Waiting For Spring

“Lady Anne, over here,” Lady Alice called across the gardens, and I couldn’t fight the smile that spread across my face. If she were the only person I had to interact within the castle, I would be happy.

This was my second outing after the ball, and I was already beginning to realise that just because they were dressed in charming clothes and their words were more elegant than a flower’s bloom didn’t mean their intentions were pure.

In the women’s library, two days previous I was cornered by the redhead who had been on the arm of the king at the ball, flanked by her doll-like accomplices.

She seemed more than a little unhappy about my sudden appearance. At least that’s what I could deduce from her threat to ruin me if I dared steal a dance from the king at the next ball. I had to bite my tongue to stop myself from reminding her that if the dance were offered, it wouldn’t technically be stealing.

I was a thief after all. I knew the difference between stealing and taking what was offered. The guards in the marketplace never seemed to see my point of view either. Especially, when I attempted to argue that if the store holders placed their fruits on a table, much like a banquet, they were offering their food for anyone who wished to have some.

I ran faster than I had ever run that day after Martin and Jaron made off with the fruit sellers entire basket of apples and a few of Citra’s famous oranges.

“Lady Anne, remember you are to stay by Miss Lucinda’s side at all times. I will be back at the conclusion of the council meeting to escort you back to your room.” The captain warned. His voice seemed uncertain, but his body language was a reflection of what any captain of the guard should be; stoic and unshakable.

“I know Troy,” I groaned, rolling my eyes at his constant reminders. This was only the second time I had been allowed out since the ball in over a week.

Everyone else was free to leave their rooms and participate in the court activities, but I was reduced to lessons in my stuffy room with an equally stuffy tutor.

The ladies of court spent yesterday in the marketplace shopping for new dresses and trinkets ahead of the ball at the end of the week. While I was lectured on the importance of gloves at all social gatherings. I think Lucinda may have thrown in another lecture about wearing shoes, but by then I had already allowed my thoughts to wander.

“Behave,” was the captain’s final word before he spun from my side and headed back towards the castle doors. He wove gracefully through the glass and gold tables and pastel umbrellas that cast the fair ladies in a cool shade.

Winter was fast approaching, and soon the gardens would be barren. The gardeners had already started to trim back the flowers in preparation for winter, and the snow would soon coat it in a thick layer of pristine white. There were going to be very few days when I would be given the opportunity to be outside, and I wasn’t going to waste this one worrying about the looks the redhead and her gaggle were shooting me.

Lucinda attempted to steer we away from the direction Lady Alice was in, but I ignored her not so subtle prods and strode towards her without hesitation. Lady Alice was a connection Troy had already made abundantly clear he wasn’t happy with me making. So, I put her at the top of my list.

As we approached Lady Alice’s table, one of the nearby servers pulled the ornate metal chair out for me to sit on and I offered him a grateful smile. Navigating my peach skirts, I somehow managed to sit without tripping over the excess fabric.

“Lady Heron is sending you a right cross look,” Alice greeted, whispering at me from behind her lace fan. I heard Lucinda click her tongue beside me and I let out a frustrated huff of air as I straightened my spine and rested my hands in my lap. If I had to sit through one more lesson on etiquette, I was going to throw a pitcher of water at her head. I was convinced the only reason for posture and etiquette was to make women’s lives as uncomfortable as possible. Maybe that was why the redhead always had a sour look on her face.

“Who’s Lady Heron?”

“The redhead over there who’s looking at you like you ruined her new ballgown.” And of course, she was pointing at the viper who had been dancing with the king. The very woman who thought it important to remind me that I was inferior, at every opportunity that presented itself.

“I wish I could ruin her new ballgown,” but unfortunately, most days, I was locked inside my rooms for the majority of the time. Under the watchful eye of my ever present tutor and when she wasn’t sitting across from me, Troy made sure I never lacked for company.

