Chapter 5
Ren tugged at the collar of his Navinorian attire, his face contorting with discomfort. Kathryn had come to see him briefly before the start of the welcoming party and was braiding his hair. She couldn’t help but think it might be her last opportunity to do that for him.
He shifted restlessly and said, “I can braid my own hair, you know.”
She couldn’t help but tease him. “Sure you can,” she said soothingly. “That’s why it always looks like a bird’s nest.”
“That’s not true,” Ren protested. He glanced over at her. “Anyway, you don’t exactly look perfect yourself. Dena isn’t quite up to Carina’s level just yet.”
“What do you mean? I look fine,” she said defensively.
He brushed a stray hair back from her ear and smoothed her slightly wrinkled sleeve. “There; now you look perfect,” he said cheerfully.
“As if you’re a judge.”
He pulled out the pink ribbon that had quickly become his only hair accessory. He tied it around the end of his braid, took a deep breath, and held out his hand to her. “Let’s go,” he said.
Kathryn’s heart warmed at his gentleness, so much so that tears prickled in her eyes.
At least he’s here with me.
They made their way to the ballroom door, which was crusted with silver filigree and set with sapphires.
Ren told the announcer at the door, “General Ren Patrick and Princess Kathryn Prada, of Iridalys.”
The man raised an eyebrow with a disapproving look, but threw open the door and announced, “General Ren Patrick and Princess Kathryn Prada of Iridalys!”
Kathryn had to refrain from putting up her hand to shield her eyes from the bright lights that gleamed off of the shining blue Azura statues and decorations around the ballroom. Everyone clapped as they walked down the blue carpet that led towards the dance floor. Lorrin stepped forward and held out his hand to Kathryn with a smirk. “Dance with me,” he said. All eyes were on them.
Kathryn nodded slightly and took his hand. Ren stepped back. The musicians began to play, and the young couple swept across the floor gracefully.
“I see you can dance, at least,” the prince remarked. Kathryn said nothing. His rudeness was the least of her worries.
In spite of his distaste for Lorrin, as Ren stood there watching, he had to catch his breath. Kathryn literally dripped with jewels. The blue dress she wore had sapphires sewn into the bodice and was trimmed with silver lace. It left her shoulders and graceful neck exposed, which was quite different from the usual Iridalys formal wear. A circlet made of Azura rested on her braided hair, still faintly glowing blue. Even her green eyes seemed unusually bright.
Ren hoped his face didn’t show how he felt, because his heart was thumping uncomfortably and he felt unnaturally hot.
Prince Gregory approached him. “General Ren. When you were late, I wasn’t sure you were planning to come.”
“My place is with her,” Ren said briefly, gesturing at the princess.
“Ah, yes…for a little while longer, anyway,” Prince Gregory remarked.
Ren frowned. “What do you mean ‘for a little while’?”
“Oh, well, of course once the princess is married, she’ll have Navinorian Protectors at her disposal, and your services will no longer be necessary,” Gregory said smoothly.
“That’ll be the Princess’s decision,” Ren said, his tone more curt than he intended.
Do they really think I’d leave her here on her own? Not likely.
Gregory only smiled. “Is that so? Well, that’s a topic for another day. By the way, I would like to introduce you to General Xian, my champion.” He turned and gestured to his companion. The man was a giant, and the heavy scarring on his face coupled with his black hair and narrow eyes made him look even more foreboding.
Ren bowed awkwardly. “Pleasure to meet you, General.”
“Honored,” Xian said briefly, returning the bow.
Ren studied him again, as he hadn’t gotten a proper look at him on the training grounds. Xian was considerably bigger than he was, well over six feet tall. His long black hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and he wore a robe instead of armor like the other guards.
Xian seemed distracted. He said, “The princess’s brother didn’t come. I was hoping to see him again.” His words were a bit slurred, perhaps because his scars disfigured his mouth slightly.
“Why?” Ren asked curiously.
“I met him. He was a brilliant fighter.” Xian kept his sentences short.
Ren shrugged. “He’s not bad. Not that great either, mind you.”
“You’ve fought him, then?” Gregory asked.
“Many times.”
“A fight to the death is different,” Xian interjected.
“Obviously, it wasn’t a fight to the death when you fought him either,” Ren pointed out. “Or you’d be dead.”
Xian reddened. Gregory laughed. “You’re right, of course. But what Xian means to say is that someone like you, who has never even been in a real battle, probably can’t be the best judge.”
“Oh, I’ve been in real fights.” Ren smirked. “For example, I’ve killed about a dozen of your Vipers in the past.”
“Protectors,” Xian corrected him sharply.
