Extol of Agnatic Dreams (The Extol Series Book 1) (21 page)

Pressing the door open, Glais seemed to be waiting for her. Standing by the window, his back to the doors he didn’t bother to turn as she entered. He knew who it was just from the sound of her skirts sweeping the floor, Evangeline’s uncertain footsteps would give her away any place. Evangeline looked around briefly but he was alone. “Am I bothering you?” Evangeline asked.

“This library is open to all who live here. Do not let me disturb you.” Glais still did not turn to face her, and so she stayed where she was, leaning back against the frame of the door. She wished that she did not enjoy the view but Evangeline would be the first to admit that his physical appearance was something worthy to write poetry about. Not that she would ever do such things, but she thought it often.

Glais was quite a specimen to look at, not only here in Braykith but also when compared to the men back in Crimah. There were very few men that Evangeline could consider to compare him against, and when she let herself forget how horrible and confused he had made her feel she really did appreciate the strength of his body. “Do you plan to watch me the entire time?” Glais spoke and Evangeline jumped at the sound of his voice.

Evangeline blushed. “I was hoping that we could talk.”

Glais turned and shrugged. “I actually have an announcement for you Evangeline.” She couldn’t help but feel victorious in her assumption that he had been waiting for her to turn the corner so that he could be seen entering the library. She wished Glais would naturally come to her instead of playing these games with her. She said nothing and waited for more. “We are to go to the church in town today. To declare our intent on marriage.”

She was shocked and looked down at the ring he had presented her with when she first got here. “Are you sure that is something you want?” Evangeline asked and Glais froze for a moment before he nodded. That second of hesitation made her heart leap and struggle to find its rhythm again. Glais had reservations about their marriage. While she had always suspected his feelings, it was different to have them confirmed. Evangeline licked her lips and tried to remember the promise she made to herself stay calm. “What should I wear?”

“What you are currently dressed in is fine. A coat perhaps if you fear the chill. It will be after sunset. We will return to a set banquet. You can change before that if you really feel the need. There will be a small collection of close friends you may feel the need to be impressive to.” Glais seemed far too automatic and lifeless in his speech.

She wondered if it was something that he had practised. Evangeline took a step forward and he backed into the window instinctively. She stopped and he was glad she did. Evangeline was a complication he had not been expecting. Her letters made her seem simple, and yes he had always known that she was beautiful but seeing her walk around his castle affected him. He didn’t like the instant desire to protect and keep her. It had never happened before, or since. Regardless of how Glais had tried to recreate that emotional attachment with others.

“Why now?” Evangeline asked, no longer trying to close the gap between them.

Glais had no simple answer. There were many reasons why they should declare it now. “It is a tradition. We are to be married within the year and we must declare our intent to the church to ensure there is no one to object.” He was sure to keep his voice emotionless because he did not want her to ever guess at how this wedding did make him feel. In truth, Glais was terrified. Come their wedding night, she would learn more of him than anyone else and that seemed inconceivable. Yet it would come to pass. What was Glais to do if she rejected him? He shuddered to think.

Evangeline nodded. “Glais, you don’t need to hate me.”

“You think I hate you?” Glais had asked before his eyebrows lowered and he gave one single barking laugh. “You should hate me. I wouldn’t blame you if you did.” He turned back to looking out the window and closed his eyes to keep himself steady. He listened to the sound of her dress as she moved. He thought she was leaving but instead she was coming closer. “Evangeline, please, can’t you see that by being here that you are making me uncomfortable.”

Evangeline paused mid-step and she let out a slow breath so she wouldn’t say the things she thought in response to his venom. “We are to be married Glais. If you believe for a moment that I will allow you to continue with those other women once we are wed, you are mistaken. We must learn to be together. We are stronger that way.” Her hand faltered but she did manage to put her hand on his shoulder.

Glais took her hand, and his touch was gentle, although his hands were cold to the touch. She expected him to brush her off but instead he gave her fingers a gentle squeeze and sighed. Not expecting much more than that she let her hand fall back to her side. “Bring your friends to the church. They will be your bridesmaids I assume?”

Evangeline had not thought about it but it made sense that Viviana and Teagan would be. “Yes, I suppose so.”

“Good. I am glad you will have someone to sit with.” His tone was a dismissal, and Evangeline had embarrassed herself enough for one sitting together.

