Gems of Fire: A Young Adult Fantasy Page 16

  “I’ll escort you to dinner,” he said sticking his arm out for her to hold.

  Anna laughed. “I thought I was supposed to be a slave girl.”

  “I still have to keep you out of trouble.” Jack stopped her as she moved toward the door. “Don’t forget your veil,” he said. “There will be some knights I don’t know at this dinner.”

  “Ugh! How am I supposed to eat behind this thing?” She crossed the room to peek in the mirror. “Is it necessary?”

  “Humor me.”

  Anna rolled her eyes and positioned the veil over her nose.

  “You know this is crazy, right?”

  Jack led her to a great hall with a table that could have seated thirty guests. The walls were lined with portraits, paintings and rich tapestries. Anna’s shoes clicked conspicuously on the hard stone floor as she walked. When they entered the room, Lady Avigail rose to greet them and show them to their seats. She sat at the head of the table with Jack on her right. Anna sat to her left.

  There were a few others seated with them at dinner, but Anna didn’t pay much attention to them. Some looked like traveling knights, others perhaps lords and nobles of other lands. Anna was so absorbed in the delicious food, she barely noticed the conversation and ignored the large man seated next to her. She devoured the pheasant, potatoes, green beans and bread, trying not to be rude. Fresh apple pies were for dessert, served with cream. Anna couldn’t wait.

  But she quickly forgot about the pie as conversation from the other end of the table drifted toward them.

  “Yes,” an older man was saying. “We just heard the one who brings her in alive will have her hand in marriage—even a commoner.” He chuckled. “Knights all over the countryside are turning over every stone to find her. Word is traveling fast. Everywhere I go men great and small are desperately searching for the little princess.”

  “I’ll certainly begin at the break of day,” said a man with a red beard. “I’d ride through a blazing sun and a blizzard for a chance to be a prince,” he said with a laugh. “Oh, and the little princess wouldn’t be a bad catch either.” He elbowed the man next to him.

  Another man lowered his voice and whispered something Anna could not hear, but all the men at that end of the table threw their heads back and whooped in laughter.

  Someone called down the table and addressed Jack. “Sir John, you haven’t seen any lost girls on your travels, have you?”

  Anna stopped eating with her fork in midair. She slowly put it down, trying to diffuse any attention her way. She felt her cheeks flame and was thankful for the veil after all.

  Jack took a long swig of ale. “Unfortunately, not. This is the first I’ve heard of it.” He was a skilled liar.

  “Well, I don’t suppose the little mouse would have scampered that far anyway,” the man went on. “You know, they are saying she ran away! Now why would she do that?”

  “She didn’t run away,” one knight said emphatically. “Someone stole her. Her horse came back the next day unsaddled with no sign of her. If she were to run away, she’d have saddled that horse and taken supplies.”

  “I heard a rope was hanging out her window,” said a brown-eyed knight. “Someone scaled the wall and took her from her room.”

  “Then why would her horse be out?”

  “It doesn’t add up. It seems she just vanished,” another man said.

  Anna shifted in her seat. Apple pie or no, she had to get out of there. What if one of these awful men recognizes me? She rose and curtsied briefly to Avigail. The lady’s eyes briefly rested on hers before glancing away. The conversation was getting so lively, Anna was able to slip away without notice. Back to her room, she ripped off the veil and sunk into the bed. That was close! Anger pulsed through Anna. How dare they—noblemen, too—talk about me that way? Anna couldn’t imagine her father forcing her to marry one of them. But of course, he was a man of his word. Once again, Jack was right. She needed to remain disguised until she was before her father. Will I ever feel safe in my own country? There would be no trumpets announcing her return. She pulled out the jeweled sword and ran her fingers over it. She couldn’t use it against her father’s own men. A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. She tucked the sword away before opening the heavy wooden door to a servant, who bustled in and lit a fire in the fireplace.

  “My Lady Avigail requested a bathtub be brought to your room. It is on its way, along with enough steaming water to fill an ocean,” he said, scowling. He sniffed. “Not that we won’t be happy to be rid of that stench.”

