Karl took her hand in his. “After we freed his wife and son, Captain Feldmann imprisoned the baron in my place.”
Just what the Baron deserved, Serena thought to herself.
“He may need to leave Badenstein after this,” Karl continued. “Else your father will punish him for the betrayal.”
As if in response to Karl’s prediction, the King of Badenstein appeared with his men. Though her father was still dressed in his wedding finery, he looked like a man bent upon revenge. His face was beaded with perspiration, while his ruddy face revealed his fury.
When he moved forward to Serena, he ordered, “We will have this marriage annulled. I did not give my consent.”
The King of Lohenberg rode forward, his expression calm. “Ruwald, shall we go somewhere else to discuss this in private?”
“That—thatbastardjust married my daughter!”
“Karl may not be of legitimate birth, but I have recognized him as my son. He and the princess Serena were betrothed before this, and you agreed to the marriage then.”
With a sudden shift in mood, the King of Lohenberg’s voice grew angry. “But when my son was no longer the heir to the throne, instead of discussing a new negotiation with me, you turned your back on the agreement.”
“I will not have my daughter wedded to a commoner.” Ruwald reached for a handkerchief and swabbed at his forehead. It was as if his rage had manifested itself physically, and he stumbled.
Serena urged her horse forward. “I am proud to be married to Karl. Whether he is a commoner or a prince, it doesn’t matter to me.” She bowed to König Sweyn, since she could not curtsy on horseback. “I consider it an honor, and I will gladly pass on my claim to the Badenstein throne into Anna’s hands.”
“There will be no need for that,” König Sweyn responded. “I have made a different arrangement within my kingdom. Karl will still hold a role of leadership.”
But Serena didn’t trust her father to relent. He was clutching his heart, rubbing his arm as if it had gone numb. “I will not agree to it.”
“Then I will consider your country cut off from mine,” the King of Lohenberg countered. “We will cease trade between our people. What do you think will happen to your economy? Badenstein is smaller than our country and I assure you, it will have little impact upon us.”
König Sweyn’s words seemed to break through to her father. His expression turned pale. “We will discuss this further. Perhaps…an arrangement may be made.”
“Indeed.” With that, the king directed his soldiers to close in around them as they departed.
Serena held for a moment, as she caught sight of her mother, standing amidst her ladies. “Wait for me,” she pleaded to Karl.
Instead, he escorted her back, helping her down from her horse in front of the queen. He dropped to one knee and Clara smiled, raising him up. “Regardless of what my husband believes, I knew you would make a good husband for Serena.”
“I cannot thank you enough,” Serena whispered, embracing her mother. “You’ve given me the most precious gift.”
“And perhaps you’ll give me the gift of a grandchild within another year or two,” her mother replied. “If God grants me that time to live.”
After Serena drew back from her mother, Anna hurried forward and flung herself into her arms. Happy tears filled up her eyes. “I’m so glad for you, Serena. Truly, I am.”
Serena hugged her sister and promised that she would send for her to visit soon enough. After she finished saying her goodbyes, she cast another look back at her father. His men were supporting him as he walked back to the palace, and defeat did not suit him.
She was so overwhelmed at everything that had happened, she didn’t care where Karl was taking her. She was with the man she loved. And that was all that mattered.
They continued riding for the remainder of the day, until at last they passed the borders of Lohenberg. There, Karl offered his father the hospitality of his home.
“No, thank you,” the king responded. “We’re only a few hours away from the palace. Stay with your bride, and enjoy your wedding night.”
Serena moved forward and dropped into a curtsy before the king, pressing her forehead to his hand. “I will forever be grateful to you, Your Majesty.”
König Sweyn appeared pleased. “I shall expect to see both of you at the nuptials of Michael and Hannah within a few days.” He shook his head as if in disbelief. “Two weddings within a week. A pity you didn’t consult with me sooner, Karl.” A gleam appeared in the king’s eyes. “Or should I say, Fürst Karl?”
Serena sent him a startled look. “I don’t understand.”
“I have granted the kingdom of Vertraumen to both of you, as a wedding gift,” König Sweyn answered. “It will still remain a province of Lohenberg, but Karl will rule over the island as their prince. When Michael becomes king, he has agreed to grant Vertraumen its independence, once the province is restored to its previous condition.”
The heaviness in his throat constricted, and Karl bowed before his father. “Sir. I don’t deserve the honor.”
