Thea's Tale (Sisters Of The Curse Book 1) by Lisa Manifold Page B

fostered for four years here, did you not know that?” He gave Sebastian a wide grin, and Thea saw more of the wolfish aspect she’d seen at luncheon the previous day. “I am always interested in her well-being. Gallivas is quite a second home to me. Not only because she shares a border with Ethion, but because I have had the chance to get to know her, know her fine qualities. If my neighbor should suffer, it would harm us all. I’m glad to know you take your stewardship of her seriously!” He clapped Sebastian on the shoulder.
    “I will take my leave of you both, with your permission,” he said, bowing to Thea.
    “Of course. I thank you for your discourse.” Thea said.
    Casimir bowed to Sebastian, with more of an air of mocking. He was either brave or foolish to taunt Sebastian so.
    In spite of his earlier discomfiture, Sebastian nodded to Casimir. He waited until Casimir had left the tent to speak.
    “I think it unwise for you to be carrying on discussions with him.”
    “Why? He is the future king of Ethion and I am the future queen of Gallivas and Laurycia. In addition, he will potentially represent us while in Samir. It would be unwise to ignore him.”
    Lisette returned, a footman in tow. “Some refreshment?”
    Thea doubted that Sebastian knew how close she and Lisette were. She decided to keep that fact to herself.
    “Thank you, Lady DeKasen.” She gave a cool smile to Lisette.
    Lisette nodded as she handed a cup to them.
    “May I get you anything else?” Lisette was very formal.
    “No, thank you. Would you be so kind as to attend me?” Thea indicated a chair a few feet from where she and Sebastian sat. Not too close, but an appropriate distance for one’s attendant.
    “Of course.” Lisette dropped a curtsy and moved away.
    “Where were we, Sebastian? Oh, yes, discussing our kingdoms.”
    “I do not think we have anything else to discuss. If I find I need to, I shall approach your father.” He gave her a wide smile, obviously considering the argument done.
    “Approach me about what?” Aland asked from behind Sebastian.
    Thea and Sebastian both jumped up, but Aland waved their courtesy away. “No, be seated, please. May I join you?” He didn’t wait for an answer, but sat in the chair where Casimir had been sitting, across from Thea.
    Thea shot a glance at Lisette. What was this?
    “Now, you were saying?” Aland directed his question at Sebastian. “What did you wish to consult with me about?”
    Thea hid a grin. She wanted to hear what Sebastian would say. For all his confidence, charm, and skills, Sebastian was still a visitor to the court. For all Aland’s highhanded behavior towards Thea, which still stung, he expected her to be a true ruler and not just hand the reins to the man she married.
    “I was telling Thea that you and I would be able to discuss the doings and management of Gallivas between us. That she need not worry about matters of state.”
    He sounded pompous, Thea thought. She saw her father’s expression. Poor Sebastian.
    “Indeed? Thea, my dear, what matters of state were you meddling in?” While the words sounded harsh, Thea knew better.
    “Initially, Father, Sebastian, Casimir and I were discussing the fact that the Empress’s ships had attacked our traders and absconded with our goods. Sebastian did not feel involving Casimir in our discussions to be a wise move. Nor involving myself.” She smiled as she finished.
    “Why ever would you deny yourself the comfort of having a wife who understands how to rule?” Aland asked Sebastian.
    “Understanding is fine, Sire. I do not require assistance in matters of state.”
    “Do you not? I thought that you admired the fact that I took care to prepare my daughter to rule. Thea is as intelligent as any son I might have had, as are all my daughters.”
    “May I ask, Sir, if you and Her Majesty consult before you make decisions?”
    “Of course! Ceridwen understands the workings of our kingdom as well as I do, in