Shadows for a Princess by Vivienne Savage

Author:Vivienne Savage [Kristine, Dominique]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Payne & Taylor

Chapter 17

Privacy and Moonlight

The arrival of guests from all over Hindera kept Ysolde too busy to worry about the plots against her. Jocelyn and Shyla maintained her sanity through the family dinners and final dress fittings. When her wedding day dawned, Ysolde hid in her private quarters and tried not to give in to second thoughts.

It was far too late to back out, not without humiliating Geoffrey and tarnishing her own image.

The day passed in a complete blur, from her small breakfast to meeting with the priestess of Ashta. When it came time to dress, Ysolde had managed to find a small measure of calm.

“I can’t breathe,” she gasped as Shyla, Jocelyn, and Maribeth tugged and struggled with her corset lacings.

“You’re not meant to breathe. You’re meant to be so bloody beautiful Ser Geoffrey will want to rip the thing off with his own two hands,” Shyla told her. Jocelyn giggled.

Maribeth had spent nearly two hours weaving elaborate ribbons and small crystals into Ysolde’s dark hair, and it would take her another half hour at the least to remove them all after the ceremony.

“You’re stunning,” Jocelyn gushed. “If you thought Quintin was awestruck, I cannot wait to see Geoffrey’s face when you walk down the aisle.

Would Geoffrey care at all?

A fist rapped against the door, and the king called out to them, “May I see you in your dress before the wedding?”

The long years had blurred the memories of Ysolde’s natural father. He had been a man of the Marcogh, a warrior and horseman who’d died during her infancy. From then, her mother had attempted to educate and raise her all alone until King Aldemar had passed through their lands in need of a guide. Their chief had assigned the job to young Tegau, Ysolde’s mother.

At twenty years of age, Tegau had known every grass blade, leaf, and bramble in the plains. Aldemar had become fascinated with their people and culture and then later returned to steal them away from the tribe. He’d paid the chieftain two dozen Hinderan horses to release her to his care, and she’d gone with him willingly, eager to learn the world of the fair-skinned Hinderans.

For a time, Ysolde’s mother had been happy within Aldemar’s castle. Tegau had lived as his consort but often refused the lavish comforts he offered her. By contrast, Ysolde had adjusted to city life in the palace and played with the other children. When she’d eventually showed signs of possessing magic, Aldemar had hired a private tutor.

It was more than any member of the Marcogh ever received on the plains. And that was why when Tegau had reached her limit years later, she’d returned to her people without her teenage daughter. It had been her idea to leave Ysolde behind. Despite her promises to return one day, she never did, and according to Aldemar, the Marcogh would no longer accept contact with Hindera.

Thanks to Geoffrey, she now understood why.

“Let him in,” Ysolde said to Shyla.

When Aldemar entered, Jocelyn and the servants hurried away.

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