Loving War : The Eighth Son, page 15
“No, but I would like you to think of my happiness again like you used to, but I suppose since I no longer serve a purpose, what good am I? And as for that doctor, you know why he left.”
“Do I?”
“He is her father, but he chose her safety over his happiness. Like a father should,” Catarina replied.
“Shut your bloody mouth,” Ignatius hissed. “I will cut out your tongue if you speak of it again.”
Catarina shook her head, “You know it’s true.”
“Of course, I know it’s true. Do you think I am a damn imbecile? No one else can hear of it until she has given Prince Charlie an heir.”
“That’s why you did it,” Catarina gasped.
Ignatius sighed but did not confirm her words.
“Of course. You are afraid it will come to light, and then you will have no one to carry this kingdom on. What were the terms, Father?”
Ignatius hesitated a moment before replying, “Their firstborn son will be the ruler of Ignatius Kingdom; when he comes of age, Charles McClen will turn the throne over to him.”
“What of Ivoca? Who will rule there while Charlie is here?”
“Octavian is young; he will still be King for many years. I, on the other hand, am not so young anymore. If I have Charlie under my thumb, he can pass all the knowledge on to our prince.”
“If there is a prince. I suppose you left out the part of the flaw that plagues the women in this family,” Catarina said.
Ignatius poured himself a drink, took a sip, and said, “Meredith will be different.”
“And why is that?”
He shrugged. “She has to be.”
“That is some severe pressure to put on Meredith. I know, and what if McClen does find out the truth about her parentage after they wed? What then?”
“None of that will happen,” he shouted.
“You might be the King, Father, but you certainly are not God. Perhaps you need to remember that,” Catarina snapped; she turned on her heels and left the room.
Ignatius watched her go over the rim of his glass, ignoring the unsettling feelings his daughter’s words stirred to life. He knew the McClen children had returned home from Malan some weeks ago. He was ready to make the treaty official to ensure his kingdom would prosper.
“Your Grace,” a messenger, dripping in snow, entered the room.
Ignatius turned, looking at the man mid-drink.
“I have new intel; you will want to hear this.” the messenger said.
Octavian stood in the garden, watching as the children ran and played.
The ship arrived a month ago, and the children, with some reluctance, returned to their routines with Eloise’s help.
Gwen had remained with the Queen, and Tavian did his best to keep his affection for Ursula behind closed doors.
However, in the last week, Octavian noticed a growing tension between Alexander and Charlie, and it all started after he sat the children down and told them that Alexander was their half-brother. Tavia and Charlie were the only two who seemed to understand what that meant.
Josie was often off in her mind, and Danny was far too young to understand.
Then, that evening, when Ursula appeared at the King’s side, dinner exploded into a family shouting match between the twins, Mary and the King.; something Tavian wanted to avoid in the future. Tavia had not spoken to him in over a week, and Charlie was less than agreeable.
Tavian tilted his head toward the familiar and calming sound of sword metal clanging together. He turned from the garden and walked toward the training circle.
“Again, Charlie, again. You are letting him beat you,” Cliff, Charlie’s tutor and instructor, hollered.
Tavian stood off to the side out of sight as he observed his sons fight. Alexander moved exactly as Tavian did, with an ease and elegance that even the King lacked; Tavian stood and admired his thirteen-year-old.
Charlie was good and had talent with the sword, but Alexander exceeded him by far.
“Yes, I know he is beating me!” Charlie screamed and threw his practice sword across the circle.
He glared at Alexander before stomping off.
Tavian scowled at his son’s behavior and then walked over to Cliff.
“Let him be,” the King said.
Cliff bowed and then replied, “Yes, Your Grace.”
Cliff eyed the King, hesitating to walk away.
“Yes?” Tavian asked, sensing the man had words he wished to speak.
“May I speak plainly, Your Grace?”
“By all means.”
“I have noticed a tension between the two young men, our prince and his.” Cliff paused.
Tavian raised his brows, “Bastard, brother?”
Cliff cleared his throat and nodded. “Between the two young men, yes.”
Tavian sighed and looked over at Alexander, who was drinking from a pitcher of water, letting it spill from the sides of his mouth, running down his chest to cool him off.
Charlie was nowhere in sight.
“Yes. I suppose I should address the situation,” the King replied.
“I agree, Your Grace,” Cliff bowed.
“Thank you,” Tavian said.
Alexander walked across the circle, looking at the King.
“I am sorry, Your Grace,” Alexander said as he walked across the circle, putting his sword away.
“You have nothing to be sorry about,” Octavian replied.
“I make the prince feel less about himself. I do not mean to.”
“Alexander, you are very gifted; do not downplay for anyone.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
Octavian chuckled. “What did I say about that?”
Alexander looked down, and a smile tugged at his lips. It had been two months since he learned the truth, but breaking the habit was still hard.
“Sorry, Father. It is still-”
“I know.” Octavian smiled, “It will come in time.”
The King looked up when he noticed Charlie peeking around the tree.
“Charlie, come here, son.”
Reluctantly, the young prince walked over to his father, his head down, shame washing over him from his behavior.
