The Marriage Ch. 01

The garden was the joy of my mother. The small trees, flowers and even the path of the stream were her devising. There was not a rock there she did not dictate its position. Though fall was nearing an end, there were still some blooms well tended and green was still the prominent color. I could see Angelica was impressed.

"It is really quite lovely," Angelica said. It was the first honest emotion I had heard her express. Her smile was real and those green eyes looked happy, if only briefly.

"It is Mother's pride and joy," I added with my own pleasantness, "ask her about it if you wish to have your ears talked off." I pointed at the bench beneath an apple tree now devoid of its fruit. The foliage hid the bench from easy view and voices did not carry far. Angelica sat and I joined her. It was obvious we had both chosen opposite ends and maximized the distance between us.

"To your earlier words," I responded quietly, now that we were alone, "I would wish that duty did not demand so much."

"You can not stop it?"

"No," I said defensively, "my family needs yours. My kingdom needs yours. It is not for me to deny."

"It is done then." Angelica's head dropped forward and she laced her fingers together on her lap. Her next statement was almost as silent as it was shocking. "I will be my family's whore and you will bed me for heirs." She looked up with glistening eyes. "My womb will be yours, my Lord." I stood, intending to do something drastic. I could not for the life of me think what that would be. I huffed and tried to speak, but nothing intelligent was in my mouth. My hands had no idea what to do with themselves, flopping from hips to gestures that thoughts never followed. I had not expected this. I finally sat back down defeated, unable to fight or defend what was happening.

"Yes, it is done." I resigned to the truth. "Your distress pains me and I am sorry to be its cause. If there was an honorable way out, I would have taken it long ago and spared us both." I looked at Angelica's tears. She must find me repulsive. I had never looked at it from her side. She was the one who had to leave home, the one who must spread her legs and birth unwanted children. "Know this, I will die old and childless afore I force myself on you. I will do all I can to make your life tolerable, my Lady." Her eyes softened at my words.

"I did not mean...," Angelica shook her head slowly, "I do not...you are not unlikeable. Gods! This is intolerable." She looked up at the darkening sky. "I will do my duty and strive not make it hard on you. Know this, you will not be childless unless God wills it." She surprised me by moving closer and taking my hands in hers. "Strangely, your discomfort comforts me. I am not cattle in your eyes and that has to mean something."

"No," I smiled, "I will challenge anyone who compares you to a cow." Angelica's laugh was small, but not forced.

"Shall we keep secrets?" Angelica asked, eye to eye, "are we to be partners or am I just to be a painting?"

"I am far from perfect. I suspect we would do better together," I answered honestly. Angelica was trying to discern her place. Her mind was quick and organized.

"Equals?" Angelica was leaving it to me. I could see her desire to not be a figurehead. I had not thought about the boundaries of the union. I would one day be a king and she a queen. A woman I had only known her for brief moments. She was asking much for the first conversation. I thought about my parents' marriage and could see as much queen as king in all their decisions. I saw some of the same sparks in Angelica's parents. If both sets of parents deemed us a match, then a match we will be. I stood and released her hands.

"Princess Angelica Douderson," I bowed deeply, "I offer half of all that is mine in trade for half of all that is yours. I swear, we will be equals in all things." She rose and curtsied deeply.

"I accept, my Prince." Angelica's smile was genuine and she looked good wearing it. "I can see now that we shall at least be friends."

We returned to the library after our agreement. Before we entered the door, Angelica held out her hand and smiled. "Appearances are important, even with our parents." I took her hand and brought an honest smile to my lips. She would be a good queen.

"As you say, my Princess." We entered the library and the conversations among the monarchs ceased. We were hand in hand, wearing broad smiles. Their faces brightened as they saw us together and seemingly happy. I found it pleasing and I suspect Angelica felt the same.

"Mother, you just must see her Majesty's garden," Angelica announced. Diplomacy was not new to her. In one short message, she endeared herself to my mother. "I would like to learn the secrets of late blooming flowers."

"There are blooms now?" Queen Tareen asked, taking her daughter's hint. "Will you show us, Mary?" My mother's great weakness was her garden. She stood and waved her hand toward the door.