Ren shrugged without replying.
Gregory frowned. “That’s news to me. I never had reports of that.”
“Because I killed them before they could report to you.” Ren allowed sarcasm to creep into his tone.
At that moment, the sound of a harsh laugh carried across the dance floor. Ren glanced over at the couple. Kathryn was looking at Lorrin with a calm, unbothered expression as he laughed, and Ren relaxed a little. She seemed to have recovered from her distress over the opal. As much as he hated to see her with Lorrin, it was preferable to the expression of misery and pain she had worn earlier.
The night wore on, and Ren mainly spent his time standing against a wall with his arms folded, watching Kathryn. He didn’t eat or drink anything, as he’d been taught for years that it wasn’t his place to eat alongside the nobles, despite technically being one of them.
Not that he ever really felt like one of them anyway.
At one point, Xian asked, “Are you going to share the meal?”
“No, I’ll eat by myself later,” Ren said calmly.
Xian shrugged and walked away.
Kathryn was already working to win over the nobles with her natural grace. Her conversation was perfectly witty and appropriate for every situation. She never spoke out of turn. Her expression never betrayed a hint of dislike or unhappiness.
In other words, she was the same as always. Ren sighed, then chided himself for acting like a lovesick fool. She was doing what she had to do. He had to do the same.
After the meal and some more dancing, Gregory walked over to Kathryn and held out his hand. “Your highness. The King wishes to meet you,” he said quietly.
The music stopped as Kathryn took his hand and walked towards the throne, her breath catching in her throat with sudden fear. It was true that the king of Navinor had been the first to call for peace, but it was also true that he’d started two wars. What would he be like? What would he think of her?
The throne was made of solid silver and crusted with sapphires. The king was tall and thin, like Gregory, but his face was softer, despite the lines age had placed upon it. He rose as the princess approached.
Kathryn knelt and bowed her head. “Your majesty,” she said.
The ballroom was completely silent. Kathryn had to resist the temptation to look for Ren.
The king said, “This is a historic moment, Princess Kathryn. We thank you and your kingdom for agreeing to a treaty that will finally allow peace and stop the deaths that have haunted us for years. It is our hope that we may move beyond the scars these wars have left on both of our kingdoms. The wedding is to take place a week from this day, and you will be a part of the royal family of Navinor. Prince Lorrin, join your bride.”
Lorrin stepped up next to Kathryn. Gregory stepped back.
The king said, “Prince Lorrin, my son, you will be the one to bring about a peace that the rest of us could not. That is your duty, and I will be proud to watch you fulfill it.”
“Yes, my lord,” Lorrin said in a loud, clear voice.
The king lifted both hands in what Kathryn felt was an unnecessarily dramatic gesture. “Go back to dancing, my children.”
As they returned to their places, Kathryn’s emotions were so tumultuous she could barely make sense of them herself. Despite the fact she was about to end a war and save her sister from a miserable life, every time she saw Lorrin’s face, she wanted nothing more than to wipe that smug grin off of it. And in her mind she kept seeing the fire opal, and the charred stumps all over Iridalys’ land.
As they began to dance yet again, Lorrin leaned in, his voice dripping with condescension. “Isn’t that sweet? He wants us to be friends.”
Kathryn didn’t respond.
Lorrin studied her for a moment. Then he said, “You know, I really find it admirable how unflappable you are. Does nothing affect you? I like your bodyguard better, I think. It’s easy to tell what he’s thinking about. I suppose that’s because he’s so simple, though.”
Kathryn bristled. “If you like him so much, maybe you should marry him instead,” she snapped.
“You’re so witty,” Lorrin retorted sarcastically.
“If you say so.”
The evening seemed to last forever, but it finally ended. Ren escorted Kathryn out of the ballroom and started to walk her back to her chambers.
Lorrin caught Kathryn’s arm. “I’ll take you back to your room,” he said. “After all, you’re going to be my wife.”
Ren glanced at her, clearly waiting for some indication of how he should react. Kathryn’s face turned hot at the word “wife,” despite the fact she could not deny that this was her own doing. But she kept back her emotions. “No, thank you,” she said quietly. “As you said, I am going to be your wife. But tonight, I am the princess of Iridalys. Goodnight, your highness.”
She shook off his hand and strode out with Ren at her heels. “You sure showed him, Princess,” Ren said cheerfully. He paused outside the door to her room. “Sleep well, my lady. If you need me, send Dena.”
He left, and with a sigh, she sank onto the bed, the weight of the night pressing down on her. Her hatred for Lorrin was already overwhelming her desire to save her ungrateful sister. But those were just feelings.