“And you, will you have someone to sit with?” she asked. Glais frowned and did not answer her because he was confused by her question. “I have noticed that Baxter is not around the castle.” Evangeline went on in hopes of drawing out more answers from him. “Will he be back soon?”

Glais nodded. “He is briefing with Father. The rebels are not as bright as they thought they could be.”

She nodded. For a moment, she considered asking on the rebels, but she had nothing to ask. It was not a woman’s place to discuss these matters, and clearly no one had thought it necessary to mention such things before to her. She knew their origins, the men who had lost their homes during a war seeking revenge on those who bested them however she did not think Glais would care to repeat himself.

She wished that she could keep him speaking. Anything that was too close to their relationship made him colder and harder to drag out of his shell. However, speaking of the rebellion seemed to make him relax and Evangeline could almost believe that he did tolerate her, and perhaps even liked having her around from time to time. Unfortunately, the rebellion and war were not a woman’s topic for conversation.

So she did what was expected. With his back still her, she curtseyed. “I will see you in a few hours.” She watched him a little longer but when it was clear he had nothing more to say and so Evangeline made her escape. For a day that should have been filled with such love and laughter, she felt drained and sickly. Could she find some way to keep this marriage from happening? These poisonous thoughts invaded her conscious as Evangeline made her escape.

Glais stayed where he was frozen to the spot as the door gently closed behind her. Glais could only relax when he was certain she was gone. He stayed there not seeing the scenes outside the window even though the greenery over the lawns was not something he thought he could ever tire from. His whole life he had never seen such beauty in Braykith and he knew it was because of her. What other reason could there be for it?

He listened and knew by the sound of the door that Evangeline was pressed up against it, probably taking a moment to compose herself before she returned to her friends. He was unsure how those two girls would be involved in their future, but now was not the time to worry about them. Almost holding his breath, he listened as her footsteps fell away down the hall. The tension between his shoulders smoothed out and Glais leant his forehead against the cold window.

His father had insisted on this marriage, had promised him that it would be smooth but Glais was sure every moment they spent together that she was not the mere daughter of a neighbouring Lord. She had thoughts, she witnessed and digested the world. Somehow, her expectations shaped, and, in turn, shaped the world around her. It was unheard of in Glais’ experience.

Quintus was unshakable in his conviction that this was a good match and still Glais fought against his father’s advice. He supposed he always would, and not for the reasons that Evangeline suspected. Again and again, the king would use his own wife as an example, blind to the truth that Kyleigh did not have the same appreciations for castle life as Evangeline.

Kyleigh was raised to be a princess. Her childhood was spent in a castle and with soldiers marking her every move. Her ambitions were to marry well and have children, and there was not much more she needed to be happy. Kyleigh was content with the day to day occurrences that came with living in the Braykith castle, impressed still with his father. Evangeline would never be satisfied with such simple things. She deserved better. Glais couldn’t give her that. She would never be impressed by him. Glais could never be enough, that he was certain and it haunted him for hours.

Sighing, he closed his eyes and concentrating on breathing. Entering the church was always hard for him and his current encounters with Evangeline only made him less excited at the prospect. Glais would need to mentally prepare himself for this exchange.

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Evangeline found Teagan and Viviana where she left them and was glad they were there. She did mean to tell them about her talk with Glais, proof that she was trying and this impossible union was not her fault but rather Glais seemed intent on pushing her away. However, the news of going to the church to officially declare the upcoming wedding would be a better way to spend their time.

“Glais has some news for me.” Evangeline waited until Teagan and Viviana had given her their full attention. It took no time at all. Teagan was sitting before a polished mirror, Viviana standing by the closet and admiring the clothes within it. Once she made her announcement, both of them were focused on her entirely. “We are to go to the church in town today and declare our intent to marry.”

Teagan squealed and quickly rushed to Evangeline to hug her. Viviana stood back but Evangeline never took offence to her reactions. She knew better than to assume that her reaction was how she actually felt. “Oh, what are you going to wear?” Teagan was shaking with the idea of dressing her again as she had always done.

“Glais said that this was fine.” Evangeline looked down on herself, inspecting the gown that was dark blue. She had been surprised to learn its true colours after first dismissing it as just another black dress. The colour was only noticeable when she brought it into the light. She thought it would look terrible against her pale skin but like everything else that appeared in her rooms, this was perfection. “Perhaps a cloak against the weather.” Although Evangeline did not think she would need it.

