Kingdom of the Sea, page 10
“It was from the head of the rebel army.”
At the mention of the rebels, Natalia snapped to attention. “What did they want?” she asked. Luciana tried to place the tone she heard in her mother’s voice. Could it be fear?
“They have officially declared their intentions to invade the castillo and overthrow my rule. They say I am unfit to rule Askaña and must be removed from my position. It’s ridiculous,” said Nicolas.
Natalia scoffed. “That is hardly news. They declare war on us every other week.”
This was true. Most of the time, when a rebel group declared war, the militia would swoop in quickly and end it before it even began. While this had worked in the past, Luciana wasn’t so sure this one would be crushed quite as easily. If the visits from the Barón and the shopkeeper were any indication, the threat posed by the rebels seemed to be growing.
“I cannot allow them to undermine my authority any longer!” Nicolas was clearly disturbed, his voice rising as he spoke.
“I understand. Perhaps you could just appease them? Give them tax cuts, make sure the poor have enough to eat.” Natalia took a seat and closed her eyes. “Make them feel seen?”
“And allow them to think they can push me around? I think not.”
Natalia sighed impatiently. “What do you want to do then? We cannot carry on like this forever. They’re invading our cities. Killing off members of our court. They’re weakening us.”
Nicolas paused dramatically, then said, “We will give them what they want. A war.”
His tone was so deathly serious that Luciana had to hold back a gasp. In her shock, she lost her balance and fell backwards. Daniel caught her soundlessly and held her steady as she continued to listen. Her uncle couldn’t seriously be considering killing off his own subjects. Hardworking people who just wanted to see their country flourish? The rebels were technically traitors, but so was Luciana at the moment. She hardly found it fair to judge them for wanting change. And they were right to want it. Living conditions in poor communities along their borders were terrible. Winters saw people starving or freezing to death, and the poor often had nothing to their names but the clothes on their backs.
Social reform would be the very first thing on her list to do when she became Reina.
“You can’t be serious,” Natalia laughed. “You cannot wage a war on your own country!”
“I can and I will,” Nicolas said grimly. “It is the only way to preserve both the country and my authority.”
“Just send out the militia like usual,” Natalia suggested. “Enforce a curfew and gently remind them who’s in charge.”
“What do you think I’ve been doing?” said Nicolas. “It hasn’t been working. In fact, the rioting has only gotten worse.”
“So, what are you going to do? Kill innocent people by the thousands? Murder everyone you’re supposed to be taking care of?”
“I will start with villages that are known rebel bases,” Nicolas explained. “Arrest who I can and make examples of them. Burn down the villages, execute the traitors. Until my subjects stop undermining my position as their Rey, I will do what I must.”
Luciana’s fists clenched. This was awful news. The last thing Askaña needed was more unrest. This was the worst possible decision Nicolas could make. The rebels had been using similar tactics, it was true, but they had wanted to reason with Nicolas. He’d refused to negotiate, yet here he was fighting fire with more fire.
“That is disgusting,” Natalia said, and Luciana silently agreed.
“My men have been given their orders. They will begin tomorrow morning,” Nicolas said.
“So why did you ask my opinion if you have already decided on war?”
“I do not recall asking for your opinion,” Nicolas snapped. “I simply meant to inform you of coming events.”
Natalia stood, head held high. “I have no part in ruling this country, Nicolas. As long as you persist in reminding me of that fact, I will stay out of your affairs. I’m going back to bed. Have fun with your war. I will have no part of it.”
Natalia stormed from the room, leaving Nicolas alone. He sat at his desk and slammed his hands on the rich wood in anger. Luciana watched a few minutes more, but it was clear he wasn’t going to do anything else of note. So, she gently closed the panel, and her thoughts began to swarm.
Not only was Nicolas a traitor to the crown by breaking his sacred vow of chastity, but he was a monster. He would rather kill his own citizens than listen to their grievances. Luciana’s hands trembled as she sank to sit with her back against the wall. Daniel held up the candle and looked at her as if to ask if she was okay.
