Castle Walls (15 page)

"Would you like more wine, Sire?"

Blinking the young man returned to the present. "Aye, Dom. Thank you."

Dominic poured from a flagon of mulled wine warming at the fire, filling a mug for himself before sitting in an armchair. No doubt the brat's homesick for the holidays. "Next Mid Winter will be remarkably different," he mused, pretending to stare at the fire.

"Aye, it will," Liam murmured. "I'll be king and my family will be avenged."

"Aye." Silence was broken only by the smothered crunching of a log as it settled in the fireplace.

Dominic cast around in his mind for a suitable course of action - push the lad to tears or cheer him. The former could definitely serve his purpose, weakening the young man further. On the other hand, Liam's bloodline was proud and strong.
Perhaps the latter will be more appropriate.

"Your father would be very proud of you," the aide said. At the prince's surprised and wistful gaze, he smiled and nodded. "Aye, he would. You've come quite a way down the path of adulthood, surmounting obstacles that would make a brave man quaver." Dominic leaned forward, his voice lowering, drawing the teenager closer. "Your blood is telling."

Liam's eyes stung. "Thank you, Dom," he said, voice husky. "That's good to know."

Content he'd chosen his words well, the aide sipped at his wine.

Ros stared at the ceiling, watching the flickering shadows of candle flame. She lay on her bed, tired but unable to sleep. Her mind racing, Ros' thoughts took her where they willed.

As it was that morning, the evening brought more laughter and joy to the Compound's inhabitants. An early supper of immense proportions was set and the family proceeded to feast well into the night. Using the last wizened apples in the larder, Florin presented them with a sticky sweet dessert to top it off.

Inhaling, Ros felt the not quite comfortable sensation of fullness. Despite this, the temptation to sneak out to the common room for a nibble was nearly overpowering.
I could check the Summer Finding log
, she thought.

Not motivated enough to move just yet, she rolled over instead, eyes lighting on the small table she used as a desk. On it was a small mound of items, gifts from her family. Between the lot of them, Ros had a new set of clothes for the center ring. In addition, there was a handful of parchment, a new quill and the last jug of Joseph's homemade ale.

The best gift by far, however, was an overtunic that Katerin had gifted. Ros smiled, remembering the light blush powdering the small woman's face as she held out the package. Fading, the vision was replaced by another, Katerin happy and flushed with exertion, leaning close.

Unconsciously, Ros fingered her lips in an attempt to recapture the moment. Katerin mouth was warm and still tasted of Sati's hotcakes. Her touch was both tentative and purposeful, tongue flickering in to tease before withdrawing. It so startled Ros, she'd been flummoxed after, barely able to pull her lanky frame from the snowdrift as Katerin giggled and ran away.

For the remainder of the day, Ros attempted to get Katerine alone, coming up with all manner of schemes to attain her goal. However the other women interrupted, interfered and insisted that their concerns were more important. Ros was positive she was being played with and it was frustrating in the extreme even as it was humorous.

Who knew how well Kat could fit into our family.
Ros sighed and returned to her daydreams.

A gentle tap at her door brought her back. Ros glanced at the candle, surprised to see how low it had gotten. Another tap galvanized her and she rose, donning a robe before crossing the room. She wasn't surprised to find Katerin standing uncertainly in the hall and they stared at each other a few moments.

A faint grin flickered on Katerin's lips. "May I come in?" she asked in a quiet voice.

"Certainly!" Ros stood back, allowing the small woman entry. She paused in thought before pulling her robe tighter and shutting the door.

"I hope I didn't wake you," Katerin said, turning face the blonde.

Ros shook her head, waving at the only chair. "You didn't. I was still up." She sat on her bed.

The brunette nodded, sitting where indicated. A silence built between them as they glanced about, unsure of what to say. Finally, Katerin said, "I fear I've been put out of my room for the night."

Frowning, Ros leaned forward. "Did you and Ilia have a disagreement?"

Katerin colored, dropping her gaze to her fidgeting hands. "No, that's not what happened." She chewed her upper lip. "Henry came by for a...a visit."

"A visit...?" As the implication washed over her, Ros' eyes immediately glanced at the wall the two rooms shared, eyebrows reaching her hairline.

