The Castle of Thorns, page 2
“Please. We know her lips drip venom and her mouth harbors fangs, but can you imagine what her nether region bears?” Jana held her wrists together, opening and closing her hands as if they were a massive, razor-toothed mouth.
Gisela dissolved into a fit of laughter with her sister. She appreciated it, because come dinnertime, she’d need to focus on things that brought a smile to her face. No doubt the other sisters would make it a difficult dinner.
* * *
When Tilda arrived, so did their sister Mina, which spurred the servants into a frenzy as they rushed to prepare an extra room.
Tilda greeted each sister, kissing their cheeks, then stopped in front of Gisela. “My, haven’t you come into your own.” Her eyes, which were as dark as night, looked Gisela up and down. Tilda didn’t smile as she met Gisela’s gaze. Her eyes held little warmth as she approached her, and although she leaned in to offer a kiss of greeting, her actions appeared withdrawn and cold.
Was that almost a compliment? Gisela mused, but the question faded as Tilda seemed to wait for a compliment in return. “You look wonderful, Tilda. You must be ready for the baby to come.”
“It cannot come soon enough. A full night’s sleep would be wonderful.” She frowned, rubbing at her swollen stomach. There was no hiding her pregnancy because gone was the rail-thin figure Tilda once boasted.
Gisela sighed with relief as Pia stepped in, stealing Tilda’s attention. With all of the princesses reunited, it was sure to be an interesting supper.
Once the initial excitement faded, they entered the dining hall and sat down. Candles cast a warm glow on the banquet table and the scent of food wafted into the room, but the plates were empty.
Gisela twisted in her chair, idly wondering where their father was. She hadn’t seen him all day, and as far as she knew, there was no pressing meeting. He’d missed the arrival of Tilda and Mina, which didn’t bode well for the evening’s tone.
The servants came around, placing filled plates before everyone. Finally, the warm, smiling face of their father made an appearance as he entered the dining hall. “Well, look at this. All my beautiful daughters together again.” He walked to Tilda, kissed her cheek, then turned to Mina and did the same. “You’re both glowing.” He chuckled. The smile on his face thinned as Mina pouted. “What’s this for?” He motioned to the lip jutting outward.
“You’ve ruined my surprise.” Mina sighed. “I was going to announce my pregnancy over dinner, but seeing as how you did it for me . . .”
Werner’s eyes narrowed a fraction. “I only said you were glowing, my dear.”
“And everyone knows that means one is with a child, Papa!” Mina’s eyes glittered with unshed tears.
Gisela shook her head. She twisted the napkin on her lap as, unsurprisingly, Mina’s dramatics unfolded. “Congratulations, Mina.”
She growled in frustration. “It’s pointless now.”
Werner sat down at the head of the table. His hazel eyes closed as he touched his brow, as if centering himself. “A child is never a pointless thing. Forgive me for my tardiness, but there were a few things to address. I’ve missed my two eldest daughters, so tell me how you’ve been.”
As with any event, Tilda and Mina took control of the room, hardly letting anyone else speak. Pia forced her way in, only to be chastised by their father. However, when the conversation slowed and a quiet settled over the table, Jana spoke up.
“As you know, the Duke of Grimau’s son has been courting me. He proposed, after asking Papa, of course.” She paused for dramatic effect, grinning. Jana’s dimples grew more apparent. “I accepted.”
Gisela had spent nearly an hour with her sister and the sneak hadn’t even mentioned the proposal! “What?” she squeaked. “That is wonderful news! Congratulations, Jana.”
Pia, who had far too much wine with her dinner, nearly shouted her words. “It’s a pity. Everyone is marrying and getting pregnant, but who will ever want a broken thing like you, Gisela?”
The fork in Gisela’s hand clattered to her plate. A pit formed in her stomach, as if she’d been punched. It wasn’t the worst thing Pia had ever said to her, but somehow she’d known just when to say it, as if she could sense Gisela dreaming of such a day for herself. The cold remark was like icy water running down her back and whatever appetite she’d had was now gone.
Werner’s smile disappeared. The sleepy quality his eyes had taken on faded the moment Pia’s words fell from her lips. “Apologize.”
