Cursed by Darkness (Once Upon A Curse)

9. Juniper

NINE

Juniper

1 WEEK LATER…

Distraught at the humans’ behavior and the way her brothers encouraged it, Ronna grew distant. She made sure those in her kingdom didn’t have magic because she knew how it corrupted even the kindest of souls. And by keeping her people away from it, she managed to create a serene land where anyone could find sanctuary.

But it wasn’t enough for her to find peace herself.

“G

ood morning.”

Juniper lifted her gaze to the mirror and found her husband approaching, already dressed in his regal attire with his obsidian crown atop his head. The deep red swirls woven into his lapels were the only color on him, yet they were so dark as to appear almost black themselves. Paired with the scars slashing across his face, he appeared every bit as intimidating as he had when she first met him. Only, now, she knew of the gentle soul beneath the darkness. She swallowed thickly, her pulse racing.

Nadine stepped aside enough for him to move closer as she continued braiding Juniper’s hair.

“Hi.” Noticing the large box in his hands, Juniper asked, “What’s that?”

“A gift.” He put it on the vanity in front of her while leaning down to press a kiss to her cheek. Her stomach fluttered, just as it had with every soft touch and kind gesture he’d given her in the past week.

Bodin’s demeanor hadn’t changed since her brothers’ departure. If anything, he seemed to relax and open up a little more. He still slept in the adjoining room and didn’t force her to share a bed, but he was behaving more affectionately with each passing day. He’d also remained true to his word, letting her explore wherever she wanted. Though, she’d decided to slowly see the other portals, not rush through them, so she could fully enjoy them and take them in. Instead, she had visited the art gallery, the library, and more of the palace with Laurent always at her side. She’d even had Nadine join them in the little nook that overlooked the river for tea and an afternoon of reading and talking while her husband was busy with his duties.

Juniper and Bodin had fallen into a comfortable routine, but the fact that they spent much of their days apart didn’t sit well with her. They ate breakfast and dinner together, and then they talked by the fire in their room late into the night. But it was Laurent, Richard, and Samuel who accompanied her everywhere. All of whom were diligent in their watch, not letting her escape. Not that she wanted to… it was just so strange not needing to sneak around. It simply required an adjustment on her part.

She wasn’t a fool; she knew Richard had followed her when she first ran away, and that he continued shadowing her over the years whenever she left the tower, but he’d usually kept his distance. He’d only made his presence known a couple of times. Once when a girl she’d thought was a friend tried to steal her coin purse. And again, when Juniper grew close with a young sailor and they’d started kissing in an alley.

Having a friend with her, talking to her and telling her stories while showing her around, was a whole new experience. One Juniper quite enjoyed. Yet, she often found herself wishing it was Bodin beside her. She hadn’t wanted this marriage—neither of them had—but she also hadn’t expected to be wed to a kind king who truly cared for his people and who treated her well.

“Juniper?”

She snapped her eyes back up to him, realizing she had been caught in her own tangled web of thoughts, yet again. It seemed like he was always pulling her head out of the clouds. “Sorry.”

Bodin shook his head, waving off her apology like he did each time—he truly didn’t seem bothered when she disappeared into her mind. “Are you going to open it?”

“Of course.” She tugged at the bright white bow then set the ribbon aside. Lifting the lid off the box, she let out a gasp. She turned on her stool as she pulled out the beaded crimson fabric. Nadine scolded her for moving, but Juniper ignored her. Her hair was practically done anyway; she’d just been fixing a couple of the tiny braids among her waves and placing in chains of black beads that now made more sense. Standing, Juniper dropped the box altogether and held up the dress. The absolutely incredible dress that mirrored the coloring of Bodin’s clothing with sheer black chiffon overlaying the crimson. She was still getting used to the styles here and feeling exposed, but this…

“I had it made for today,” Bodin said. “I thought it would be good to present a united front.”

Juniper couldn’t take her eyes off of it. The neckline was high enough to actually circle her neck, but there weren’t any sleeves. Instead, small chains of shiny black beads hung down, looping so that they’d lay over each shoulder once on. The tight bodice had matching beads sewn into intricate patterns that looked identical to the swirls on his jacket. Only a single slit ran along one side of the thin, loose skirt.

“You don’t have to wear it if you don’t like it.”

She hadn’t realized she’d once again been lost in her own thoughts, absorbing the details of the dress that he’d thought to have made. Just for her. Just so they could stand together as one cohesive pair. The last thing she wanted was for him to question himself on such a beautiful gift. Swallowing, she handed the gorgeous gown to Nadine then closed the distance between her and Bodin. She wrapped her arms around his middle, and he sighed as he returned the hug.

“It’s perfect. Thank you.” She had been so nervous for today, unsure of what to wear. Appearing in front of the court for the first time since the wedding, she wanted to look the part of their queen. When holding up every dress in her wardrobe before the mirror, none felt right. This though? This dress was absolutely the right one. It was perfect.

“I also have a tiara for you. I’ll grab it while you change,” he said, releasing her and going to the adjoining room.