“I am sorry, father,” he said as he approached the King.
“Sorry?” Octavian scowled, “For what?”
“I am less than Alexander, and yet I am to be king.”
Tavian placed his hand on Charlie’s shoulder, then his other on Alexander. “You are both my sons. Both inherited skills that will serve you for the destiny you were born to uphold.”
Both McClen boys looked at their father as he spoke, his words sinking deep inside them; he wasn’t just their father, but a King and one that the Kingdom of Ivoca adored.
“Yes, Alexander is indeed skilled at the sword, much more than you, Charlie, but you have a sharp mind and can think on command.”
Tavian stepped back and shook his head, “Look at you two. What a dynamic duo. You two.” Tavian sighed, tilting his head, “I couldn’t be more proud or blessed to have such sons.”
The young men looked at one another and then back at their father as he continued to speak.
“Charlie, you will be a great king, far greater than me. Alexander will be your right hand, always with you. He is protecting you. Protecting your kingdom. You two are lucky to have each other.”
“I would much rather be a warrior than a duke,” Alexander said, smiling at Charlie.
“You can be both,” Charlie said.
“How?”
“I will be king.” Charlie shrugged.
Tavian chuckled as he turned and walked with his sons, passing by the garden as the girls played with Danny, with Eloise standing by.
Josie ran across the garden. “Daddy!”
Tavian turned and scooped her up.
“Daddy,” she whispered, wrapping her tiny arms around his neck.”
“Hi, sweetheart.” Tavian kissed the girl’s cheek as he cradled her.
“Daddy,” Josie said, looking him in the eyes, “be careful. It will be scary, but you will be okay, but you will cry, Daddy.”
Tavian wrinkled his brow. “I will cry?”
Josie shook her head and then looked down at Alexander. “You are my brother,” she stated.
“Yes, sweetheart, he is,” Tavian replied.
Josie nodded, “Daddy, put me down.”
Tavian did as she asked, and he stood watching her interact with Alexander.
“You both will always love me. I am lucky to have you,” she whispered, grabbing Alexander and Charlie’s hands.
“Of course we will,” Charlie replied.
Alexander smiled at her. “We are lucky to have you, Josie.”
Josie smiled and whispered to Alexander, “You and I will be great. I cannot say anymore, not yet,” she whispered, then ran away giggling.
Tavian watched her go and was in awe; it was hard for him not to press her for more information, especially as of late. The things she shared with him suggested that her sight was growing strong.
Tavian glanced at Alexander and Charlie.
Charlie shook his head, chuckling as he walked away. “She is gifted.”
“Is she a sight seeker?” Alexander finally asked.
Tavian nodded, “I think so.”
“No, she is.” Alexander replied, “I can feel it.”
“Feel it?” Tavian asked.
Alexander looked at his father. “It is hard to explain, but it’s like how I am with the sword; I can feel the next move coming from my opponent before it happens.”
Tavian lifted his brow, “That is-”
“Your Grace!” A messenger rode up on a horse, screaming.
He slowed the horse and jumped down. “Your Grace, I was told this was urgent.”
Tavian snatched the message as the boy bent over, gasping for air.
Tavian scanned the message, his heart pounding in his chest.
“Stay here with your siblings,” he said to Alexander before he ran to the castle, shouting for Judd.
“Call a meeting now! Now!” he screamed, running up the stairs and taking them two at a time.
He burst through Ursula’s room, only to find it empty. He ran down the stairs, heading for the sunroom.
His mother, Ursula, and Regina all sat taking tea.
“Mother!” Octavian shouted, making all three women jump.
Mary stood, knocking her tea over. “What?”
“Get to the meeting room this instant,” he snarled.
He turned on his heel and ran to the meeting hall as the other men began filing in. He paced, looking out the window into the garden. The children were laughing and running around. Eloise chased after Danny as Tayla and Octavia sat, drawing. Alexander and Josie walked together, talking. All content in the world their father or King has created.
“What is it, Your Grace?” Baron asked, taking his seat.
Tavian slapped the paper on the table. “War is here.”
One Love
Octavian gazed at all the men sitting around the meeting table, who stared back, their jaws dropping.
“War?” Mary asked in confusion.
“Laramire is on his way; by the time we ride out, his ships will have most likely landed on shore, far too close to Ivoca.”
“Send word to Ignatius at once,” Baron shot up from his seat, shouting.
“It will be too late,” Tavian whispered, putting his head down.
“No,” Mary stood up, “he will arrive in time.
Tavian lifted his head and said, his voice was low. “We can win this; it is just a battle I had hoped to avoid. Ready all your men. We ride out at dawn.”
Every member scrambled from the room, leaving Mary and Daniel alone with their King.
“We have been foolish,” Daniel scoffed.
“How would we know he would take it so personally?” Mary said.
Tavian walked to the window and stared out at his children. “There is no way that the dispatch with the news of the betrothal break got to Laramire in time for him to be this close already. Why is he coming?”
Daniel shook his head, “He had to have known. A spy somewhere?”
Tavian sighed.
