It still feels strange commanding people to do things for me that I could do for myself, she said.
As the queen, Id say you should get used to it, Sebastian said, except I think that its probably good that you arent. Maybe the whole kingdom would be better if people remembered what its like not to be the one giving orders.
Maybe, Sophia agreed. She could see people watching them now, and a quick look at the thoughts of those around them told her they were expecting her to speak. She hadnt planned for that, but even so, she knew she couldnt disappoint them.
My friends, she said, picking up a glass of cool apple juice. Thank you all for coming to this celebration. Its good to see so many people whom Sebastian and I know and love, and so many more of you I hope we will have the chance to know in the days to come. This day couldnt have happened without all of you. Without friends, without help, Sebastian and I would probably have been killed many weeks ago. We wouldnt have each other, or this kingdom. We wouldnt have the chance to make things better. To all of you.
She lifted her glass in a toast that the others there quickly took up. On impulse, she turned and kissed Sebastian. That got cheers that roared around the gardens, and Sophia decided that they wouldnt have to sneak off like Kate and Will; if they announced that they were going, people would probably carry them back to their rooms. Perhaps they should try it. Perhaps
She felt the first spasms deep inside her, her muscles contracting with such force that it almost bent Sophia double. She let out a deep groan of pain that left her struggling to breathe.
Sophia? Sebastian said. What is it? Are you all right?
Sophia couldnt answer. She could barely stand as a fresh contraction of her muscles hit her so hard that she cried out with it. Around her, the crowd murmured, some obviously looking concerned as the music ground to a halt.
Is it poison?
Is she ill?
Dont be stupid, its obvious
Sophia felt wetness run down her legs as her water broke. After so much time waiting, now it seemed as though everything was determined to happen far too fast.
I think I think the babys coming, she said.
CHAPTER FIVE
Endi, Duke of Ishjemme, listened to the grind of the great statues as his men dragged them up the shore, hating the sound but enjoying what it represented. Freedom for Ishjemme. Freedom for his people. Today would be a symbol and a sign that people would not forget.
We should have destroyed the statues of the Danses years ago, he said to his brother.
Oli nodded. If you say so, Endi.
Endi caught the note of uncertainty. He clapped his brother on the shoulder and felt Oli flinch. You dont agree, brother? Come on, you can tell me the truth. Im not some monster who only wants to hear people say yes.
Well Oli began.
Seriously, Oli, Endi said. You shouldnt be afraid of me. Youre my family.
Its just that these statues are part of our history, Oli said.
Now Endi understood. He should have guessed that his bookish brother would hate destroying anything connected to the past, but it was past, and Endi meant to see that it stayed that way.
They controlled our home for too long, Endi said. As long as we have reminders of them sitting along the fjords alongside our true heroes, it will be a claim that they can step back in whenever they want to rule us. Do you understand, Oli?
Oli nodded. I understand.
Good, Endi said, and signaled to his men to begin their work with axes and hammers, shattering the statues, reducing them to rubble that would be good for no more than building with. He enjoyed the sight of Lord Alfreds and Lady Christinas images breaking apart. It was a reminder that Ishjemme was not beholden to them or their children any longer.
Things will change, Oli, Endi said, and change for the better. There will be houses for all who need them, safety for the kingdom, better trade How are things with my canal scheme?
It was a bold plan, to try to connect Ishjemmes fjords given the number of mountains that stood on the peninsulas interior, yet if they succeeded, Ishjemme could become as wealthy as any of the mercantile states. It also meant that his brother had something useful to do, keeping track of the progress, making sure that there were good maps to use.
It is hard going, Oli said. Cutting through mountains and building locks for the boats takes a lot of men.
And a lot of time, Endi said, but well get there. We must.
It would show the world what Ishjemme could be. It would show his family just how much tradition had held them back. With a project like this to his name, probably all of his brothers and sisters would acknowledge that he always should have been his fathers heir.
Weve had to reroute several sections already, Oli said. There are farmsteads in the way, and people are reluctant to leave their homes.