She followed Nadine behind the screen with a grin. The maid had her own smile in place as she helped her out of her robe and into the gown. “He had me take one of your other dresses to the seamstress after the wedding so she could use it for measurement alterations. It should fit, but I might need to do a few minor temporary stitches to get you through the day.”

Juniper held her hair out of the way as Nadine laced up the back. On the other side of the screen, she heard Bodin return. He spoke quietly with someone—Laurent, it sounded like. As soon as Nadine finished, Juniper left the privacy of the screen and went to the tall mirror near the wardrobe. Bodin sucked in a breath at the first sight of her, and she turned toward him in question.

“Is something wrong?” She looked down, nervously running a hand along the front of the dress.

“Nadine, darling, why don’t we give them a minute,” Laurent said before Bodin had a chance to respond. Nadine glanced between Juniper and Bodin with a chuckle, which Laurent echoed as he grabbed her hand. “Come on, beautiful.”

At that, Nadine rolled her eyes, but her cheeks flushed. She followed him out of the room, shutting the door behind them. Leaving Juniper alone with her husband, who was still staring at her with that heated look she’d seen more and more since their wedding night. His hands curled into fists at his sides, as if fighting the urge to reach for her—like she was resisting him.

“What?” she asked in a breathy tone, needing him to voice whatever this was out loud. She had to know if he felt this same tug that kept pulling her to him.

Bodin moved closer at a painfully slow pace, making her heart race in her chest. One hand cupped the side of her face, his thumb brushing her cheek before slipping down to the corner of her mouth. “You are… breathtaking.”

Ironic, considering she was the one who was struggling to breathe right now. She couldn’t even respond.

He released her and held up the tiara in his other hand. It was smaller than the crown given to her during the coronation ceremony, but it was so much more beautiful. The same dark jewels that were on his sparkled back at her.

“May I?” he asked. When she nodded, he gently placed it on top of her curled and braided hair, of which he then tucked a loose strand behind one ear.

She took the opportunity to rest her palms on his sturdy chest. With a start, she realized just how badly she wanted him to hold her again. To kiss her.

“Ready?”

Juniper licked her lips and nodded. His eyes darted toward the movement and darkened. She bit her lower lip to keep from smiling. If she had to guess, she would say he wanted to kiss her too.

“Remember, keep your head up. Walk with the confidence I know you’ve tried to hide most of your life.” Taking a step back, he seemed to take a recovery inhale and offered her his arm. “There will be many in attendance, but do not focus on them until we reach the thrones.”

“I understand,” she said as she slid a hand into the crook of his elbow. He guided her to the door, where Richard and Samuel waited in the hall to escort them. The former gave her a small nod as he took in her appearance and the way she held on to Bodin. She knew he worried about her, but he’d grown more at ease in their new home with time. They both had.

It only took a couple of minutes to reach the throne room on the main floor. Similar to the rest of the palace, it had vaulted ceilings, but it didn’t have the towering arched windows she’d come to love. Instead, three bands of colorfully paned glass wrapped around the entire room, high on the walls. It almost looked like glowing rainbow stripes, but what it did to the rest of the area was what really wowed Juniper. Across the marble floor, the colors almost appeared to be moving, swaying with the wind and clouds outside. And at the end of the long room, a dais with two dark thrones awaited.

A crowd also waited for them.

They were formally announced as the doors opened, and the people parted, creating a path for them to reach their seats. Each and every person in that large room bowed or curtsied as they passed. Juniper kept her eyes forward, her chin up, just as Bodin advised. Even if the sight of so many people made her want to run back to their rooms.

It didn’t make sense. For most of her life, she’d yearned to be free and among her people as herself, but now that she had the chance, she had to fight the urge to retreat and hide. As if sensing her spiraling thoughts, Bodin put his free hand over hers where it still rested on his arm and gave it a gentle squeeze, providing more comfort than he probably realized.

On the dais, they both turned to face their audience. To her surprise, Bodin let go and angled his body with his arm held out toward her. “May I present Juniper, Queen of Mesairla, my wife.”

For hours, Juniper and Bodin greeted citizens of Kehlir and the rest of the kingdom, listening to their struggles and requests. Bodin led the discussions, but he always looked to her to see what she thought about his decisions. She was included. She was a queen, and he made sure everyone knew that she wasn’t just an ornament.It left her flabbergasted the first time. During the few occasions when she had crept out of her tower to see her parents in a similar setting, her mother hadn’t spoken, and her father hadn’t asked her anything or addressed her at all, for that matter. It was nothing like Juniper’s experience here.

But when it ended for the day, they weren’t done. He brought her back upstairs, removed his crown, and said, “I recommend wearing something a little more comfortable now.”

Nadine took Juniper’s tiara, setting it on her vanity table, and led her behind the screen again to change out of the gown and heels. As she dressed, Juniper asked Bodin, “What are we doing next?”

“It’s a surprise,” he said.

