Mountain of Masks Read online

Excitement fluttered in Olivia’s belly. They had nothing like this in Padrida.

  Delana opened the passageway only wide enough for them to slip through, then took the lantern from Allana. Once all three of them had passed through the secret entry, Delana pulled the casing closed once again. It clicked shut.

  “Worry not,” Allana said. “There is a way out, but not the same as the way in.”

  “I trust you.” Olivia held firmly onto her arm.

  Light from the lantern illuminated a steep stairway. Cold, stone walls lined both sides. The musty odor grew as they descended.

  Olivia lifted her skirt with one hand, while holding onto Allana with the other. “How far does it go?”

  Delana paused on one step and looked back. “Thirty steps down, then we will come to a narrow hallway.” She continued on again.

  Without the lantern they would not have been able to see a thing. No windows. No doors. Only the slender steps that seemed to go on endlessly.

  A rat skittered beside them and Olivia gasped.

  “You will get used to them,” Delana said, without stopping even for a brief moment. “But Catrice never has.”

  Olivia shuddered, watching the mangy creature scurry away, inclined to agree with Catrice in respect to rats.

  When they reached the last step, the corridor widened. Though it went on straight, an arched doorway arose to the right.

  Olivia pointed. “What is in there?”

  Delana paused and extended the lantern partially into the opening. “More rats. We try to keep food stored here, but we do not do well tending it. It spoils, and the rats feast.”

  “I pray we never have the need for it,” Olivia muttered. The squeaking and skittering coming from the room sickened her.

  “I agree,” Allana said. “This castle was built during the wars of long ago. I find it odd Sebastian insisted you so urgently see this. He would have been wiser to let you go on believing our home was entirely pleasant.” Her warm smile could be seen, even in the dim light.

  “With the exception of the moat,” Olivia said. “I have never smelled anything so wretched.”

  Allana laughed. “Did you know Jonah nearly tumbled into it once?”

  Jonah?

  Interesting that she had brought him up in conversation. Even in the dark passageway, with rats scurrying about, Olivia’s spirit lifted. Allana had mentioned Jonah without a prompting from her. “No, I did not. Pray, tell. I should very much like to hear about it.”

  Allana pulled Olivia closer. “I think he has a fondness for me,” she whispered. “He had been sparring with Sebastian, and upon their return to the castle, Jonah noticed me watching them from the wall walk, high above the moat. He smiled up at me, then tripped on the corner of the draw bridge. If Sebastian had not caught him, he would have plummeted into the filthy water.”

  Delana had advanced some distance ahead of them, and it seemed she had not heard—obviously Allana’s intention.

  “What did you do?” Olivia spoke as softly as she could.

  “Shamefully, I laughed. But I could not help myself. Have you ever noticed how his curls bob about when he moves quickly?”

  “Yes. No doubt, he was embarrassed.”

  “And he would have been even more so, had he fallen into the waste water.” She clasped her bosom. “I am happy he did not.”

  No better opportunity would come again. “Are you fond of him?”

  Allana cocked her head to one side. “He is old, but I find him sweet. Likable. Yet, it matters not. I am sure I will be matched with Prince Tesher of Oros. He is but one year older than I, and we are a suitable pair. Besides, if I one day marry him, I would live in Oros, along with Estelle. She and I are quite close, and I dread the day she moves away. By the time I am old enough to marry, she should have several babies, and I could help her with them until I have some of my own. Then, our children could grow up together.”

  It would break Jonah’s heart to hear of this. “Are there no others who have interest in Tesher?”

  Delana stopped walking and spun to face them. “What are you two whispering about?”

  Allana jutted her chin high in the air. “I was telling her about Tesher and our likely pairing.”

  “It is unlikely if Princess Angeline gets her hands on him.”

  The name struck hard. “Angeline?” Olivia gaped at her. “Of Thanwine?”

