The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Two: Beyond the Veil (14 page)

“Callum was romantically involved with this woman? This pirate – Ireni?”

“Oh, yes,” Dacian nodded. “Not many knew of it, though several of us happened across the two one night. They thought everyone had turned in for the evening. I saw them with my own eyes. My knowledge of the Captain’s behavior is likely the only reason I was not reprimanded for my indecency with you. He knows I could easily ruin him. Tell his father. The King and Queen. His reputation would be destroyed. But I felt you should be aware of his traitorous deeds, at least. A woman deserves to know what kind of slime she is crawling into bed with.”

Aiva stared into the distance, appalled by what Dacian was saying. It couldn’t be true. She hoped it wasn’t. To picture Callum with one of the disgusting pirates, an Esai; there were so many things wrong with the possibility that it made her sick to her stomach to even consider. “How close was the Captain with this pirate? Did he know of her connection with the enemy?”

Dacian stared at her, sympathetic. “The two were very close. We suspect he was aware of her affiliations and yet continued to involve himself. Some of us even fear he passed along tactical information which caused the chaos in Siscal. He might have been swayed to leave with her to Luquarr if we had not come across them that night. The Captain was quite comfortable in her arms…”

“That is enough,” Aiva cut in, unwilling to hear any more. It was even worse than she thought! Sleeping with the enemy. Leaking sensitive information. Callum was no hero. He was a traitor. And she’d almost let him kiss her! Nauseous, she stared down at the engagement band on her finger, filled with regret beyond anything she’d ever felt before. “I need to get back to the others,” she mumbled, stepping away to place more distance between them. Dacian looked disappointed. Discouraged by her eagerness to leave.

“Is there no reward for my honesty, Your Highness?”

“In time,” Aiva nodded dismissively. She couldn’t focus on Dacian. There were far more important matters which needed her attention.

Dacian moved to follow, reaching his hand out to Aiva’s. Hesitantly she pulled away, staring at him as if he were a serpent prepared to strike. She was in no mood to deal with his advances. She was repulsed by the thought of letting a man near her again. “Do watch yourself, Lord Dacian,” she stated coldly. “I made a mistake once, and I will not repeat it. If you approach further, I will see you arrested.”

From somewhere amongst the trees she heard a rock skitter along the ground. Nervous at being discovered, she glanced into the shadows, heart racing. There was nothing. They were still alone.

“Arrested?” Dacian asked. He sounded amused by the concept. “By the royal guards who answer to General Cadell? Have you considered what his son will think if he learns you were with me again? Is your reputation worth it?”

Her legs were trembling. Calie had been right. She never should have come here with him alone. She’d risked too much in exchange for the information about Callum. “You would not dare mistreat me. You are a decorated soldier. Your sworn duty is to serve my family. Even if you managed to get away with this for now, once I am Queen, you would feel the wrath of punishment for your misdeeds.”

“I’ll take my chances.” He stepped in closer. “Come on, Your Highness. You will enjoy it. I didn’t hear you complaining the other night, at least.”

Anxious to distance herself, Aiva stumbled backward, speechless. She’d never had anyone speak to her in such an uncouth manner. Her mind raced with how to handle the situation while before her eyes it continued to spiral out of her control. In a swift motion Dacian grabbed her wrist, tugging her into him, their lips meeting in an awkward kiss. Bile rose in Aiva’s throat as she tore her face away from his. Panicked, she tried to break his grip on her arm. He held firm. The feeling of his fingers digging into her skin was painful. Frantic, she brought her free hand up, palm striking Dacian’s face with a crisp smack, the noise ringing through the hedges so clearly that she feared everyone in the courtyard beyond might hear. Dacian reacted instinctively, returning the blow to Aiva’s face with a strength beyond any she’d felt in her training. Her vision swam, head reeling.

White spots floated before her eyes, distracting her until she felt her feet being pulled out from beneath her, sending her crashing to the ground. Still blind and disoriented, she felt Dacian’s weight pushed away with a pained grunt, his hand releasing her wrist. Someone was at her side, helping her to her feet, guiding her away from two men rolling on the grass, trading punches in a flurry of motion. It was all happening so fast! Frightened, Aiva looked up to see Edric’s face, brow creased in an angry glare. She’d never seen him so furious. His muscles were tensed, struggling to keep himself from jumping into the fray.

Glancing back to where Dacian fought against Aiva’s savior, she realized in horror who the other man was, recognizing Callum’s strong form, fists clenched in rage, pummeling a rain of blows upon Dacian. The match was in his favor. Through her tear-filled eyes she watched Dacian’s body go limp. Giving up the fight.