"Of course, Tareen. The light should still be good for a while longer." The queens looked expectantly at Angelica.

"Spare me a moment, my Prince?" Angelica was not asking my permission, she was playing her part. I raised her hand to my lips and lightly kissed her knuckles.

"Of course, my Princess," I responded, acting my part. We would be good together, at least in public. We traded smiles which seemed to impress our parents once again. The ladies left to view the garden, my mother hovering close to Angelica. It struck me then, the garden would one day become Angelica's. My mother would bond with her through flowers.

"Your conversation seemed to go well," King Toric prodded.

"Yes, very well," I said. I did not offer anything further which made my father smile. I could see the apprehension in King Toric's face.

"Give it up, Lad." The king was not used to being kept in the dark. "I had no doubt you would win her over, but it is not even dinner yet."

"I told her we would be equals," I said proudly. Both kings shared a brief look and burst out laughing. I was at a loss looking between the both of them.

"You let me know how that works out for you, Son," my father stated between chuckles.

"You would have me lord over her?" I asked incredulously.

"No, of course not," King Toric replied, "and I thank you for giving Angelica her mind. It is just..." He looked to my father as he tried to find words.

"A woman's idea of equal is different than ours," my father added.

"Well said, Kalin," King Toric stated, "it is your thoughts, Cayden, that tickle us. You two will not always be in agreement and a woman has a way of steering you in less than equal ways." He shared another look with my father. My father stood and placed his hand on my shoulder once again. Something had shifted in our relationship this day. He was treating me more like my opinion mattered to him. He was still my king and my father, but I sensed he also felt it important to express some comradery leaning toward friendship. He showed respect.

"You will find out soon enough," my father said with a smile, "you were right to share the future throne. It is what gives this alliance teeth. We jest knowingly at your expectations - that is all."

"I have much to learn," I said. My experience was Alia and as much as I tried to give her her mind, she had always returned to me being Lord. The thought stirred my love again. Angelica, even with her quick wit, will be a poor replacement. I hoped the pain would not exist so strongly in the future and weaken my marriage. Somehow, I thought it might if I let it.

"Aye, I am still learning," King Toric said as he filled three glasses with wine from a decanter. The conspicuous lack of servants was apparent. The whole conversation was informal. I realized I was being brought into the fold. Promoted from boy to man to friend, all in one day. It made sense. I would have to perpetuate the alliance and bonding was important to that end. I wondered if something similar was happening in the garden. The kings stood in unison, each grabbing a glass of wine. I followed and grabbed mine.

"To the women who temper our rule," King Toric toasted, raising his glass.

"To the alliance between Bear and Lion," my father added.

"Forever," I said said strongly. The path had been set and I meant to see it through. I meant to see my children continue it. King Toric's eyebrow raised and he looked at my father.

"Forever," the two kings said in unison. Our glasses met in the center with an audible clink. I drank as a king with kings. It was a strange, but welcome, transition. King Toric slapped me hard on the back in a manly manner. I did what I could to not let my surprise show and ignored the sting.

"Cayden, I do believe you are one of my better decisions," King Toric stated. My father's face was filled with pride. I just basked in their praise. I always knew I would be king, it was the first time I really felt what that meant. I had been brought into the circle. My thoughts and decisions had meaning.

We sat as equals and discussed the alliance. The Wolf, King Sacor Uberson, had tested both kingdoms and could field a large force. He was no older than I, and was filled with ambition his sire never had. The alliance was designed to peacefully set up a wall and keep him at bay. I had not realized the concern existed. My father explained much that night, things I would need to know. King Toric added to the exchange and I began to see the true importance of the union. I had always known it was needed, I just did not understand how fragile the kingdoms would be without it.

Together, we could field 300 heavy horse, 1,500 foot and 200 archers. A force that would rival that of the Wolf or any other kingdom that sought growth through combat. We discussed chain of command in case it was needed, strategies for contingencies and fall backs for failures. I inserted my opinions and was surprised when they were considered. The responsibility was daunting, the alliance just made it easier to shoulder. There was no doubt it was needful for my love to be sacrificed.

It was well dark when we were informed the banquet was ready. My mind was exhausted with the discussion, but it and more was needed.

