The man dipped his head in agreement. “If a little bloodshed is what it takes to save my kingdom from being tainted by that woman's influence, then so be it. A woman training among the men, commanding the kingdom's armies... she'll be the ruin of us all, if no one teaches her her place.” He clapped a hand on Stefan's shoulder. “But with you as a husband, she'll soon learn to keep her mouth shut.”
With a low chuckle, he walked off, vanishing into the shadows.
Stefan turned to look at the castle, his eyes seeking out the princess' window. He smirked.
“Oh, she'll learn, alright, and I'll enjoy every minute of it.”
Chapter Eight
The morning sun spilled through the window, refracting in the crystal octagon that Josselyn's mother had once hung over her daughter's bassinet. Now it dangled in front of the large, eastward facing window, making rainbows dance across the room. It was Josselyn's favorite part of the day.
This morning, however, even her mother's rainbows failed to brighten her spirits. Lying prone in her bed, she stared up at the ceiling, wishing the day was ending, rather than just beginning.
A light knock at the door interrupted her brooding thoughts, and she pushed herself into a sitting position. “Come in!”
Her lady's maid, Jane, bustled into the room carrying a large pitcher of warm water, with a soft, white towel draped over her arm. She stopped in surprise when she saw Josselyn still in bed.
“Oh! Your Highness, I'm so sorry. I didn't think you'd still be abed.” She glanced back at the door. “Should I come back at a later time?”
“No, you're fine, Jane. I've been awake for awhile. I just hadn't found the motivation to move.” Sliding her feet off the bed, Josselyn sat up and stretched her arms above her head, while Jane poured water into the porcelain basin that sat on a small table near the window and neatly folded the towel beside it.
“But, Your Highness, today is your birthday. Isn't that motivation enough?”
Not when it comes with the expectation that I choose a husband.
“You're right, of course, Jane. I'm just a bit tired this morning, is all.”
“Would you like your breakfast sent up, then?”
“No, thank you, I'm sure I'll pick up once I've washed and dressed for the day.”
“As you wish, Your Highness.”
Josselyn stood and strode over to the basin, splashing her face with water in an attempt to wash the sleep from her eyes. She'd tossed and turned all night, not falling asleep until the sun was almost up. While the thought of tonight's ball had certainly been a factor in her restlessness, there was something else there, as well, a strange sense of foreboding that kept creeping over her, jarring her into wakefulness. But why?
Her father and Lord Burgundy, his adviser, had been meeting with Prince Stefan and his men every day for the past four days, and all signs pointed to a peaceful resolution that didn't require her wedding the creep. And today she turned eighteen, a full grown woman in the eyes of the law. It should have filled her with excitement, not trepidation.
She'd finished dressing and was just slipping her new dagger into the special slot sewn into her favorite boots when a knock sounded on the door. She nodded for Jane to open it. Alex stood on the other side.
“The king has requested that I escort Princess Josselyn to the royal meeting room.”
His eyes darted over to where Josselyn stood, her booted foot still placed up on the bed, her skirts hiked up around her thighs as she finished securing her dagger. A dull flush crept up his neck, and he averted his eyes, fixing them instead on Jane, who watched him with a hint of amusement. Josselyn pushed her skirts back down and straightened.
“Is something wrong? Father's never called for me this early before.”
“He didn't say, just asked me to fetch you as soon as possible.”
Josselyn hurried through the door, glancing over at Alex as she passed. “What are the odds it's some sort of birthday surprise?”
He followed her down the spiral steps of the tower, his voice grim. “He seemed more distracted than excited.”
“And he didn't say anything to you, nothing at all?”
“Not a word.” He paused before adding, “although, I did hear of a messenger arriving on horseback just before sunrise this morning.”
They moved down the corridor, heading for the main stairs as quickly as they could without actually running. Josselyn tried in vain to sort through the various scenarios that could have her father calling a meeting so early. And on the morning of her birthday, of all days.
“Did you hear where the messenger was from?”
Alex shook his head. “No, but you'll have your answers soon enough, I expect.”
They entered the meeting room, two guards holding the heavy, wooden doors open as they passed through. Alex took up his position by the door as Josselyn hurried to join the group of men at the table, who were already in the midst of a heated discussion. Noticing the princess' arrival, they quieted, standing as she moved to take her place beside her father, who had remained seated, his eyes tired and his brow furrowed. He gave her a brief nod, and the room soon filled with noise once more, as the men at the table retook their seats, jumping back into their discussion.
The young man to Josselyn's right leaned over, catching her attention. “The king received a message from Devon this morning, claiming the castle was under siege from an army of Roshkans. We've been discussing what should be done about it.” His lips twisted in a rueful smile. “Well, arguing more than discussing, to be honest.”
Josselyn raised her eyebrows in surprise. “But Roshka has always been one of our