"Yes," Katerin answered the unspoken question.

"I see," Ros murmured, mind searching for a possible solution. Gingerly, she stood, gesturing to her bed. "By all means, Kat, sleep here. I'll...uh...check on the fire and bed down in the common room."

Katerin stood, as well, stepping forward to intercept the blonde. "That's not necessary, Ros," she said. "This bed is certainly larger than the one in your wagon. There's room for both of us."

Ros gazed at the smaller woman, an almost wistful expression on her face. "I don't think that would be a good idea, Katerin."

Bolstering her courage, Katerin moved closer, stopping a hairsbreadth away. She licked her lips and said in a low voice, "I believe it's a
very
good idea."

A tingle passed along Ros' nerves and she swallowed. "Kat," she said, taking a step backwards, "Perhaps you had too much brandy this evening. Go to bed and we'll talk come morning."

Sighing, a petulant flash in her eyes, Katerin closed the distance between them. "Allow me to speak plainly, Ros," she said.

Before the blonde could answer, she was being soundly kissed. No tentative teasing this, the lips on hers were firm, hands in her hair held her close. Against her better judgment, Ros responded, tasting what she'd dreamt of for months.

The kiss broke off and they leaned into each other, breathless.

"Take me to bed, Ros," Katerin whispered.

"Gladly."

Chapter 10

Katerin stood, hands on hips, frowning at the clothing on the bed. How it would all fit in the wagon was beyond her. Ros insisted that she'd been able to store more in their traveling abode than this, however, so the brunette dutifully returned to folding and sorting, muttering imprecations in the process.
Difficult to imagine that less than a year ago, I hardly owned enough to fill a satchel. Now I have too much!

"How goes the battle?"

Turning, Katerin stepped into a welcome embrace. "Not well, I deem. I'm prepared to surrender." She snuggled closer, smiling at the raspy chuckle.

"You're doing fine," Ros assured her. "The wagon is clean and aired. Henry and Phizo are touching up the paint and Em has all the bedding out in the sun." She gave the smaller woman a squeeze before releasing her, sitting in the room's only chair.

Not willing to let her lover get too far, Katerin followed, standing between long legs and running her hand through curly blonde hair. "How long before we leave then?"

Ros smiled lazily, caressing the brunette's side. "Not long. We're only awaiting two wagons - Daiki and Habibah should show up any day now. I expect Gemma and Lucinda by the end of the week." She leaned forward, pillowing her head on Katerin's belly.

Closing her eyes, Katerin held Ros close. "It should prove to be an…interesting season."

Muffled answer, "Aye, it should."

The brunette smiled and looked at the tousled head. "But it will never get started if I don't finish the sorting."

A grunt of agreement and Ros pulled away with a rueful grin. "There
is
that." She released her lover, watching her move back to their bed. "I'm debating the need to bring a third stock wagon. What with Sameer's family and Henry coming along, it would behoove us to have the extra stores."

"It would," Katerin agreed, pushing through a pile of shifts.

Her eyes drifting along the items to be packed, Ros blinked and pursed her lips. She rose and went to an open chest along the wall, rummaging within until she retrieved what she was looking for. There was a moment's hesitation as the blonde surreptitiously glanced over her shoulder at Katerin. Sighing, shoulders straightening, she said, "Don't forget this."

At first, Katerin thought it was Isabella, the doll she'd carted halfway across the countryside in her wild flight from the Invader. It occurred to her, however, that this doll's flaxen hair was of a darker shade, the clothing yellowed and unfamiliar. Blinking, she looked into gray eyes. "
You
own a doll?"

Ros sighed again, looking away. "Aye and she goes wherever I go. Her name's Grace and she's my luck."

Trying very hard to suppress her amusement, Katerin couldn't help but allow a small smile as she stepped forward. Rather than take the doll, she wrapped her arms about Ros' waist and hugged her. "You're adorable when you blush," she murmured.

Regardless of her tint, Ros chuckled. "Why thank you, madam. I shall endeavor to do it for you more often."

"See that you do." Katerin yelped and pulled away, rubbing her rear as she waggled a finger at Ros. "Best watch yourself, love," she warned with a grin. "I know where you sleep."

