Free Thea's Tale (Sisters Of The Curse Book 1) by Lisa Manifold Page B

the canopy with Isobel on his arm. Seeing her to a seat near Ceridwen, he stood for a moment talking with the queen. Thea strained to hear their conversation, but she couldn’t catch their words. Whatever he said made the queen smile and Isobel giggle, a flirtatious, coquettish sound that ground across Thea’s nerves.
    “My lady?” She pulled her attention from Casimir when Lisette’s voice broke into her thoughts.
    “I am sorry, ladies.” She smiled widely. “I did not attend. I found myself slightly overtaken by the heat.”
    “Of course, my lady,” said Lady Tottenham, while she and Lady McIvers exchanged a glance. Thea noted that Lady McIvers glanced forward to watch Casimir with the queen and Isobel, and then not-so-discreetly nudge Lady Tottenham.
    “We are all looking forward to the wedding,” Lady Tottenham pretended there had been no nudge.
    “Oh, a royal wedding,” sighed Lady McIvers. “We haven’t had one here since your parents’, Your Highness, and what a lovely day that was!”
    “Oh, yes! Indeed it was!” Lady Tottenham quickly agreed. “Her Majesty was so very lovely, she took my breath away when she entered the chapel! Do you remember her train, Prudence?”
    “Yes, I do. I must tell you, my lady,” Lady McIvers said to Thea, “All the ladies were most envious of it! A masterpiece of lace! Has Her Majesty shown it to you?”
    “She has, yes,” said Thea. She wasn’t sure why they were dithering around with old memories like this, but it kept her from staring daggers at Casimir.
    “The amazing thing was that she had blossoms scattered on the train and they gave off the most amazing scent! Roses, is what they were. Pink and white roses. I think that it would have become quite the fashion if —” she stopped.
    Ceridwen must have been listening to their conversation, because she turned around and gave a fierce stare to Lady McIvers. Lady Tottenham darted a frightened glance at Ceridwen.
    “My lady, would you be so kind as to excuse us?” Lady Tottenham asked Thea hurriedly.
    “Of course. My thanks on your good wishes,” Thea said automatically. What had Lady McIvers been about to say? Why had Ceridwen cut her off? She gave her mother a questioning look.
    As both the ladies stood and quickly left the tent, giving deep curtsies to Ceridwen and the princesses, Thea looked intently at her mother. Ceridwen had a bland look on her face that gave nothing away, and certainly didn’t answer Thea’s unspoken question. Ceridwen turned back to Casimir as though nothing had happened.
    “What was that all about?” Lisette asked in a whisper.
    “I don’t know,” Thea said, also talking through the smile plastered on her face. She didn’t want to attract Ceridwen’s attention again. Not like that. While Aland could roar in a way that made most courtiers uncomfortable, Ceridwen could make them quake in their boots without ever raising her voice.
    “I may have to seat myself near the old biddies at the next meal,” said Lisette. “You know they won’t be able to keep still about this, foolish things.”
    Thea watched the two ladies moving away quickly. She could tell they were arguing, with Lady Tottenham doing most of the talking and scolding.
    “I’ve never heard any gossip about my parents’ wedding. Have you?” Thea kept her voice low.
    “No, nothing, and you know I’d come to you if I had. Not that people are completely open near me,” said Lisette. “I am too well known as your confidant.”
    “I am so glad that you are,” Thea responded. “I’ve missed you terribly these past few days.”
    “Use your wardrobe as an excuse, Thea. It will be understood if you tell your father you need some time to do this. Particularly since the engagement was a surprise, you won’t have had any time to prepare yourself. Go to him today, and ask him. We’ll be able to talk.”
    “I shall.”
    “Mayhap we’ll be able to get some time to work on this in the next day,” said