Page 62 of Crowned In Sin

We linger by the paintings. Isabel asks more questions about a few of them, and then we go out to a wide balcony that overlooks the sea. Some of the areas are shaded, with seating underneath, and others are set up to play outdoor games.

“This is my favorite part of the palace,” Prince Jasper announces. “If I cannot be on the sea or riding across the grounds, then I prefer to spend time here. The sound of the sea calms my thoughts. The seating areas have also been designed to muffle the sound of the waves, so that people can converse without having to shout.” The breeze smells of fresh salty water.

“It’s so lovely in summer.” I mean this, too. We’re not close to the sea at my father’s castle. We cannot even hear it, and suddenly I realize that this is a place I would love to spend more time in. There is something quite soothing about the presence of the ocean, although I’m sure I would feel quite differently on a stormy day. Still, there is an excitement to it, as if you could climb into a boat and go anywhere on earth.

I suppose that is true, too. With them, we could do anything. Go anywhere. This life is so unwritten and with them, I feel safe and secure.

“How did your family come to rule here?” I ask Prince Jasper. We have been discussing the talents of his family for most of the tour, and it only makes me more curious.

“Generations ago, there was nothing but a lighthouse.” He points to what is clearly an old lighthouse down the coast. “My ancestors frequently had to station men here to alert them of invading armies, and once they had grown powerful enough, combining several smaller lands into our kingdom, they decided to build a castle here so that anyone approaching by sea would know that the land was defended. That kingdom faded but the castle and lighthouse remained. As did the respect the people had for my family who provided for them when no one else could. And so the land became ours.”

“And your family has lived here ever since?”

“We have,” he answers. “It is only in recent years that mother found it…distressing to live here. The manor she and my father have taken residence in now is farther inland and quieter. We get used to the sound of the sea, living here, but after the war, she needed less of it.”

“And…she is happy, living inland? Is it helping her?”

“I believe so,” Prince Jasper answers, a certain sadness in his eyes. “I do not know if she will ever want to return here for great portions of the year.”

“Do you wish she would?”

He hesitates. “Yes, I think I would prefer it, for us all to be together again. I think it would bring her more comfort than she knows. With you and a growing family. A wife and princess to heal this family… I think it will mend pieces of her heart as well and bring joy back to our kingdom much in need of it.”

“I do not think I would mind it,” I tell him, feeling as bold as I did after the ball. “I do not think I would mind getting to know your mother and father. I cannot help but wish my own mother were here to be part of the wedding ceremony, and…and see my happiness. The happiness you’ve both given me.” I’m gentle and quieter with my last sentence and Isabel has the good sense not to let on that she heard them. Casen peers at her first and then back at me, with a nod of his head in understanding.

“Ah,” Prince Jasper says, softer. “Do you think you would be happy after such a ceremony?”

“I do think so,” I allow. “But I will not rush to judgment. You have brought me here so that I might be sure, haven’t you?”

“Of course I have.”

I can see in Prince Jasper’s eyes that he is already sure of me, and that thought takes my breath away. I consider telling him that I am just as sure, but I must not do that. I must take my time, as he says. I must speak with his brother, as well. I have made many bold decisions lately, and while they have brought me great pleasure, they have also brought me sleeplessness and worry.

“Is there anything else you’d like to show us now, while we wait for our things to be brought up?” I ask, giving him a wide smile. “I’m sure there is much more to see in a castle as beautiful as this.”

“I am not sure there is anything to match your beauty,” he says, “but if you wish, Princess, I will try.”

Prince Jasper lingers over more of the art on the walls, then. He tells us of the master craftsman who laid down the tiles in the bathing room, then painted them to make it look as if the fish have swum up from the sea and joined us in the bath.

Isabel shudders. “Is there…a bathing area without such tiles? They are beautiful indeed, and I appreciate the craft, but⁠—”

“There is,” Prince Jasper answers gallantly. “Just through here. There are several areas, Princess, and of course the servants can bring water to the bathing area in your private rooms. I promise you, there are no such tiles to be found there.”

“I am happy to hear it,” Isabel says, blushing. I know this isn’t because she has suddenly developed feelings for Prince Jasper. It is only that she has a fear of fish and swimming things. “When I was a child, I was swimming in a pond on our lands, and something quite large brushed against my foot. I have never quite recovered from the feeling.”

I smirk at her and her smile widens. “Maybe it’s foolish but I do prefer my baths alone.”

“I can assure you that you will not be pressured into any ponds,” Prince Jasper promises with humor. “However, you might enjoy the salt baths we offer, though of course there is no rush.”

It’s then we hear the arrival of footsteps and a young man appears. He clears his throat, “My Lords,” he starts. The page comes to bring a message. He delivers it in a quiet voice to both princes. Prince Casen nods, though he is not the one who turns to speak to us.

“Your things have been delivered to your rooms and unpacked,” Prince Jasper says. “We thought you might enjoy some time to yourselves to bathe and change for an early dinner.”

“Yes,” Isabel agrees immediately. “I would like that very much.”

We meander back through the castle. Prince Jasper stops to greet many people, giving them a word of praise or some small task to do for him. The stewards we encounter seem glad to see both princes, and Prince Jasper’s care of them does not seem to be a performance for my benefit. It seems the two princes have formed a family here, despite the king and queen living elsewhere.

Prince Jasper shows Isabel to her room first, and Prince Casen ducks away, nodding to us as he goes. Then Prince Jasper comes to the doorway to my room, but does not step inside.