My father looked to us and smiled. "Talk of state makes me hungry. What say we indulge and return to this on the morrow?" The agreements could not come fast enough. We were like friends heading to a tavern as we exited toward the main hall.

"My daughter has a love of riding, Cayden," King Toric informed me as we walked. "Take her out if you want to know her better, but I warn you - she may try to teach you a thing or two." It was a good-natured warning. I was good on a horse and would enjoy a bit of a race.

"Thank you, my Lord. I will ask her straight away. We will have that in common at least." My future father-in-law placed his hand on my shoulder as we walked into the hall. It did not go unnoticed by the many retainers gathered for the feast. There were two long tables along each side of the room, just inside the large stone pillars that held the impressive ceiling at bay. The left side held the Bear's men and women, the right held my people. The division seemed strange to me in the face of the alliance we had just formed. Everyone stood when the kings entered.

The ladies were waiting for us near the entrance. My father kissed the hand of my mother and lead her to the smaller head table on the other side of the room, perpendicular to the long tables. King Toric repeated with his queen. Protocol set, I made to kiss Angelica's hand. She held it stiffly down. I looked into a pair of amused eyes as she slightly tilted her cheek to me. I smiled and leaned forward and kissed her cheek. A good-natured cheer went up at the long tables. Angelica would handle presentation; I knew it from that moment forward. We would be good together.

"Why are our people separated?" Angelica whispered as my lips left her cheek. She saw what I did and found it disconcerting. I winked at her and turned to those assembled. It was time to be more than what I was.

"My bride has expressed some concern at the division of tables," I said loudly with the commanding tone I always heard from my father's lips. The kings and their wives turned, confusion on their faces. "I ..." I paused while thinking and turned to Angelica whose smile radiated across the room. I began again, "WE would like every other person to exchange tables to better reflect the union we are forming." Laughter broke out as everyone tried to move at once. After a few moments the tables resettled as a pretty even mix of Lion and Bear. Near the main table, two sets of parents were beaming with surprised pride. I took my bride's hand and walked slowly toward the head table.

"Well done, my Lord," Angelica said quietly.

"Equals, always," I responded in the midst of the appreciative applause. We were good together.

"Well done. Should have thought of that myself," my mother said as we arrived at the main table. It was not directed at me, but to Angelica. My father was smiling slyly at me, knowing the difference between equal and a woman's sense of it. I enjoyed sharing that secret smile, and did not care if Angelica received all the credit. It reflected well on both of us.

The banquet was a lush affair. Many courses were served and the wine flowed freely. I was sure many friendships between Bear and Lion were formed that night. It would bode well if we ever needed each other for less civilized affairs. I was caught off guard when the boiled potatoes were served. The staff was overtaxed and Alia had dropped her normal duties to help serve the tables. The pain she must feel, seeing me with a bride that is not her. I tried desperately to not look, but my eyes always seemed to find her. At one point, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, in hopes she would be gone when they reopened.

"Are you not well, my Lord?" Angelica asked. I snapped my eyes open and turned toward her voice. She had a shrewd grin and her eyes were focused toward Alia. I prayed it was a coincidence.

"Mayhap a bit more wine than wise," I lied. 'No secrets' ran through my brain. I did not really agree to it, but implied I would. I changed the subject. "I thought we might go riding in the morning, my Lady."

Angelica turned to me and said, "That would be lovely. I have a desire to see the land I will spend the rest of my life in."

"I will inform the stable then," I said brightly, "do you ride well?" Of course, I had already surmised the answer from her father. I felt the need to distract her from Alia.

"I am confident on a horse. More so than most men," Angelica teased.

"A contest then. That will wake us," I challenged. Angelica smiled and I found myself hoping Alia had not seen it. It was bad enough I would send her away. I certainly did not want her thinking I would enjoy it. I made a point to avoid looking at the long tables. I tried to keep the conversation tight, in hopes of not alerting Angelica, through stolen glances, of my past. It was hard to lose my love and be a prince at the same time.