“But he has already seen you in this.” Teagan protested.

“To be honest with you Teagan, I don’t think he actually saw me.” Evangeline looked down at the ground and shrugged. “He wouldn’t even notice if I didn’t get changed, or if I showed up wearing nothing at all.”

“Oh, he would notice that for sure.” Teagan giggled but neither Viviana or Evangeline joined in. She missed the look they shared.

“This will be okay, but you can help me get dressed for the feast afterwards,” Evangeline said, heading towards the bed and sat down. She had nowhere else she needed to be and really she needed to have this time to do nothing but listen to Teagan fuss over clothes.

Evangeline had bought Teagan and Viviana here for their friendship. Now she relied on their old familiar structures more than before however it caused a discomfort within Evangeline as she witnessed Teagan and Viviana talk around her without including her thoughts in the narrative. Evangeline had a new feeling settle in her stomach, and it was a loss of control. Stubbornly she refused to admit to even herself that her whole life had been played pout around her, and with no opportunity to change its course.

Like they had done for her entire life, Teagan started arranging her clothes and Viviana was preparing the pieces to ensure that it was easier to assemble them on her body. Evangeline felt the sudden clarity that the old comforts was only further loss of control. Evangeline wondered if she had ever made a decision for herself in her life, and sadly Evangeline had only one conclusion.

E
vangeline stood by the carriage doors, looking up at Thomas. He could barely meet her eyes. “Repeat that,” she demanded.

Thomas sighed softly, looking back down the path he had just come from but no one could save him from Evangeline’s cold glare. Not that he could really blame her. Thomas just hated it when she looked at him like she was now. He had cleared his throat before he repeated the original message he had been sent to deliver. “Prince Glais formally apologises for the task that prevents him from accompanying you to the church. His brother Baxter will be his proxy for this.” Evangeline felt Baxter standing too closely as he tended to do, and Evangeline was aware that if she did bother to look at him, he would surely have nothing to add to the conversation and only rude gestures that made her groan. She had come to tire of his ways very quickly. Her general annoyance at Baxter became far less forgiving at moments like this.

“I refuse to go without him.” Evangeline crossed her arms and did her best to ignore the way everyone was looking at her. Viviana and Teagan were in the carriage behind them, their heads sticking out of the window in an effort to see what was happening but there was very little to witness. She was glad they stayed in their carriage. She already felt childish and didn’t need her childhood friends’ back up for this.

“It is quite a common thing, Eva.” Baxter said and she snatched her hand out of his grip when he reached for her. Evangeline knew if he tried again then she would need to let him keep it, as was the custom in Braykith that men had more rights and sway then women but thankfully Baxter didn’t try again. “Am I such a bad replacement?” His attitude was anything but sincere.

Evangeline looked at him finally, met his eyes and did her best to glare at the Prince and not say a word. She feared he would just meet her glare back but instead he did grow uncomfortable. Baxter blinked and looked away for a second. A small victory but one nonetheless. She knew that she would be lucky to get another victory over Baxter anytime soon. She turned her gaze back to Thomas but he did not cower. “You are to find Glais and inform him that I will not be going anywhere with his proxy.” She said the final word as if it left a bad taste in her mouth, and indeed, it did. She could not believe that Glais would be so horrible as to do this to her. “I will wait until he is free to join me, regardless of the hour.”

Thomas believed her when she said this. His mouth opened and shut and he could only process a failing argument to present to her. He finally saluted Evangeline, turning on his heel and headed back towards the castle. Evangeline knew that her friends would want to know what was going on but she thought that she needed to stay just to keep the message clear. She could not trust the drivers of the carriage. It seemed completely possible that they would leave for the church without waiting for Glais. Staying where she was meant they would need to stand firm. She would not be taking a break and would be demanding even if this went long into the night.

Fortunately, Evangeline did not have to wait long. Quintus arrived, marching beside his son who seemed to be struggling to keep up with his father’s long strides although Evangeline didn’t think there would be much difference. She stayed and made the men approach her, Quintus looking angrier than she had even seen him. Perhaps he was on her side after all. It was obvious that he was not pleased with Glais and she glad to see that finally someone was going to hold Glais accountable for his behaviour.

