Fire and Ice

CHAPTER 10

Joselyn had been in court since early morning. She had already sent down her ruling on several cases. She was trying her best to give her rulings swiftly; she had dinner with the King of Arcadia and she really wanted to check on Marcus later that night. She didn’t want to let on in front of him that she enjoyed his company so much. It was flattering that he didn’t want her to have dinner with the King of Arcadia. She recognized the jealousy in his tone when he spoke. To be honest, she liked him, more than she should. “Last Case” yelled out a guard. Joselyn pulled herself out of her thoughts and was happy after her ruling so she could get on with her busy day. The King of Arcadia was due to arrive in 3 hours and she still needed to choose an outfit to look presentable. Joselyn had met the King of Arcadia before; he was handsome and her age. They were able to communicate well, but not as well as she and Marcus.

Joselyn looked through her wardrobe and found a beautiful light blue dress with silver embroidery patterned on it. It complimented her features as well as her figure. As she placed the dress on she thought, “Marcus will love this dress.” Not realizing she chose the dress because she already had plans to visit Marcus that night. At the thought she had she blushed and realized she had a gentleman coming for dinner shortly. Joselyn had a maid help prepare her hair with light blue jewels intertwined throughout her long hair. The finished product proved to be successful. She was gorgeous from head to toe. Rowan knocked on her chamber doors. “Come in” Joselyn yelled. Rowan walked in to announce the King of Arcadia had arrived and dinner was moments from being served. Rowan looked at her and without thinking said, “You look beautiful Joselyn.” “Thank You Rowan. Is the King of Arcadia here?” Rowan embarrassingly responded, “Yes My Queen, he is waiting at the dining table and dinner is about to be served.” “Oh my goodness, I need to hurry” Joselyn said as she rushed past Rowan down to the dining hall. Joselyn reached the steps that led to the dining hall and then slowed her steps. She took a deep breath and slowly began her decent down the stairs. Everyone in the dining hall stared as she took light airy steps approaching the table. The King of Arcadia was mesmerized by her beauty. He rose from his seat and walked to greet her at the bottom of the stairs. “I want to thank you for allowing me to have dinner with you Queen Joselyn.” The King of Arcadia said gazing at Joselyn. “I was pleased to receive your request. We always have a wonderful time when you visit.” The King of Arcadia walked Joselyn to the dinner table and pulled out her chair for her. “I completely agree,” He responded as he took his seat.

Marcus was in his chamber brewing over the fact that Joselyn was currently in the dining hall having a nice dinner with the King of Arcadia. She made sure his broth was given to him just as she’d promised; he wanted her to be giving it to him. He wanted her sitting next to him and having long conversations. How could she accept that invitation? She must not feel the way he thought she did. There were plenty of men who wanted to marry her, he was just another number in a long line. Marcus decided right then he was going to have to figure out a way to win her heart. This way she would want to spend all her time with him. Marcus couldn’t believe he had fallen in love with the Ice Queen. He had never been in love before; he never thought he would find the woman he wanted. Now he has found the woman he loves; he will stop at nothing to make her his.

Joselyn and the King of Arcadia were laughing as they ate. He really is very charming, Joselyn thought. Desert was being served as the King of Arcadia was still carrying on the conversation. “You know Joselyn, my favorite part of coming through this part of the country is getting to see you. I love the way we can talk to each other so easily; and we never seem to run out of things to say.” He laughed. Joselyn let out a small laugh and said, “You never run out of things to say.” And they both laughed in unison. “While you are here, Joselyn began, I am throwing a ball in a couple of months. Invitations have been sent out already, but I would like to personally extend the invite to you.” The King of Arcadia looked into Joselyn’s blue eyes and said, “I would be delighted to attend, and am honored you gave a personal invitation. I look forward to getting to see you again so soon.” Joselyn smiled at his compliment. They had finished their desert and continued talking half an hour later. Joselyn noticed the time and still wanted to see Marcus. She stood as the King of Arcadia was talking. He immediately stood with her. “I apologize, but I am getting tired, and I know you still have a long journey.” Joselyn told him. The King of Arcadia looked at the time and said, “You are right, I can’t believe we have sat at the dinner table this long. I must be getting on my way.” Joselyn walked the King of Arcadia to the door, and they said their goodnights. The King of Arcadia placed her hand in his and gave it a gentle kiss. “Until I see you again.” Joselyn bowed as the King of Arcadia left in his carriage. After he left, Joselyn felt a lightheartedness. She really did enjoy spending time with the King of Arcadia. The only problem was that she didn’t know his true intentions. Before she gave it more thought, her mind went to Marcus. A smile fell across her lips as she started up the stairs toward his chambers. She knew he wouldn’t be expecting her.