“I see she has already made an impression on you,” Alice giggled behind her fan, and I felt the warmth of her laughter start to thaw my icy mood.

“We’ve had words.”

“She’s had words with everyone. Don’t feel special; you’re just a new player in a game she’s been playing since birth.” Alice rolled her eyes and reached over for a delicate pastry that appeared more air than substance. “Her claws have been in the king since the moment she set foot in his father’s court when he was only a grieving prince.”

“And the king has never shown any interest in return?”

“It is common knowledge that the king will marry no one but the princess he lost. It’s tragic really,” she frowned, pushing back some of the blonde hair that had escaped its elegant twist. She managed to smear strawberry jam across her forehead in her efforts to remain a proper lady.

“Alice,” I gestured to her forehead, and she lifted a gloved hand only to pull it away with jam on it.

“Oh goodness, my maid is going to be so cross with me when I return. She only just managed to get the orange stains out from last week’s outing to the market. Word to the wise, Citra’s oranges may be famous, but there is no way of eating them without ruining your clothes.” She huffed, taking her pale pink napkin to clean the mess on her forehead.

Stifling my laughter, I took a collection of sliced fruit from the spread in the centre of the table and began to pick at it.

“You know, I met her once,” Alice mused, dropping her napkin in her lap. No doubt smearing the jam on her pale dress.

“Who?”

“The princess, I was seven, and it was just before she disappeared. All I remember is the way she would run around the castle with her skirts hitched up and her shoes forgotten in some dusty corner. And without fail the prince was always one step behind her, picking up the mess she left in her wake.”

“She doesn’t sound like a very good princess,” I shrugged, stabbing a piece of apple with my fork.

“She did have a wild spirit,” Alice laughed. “But I think in time she might have grown into her crown. But I guess it doesn’t matter now.”

“Isn’t there any hope she might be found?”

“My brothers have always told me that if she’s not dead then she’s locked away somewhere and no one will ever be able to find her. Not even the King.” Alice picked daintily at her pastry and slipped a piece into her mouth before continuing. “He will just have to resolve to choose a new bride. I’m just hoping he doesn’t finally give in to that overdressed show pony. The kingdom will be in a right mess if that ever happens.”

There was no chance to ask any more questions after that because our table was suddenly invaded by three very tall and very intimidating men.

“Where have you three been?” Alice inquired, eyeing the three men sceptically as they took seats across from us. She seemed unperturbed by their appearance, so I felt myself relax. Although, at my side, I didn’t miss the subtle clearing of someone’s throat. I barely restrained myself from rolling my eyes at my tutor. What could I have possibly done now?

“Hunting with the king, little sister,” the youngest looking one beamed. He looked barely a few years older than me and held the same bright blue eyes as his sister. Now, I knew why they looked so familiar. I could only assume the other two were her brothers as well.

“Although, Jamison here struggled to even string an arrow,” the tallest teased, punching the middle brother on the shoulder, much to his chagrin. The man in the middle was considerably smaller than his fellow brothers. His shoulders were narrow, his eyes pale blue and close together, and his left hand had a nervous twitch that was becoming more evident the longer he left it resting against the pale pink table cloth.

“Be quiet, Jai,” the gangly one muttered, rubbing at his shoulder as he glared down at his empty plate.

“Jai, leave Jamie alone. You know his talents lie elsewhere,” Alice soothed, reaching across to her brother and knocking over an entire pot of tea in her efforts. “Oh bother.”

Servants were quick to clean up the mess, and in barely the blink of an eye the boiling water was mopped up, and a fresh pot was placed over the wet spot. The only evidence that an accident had occurred only moments before.

“Watch yourself, Alice,” the eldest scolded, brushing his sandy blond hair from his eyes in a way that made it seem as if he did it all the time. I guess with a sister like Alice there was a lot to sigh about.