“Evangeline, I apologise for the delay.” Quintus grabbed his son roughly by the elbow and thrust him forward. He almost fell but somehow the crowned prince didn’t drop to his knees. “Seems that our Prince is indeed available,” Glais said nothing and Evangeline was torn between feeling sorry for him and feeling this was rightly deserved. The best of the King’s men were standing by the carriages, preparing for the journey with full view of this exchange. Perhaps it will be enough to keep the gossip away from Evangeline for once. She doubted it. Somehow this would become her fault.

“I am glad we waited then.” Evangeline flashed a brief smile to the King, silently thanking him for intervening. As much as it seemed that Thomas was capable, he would not be able to sway the future king of Braykith even if he stayed there on her behalf for all hours. Until this very moment, Evangeline wasn’t even certain if Quintus could do such things but it seemed he could. On this occasion at least.

Glais opened the door to the carriage and held his hand out for Evangeline to take as if nothing had happened. She took his hand firmly, ignoring him when he didn’t grip her hand in return. Clearly he was upset about having to come here and Glais would not be giving Evangeline any favours. Quintus stood back just enough, watching as Evangeline and then Glais stepped into the carriage. The door closed, the King was still not satisfied. He stood by the path until it seemed that Glais was not going to make a dash for it.

Glais wouldn’t leave the carriage now, and his father should know that. It had been an embarrassment being forced from his rooms to the transportation in the first place. To flee them now would not be worth it. He barely looked at Evangeline, although she was beautiful. That was not why he wasn’t looking at her. He felt judged, and rightly so, and it was hard to see her face contorted in whatever emotion she deemed he was worthy of.

“You called me to action Glais.” Evangeline said from between tight lips. “This was your announcement to make, and then you attempt to publically stand me up. To add to the insult, you send Baxter of all people as your proxy.” She shook her head, at a lost on how to best put her emotions into word. She could not understand why Glais had gone to such an effort to embarrass her. “Why didn’t you want to come?” Evangeline asked him as the carriage tossed them in their seats. Evangeline sat opposite him, no chaperone needed because everyone could see that there was no danger of anything inappropriate happening between them.

“I am busy Evangeline.” He snapped and instantly wanted to apologise, and yet he didn’t. Instead, he sighed and looked out the window and tried his best to appear bored as they passed the walls of the castle and moved into the surrounding city. Stalls were lining the streets, small wares for sale and trade. Glais did not venture into the markets often but he knew stories and remembered times from his youth where the markets were a destination. Now they blended in with the rest of the background.

“For you, this castle is a wonderment, and this marriage is excitement.” He paused when Evangeline huffed at his suggestion. He looked at her with a raised eyebrow. “You are not excited?”

“When I first arrived I admit, I was nervous and excited about the idea of our relationship Glais, but you have been so rude that the very idea of marrying you hurts me. If I could fathom a way to ensure it would not come to pass, then I would do it.” Glais’ eyes searched her face, looking for cracks in her bravado but it seemed that she really did hate him. “Just as I am sure you would abandon this engagement if it was in your power.” She dared to finally give her honesty now that they were alone. Never had she said such things aloud but there was no way her fears could be heard by anyone outside of this carriage who might seek to use it against her. The sound of hooves hitting the ground was too loud.

Glais was silenced by her venom, hating to hear such words directed at him and coming from her of all people. Yet he also knew that he was at fault for this reaction and he deserved it. It was what Glais wanted, even if he hated hearing it now, he tried to remember that now. “Correct.” Glais lied. His face not giving away any of his thoughts and Evangeline seemed convinced. He relaxed when she seemed to settle in her seat.

Evangeline could not allow Glais to be so dismissive of her. This wedding would come to pass regardless of any desire they ha for it. “Glais we need to find a place for us both to find a kind of peace.” Evangeline spoke quietly but Glais heard her.

“I think this arrangement works just fine.” He had not worked so hard on getting her to hate him just for her to ruin it. He could not tell her the truth and so he relied on lies. It was hard enough now to allow her to drift further from him. He could not have her close and at a distance at the same time.

“And children?” Evangeline asked without apology.

Glais’ heart skipped a beat. “Excuse me?” he asked. He was not prepared for this topic, and he had such mixed emotions of bringing a child into this world and yet he could not stop it if it was indeed the will of Xado to make it so.

“Children, Glais.” It was obvious to her, and it had already been the topic of so many conversations that Evangeline refused to believe that Glais had not thought about it. “An heir. What is the point of marriage and a wife that you loathe if you do not gain a son from the arrangement?”

