Mountain of Masks Read online

  Carmela nervously twisted her fingers together. “I would love to go. Yet, the thought of being anywhere near Prince Tesher makes me uneasy.”

  “You had best keep yourself away from him.” Angeline glared at her.

  “Yes,” Talman added. “Tesher is not your concern. He is to be paired with Angeline.”

  “What?” Carmela’s face lost all its color. A sight that brought Angeline extreme pleasure. “He is but a boy. And you—”

  “Do not say something you may regret.” Angeline kept her eyes glued to Carmela’s. “Put your sights elsewhere. Perhaps in the direction of Issa. The princes there are truer to your caliber.”

  The girl’s body slumped and her eyes pooled with tears. “Why are you so cruel? You know we cannot align ourselves with the royal house of Issa. They are pagans and morally corrupt.”

  “As I said, truer to your caliber.”

  Carmela burst into a sob and rushed from the room. Talman reached out a hand as if he intended to stop her, but said nothing.

  Satisfied, Angeline poured herself more cider.

  Within mere moments, Talman hovered over her. “That was uncalled for, Angeline.”

  “Do not admonish me. I say what no one else is willing to utter.” She pressed a finger into his chest. “You and I both know she is not fully our sister. Mother strayed and because of it, she died.”

  “So put your hate on Mother, not Carmela. A child cannot choose who gives it life. We share the same mother, and that counts for something.”

  “Mother is dead. I find it easier to despise someone living.” She downed a large amount of the warm beverage. “I have plans to make, and I intend to enlist Lydia to help me. At least our dear cousin, Darius, married someone I adore. She never complains and does all I ask of her.”

  Talman rubbed his stubbled chin, eyeing her closely. “Show her kindness, Angeline. She is not strong like you, so of course she would never challenge your requests.”

  “I will never harm the dear woman,” she scoffed. “Worry not. Write to your intended and let her know of our plans, and I shall take care of everything else.” She waved him away.

  Her brother let out a long breath, then left her alone.

  All this talk of love and marriage brought about feelings she relished. A familiar ache tugged deep inside her and spread warmth to her most sacred parts.

  Enlisting Lydia’s help would have to wait. For the time being, Angeline needed Darius more.

  Chapter 9

  Sand.

  The one thing Frederick hated about Oros, and it was everywhere.

  King Callum’s realm had been built deep in massive caverns some distance from the ocean. Even so, the sand carried far. It crept into Frederick’s clothes and chafed his skin. Thank God, he did not have to remain here long.

  He stood at the window in the bedchamber that had been Marni’s room prior to their marriage. It faced a courtyard, but with no sky above. The king’s so-called castle lay hidden in the depths of the caverns, every wall carved from mountains of compacted sand.

  Marni came up behind him and circled him with her arms. Her large belly pressed into his back. “You are frowning again. Can you not find even a trace of joy here?”

  He turned to face her. “Only in our bed.” Nothing could be truer, but his words brought sadness to her lovely young face. “That is—I find the greatest joy in our bed. Forgive my dour mood. I cannot erase the thought of this farce of a marriage from my mind.” He lifted the invitation for Sebastian’s affair from a table by the bed.

  Marni stood on the tips of her toes and kissed him. “Soon, their union will be denounced, and you shall rest easy. Queen Helen’s celebration will not be what she planned. When the priest calls for objections, Father has promised to speak first. He will claim you as rightful heir, and all will be well.”

  Frederick smiled at the thought.

  “Much better.” Marni traced his lips with her fingertip. “Once Eural and Estelle marry, it will seal the bond between our kingdoms. Your beautiful cousin is well-respected by all realms. Her union with my brother will be a true celebration.”

  “Yes.” Frederick shut his eyes and envisioned her. Golden hair, bluer than blue eyes, and the softest skin he had ever touched. “Does your brother appreciate his good fortune in claiming her to be his bride?”

  Marni rested her head on his chest. “He is well aware. He loves her dearly.” She lifted her head. “Your heart is pounding, Frederick. Are you unwell?”

