Castles - Book 5 - The Frencolian Chronicles (complete)

Chapter Fourteen

"Czarevitch Kenrik is arriving tomorrow." Elliad turned from his repose by the windows. "Jobyna will come to dinner." This was not a question, but a statement.

Sleven counter-stated, "Princess Jobyna will not be going to dinner! She needs to be resting and recuperating."

Jobyna saw Elliad's angry look return as the two men strode out into the hallway. Arguing and contentions filtered through the closed door to her ears. Hopping about, she picked up a crutch for support and crossed to the door, pushing it open. Staring at her in surprise, the men ceased their shouting.

"Excuse me, but I hate to hear you arguing, especially as it's about me. Do you want to know what I think?" Sleven laughed heartily. This girl had more spunk than he first imagined.

"Why— would— we— want to know what you think, Sparrow?" Elliad's tone was disparaging and angry. His icy blue eyes chilled her to the bone. Jobyna bowed her head to escape his angry gaze.

"I'm sorry. I'm always talking out of turn," she murmured, thinking, Of course, they're not interested in what I think. Turning with the aid of the crutch, she hopped back to the couch. Sleven obtained a glimpse of Elliad's impatience with the girl and of her giving up in submission. He watched Elliad, knowing the problem was with him but then so was the power. Elliad enjoyed displaying his unrivaled and unrestricted power and authority; he gleaned delight from lording it over those subordinate to him. 

The exile struggled to stop himself from grabbing her viciously and forcing her to talk instead of moving away. He was riled enough to break his promise made just minutes before! Sleven stood in the doorway blocking his way.

"Sire, King Elliad. Can't you see her submission to you?" The doctor's voice was quiet lest she heard. "She's no threat to you. She's trying to calm you, to smooth things over, and you react violently as though she's trying to destroy you. She's only a child, Sire. Sit down." He indicated the bench in the hallway. "Go!" Sleven ordered Brian.

Elliad calmed down as Sleven administered some psychology laced with home truths. He then said to his fuming employer, "Come with me and keep quiet. You'll see how much she wants to please you."

Jobyna sat on the window seat, staring out at the gardens, watching gardeners pulling weeds and turning horse manure into the sandy soil. Turning at the sound of the men entering the room she braced herself and lifted her head to look at Elliad.

It was Sleven who spoke, "What would you like to do, Jobyna? Would you like to go to dinner and meet Czarevitch Kenrik?" As he expected, she remained silent. He rephrased the question, urging a reply, "King Elliad and I want to know what you think about it. Tell us truthfully." His gray eyes encouraged her, giving her the confidence to reply.

She bit her lip with uncertainty. Turning back to Elliad, she spoke, "I will do what you want, Elliad John." She bowed her head. The king was ready to give a cutting remark but was intercepted by Sleven.

"You're not telling us, exactly, how you feel, Jobyna," the doctor spoke kindly. Jobyna looked at Sleven, then at Elliad, wondering if she dared to voice her true feelings.

"Well, I must admit, I'm not excited about the dinner part, or about meeting the czar's son, but if it pleases you, Sire, I'd rather be there." She looked away, not sure she was making sense.

Elliad sighed, turned, picked up the letter from the table, and stalked away. Jobyna was truthful, unpretending and guileless. She had always been honest, she wore her feelings on her face and her heart on her sleeve. Sleven's words were right. It was tremendously difficult for Elliad to comprehend someone who did not pretend, especially a female. It amazed him that she did not put on a false, hypocritical front. Sleven maintained that she was terrified of meeting with his disapproval and displeasure. He must try and remember she told the truth.