“Absolutely not,” Pia whined.
“While you sit at my table, you will do as I say, and you will apologize right now.”
Hatred swirled in her dark eyes. “I’m so sorry, Gisela.”
She wasn’t. Not in the least. Gisela wasn’t foolish enough to believe her words. While the words stung, they didn’t take her by surprise, and she was beginning to believe them, too. Who would want a wife that could pass on whatever affliction she had to their children? In Pia’s apology, she heard what her sister didn’t say. She was so sorry that she was born defected, and that she’d likely live a short, lonely life.
“It’s all right.” Gisela swallowed.
The rest of supper was quiet after that. When everyone left for their rooms, Gisela remained seated. She could feel her father’s gaze on her, and when she chanced a look in his direction, he stared back at her.
“Are you all right?” he inquired.
“Of course. Pia’s remarks aren’t anything new.” She shrugged. “Where were you before dinner? It isn’t like you to be late.”
Werner took a deep drink from his goblet. “In a meeting. Knorren, it seems, has been causing unrest near Burlitz. He’s trying to claim more land as his own.”
Gisela’s brows furrowed in confusion. “What? He already has an entire forest.”
“It doesn’t matter. Every so often this is what he does. He grows bored and angry, then he claims more territory.”
Fear crept inside of Gisela’s chest. There was nothing anyone could do to stop the beast from claiming more territory. He never left his forest but would wait for armies inside the darkness, watching them, and when they least expected it, he’d slaughter them all.
“Is there truly nothing we can do?” Gisela whispered. “Can no one bargain with Knorren?”
Werner laughed, humorlessly. “Bargain with a demon? How does one go about that and not sentence themselves to hell while doing it? No. I will not bargain with that beast. His day is coming, Gisela, and when I discover what will bring him down, Wurdiz hold me to it, I will end him.”
She shivered at her father’s cold words. Gisela had never heard him speak so menacingly before, and she believed him. She only hoped that Wurdiz would keep her father safe, instead of damning him, too.
* * *
The next morning, a chill filled the air, courtesy of the gray sky. Pink blossoms drooped sadly on their wooden limbs, and Gisela could relate. The overall mood in the castle steadily declined, especially as the council swooped in after breakfast. Papa didn’t say what his meeting was about, but something in the pit of Gisela’s stomach said it wasn’t good.
With all of her sisters occupied with preening or gossip, Gisela stalked down the hallway and stood outside the meeting room. Her father’s voice resonated in the room, making it easy for her to hear what they spoke of.
“ . . . I’ll be sending men out to sea, but the reports of the tumultuous seas aren’t promising for a successful trip. In which case, Todesfall Forest is the only way.”
“But, Majesty, the men will surely die.” It was one of the councilmen. Gisela didn’t recognize the deep tone of his voice, but that wasn’t saying much. She was never allowed to partake in the meetings.
A long pause followed, then her father spoke. “There is no other choice. Gisela’s herbs are running low, and we need to replenish them. She has been well for so long, I don’t want to see her suffer again. No, this is how it will be.”
“And what of the unrest with the villagers? Knorren wants more territory, and the surrounding towns are growing angry with the lack of action. The farmers will lose some of their land, and houses will be destroyed if he takes what he wants. More people will die, too. What of that, Your Majesty?” It was another man’s voice. He didn’t hide his discontent with the current plan of action, or rather the absence of one.
Gisela’s heart pounded furiously. Memories from her childhood were difficult to recall. The fits she had erased, or in the very least, muddled, making it hard to decipher what was a dream and what was real. She tried to remember the day the new doctor arrived, the small man with white hair and crystal eyes. What had he said? She couldn’t recall, but she knew after he arrived her fits had lessened. The herbal mixture was the only thing to tame the spells, and to know it came at such a price sickened her.
A chair groaned as someone shifted, then a fist pounded on the table.
“Do any of you have an idea as to how to overpower the demon fox? Are any of you brave enough to step into the dark woods to take him on? When we can agree on how to kill him without condemning ourselves, then you can bark at me.”