  His heart betrayed his lustful thoughts, but his naïve wife would never suspect the truth of its rapid beat. “Aside from the sand in my trousers, I am perfect.”

  She grinned. “Yes, you are.”

  A heavy-handed knock on their door stopped the direction he hoped their conversation would lead. He strode across the room and opened it.

  “Your Highness.” The young page dipped his head. “The king requests your presence.” He looked beyond Frederick. “Yours as well, Princess Marni.”

  She moved toward the boy. “Did he say why? We were about to retire.”

  The boy stood tall. “Visitors have arrived from Thanwine. I know nothing more.” Once again, he bowed and hurried off.

  “Thanwine?” Marni cocked her head, then smiled. “It is likely Prince Varlan. I had wondered how long it would take him to request a courtship with Pasha.”

  “Hmm.” Frederick leaned against the open door. “If it is Varlan, we must discover Thanwine’s feelings in regard to Sebastian. I doubt they are good. After all, he shamed Angeline by casting her aside for the Crenian.” He genuinely smiled. “This unexpected visit is to our good fortune. We shall form an alliance. Varlan is not in line to rule, so he should welcome the idea of a brother-in-law who would be high king.”

  Marni’s brows dipped together. “An idea he has held for some time. He expected it to be Sebastian.”

  Frederick groaned. “My cousin, the fool. Yet I should be grateful for his idiocy. Had he married Angeline, I would not have this opportunity. God has granted me the means to sit on my rightful throne. And with you by my side, and our son next in line …” He bent down and kissed her swollen stomach. “Our heirs shall reign forever.”

  She moistened her lips. “God has been gracious to us.”

  Frederick covered her incredible mouth with his own. Finally, his life’s course was progressing in the proper direction.

  Marni reciprocated his kiss, then backed away, grinning. “Father is waiting.” She linked her arm through his. “Let us take another step in making you king.”

  He grabbed hold of her and lifted her from the floor. “I love how your mind works!” Laughing, he spun her around, then carefully lowered her down.

  She giggled. “It was not my mind that captured your heart.” She rubbed slow circles over her bulge, stopped abruptly, and gasped.

  “What is wrong? Did I cause you harm?” He searched her face, fearing the worst.

  “The child kicked.” She grabbed his hand and pressed it firmly to her stomach, beaming with joy. “Feel.”

  His heart thumped. The smallest of movement placed pressure against his palm. “My son?”

  “Yes.” She rested her hand atop his. “He grows stronger with every passing day. In four short months, we shall see his sweet face.”

  “My son …”

  Frederick jutted his chin and escorted his wife from their bedchamber. They had wonderful news to share with her parents, and Frederick intended to boast to the best of his ability. An easy task, to say the least.

  The great hall of Oros resembled no other. Instead of height, it had depth and seemed to go on endlessly. Within it, Frederick felt even more trapped than in his bedchamber. The massive hall had no windows. It stifled him, yet he put on a front and pretended to find it pleasing.

  He smiled and bowed to King Callum, then kissed the hand of Queen Leda. If Marni aged half as well as her exquisite mother, Frederick would enjoy her for a long while.

  Leda’s turquoise e
yes held his for a brief moment. They brightened and she smiled warmly. “I pray we did not disturb your rest. Guests have arrived, and we are grateful you so kindly joined us. Callum and I believe it is important to speak honestly with them over our concerns in regard to Sebastian. Are you willing?”

  “Of course.” Frederick dipped his head at the king. “I shall be glad to speak my mind. However, it might sound more convincing coming from your daughter. After all, she swayed me.” He brought Marni forward. “Before we move onto serious matters, it pleases me to tell you that our child has moved within her womb. Our son displayed his existence.”

  Callum chuckled. “I recognized the infant’s presence the moment I saw my daughter.”

  Leda shook her head. “Callum. Can you not see the joy on Frederick’s face? Do not toy with him. Allow him his revelry.”

  “Yes, Father.” Marni took hold of the man’s hand. “I wish you could have seen the extent of his elation when he felt the movement for himself.”

  The king lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. “I remember that feeling, my dear. Forgive me for trifling with your husband.” He faced Frederick. “My apologies.”