  “Bless her!” she said to the man, who turned on his heel and left in a huff. Anna hardly noticed. A bath! Moments later, four men walked through her door carrying a large tub. They were followed by servant girls each carrying steaming pots of water. They gave her soap, bath salts and soft towels. Woman servants brought in several dresses, slippers, boots and other changes of clothes. Anna ran her hands over the beautiful fabrics after the servants hung them in the wardrobe. She was beginning to feel like a princess again.

  One by one they filed out until one girl whispered, “The lady told me to give you this oil. Soak your hair in it and wash it out three times.” The girl’s eyes traveled to her hair before she stepped out, closing the door behind her.

  Anna couldn’t believe the kindness of Lady Avigail. She quickly stripped off her filthy garments and sank into the hot water. It was just right. She relaxed, breathing in the flowery, spiced scents rising from the water’s steam. Then, she dunked her head, washed her hair and rubbed the hair treatment through it. She let it soak and rinsed it out. Yes, her hair was lighter. She put more on and let it soak longer. The thick, black color lightened some, but now her hair was the color of mud. Well, there are worse things.

  The water grew cold too quickly, and Anna stepped out of the tub. Her skin was soft and smelled wonderful. She wrapped herself in a towel and inspected the new clothes. Anna was thankful to see a nightgown among the dresses. She chose the simplest one to wear in the morning. The two other dresses were elegant, but she wasn’t sure she’d pass as a slave girl any longer. She crossed to the vanity in front of the mirror and braided her damp hair. She couldn’t believe her reflection. Her face was drawn across prominent cheekbones. Her skin was tanned more than it had ever been, and a few freckles dotted her nose. No matter how different she looked, it was wonderful to be clean.

  She threw her old servant’s clothes into the tub water, scrubbed them clean and spread them out by the fire. Anna glanced out the window and saw the moon was up. Less than a month until the attack. We should be home in time to warn Father. A clock chimed a steady ten strokes somewhere in the distance. Anna headed for the bed.

  Soft as the bed was, Anna couldn’t sleep. The man’s words at dinner kept badgering her mind. She finally had to consider the one point overwhelming her thoughts. Would her father offer her hand to Jack? And what would Jack do? She thought of him—strong, kind, excellent character. He’d risked his life for her without even knowing who she was.

  Her heart warmed. She could think of worse fates than being married to Jack, unless, of course, he didn’t want to be married to her. Anna’s thoughts rushed through the last week’s memories. At every turn Jack had set his face to get her home to the king and survive until they could deliver the warning of war. He said he’d stand by her in facing Seamus, but perhaps only because it was necessary to save her people.

  A new doubt rose in her heart. Her insides twisted, and she rolled over. Her father certainly wouldn’t force them to marry, yet she knew he would stand by his decree. She rolled over again and tried to get comfortable, but it was no use. Now she was thirsty. Though much water had been brought to her room that night, it had all gone in the tub. The pitcher next to her bed was empty. The longer she lay there the more she thought about getting a drink. Then it became all she could think about.

  Anna got up, pulled on the simple dress from her wardrobe, grabbed the pitcher and went on a search for water. I can�
�t go far until I either find a servant or the kitchen. She looked both ways out her door, but saw no one. She crept down the hall, down the stairs and toward the dining room. Surely there would be someone there cleaning up after dinner. When she arrived, the table was cleared and there was no sign of servants. She started back down the hall, looking for stairs leading to the kitchen below. She heard soft voices and crept closer to the sound. Anna found herself outside the door to a small, finely furnished room with a nice fire crackling. She was about to enter when a voice stopped her.

  “Well, do you love her?” said someone she thought was Lady Avigail. The voice that answered was a man’s, but Anna couldn’t make out what he said. Anna thought it was more like a grunt.

  “I know I don’t like the thought of being without her,” he said.

  Jack.

  “She might be young and impulsive now, but she won’t always be. This age is one of the most tumultuous of a girl’s life. Her true character will rise to the surface. In any case, you must leave first thing in the morning.”