“Aiva,” Callum breathed, rising to his feet to leave Dacian’s unconscious figure on the ground. As he came closer, she tore against Edric’s hands, desperate to get away from him. Callum was no better than Dacian. They were both scoundrels.

“Get away from me!” she hissed through gritted teeth. Callum took pause at the anger he saw in her eyes. At that moment she hated him. She didn’t think it possible to feel such a strong emotion, but she couldn’t deny the rage which filled her.

Fighting against her thrashing arms, Edric spun Aiva around to face him, shaking her harshly to get her attention. “Aiva, stop this!” he stated firmly, though quiet, cautious not to let his voice raise high enough to risk being overheard. All traces of his fury drained from his face to see her, the anger diminishing into an expression of shock and concern. Aiva flinched to feel his fingertips lightly brush the side of her face where Dacian had struck her, painfully aware of the sting that lingered, fading into a dull throb as the adrenaline started to wane. Edric stared at Callum over Aiva’s shoulder. When he spoke, his uneven tone revealed barely maintained calm. “Keep the guests entertained. We cannot allow anyone to see her. Not like this.”

He was already escorting her deeper into the courtyard toward the back corridor of the palace gardens. There was no chance for Callum to argue. Reluctantly, Aiva allowed Edric to usher her along, his hold firm, uncomfortable, stiff.

Upon reaching the gated doorway, Edric pushed it open, stepping inside with Aiva still in his arms. He used his foot to close the gate, leaving them in the quiet of a darkened corridor within the palace halls. “I’m fine, Edric,” Aiva exhaled. She wished her heart would stop racing. The ache in her cheek was getting worse. Throbbing. Tingling. The entire left side of her face felt as if it was about to explode.

To her surprise he took a step back. She stumbled slightly without his support, her hand lifting to her face. When her fingers drew back, Aiva gasped to find them tinted with a thin coat of blood from her lower lip. Dacian had drawn blood in his strike. She feared to think what her face must look like.

“Would you like to explain why you were out there with that man in the first place?” he questioned sternly. “Did I not tell you what he was like?”

“How did you even know where I was?”

“Calie cannot hide anything when she’s nervous, and you know it,” Edric shook his head. He was clearly disgusted, though by which part of the flagrant scene, she couldn’t be sure. “Callum and I came looking for you – though I must say, I did not expect to find you the way we did. What is the matter with you lately, Aiva? Have you gone mad?”

“How should I be, Edric?” Aiva shouted, wincing at the discomfort the effort created in her jaw. It wasn’t fair that she was being blamed for everything. She’d never intended for any of this to happen. And he didn’t even know the whole story! “Do you really know the man you call your best friend?” she glared. Edric blinked at her, confused by the question, though she gave him no opportunity to respond. “Everyone is always raving about what a good man Callum is. What a brave soldier. A hero. And now I am engaged to a traitor! A man who shared his bed with an Esai whore! Did you know that, Edric? Did you?”

“Aiva, what the hell are you talking about?”

“Dacian told me all about Callum sleeping with the Luquarr spy. He betrayed us! He gave information to the pirates.”

“And you believe what that man says?”

“I have no reason not to!”

Edric drew in a deep breath, jaw clenched in his rising anger. He exhaled slowly, fighting to control his emotions. “Callum has been our friend for years, Aiva,” he stated with strained calm. “Do you really believe he would do these things? The things told to you by a man you only just met? One who attempted to take advantage of you – Twice? Does he seem like an honorable man to you?”

“I don’t know what to believe anymore. I barely know Callum. War changes people. For all I know, it changed him, too. I have seen enough evidence of such since his return.” She shook her head. In her dwindling rage, she felt her muscles quivering, struggling to keep her on her feet. She was exhausted. Fatigued from the fearful excitement.

“Listen to me, Aiva,” Edric replied sternly. “I know that you are less than pleased with this engagement to Callum. On many levels I feel for you, I really do, but you are making it impossible for me to sympathize when you behave in this fashion. Callum has sacrificed a great deal for our family. For the work he has performed in Siscal. He deserves better from us. From you. While you sit here feeling sorry for yourself, he has been out there risking his life day in and day out. You know nothing beyond these palace walls. The real world has shades other than black and white. While Dacian’s claims might have some basis, you have to see that there could be more to it. You haven’t even asked Callum yet you’ve already condemned him.”

