Chapter 3

Chapter 3: The Nerve

All color drained from Jacob’s face as he nodded his agreement. Once Tidas had moved away from him, the bastard shot Skye a look that sent a clear message to her: watch yourself. What the hell did she do to earn his ire?! She was not but a pawn in all this. If Jacob has issues, it was with the two men in front of him.

Skye gathered up her skirts once again with a huff, and joined Peggy, who was anxiously waiting by the door. Once they’d hurried from the room, and the guests were served. The men left to discuss the events. Lady Drummond stayed back to tend to her guests and direct the servants.

Once in the privacy of her rooms, Skye quickly undressed and changed into a comfortable dark green dress with dark-gold colored trim. It was well fitted; showing her curves, but not much skin. She then slipped on her shoes, and opened her door. To her surprise, one of Tidas’ men was standing guard; ready to escort her to her father’s quarters.

“My prince has sent me to fetch you, my lady. He believes that since this involves your future, you should be present; if you so wish. However, if you do not wish to face that vulgar man again, Prince Tidas will understand your absence. He’ll have your father speak on your behalf,” he finished with a bow.

Shock appeared on Skye’s face, but only for a second. Never had her father involved Skye in the choices made about her life. She never expected her future husband to be any different. But then again, the prince was not her father, and certainly Not Jacob. She had trained herself these past two years not to fight against her fate. It was the same for most women: why would she expect life to be any different for herself? Skye had decided to hide her wit, and do whatever must be done to protect the little freedom she would’ve had.

After pondering a moment, Skye replied, “The prince is most gracious for considering my feelings. I shall take up his offer to include myself in.... the planning of my own future.”

The guard smiled before replying, “Aye m’lady. One ought to have a hand one’s own future.”

.....

As they walked to the lord’s quarters, Skye thought of the Tidas she once knew. He had always teased and picked on her, but was never cruel. It was all the common things boys did to girls; tug on her hair, steal her dolls, splash mud on her, etc.. It brought a smile to her face thinking about it. When news of the prince’s death had reached her, Skye had locked her memories of him away. Forgetting most of her feelings towards him except when one particular memory would occasionally arise.

One time; Skye had come home covered in mud from a play date with the prince. The clothes she would wear to her play dates with him were expensive. Her father got so mad at her that he had threatened to have her whipped. Skye could only cower and cry, unable to explain the circumstances. The fear of her father at that moment was too great. She remembered thinking: ‘Would it even matter to him that it was Tidas’ fault?’

When the young prince burst through the door and volunteered to take the beating for her, Skye knew he’d grow up to be a decent man(given time). Maybe even a good husband; someone she could love.

Skye shook herself from her thoughts as they’d walked. ‘That was years ago, though,’ she thought.

She had no idea what kind of man Tidas was now. Considering how he’d reacted to Jacob grabbing her, she decided that he couldn’t have changed too much. Or at least she hoped so... Since it seemed that He was to be her husband now. Skye was still lost in her thoughts as they entered her parent’s quarters, and went to her father’s office. Her father, Tidas, Jacob, and Jacob’s father were all standing around her father’s desk; as if waiting for someone.

“Finally! Took you long enough, wench,” Jacob hissed as Skye entered the group.

“Do not speak to your Betters in such a manner, sir,” Tidas retorted.

“My better?! How is this Woman my better in any way? Sh-She’s just a woman!” Jacob bellowed.

“Skye is My future wife, and considered a Princess in the eyes of my father, the King. She is beautiful, kind, and intelligent; all the things a princess should be. Any ill will towards her, is ill will towards the Crown. Now sit down and shut your bloody mouth, before I have you drawn and quartered right here and now!” Tidas was in Jacob’s face now as his anger for the man hit it’s limit.

Before anything else could happen; Jacob’s father slapped him in the side of his head hard enough to make his son stumble, and cause his ears to ring. He’d caught himself before falling over. Jacob looked over to his father with a scowl on his face. Lord Fowler had taken one intimidating step in his son’s direction, causing him to drop his dirty look.