  “Yes.” Delana laughed. “You seem surprised. Though he is but fifteen, there are few princes to be had in the realms. When Sebastian chose you over her, it left her with few men to consider. If she wants a prince—which, of course, she does—he is all that remains. At least of those who have great worth.”

  “Would he have her?”

  Both girls erupted into loud giggles.

  “Likely not,” Allana said. “She is uncomely, and Mother referred to her as annoying. I trust he would find the idea of our eventual courtship more desirable.”

  Delana rested a hand on Olivia’s arm. “We must move on. The hour grows late, and we have more to see.” She jerked her head onward, and they followed.

  The corridor wound around several sharp corners, and Olivia found herself trudging over wet stone. An unpleasant smell surrounded them.

  Olivia covered her nose. “Is this what Sebastian referred to, when Catrice asked to join us?”

  “Yes.” Delana patted the wall. “The moat is close.”

  “We should hurry on,” Allana said.

  Olivia posed no complaint. The horrible smell soured her stomach.

  A short distance away, she caught sight of another stairway. Fortunately, this one went up. They had been underground for more than half an hour, and she longed to see daylight. At times, it had felt as if they were going in circles, but aside from the rat-filled room, there were no other off-shoots from the main passageway. If truly only one way in and one way out, it left little to memorize.

  They climbed and climbed. Much farther than they had descended. As they neared the end of the stairs, no door could be seen.

  Delana stopped several steps from the top and pointed upward. “I doubt Sebastian expected me to show you this passage first, and I probably should have had more sense and brought you here last. After all, this is where you will retire.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Delana unfastened two latches on a hatch above their heads, then pushed upward. She ascended the remaining steps, popped her head through the opening, then ducked down again. “All clear. Thank heavens. I did not care to catch my brother off guard, or in a state of undress.” She handed the lantern to Allana, then climbed out.

  Allana smiled. “There is nothing to fear. You go on. I shall wait with the light until you are safely in your chamber.”

  “My chamber?” Olivia followed in Delana’s footsteps and carefully climbed from the corridor. She emerged from a window seat in her own bedchamber.

  Delana stood in the center of the room, grinning. “You never would have guessed someone could enter your room from here, would you?”

  “No. It is astonishing.”

  Allana’s hand reached out from the open seat, extending the lantern. “A little help here?”

  Olivia quickly grabbed the lamp, then assisted Allana from the stairway. Once she got through, she put the seat back in place. It clicked shut.

  Olivia tried to lift the seat open again, but it would not budge.

  “You cannot enter from here,” Delana said. “Only from the library.”

  “That makes little sense. What if there is urgency here? Would it not be wise to have the ability to come and go either way?”

  Delana shrugged. “I do not know. It only works as it does. No one has ever questioned it.”

  The bedchamber door creaked open, drawing their attention, and Sebastian stepped into the room. “I see you have been shown the passageway in the library.” He gestured toward Olivia’s feet. “Your dress is damp at the bottom.”

  Delana crossed the room to him. “She did not like th
e rats, but I believe the passageway itself impressed her.”

  Allana took her sister by the hand. “We can show Olivia the others another time. I am certain she and Sebastian have issues to discuss.” She nudged her toward the door.

  “Thank you,” Olivia said. “I look forward to more adventures.”

  The two girls left the room, bidding goodnight as they went.

  Once they were alone, Sebastian put his arms around her. “So, you were impressed?”

  “Yes, but I have more questions.” She pointed at the window seat. “First and foremost, why can we not enter the passageway from here?”

  “Do you wish to escape from me?” His playful grin set her heart racing.

  “Of course not. But, if someone unwanted were to come to our chamber, would it not be wise to have a way out?”

  “The window seat is exposed. You could not flee to it undetected. If someone were in this room wanting to harm you, it would aid you not.” He pulled her closer. “However, I would fight to my last breath to protect you, and I would have the means to do it.”

  “I appreciate your confidence, but you seem more than self-assured. I feel you have more to tell me.”

  He jerked his head toward the wardrobe. “There are weapons hidden in a compartment behind our wardrobe. Their existence is known to our family alone.”