Marcus heard a knock on his chamber door. He had already had his dinner broth, but he assumed it was another maid making sure he didn’t need anything else for the night. “Enter.” He called out. Joselyn walked in his room fashioned in her beautiful gown and jewels. Marcus found himself with a lump in his throat and unable to speak as he watched Joselyn walk into the room. She was beautiful in her own right, but tonight she left him speechless. “How are you doing this evening Marcus?” Joselyn asked. Marcus fumbled for his words. “I’m doing well, um, thank you for having your maids tend to me.” Joselyn replied, “It was no problem at all. I told you I would look after you and make sure you were fine.” Marcus was amazed at how beautiful she looked, but remembered she had dinner with the King of Arcadia. He wanted to win her heart, so he tried to hide his jealousy and maintain his composure. “How was dinner with the King of Arcadia?” he asked. “It was lovely, thank you. The King of Arcadia is always good company.” Joselyn replied. Marcus stared at her then said, “You know, I believe I can start eating regular food now. My stomach has been growling.” Joselyn replied, “If your stomach is growling for food, then you should definitely have it. We can start with breakfast in the morning.” Marcus continued, “Well, since you are normally with me at breakfast and dinner…. would you still want to eat up here with me?” Joselyn smiled and said, “I believe that would be alright, as long as I don’t have any other pressing matters.” Marcus was relieved and delighted. Joselyn sat down on his bed and said, “Why don’t we have a nice chat before I retire to my chambers. Marcus smiled and said, “I’ve been wanting to see you all day. A small chat with you will make the wait worth it.” Joselyn didn’t know how to respond, so Marcus began the conversation about his day and asked her about hers. After their small conversation, Joselyn rose from his bed and said goodnight to him. “I will see you for breakfast?” Marcus asked. “Yes, I will eat breakfast with you here tomorrow.” Joselyn said. “Goodnight Marcus.” “Goodnight Joselyn.” With that, Marcus couldn’t wait until morning. He laid in bed and fell asleep to thoughts of Joselyn.

The next morning Joselyn smiled as she dressed in her queenly attire. She didn’t realize the happy grin on her face until she saw her face in the mirror. She admitted to herself she was looking forward to breakfast with Marcus. Joselyn noticed his protest to her dinner with the King of Arcadia. She wasn’t sure what to make of it. She did however love being around Marcus; the thought of him seemed to drift into her every thought. Joselyn already told Rowan she would be having breakfast with Marcus in the event he needed her. Joselyn took another look at herself before she headed to Marcus’s chambers.

Joselyn stood outside Marcus’s chamber door and knocked gently. Marcus smiled as he yelled enter. He knew it was Joselyn coming to join him for breakfast. He had been looking forward to it since the night before. Joselyn walked into the room and both she and Marcus immediately smiled at one another. “Good morning” Joselyn said to Marcus. Marcus was beaming as he reciprocated the good morning. “They haven’t brought breakfast yet, but it should be here anytime.” Marcus said. Joselyn walked over to a chair near the bed and took a seat. “What are you doing over there? You always sit right here on the bed. Come over here.” Marcus said. Joselyn didn’t like the feeling she got when he said that. She almost felt as if he was trying to tell her where to sit, an order almost. “I will sit where I please.” Joselyn flatly stated. “Please don’t think I was trying to give you an order. I just like having you as close to me as possible.” Marcus said as he sensed her underlying tone. Joselyn felt a small sense of relief and flattery at his comment, but she chose to stay put to make her point clear. “As I said, I will sit here for breakfast.” Joselyn said to Marcus. He knew she chose to sit where she did to show strength. He didn’t care, as long as she was with him. There was a knock at the door and Joselyn yelled enter. Marcus knew better than to yell enter over Joselyn. This was her Kingdom, and she wouldn’t have anyone trying to go above her. The maids brought their breakfast plates in and sat one with Joselyn and one with Marcus and left the room silently. “You know I have been looking forward to this all night.” Marcus told Joselyn. “For some reason I can’t stop thinking about you.” Marcus didn’t want to seem presumptuous so he continued “It must be the fact I am used to seeing you every morning when you are taking care of me. Now you don’t have to feed me broth, I can actually eat on my own. It doesn’t make me feel like such an invalid.” Joselyn took a bite of her eggs and watched him for a moment. She swallowed then said, “I never thought of you that way, and I am happy to tend to you.” Joselyn told Marcus. Marcus tried to have small talk with Joselyn over breakfast, but it wasn’t working out well. She had her guard up since he “told” her where to sit. After they ate, Marcus wanted to sit and talk more. Before he could ask, she stood and walked toward the door. She turned to Marcus and said, “I have things that require my attention. I will check on you later this evening. Good day.” With that she walked out of his chamber.