You have offered them money? Endi asked.
Oli nodded. As you said to, and some left, but there are people who have lived there for generations.
Progress is necessary, Endi said, as the crack of the hammers continued. But dont worry, the problem will be solved soon.
They walked around to where more men were working on ships. Endi made a point of knowing about every ship that came into the port now. Hed spent long enough dealing with spies and killers to know how easily those could slip in. He watched the progress of the men as they worked to replace some of the vessels that were still stuck across the water. Ishjemme had to be defended.
Endi, can I ask you a question? Oli said.
Of course you can, brother, Endi said. Although youre the clever one. I suspect theres not many things you could ask me you havent already read in one of your books.
In truth, Endi suspected that there were plenty of things he knew that his brother didnt, mostly about the secrets people kept, or the things people did to plot against one another. That was his world.
Its about Rika, Oli said.
Ah, Endi replied, cocking his head to the side.
When will you let her out of her rooms, Endi? Oli asked. Shes been cooped up there for weeks now.
Endi nodded sadly. His youngest sibling was proving surprisingly intransigent. What would you have me do? I cant let her out when shes in this rebellious mood of hers. The best I can do is keep her comfortable with the best food, and her harp. If people see her disagreeing at every step, it makes us look weak, Oli.
Even so, Oli said, hasnt it been long enough?
Its not like sending her to bed with no supper because she stole one of Frigs dolls, Endi said, with a grin at the thought of Frig ever playing with dolls rather than blades. I cant let her out until shes shown that she can be trusted. Until she swears fealty to me, she stays there.
That could be a long time, Oli said.
I know, Endi replied, with a sad sigh. He didnt like locking his sister up like that, but what else could he do?
A soldier came up, offering a bow. The prisoners you ordered have been brought, my lord.
Good, Endi said. He looked over to his brother. It looks as though were going to have a solution to the canal problem. Come on, Oli.
He led the way back to where the statues had been broken up, the rubble lying in fragments on the ground. Perhaps a dozen men and women stood there, their hands bound.
Im told you are the ones who own farmsteads on the route of our new canal, Endi said. That you refused to sell your properties, even though I tried to be generous.
Theyre our farms! a man piped up.
And this is about the prosperity of the whole of Ishjemme, Endi shot back. Every family will benefit, including yours. I want to offer you the money again. Cant you see that you have no choice?
A man is always free to choose his path in Ishjemme, another of the farmers shot back.
Yes, but that path has consequences, Endi said. Ill give you one last chance. As your duke, I command you to yield your claims.
Its our land! the first man shouted.
Endi sighed. Just remember that I gave you the choice. Refusing to heed your dukes command is treason. Men, execute the traitors.
His men moved forward, the same axes and hammers in their hands that theyd used to smash the statues. They smashed flesh just as easily. Statues might not shriek, or beg, or make wet, gurgling sounds, but the crack of bone was near enough to the crack of stone. Endi looked around at his brother, not surprised to see Oli ashen-faced. His brother wasnt as strong as he was.
I know its hard, Oli, he said, as more cries came in the background, but we must do what is necessary if we are to make Ishjemme strong. If I do not do the cruel things that must be done, then others will come in and do worse.
As as you say, brother.
Endi took his brother by the shoulders. At least this means that the way will be clear for the building projects now. Im right in thinking that a traitors lands are forfeit, arent I?
I I think that there are precedents, Oli said. Endi could hear the quaver in his voice.
Find them for me, Endi said.
What about these peoples families? Oli said. Some will have children, or old folk.
Do whatever you think is best to care for them, Endi said. Just so long as you get them out of the way before the work must be done.
I will, Oli said. He looked thoughtful for a moment. I Ill send out messages to the work crews at once.
See that you do, Endi said.
He watched his brother hurrying off, knowing that Oli didnt really understand the need for all of this. That was the luxury that came with knowing he would never have power. Rika had the same luxury. The two had probably been the only ones of his siblings who had never been warriors, never had to deal with the harsh realities of the world. Part of the reason that Endi had done all this in front of Oli was to make sure his brother learned what was sometimes needed.