Letting out a shaky breath, she gathered up the two letters and the Esmarish ring. Luciana knew what she had to do. The ball was tomorrow, and desperate times called for desperate measures. Blackmailing Nicolas was low, lower than she’d expected to stoop. But to get him off of the throne and save her people from bloodshed, it might be worth it.
10
Day 24 of Summer
Luciana gripped her bedpost with a strength that would have made even Askaña’s finest mountain climbers jealous. Alora had pulled in so much on the strings of Luciana’s corset that faint beads of sweat were beginning to appear on Alora’s forehead.
Askanese high fashion was intricate enough when it came to daily wear that Luciana’s ball gown was not much more elaborate than her usual costume, but today would be a big day for her. If everything went according to plan, she would be declared Reina by the end of the night. She wanted to look somehow more perfect than perfect when that time came.
After a few more minutes of pulling and struggling, Alora finally tied the stays, wiping her forehead in defeat. Luciana let go of the bedpost and adjusted herself, getting ready for the next layer of clothing.
“You will be the jewel of the ball once I am through,” said Alora.
Luciana smiled. “I should hope so. This could be my engagement ball, after all.”
The ball to announce Luciana’s engagement had apparently been planned months ago, yet no one had bothered to tell Luciana until Daniel arrived in Askaña. If all went according to her uncle’s plan for the evening, Daniel and Luciana would formally announce their engagement. No one, not even Alora, needed to know about their intentions to call off the marriage. Better for everyone to think she looked forward to having a ball thrown in her honor.
“I heard there is to be nobility from every kingdom in the realm in attendance tonight,” Alora said excitedly.
Luciana had heard similar rumors, although she had yet to see a formal guest list. Many noblemen were staying at a manor adjacent to the castillo, and some had added visits to friends or family to make their journeys worth it. She hoped she could remember the languages of the realm properly or that would be very embarrassing. She hadn’t asked, but she had a feeling that Daniel only spoke Askanese and Osmainian. Most people of her station didn’t take the time to learn more than one or two. And if there was truly to be nobility from every nation in attendance, Luciana could take advantage of the opportunity to start making diplomatic agreements of her own.
Luciana smiled at Alora as she pulled her gown over her head. “I hope so. I would like to say hello to everyone.”
Alora began working diligently on Luciana’s gown, fluffing out her skirts and tying everything into place. She said, “You’ve always been so adept with people and politics.”
“Why, thank you, Alora,” Luciana said, blushing slightly. It was true, of course, but Luciana was so rarely recognized for it that the compliment left her flustered.
“Do you remember several years ago when the Tatrians visited and you learned how Tatrians play marbles just to play with their young Tsarevna?” Alora asked.
Luciana nodded. She had been fifteen and Tatria’s heir, Tsarevna Azura, had been only eight. The little girl had been so shy and nervous that Luciana had stayed up all night with a book of Tatrian culture, hoping to learn something that might help the poor girl. It had worked, too. Azura and Luciana had become friends after that simple game of marbles, and Azura had been in such good spirits for the rest of the visit that her father, the Tsar, had renewed the trade agreement between their two countries.
“Even as young as you were, you were able to help our kingdom prosper,” Alora said. “Think of what you could do now at the side of a Principe.”
Luciana found she didn’t have a good rebuttal for that. Something as simple as a game of marbles had helped feed her people. Could marrying Daniel help her people just as much as if she were Reina herself? Could she do similar good from the throne of Osmain?
Luciana stopped that thought before it went too far. As much as she could help her people from Osmain, she could do much more from the throne of Askaña. Osmain seemed to be a country with very little turmoil. Their people, from what Luciana had heard, were hardworking, well-off, and liked their Imperatore… and Askaña would still be firmly under Nicolas’s thumb. Luciana had to go forward with her plan.