Glais was quiet for a moment. Of course, she was right. A son was above all else, his top priority. He needed one to ensure his own life. Without a son, the kingdom would never survive. He cleared his throat gently. “I am sure we will manage it.”

Evangeline stared at him as the carriage started to slow, the church within easy reach now. “Well, I am glad we have had time for this conversation Glais. It is a shame that we only get to talk when you decide we need it.” The carriage had barely stopped before she slammed the door open and left the carriage alone. Glais stayed where he was, for now, watching as Viviana and Teagan rushed past his carriage to catch up with Evangeline. Evidently they meant to beg her for information about his late arrival. He couldn’t imagine that Evangeline would lie to them.

Wincing, Glais massaged the bridge of his nose with his fingers, closing his eyes. He groaned but knew his time alone here was precious. He couldn’t stay within the carriage, as much as he wished he could. Churches made him nervous and he hoped he could avoid them at all costs but it was important that the locals see the Royals were bound by the same laws and restrictions of the people. This whole meeting was for that security. Declaring their engagement would do nothing to change their fate. No one would dare to go against it and if someone were foolish enough, their claims would never hold up under scrutiny.

However, he had no choice now and so with a sigh Glais removed himself from the horse drawn carriage. Of course, their entrance had brought out a bit of a crowd. The horses of Braykith were always a wonder to look at even for the people who lived close to the castle walls. Glais did not need to ask them to move, or make way for him. They parted and at the end of the clearing Evangeline was waiting for him with Teagan and Viviana standing dutifully at her back.

Emotion threatened to close his throat, but Glais swallowed it down and moved on. Coming to her side and offering her his arm as was expected. Glais could turn off his emotions once more and do as was expected of him. It would not be doing anyone any favours for him to lose all of his hard-won control now.

Evangeline hesitated for the briefest of seconds, only long enough that perhaps her friends might notice but nothing for the locals to comment on, before she took his offered arm. She knew they had roles to play and for the best of the Kingdom, there should be no reason to believe that there was anything wrong with the upcoming wedding.

The Priest was waiting for them. He was dressed much like Evangeline had come to expect although there were subtle differences between this Priest and the one from her own home. His robes were far more delicate to look at, runic inscriptions along the hems which were decorated with gems. It seemed odd to her that a holy man should wear such finery but Evangeline did not question it.

Glais stood at her side, back straight as they were guided into the church proper. Sandstone bricks, a far from modest space with little space between the wooden pews. There was a corridor in the middle, and Evangeline suddenly realised this would be the place where she would marry Glais. They would only be engaged for two more months before the ceremony would need to take place. She looked up at him but he stared straight ahead. A look of pain on his face and clearly uncomfortable to even be here with her.

Evangeline took a steadying breath and followed the dragging robes of the priest as the locals crowded in behind them to bare witness to the declaration. Should they be a regular couple, this would take place during weekly service. Since this was the future King, it seemed he was not bound by such things. The pews quickly filled and it was very obvious that anyone who was unlucky enough to be at the back of the crowd would be invited into standing room only. Evangeline had not seen so many people gathered in a single location before and it was intimidating to be standing here now, the centre of attention.

The priest rose his hand and silence gathered over the crowd. Glais and Evangeline were left to stand, Teagan and Viviana to Evangeline’s left. “Tonight we come together to announce the intent of marriage between Glais, Prince of Braykith, and Evangeline, Lady of Crimah.”

“Blessed be.” Came the chorus and Evangeline jumped at the sudden sound. Glais’ hand flexed around hers and she spared him a glance, confused by the expression he wore. He stood with his back too tense, his face set in what he assumed was a neutral expression but his eyes were watering. He wasn’t crying, but his eyes watered and he was blinking too often. It was almost like some kind of allergy. The building was full of flowers, and yet Evangeline felt that the explanation was far too simple. Something was going on with Glais, and she felt very responsible for his current state.

“Should you know of any reason, by the law of Man or that of the Heavens, these two should not be wed to each other, you are to declare it.” There was a silence but Evangeline dared not think anyone would be so bold to exclaim it now. Feeling someone watching her, she turned to see Glais looking at her. Evangeline gave the subtlest of shakes of her head. She was not comfortable and she knew this marriage would be nothing like she imagined it to be but she would not be so disgraceful to beg for freedom here before the eyes and witnesses of the Gods. Xado would challenge her in this lifetime to prepare her for the next. She would follow as he commanded.