“Be ready to leave when I send word.” he told his mother, “When it comes, get all the children to the boat and sail to Loche.”
When Mary did not respond, he turned and looked at her, “I mean it, Mother, get them out of here. This war will be too close to home. The first thing they will do is come for Charlie.”
“Or Alexander,” Daniel added.
“He’s a bastard; no one will care about him,” Tavian sighed, thankful for that fact.
“Your Grace, the rumors swirl now more than ever,” Daniel said.
“Rumors?” he asked.
“Well, it has been almost five months since Ursula arrived, and many people expect you to divorce the Queen and replace her with Ursula, making Alexander legitimate.”
Tavian did not speak as he continued to watch his children.
“Your Grace,” Daniel began.
“He is not wrong,” Mary said, staring at Tavian. “Alexander is considered a threat. He will come with us.”
“Of course he will,” Tavian snapped. “As soon as I send word.”
Tavian exited the room and found Ursula standing in the entryway.
“Tavian?” she whispered, his face telling her what she already knew.
“You might be sailing in a few hours,” he informed her.
He tried to hide the worry that thundered inside of him. He was afraid for the first time since Ambrose came to the castle fourteen years ago.
“No,” she said, “I won’t run.”
“Yes, Ursula, you will,” he snapped, grabbing her arm.
“Octavian?” she said, looking at him in shock.
He walked up the stairs, dragging her with him. He opened his bedroom door and threw her in. She stumbled but regained her footing before falling entirely to the ground.
“What on earth?” she gasped, looking at him in shock.
Her face was full of confusion as he stared at her.
“What have I done?” she whispered.
“You will do as I say.”
Tavian began stripping his clothes off, staring at her.
“Take your damn clothes off,” he commanded.
Ursula swallowed and did as he said.
Once she was naked, Tavian walked to her, cupping her breast and capturing her mouth with his.
“Oh, Tavian,” she moaned, “you drive me wild.”
He pulled away, sliding his other hand behind her head, and yanked her hair back, “I can say the same about you.”
She smiled at him as she ran her hands down his chest until her fingers wrapped around him, moving over him. He closed his eyes and moaned.
“Ursula,” he moaned and then grabbed her shoulders, turning her around.
He pushed her forward so her stomach was flat on the bed. Tavian grabbed her hips, lifting her, and, without warning, entered her body.
Ursula gasped as the friction tore at her delicate skin.
Tavian threw his head back and moaned as her tight skin gripped around him, each thrust driving him mad. Soon, her body adjusted, and he slid into her with ease, and Ursula’s moans echoed his.
“Tavian,” she cried out as her body melted away, and she fell against the bed, unable to support herself.
Tavian gripped her hips tighter as he moved faster and harder inside her. He pulled his body from hers and flipped her onto her back.
Ursula whimpered as her body came back to reality at the precise moment Tavian entered her, making her scream out in pleasure.
He moved his hips with hers, again and again, his body climbing higher. He was so close to losing himself in her. He grabbed her leg, his fingers digging into her flesh, and hoisted her ankle on his shoulder, and that was his undoing. He closed his eyes as his body released, and he shuddered, spilling inside her. He fell off her, laying on his back, his eyes closed and breathing heavily.
Ursula inhaled and let out a loud sigh of satisfaction. “Octavian.” She rolled onto her side, smiling at him.
Tavian turned his head to look at her.
“That was amazing,” she murmured, grinning at him.
Tavian smiled, “I wasn’t too rough?”
“No,” she leaned forward and kissed him, “I know I will remember this for the rest of my life.”
Tavian nodded and swallowed; he had to talk with her about their situation, though he had no idea what it was.
“Ursula, you know Charlotte will come home.”
Ursula sat up and climbed off the bed; she walked to her clothes and began dressing.
“Ursula,” Tavian said, sitting up.
“I heard you,” she replied, an edge to her tone.
“Did you?” he asked, watching her. “Charlotte is the Queen.”
“Tavian?” Ursula snapped, staring at him.
Tavian sighed and stood up, walking to her. She admired his naked body as he approached her. Tavian placed his hands on her shoulders.
“Sula, I am sorry if I have led you to believe anything different.”
Ursula tipped her chin up and smiled, “I will be fine. As long as Alexander and I can stay here, I will be fine.”
Tavian nodded, “I suppose that can be arranged.”
“Will you still come to me?” she whispered.
“Sula,” he groaned.
She looked up at him, tears swimming in her eyes. She smiled and nodded, “Never mind any of that right now. When do you ride out?”
He tilted his head, “How do you know we are riding out?”
She grinned and leaned into him, “I am smarter than you think.”
Tavian nodded, a smile crossing his face, melting any anger she felt towards him.
Tavian ran his thumb over her cheek, “I know you are smart, Ursula. I know you are more than beauty. I have always known that.”
Ursula blushed and looked down, “Thank you.”
Tavian chuckled, “You are blushing.”
She looked up and shook her head, “Why is that funny?”
He shrugged, “I didn’t think anything made you blush.”
“It does take a lot, but with you,” she placed her hands on his cheeks, “you, My King, are my weakness. I have no resolve around you.”