“You’re right,” Aiva said irritably. “I don’t know what the world is like outside these palace walls. But whose fault is that? I didn’t ask to be sheltered. Maybe I should go off to battle with the soldiers when they leave for Siscal. I know how to fight. Maybe then I will learn what life is really like and how it can be at all acceptable to bed your enemy.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. You can’t just run off into the middle of a war. You are the heir of this family, Aiva.”

“Yes, I am. And that is exactly why I should be learning these things. So I can know how to rule our people properly.” Aiva threw her arms up in exasperation. “Our mother served in the military. How can I expect to be anything like her when I know nothing? And every time I try to learn, I am pushed back. Because I am the heir. Because I have to do this, or I have to do that.”

“Come with me,” Edric sighed, lightly taking Aiva’s arm to guide her down the hallway. She put up little resistance. Whatever he intended to do, it couldn’t possibly make her feel any worse than she already did. “We should get you cleaned up. We can sort this mess with Callum once the festivities have died down.”

“And if there is truth to what Dacian says?”

“Then it will be dealt with accordingly. For now, there will be no more talk of it. Do you understand?”

Frustrated, Aiva hung her head, dragging her feet along the floor beside her brother. There was no use arguing with him. Once Edric had made up his mind, there was no changing it. Even if she took this information to her parents, Edric would defend Callum. It would be her word against his, and given her behavior as of late, his statement would be taken as truth. There was nothing to be done other than accept that fact. She needed evidence to expose Callum. Once she found it, everyone would realize that they had been played for fools.

.

Chapter Five

The Queen fussed about the room in preparation for the day ahead, checking every jewelry box throughout the quarters to make sure that each diamond and gem was properly accounted for. Shaelyn stood behind Aiva at the vanity, arranging her sister’s hair in tightened ebon curls which spilled down over her back and shoulders to frame the elegant features of her face. In her reflection Aiva could see the sadness in her own eyes. While the rest of her family anxiously made the final touches to the wedding plans, she was despondent. Hopeless. Miserable on the day that was supposed to be the happiest in her life.

Strands of diamonds hung around her neck in exquisite gold-lined rows splayed out over her collarbone. The sleeves of her dress draped gracefully low off her shoulders, thin sheer layers of silken fabric gathered at the elbows to flow outward in a dramatic bell-shape, lengthened to hang nearly to the floor. Her bodice cinched tightly around her already slender form to create an image of perfection. Only the finest material had been used on her dress, shimmering white along the bodice, lined by golden flowers at the elegant neckline, interspersed with dangling pearls. The folds of her skirt were full and wide, the top layer gathered to drape at an angle, revealing the shimmering fabric underneath. A wide train arched out behind her in a majestic display of white, golden trim edging the hemline. Never had she felt so beautiful and tragic at the same time.

Coming to stand at Aiva’s side, her mother lowered a golden crown onto her head, the attached veil hanging in front of Aiva’s doleful blue eyes, extra folds tumbling down her back. She felt prepared for her funeral. At least with the veil, it would be easier to conceal her pensiveness from the guests at the ceremony. Her grandmother, the Queen Vorsila, would be in attendance. Overjoyed to see her granddaughter married. If she caught sight of Aiva’s grief, there would be no end to the lecture. This was her duty. Her responsibility as the heir. She did this for her people. A Queen had to make sacrifices. The gods knew Vorsila had made more than most rulers in the past.

“You look beautiful,” Shaelyn whispered, tears glittering in the corners of her eyes. “I hope I am half as lovely on my wedding day.”

“You will be twice so,” Aiva forced a somber smile at her sister. The beauty Shaelyn would possess on her special day would be magnified by the honesty in the smile she would bear. Shaelyn loved Herryk. That alone would make her the most beautiful bride to ever grace the aisle.

Aiva accepted her mother’s hand, rising to her feet in a wash of sparkling diamonds and silk. “It is about time,” Leyna smiled, wiping a tear from her pale cheek. “I knew this day would come, but somehow I thought it would be easier.”

“Do not cry, Mother. Try to remember – this is a happy occasion.” Inside she laughed miserably at her own assurances. How could she convince anyone else to feel joy when she herself felt so trapped? Never before had the spacious rooms of the Escovul palace felt more confining. It was newer than their home in Sivaeria. Built during the first few years following the victory over Arcastus and his Ven’shal army. When she was a child, it had been a place of relaxation. A vacation from the hustle and bustle of the courtiers ever present inside the walls of their home. Only on rare occasions were guests permitted into the new palace. It was reserved for events of grandeur. Royal or high-stationed weddings. Celebrations of birth. Accomplishment. The last time Aiva had been inside the palace herself had been at Shaelyn’s twenty-fifth birthday. Only several months had passed, yet it felt like years to Aiva’s mind after the events of recent weeks. She and Callum would spend their bridal evening there.

