Fractured Slipper Page 20

  Felicia had fumed inside until it felt like her blood would boil out of her ears. But she smiled, knowing that there was nothing to be done about her flushed cheeks. “Thank you, your highness,” she’d said overly sweet. “I shall think of you whenever I use it.”

  The tittering ladies quieted, their eyes wide. The queen had also gone quiet, then had announced it was tea time and fled the room.

  Or when she’d shadowed the queen receiving the English ambassador and his wife, Felicia displayed only the best of manners, smiling politely while the queen made veiled insults against her.

  “I find that having my wife with me for public appearances helps the common folk see me as more of a human being than a political figure,” the ambassador had said as he patted his wife’s hand affectionately. “It’s quite a useful tactic to help soften their hearts toward me.” The two had smiled at each other.

  The queen took a dainty sip of her tea and quirked her lips upward. “How sweet. It’s so nice to see a husband and wife who love each other. Something I’d hoped to have for my son.”

  The ambassador raised his eyebrows. “Hoped? You no longer wish this happiness for your boy?”

  Sidling a glance in Felicia’s direction, the queen’s nose wrinkled and she turned her attention back to the ambassador. “I’m afraid it’s out of my hands now.”

  The ambassador’s wife frowned as she glanced between the queen and Felicia.

  Felicia had plastered on a polite expression and pretended not to feel any resentment at the comments.

  Presently, Felicia was wondering the hallways, using the map that Prince Bastion had drawn for her. His servant had delivered it the next morning after they’d resolved their differences. Felicia knew most of the layout now, and was certain she wouldn’t get lost again.

  As she was passing one of the receiving rooms, she heard her father’s deep rumbling voice. Her spirits lightened and Felicia realized that she’d missed him terribly. She paused her steps and turned to enter when she heard other men’s voices.

  Felicia frowned, realizing it was a gentlemen’s gathering and it wouldn’t be prudent for her to enter.

  “I thought that mine closed because there was no more copper to be found,” her father said.

  “That’s what they believed, but we’re certain there’s more veins just waiting to be mined down there,” came another voice that Felicia didn’t recognize. “Rumors are that if we can dig deep enough, we might even find some gold.”

  Fury rose to her chest and Felicia clenched her jaw. No Father. You cannot buy into their obvious lies!

  “Well.” That familiar hopeful and dreamy tone entered the viscount’s voice. “That would be a good investment, indeed.”

  Fingers shaking with anger, Felicia prepared to open the door and step into the room. She didn’t care if it was against social standing. She wouldn’t sit there and allow these sharks to take money from her father. Money he didn’t have and they certainly didn’t need any more debt.

  Before she could twist the knob to open the door, however, Prince Bastion’s voice drifted through the wood. “That could be a fine investment,” the prince said, his tone bored. “But I have it on good authority that there are other investments that are more certain. Viscount Durand, would you care to join my father and I this afternoon? We’re going to meet with the royal financial advisor. I daresay he can steer you in the right direction of where to place your funds.”

  Felicia held her breath as she waited to hear her father’s response.

  “I would be most obliged, Your Highness.”

  She exhaled and felt tension in her neck melt away. Smiling, Felicia continued on her way, comforted to know that Prince Bastion was looking out for her father. It was such a relief, to let someone else handle those kinds of things. So much so, that Felicia couldn’t stop a small smile forming, even when she joined the queen and her ladies for more instruction.

  Chapter 7

  The following day, Felicia finished her eggs and headed to the queen’s receiving room. She’d had tea with her father the day before. He’d been in great spirits, telling her of all the king and prince had advised him to do with investments. Everything the viscount told her had sounded practical and she had high hopes that he could actually pull himself out of debt if he followed their advice.

  Felicia had wanted to thank the prince, but he wasn’t at dinner again. She hadn’t seen much of Prince Bastion since her first night, and Felicia wondered if he was scouring the countryside himself now, desperate to find his princess. The prospect of him not finding the other girl gave Felicia a mixture of confusing emotions.

