna grabbed her skirt and dipped into a courtesy. Well, they did call the lion the king of the jungle.
"May I look at your paw?" She asked him. Hoping now that he was a faerie in disguise. They would be less likely to eat her. Less likely...
The lion didn't move. But after a moment, his eyes blinked slowly. She took that as permission. But she still moved slowly. It was never wise to anger the faerie folk.
Gathering her skirts, she kneeled down beside him. Giving him plenty of time to jerk back, praying to Ocean and the sea god himself, she took hold of his injured paw. The lion twitched, but he didn't attempt to jerk away. Or strike her down.
Reanna's heart was still in her throat as she lowered herself, lifting the paw slightly, so she could look under it.
It didn't take her long to see what was troubling him. The search was only hampered by the blood coming from the wound and covering his paw, dripping down against her skirts. There, in the delicate skin between the rough, gray pads of his paw, was a stick. More than just a stick. It was large, thick, and was digging cruelly into his skin.
Frowning, mindful of the large claws at the end of each toe, she reached up and very gently ran her fingers around the wound. Smearing his blood all over her riding gloves. She had to check which direction it was pointing, how deep it was-
The lion growled in pain. Which sounded exactly like a growl of anger. Reanna froze, ready for fangs to begin digging into her neck.
The lion didn't attempt to bite her or swat her hand away. Though his claws were out, she could see it was only because most of the muscles of his body were tense from the pain. He was still looking at her with very intelligent eyes.
That must be it then. He was a faerie creature of some kind. She dared not hurt him, but she had to remove the branch. There was really only one way to do so...
"I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to pull it out. It's going to be painful, but I'll try to make it quick."
She waited again for permission to continue. As she watched, the lion lowered himself down so he was seated before her. She saw his other paw digging his claws into the dirt, as though preparing himself for the pain.
Then his large head nodded down once. Giving her his permission.
Reanna reached down and took as good a hold of the stick as she could manage. Only her first finger and thumb could wrap around the piece sticking out. She licked her lips nervously, corrected her grip so that she only need pull the once.
Then yanked quickly.
The lion's roar was so loud it nearly deafened Reanna who was sitting right before him. Birds in the trees took to the air, frightened away by the cry. Her ears continued to ring even after he stopped. She fully expected fangs or claws now. She flinched down, convinced that the hot blood hitting her skirt was her own and she just didn't feel the wound yet.
It wasn't. It was the lion's blood. When she pulled the stick out, it had opened the veins of his paw and the stream of blood covered her glove and knees, staining her skirt.
But the lion hadn't attacked her. When the ringing of his roar faded, Reanna lifted her head to look back up at him.
The lion was licking his paw now. Trying to stop the flow of blood. It was coagulating fast. As the lion worked, Reanna looked down at the wood she had pulled out.
It looked like a stake. It was about twice the thickness of her thumb and was just a bit longer than her middle finger. Only a small portion of it had been visible. The rest of it had been buried deep within his skin.
Poor thing, Reanna thought, turning to toss the wood into the lake.
The sound of the splash caught the lion's attention. When Reanna turned back to him, the lion was staring at her with his large, intelligent, golden eyes. His paw was held up off of the ground, the bleeding had already slowed. The pain must be getting better as well.
Reanna chanced a small smile, being careful not to show her teeth. She didn't want to do anything that might be perceived as a threat. This was still a lion...
The lion moved just as slowly, as though he didn't want to frighten her. He lowered his head so their eyes were on level. He blinked at her very slowly. Which Reanna took to be his way of saying 'thank you'.
"You're welcome," Reanna smiled at him gently.
The lion leaned forward and rubbed his cheek along hers. His fur was surprisingly soft and Reanna laughed as he nuzzled her gently.
"REANNA!"
She jumped back, heart racing. Her head whipped quickly to the side to see her father lifting his crossbow. Aiming directly at the large lion that towered over his downed daughter who had bright red blood staining her hands and dress.
Linus released the arrow as Reanna cried out for him to stop.
The lion jumped clear over Reanna's head. She fell backwards in surprise, sprawling over the ground as the lion bounded for the trees.
Cadmus burst from the woods, his bow pulled taught. He managed to loose two arrows by the time her father received his spare crossbow and let out his second.
All four bolts missed, burying themselves into the ground. With a loud rustling leaves, the lion ran into the woods. The sounds of his large paws beating on the dirt faded away as Linus shot a third bolt at his fleeing shadow Cadmus lowered his bow, breathing fast.
Linus turned first, crying out at the sight of his daughter. He threw himself from his horse and raced over to her.
"Someone go alert my physicians!" He yelled, lowering himself down.
"Allow me, your majesty," Cadmus rushed forward with Treeskipper.
"I'm fine," Reanna told them both calmly, sitting herself up.
"He bit you," Linus's shaking hands reached for her bloody gown.
"No, it's not mine," Reanna promised, touching her father's shoulder. She smiled at him. "He was hurt and I helped him."
Linus blinked at her. Staring. "You helped an injured lion..."
"I think he might have been a faerie," Reanna whispered. "He was intelligent, father."
Cadmus kneeled down next to her, looking her over carefully for signs of pain. She moved freely. The lion hadn't harmed her in the slightest.
"You came to the aid of a lion?" He asked, amazed. "Princess, that's...brave."
"It's foolish," Linus corrected, standing. Bringing Reanna with him. He ran his hands over her, worried and scared. "It was a lion, Reanna. No matter if it was a faerie or not, it was still a lion. He could have taken your head with a single bite."
"I think we're done today," Cadmus said, waving the servants forward. "Let's go home before the princess decides to help a bear with a stomachache."
Reanna resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "Thank you for your concern, Prince Cadmus. I don't wish to stop you and father's fun. I can go back on my own."
"Nonsense," Linus said firmly, holding out his hands for his horse's reins. "We'll ride for home now. Where is Freeheart?"
"The lion scared him away."
"Then he had more sense than you." Linus gestured to his horse. Cadmus reached out to help her mount the large gelding.
Reanna ignored his hand and put her foot into the stirrup. She jumped, lifting herself up and throwing her leg over. The gown Larissa had designed opened as promised and she straddled the saddle like an expert, smearing lion's blood over the speckled gray horse her father called Kingbearer.
Cadmus blinked for a moment at the sight of her before hurriedly turning to the king. "Your majesty, please use my horse. I shall walk."
"Thank you," Linus nodded to him before accepting his hand to mount the beast.
Reanna was already turning her father's gelding around and urging him forward. Freeheart would have returned home already. She need only follow the path to catch up with him.
As Treeskipper moved forward quickly, eager to take front as the stallion, Reanna turned and looked back over her shoulder. Linus was grumbling about the horse while Cadmus attempted to lead the animal without her father noticing he was doing so.
Reanna scanned the trees for some sign of the lion.