“But–”
“Dawn.”
Now it was Clarysa’s turn to sigh. “All right.” She reached for his hand and crushed it against her chest. “I’m so glad you’re safe.”
Stellan’s hand felt hot. Clarysa was tempted to keep him near, but he needed rest. She guided him back onto the settee. It wasn’t difficult. The man was practically asleep on his feet. “You should sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Stellan stared upward. Reluctantly, it seemed, he let go of her hand. “In the morning,” he echoed.
At the door, Clarysa looked back with a wistful expression, but Stellan’s eyes were already closed. “Good night, my handsome prince,” she whispered, and shut the door.
* * * *
The next day, as promised, Stellan rose early to escort her home. Clarysa shared a heartfelt goodbye with Gretchen. Froll, Ghyslain, Hunter and the others saw them off at the gate. Clarysa made many promises to return, feeling certain her visit had opened a much-needed door between Aldebaran and the Snowflake Kingdom.
As she and Stellan rode, snow fell heavily upon them. At least the air was calm. And Gretchen had lent her a cloak to shield her. A few of Stellan’s men provided additional security at the rear, but remained at a respectful distance.
The journey was over far too soon. As they approached the Aldebaran border on the southern edge of Dungeon Forest, the sun broke into view as though a theater curtain had parted. The bright, warm air welcomed Clarysa and her escorts with amber splashed kisses.
She had hoped to spend more time alone with Stellan, but movement down the road dictated otherwise. A company of the King’s guards were riding toward them. Stellan stopped and dismounted. Clarysa did the same, albeit reluctantly.
She placed a hand on his forearm. “When will I see you again?”
Stellan merely looked at her.
She withdrew her hand, taken aback by his morose expression. “Am I that horrid? You look as if somebody just died.”
“No, of course not.”
Clarysa looked over her shoulder. The soldiers were nearing. “Then what’s wrong? You know you can visit me any time.”
“I…think not. Despite my efforts, your brother Edward loathes me. No doubt he’s poisoned the King against me.”
Clarysa scowled. “That…that can’t be true!”
Stellan regarded her solemnly. “Are you sure? Then why have I been barred from Aldebaran? Those were Edward’s parting words, apparently speaking on behalf of your father.”
Clarysa gasped. A vision sprang into her head. A vision of her hands around a certain brother’s neck. But first she had to find a way to see Stellan again–soon. “Then you should invite our family to your castle to discuss an alliance. Send an invitation and I’ll bring it to the King myself. Compose the most urgent and diplomatic message possible regarding Pestilence. I’ll have a talk with Father–a very, very long talk. Lionel will help me. We simply need to get you an audience with him. Oh, Stellan, we’ve got to try something.”
But her plea was cut ruefully short as the King’s men arrived. The lead guard saluted her and brought forth an extra steed. “Our orders are to bring you back, Princess–immediately,” he said.
Stellan gripped her shoulders. “Clarysa,” he said, holding her gaze steady with a resolute stare, “go home. You’ll be safe there. I promise.”
“But–”
His grip tightened. “It’s not meant to be. You have to accept it.”
A chill went through her. Clarysa shook her head vigorously. “I don’t have to accept anything! Why do you give up so easily? Stellan, I–wait!”
She reached for him, but before she could make contact, he had mounted Midnight and was guiding the horse around. He glanced at her a final time, stern and remote. Soon, he and his men disappeared down the road.
Just like that, he was gone from her life. Her temples throbbed as she stared hard into the distant gloom of his kingdom, trying to will him back through sheer mind force alone. Unfortunately, he never came galloping forth to sweep her away. It’s over, then. She had to face the sorry fact that their brief encounters hadn’t been enough to win his heart.
Being a princess in a golden noose, she had neither the support nor the freedom to pursue him even if he had harbored feelings for her. Oh, who are you trying to fool? Obviously he doesn’t think you’re suited to him. Her eyes watered. Stellan probably preferred women like Patrulha, strong and fierce. Clarysa was nothing like her. She was nothing but an idealistic weakling.
Ignoring the guard’s proffered hand, Clarysa dropped to the ground. Dust soaked up her tears as she refused to move from the spot for a very long time.
Chapter 16
One month later
“The answer, dear daughter, is no,” rumbled King Leopold.
Clarysa stood at the foot of his throne, waving the invitation in the air. It had arrived that morning. Luck was with her, at least she had thought, for she had intercepted Stellan’s messenger while stepping out for a morning stroll. Subsequently, she had slipped into the royal study and helped herself to the King’s seal while he held court. There she had scripted a most kingly reply. Stellan’s messenger left with it before the seal had even dried.
Excitement coursed through her blood like a river swollen with spring’s melting snow. The feeling was in sharp contrast to her mood over the last few weeks, ever since Stellan had rejected her so soundly. Clarysa had agonized endlessly over his curt farewell. Edward had refused to discuss the matter of his exclusion from Aldebaran, upon which Clarysa had unleashed a torrent of tears. The only person who’d been able to calm her was Lionel. They secretly commiserated about the separation from their friend.
As evening fell, Clarysa stood before her father, begging for his cooperation. Like a common courtier requesting an audience, she had presented the invitation with high hopes. His response shocked her, for she had felt certain, certain he would agree to at least a simple dinner affair. But