  “Come with us. For your safety.”

  “We are well fortified here,” Avigail replied. “It sounds as if Karfin will be the focus.”

  “Yes, but they could strike here and move onto Karfin.”

  Anna crept away from the door. She didn’t want to eavesdrop, but before she got too far, she heard footsteps and then a clear reply, “I’m glad you understand. When we deal with all this mess, I promise to stay for a couple weeks.”

  Jack was coming. Anna retreated down the hall. In her haste, she struck the pitcher against a large vase with a loud clank! It tipped precariously, and Anna grabbed it before it crashed to the floor. Anna pretended to be studying a portrait, though it was dark in the hallway.

  Jack looked out the door. “Anna?” he called. “Is that you?”

  “Oh, yes, Jack, hello. I was just looking for a place to fill my water pitcher.”

  He stared at her with his mouth open. He stopped mid-stride as his eyes traveled over her. He chuckled to himself and shook his head a little. “You look, well, different.”

  She blushed and said, “I need to thank Lady Avigail for the wonderful bath. I thought I’d never feel clean again.” She looked him over as well. Clean-shaven, fresh clothes. He cleaned up well.

  He was still staring.

  “So, do you know where the kitchen is?” she asked tentatively.

  He narrowed his eyes. “How long have you been out here?”

  “Just a moment. I looked in the dining room, but I didn’t see any servants, so I walked down this way.” Her words rushed out. Jack wasn’t convinced.

  Lady Avigail appeared at the door. “John William,” she said. “Why don’t you fill up the pitcher and let me get acquainted with the princess?” Her eye met Anna’s. “Come in, Your Highness.”

  One glance at Jack and Anna knew he had told Avigail everything.

  “Thank you,” she whispered to Avigail. “You have certainly given me royal treatment today. This castle feels so much like home, yet I can’t quite relax until I’m there, I think.”

  “Ah,” said Avigail. “Couldn’t sleep?”

  Anna shook her head.

  “Well, come sit by the fire,” she said, smiling.

  Anna sat in a plush chair. Her stomach danced with butterflies at the thought of Jack coming back. He had been right—everything was so formal now. She bit the inside of her lip as her thoughts flew to what she’d overheard.

  Jack entered the room shortly with a pitcher and a glorious apple pie with whipped cream piled in the middle. He poured a glass for Anna, set the pitcher down on a small table and stuck a fork in the middle of the pie.

  “Seriously John? No plates?” scolded Avigail.

  He winked at Anna. “I couldn’t carry plates as well.”

  “How did you know I loved apple pie?” asked Anna.

  “Who doesn’t?” He raised an eyebrow. “Enjoy. I ate a whole one myself and now I’m off to bed. Anna, don’t stay up too late, we will leave early in the morning, and I know how you like to sleep.” His eyes twinkled.

  Anna’s cheeks flushed. “Only when I’m exhausted.”

  His smile broadened. “I was only teasing.” He laughed. Then his eyes met Avigail’s. He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “I will knock on your door in the morning,” he whispered.

  Avigail’s smile never quite reached her eyes.

  Anna broke the silence. “This place seems so familiar to me, but I don’t recall if I’ve ever been here before.”

  “Oh, you have,” said Avigail. “You came with your mother as a child. We were friends.” She picked up the pie and set it in Anna’s lap. “Help yourself.”

  Anna thanked her and dug in. “You knew my mother?” Anna asked with her mouth full. “For how long?”

  “Do you not know my story?” Avigail frowned. “John did not tell you?”

  “No, my lady.”

  “Six years ago, I lost my good husband and all my family except for one son who escaped with me when our kingdom was overrun.” Her lips lifted but her eyes were full of sorrow. “Your father was gracious to us and offered us this place to live in exile. It was more than generous. We have land and servants here.” She got up and peered out into the darkness.

  Anna’s mind flew. “King Alvar of Oclen was your husband?”

  “Of course.”