Juniper heard his wardrobe open and shut as he presumably changed as well. She ignored the heat rising to her cheeks at the thought of his state of undress and instead looked at Nadine, but the woman just shrugged. Amusement in her blue eyes told Juniper she did know though. In a simpler powder blue dress and comfortable shoes, she emerged once more and found Bodin standing in a dark red tunic and black trousers. He’d tied back his hair as well, leaving his scars in full view. She still hadn’t learned what had happened there, but he hadn’t seemed to want to share either, and she didn’t want to push him. She knew he’d tell her when he was ready, as he’d shown many times already.

He reached for her, and hand in hand, they made their way downstairs and out of the main entrance of the palace. It felt so natural to walk beside him like this with their fingers entwined. It was like second nature at this point; she didn’t even think about it. At least, not at first. Inevitably, she always realized how well they fit together, which then made her heart pound so hard in her chest that she was surprised he couldn’t hear it. She wondered if he felt her pulse quicken in her wrist.

Juniper tightened her grip on him when she realized they were heading into the village proper. Grinning up at him, she asked, “Where are we going?”

“Not everyone is able to make it to the weekly levée to voice their concerns, so I like to personally walk through the town and see how things are going myself.”

Juniper exhaled, slowly shaking her head in amazement. How had the stories been so wrong about this man? Leaning in closer, she rested her head against his upper arm while they strolled down the cobblestone street. She could practically feel the tension leaving his body at her touch, and she smiled to herself.

The sun shining high above warmed her. She was grateful for the lighter dress now, but even in the more casual clothing, people recognized them. It didn’t help that a handful of guards followed.

“Your Majesties,” a young woman said with a curtsy before continuing on her way. Unlike when Juniper’s father made a rare visit into Nortussa and a large crowd gathered to see him, these people greeted Bodin and Juniper kindly but didn’t stop what they were doing unless they wished to speak about a specific issue. Because he did this so often that they were comfortable with him, she realized.

At least, most of them were kind. A few had steered clear, eying the king warily. Each time, he stiffened beside her, despite acting like he didn’t notice. Juniper also saw how different he behaved out here. On the throne, he’d been poised and a little stiff, but she assumed it was only because of the situation. But out here, where it was more relaxed… he wasn’t. He was still kind and listened to everyone who approached, but he was quiet and closed off. There was no teasing smile like he usually had for her.

“Bodin,” Laurent said, catching up to them. He dipped his head toward Juniper. “My Queen, you looked ravishing earlier. It was difficult to leave you alone with him.”

When she giggled, Bodin huffed out a breath and said, “Stop flirting with my wife. You’re going to give someone the wrong idea.”

Juniper rolled her eyes. She’d grown used to Laurent’s antics, and she actually enjoyed the entertainment, especially knowing he didn’t truly mean it. Nevertheless, they’d silently agreed it was the best way to playfully torment her husband. “Yes, Laurent, save it for back home.”

“Did you need something?” Bodin practically growled, making them both laugh.

Until Laurent said, “I received a letter from Moreau with an update on the frontlines.”

As he told Bodin the latest news from the war, Juniper’s attention snagged on a bookshop nearby. She tapped her husband’s arm and pointed toward it to tell him where she was going without interrupting. He nodded, and she went inside with Richard in tow, the bell over the door clanging to announce their arrival.

“Your Majesty.” An older man with thin graying hair stared at her in shock before seeming to remember to bow. “How can I help you today?”

She didn’t have anything specific in mind. Tall shelves lined either side of the shop, and she aimed for one as she asked, “Is it all right if I just look?”

“Of course. I’m honored, Your Majesty.” He walked back to the counter at the center, where he was writing on a scroll of parchment.

Only one other person was in here with them—a woman quietly reading across the room. Juniper grabbed a book at random and opened the cover. “A history of agriculture,” she whispered.

“Your favorite,” Richard said just as softly.

A snort escaped her, and she slapped a hand up over her mouth. She returned the book to its place and tried another shelf. Richard pulled down a book from a higher level, opened it, then handed it over with a raised brow. She looked at the title. “ The Three Kingdoms and Their War for Magic . This is perfect?—”

“Your Majesty?” a woman said from just behind them.

Juniper whirled around with a start.

It was the older woman she’d spotted when they first entered. “You’re the new queen, right?”

Richard stepped closer, putting himself between them a fraction.

“I am,” Juniper said with a smile, trying to show them both it was fine.

A dark look passed over the woman’s face though, and suddenly she wasn’t so sure. “I was a friend of Queen Camille’s. You are young and from a foreign land, so you cannot know…”

“What?” she breathed when the woman trailed off.

“That he is a monster, a killer. They say that she died in childbirth, but that cannot be; she was perfectly healthy throughout her life.”

Juniper swallowed, her stomach twisting. She didn’t know what to say. It didn’t matter, it seemed. The stranger wasn’t finished.

“And Queen Beatrice dying in the forest by a mysterious creature, along with all of their guards? How did the king survive? How was he the only one?” She tried to move closer, but Richard put a hand up to stop her. Her gray eyes stayed on Juniper. “You need to be careful. Get as far away from these lands as possible before he destroys you too. You’re in danger?—”

“That is enough,” a deep, familiar voice cut in.