Alora finished getting Luciana ready in relative silence, detangling her curls, and placing a traditional Askanese crown on her head. The gold of the crown shot out from Luciana’s head like the rays of the sun. While not as large as the crowns Nicolas or Camila would be wearing, it was still exquisitely beautiful. Luciana couldn’t help but feel a surge of confidence as she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror.
Luciana thanked Alora and made her way to the ballroom, stopping briefly by the music room so she could grab the first letter from Nicolas’s daughter. She tucked it into her corset. Who knew when she might need it?
The party was in full swing by the time Luciana arrived. Scanning the crowd, she saw no sign of Daniel. This was good. It meant things were going according to plan. He would be absent for much of the evening, and then when he arrived he would regretfully inform Nicolas that he would not be marrying Luciana. Then Luciana could put into action the second part of her scheme.
Also absent from the party were Camila and Esmeralda. Luciana wondered if they were together. Besides that, it seemed that Alora was right. Scanning the crowded ballroom, Luciana was able to pick out guests wearing the signature colors of each nation. The Esmarish wore their blue and silver, the Tatrians white and gold. Not in attendance, it seemed, was Tsarevna Azura. Luciana’s heart sank a bit, as she’d hoped to catch up with her after so many years.
Luciana’s name was announced and many of her guests turned to face her, some even curtsying or bowing. Luciana smiled her brightest smile and descended the stairs to the dance floor.
As she eyed her guests, Luciana couldn’t help but linger on the Esmarish guests. Perhaps one of the women in attendance tonight was her long-lost cousin. If so, that could ruin everything. Luciana hoped with every fiber of her being that Nicolas’s daughter had been paid off so well that she would never show her face in Askaña again.
One Esmarish guest in particular stood out to her, as he spoke with Nicolas on the other side of the room. The Duc de Étoiles was a long-time friend of her uncle’s. The Duc and Nicolas had met long before she was born, and given that the man lived so far away, Luciana could count on one hand the number of times she’d seen him over the years.
The Duc met Luciana’s eyes from across the room and his cold, penetrating gaze sent shivers down her spine. She couldn’t quite place why, but he’d always made her feel uneasy. Perhaps it was his tall stature. Or maybe it was the perpetual scowl on his face. But something about men like that always reminded Luciana to watch her back.
Luciana felt a tap on her shoulder. She reflexively turned around, startled, to see Prince Wes of Randera. Luciana and Wes had always gotten along, as they were exactly the same age, but Luciana had not seen him in three years, since the last time the Randerans had visited Askaña.
Wes was a tall, athletic man. He had beautiful skin even darker than Luciana’s and muscles so defined that women swooned at the very sight of him. While he had something of a reputation as a flirt, Luciana had always found him to be very engaging in conversation, even if she had to speak Randeran to communicate with him.
“Wes!” Luciana exclaimed.
“Good evening, Your Highness,” he said, kissing Luciana’s hand. “You look lovely this evening.”
Luciana smiled. “Why, thank you. If I had known you were coming I would have arrived at the ball much sooner. How is Randera?”
“Evergreen, as usual,” said Wes. Randera was full of lush forests, and as long as the trees were green, it usually meant a good harvest on the farmlands as well. Randerans had fertile soil that was good for growing many different types of fruits and vegetables, and they exported their commodities throughout the realm.
“I’m glad to hear it,” said Luciana.
“And how is Askaña faring?”
“Same as always,” Luciana said with a smile. What else could she say? Actually, Wes, our people hate us, and my uncle is waging a war on them to keep them in line.
“I’ve heard rumors,” Wes said, raising an eyebrow.
“About what?” Luciana asked. She hoped he hadn’t heard of the rebellion. Nicolas would have done his best to keep any sign of cracks well contained.
“Is it true you’re to marry the Principe of Osmain?” Wes asked. Luciana let out a breath, relieved at hearing a question she was prepared to answer tonight.
Luciana shrugged. “That is up to the Principe, I’d imagine. He has yet to officially ask for my hand.” It was strange to refer to Daniel by his official title. When had she stopped calling him the Principe to herself?
