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

She wanted to, but feared her father’s reaction. He was speaking as though no one other than Sebastian had asked for her.
    “You are making no sense, and I am trying desperately to understand, Thea,” Aland said, his words careful and measured. “Based on our conversation, I had no reason to think that you would be anything other than happy regarding my choice of a groom for you. If you do not care for him, why did you allow me to think you did?” Hands on his hips, he stared intently at her.
    “Because I thought you were speaking of another!” She cried out at last, unable to bear his gaze. “I do love another, therefore I cannot marry Sebastian.”
    “Daughter, I have pledged my word to Sebastian. Not only to Sebastian, but to his father, from one king to another. This cannot be undone.”
    “Not even the fact that I love another makes a difference? You and mother married for love. Why would you deny me the same?”
    “You did not let me know there was someone who had engaged your interest. I have given my word. I cannot break it, Thea. Would you have me known as one who reneged on a promise?”
    She sat down onto a bench in front of the fireplace. She buried her face in her hands. Taking deep breaths, she willed the tears to stay put.
    “You will learn to love Sebastian. He is a good man, handsome, a brave knight and a good leader. This other will fade,” Aland said.
    Thea looked up at him. “Can you say that you would have gotten over Mother?”
    Aland winced. “Thea, I have no choice. Your choice not to confide in me has led me to a place where I cannot go back on my word, nor will I. I have been attentive to your wishes for many years now, but I can do so no longer.”
    “This is my fault? You ought to have come to me the instant Sebastian spoke to you! Why did you not tell him you needed to speak to me before giving your consent?” She could feel her voice rising.
    Aland’s restrained anger burst through. Thea knew that questioning his actions had pushed him too far. “Because I like him, and he will be a good king, for both you and for Gallivas. I felt you liked him as well. You know I have long despaired over not having a male heir. He will be a strong king to you as queen.”
    “I am your heir! Why does a man make any difference to that?” She could not believe what he’d just said.
    “You are indeed my heir. However, you need to have a strong king by your side.” Aland’s face closed.
    “I won’t marry him.”
    “I understand your reluctance, Thea. However, I have given my word. I wish you had come to me, let me know there was another that you cared for. As you did not, I cannot indulge you. I wish that it were not so, but I have made the best decision I could given the information I had. You will marry Sebastian. And daughter,” he said, taking her hand. “I do believe you will come to love him. Let us go to bed now. There is no sense in furthering this conversation.”
    Thea stared at him. Wrenching her hand from his, she stifled a sob, not wanting to show weakness, and ran from the room. She did, however, take care to slam the door behind her. She could hear her father roar “Thea!” but she did not turn back.
    As she ran down the hallway towards the rooms she shared with her sisters, she started to cry. No longer caring who might see or hear her, she allowed the tears that had been threatening all evening to spill over unchecked.  She could feel the heat from the torches along the wall as she ran past them.
    How could father do this to her? Marry her off without even telling her because he thought it best? All based on what he thought he saw! Why did he not ask her? She stopped in mid-step. She was so upset that her father brushed off her feelings that she’d forgotten to ask what reason he had to deny Casimir’s suit. She’d have to ask tomorrow. She wasn’t going back in to see him tonight.
    And Casimir! The way he’d looked at her when she and Sebastian had approached