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

rest, young man,” said Aland, taking the queen’s hand. “We shall need to delve into the business of our kingdoms tomorrow.”
    “Of course, Your Majesties,” Sebastian said, bowing to them both. “Princesses,” he said to Thea’s sisters. He rose and stepped forward, taking Thea’s hand. “Thea,” his lips brushing her hand as he looked up at her.
    Thea could hear some of her sisters sighing around her and resisted the urge to roll her eyes. If she were being fair, which she felt no inclination to be, she’d be delighted at his show of romance. Were there no Casimir...
    “Very well,” said Aland. “My dear, daughters, to bed.” He left the room, and Thea and her sisters followed. Thea looked over her shoulder. Sebastian stood watching them, a smile on his face. He looked happy, Thea thought.
    She hurried to catch up to her parents. “Father, may I speak with you?”
    “Tonight?” Aland asked. “Can this not wait until morning?”
    He really has no idea, Thea thought. He truly had no inkling that he was high handed in doing this without telling her or that there was anything wrong with his actions. She pushed that aside to focus on the matter at hand.
    “Yes, please, Father. Tonight.”
    Aland exchanged a glance with Ceridwen. She spoke immediately. “I am sure you will be fine with a morning appointment, dear. Over breakfast, perhaps?” She smiled at Thea and Aland.
    Thea could feel her sisters behind her, waiting, watching, and listening. She braced herself. “Thank you, Mother, but I really do wish to speak with Father before this evening is over.”
    “What is amiss, daughter?” Aland seemed genuinely puzzled, which made Thea want to strike him.
    “I would prefer to converse with you in private, Sir,” she answered.
    Aland glanced at Ceridwen again. “I suppose, if you must. I shall give you five minutes in my chambers.  My dear, I shall join you shortly,” he said to Ceridwen. “Daughters, to your rooms.”
    They scattered around Thea and Aland, some glancing back fearfully. Adelaide was the last to pass Thea, and she squeezed Thea’s hand as she went by.
    Once everyone had moved on, Aland turned to Thea. “Come.” His face showed a mix of annoyance and concern.
    Thea trailed in his wake, taking deep breaths as she did so. This would not be easy, and a part of her feared what her father might say or do. But she could not marry Sebastian.
    Aland stopped at the door of his private sitting room. He held the door open silently as Thea hurried in, wanting to be done with what was sure to be a difficult discussion with her father.
    “Well? What is this about? When last we spoke, you were both happy and excited.”
    “Why did you not tell me it was Sebastian who asked for my hand?”
    “That is what this is about? Thea, we spoke before I made the announcement. You were happy, in agreement with my choice for you. I venture to say you were even eager for it!” Thea could see that he was beginning to feel angry. She could also see concern for her in his face. She hurried to respond. She didn’t want to feel his anger if she could avoid it.
    “I did not know you meant Sebastian,” she said, attempting to remain calm.
    “You didn’t know….” His voice trailed off. “If not Sebastian, then who is it, Thea? Who else might be worthy of your hand? Furthermore, Sebastian has made his interest plain. I watched you carefully. You did not reject his advances.”
    “I didn’t realize he even made advances!” She said. Her anger spilled over. “Why did you not tell me that he had asked for my hand?” The tears that had threatened most of the evening slipped out, and she brushed them impatiently from her cheeks.
    “I didn’t think I had to!” Aland also struggled with his anger, his bewilderment showing. “We spoke of this, Thea! Who else would speak for your hand?”
    “I cannot marry Sebastian, Father! I do not love him, I will not marry him!” She couldn’t name Casimir, not now.