“Come, Aiva. Your father will be waiting for you.” Leyna lightly wove her arm through Aiva’s, her steps slow and cautious as they made their way toward the door, afraid of stepping on the flowing skirts of Aiva’s gown. Shaelyn lagged behind, delicately holding the train out to keep it from catching as they moved into the hall. The distance felt eternal between her dressing room and the grand arched doors of the chapel at the center of the palace. At their approach, the room fell silent. All the faces of their guests staring at Aiva in wonder and awe.

They paused at the entrance, allowing Aiva a chance to take in her surroundings. At the front of the aisle she could see Callum. His expression was unreadable. He no doubt felt a similar unease to that which had plagued Aiva throughout the morning. Despite it all, he looked handsome. Not that she’d ever seen him look anything less. His doublet matched her gown in silks of white and gold; the diamonds inset on the buttons in double lines on either side of the breast sparkling in the light of the chandeliers. Edric was at his side, a look of pride on his face to see his sister come into view. Next to him Aiva couldn’t help but smile to see her younger brother and sister, looking like miniature dolls in their expensive clothes. Little Sidonie was the perfect image of innocence beside her twin, Prince Ehren, named in memory of the King’s eldest brother, as well as Queen Vorsila’s late husband.

King Thade was at Aiva’s side, accepting her other arm to walk alongside her and her mother down the aisle. Musicians played some soft melody on their strings, the harp gentle and soothing. Her father swelled with pride, leaning his head to whisper quietly in her ear. “You remind me of your mother on our wedding day.”

A piece of her heart died inside at his words. She didn’t want to be compared to her mother at a time like this. The marriage of her parents had been the joy of several generations in Tanispa, a rejuvenation of faith after a long and trying time of war and sadness. This could never be anything so grand. To place them side by side seemed to tarnish everything her parents’ union had stood for. They had been heroes. She, on the other hand, was marrying a traitor.

It was all she could do to keep from retching as her hand was passed over to Callum. Through her grief she heard nothing spoken by her mother and father, their blessing of the marriage falling on deaf ears. Aiva went through the motions as rehearsed. There was no happiness behind her actions. She couldn’t bring herself to meet Callum’s gaze, dreading every second of the time she was forced to hold his hand in front of the crowd; exchanging the matching rings they would both wear, bearing the Levadis crest upon them. A symbol of their status among the Vor’shai. Practically every eye in Tanispa was on them, smiles brightening their faces to see the future King and Queen. She wanted to scream.
No woman should ever be forced to endure such torment
.

She thought she would be sick when the time came for Callum to lift her veil. Her stomach churned and wrenched, leaving her feeling ill. Callum’s pained expression deepened at the sight of her. Out of formality he leaned in when directed by the priest. They were to seal the bond with a kiss. Aiva couldn’t stand the thought of it. At the last moment she twisted her head somewhat to one side, away from the crowd to avoid detection of her slight, Callum’s lips meeting with the soft skin of her cheek. When would the torture end? Why couldn’t the priest simply pronounce them wed and let them be on their way? The ceremony had been hard enough and there remained the reception yet between her and an escape from the public humiliation.

Removing her hand from his, Aiva walked stiffly at Callum’s side as they made their way back down the aisle toward the door. She’d survived the worst of the display. If she could just get through the dinner and at least one dance as husband and wife, she would be able to then seek some solace away from his company.

In the hallway alone, Callum gazed at her, eyes dimmed, forlorn. “Aiva…”

She turned away before the name had finished forming on his lips. There was nothing he could say which interested her. If he never spoke a word for the rest of the evening, she would be forever grateful. Besides, she didn’t need him on her arm to find her way to the ballroom. It was her palace, after all. There was no need for a grand parade into every room they entered.

Aiva held the fabric of her skirts high to avoid tripping over the heavy folds, making her way into the empty ballroom. The royal table was arranged at the front, two velvet-lined chairs of mahogany and golden trim situated at the center, their high-backed design denoting the status of those who would sit in them. On any other occasion they would be reserved for the King and Queen. Tonight would be her turn in the spotlight. She’d always envisioned it so differently.

In a graceless display she plopped down in her seat, angrily arranging the yards of fabric around her under the table to avoid anyone stumbling over them. Her stomach rumbled with hunger though she was determined not to eat. The laces on her corset were too tight. Her disgust toward the man now settling himself in the chair beside her was enough to ruin what was left of her appetite anyhow.

