Shadows on Snow: A Flipped Fairy Tale (Flipped Fairy Tales) (20 page)

“He was probably watching you for a very long time after we fled,” Clarice said, her voice breathy. “I couldn’t risk you coming to harm, and your father would have likely made a pact with that devil if he knew where we were. I’m so sorry, Ormond. I wanted to tell you, but I couldn’t put my sisters in danger out of selfishness. Will you forgive me?”

He kissed her softly. “If this plan involves you becoming my wife at last, Clarice, there’s nothing to forgive.”

With a sudden pang of worry, my thoughts turned to Leo. He would be extremely upset with me for sneaking away, but there wasn’t time to tell him. I’d waited as long as I could, but between General Turgis’s planning meetings and reacquainting himself with his men, I had to leave before I could say goodbye.

Farah nudged me, startling me from my distracted thoughts. “What?”

She gave me an exasperated look. “The scrolls, Rae. For King Dornan.”

A bit begrudgingly, I released my bowstring and held it and the arrow with one hand, reaching into my cloak with the other. One by one, I removed the rolled parchments from my inside pocket and handed them to Clarice. She studied them, anxiety slightly furrowing her brow.

“We all decided,” Farah said. “This is what’s best for all.”

With a small nod, she turned back to Ormond. “These two,” she said, handing the brown-handled scrolls to him. “These are from my elder sisters, Adelaide and Belinda. Both bear the impression of the Seal of Bern, which your father can verify easily on his own. These are letters of abdication, passing the right of rule to me.”

He took the scrolls from her. “And the other?”

Clarice stepped up to him, the gold-handled scroll pressed between them. “A contract. In exchange for turning the army away from Sericea and advancing on Bern should they resist our return, you will become my king after I’m crowned queen of Bern. Your father wins you a throne, and there will be peace between three nations.”

Overcome with joy, Ormond embraced her again. “I’ll see it done immediately. Moran’s army will withdraw by week’s end, I promise you.”

She blushed and drew back a little. “Belinda will send birds daily, to keep us in contact. If one doesn’t come, Delphine will find you in the smoke, so watch closely.” Her happiness faded a little. “I cannot stay now, as I must see the matter of that man taken care of. Be mindful not to use his name, for he will hear it now if you do.”

“Are you certain you won’t come with me?” he asked. “We could march on Bern together, let them see you with their own eyes.”

She set a hand against his cheek. “They’ll see me soon enough, but not until
he
is gone. Don’t be too hasty to move on the army of Bern. Soon, those men will be yours to command. Be mindful of their opinion of you. Be safe, and if you must fight, do so with honor.”

“So many years I’ve been without you,” he whispered, leaning his forehead against hers. “I’m not ready to let you go yet.”

“The sooner I leave, the sooner I can return to you for good,” she said. “It’s a long ride and I must get back tonight.” She lifted up on her toes and pressed her lips to his. “I will see you soon,” she whispered before pulling away from him to return to my side.

“Guard her with your life,” Ormond said as we turned to go.

I left him with a grin over my shoulder. “I always do, Highness. Take care that you give her no cause to grieve.”

Clarice’s steps were slow as she continued to look back at him, but I hurried her along as best I could. When we finally reached our horses, Clarice sighed happily. “He loves me still.”

I chuckled as I untied Cora’s reins and set a foot in a stirrup to mount her. “Of course he does. It would be impossible not to love you, Clarice. After all, princesses of Bern are as charming as they come.”

Farah laughed. “Charming? I thought we leaned more to the eccentric side of royalty myself.”

“Precisely,” I said, urging Cora forward. “And once those eccentricities are seen for the true wonders they are, how would anyone settle for less?”

“Is that what Leo told you?” Farah said, trotting up beside me. “I suppose that explains a good deal then.”

Face heating, I gaped at her. “He said no such thing!”

Clarice joined us, giggling. “Don’t tease her Farah. You mustn’t upset our bodyguard.”

“I second that,” I said, nodding.

“After all,” Clarice added. “She can’t keep an arrow steady if she’s busy thinking of his smile.”

“Oh, spirits take the both of you,” I huffed. “I keep my head just fine, Prince Leopold’s smile notwithstanding.”

I ignored their giggles as I pulled ahead, more than ready to have my family back together again in one place.