“Come on Jeremy, at least it was only the tea this time.” The youngest chuckled, leaning back in his chair lazily. I didn’t miss the way his eyes finally landed on me and lingered there, a glint of something mischievous hiding within. “Besides, we have time to tease her later. I’m more interested in her new friend.”

“Oh, silly me,” Alice giggled, and I felt all the eyes on the table turn to me. I felt their gaze like bugs crawling across my skin. “This is my friend Lady Anne Worthington. Lady Anne these are my brothers; Marquess of Bradford, Jeremy Prowley, Lord Jamison Prowley and Lord Jai.”

“It is our pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Anne,” Jai smirked, reaching across the space between us and taking my hand in his. I was startled by the contact despite both our gloves preventing any skin from touching. Then he dipped his head and placed a kiss against my knuckles earning us both a disgruntled cough from the woman sitting between us.

I quickly pulled my hand away, ducking my head, so I was glaring intently at my lap as my cheeks heated.

“Jai, behave,” the eldest, Jeremy, scolded. “Not every woman is enamoured by your advances.”

“No need to be jealous Jeremy. Just because you’re engaged to the dull Lady Sherry Dremaine doesn’t mean we all have to miss out on the fun.”

“Do not speak of my betrothed in such a manner,” he hissed, and I chanced a look to see Jeremy’s deep azure eyes flash. “She is the perfect wife to help me manage father’s estate. She has impeccable poise, grace and elegance. She is accomplished in all a Lady should be. Our sister will gain much knowledge from her and instruction on how to be a sought after Lady of the court.”

“She does sound dull,” I muttered before I realised I had given voice to my thoughts. Jai’s approving chuckle only further reminding me of my mistake.

“You have chosen well, little Alice,” Jai beamed as Jeremy clicked his tongue in disapproval.

“We must choose who we associate with carefully, sister,” Jeremy admonished, shooting me a pointed look, earning him a displeased one in return.

“Yes, too bad we cannot choose our relations,” Jai muttered playfully, piling his plate high with the treats spread out before us on the table. The table quickly fell into easy banter between the siblings, and I was content to watch from my seat.

However, it was difficult to ignore the growing hollowness in my chest as I observed the ease of which they conversed with one another. They had stories of their childhood and inside jokes that almost always ended with the quiet Jamison blushing a deep shade of red.

It was a pleasant afternoon despite Lucinda’s ever present cough whenever Jai got a little too familiar.

I was clutching my sides as tears of laughter leaked from my eyes from a joke Jai had made when a shadow was cast over our gathering. Our table much like those around us grew still before the men suddenly rose and bowed as Lucinda hoisted me up by my elbow so I could mimic the curtsey Alice was already giving. Although mine lacked the slight wobble hers did, as her foot got hooked under her chair.

There was a collection of ‘your majesty’ muttered around the table before the king bid them to be seated and resume their activities.

“Lady Anne,” he prompted, and I glanced over my shoulder with a grimace, wondering what I had done to warrant his presence. Troy had said he was to come and return me to my rooms. Which could only mean that the king had something to scold me for on the way.

The people closest to us were watching while trying to feign disinterest but they weren’t doing a very good job.

“Your majesty,” I grumbled, like the petulant child he thought I was.

“I hope you have enjoyed your afternoon?” He questioned, but I couldn’t help but think there was a deeper meaning behind his words when his sharp brown eyes shot over to Jai before returning to mine.

“It has been very pleasant. Although, any time I spend outside my rooms is a vast improvement, no matter the company.” This earned me a warning look before he extended his arm, causing a ripple of whispers to erupt through the garden of guests.

“I shall escort you to your rooms.”

“How kind,” I breathed, trying to rein in the anger that was bubbling inside of me. Reluctantly, I placed my hand on the king’s forearm and nearly stumbled with the force he used to draw me into his side. When I glanced at the table, Alice and her brother’s eyes were all downcast except for Jai who was watching the exchange, curiosity burning brightly in his blue eyes. When he caught me looking, he raised his eyebrows questioningly, and I quickly diverted my gaze.