Someone scoffed. “You play a dangerous game, Your Majesty. Every time you send a party in for medicine, you risk more than just the men’s lives. When bloodshed isn’t enough anymore, he will come for the kingdom itself. I pray to Wurdiz that we are ready for that, and if we aren’t, that our deaths are swift.”
Gisela couldn’t listen anymore. She covered her mouth as she choked on a sob and ran to her room. Flopping onto her bed, she pressed her damp cheek to her pillow and wondered how many had died trying to retrieve her medicine over the years. Guilt clawed at her conscience. If Gisela had known the price, she would have refused them.
* * *
Early in the afternoon, Jana barged into the room. “I don’t know why you’re moping, but you can tell me on our way to the city market,” she announced.
“What?”
“I didn’t stutter. You’re dressed already, just grab a coat—the drizzle is cold.”
In the city, fog rolled along the cobblestone streets, lending it an eerie quality. Smoke billowed from chimneys as bakers prepared their goods and inns prepped their meals. Despite spring arriving, the city looked as cold and gray as it did in the winter, and the citizens wore scowls instead of smiles. Although, Gisela didn’t feel like smiling either, and the weather wasn’t offering any warmth.
“You’ve been silent the entire trip. What is the matter with you?” Jana fussed with the gloves on her hands.
“I’m thinking, that’s all,” Gisela replied. “I’m sorry. Tell me more about the duke’s son, since you sneakily withheld that information from me.”
Jana bit her bottom lip, at least having the decency to look a little ashamed. “I didn’t mean to. I wanted to tell you, but things needed to be finalized, and like it or not, things took a political detour.” She rolled her eyes. “Politics aside, I do truly care for him.”
Gisela smiled. She wanted Jana to be happy, because out of all of them, she deserved it. Not only because she was the only sister to show kindness to her, but because Jana was honestly a genuinely kind individual. “But do you love him?”
Jana’s pert nose twitched as she glanced in Gisela’s direction. “Not yet, but I could see myself easily falling for him. Kellan is a good man, and he makes me laugh.” Reaching across the cab, Jana squeezed Gisela’s hand. “He truly is, I promise.”
“He better be,” Gisela warned.
“Or what? You’ll flash your big blue eyes at him?” Jana winked.
Gisela wrinkled her nose. Everyone said she was far too soft, too kind, and quiet, but when her sisters were loud, brazen, and often cruel, someone had to be. She pulled her hand away, waving it. “I’d yell at him—or something.”
“I expect no less. Perhaps you can bare your fangs, too.” Jana’s expression softened, and once again she grabbed Gisela’s hand in hers. “You have someone for you, too. I think Wurdiz knows how special you are, and is taking a little longer ensuring that your match is as perfect as you are.”
Gisela shook her head. Did she doubt her sister’s words? Perhaps. She had reason to since those who discovered her affliction promptly sniffed and turned the other way. She was also the youngest daughter, with little claim to the throne.
“If not, I’ll manage.” Even Gisela didn’t believe the words that slipped from her mouth. She was broken, and because of that, she’d inadvertently killed people. The smile fell from her face, then in a blink, she broke down into tears.
“Dear heavens, Gisela, I didn’t mean . . .” Jana slid from the cushioned seat and moved next to Gisela, embracing her. “I swear it. There is someone out there for you! If I have to hunt him down myself, I’ll tear him from whatever—”
“No, it’s not that.” Gisela interrupted. “I overheard Papa . . . Jana, I’ve killed people. Not with my own hands, but I might as well have! The herbs that keep me healthy—people have died trying to get them. Not just one, but dozens!”
Jana’s face softened, but surprise didn’t filter into her gaze. “Don’t be silly, my love, it isn’t your fault. Come here.” Her arms encircled Gisela, pulling her against her side as she soothed her with a soft hum. “Your hands are clean of their deaths, Gisela. You’ve never asked for them to go.”
Suspicion grew inside of Gisela. If her sister knew, why wouldn’t Jana tell her something as important as this? Too lost amid her emotions, she wasn’t certain whether to be angry or sad with her sister.
