Cursed by Darkness (Once Upon A Curse)

5. Juniper

FIVE

Juniper

After centuries of enduring the twins’ wrath against one another, Ronna erected a massive chain of mountains to separate the main continent, giving each brother half to control and leaving none for herself.

A stream of sunlight awoke Juniper with a start. She sat upright, trying to figure out where she was as she glanced around the unfamiliar room.

“Good morning, Your Majesty,” a voice said.

Juniper tugged the blankets around her chest. The bed was empty beside her, but the night before came crashing back in. Her head throbbed with the aftereffects of so much alcohol.

She married the King of Mesairla yesterday. Last night was their wedding night, but he hadn’t shared her bed. Instead, they sat near the fire talking and drinking. He’d helped her stumble over to his bed when she could barely keep her eyes open, then he went into the adjoining room to sleep separately.

But it appeared like he’d moved around the blankets and pillows beside her to look like they’d slept together.

She quickly focused on the woman pouring buckets of steaming water into the tub that sat up on a raised platform in the corner—the one she hadn’t even noticed the night before. Nadine . Juniper relaxed slightly.

“I had help bringing up water for a bath, but then I told them I would handle getting you prepared for the day.” The lady’s maid gave her a pointed look. “They know the morning after your first night together can be a little rough, and most women would understand if you were too embarrassed to have so many care for you. No one questioned my order.”

“Thank you,” Juniper whispered. She glanced at the door connecting the two rooms. The smaller one was meant to be hers, but he’d insisted on her taking the larger bed, claiming it was more comfortable. And he wasn’t wrong. She was deeply attached now and didn’t want to trade back.

“He’s already gone,” Nadine said, pouring rose oil into the water. Juniper didn’t know what time it was, but looking out the tall arched windows that made up an entire wall of their bedroom, she would guess it was still fairly early in the morning. Yet, Nadine appeared as if she had been awake and working for a while. Her curly black hair was tied into a bun on top of her head, with wisps falling down to frame her angular face, and the sleeves of her maroon dress had been pushed up past her elbows.

The scent of roses immediately reached Juniper, and she smiled. Then, the woman’s words registered. “They won’t think it strange he left me so early?”

Nadine walked down the few steps to the main floor then went to the wardrobe and pulled out a light mauve dress. She draped it over the end of the bed before gathering the other items Juniper would need. “We’re at war, Your Majesty. Everyone knows how vital it is that he discusses plans with your brothers while they’re here.”

Your Majesty . It was so strange to be referred to that way.

Juniper slipped out of the bed as she nodded. Now that she wasn’t panicking or distracted, she could really appreciate her surroundings. Last night, she’d seen the cavernous bedroom in the flickering firelight and lamps, but during the day… it was breathtaking.

Similar to where the wedding ceremony took place, the arched windows didn’t have glass. Everything in this palace seemed so open, as if they wanted to remain connected to nature while still having shelter. A wide, cushioned bench sat below the nearest windows, and one of the arches, she realized, was a doorway that led to a massive balcony with its own sitting area. And despite the walls and furniture being mostly shades of dark gray, it felt light in here.

“Let’s get you into the tub, then I’ll gather the sheets,” Nadine said, moving a screen around the bathing area for privacy in case anyone else entered.

Juniper followed the curved stone stairs up to the raised platform, where she undressed, stepped into the massive tub, and lowered until the hot water reached her shoulders. It soaked into her skin, relaxing her tense muscles as she stared out at the dark mountains in the distance. While Nadine went toward the bed, Juniper dipped under the surface to wet her hair. It had been too long since she’d been able to truly feel so at ease. For months, she’d feared her wedding night. Now that it was over and she knew her husband had no intention of forcing her into anything or harming her, she could finally breathe. Not that she entirely trusted him, of course. He was still a stranger, after all. But she wanted to believe he was genuine, especially after chatting for so long the previous night. She couldn’t quite remember every detail they’d shared, but she knew she’d told him about her tower, her brothers, and her favorite books. He, in turn, had talked about his family, the parts of the palace and city she should visit, and a little about his first two wives.

A warm breeze brushed across her face and shoulders, and she smiled. She’d dreaded coming here, but she couldn’t help but hope he’d spoken the truth about her freedom.