As the sun disappeared over the horizon, we crested the hilltop overlooking the Sericean army encampment. I was tired, but more relieved to see that everything looked the same as I left it the day before. Soldiers still idled about as we rode through camp, some watching our progress with interest, but none concerned enough to question us. Belinda met us outside our tent, looking cheerful, but curious.

“Did it go as planned?” she asked, taking Cora’s reins from me while I dismounted.

“There was a bit more physical contact than I was expecting,” I said with a chuckle. “But, yes, so far, everything is as we hoped.”

“Physical contact?” Belinda asked. “Were you attacked?”

Farah laughed as her feet hit the ground. “The only attacking done was between the lips of Clarice and Ormond. It was quite the show.”

“Attacking?” Clarice said, indignant. “Honestly, it wasn’t so much as all that.”

“Regardless,” I said. “He has no problem with the arrangement. All that’s left is Dornan’s approval.” I reached for Cora’s reins, but Belinda shooed me away.

“I’ll take her. These two can help me. You’ve had enough of caring for horses for a while, I should think.”

“Caring for horses never bothered me,” I said, puzzled at her behavior. “There’s no need for you to—”

She clicked her tongue at me and brushed aside my second attempt to take the reins. “Nonsense. I always enjoy Cora’s conversation, and I’m interested to hear her thoughts on her visit to Moran. Go on then. I’m sure you’re tired anyway. Adelaide and Erata should be back with dinner shortly.”

Confused about her insistence I not see to my own horse, I watched the three of them go, leading the animals away for grooming and feeding. A throat cleared behind me and I turned to see Delphine at the tent entrance, waiting patiently.

I frowned at her. “Have I missed something?”

She scrunched her nose at me, searching for some sort of phrasing or explanation. “You... uh, someone would like a few words with you.”

“What?”

“He’s very unhappy with you, Rae.”

Exasperated, I stalked past her and into the tent, coming face to face with a very flustered Prince Leopold. Before I could speak, his arms wrapped around me, pressing me to his chest. The shock of it paralyzed me, rendering me speechless as well.

“Promise me you won’t leave without telling me again,” he said against the top of my head.

I found my words, very uncomfortable with him so close. Wriggling free, I put my hand out to keep him from advancing again. “Without telling you? Did I need your permission, Highness?”

He frowned. “That isn’t what—”

“Not what you meant?” I said, crossing my arms. “Perhaps if I’d been asked to attend any of your meetings or little tours around camp you’d have a better idea of what I’ve been doing. As it is, I’ve barely seen you the last few days, and it seemed not to bother you overmuch then, so what should it matter if I was here or elsewhere?”

“But you didn’t even—”

“Say goodbye?” I interrupted again. “I did try. You were too busy, and I couldn’t wait around until your menfolk decided I could have an audience with His Majesty.”

His frown deepened to a scowl. “Why are you angry with me? What’ve I done?”

I waved it off. “Nothing. You’ve done nothing. And that’s precisely the problem. Not only you, but every other man in this place. They sit around doing nothing while talking about how something should be done. Well, while you were all talking, my sisters and I were doing. Pending King Dornan’s endorsement, the Moran army will be headed to their border with Bern in a few days’ time, leaving Sericea to withdraw without threat.”

“How…” He stared at me, shocked. “How was this accomplished?”

“Wars are better won with love than bloodshed, Highness. We are currently three scrolls away from peace and stability in three kingdoms.”

Prince Leopold took a step toward me. “And what was the price you and your sisters paid for this peace?”

“A marriage,” I said.

Before me now, he lifted my chin, his gaze strained through worried brows. “Who’s marriage?”

I blinked up at him, realizing what he was truly asking. I shook my head and retreated. “Certainly not mine. Don’t be ridiculous. Dornan wants a crown for Ormond, and the youngest of seven daughters would gain him nothing. I’m hardly of value.”

Grabbing my hands, he pulled me close again, insistent this time. “You’re of great value, Raelynn. Never think otherwise.”

I stared up at him, struggling to hold on to my irritation at being discounted by every man in this camp, but the warmth of his touch chipped away at my resolve.

“To which of your sisters do I owe the debt?”

