Four Kings (The Rothhaven Trilogy Book 2) by C.J. Pinard & Cassie Alexandra

Author:C.J. Pinard & Cassie Alexandra [Pinard, C.J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pinard House Publishing, LLC
Published: 2018-10-15T16:00:00+00:00

Mariselle skulked up to her chambers and slammed the heavy wooden door behind her.

With an annoyed sigh, she stalked to her bed, but halted when a squeal sounded out from the other end of her chambers. She looked up to see Shawna scrubbing out the metal bathtub that sat in the corner of the room.

Shawna stood, inclined her head in a bow, and then said, “I’m sorry, miss. I didn’t know you were returning so soon.”

Mariselle sighed and plunked down on her bed. “It’s okay, Shawna. No need to apologize.”

Unsure as to what she should do, Shawna asked, “Is there anything you need?”

Mariselle lay back flat on the bed, her arms sprawled out as she stared up at the ceiling. With a laugh, she said, “Yes, there’s lots I need. Nothing you can help me with, however.”

She felt the bed dip when Shawna sat down. She began to stroke Mariselle’s hair in a motherly gesture and said, “Are you sure? You look blue.”

Mariselle closed her eyes and huffed. “I think I just caused a fight between Zackary and Alexander.”

“How so?”

“Well, Zackary kissed me in the courtyard and Alexander saw. Zackary also thinks his brother treats the staff here badly.” She opened her eyes. “Do you think that?”

Shawna again wondered if she should tell Mariselle more about Lord Henry, but then dismissed the idea. She decided to change the subject. “King Zackary kissed you?”

She couldn’t stop the grin on her face. “Yes. He’s very… how should I put it?”

“Handsome?” Shawna finished.

“Oh yes, he is that. There’s just something about him that makes my knees weak.”

Shawna chuckled and stood up from the bed. “I do believe I heard you say that about King Alexander, also.”

“I’m sure I did. I guess I’m just confused.”

After picking up the rag she’d been using, Shawna dipped it into the water and began scrubbing once more. “A young lady like you with all those suitors. It is a bit much. But we all understand why—” Realizing she’d said too much, she put a hand to her mouth. “Apologies, miss.”

“What did you mean? We?”

“Permission to speak freely?” Shawna asked, standing up.

“Of course,” Mariselle replied.

“You have to understand that the staff see and hear everything. Well, mostly everything. It hasn’t gone unnoticed by us that the kings all fancy you. Not only are you beautiful and young, the whole of Syracuse is aware of your… your… monthlies. I know that’s not what you want to hear, but you need to understand that you’ve given us a little hope. All the maidens are barren. I hear the younger ones crying at night because they long to be a mum. We have hope that you can break the curse. For all of us.” She bowed slightly, a blush on her cheeks.

Mariselle stood a little speechless, and embarrassed, but not angry at the older chambermaid. She had spoken truthfully, and it was all she had asked for. “I see. Well, that’s a lot of pressure, but I really wish you wouldn’t put all your eggs in my basket.

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