  Frederick shook his head. “None are needed. I saw your jest for what it was, and I was not offended.” He circled Marni with his arm and brought her close. “I appreciate your ease in my presence. It assures me you have accepted me as family. I wanted nothing more, when I married your daughter.”

  Callum patted him on the back. “You have pleased us all. Now, let us see to our guests and do what we can to put you in your rightful place. I am uncertain why they came, but I intend to bring them into our confidence.”

  “Do you truly not know, Father?” Marni said. “Is it not obvious, Varlan wishes to court Pasha? She has been eighteen for two months already. His visit is overdue.”

  Her father grunted. “Another reason I am disgusted with Sebastian. It was my understanding from his sister, Estelle, that if he passed over Angeline, he would court Pasha. The spoiled Basilian prince misplaced his loyalty. He betrayed us all.”

  “Hold no ill feelings toward Estelle, Father. Eural loves her. It was not her doing that sent her brother into the Crenian’s arms. And her younger sister, Allana, will be a perfect match for Tesher. Our families will always be bound to one another.” Marni grasped onto Frederick’s arm. “With the exception of Sebastian, my husband loves his cousins. Please, see the good in Sebastian’s sisters.”

  Frederick lifted his head a little higher, waiting for the king to reply.

  “I do. Your mother and I have grown fond of Estelle during these three years she and your brother have courted, waiting for Sebastian to marry. I thought it ridiculous his mother insisted on such, yet we were forced to abide by the high king’s demands, which of course were orchestrated by his wife.” He huffed a breath. “Let us put this aside and discover if your assumptions regarding Varlan are accurate. Perhaps I should call Pasha from her bedchamber?”

  Queen Leda smiled. “Not yet. The sweet girl has shed tears over Sebastian, and we do not want to raise her hopes on another.”

  “Lord Alavar is ready to stake his claim,” the king whispered. “Though as much as I admire him as a friend, I would prefer my daughter marry a prince. One who is more suited to her age.”

  The queen dipped her head in approval.

  Frederick escorted Marni as they followed her parents to a table set with fruit and drinks. Varlan and his black-haired sister stood close by, whispering to one another.

  Frederick had not seen Varlan for more than a year. The man exceeded him in age, but not by much. When Marni had reached her eighteenth birthday, Varlan had attempted to gain her affections, but Frederick simultaneously wooed her, never to be bested by a Thanwinian. It had not been difficult to attain Marni’s favor. Varlan was by no means ugly, but far from handsome. He and his brother, Talman, were both large men. Almost beastlike, bearing bodily hair that emphasized the resemblance. Frederick could not fathom why his dear cousin, Becca, agreed to Talman’s courtship. She could have had any man she desired.

  Varlan parted from his sister and bowed his head at the king and queen in turn. “Your Majesties.” He stood tall, eyed Marni briefly, then put his eyes on Frederick. “We meet again. Marriage suits you. You are both looking well.”

  Frederick donned his most astute expression. “Thank you. As are you.” He cast a softer smile at the girl. “Forgive me, but I cannot recall your name.”

  She moistened her lips. “Carmela.” She smiled broadly.

  The girl was lovely in her own right, though nowhere near Marni’s quality. Had Carmela been finer to look at, Frederick might have been inclined to take her simple actions as an invitation.

  He returned her smile. “You have grown a great deal since I visited Thanwine many years ago. I imagine you are approaching the age to marry. Is that not so?”

  Her cheeks reddened. “I am seventeen.”

  “As I said. Another year and your father will surely be hosting suitors.”

  She shyly bowed her head, then her eyes popped wide and she gasped.

  Varlan chuckled and jerked his head toward the hallway.

  All eyes turned to see what had caused her reaction. Not a what, but a who. Marni’s younger brother, Tesher walked toward them. The boy was exceptionally tall for his age and quite thin, but Frederick understood the girl’s interest. Tesher bore his mother’s attractiveness, as well as her turquoise eyes.

  The king waved him close. “Please join us. Did you see your brother on your way here?”