Gisela forced her voice out, which sounded as broken as she felt. “Did they have a choice? Or did Papa force them?” She swiped at her tears, trying her best to staunch their flow. Fifteen years, that was how long she’d been taking the herbal mixture. In that time, how many had died because of her? The urge to vomit came in a violent wave, but it passed quickly.
Jana squeezed her tightly. “I can’t speak for them, or even for Papa, Gisela. But you are no murderer. Come now, I’ll tell you more of Kellan, if you’d like?”
When Gisela nodded, Jana took the cue. For the rest of the carriage ride Jana chattered about Kellan, distracting Gisela, and she found she’d like to meet him sooner rather than later.
* * *
It always surprised Gisela how loud the city was. The castle sat on a hill among the mountains and trees, so the only noise that rang out was the sounds of the wildlife or the soldiers’ training. Here, in the city, people shouted what they were selling, or in passing they’d call to someone they knew. Bustling—that was the word she’d used to describe it. Everyone moved with a purpose, having somewhere to go or something to do, but when they saw the royal carriage rolling down the street, they turned to watch, and some shouted.
Thankfully, Jana had successfully soothed Gisela, and the prospect of browsing the city’s elaborate shops tickled her. There was one in particular she wanted to visit, the first of its kind, a two-story building with several rooms of clothing.
She stood in front of the building, watching the wooden sign sway in the wind. Seamlessly Perfect was scrawled in tidy gold letters, contrasting with the navy background. The store had been an inn once, a rather large one, too, but now it housed clothing instead of people. She’d heard the noble women discuss the top floor, which was dedicated to ladies only. Tea was typically served during a fitting, and several appetizers, even desserts, were laid out for them to nibble on.
“Well, are you just going to stare at it?” Jana teased. “Come on, let’s go see what all the fuss is about.” She slid her arm through Gisela’s, then pulled her along.
They were not without their shadows. Guards followed closely as they entered the shop. A tinkling bell announced their arrival, but there was no shopkeeper in sight. Gisela tugged her sister toward a spiral staircase, where a tall vase stood on either side. Fragrant blooms nestled in the vases, greeting them.
“I wonder what they’re predicting the latest trend to be,” Gisela mused.
Jana hummed, then squeaked as she picked up her skirt and ran up the flight of stairs. “I’ll find out before you!”
Not wanting to be left behind, Gisela ran after her sister. At the top of the stairs, both of them halted as they absorbed their surroundings. Dresses hung on display around the room reminding Gisela of an armory, not a dress shop. Some were adorned in jewels, others had necklines that plunged so low they brought a blush to Gisela’s cheeks. It was a unique way of displaying them.
“Oh, these are lovely shades. Gisela, you’d look beautiful in this butter-yellow dress.” Jana stood in front of it, peering down at a pair of cream-and-gold shoes.
It was a lovely dress. Although, looking around the room, Gisela didn’t see one unsightly piece in the mix.
“You should get one for the summer festival. You’ll need one for the ceremony.” Jana walked the length of the room and turned on her heels.
Now that Gisela thought of it, she needed a gown for Heligersee, the festival of the lake. For hundreds of years it’d been a tradition in Tursch, stemming all the way back to the Gilded Prince, who fell prey to Knorren’s wrath. It was said that the prince turned his back to the plight of his people, and that as he grew richer, the people grew poorer. When the rumor of a revolution rose, the Gilded Prince allegedly summoned help in the form of a demon. Knorren. The fox turned on his summoner, devouring him whole, and fled into the forest, where he remained.
“Guten morgen, I’ll be right with you.” A stout woman walked into the room and stood behind a desk, scribbling away on a piece of paper. Wire-framed glasses precariously balanced on her nose, looking as if they’d fall at any moment.
“Can I help you?” The woman approached them, her eyes nervously pinned to Galfrid, the guard who milled around behind Gisela and Jana. A moment ticked by, then recognition flashed across her features and she gasped. “Oh, Your Highnesses, Princess Jana, Princess Gisela!” She curtsied and fussed with her gray hair, which was in wiry braids. “It’s an honor to have you in my shop. I’m Freya Strauss. What can I do for you?”
