Page 17 of Golden (Fairytales Retold)

THE GOLDEN BIRD

I t had been two long, torturous weeks without Katerina. Tabian tried to keep himself busy by exploring the forest with Hans as often as his busy schedule allowed. Tabian had assumed his life would go back to how it had been before he left. However, it wasn’t so. Father announced that since Tabian had come into adulthood, it was no longer necessary for him to have tutors.

Furthermore, ever since he’d gotten back to the castle, Father had taken a special interest in him. Tabian had expected him to remain in bed for at least a few more days, but Father was up and going—as energetic as he’d ever been. It would seem that his malady was purely emotional, brought on by his fear that Tabian had died.

Father spent a great deal of time tutoring Tabian on the history of Verdermere as well as explaining in lengthy detail the daily operations of the kingdom. He’d even asked Tabian to attend a royal council meeting, which didn’t sit well with Alistair and Lucien. However, they acted cooly polite toward Tabian in order to pacify Father.

To Tabian’s surprise, he actually enjoyed learning about the governing affairs of the kingdom. He had a knack for taking in a large number of facts and then organizing the information in a way that allowed him to make intelligent decisions. In the royal council meeting, he’d worked up the nerve to voice his opinion regarding the border security issue and the ever-present threat of Willamen on the kingdom. Rather than constantly living in fear of an impending attack, Tabian suggested that a diplomat be sent to Willamen with the intent of working out an arrangement where both kingdoms could have ample access to the Strait of Veligara for the purpose of trade.

He was amazed at the positive response to his comment. In fact, for the rest of the council meeting, the members discussed possible candidates who could fill the position of a diplomat. Afterward, Father and Alistair pulled him aside and thanked him for his insight.

Last night, Father had asked Tabian to dine with the family for the evening meal. He’d reluctantly done so. The experience was a bit uncomfortable at first. But as the evening wore on, Tabian actually found himself enjoying the company. Alistair was an expert in the strategy of war. When he spoke of various men who served in the army, it was apparent that he knew them by name and cared for their welfare. Tabian had never seen this side of Alistair. He’d always found his oldest brother to be too austere, but he could see how this quality could be useful, especially when it came to military affairs.

Lucien, always the charmer, told several jokes and had everyone laughing, especially Alistair’s young daughter, Rosamund. A month ago, Tabian had been so incensed over Arabella choosing Lucien over him that he could barely see straight. It occurred to him that he no longer cared whom Lucien courted, for his heart lay elsewhere.

Father asked Tabian to share portions of his travels with the family. They sat in rapt attention as he described his harrowing experience when he was chained to a wall and left to perish without food or water for several days. He told them how Katerina—his rare, precious, beautiful little bird—had saved him. As he spoke of Katerina, he couldn’t stop his eyes from going moist. He felt his father watching him with a thoughtful expression.

Tabian could hardly believe how drastically life at the castle had improved. Looking back and reflecting on the past, he wondered if perhaps he was partly to blame for his strained relationship with his family. He’d been so frustrated and hurt that they were unfairly casting judgment on him that he’d distanced himself, further compounding the situation. Had he stood up to his brothers sooner and taken his rightful place in the family, it was quite possible that many of the grievances could’ve been resolved much earlier.

Of course, it was easy to see all of this from his new and enlightened point of view. He was just grateful that his relationship with his family was improving. Hopefully, with time, he might even be able to grow close to his brothers.

Today, Father would hold the court assembly announcing Tabian’s return. Also, Father was going to share Mother’s final request. Tabian couldn’t imagine what that request could be, but he was anxious to hear it.

Realizing the importance of the event, Tabian did something out of character for him. He allowed a servant to dress him in royal attire. Elda was the one who urged Tabian to make sure that he was dressed appropriately for the announcement. “Your father is making a great effort to include you in his world,” she’d said. “You need to also make an effort to fit in.”

Taking Elda’s advice to heart, Tabian was dressed finer than he’d ever been. He stood with his shoulders erect and head held high as he waited alongside his brothers for Father to make an entrance and take his spot on the throne. Feeling eyes on him, Tabian glanced over to the section where high-ranking members of the court sat with their families. Arabella was studying him. When they caught eyes, she gave him a hopeful smile. For a brief moment, Tabian thought the gesture might’ve been meant for Lucien, who was beside him. However, Arabella’s smile grew wider, and she waved when she realized that he’d noticed her.

He offered her a polite nod in response, grateful that he no longer felt any sort of romantic sentiment toward her. Arabella used him to get to Lucien. She was not the person he thought she was. He realized now that he’d never truly loved Arabella. Rather, he’d been more enthralled with the idea of being in love.

His heart clutched. Now that he’d actually found love, he recognized the stark difference between real love and a fleeting infatuation. An overwhelming longing went through him. Being apart from Katerina was torture. Last night, as he was lying in bed, he wondered if he should just go back to Cloverfeld and beg her to come back to Verdermere with him. Surely, she had to recognize that he loved her as much as she loved him. She wasn’t merely a prize to be won or captured.