Angelica and I were in the middle of discussing her brother, the future Bear, when the inevitable happened. Plates of bread pudding were being served to end the feast. I was listening to the reason why Uri Douderson had not joined this first meeting when an arm, I recognized all too well, placed a plate in front of me. Alia's hand had a tremor and the plate rattled a bit when it was set down. I tried desperately to not turn around and in the tension, ended up fumbling my wine, some of it into my lap.

"May we have a cloth," Angelica asked with amusement. I did not dare turn around and kept my eyes on the spill.

"At once, my Lady." Alia's soft voice washed over me as I heard her leave to obtain a cloth.

"Wine has been causing you a host of problems tonight." Angelica was teasing, but I sensed something else in the tone.

"Mayhap I should make it an early night," I suggested.

"Alas, there will be music," Angelica stated with amused eyes, "and we will need to dance at least once. Will you be able to stand upright?" She was having fun with my earlier excuse.

"I am capable," I stated, less than warmly.

"I know you are. I am sorry for making sport of the spill," Angelica offered. Her tone had changed to mirror mine. I had not wanted to insult.

"My apologies, my Lady," I expressed sincerely, "there is much on my mind. I spoke too quickly." Angelica's smile returned, but it was not for me.

"Thank you and what is your name, my dear?" Angelica reached out for the cloth. I stiffened at the thought of Alia behind me.

"Alia, my Lady," Alia answered as stiffly as I felt. I felt a draft on the back of my neck and wondered if it was her breath.

"Thank you, Alia," Angelica repeated again. Then she returned her attention to me and motioned me to stand. She began to mop the edge of the table that caught the brunt of the spill.

"I should do that, my Lady," Alia said with stuttered hesitation. I felt horrible as I listened to her force the words out. I wanted to turn and wrap her in my arms. Instead, I stood there silent, my back to her.

"Alia, please notify the musicians we are ready." My mother saved me. I looked over and saw the concern in her eyes.

"At once, your Majesty." Alia was already a few steps away when she uttered the words. I could hear her relief at the reprieve my mother offered. I gently took the cloth from Angelica and completed the cleaning of my pants. Angelica had a sly smile on her face as she watched Alia move quickly toward the front of the room. I feared too much had been given away. I was not sure if the smile was humorous or cruel.

"She is a pretty woman," Angelica said quietly as I returned to my now dry seat.

"Who is?" I feigned ignorance while pretending to clean residual wine off the end of the table. Angelica did not answer so I looked up and found her eyes studying me. The music started and I welcomed the distraction. I pretended to forget the flow of the prior exchange. "Shall we dance, my Princess?"

"Yes," Angelica answered and we rose hand in hand. She donned a courtly smile. I was relieved the conversation was over.

All eyes were upon us as we bowed to the kings and queens. The musicians were playing a pleasant ballad. Angelica deftly mirrored my movements as we danced a simple basse. Her grace was well practiced, mine was stiffer and, I hoped, more gentlemanly. Her face was alive with happiness. It was the dancing, not the eyes upon her, she seemed to enjoy. I was able to put the situation with Alia toward the back of my mind and fed on Angelica's delight. To her this was fun and I had to admit it felt good to see her happy. The melody ended with the two of us facing each other. I bowed with a silly grin to her graceful curtsy. I almost did not notice the applause.

"Carola!" Queen Tareen shouted. Angelica's face lit up again. The call was echoed by many. I cringed and started to leave the floor.

"Please, my Prince. It would be such fun," Angelica pleaded while grabbing my hand to hold me on the floor. I turned to put an argument forward, my lack of singing voice being the main. I could not. Her eyes begged and her face went so incredibly soft. 'A woman's idea of equal is different than ours.' I thought about my father's words. There were many things I would not have equal say in and this was one of them. It was either agree or become cruel. There was not really a choice at all.

"If it please you, of course," I answered to an ecstatic princess. She pulled me quickly into the circle that was forming. It was agreed that the steps would be in the Bear fashion and it took a few moments to bring the Lions up to snuff. The song started, a lively tune about summer that all knew well, and we sang as our feet fumbled through the first few verses. By the fourth verse it became fun as the moves became fluid and we all danced as one. When my confidence grew, my voice was raised as well. Angelica laughed at my discordant singing. It was a happy laugh that encouraged me to continue.