For a long moment, she sat still, her fingers gently massaging her throbbing temples, before finally reaching for the bell.
Dena came in a moment later. “Your highness, let me help you undress,” she said cheerfully. She paused when she noticed how worn out the princess looked. “Are you all right, my lady?”
“Yes, Dena,” Kathryn said. “I’m fine.” And that was all she said.
The week passed before Kathryn knew it, and the wedding arrived. The day was cloudy, and a cold wind blew from the direction of the seashore on Navinor’s border. Kathryn woke up shivering, and as she waited for the servants to finish arranging her bridal dress, she didn’t feel any warmer.
Illian arrived just two hours before the marriage was supposed to take place. No one else in the royal family would be attending.
When Kathryn agreed to his request for an audience, she wasn’t quite sure what to expect. His eyes widened slightly as he saw the gorgeous, sapphire-decorated dress she wore. A tiara made of silver leaves and Azura rested on her hair, and her shoes were completely made of Azura as well.
Illian remarked, “That dress suits you, sister.”
Kathryn turned her back on him as Dena and half a dozen other maids continued to pin her dress in various places and add even more jewels. “Thank you,” she said briefly. “Did you bring Carina?” She dearly hoped her old nurse had been able to make the trip.
“No, I’m afraid not. She’s sick. Nothing serious, I believe, but she’s not well enough to travel.” She froze at the words, grateful he couldn’t see the bitter disappointment and concern in her face. He went on lightly, “But I did bring Brenin. I happened upon him on my way here. He heard about the wedding, and it seems he was concerned about his protege. I imagine he’s catching up with Ren right now; it’s been so long since they had a chance to chat.” Illian cocked his head. “I’m sorry to have to bring you bad news on such a happy day.”
“Is it a happy day for you, Illian?” Kathryn composed her face and glanced over her shoulder to see his eyes as she spoke. They were as emotionless as ever. Surely he hated to see her about to marry his worst enemy. Surely he would never wish such a fate upon his sister.
“Of course, sister. I am overjoyed.” Illian smiled. “You look beautiful. I’m sure you will make a wonderful bride for Prince Lorrin.”
Kathryn said frostily, “You do not need to force yourself. I’m sure this is a difficult day for you.”
Illian maintained his smile. “Not at all. Your success is the success of our kingdom.”
She would have felt better if he’d seemed angry or frustrated in some way.
The maids finished their work, and Kathryn stepped forward to face her brother. “Then I will thank you for your congratulations, your highness.” She curtseyed.
Illian studied her. “It’s not too late, you know,” he remarked.
“This is what I want.”
“Is it?”
Kathryn hated the way his eyes seemed to bore into her soul, and that he seemed to know her so well when she felt like she hardly knew him at all.
“It is,” she said firmly.
Illian sighed. “You don’t owe this to Lenore. She refuses to even say your name, you know. You may be her sister, but you are not her mother.”
Kathryn flinched. “I already made my decision.”
It’s too late now.
“Indeed. I feel a bit sorry for Ren, though,” Illian said dryly. “He was right by your side all that time you were getting ready to be a queen. I suppose for you it’s a pity I came back; you ended up marrying your enemy to become a princess of a foreign land instead of being the queen of your own. I would say that’s a step down from what you originally intended. What a shame.” Illian’s tone was respectful, but his eyes mocked her. He turned to leave.
Blood rushed to Kathryn’s face, and without thinking she said, “The greater shame would be if I find some way to ascend to the position of queen of Navinor. How ironic that would be.”
Illin paused. She saw his hand twitch at his side. Then he said, “That might be difficult, as Lorrin is the second prince. But your ambition has always been remarkable. I can only wish you the best. Prepare yourself well, little sister. I am sure the wedding will be spectacular.”
In the meantime, a grizzled old veteran with gray hair and a scar blinding his left eye had quietly made his way to the training grounds of the Navinorian castle. There, he stood for several minutes with his arms folded and a scowl on his face as Ren sent Navinorian soldier after soldier crashing to the ground violently. “Next!” Ren called.
He was covered in sweat and panting, and his eyes looked almost glassy. He didn’t seem to see the old man at all.
One soldier exclaimed, “He’s not human,” while another muttered, “More like a monster.”
They watched and marveled, except for the two dozen that lay around the training grounds with bruises or bloody noses, greatly regretting agreeing to spar with the young bodyguard.
As Ren sent another soldier flying, the old man called, “General Ren!”
Ren glanced over his shoulder and instantly straightened. “S-sir!” he stammered.
