Deadly Desires

Chapter 2

Jeffery struggles to keep up with me.

I make haste to the massive oak doors, accompanied by a pair of guards. They comprehend my intent and on approach; they pull the heavy doors open, granting me access as I stride inside, Jeffery slips in behind me.

The ceiling of the chamber rises many feet’s overhead, with scarlet drapes adorning the floor-to-ceiling windows along the rear wall. Towering bookcases line the other three boundaries, with a wrought iron platform circling the entire room, twenty feet overhead, accessed by spiral staircases in the corners. Beyond the seating area is a yawning fireplace, the logs removed, flagstone swept clean for the summer. A hand-stitched Persian rug laid out at its feet. Father’s study occupies a vast swath of the second level of the east wing in the castle.

In the room’s centre is a giant mahogany table surrounded by my father’s standing advisors. They are quick to acknowledge my presence, bowing as they sweep aside to give me an unobstructed view of my father seated at the head of the table. His bejewelled crown glints in stark kingliness, his molten-brown tresses crash to his shoulders. His ornate fingers steepled together, gold glitters across his knuckles.

“You wished to see me, father.”

Wordlessly, he flicks his hand dismissively and his horde of advisors scurry off, diluting as they make their way out, and after a short while, the heavy doors thud shut behind them all, meanwhile father’s gaze hooks into me.

“I bear good news,” he says gravely, his voice naturally imperious. “I have made an agreeable match for you.”

Lashed by a whip of anger, I rearrange my expression to face his scrutiny. “Cleary, you and I share a dissimilar definition about what is considered ‘good news’ if you think that making a match without my consent would please me.”

He leans back into his seat, resting his elbows on the arms of the chair. “Well, that is just it. I do not need your consent. And the only thing that should please you is the continued prosperity of our realm.”

My gaze sinks to the floor.

“Prosperity that is coveted by many, and under threat by only one.”

My eyes lift, perusing the table cluttered with maps and piles of parchments, memoirs, and records. Some even reports from our military. I know because I notice the insignia of the Asina. The mark of a teeth-baring viper.

“Our military is strong, we have forces spread across the realm, garrisons strategically placed.”

“Yes,” he says thoughtfully. “We are strong. But we are not the strongest. You know of our strenuous relations with the Empire who have been eyeing our lands for hundreds of years, amassing in strength by conquering other dominions, and we cannot risk being a casualty of their ruthless ambition.”

I avert my gaze. “If they were to invade, our strength is matched, and in the event of a full-scale war we could persevere as easily as they could.”

“A good ruler does not seek victory but peace, that is the true feat. Which now…for the first time. It is attainable.”

It starts with a few stiff turns before my head shakes vigorously. “No…no you would never.”

“I had no choice.” Guilt casts a pall over his face like a shadow. “This is the only way to ensure peace between our realms, to make certain that Gavaria does not become one of their conquests. Instead, a union will affirm their allegiance as allies instead of enemies.”

Suddenly the air is thin, like the oxygen in the room evaporates, my breathing shallow and harsh as I turn from him for a moment. I clutch my chest, my heartbeat escalating out of control. My tumultuous emotions, everything, teetering on the brink. My mind reels at the implications.

“And so you would—” I try to regain my composure, my breaths laboured. “You would have our greatest foe marry into our line.” I spin around, inhaling a deep breath. “The Empire has spilled Gavarian blood throughout the ages, notorious for both their greed and cruelty. And you wish to bend to their will? It will give the impression that you are weak. That Gavaria is weak, and she fears a military confrontation with the Empire, such weaknesses will only embolden others to test our might.”

Surprise creeps in his loam-grey eyes and his lips pull to one side.

“You bear your mother’s fierceness.” I nearly stumble back at the mention. Father rarely speaks of her, and when he does, words are few and far in between. “Seeking peace is not a sign of weakness. It is wisdom, daughter. A union between two of the most powerful realms will serve as a symbol of a new age. It will dissuade the Empire’s aggression towards us and earn Gavaria a formidable ally.”

Inwardly seething, I wring out my hands. “How long have you been scheming this behind my back?”