A procession of guests began to slowly filter in, filling the lines of tables. When the King and Queen had taken their seats, servants began to bring in the meal, placing dishes of every food imaginable in front of Aiva, tempting her with their fragrant smells while not enough to convince her to consume any of it. A plate was fixed for her, though she paid it little attention. It was nothing but a distraction for her when she found herself bored at watching the other guests. Twirling her fork in her potatoes, she stared at it. Absent. Vaguely aware of Callum’s plate sitting in a similar state, though he made no attempt to even lift his utensils. When the plates were cleared away, Callum’s food remained untouched. Cold.

They were nearly done with the worst of the night. To her relief, there had been few attempts at further conversation by Callum. She’d made it very clear to him that she had no desire to speak. There was nothing to be said. Whenever he started to open his mouth, she deterred him by leaning over to her mother, speaking loudly of mundane topics. The weather. The dresses of the other ladies present. He didn’t know enough about fashion to join in on their idle chatter.

Aiva could see the musicians setting up in preparation for the dance. Their first as husband and wife, and only, if Aiva had her way. A routine requiring the participation of everyone in attendance would have been her preference. But the custom called for a more personal dance. More romantic. How anyone could expect romance from an arrangement like theirs, however, made no sense to Aiva.

Callum rose to his feet, stiff, tense. His hands moved to slide Aiva’s chair out away from the table to assist her in standing. A polite gesture. Gallant. Aiva remained motionless, standing only when his grip released. It was time. She saw it as a perfect opportunity to let him see that once they parted ways, she had no desire to have him anywhere near her for the rest of the night. He would have no choice but to respect her wishes. She was the Princess. He would do what she said.

Everyone applauded at their approach. Rigid, Aiva took her place, frame locked to Callum’s in preparation for the music to start. It was a relief when the gentle song began to fill the air. Although she hated the thought of the dance, once it had begun, it was only a matter of time before it would end. Occasionally she could see Callum’s lips part as if to speak, thinking better of it, and remaining in silence.

Inside Aiva could feel her questions begin to bubble up. All the things she’d wanted to confront him about since her conversation with Dacian in the courtyard. Edric had said something of asking Callum his side of the story. While the middle of the dance floor wasn’t the most private of places, it felt the best time to address the matter. He couldn’t walk away from her. And to the watchful eyes around, it would appear as nothing more than conversation between the bride and groom. She waited for him to pull her back in from a graceful turn, resetting his hand at her waist, lightly. Hesitant to hold her too close.

Just as she started to open her mouth, Callum’s voice cut her off, distracting her from her thoughts. “You look beautiful.”

“It is not for you,” she replied coolly. “I would have preferred to wear a feed sack in silent protest, but my mother would not allow it.”

“I believe you would have made even a feed sack look stunning.”

“I do not welcome compliments from scoundrels. Keep them to yourself.” Aiva struggled to hide the disdain on her face, grimacing through a smile for the sake of the spectators.

Callum fell silent once again, hushed by the insult. They continued the dance wordlessly for several beats before he attempted to speak again. “I have been wanting to speak with you since the engagement party.”

“Yes, I have had some questions for you since that day as well.”

“Oh… Whenever I came to call, I was told you were not well and not accepting visitors. You have had questions?”

“Many,” Aiva nodded, pursing her lips. She allowed herself to be spun outward once again, inhaling sharply upon feeling Callum’s hand return to her waist. “Some distressing news reached me regarding your supposed heroics in Siscal. A question has been weighing heavily on my heart.”

“I will answer anything you require.”

“An Esai spy.” She watched his face for a reaction to her inquiry. A slight tension in his muscles indicated discomfort, though of what, she couldn’t be certain. “Is it true that you had some involvement with her?”

“Aiva, this is not the place – ”

“You will answer or I will assume your guilt.”

Callum came to an abrupt halt. The musicians fumbled over their instruments, unsure of whether to continue. Murmurs erupted through the crowd at their sudden distraction. “You want me to be honest?’

“Of course. I think we have drowned ourselves in enough lies since your return.”

“Fine,” he stated, his voice faltering. Uneasy by the crowd around them, he released his hold on Aiva, staring at her solemnly. “Ireni and I were close, yes. More so than I am proud to admit. She was a good fighter and I found myself attracted to her. She shared the same feelings for me, and we did have occasion to let our emotions be known.”

Aiva felt her entire body shut down. She didn’t want to believe what was being said. Some part of her had held onto the hope that Callum would deny it all. That Edric would have been right and Dacian was only stirring up trouble. A confession was unexpected. She took no satisfaction in it the way she thought she would. “So it is true? You were involved with the enemy?”