“There really isn’t any blood,” Nadine whispered, drawing Juniper’s attention across the room. “He said there wasn’t, that was why he asked me to do this alone, and of course, not everyone bleeds, but there’s nothing to clean up…”

Just like that, Juniper straightened. “He said you would be discreet.”

The maid’s eyes snapped to her. “Oh. Yes, of course. I’m not judging or anything. It’s not as if he doesn’t have a past too.”

Juniper sucked in a breath as understanding hit her. “No, I don’t have—I’ve never—we just didn’t…”

“Whoa, slow down. What?” Nadine crossed the room to her. “I thought he meant… You two didn’t consummate the marriage?”

“Shh!” She looked around, nervous another person might hear, but they were utterly alone. Still, her stomach twisted. She should have kept that to herself. She couldn’t force out more than a whisper when she said, “Bodin said he trusted you with his life. I assumed you knew.”

“ Bodin .” The woman smiled. “I thought Forossans didn’t use first names outside of childhood and behind closed doors with loved ones?”

“Sometimes, not even then,” she said before she could help it, remembering the way her mother always addressed her father as Your Majesty or My King , even when not in the public eye. Juniper cleared her throat. “He asked me to call him that.”

“I’ll bet he did.” Nadine smirked as she grabbed a vial and opened it. She poured its contents into her hands then worked the sweet-smelling soap into Juniper’s hair. “Your secrets are safe with me, Your Majesty. I’ve been friends with the king my whole life and would do just about anything for him.”

Something like jealousy flared to life in Juniper’s chest.

She must have made a face because Nadine chuckled and said, “Territorial about the man you met yesterday?”

Juniper didn’t answer, instead turning her attention back to the nearest tall window to stare at the brilliant blue skies and white puffy clouds stretching out before her. She couldn’t stop thinking about Nadine’s reaction. The woman was surprised they hadn’t consummated the marriage. Juniper had seen the way he looked at her last night, and she caught him staring at her lips, but he’d still turned her away. Maybe she’d read him wrong. Was there something wrong with her?

Nadine pivoted to kneel beside her. “I have a feeling we’re going to be spending a lot of time together, so I’m going to be open with you. You have nothing to be jealous about.” When Juniper tried to deny it, Nadine held up a hand. “Even if you don’t feel it now, I have no doubt you’ll grow to at least care for Bodin; it’s hard not to. But I promise you nothing has ever happened between us, and nothing ever will. He’s like a brother to me. There are zero feelings beyond familial love.”

Juniper didn’t know this woman. She didn’t know her past or behavior, but she wanted to believe her too. It might have been na?ve or foolish. Starting a new life without anyone in her corner, without any friends, however, seemed like a worse alternative. Besides, everyone deserved a chance to prove themselves. She didn’t like to assume people were dishonest or bad.

“All right.”

Nadine stood, resumed her spot behind Juniper, and began rinsing the soap from her hair. “Good. Now, let’s get you ready for breakfast, Your Majesty.”

“Juniper.”

The woman froze.

Juniper turned to look at her with a smile. “If we’re going to be spending so much time together, like you said, you should just use my name. That’s what friends do here, right?”

Grinning, Nadine said, “Right.”

She relaxed back into the bath as Nadine continued helping her wash. It was so peaceful here. They had only walked up two flights of stairs to reach the bedroom last night, but with how layered the city of Kehlir was, it felt like she was much higher in the sky. None of the noise from the streets below reached them in this place.

All at once, reality hit her. She was no longer locked in her familiar tower, but she’d been left alone in a similar situation. Her pulse quickened as she fought to remain calm. Bodin had told her she was free, but how did she know that for certain?

“Once we’ve got you dressed and ready for the day, Bodin will meet you downstairs for breakfast,” Nadine said. “He assigned one of his guards—Samuel—to accompany you and your personal guard to show you the way. And then, I think Laurent will be with you for a while to escort you around.”

Juniper’s mind reeled. “I don’t understand… I’m allowed to leave this room? And who’s Laurent?”

To her surprise, Nadine looked sad as she put a hand on Juniper’s arm where it lay on the edge of the tub. “Bodin has informed us that you are welcome to come and go as you wish. Laurent is his best friend; they’ve been inseparable since before I was even born.” Her soft chuckle put Juniper more at ease. “He was standing with Bodin during the ceremony.”