  “I-I’m sorry. I didn’t realize.” And the one son was—

  “Do you not know who you ride with?” Avigail frowned.

  Anna’s breath caught for a split second. Of course. If she is Jack’s mother, then he lost his father and brothers in the coup of Oclen. All assassinated while the youngest prince escaped with his mother. Oh, Jack.

  “He didn’t tell me,” Anna said, groaning. She pulled her hand to her scalp. “Now it makes sense. I do remember him. I’m so sorry for what he must have gone through.”

  “Your mother and I were friends when I was still Queen of Oclen. We would visit Sunderland and sometimes meet here as it was closer for us.”

  “And I came with her?”

  “Every time we visited.”

  “But was she sick after she had me? I’ve been told I somehow caused her to be weak, that she never recovered from delivering me.” Anna leaned toward the older woman. She knew so little about her mother.

  “Oh, no, child,” said Avigail. “You did nothing to cause her illness. Your mother simply caught a fever when you were about a year old. She almost died then. That’s what weakened her, not nursing you. The next time she got sick, it was just too much for her.” Avigail’s eyes glistened.

  Anna was lost in thought.

  “She was my dear friend, and she loved her little girl so much.” Avigail took her hands. “Don’t ever think otherwise!”

  Anna forced her voice to function. “What was my mother like?”

  “Her beauty ran deep. She was good, honest, kind, loyal and always thought of others before herself. She felt the role of the queen should be to care for the people. She’d ride out sometimes and bring food and medicine to poor families with sick children.”

  Anna drank in this description.

  “Does your sister ever speak of your mother?” Avigail asked. “She was old enough to remember her.”

  “Saira?” Anna asked. “No, perfect Saira hardly speaks to me. She’d only just returned from studying in Hedricksburg when I was captured.” She chuckled. “She’s supposed to be my new tutor.”

  “Give her a chance to be your friend. You might be surprised how much you have in common.”

  “Perhaps,” Anna answered. “Did Mother ride well?”

  “Ride? Yes, she loved horses—any living creature, actually. Some called her an angel. I think her heart was bigger than all of us. It was a blow when we lost her.” Her eyes misted once more. “But we had you.” She tipped her chin at Anna. “Her little angel.”

  “I’m no angel.” Anna dropped her gaze for a moment.

  Avi
gail tilted her head to the side, like she’d seen Jack do so many times.

  “You’ve probably heard what an embarrassment I’ve been to my father,” Anna said. “How I have my mother’s looks, but none of her dignity.”

  “Look at me.” Anna forced her eyes to meet the older woman’s. “So much was expected of you. So many people wanted her back that they couldn’t wait for the little girl to grow up. Of course you can’t live up to the memory of your mother. No one can. But you have abilities she never had.”

  “It’s when I’m being myself Father is most disappointed in me.”

  “Then so be it. But you can’t live by striving to be someone you’re not.” Avigail’s eyes gleamed.

  Anna was silent for a moment. “I know I must go back, but suddenly I’m afraid,” she whispered. “I’m afraid no one will believe me, that I won’t make it in time or that I’ve somehow ruined my father, that—oh, I’ll never live up to what he wants from me.”

  “That can’t be,” Avigail shook her head, looking at her with kindness she didn’t deserve.

  “I never do anything that pleases him.” She thought of Seamus. Traitor. “My father thinks more highly of the treacherous snake who’s trying to bring him down than me,” Anna said. “What if I can’t convince him his right-hand counsel is scheming against him?”

  “He will listen. He must miss you terribly.”

  Anna’s muscles relaxed, and her nerves unwound at Avigail’s words. The woman drew Anna with quiet confidence. She wished she could stay longer than one night.

  “And you have John William to help you.” Avigail interrupted her thoughts. “I’m sure he won’t leave you alone.”

  “I wouldn’t have made it here without him.”

  Avigail shook her head. “He carries a heavy burden of shame. “He’s always felt he could have done more to help his father the day he died.” Avigail sighed. “But he was just a boy.”

  And what happened to him in the desert didn’t help.