  She realized that she was enjoying her time at the castle. She was beginning to understand the intricacies of politics and had even grown fond of the king. He was harsh and very blunt, but fair in his judgments. And he showed appreciation for Felicia’s opinions, asking to give her input on issues discussed at dinner.

  “I would that Bastion had your insight,” the king had said one evening. “You’re able to look at every aspect of the puzzle before deciding the conclusion.” He shook his head. “Bastion doesn’t take the time to think like that. He’s too fiery and hot-tempered.” He glanced down the table at his wife, who pretended deep interest in her vegetable bisque. “Just like his mother.”

  Felicia had observed no censure in his tone. Rather it was something like affection. She blinked in surprise. Could it be that the king loved the queen, even with her sour moods? The queen certainly acted as though she were stuck in a loveless marriage.

  Thinking back on that dinner, Felicia walked down a hallway, contemplating the idea of one-sided love. Is that what’s in store for me if I marry the prince? She didn’t love Bastion, but Felicia was already softening toward him. If they wed, she would take her vows seriously, even if it was fashionable for the nobility to engage in affairs. Felicia hated the idea of being stuck with a husband who carried on affairs of any kind.

  “What could possibly be weighing on your thoughts so completely?”

  Jumping at the voice right next to her ear, Felicia batted at the prince’s arm.

  He laughed, and she tapped his shoulder for good measure. “Where is your entourage to announce you wherever you go?”

  “Beg pardon, Lady Felicia,” he said while trying to hide a smile. “I truly did not intend to startle you. As for my entourage, they know that I don’t like having extra shadows while in the comfort of my own home.”

  Heat suffusing her cheeks, she glanced down, smelling his familiar scent of sandalwood. “Oh. You’re forgiven, Sire.” Felicia looked up to see the prince studying her, his blue eyes tracing over her cheeks to her lips, then back up to her eyes. It gave her time to obverse him in return, to pause and appreciate his strong, square jaw and the playful dimple on his left cheek.

  “What were you thinking about when I so rudely interrupted you?”

  “Well, um…” Her mind worked, but Felicia couldn’t think of a good lie. “I’d rather not say.”

  His eyebrows shot up. “Now I must know.”

  Felicia resumed walking, hoping that Prince Bastion would let the matter drop.

  He matched her pace. “There’s something you should know about me if this marriage actually happens.”

  Frowning, she wondered how serious he was about the possibility of their marriage. It mirrored her own musings too closely. “What is that?”

  He smirked. “Once I get something into my head, I can’t let it go. And I want to know what you were thinking about.”

  She waved a hand. “It was nothing of consequence, really. Just embarrassing.”

  “You should also know that I love embarrassing details about people I find interesting.”

  She paused in her stride and met his gaze. “You find me interesting?”

  Prince Bastion shrugged. “Of course. It’s not every day I meet a lady who isn’t throwing herself at me.”

  Disappointment pulled the corners of her lips down. “Very flatteri
ng indeed.” Moving to continue, she stopped when the prince touched her arm.

  “That didn’t come out right.” He took a breath. “What I meant to say is that you’re one of the few women I’ve met that thinks about more than position and power. I’ve seen you with my mother. You understand how to navigate social situations, my father keeps talking about how quickly you’re catching on to politics, yet you have no ambition to use your position to force this marriage with me.” He stepped closer until she could feel his citrus breath on her cheek. “I find that quite fascinating.”

  “Oh.” It came out breathless and Felicia bit her lip.

  Prince Bastion watched the movement and his eyes unfocused.

  They stood there, their faces inches apart for several seconds. Felicia’s heart sped up and her palms tingled.

  Blinking, the prince broke whatever spell was brewing between them and cleared his throat. He held out his arm and she accepted it, feeling the heat of his skin through her gloves and his sleeve. “You were telling me what you were thinking about earlier,” he said as they continued toward the throne room.

  “Really?” she feigned ignorance. “I’ve already forgotten.”