Alarmingly, the king was silent the entire journey back to my rooms, and I wasn’t sure what was colder. The castle walls or the glare the king was sending me every few steps we took down the hallways. I didn’t know what I had done wrong, but there was no mistaking that the king had found fault with me, again. I was beginning to believe it was my one true purpose, ruining the king’s day.

“Are you going to tell me what I have done to anger you or am I simply to wait in anticipation?” I finally huffed as we turned down the final hallway. His only reply to my impatience was sending me another of his displeased looks and lengthening his strides.

“Miss Lucinda will join you for your afternoon classes, promptly,” he announced, releasing my arm and waiting for me to step inside the door Mantai had just opened.

“No.”

“Excuse me?” He frowned and I could have sworn my silent guard smirked, but I was too intent on holding the king’s glare to check my eyes weren’t lying.

“I refuse to sit through another afternoon of dull etiquette lessons. I have done nothing to deserve this punishment.” I frowned, straightening my spine in a fruitless attempt to match his intimidating height.

“Arlarose,” he sighed before running his hands through his dark hair. “I am not punishing you.”

“Then what are you doing? Every other lady of your court is allowed the freedom of leaving the castle walls. I am forced to suffer through the inane events of court while you’re off hunting and doing who knows what else. But when there is a chance for even a brief reprieve from the prison, you insist that I must stay inside my rooms and study. I am not stupid.” I hissed.

“You know I can’t let you out,” he rebutted, bending closer, so his eyes were level with my own. “For all I know, the moment you are outside the castle walls you will give your guards the slip and go looking for those lawbreaking boys you called friends.” My eyes narrowed at the mention of my friends, but I felt my chest lighten as the weight of their fates left me.

“At least now I know you have freed them.”

“You should choose your friends wisely, princess. Those boys would sooner sell you for a slice of bread than defend you.”

“I trust them more than I will ever trust you.”

“Naive child,” he muttered under his breath before returning to his full height. I didn’t allow him to see how his words had affected me. I was more than a naive child. I had seen more than he would ever understand. Just because I didn’t fit into his world, he deemed me worthless.

“Where is Simon?”

“He is getting what he deserves.”

“What does that mean?” I breathed, clenching my fists in the folds of my peach gown and ignoring the nervous look Mantai was giving me.

“Until he starts to cooperate I will use whatever means necessary to get what I desire.” He answered without hesitation, without feeling. I watched his blank face with widened eyes and a face void of colour. What he was suggesting turned my stomach. My friend, my protector, was being tortured because this king, this monster, believed his pride had been slighted.

“I want to see him,” I demanded in a low voice, keeping my eyes trained on his lifeless brown gaze. “You can’t do this to him. He has done nothing wrong.”

“I am doing this to keep you safe. You will see.” He answered dismissively.

I lashed out at him with all the rage burning through my veins. Every word I wanted to shout and ever vile thought I had was behind the fist I threw at the king’s chest, and when I made contact, he didn’t even flinch. I felt it vibrate through my arm before it rattled around my body.

A dark laugh filled the hallway as I felt a hand grip my wrist and wrenched it away from his chest. Through the burning in my eyes, I saw him glaring down at me. He held me just as tightly in his gaze as he did with hand around my wrist.

“Miss Lucinda should be arriving shortly.” He repeated, pushing harshly with the hand that held me until I stumbled back over the threshold of my room. “I will see you at the ball three nights from today. Hopefully, you will have found appropriate companions by that time,” he warned, and all I could do was maintain my glare. I was never going to leave Alice’s side.

“Ensure she remains inside her rooms,” he instructed my guards before the door slammed shut and the lock slid into place. His command seemed redundant when I was under closer watch than the prisoners in his dungeons. And with that thought, I already had the beginnings of plan. It was time for the king to learn he couldn’t always get what he wanted.