Jacob’s father stared daggers at him before saying: “Shut your mouth, you stupid fool! How dare you talk to the prince that way?! If ye don’t shut yer mouth, and he does decide to follow through with his threat: I’ll help tie ye to the damn horses Myself!”

With his father’s reprimand; Jacob went, sat, and sank into a seat set off in the corner by a window. It took everything Skye had to keep her face straight. She so badly wanted to laugh out loud at the wrath he had brought upon himself. Since she had known him, Jacob had always acted very spoiled.

Skye always made sure Peggy was near whenever he was around her. She got the distinct impression that he would be dangerous if left alone with her. And she thanked the gods for not having to marry him. But most of all, she wanted to thank Tidas. His timing had been down to the wire, but she was grateful he’d saved her from Jacob.

“Let’s get down to business. Ima hungry, and simply wish to solve this dilemma,” Skye’s father stated with gusto.

“Agreed, Moonie! Let us be done with this so we may begin the planning of our wedding, and the festivities to follow. Come Skye; this involves you as well,” Tidas turned to his fiancée with a dazzling smile as he motioned to her to move closer.

“Aye, Prince Tidas,” was all the reply he got as the strange nickname caused Skye to quirk an eyebrow in curiosity at her father.

Lucas coughed as he looked away from Skye. That was Not a story his daughter should hear. He looked to the prince with a pleading look. When a devilish smirk was returned, he sighed deeply.

Lord Moonstone knew Skye would ask about it eventually. Better the story be told in front of him, allowing some small amount of self defense to be had. Although, truth be told; the ‘bare’ truth had gotten him countless laughs, and sealed many dealings over his long years. Hearing embellished versions from friends and business associates over said years had helped to ensure his reputation went far.

The matter took some time to resolve. On top of paying for the other half of wedding expenses; Jacob tried to demand twice the bride price. As recompense for having to find another bride. His argument was all motivated by greed. He clearly had no love towards Skye, just her family’s wealth. It was obvious that He held no affections toward her other that lust, but Tidas wondered how Skye felt about the situation?

‘Did she have feelings for that brute?’ Tidas doubted it, based off of her reaction to his touch and the marks left on his wrist. Most women would not risk punitive actions as she did. But then again, anyone who would’ve touched Skye with ill intent would’ve been dead before they could raise a hand to her.

Skye was strong, willful, and daring as a child. And the kindest person he had ever met; after their initial meeting. Even though he was a prince, she never treated him differently from the other children. He was just another boy to her. No one special; so that made her special to him.

As a lad, Tidas felt she would be more than a wife, she could be a companion to him. Someone to share his life, worries, and thoughts with. And now that she was a woman, he was captivated by her beauty. Even now, in her everyday attire; she was everything he wanted.

The green of Skye’s dress made her red-gold hair stand out beautifully. Her face was small and slightly heart-shaped. Her skin was like porcelain; aside from some sporadic freckles on either side of her nose. Her eyes were an odd mix of blue-grey. Skye was much shorter than he was now, but Tidas found it only made her cuter. And her dress showed a heavenly outline.

Skye had curves in all the right places, not like the women he’d often seen at court. They were sticks who picked at their food, wasting a goodly amount of it. Enjoying food was one of life’s greatest pleasures to Tidas. And he hated dainty eaters.

“I think that covers it. Our deal will remain intact, with the exception of the marriage. We will have to go to court to find a suitable replacement for my son, but everything else should work out fine, so long as the king approves,” Lord Fowler stated with a smile, offering his hand to seal the deal.

Jacob had not said a word since his father’s reprimand. He sat silently, staring daggers at Skye any time the lords weren’t looking. He had wanted Skye the moment he’d seen her when she was fifteen. Her father had begun inquiries of marriage for her when he had learned of the prince’s death. The Fowlers had made it a point to scare away any other potential suitors that might’ve been a better match than the depraved bastard.

Jacob had tried to be alone with her on several occasions, but that damn servant of hers was always about. If he had been able to be alone with her, this would all be a moot point. Whether Skye had wanted it or not; she would’ve already had his child in her belly..