  “You’re not seriously going to make me ask again?” His eyes widened and his mouth turned down in a ridiculous pout.

  Laughing released some tension Felicia didn’t even realize she’d been holding. “Fine, fine.” She lowered her voice. “I was merely contemplating whether one could find happiness in an arranged marriage.”

  His eyebrows shot up. “Deep pondering indeed.”

  Glancing away, she shrugged. “Well, you already know I don’t want to become my mother. But is it possible to be put on the same path as her and make different choices? I favor my father’s looks, yet we don’t think alike at all. Perhaps I won’t mimic my mother’s behavior if I’m unhappy. Besides,” she waved a hand, “I don’t hold her beauty and I’m already a social pariah so it’s doubtful that another man will even come into my life down the road.”

  They approached the doors to the throne room and a guard was just about the open them when the prince waved him away. “You may not have the fashionable beauty that women are vying for these days.” He touched her cheek. “But your beauty is even better. It’s a perfect reflection of who you are as a whole. And I agree with your musings; you are a strong woman, Felicia. Your choices will belong to you and you alone.”

  Felicia didn’t know how to respond. His finger trailed down to her chin and then dropped to his side. She stood, unmoving as Prince Bastion nodded to the guard and the doors opened. The prince led her to the area portioned off for the queen’s ladies and took his seat next to the king.

  The ladies-in-waiting’s rude whispers didn’t bother Felicia that morning. She didn’t have to pretend like their demeaning comments didn’t affect her. She was too occupied with what had happened between her and the prince. This changes nothing. He’s still scouring the countryside for the woman he loves, which isn’t you. But even that thought didn’t dampen her mood.

  Chapter 8

  The next morning, Felicia was putting on one of her newly tailored gowns when a servant knocked on her chamber door. Tess opened it and then came back, a smile on her face. “I think you’ll want to receive this visitor, milady.”

  Felicia didn’t know what to make of her maid’s expression. “Who could it possibly be?”

  She opened her mouth to reply, but Lady Ella de la Roche swept into the room, her satin gown flowing around her with its usual elegance. “Bad time, Dearie?” Lady Ella’s skin was smooth, even as she raised her eyebrows in concern. Her oval face was slim and showcased perfect, high cheekbones. Felicia had no idea how old her godmother was. The woman appeared to never age and looked like she could be as young as thirty, yet her eyes held all the wisdom of someone who was ninety.

  Felicia opened her arms wide, breaking into a grin. “Godmother!”

  Lady Ella returned the smile and sauntered forward to give Felicia a hug. “Sorry it took me so long to visit.” She leaned back and held Felicia’s shoulders, her eyes scanning the girl from head to toe. “But you don’t look worse for wear. In fact,” She brushed gloved fingers through Felicia’s hair. “You look wonderful. I can’t remember the last time your cheeks held such color.”

  Smirking, Felicia waved a hand. “My face is almost always red, Godmother. You know that.”

  “This is not the same thing, child. You look great. Healthy. Life at the castle suits you.” She straightened and clapped once. “Now Tess, could you arrange for refreshments to be brought up? My dear goddaughter and I have some catching up to do.”

  Tess bowed her head and rushed out the door.

  Lady Ella walked over to a cushioned chair then sat. She motioned for Felicia to sit on the settee opposite of her. “Now, what in the world has happened? How did you become betrothed to the prince? You said this was one of your father’s schemes? It doesn’t seem like something he could accomplish.”

  Felicia proceeded to tell her everything that had happened from the time of the infamous ball to the present. Her godmother’s mouth popped into an “O” at least three times during the recount. Once finished, Felicia sat back and studied Lady Ella. “How did you not hear about the prince’s proclamation? Everyone gossiped about it for weeks.”

  Tess came in with a tray and set up a table between them.

  “I was abroad.” Lady Ella picked up a cup of tea and took a delicate sip. “I left the night of the ball and only returned yesterday.”

  Picking up her tea, Felicia noted that there were lemon cakes on the tray and smiled at Tess’s retreating form. Lemon cakes were her favorite.