A trumpet fanfare interrupted his thoughts. Father entered the room from one of the side passageways and took his position on the throne. His gaze briefly flickered over Tabian before he shifted his focus to the crowd.

“Honored members of the Royal Court,” Father began, “I called this assembly to make an important announcement.”

As if on cue, a servant with a stiff, formal gait carried Father’s scepter to the throne and ceremoniously handed it to him. With a nod of thanks, Father rested the scepter across his lap. “Tabian Warwyk, approach the throne.”

His stomach tightening, Tabian did so, making sure to keep his posture erect. While things were getting much better with his family, he was still sorely out of place in this type of setting.

The King began in a loud tone, “Several weeks ago, at my request, my youngest son left on a quest to retrieve a golden bird.”

Murmurs rustled through the room as people started talking amongst themselves.

Father held up a hand to silence the crowd. When the noise ceased, he looked at Tabian, his eyes holding some crucial meaning that Tabian couldn’t discern. “My late wife Zyrella spoke of this bird. She said a golden bird of rare beauty would one day come and nest in the branches of her enchanted tree. That it would be a treasure to our kingdom, even more so than the tree has been. Zyrella foretold that the bird’s presence would help restore equity and balance. That it would usher in a golden age of the kingdom.”

Tabian’s heart wrenched, wondering where Father was going with this. Never had he felt the sting of failure so acutely as he did in this moment. If only Katerina were here. If only she could understand how valued she would be, not only by the King but also by the citizens of Verdermere … how valued and loved she would be by him.

“Before she died, Zyrella made one final request of deep significance.” Father paused, working his throat to contain his emotion. He sat up taller on the throne, his voice ringing with authority. “As I told Tabian the night he came back to the castle, I fully intend to honor this request.” He looked around the room, his eyes resting on Alistair and Lucien. His voice cut through the air with steely authority. “As your King, you will be under the express obligation to honor this decree without question.” With a flair of ceremony, he raised his scepter. “I, King Roderick Warwyk the Second, do hereby declare my son Tabian Warwyk to be The Crown Prince. He will one day ascend to the throne.”

The words rushed over Tabian in a tidal wave that made him weak in the knees. Him … the next king? He didn’t know whether to break into a fit of tears or peals of hysterical laughter. He was the least of his brothers, and yet their mother, for some strange reason, deemed him to be the greatest. Did he have it in him to be king? The instant the question ran through his mind, a peaceful feeling of calm came over him as sweet and pure as a summer’s day. He felt the amulet glow warm against his skin and knew that, somehow, he would be given help to fulfill his destiny. He lifted his eyes to Father, who gave him a regal nod of respectful acknowledgment. Then his gaze moved to Alistair and Lucien, who looked as stunned as Tabian.

“Did he bring back the golden bird?” a nobleman asked from behind, his voice coated with hope.

“Let us see it,” another man requested.

Tabian closed his eyes. This is where things would go awry.

“Tabian?” Father prompted. “Would you like to answer that question?”

Tabian’s eyes snapped open. So, Father expected him to tell everyone that he’d failed? Was that a glimmer of amusement in Father’s eyes? He had no idea what was happening.

He steeled his shoulders, trying to figure out what to say, his heart slamming against his ribs. Before he could utter a single word, he heard the whisper of a song. The voice was at once familiar—a balm for not only his ears but also his heart. Tears rushed to his eyes. The volume increased as the notes swelled through the air and embraced the listeners in a captive bliss of perfection.

Hearing ripples of awe, Tabian turned to see a streak of gold coming in his direction. He smiled through his tears as the bird swooped down with a graceful line and rested on his shoulder. With a trembling hand, Tabian reached up and stroked her silky feathers. “You came back to me,” he uttered, hardly able to believe it.

A proud smile filled Father’s face as he motioned. “As you can see, Zyrella’s words have been fulfilled.” His expression turned joyous. “Long live the golden bird. May she remain here with us for as long as she desires—as our most honored and revered guest.” He lifted his scepter high in the air, his voice loud and clear as he proclaimed, “Let the golden age begin.”

A few moments later, at the King’s request, a guard escorted Tabian and the bird to the Council Chamber—a smaller, more intimate space where they could interact with a few of the King’s most trusted advisors. Alistair and Lucien joined the group, as well as Arabella, who accompanied her father. The bird remained dutifully perched on Tabian’s shoulder as people crowded around to get a closer look.

“How did you manage to track down such a rare, exquisite creature?” a nobleman asked with a trace of awe.

“She likes to walk on the sand, and she has very nice slippers.” Tabian laughed at his joke.

The expressions around him reflected bewilderment as they looked at one another.

“So it’s a female?” a man asked.

“Indeed,” Tabian answered, smiling broadly.

Tabian fielded more questions until Father finally ordered everyone to step back and give Tabian and his bird some space.

“You certainly caused quite the commotion,” Tabian quipped under his breath. “I hope this is not indicative of what’s to come—you being surrounded by adoring admirers—because I can’t wait to get you all to myself.” He reached up and stroked her feathers, his throat thickening. “I still can’t believe you came back to me. You have no idea how much I missed you.”