  “I believe I am beginning to understand the use of the passageway. No enemy would expect such a hiding place for weaponry.” Feeling comforted and much more at ease, she fingered his beard.

  He smiled broadly, then his mouth covered hers.

  She melted into his embrace. In his arms, all her worries vanished. Except one.

  She glanced toward the hidden hatch. “How can we be certain no one will come into our bedchamber from there? I care not to think that anyone from your family might pop their head in at any moment.”

  “With the exception of today, my parents and my sisters understand the library corridor is to be used only in dire situations. It is not for play, or for eavesdropping. They respect our privacy.” He dotted her forehead with kisses. “We must pray we never see anyone emerge from there. In all truthfulness, if it were to happen, I fear it would mean war.”

  “It still feels odd knowing there is a way in here.”

  He laughed and pointed at the chamber door. “There are two. The other has given you no cause to worry, so why allow this one to trouble you?”

  “We can lock the other.” She stared into his eyes.

  “My love …” His hands glided down her back. “We shall not be disturbed.” He kissed all over her face, then fervently kissed her lips.

  The rest of her questions would have to wait.

  Chapter 8

  Angeline sat comfortably on her cushioned window seat, but her brother appeared extraordinarily uneasy. Truthfully, he looked almost apish—his enormous frame hunched over as he trudged back and forth across the great hall floor, grasping the invitation they had received to Sebastian’s wedding. Every so often, he shook it in the air.

  She had seen enough of his ridiculous behavior. “You pace like a fool, Talman.”

  He stopped in the middle of the room and glared at her. “Never call me a fool, Angeline. Why are you not angry? Your intended was stolen from your grasp, yet you act as if you have no cares.”

  “You display enough anger for both of us.” She laughed, cuddling a cup of her favorite mulled cider. “Your behavior is unwarranted. Any day now, Father will hand over his throne, and soon you shall have your child bride. A man of your age should be elated by the prospects. After all, you are one and forty. A full year older than the girl’s father. You do not deserve such a young, fresh wicket.”

  Talman stood tall and puffed up his chest. Any moment, Angeline expected him to tighten his fists and beat on it.

  “I have waited a long while for my Basilian Princess,” he hissed. “No one deserves her more.”

  Angeline stood and met him face to face. “Forgive me.” She cupped a hand to his rough cheek, then gave it a light smack. “I have no doubt you are ready to burst. However, you must wait until Sebastian and his whore are celebrated for every realm to see, then wait another full moon for his sister, Estelle’s rite. A full moon later, you shall finally have your bride. It is no wonder you pace. I should not chide.”

  He studied her from head to toe. “Be grateful you are a woman. It pains a man more than you will ever understand to stifle his needs.”

  She smiled in the most sympathetic manner she could muster. “So, you have truly never …” She twirled a finger through the air, directing it toward his lower extremities. “Dallied?”

  His head drew back. “Never.”

  “Hmm …” She grinned, patted his chest, and sipped her cider.

  He had lied to her before, and she assumed he had again, but it mattered not. He was of little importance, yet his wedding plans were another issue entirely.

  “What are you scheming, sister?” He folded his muscular arms. “I know you well.”

  He was so mistaken. If he knew her at all, he would run far away and never return.

  She giggled. “I cannot fool you, can I?”

  The warm fire beckoned her, so she positioned herself in front of it. “I wish to plan the most elaborate wedding the realms have ever seen, for you, dear brother. After the rites, we should hold a masquerade ball. I cannot recall the last time the kingdoms have held such an affair. What say you?”

  Smiling, he moved beside her. “A masquerade?”

  “Yes. I can see I have intrigued you. We shall require all who attend to wear a mask and the finest attire. Wine will flow and food will be plenty, and while our guests celebrate, you can steal away with your prize and finally attain full manhood. You shall satisfy your loins listening to the sounds of blissful laughter and gaiety.” She touched a hand to her heart. “Though it is unlikely you will be aware. Not with sweet little Becca in your arms.”