  “There is something of import you need to know about this situation,” Lady Ella was saying as Felicia picked up the cake dusted with sugar. “The night of the ball—” She stopped and stared as Felicia took a big bite of the cake.

  With her mouth full, Felicia chewed and quickly swallowed. “Not to worry. I promise I eat with more feminine grace in front of others.”

  “No, it’s…” Lady Ella closed her eyes, her lips pulled down in a frown.

  Felicia knew that look. Her godmother’s magic linked her to the spirit world and they were communicating, trying to tell her something. Curiosity piqued, Felicia finished off her cake and sipped her tea, waiting for Lady Ella to be lucid again. Deciding it would be another minute, she reached for a second lemon cake.

  “No!” Lady Ella’s eyes were open wide. She gripped Felicia’s hand before it could reach another cake. “Tis poisoned.”

  Shock sank through her head and she placed a hand over her stomach. “Are you certain?”

  “Yes. The spirits just told me.” Pulling off her gloves, she felt Felicia’s forehead. “Lemon cakes are your favorite. Anyone who knows you would know that you’d eat them.”

  Her tongue numb, Felicia blinked back tears. “Am I going to die?”

  Her godmother narrowed her eyes. “Not with me around.” She steered Felicia into bed. “Try not to move much; it will help prevent the poison from spreading quickly. I must go home and get some of my herbs.”

  Felicia knew that Lady Ella would also be casting spells in the privacy of her dark room. She’d probably bring a nasty potion to drink down, but Felicia knew that her godmother’s white magic was powerful and should work.

  Sweat broke out along the back of Felicia’s neck at the same time that her stomach churned in a painful cramp.

  “It’s begun. This is a strong poison indeed.” Lady Ella stepped away from the bed. “Don’t worry, Dearie. I promise to make everything right.” She stopped at the threshold, calling for Tess. When the servant finally arrived, she instructed, “She’s been poisoned. Do not leave her side – not for anything – until I’ve returned. And don’t let any of those ridiculous doctors give her their nonsense tonics.”

  Tess spoke to her in a panicked tone, but Felicia couldn’t comprehend what she said.

  The rosy pinks of the tapestry
in front of her started to swirl. Felicia blinked, but that made her vision turn blurry. The cramping came back and spread lower in her stomach. Please hurry, godmother. She was too frightened to think that Lady Ella wouldn’t return in time to save her.

  Fever erupted within the hour. Tess sent a servant to bring washcloths and a bowl of water. The damp towels only made Felicia’s teeth chatter with cold. She couldn’t find a comfortable position and writhed constantly. Everything in her body ached.

  “There, there, Mistress.” Tess’s voice shook.

  Time blended into restless dreams and Felicia wasn’t sure what was real and what wasn’t. The prince came in, his face drawn with concern. “Why haven’t you administered any tonics to her?” he demanded of Tess.

  Her maid bowed deeply. “Her godmother knows a remedy for this type of poison. She’s gone to fetch it and will be back any moment.”

  Bless you Tess, for not outing my godmother. Who knows what would happen should the prince discover Lady Ella de la Roche was a witch.

  A large hand touched her shoulder and she moaned. The hand withdrew and she wondered if she imagined the touch. She pulled the blankets over her for warmth, her teeth clicking.

  More time elapsed. The queen appeared and laughed. “That’s what you get when you try to rise above your station.” Then she turned into Lady Ella. “I’m going to fix this, Dearie. I promise.” Felicia knew they were hallucinations, yet it seemed so real.

  Felicia flopped her arms at her sides, sweat trickling down her hairline. A small, cool hand touched her forehead. “Wake up, Felicia. You must awaken and drink this.”

  Blinking, everything was blurry. Felicia couldn’t focus on the woman before her. “Mom? Are you taking me to heaven now?”

  “Not if I have a say in the matter,” said a firm, male voice. Strong arms lifted her into a sitting position and then a cup was placed at her lips.