Arabella stepped up to him. “Hello,” she began with a dazzling smile. “I’m so glad you’re back.”

This was the first time he’d spoken to her since he came home. He wasn’t necessarily trying to avoid her but she just didn’t rank high on the list of people he wished to see.

Her large, brown eyes darkened with regret. “About what happened with Lucien,” she said in a low tone. “It meant nothing. You’re the one I want.”

It occurred to Tabian that Arabella was still just as beautiful as ever with her rosy cheeks, slim nose, and delicate features. However, she no longer held any allure. In fact, he saw her for what she was—an opportunist. He kept his voice casual and musing. “You only had eyes for Lucien when I left. What changed your mind?”

She blinked her long lashes several times. “It wasn’t the same when you were gone,” she pouted and then stepped closer. “I suppose it took you going away for me to realize what I’d lost.”

“Are you sure it wasn’t my newly appointed position as Crown Prince that helped change your mind?”

He heard her soft gasp as she rocked back, her lower lip trembling like she’d been sorely wounded. “How could you say something so cruel?” Her eyes turned misty.

He watched her antics, feeling curiously detached from the situation.

Her expression faltered like she wasn’t sure how to react since he wasn’t falling for her wounded act. “I’m so proud of you,” she cooed. A crafty smile curved her ruby lips. “I knew you had it in you to become something more. Didn’t I always tell you that?”

He just looked at her.

Her voice turned silky smooth. “Listen, I’d love to have some private time with you so we could clear up any misunderstandings.” She gave him a seductive look as she absently fingered the jeweled clasp on his cloak. “I’m more than willing to fulfill any request you might have, Sire,” she finished with a demure smile.

A loud squawk caused Arabella to jump. Irritation flicked in her eyes. “I can’t believe you brought back a gold bird, of all things.” She lowered her voice. “Don’t hate me for saying this, but I really don’t see what all the commotion is about. It’s a bird, after all.” She paused, studying it. “But it is made of gold, so that’s something. Its feathers are so shiny.” She went to touch one and then snatched her hand back. “The creature tried to bite me,” she exclaimed in dismay.

The edges of his lips twitched. “She can be a bit temperamental when she wants to be.”

The bird squawked again as he laughed. “She definitely has a bite, and she certainly keeps me in line. I suppose that’s why I love her so much,” he finished fervently.

Arabella creased her brows. “You speak as though it’s a person.” She looked at him as if he’d lost his mind.

“She is a person,” he countered. “The most important person to me in the world.” His voice hitched. “She’s my everything. I just want her to know that I’m desperately in love with her, and I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to prove myself worthy of her.”

With that, the bird leaped from his shoulder onto the floor, causing Arabella to jump back with a squeal. All eyes in the room homed in on the bird as she flapped her wings and turned, transforming into her human form. Katerina was wearing a sapphire blue gown that matched her eyes, her golden hair haloed around her exquisite face. She was a vision—the one sight his eyes had been craving ever since he left her side. He noticed that she no longer wore a sling. Good, that meant she was healing.

A large, exuberant smile spread over Tabian’s mouth. “There you are.” He reached and encircled her waist, pulling her close. “I love you,” he murmured, soaking in the details of her face.

“I love you too,” she uttered with deep significance as she peered up into his eyes.

“Thanks for coming back to me.”

She turned and glanced at the King. “You can thank your father for that. He sent a messenger to deliver a letter that he wrote, telling me how absolutely miserable you were without me.” Her eyes deepened with emotion. “He also told me that Garrin is alive. I’m so glad.”

“Me too,” he breathed. Happiness bubbled in his chest as a large grin filled his face. “Father’s the one who brought you back to me?”

She nodded.

“I guess I owe him a great deal.” His father was certainly full of surprises. “And in case you’re wondering, my father was so right.” Intensity pressed through him, coming out in a breathy huff. “The past two weeks have been absolutely miserable, and I never want to be without you again.”

Smiling, she continued, “I hope you don’t mind that I brought along a traveling companion. Your father mentioned that he was in dire need of an expert cobbler who promised to make a certain pair of shoes for his youngest son’s fiancée.”

He caressed her cheek, giving her a meaningful look. “Well, now that my fiancée is here—and seeing that she has a close connection to said cobbler—she can design the shoes herself.”

A chuckle sounded in her throat as she lifted an eyebrow. “Don’t get ahead of yourself, Prince. You haven’t yet asked for my hand in marriage.”

He laughed. “Not yet, but there’ll be plenty of time for that.” They shared a smile.

Mischief danced in her eyes. “Well, Prince Tabian, it looks like you did the impossible—you managed to capture the golden bird, after all.”

“Nay, for it was she who captured me.” He pulled her in for a tender kiss as applause broke out around them. The noise quickly got drowned out by the jubilant beating of his grateful heart.

The golden bird had come back to him.

And this time, he would never let her go.

Look for Clever , the next book in the Fairytales Retold Series. Coming soon!

Want more Romantasy? Read The Grimm Laws, also by J. L. Youngblood. Start with Bonded . Read the first chapter HERE.

Once upon a time, it all started here …