“Oh. Right.” She’d met so many people since arriving in this kingdom yesterday that she couldn’t recall most of their names.

“He’s lived here since he was around seventeen. His family were nobles and had been an active part of this court—hence his long friendship with Bodin—but then, Laurent’s parents died of fever. So, Bodin convinced his own to take him in.” Nadine grinned. “He’s a lot to handle, but he’s sweet and loyal.”

“What do you mean by ‘a lot to handle’?”

A huff of air burst from Nadine’s nose in amusement. “I think you need to experience it to understand. He likes to joke around, tease, and flirt with everyone, but just remember that he means it in jest.”

Juniper shook her head, a slow grin forming on her lips. Maybe this place wouldn’t be so bad after all.

Sneaking around the castle back home had been a regular pastime. After realizing that the tower would be her life for the rest of her days, Juniper had been desperate to find a way in and out. She’d made a game out of getting by the guards unnoticed. She could now navigate those halls blindfolded, if she dared, and still not be caught.

But the Mesairlan palace was essentially new to her. After Nadine helped her dress, she braided and pinned parts of Juniper’s hair, once again leaving most of it hanging in neat waves down her back. It was so different compared to the plain updos in Forosse, and the dress exposed far more of her body than she was used to, but she found herself smiling in the mirror as she took in her reflection. She liked the styles here, even though the thought of walking around like this made her blush. The slits on either side of the skirt reached her thigh, high enough that each step revealed her bare legs. And the corset beneath pushed her breasts up, creating what would have been considered scandalous cleavage back home.

No one but maids had ever seen this much of her. At least, not before last night when Bodin watched her walk into the room wearing that short nightgown.

And then, slept in another bed.

Taking a deep breath, she thanked Nadine for helping her. She wouldn’t worry about that right now. She wanted to explore her new home and enjoy her newfound freedom.

Juniper followed her out into the hallway, forgoing protocol. Two guards waited outside the door to escort her down to the dining hall. She had to hold back a laugh as Nadine walked away, clearly confident that Juniper would go directly where she was supposed to with ease. The woman would learn soon enough that it took more than just a couple of guards to ensure she didn’t run off. Especially when one of the two waiting was her favorite, a man she knew better than her own family. He was all too aware of her escape tendencies.

“Good morning, Richard,” she said with a grin. She dipped her chin toward the other in greeting.

“Samuel, Your Majesty,” the second man said, inclining his head.

“It’s nice to meet you, Samuel.”

He then led her down the hall while Richard walked beside her. The older man had been a guard for the Forossan royal family since before she was born, and he’d been with her specifically since she was a toddler. It was nice seeing a familiar face this morning.

She almost felt bad when they reached the lower level of the palace and she took off down a side hallway.

“I’m getting too old for this, Juniper Nichole!” He shouted for her to stop, running after her, exasperation and something akin to expectation evident in his voice, but she ducked into an alcove. When he and the younger guard rushed past, she bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing. Counting to three in her head, she peeked out and then hurried in the direction they’d come from.

Richard was used to her antics, and she expected a lecture later, especially with them being in an unknown place. But right now, she wanted to explore her new home. And she didn’t want a formal tour or to be escorted. She just wanted to look around, get a lay of the land. To experience it herself.

The next hall she entered wasn’t as grand as the main foyer, but it was even more beautiful. It was almost a perfect blend of the courtyard and ballroom they had used the night before. One entire side was made up of open arches, with vines wrapped around the columns and a wrought iron railing that spanned the distance. A stream trickled beneath, and she gasped at the clear glass floor that let her see the water and fish swimming below her feet.

“This place is magical,” she whispered to herself, reaching a sitting area that jutted out from the center of the pathway over the water. She made a mental note to remember the way here. It was the perfect little spot for reading and relaxing. No one else was around; it was the most serene place she’d ever seen.

Curious about what other wonders existed here, Juniper continued on. The other end opened to another grand hall, but this one was filled with statues and busts of historical figures, both real and mythical. Paintings of various sizes covered the tall white walls. She turned on the spot, grinning like a child who’d been granted her most outlandish wish.

She would miss Rafe, as well as a few of her maids, but she wouldn’t miss her secret life or how she rarely saw anyone else. The way her mother’s visits to her rooms had become less frequent over the years, and her father’s had stopped altogether. This was a fresh start. One that was turning out better than she could have ever dreamed.