Lines form between his brows at my choice of words. “We have been in correspondence for some time now. In truth, I did not expect them to accept this notion of peace. But King Titus saw the advantages it could have for us both.”

“That is not how the Empire operates.” I tap my temple furiously. “Why would they negotiate, seek a peace treaty or a marriage alliance that will only offer them a portion of wealth when they can just take it all? That is what they do. They dominate.”

Father’s face grows serious, becoming impatient with me. “Yes, they are callous when it comes to battle. But so can we. As you said, our strength is matched. They know that we would be an obstinate adversary and they would not gamble the risk of possible defeat if they dared to cross blades with the Asina.”

Father ascends to his feet and rounds the table with his regal cape dragging behind him as he makes his way in front of me, dwarfing me. I divert my eyes, shunning his gaze in sheer resentment.

“I know you must begrudge my doing. But I know that deep within. You do understand because you are as prudent as you are fierce.” He gently places his fingertips beneath my chin and raises my face so our eyes can meet. “It is time for you to arise. Yes, the prince of the Empire will be king consort, but you will be Queen, the true powerhead of Gavaria. A peacemaker.”

I fight to swallow the large lump in my throat.

“There will be a celebration to mark this monumental occasion. At the third equinox, dignitaries of the Empire will arrive, along with their crown prince. We will be hosting a ball in honour of their arrival, then your engagement will be announced.”

I snap back, shaking my head.

This cannot be. This cannot be!

“Aurelia.”

I whirl around and run out of chamber, his voice chasing after me.

***

The royal gardens are a plethora of wonder segregated into acres of recreational land, varying maze gardens, orchards with sun-warmed fruits hanging from their limbs. North of the terrace, manicured ornamental gardens slope gently down to the path lined with bronze sculptures and geometric topiaries and bordered by imposing hedgerows. The paved walkways and paths are decorated with statues, vases, and manicured yews, and they are bordered by hedges and shrubberies. With a wide range of water features; elaborate waterworks like fountains and irregular shaped ponds.

At a random spot in the open field of verdant green grass. Cassian and I recline on an outdoor coverlet with an awning positioned overhead to shield us from the sun’s glare. Nearby servants stand, one with a jug of water and another with a platter of shimmering grapes. The guards watch from a comfortable distance. Their viridian armour gleams in the sunlight.

 Though I cannot see him, Zenon is nearby; he always is.

Cassia exhales, finally breaking the silence. “You have my sympathies.”

“Is that all you can say?”

“What do you wish to hear?” Her dark hair swoops in coils over her swan’s neck. “You are to wed the most fearsome, the most hated realm of all. I am surprised that the military council agreed to such a brazen notion. It must have meant that it was unanimous.”

“They were the ones that petitioned the idea to the King.”

Cassia lets out a whoosh of a breath before she falls on the ground, on her back, before flopping over unto her side. Her skin is starshadow-black with eyes that are like two pools of liquid fire. Cassia is my only friend, apart from Meredith; the court seer. Cassia is the daughter of a high-ranking General in the Prime Battalion of the Asina. She is as true as they come, a gem amongst the unauthentic characters at court. Every single noble girl tries to form a friendship with me for what it can yield for them, constantly currying favour with the princess, the future ruler.

But not Cassia.

She lays the side of her face in her palm, observing me pensively. “But. I heard mutterings from my father about the Empire’s surge of invasions, colonising new territories. They are growing too powerful with a military strength to rival our own. At least a union ensures their complacency.”

“Nothing in life is guaranteed,” I counter adamantly. “They could see the riches of our realm then decide to take it all for themselves.”

“With their prince on the throne?” she retorts. “Why? They already succeeded, gaining a treasure without the jeopardy of losing it all if we were to conquer them in combat. I know you do not want to believe it…but…tactically it is shrewd. It staves off the possibility of war between our realms.”

Defeated. I collapse on my back, my head aligned with hers, my face looking to the inside of the awning. She is right; I am merely trying to find fault where I can but how can I not when hazards abound? The Empire is volatile, mercurial at best. Not to mention, what kind of man will I be betrothed to?

