Thea's Tale (Sisters Of The Curse Book 1) Read Free

surprise on his face. “Indeed, daughter? I did not know you had an interest in anyone.”
    She laughed. “Come, Father. Don’t bother with pretense. I know of the meeting today.”
    Aland frowned. “You do? I had not intended for anyone to know until I made an announcement.”
    “With the way gossip travels? Father, really!” She laughed. “It’s all right, Father. I’m happy with your choice. It is my choice, also.”
    He smiled, his displeasure gone. “I had thought so. I want you to be happy, Thea, and he is a good man. Well, if you are happy, then there is no need to wait any longer. Shall we tell everyone else?”
    Thea smiled so widely she felt her face might split. “Yes, please, Father.”
    “Then let’s not waste another moment.” He led her past the groups of people who had stopped to watch their conversation.
    They reached the dais at the head of the ballroom. He stepped up to it, and turned to help her up. Her father turned and faced the assembly, still holding her hand in his. Without saying a word, the entire party grew silent, waiting.
    “I have counted myself a fortunate man and king. Not only am I blessed with a realm of the best people, I am blessed with my family.”
    The men of the court responded with a roar. The ladies clapped politely. Aland smiled at them all, glancing at Thea as he did so.
    As the noise receded, Aland resumed speaking. “I have put the care of family and kingdom as my priorities always. Tonight, I wish to share with you the steps I have taken to ensure the continued health and prosperity of both.”
    The crowd roared again. Thea couldn’t help smiling. It made her happy to see that the court would be so accepting of Casimir. She searched the crowd, and saw him moving closer. “I am pleased to tell you that I have been asked to give my daughter, my heir, Thea, Princess of Gallivas in marriage. Prince Sebastian of Laurycia has proposed an alliance, and I have accepted! Prince Sebastian, if you would please join us!”
    The crowd roared more loudly than before. Thea struggled to keep the shock and surprise from her face. Sebastian? Sebastian? How could this be? This should be Casimir! Her gaze flew to him, still in the crowd. He stood still, no longer in motion. The shock she felt was mirrored in his face.
    Her thoughts were interrupted as Sebastian bounded up to the dais, bowing first to Aland. He then bowed to Thea, taking her hand and kissing it reverently. When he rose, Aland clapped him on the back, and Sebastian turned to face the crowd, still holding Thea’s hand. She wanted to pull it from him, but dared not in the face of her father and the entire gathering of courtiers.
    “I thank you for your kind reception to this news. Not only am I eager to wed the lovely Princess Thea,” he pulled her hand to his lips and kissed it again, “But I am pleased to make an alliance that I think will change forever the kingdoms of Gallivas and Laurycia, for the better.” He looked at Thea, and then turned forward and winked at the crowd. “I do think I am getting the better end of the bargain!”
    His statement drew laughter and cheers from the court. Thea could see women sighing at the romantic show. She struggled to keep the smile in place, afraid that she would burst into tears and disgrace herself. She didn’t look to where she knew Casimir stood. She could feel the heat of his stare without even seeing him.
    “Let us drink to the happy couple!” Aland boomed. He took a glass from a footman who had appeared and raised it. Thea could see that men with trays had appeared throughout the ballroom. Sebastian took two glasses, offering one to Thea as he leaned in closer to her.
    “For my bride,” he said quietly. “I am very happy, Thea. I hope you shall be also.”
    “I thank you, Sebastian, but I must be honest. I was not aware you’d asked for my hand.”
    “Were you not?” He asked. His face registered surprise. Keeping his tone quiet he said, “I felt sure