  “Yes, Father. Eural said to tell you he shall be here momentarily.” Tesher glanced Carmela’s way, and the girl turned her head, cheeks redder than ever.

  Tempted to laugh at the unspoken childish flirtatiousness, Frederick remained stoic.

  “Good,” the king said. “Let us all take a seat at the table, so we may comfortably converse.”

  Varlan cleared his throat. “Your Majesty, I had hoped to have a private word with you.”

  The king jutted his chin. “In time. There are urgent issues to address, and since we have all gathered, let us first discuss what concerns every one of us.”

  Varlan matched his stance. “Will Pasha be joining us?”

  Marni nudged Frederick’s side. His wife had been correct about Varlan’s purpose for coming.

  “Not this evening,” the queen said.

  Varlan’s face fell, but he nodded his understanding and took a seat at the table. Carmela followed him like a shadow. Had the girl any brains at all, she would have sat beside Tesher. Did she not know there were a number of princesses in the realms with their sights on him?

  Frederick decided not to give it another thought. Why trouble himself with whom the royals in the other realms aligned themselves? Only their support for his claim to the throne mattered.

  Eural walked into the great hall and crossed to Frederick. “It is good to see you again, brother.” He patted him on the back, then smiled at his sister. “You are looking wonderful, Marni. Frederick must be treating you well.”

  She hugged him. “Yes. I could not ask for a finer husband.”

  Frederick cast an appropriate smile. “Nor I a finer wife.” He pulled out a seat for her, and she gracefully sat.

  Eural grinned. “I pray Estelle and I will be just as happy. We have waited a long while to seal our love.”

  “Far longer than you should have had to wait.” Frederick eased into the chair beside his wife and relished the frustrated nod he received from Eural.

  Frederick said nothing more and simply sat back comfortably, as if he had no cares. His words had planted a necessary seed to set the conversation on its proper course. He trusted his wife to relate all that needed to be told.

  King Callum motioned for a servant to fill their cups. “Once every goblet has been filled, leave us.”

  The young girl hastened around the table with a flask of wine, then rushed from the room.

  Callum sipped his drink. The
instant the girl’s footsteps faded, he set it on the table and turned toward Varlan. “How fares your sister, Angeline?”

  “She is well.” Varlan held his goblet with both hands. “That is … as well as can be expected. Angeline hides many of her feelings. Her heart was shattered when Sebastian chose another, yet she is easing her grief by helping Talman with his wedding plans. From what he tells me, it will be a memorable affair.”

  “I pray he is not angry that Estelle and I will say our rites first,” Eural said.

  “It is fitting. Estelle is older than Becca.” Varlan twisted his goblet through his fingers and chuckled. “Talman has waited longer than any man ever should, but he believes Becca will make it worthwhile.”

  “My cousins are exceptional,” Frederick muttered, then chided himself for the remark. “But what of Angeline?” he quickly added. “Has she set her sights on another?”

  Varlan glanced at Tesher. “My sister is in mourning. She speaks of no one else.”

  Marni let out a long sigh. “Father, please. Can we not discuss the true reason for gathering together?”

  The king’s brows rose to his hairline. “Patience, my dear. I needed an understanding of Princess Angeline’s state of mind. Hearing she is in mourning only elevates my claim against Sebastian.”

  Varlan cocked his head to one side. “Are you referring to his alignment with the Crenian?”

  “Alignment?” Callum chuckled. “Is that what you are calling it these days?”

  “It is an abomination.” Marni folded her hands on the table and leaned toward Varlan. “We have learned that the mother of his Crenian bride is the daughter of a farmer. And hers is not the only tainted blood flowing through Princess Olivia’s veins.” She spewed out the word as if vomiting.

  Frederick had difficulty refraining from laughter. Never had he enjoyed hearing his wife speak as much as he did now. He would show her later just how much he adored her.

  “For three generations,” Marni rambled on, much to Frederick’s pleasure, “the Crenian kings bred with commoners. Their bloodline is so weakened, there is scarcely a drop of royalty left in the woman. King Roland should have forbidden her union with Sebastian.”