  His eyes narrowed. “Do not speak of her as if she is a child. She has attained full womanhood and will appreciate my affections.”

  “For an inexperienced man, you seem quite self-assured.” She pursed her lips and waited for him to lash out.

  His face reddened, and his chest heaved. “You enjoy tormenting me.” Heavy breaths puffed from his nose. “You always have.”

  She tittered. He knew not of real torment. Not yet anyway. “Oh, Talman. You are much too sensitive. I love you, and it so happens, I am fond of Becca. Much more so than her damnable brother.”

  Talman eyed her warily, then tentatively nodded. “If only we could make this happen sooner. Three months feels like a lifetime.”

  “All is set in motion. Waiting a short while longer should not be difficult. In the meanwhile, go to Father. Have him abdicate his throne, while his mind is right. Otherwise, only his death will pass it on to you, and it could be years before he takes his last breath.”

  Talman rested a hand on the mantel. “Why do you appear to be more concerned over me than yourself? It is unlike you.”

  She sighed and frowned, hoping to be convincing. “I have little else to occupy my time now that Sebastian has wed another. It seems I must wait for Tesher of Oros to become of age. Like you, I fear I shall be old and undesirable before I ever lay with a man.”

  “Old and undesirable?” Again, he puffed up. A poor attempt at proving himself worthy.

  She heartily laughed. “I am teasing you, Talman. Although in all truthfulness, considering your declining age, I suggest you act quickly, planting your seed.” Her mind spun. So much to do in order to put all of her plans in motion. “Has Varlan spoke of going to Oros any time soon? He should make his claim on Princess Pasha, since she has come of age.”

  “Yesterday, I told him the same. If he does not move quickly, I fear Lord Alavar will stake claim to her. He is close to her father and has been given a great deal of land. All he needs now is a bride.”

  She held a hand to her heart and sighed. “Love abounds.”<
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  Talman gaped at her. “You are not in your right mind. I fear Sebastian’s rejection has harmed you more than you let on.” He gently touched her arm. “Worry not, sister. Once I am king, I shall see to it you are paired with someone who will give you the status you deserve. If you wish it to be Prince Tesher, I shall make it so.”

  She offered him her warmest smile. “Thank you. You have always been good to me.” She put her back to him, fearing he might see through her. “And you wonder why I want to honor you with a glorious wedding celebration. Is my love for you not reason enough?”

  His hand rested on her back. “Make your plans. A masquerade pleases me. I shall send word to Becca so she is aware. I am certain Queen Helen has plans of her own.”

  Angeline grunted. “That woman orchestrates everything in Basilia. I doubt King Roland relieves himself without her approval.”

  Talman shook his head and chuckled. “Forget not that one day soon, I shall call her Mother.”

  “God help you.” Angeline slowly turned to face him. “Our kingdoms have been intertwined for such a long while, I often wonder why we even bother going from realm to realm to seek our mates. Our blood has mixed to the degree that I could just as well marry you or Varlan, and it would matter not.”

  His expression soured. “Speak not of such things. It is a sacrilege.”

  Footsteps in the hallway turned their heads.

  Angeline scowled. “Speaking of sacrilege,” she muttered.

  Her seventeen-year-old sister, Carmela, approached. The black-haired bitch whose birth had deprived Angeline of her mother.

  “Be kind,” Talman said from the side of his mouth.

  Carmela stood beside Angeline, close to the fire. “I am freezing.” She shivered and rubbed her arms.

  “Go south,” Angeline said dryly.

  Carmela giggled. “I cannot. I have no one to accompany me.”

  Talman leered at Angeline, then put himself between her and Carmela. “Varlan may be journeying to Oros soon. You should join him. He would appreciate the company.”

  Angeline clapped her hands. “That is a splendid idea. Go with Varlan and warm yourself.” Nothing would please Angeline more. She wanted Carmela as far away from her as possible.