“Clarice,” I said, my words gentler. “But there’s no debt to be paid, Highness. She’s loved Ormond for years.” I swallowed, trying to remember how to move my tongue to form words. “Adelaide and Belinda have abdicated, and King Dornan will see the wisdom in the easier path to a crown than war with Sericea.”

“It’s Leo, please,” he said, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “And you’re wrong. I do owe a debt. Remind me to thank Ormond when next I see him.”

“For what?”

His head tilted to one side, and he smiled softly, his gaze locked with mine as he leaned in to me. “For falling in love with a different Bernish princess.”

“Raelynn, we’ve brought— Oh!”
 

The sudden entrance of Adelaide and Erata startled me and I jumped back, tripping over a rolled up blanket. I scrambled back to my feet, putting as much distance between myself and Prince Leopold as I could without backing through a tent wall.

“We’ve brought dinner,” Adelaide said as Erata fought back a laugh. “But if you’re busy…”

“Not in the least,” I said, taking the tray of stew-filled bowls from her hands. “His Highness was just leaving. I’m starved.”

“I was?” he asked as he crossed his arms in front of his chest.

“You were,” I answered, carrying the tray to the small table at the back. “I’m sure you’ve at least ten more meetings this evening that I’m not invited to.”

He scrubbed a hand across his mouth. “It’s only one meeting with General Turgis, and of course you’re invited, as are your sisters. Especially now.”

I picked up one of the bowls and stirred the spoon around in the contents. “Now that we’ve averted the war for you, you mean.”

Turning to my sisters, he tossed his hands in the air, helpless. “It appears I’m done here.” He stalked towards the exit, pushing open the tent flap. “Do enjoy your dinner, ladies.”

Ignoring the looks from Adelaide and Erata, I dug into the stew, pouring my full focus into every bite I took.

Erata sat down across from me with a chuckle. “You’re lucky he’s patient, Rae. I have to tolerate your obstinance because we’re related. He does it by choice. I hope you appreciate that.”

“I’d appreciate it if everyone left me alone,” I grumbled into my food.

“Best let it go,” Adelaide said as she handed Erata a bowl, then sat with her own. “We each walk our own path in our own time. Rae will find hers when she’s ready for it.”

Erata stuffed a spoonful of soup in her mouth and grinned. “Yes, well, I hope for her sake the path still wants to be walked by the time she finally pulls her boots up.”

With a tired sigh, I gave up arguing. Sometimes it was better to say nothing at all than argue with my sisters.

I awoke only a few hours after laying down to sleep, an uneasy restlessness stirring in my bones. My sisters slumbered around me with content, peaceful expressions. Not wishing to wake them, I tiptoed to our pile of heavy cloaks and pulled one around myself, not putting on my boots until I was clear of the tent. I hoped the night air might clear my head and allow me to sleep once more, but the further from the tent I went, the more purposeful my steps. Something pulled me onwards.

Two soldiers stood guard outside the tent used for planning, neither stopping me nor greeting me as I reached for the flap. The voice of General Turgis reached me outside, though I couldn’t tell who he spoke to.

“It’s a matter of mobilization, Highness,” he said as I pulled back the canvas and peered inside. “Moving a force this size any amount of distance takes time. Even for a handful of men it would take three days of hard riding to reach the palace.”

“I understand,” Prince Leopold said. He looked up when I entered, greeting me with a nod. “But if we move immediately, we may be able to stop him before the coronation day. At least if the army is moving, that will cast some doubt on him. Then, send out riders. Spread the word I live and that I’m here with our troops. Let the people know what’s happened and they will surely rise up with us. With the Moran army going elsewhere—”

“We don’t know they are yet, Highness,” the general interrupted. “There’s no sign of—”

“There will be,” I said. “King Dornan may be ambitious and a touch greedy, but he’s not foolish. Wars are expensive, and it takes money to hold on to won land. And now that Ormond knows my sisters and I are here, at the very least they will keep their distance.”

“You seem quite sure of this,” the general said.

I scanned the table, looking over the maps and figurines. “I am.” Running my fingers along the edge of the map of Sericea’s northern territories, I stopped when I came to our position in it. The figurines were not as they should be. “Some are missing from the number gathered here three days ago,” I said. “Each horse is a single unit?”

The general nodded.

“Two are missing,” I said, searching the map. I located the horses further south, a few hours’ ride from the palace. “What are they doing there?”