Ros attempted to look contrite, failing miserably. "Aye, you do. I'll be on my best behavior, madam."

Katerin's grin widened and she moved back into an embrace. "Good. I'll reward your best behavior," she murmured, tilting her face for a kiss. Her offer accepted, the brunette closed her eyes and sank into her lover's arms.

A door slammed and pounding feet neared. They barely had time to break off their kiss when young Wills slid to a halt in the open doorway. "Daiki and Habibah are here!" he yelled before dashing off to share the news with anyone else indoors, leaving an excited wake behind him.

"I believe that's our cue to go welcome them," Ros said, smiling.

"I believe you're right," came the response.

Stopping only long enough to set the doll with the rest of the items to be packed, the pair left their room.

Ros read the parchment, lips pressed together and brow furrowed. Daiki sat nearby on a stump, waiting as he pet a puppy. They were alone at the woodpile, the rest of the family about their chores in and around the Compound.

"When did this come out," the circus owner asked, clenching the public notice.

"About mid winter." Daiki set the squirming pup down. "Last fall there was a proclamation regarding the celebration. I suppose this is their 'invitation'."

Nodding, Ros said, "I'd heard about the celebration. I was hoping to avoid the thing." Crumpling the parchment, she added, "I hadn't expected a personal request."

Daiki shrugged. "Apparently, every traveling troupe of actors, circuses or minstrels that go through the area has received one. The Invader means this to be a grand party; a reminder of who holds the reins in the Dulce Province." He watched the blonde carefully. "What are we going to do?"

Ros inhaled deeply, straightening her stance. "We gather everyone and discuss it."

"In the hall or out here?" the man asked, scooping up the puppy and rising.

"Out here, I should think. More room and light."

With a nod, Daiki headed for the main building. "I'll see to it."

Ros turned away, staring into space after a vague wave of acknowledgement. She opened the parchment once more, scanning the contents and shaking her head.

The presence of the Adamsson Circus is required at the Grand Celebration of His Royal Majesty Germaine Carlos William Cassaidie to be held on the twenty-third day of the fourth month. A section of Firemount Field has been reserved for your troupe's tent and abodes. You are scheduled to perform before the King on the afternoon of the twenty-sixth day.

Bleeding Sif, not even given a choice. We're already scheduled to perform for the bastard.
Again Ros crumpled the parchment in one hand and stared at the horizon.
How much does he know?

Within the hour, the troupe was gathered by the woodpile. Two benches were brought out as well as a number of stools, the remainder standing or utilizing pieces of firewood as seating. Ros gave Katerin a significant look, receiving a puzzled frown before she began. Holding the parchment out to Abdullah who was closest, she said, "I've received an order to attend the Invader's celebration in the Dulce Province."

Katerin blanched and wobbled before sitting down. Ilia also paled, leaving Henry's side to hold her mistress.

"Who's he to order?" Martim asked. He sniffed and flexed well-defined muscles. "He doesn't command us. We're not even in the same kingdom."

There was a rumble of agreement, though Ros noted the older and wiser heads kept their tongues. "Aye, 'tis true. But a fair half of our route is now within the Invader's borders. If we refuse, he can decide to not allow us entry." She sought eye contact with her family. "We all know how hard it is to open a new route. The question is, will it be worth it to ignore this?"

"No," said a soft voice.

Everyone turned to a still pale Katerin.

"The Invader's taken four kingdoms in his reign. If he takes more, your routes will become increasingly smaller. You can't afford to reroute every time he conquers another kingdom."

Martim shrugged. He passed the parchment on without reading it, saying, "So? We go. We'll probably make a good penny in the process. What's the difficulty?" Ducking, he barely avoided a cuff from Usiku standing behind him.

"In case you've forgotten, what with all that empty space between your ears," the black man said, nose wrinkled, "it was the Invader's man killed in our camp last season."

Before Martim could respond, Ros cut in, drawing their attention back to the issue, "Aye. Are we receiving this 'invitation' because of that or not?" Silence met her question. "Daiki says he's heard of other troupes and minstrels receiving this order. Is it a ruse to draw us in? Or is it what it seems to be - the Invader celebrating his new province?"