“You idiot, what have you been up to?” Brenin stomped over to him. “The princess is supposed to be married today, and you’re busy beating up common soldiers?”
Ren shrugged, though his hands shook with fatigue and his legs trembled. “She won’t need me much longer,” he said briefly. He turned to find a training post, since the other guards didn’t seem to be in a hurry to step forward again.
Brenin grabbed his arm. “Don’t be ridiculous,” he snapped.
Ren shook him off. “Leave me be!”
“You’re a bodyguard. Act like one!”
Ren glared at him. “I’m not doing anything wrong.”
“You’re acting like a lovesick idiot,” Brenin muttered.
“What’s your point? I’ve always been a lovesick idiot,” Ren replied in the same tone.
Brenin grit his teeth. Then he pulled the staff from Ren’s hands and tossed it aside. Ren began, “Hey! What are you-”
“Enough.” Brenin sat him down firmly. “We need to talk.” He sat down next to him.
Ren sat with his head down. He mumbled, “Brenin, why won’t you let me manage this in my own way?”
“Because you’re going to kill yourself if you keep at it. Your job is to be in top condition at all times to protect the princess if necessary,” the old man said sharply. “What do you think you’re doing? I didn’t raise you to act like this.”
“You raised me to be a fighter, which is all I’m doing.” Ren grinned at him tiredly. “You don’t have to worry about me, sir. It’s not like I’ll die of heartbreak.”
“Hmph.” Brenin put his arm around his shoulders and looked away from him with a sigh as Ren stiffened in surprise. Such acts of affection were so rare between them as to be unheard of. But Brenin pretended not to notice. “Every once in a while, I feel like I utterly failed in teaching you,” he complained.
“Well, that’s harsh.”
“It’s also true. Whoever taught you to be this sentimental?” Brenin shook his head. “Rest a minute, and then we’ll go make you presentable.”
“Fine,” Ren sighed. He stood up and stretched before looking ruefully at his hands, which were torn up and bleeding from his exertion. “Guess I did overdo it a bit.”
“You definitely did. Maybe one of these days you’ll get a brain and be able to tell that for yourself,” Brenin told him. “By the way…” he put his calloused hand on Ren’s shoulder and a ghost of a smile crossed his face. “It’s good to see you again, son. It’s been too long.”
Ren smiled and clapped him on the shoulder. “It’s good to see you too.” As brief as the words were, they were full of feeling. Then he left to prepare himself for the wedding, which would no doubt mostly involve trying to understand how to adjust his Navinorian clothes to look presentable. Brenin watched him leave with a grim face. He knew all too well just how difficult the next few hours were going to be.
Two hours later, Kathryn entered the throne room. Her heart pounded and she kept her eyes straight ahead. She was afraid she would cry if she looked at Ren. Lorrin watched her approach with a blank, uncaring expression, and as she listened to the priest and mechanically said her vows, she couldn’t help but think she was making the worst mistake of her life.
The actual marriage and the reception passed by like a blur, and before Kathryn knew it, Lorrin was taking her by the hand to lead her to his chamber. She felt numb, and she was rather grateful for it. If the numbness would just stay a little longer, she could get through this, she thought.
But as soon as they reached the chamber, the prince became even more rude. He snapped, “You don’t have to look so miserable. Try smiling a little.” He pulled off his crown and tossed it on a small table near the door. Despite not being very loud, the sound made her jump. He picked up the bottle on the table and poured two glasses of wine, one of which he placed in her limp hand. “Maybe this’ll make you feel better,” he said.
Kathryn looked down at the swirling red liquid and shook her head slightly. “I can’t handle wine,” she said.
“Have it your way.” He drank his glass. “Change your clothes,” he ordered.
He was perspiring heavily, she noticed as she mechanically reached for the nightdress that lay folded nearby. “Are you all right?” she began to say, more because she thought she should ask than out of genuine concern.
Suddenly, he clutched his throat, his face twisting in agony as he gasped for breath.
“Prince Lorrin?!” she exclaimed. “What is it?” As she rushed towards him, he collapsed on the floor, still clutching at his throat, writhing desperately and choking.
A second later, he stopped moving and lay still. Kathryn stood there, the blood draining from her face, her mind completely blank. She barely heard herself scream. What had happened? What kind of nightmare was this?
The next thing she knew, Ren stood at her side, brandishing his sword while a shout from the guards outside rang through the castle, reverberating off the marble walls and floors: “Prince Lorrin has been assassinated! Arrest the princess!” Four guards surrounded them, and Ren raised his sword to fight. So came the end of Kathryn’s brief time as the princess of Navinor.
Loyalty Fallen Hub 