Wes shook his head. “Only a fool would throw away a match with you.”
“Really?” Luciana laughed.
“Of course,” Wes said, smiling flirtatiously. It had never bothered Luciana that Wes liked to tease her. She knew it was all only in good fun.
“Why haven’t you offered to marry me, then?” Luciana asked, half-kidding and half-curious.
“I don’t think I’m quite ready for marriage,” Wes said.
“And I am?” Luciana laughed.
Wes looked into her eyes, searching her gaze. Luciana shivered as he said, “I believe you might be. You’ve always been more mature of the two of us. Besides, as long as my father sits on his throne, I’m in no hurry.”
“There’s truly no one who’s caught your eye?”
“Oh, plenty of women have caught my eye,” Wes said. “But when I meet the woman who will become my wife, I think I’ll know.”
Luciana laughed. “You think it will be that easy?”
Wes shrugged. “Why not?”
“Because,” Luciana said seriously, “I don’t think love is ever simple.”
“Perhaps you’re right. Maybe I’ll be a bachelor forever.” Wes held out his hand to Luciana. “Care to dance?”
Luciana took his hand, and he led her to the floor. The band played an upbeat tune, and Wes gently led Luciana through the dance, her feet moving to the rise and fall of the beat. Candlelight swirled around Luciana as she stepped through her dance, painting her world in shades of red and gold. She was vaguely aware of eyes following her as her shadow crossed the floor, but she didn’t care. And as the song played on, Luciana let herself forget for a single splendid moment everything to do with her uncle, his daughter, and the approaching rebellion.
Too soon, the music made its final crescendo and Luciana twirled on the floor, ending the dance in Wes’s arms as he dipped her low.
Luciana couldn’t help but beam. “Thank you for the dance,” she said.
“You are the loveliest dancer in the whole realm,” Wes said, kissing Luciana’s hand.
Luciana went to thank Wes, but before she could, she heard a voice behind her. “May I have a dance, Your Highness?” Luciana cringed.
Daniel.
Daniel had meant to stick to the plan. Truly, he had. All evening, he had forced himself to stay away from the ball, hiding in his room. He kept staring at the clock, hoping that it would move far enough into the evening that he could finally go downstairs.
He’d thought about just going to the ball anyway and trying to avoid her, but he knew that if he saw Luciana, he would not be able to stay silent. So, he’d obeyed her instructions and sat in silence, trying in vain to write anything in his journal.
Except that every time he’d picked up his quill, he’d pictured her. This wasn’t exactly new. She seemed to permeate most of his thoughts these days. Still, it disturbed him that every time that his quill touched paper, he’d write a few sentences, then realize with a start that he had been describing Luciana. He’d somehow managed to write an entire paragraph about just the blue of her eyes without realizing he’d done it.
So, he’d been forced to set down his journal and stare out the window at all of the guests arriving. The only kingdom without anyone in attendance was Osmain, but Daniel presumed that he was to be the representative.
This ball was truly a cruel twist of fate. In fact, the whole engagement had been cruel. There weren’t many women out there like Luciana. Every time he tried to think about letting her go, his chest got tight, and he couldn’t pull himself back to focus.
Daniel knew enough about romance to know that Luciana was not his only option. He believed in true love, sure, but he also believed that love was what you made it. Despite the fact that he’d thought about it, he’d never dared to make any sort of advance toward Luciana. It seemed like a waste of time to do so when she would never return his affections. He needed to focus his attention to other options. There would be a lovely woman waiting for him in Osmain, he was sure.
One day, he’d look back on everything that had happened in Askaña and laugh. But today was not that day.
For now, Daniel could not stop thinking about the fact that tonight he would be actively setting Luciana free, right as he’d gotten to know her. He didn’t know what was happening to him. He couldn’t figure out if he was disappointed because she was beautiful or because some small, secret part of him hoped that the arranged marriage would have worked out. It would have been easy—too easy—for Luciana to have been his perfect match.