It was for his own good. It was for everyones good. They would see it in time, and when they did, they would thank him for it. Even soft-hearted Rika would curtsey and admit that everything Endi had done was for the best. As for everyone else, they could go along with what needed to be done or
Endi stood and listened to the sound of the hammers falling some more. They would thank him for it in the end.
CHAPTER SIX
Jan Skyddar must have been the only person in the whole of Ashton who found himself unhappy on Sophias wedding day, having to force a smile just so he wouldnt ruin things for her and Sebastian, having to pretend that he was happy for her even though the ache in his heart threatened to tear him into pieces.
Now that theyd rushed her away to give birth to her child, to her and Sebastians child, it was even worse.
Would you like to dance with me? a noblewoman asked. Around Jan, the party seemed to be continuing, the music back in full swing as it turned from celebrating Sophias wedding to celebrating the impending heir to the throne.
The woman was beautiful, elegantly dressed, graceful. If hed met her a year ago, Jan might have said yes to the dancing, and to almost anything else she suggested. Now, he couldnt bring himself to do it. He couldnt feel anything looking at her, because doing it was like staring at a candle compared to the sun. Sophia was the only one who mattered.
Im sorry, he said, trying to be kind, to be good, to be all the things that he should be. But there is someone I am deeply in love with.
Someone waiting for you back in Ishjemme? the noblewoman said, with a mischievous smile. That means that she is not here.
She reached for one of the laces of Jans doublet, and Jan caught her wrist gently but firmly.
As I said, he said with a rueful smile, I love her very much. I dont mean it as an insult, but Im not interested.
A faithful man, the noblewoman said, as she turned to walk off. Whoever she is, I hope she knows how lucky she is.
If only things were that simple, Jan said with a shake of his head.
He moved through the party trying not to be the ghost at the feast. The last thing he wanted to do was to spoil anyone elses joy today, least of all Sophias. That was the hardest part about loving her so much, he found: it was impossible to be as selfish as he should have been about it. He should have felt jealousy toward Sebastian, should have hated him with a passion. Should have been angry with Sophia for choosing a man who had put her aside once over him.
He couldnt do it. He loved Sophia too much for that. He wanted her to be happy more than anything else in the world.
Are you well, Jan? Lucas asked him, moving in with the kind of smoothness that made Jan grateful that the two of them would never cross blades. Jan had always thought that he could fight, but Sophias siblings were like something else entirely.
Maybe it was just as well that Jans mind was closed to being read by others, or they might have fought. Jan doubted Lucas would take well to knowing just how hopelessly in love Jan was with his sister.
Im fine, Jan said. Maybe a few too many nobles trying to catch me the way a fisherman would go after swordfish.
Ive had the same problem, Lucas said. And it is hard celebrating when at the same time you are thinking about something else.
For a moment, Jan thought that Lucas must have somehow seen past even the protections he had in place and seen things he shouldnt have. Perhaps it was just so clearly written on his face that it didnt take a mind reader to work it out.
I am happy for my sisters, Lucas said, with a smile. Theres just a part of me that wants our parents here to witness all of this, and knows I could have been out finding them. Maybe I could have brought them back to see Sophias wedding, and the birth of their grandchild.
Or maybe sometimes we just have to be strong and accept that things dont happen the way we want, Jan suggested. And it means that you get to be here. You get to see your niece or nephew.
Niece, Lucas said. Visions take the fun out of guessing. Youre right, though, Jan. Ill wait. Youre a good man, cousin.
He clasped Jans arm.
Thank you, Jan said, even if he wasnt sure that he believed it sometimes. A truly good man wouldnt hope that eventually Sophia would put all of this aside, loving him the same way he loved her.
Now, Lucas said, I was looking for you because a message came for you by bird. The boy who brought it from the aviary is over there.
Jan looked over to where a young man stood by one of the banquet tables, snatching food as though uncertain whether it was really meant for the likes of him.