Marcus watched Joselyn walk out of his chamber and scolded himself for sounding demanding toward her. He was used to giving orders toward his own servants and his words came out in that form. Marcus knew Joselyn had a wall up and was suspicious of men trying to take her Kingdom; then he made the stupid mistake of sounding demanding. It wasn’t as though he gave her a direct order and any other person wouldn’t have thought anything of it, but she was completely different. Marcus knew he needed to tread carefully. He wanted to get to know Joselyn and he wanted her to get to know him. He had a sarcastic sense of humor, but he couldn’t let his full personality show until she understood him better. When Joselyn came back to see him in the evening, he would try to smooth things over with her.

Joselyn walked down the hallway to see the seamstress. There was only two days until the ball and the Kings would be arriving tomorrow, the day before as requested. Joselyn always made sure to make at least two additional outfits for the King of Leon as he was so clumsy with his food and drink. As she walked, Joselyn continued to think about Marcus’s words. “Come sit over here.” Joselyn repeated his words in her head. She knew he wasn’t trying to give her an order, but she didn’t like that it sounded as one. She enjoyed his company, even though he was stubborn. She still didn’t even know his last name. Joselyn also enjoyed the way Marcus could easily make her blush, and he knew it. However, she wondered if he had made many women blush, and he was just well rehearsed. The thought bothered her, and she didn’t know why. Jealousy. Jealousy is what she felt at that thought. This had gotten out of control. Joselyn decided she wouldn’t visit Marcus this evening. Instead, she would see to the preparations for the King’s arrivals. That was the most important thing right now. She needed to keep her mind on ensuring her allies for the war to come, not spending her days laughing and talking to Marcus. She made her way into the seamstress’s work room and made the decision to keep her distance from Marcus until after the ball.

Joselyn picked up the extra outfits made for King Leon. She rubbed her hands across the green and gold colors and smiled. King Leon was just like her. He did everything he could to ensure his people were safe and he protected his Kingdom at all costs. Three outfits were made. One for his original size, and two that were made to fit if King Leon gained or lost weight. Joselyn couldn’t wait for he and the other King’s to arrive. Not only were they her allies, but they all had a fun time when they were together. Her allies also knew of her dagger throwing and they had friendly competitions throwing at targets. Henry, the King of Mohan, and Aaron, the King of Trast, were her closest friends other than Rowan and Leon. These four men knew her for who she was, and they accepted her. They didn’t judge her, they respected her as they would a King. Even though they were coming to discuss war, Joselyn was excited for their arrival.

Joselyn spent the day ensuring each Kings chambers were to the upmost standards. She continued to the kitchen and the large ball room. Her maids had done a wonderful job with decorations and her chefs had ensured the very best food to be set up in the dining hall. The only thing left to check was security. Joselyn walked toward the training grounds where she knew Rowan would be. It was evening and he would be finishing training newer guards. The realization hit her that she had told Marcus she would see him in the evening. She wanted to see him, but Joselyn felt she was getting feelings for a man she didn’t even know. She reminded herself that her Kingdom came first. “Rowan” Joselyn yelled when she seen him. Rowan had just dismissed the guards and walked over to her. “Yes?” “Rowan, we need to go over security details for the night of the ball.” Joselyn stated. “I agree. I already have a plan for security in place for you to approve.” Rowan said. “Rowan, you are the Commander of my Guards, I trust my security with you. The plan you have will be perfect as long as you are by my side during the ball.” Joselyn said. Rowan replied, “You know I am always by your side during these events.” Joselyn smiled and said, “I will make you a bet I can out throw you.” Rowan smiled and knew she was talking about the dagger throwing games which he also participated in, “I wouldn’t be stupid enough to take that bet” Rowan laughed. They walked along making small talk when Rowan said, “You have spent a lot of time with Marcus, how is his recovery coming along?” Joselyn sighed and said, “He seems to be fine, but he still isn’t able to get out of bed.” “I thought he would be healed by now.” “Did you ever find out who he is?” Joselyn sighed again and said “No, he never did tell me his last name.” Rowan spoke slowly, “Joselyn, I want you to be careful. He still hasn’t revealed his name. We don’t know who he is or what his motives are.” “You’re right Rowan. After the ball we will figure out who he is and why he was in my Kingdom. For now, get your security plan in place. The Kings will be here tomorrow. I’m going to my chambers for the night.” “Yes, my Queen, goodnight.” Rowan replied.