Alas, I cannot think of myself. My happiness is the cost of the realm’s welfare.

And so shall I pay it.

A memory pricks at my brain. “And what of you?” I turn my face to look at her. “How goes the courting of the Earl of Moore?”

Cassia buries her face in her hands. I glimpse her varnished nails, then a striking gem that adorns her finger beckons my attention. The silver band weaves a swirly pattern until the diamond in the centre; the size of a grape.

“Cassia is that….”

“An engagement ring?” She tears her hands off her face. “I was wondering when you would notice.”

A shocked laugh frees itself. “Well…you will have to forgive me. I have had quite the morning.” I bolt upright, drawing in my legs, the layers of the dress sprawled over them. “Let me see it.”

She moves to sit up with me. And with a dramatic flourish, she displays her ring to me, fluttering her fingers. “That is why I came back to court; I came to tell you that he had proposed to me but when I found you, you appeared as if you were about to erupt into tears, so I postponed my news.”

I clap a hand over my mouth to muffle a joyful scream. I pull her into hug. “I am so happy for you, Cassia. The Earl is a good man, I know he will treat you as you deserve because if not—”

“I know,” she says, breaking us apart. “You will throw him in the dungeons.”

“Of course not.” I feign shock. “The dungeons are for scoundrels but for a man who dares to think he can mistreat my best friend; my sister, he will not live to tell the tale. He will be bound, shackled and thrown into the sea.”

Her lips explode into a grin.

“So.” I place my hands in my lap. “When will I meet your blest fiancé?”

She snorts. “I am almost afraid of allowing you two to meet,” she says, and we share a laugh.

“What of their family?” I inquire. “Were you greeted with any kind of…disdain?”

Cassia’s face falls, the flames in her eyes falter. “He has their blessing, but they still are not very fond of their future, dark-skinned, daughter-in-law.”

My cheeks scrunch into a disgusted look. “They should be honoured to have you part of their kin; a beautiful, dark-skinned woman of noble birth who is about to make Earl Quinton the happiest man alive.”

She nods and smiles half-heartedly. “I hope so.”

“You will. Never doubt your worth or feel forced to prove it to anyone because you are exceptional. Ignore the ignorant, primitive prejudices of foolish people. Give it time, because I can assure you that you will win them over as you have with everyone that you acquaint to.”

Heartened, sincerity fills the rest of her smile.

“And if that does not work, I can always have them thrown in the dungeons.”

She laughs, shaking her head at me.

I glance away, my gaze far-flung until a familiar figure emerges into view. Cassia starts to ramble about something, but her voice sounds like someone speaking underwater, words drowned out as I become mesmerised by the sight so close yet worlds away from my reach.

Xerxes. He tails a strolling, noble couple with a tray in his hands with a jug and two chalices atop. My, he has grown; he is no longer that stout child I once knew. His legs lengthen into manhood paired with broad shoulders. The billowy, white and brown servant clothes try to conceal his slender and shaped physique. His voluminous hair cropped short, all brushed to the front.

Xerxes and I have become estranged, strangers who knew each other. Because of who I am, I am almost never alone, never alone to sneak time with him, and it only became more difficult over the years, so he faded out of my life like dusk, on the verge of becoming night. Xerxes is a shadow of my past and a ghost in my present; I see him, but I cannot touch him. I cannot have him or be with him at any capacity.

“Aurelia,” Cassia snaps, jerking me out of my daze.

“Yes, what, what is it?” I blurt.

She follows my line of sight, eyes narrowing suspiciously. “Why were you staring at Count and Countess Dormer?”

Thank the stars that she thought I was gawking at them and not ogling the servant behind them. I do not know why, but there is something irksome about that assumption.

“I was not staring.”

“Yes, you were and—”

“You should invite Quinton to the ball,” I say to distract.

She frowns at me. “What ball?”

“Did I forget to mention that when the representatives of the Empire arrive at the third equinox. A royal ball will be hosted in their honour. Can you imagine? A spectacle meant for those barbarians.”

“Will your engagement be announced then?”

“Yes. There they will declare my union to the devil’s son.”