It felt too good to be true. A new fear trickled in, making her wonder if the niceties would end as soon as her brothers left. Bodin and Nadine seemed genuine, but it wasn’t like she had a lot of experience with people who kept their word.

She couldn’t dwell on that though. For now, she just wanted to enjoy it all. A single day at a time.

Turning down one of the hallways branching off of what had to be the art gallery, she found a relatively plain corridor, at least in comparison to what she’d seen so far. It was still beautiful, with sconces lighting up the rich wooden paneling and marble floor. Half a dozen doors lined the way, and curiosity got the best of her. She went to the one at the end and turned the knob slowly.

And found it unlocked.

Juniper glanced around to make sure she was still alone before pushing it open. Descending stairs greeted her, and she hesitated for only a second. The stone spiral stairway had the same sconces from the corridor, but these were spaced farther apart, sending her into darkness every ten steps or so. Still, the light gave her more courage than she should have had while wandering underground in the palace of a foreign kingdom.

She wasn’t sure how far down she’d traveled, but by the time her feet hit the solid floor at the bottom, she was chilled to the bone. The cold didn’t faze her though. Not as she saw what awaited her.

The stairs opened to a vast round room with several circular doors. She stepped into the center of the spiral-patterned stone floor and twirled around slowly to count. Twelve. There were twelve of the tall ornate doors, each uniquely carved and embellished. Stonework lined the edges of a few, others had greenery. Everything about them gave off an otherworldly feeling.

It was… she didn’t even know. She’d never seen anything like it.

Unable to resist, she went to the first one on the left when facing the stairs. The top of the arch frame was far above her head, nearly double her height. Its large knob sat right in the center of the gray wood. She reached for it and turned, but it wouldn’t budge. For a moment, she thought she smelled flowers. Like the carved flora on the door actually had a scent. She tried opening it again, then the next one. Door after door, she moved around the room, trying to find one that was unlocked.

As she reached for the tenth one, a deep voice said, “Get lost?”

Juniper whirled, her heart pounding in her chest, to find Bodin’s best man. Laurent , she remembered Nadine saying. She swallowed and glanced around. All of the doors were locked in this underground room far from where anyone would stumble across it. She knew she wasn’t supposed to be here.

“I…” Did she pretend she was lost, as he’d asked, or should she admit to exploring like Bodin said she could? How much would she be punished for evading her guards and being in a place she was clearly not meant to find? Would this man harm her here where no one could hear her screams, or would he bring her to Bodin so he could take care of her? Would she be punished? Lose that promised freedom? A thousand questions raced through her head.

“Easy,” the man said, hands up in front of him, as if sensing her rising panic. “Calm down. It’s all right.”

“I’m sorry.” She decided the apologetic approach might be best. “I didn’t mean to…” To what? Had she actually done anything wrong? “The door upstairs wasn’t locked.”

He smirked and nodded. “In that case, how were you to know you shouldn’t be down here?”

She narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “Exactly.”

“I’m Laurent, Bo’s best friend. When your guard came to tell your brothers that you’d run off, Bo sent me to look for you.” He crossed his arms over his broad chest. Despite his power stance, his scowl looked forced, and kindness filled his hazel eyes.

A thought struck, and the panic returned. “He can’t think I was running away,” she said, moving toward the stairs. “The treaty?—”

“Is not in any danger. Prince Raphael confirmed your habit of wandering around unchaperoned. Bo just wanted to make sure you didn’t get too lost or find somewhere you shouldn’t be.” He gave a pointed look over her shoulder.

When he held a hand out in the direction of the stairs, indicating for her to leave, she relented and headed up with him following. She waited until they reached the art gallery to ask, “What is that room?”

“I’m not at liberty to discuss that,” Laurent said, locking the outer door. He then led her to the walkway that crossed the stream. “If the king wishes to share it with you, he will.”

She sighed, hearing his silent command to drop the subject. She would be patient, then. Bodin had opened up the night before, sharing parts of his life. Nothing deep, but Juniper thought maybe in time, she could get it out of him. She trailed her fingers along the iron railing as they made their way to the dining hall. Glancing over to Laurent, she asked with a mischievous smile, “So… Bo ?”