Finding Frances: The Ideal Courtship Trilogy, #2

By Amy Brailey

Finding Frances (Book 2 in The Ideal Courtship Trilogy) picks up where Behind the Veil (Book 1) left off.  Frances, one of the maids rescued by King Areli, has fled his camp, determined to return to Phinneas despite all he has put her through.  Hoping to once again rescue Frances from his clutches, King Areli's army is searching for the opportunity to attack Phinneas.  Meanwhile, back in Sappington, Michael has been given a special assignment with Emma by his side.  When each camp makes a plot to inflitrate the other, King Areli's camp, Phinneas's camp, and the town of Sappington are thrown together in a tale of intrigue as each tries to establish who can be trusted and who is willing to betray them.  Through it all, Frances will struggle to uncover the rightful king and decide where her loyalty truly belongs. 

 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amy Brailey
• Release date: Nov 18, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215724118

Amy Brailey

Amy Brailey won the Young Author’s contest in fourth grade and has wanted to be a “real author” ever since.  After completing her debut novel Behind the Veil, she felt there was more to be gleaned from the characters, and the decision to make the Ideal Courtship Trilogy was born.  Finding Frances is the second installment in the series.  Today, Amy is most often found grading papers in coffee shops (and daydreaming about other stories) or in her junior high history classroom where she is a 27 year veteran teacher. 

Book preview

Chapter 1

"Every broken heart has screamed

at one time or another:

Why can’t you see who I truly am?"

~ Shannon L. Alder

Frances stumbled as she ran blindly through the pre-dawn light.  Her knees hit the ground hard, sending currents of pain coursing through her battered body.  King Phinneas would know her loyalty now after all she was doing to get back to him.  She pressed her splayed hands into the damp earth, pushing herself to her feet.  Stretching her tired muscles and shielding her eyes against the sun’s first rays, she squinted to see if there was anything that pointed to King Phinneas.  Yet, the landscape around her was empty.  Like her heart. 

A rustle ahead caught her attention.  Frances had just enough warning to jump aside as the twang of a bow string sent a bolt deep into the trunk of the tree whose roots she’d tripped over just a moment before.  Her eyes darted wildly around.  Who’s there? It’s me, Frances.  She hated the fear she heard in her own voice.

A black and red clad figure stepped out, crossbow still cradled along his forearm.  Frances?  The tall blonde boy looked unsure.  He glanced behind him before narrowing his eyes.  Weren’t you with Areli?  His gaze grew harder, and Frances noticed he didn’t lower the weapon trained on her.

Hardly, she spat.  Areli.  She flung the name away like a bad smell.  I’ve always been loyal to King Phinneas, David.

David looked behind him again, making Frances certain that’s where camp was.  But, you left.  His blue eyes pierced hers.  Still, he dropped the crossbow a fraction of an inch.

Frances exhaled, lowering her gaze.  Did everyone know of her treachery?  I did, she said, rushing on as the weapon snapped back to attention.  My friends were worried we’d get punished when that stupid girl escaped.  They convinced me to leave camp.  I thought we were going to do something to aid the battle—they told me someone was injured.

Jacob mentioned that. David said, shouldering the weapon.  That doesn’t explain Areli, though.

When I found out they were headed to Areli, I left.  Then, when they came back, they captured me—forced me to his camp.  I came as soon as I could sneak away, but you had all gone.  I’ve been trying to find you ever since.  She looked at him imploringly, Please, David.

David looked down, blonde bangs falling into his face.  He ran his hand over his chin, stroking the stubble that was just beginning to show.  King Phinneas will decide what to do with you, he said, turning on his heel. 

Frances followed, unsure of her reception.  If she couldn’t even convince David, what hope did she have?  She’d already been on the wrong side of King Phinneas’s welcoming party once.  Nice place, she said as David pushed tree branches aside to reveal a grimy cave entrance. 

Well, King Phinneas hasn’t had a chance to add all the amenities with Areli hot on our heels.  And that Hadar look alike.

Look alike?  Frances eyed him warily.  You don’t think he’s the real thing?  She didn’t know which answer she hoped to hear.  Mary and Nykole had certainly been convinced—had even convinced him to rescue her it seemed.  Just thinking their names together made Frances’s heart hurt.  The three of them had been inseparable since King Phinneas first rescued them after their village had been destroyed—except, Mary said that had been King Phinneas too.

Of course he’s not the real thing, David scoffed, his voice bringing her back to reality as he finished rearranging the foliage around the door.  You know how Areli lies.

"Do I?" She thought, ducking her head to step under the branches and into the cave.  The motion shot pain down her back where the wounds she had were still tender—wounds she’d had treated in the hospital tent in Areli’s camp.  He hadn’t seemed like the villain King Phinneas made him out to be.  Everything about him had been kind.  She closed her eyes remembering the way he had looked as he stood in the entrance of his tent, watching her leave, his blue eyes shining in the semi-darkness.  Still, he had let her go, keeping his word that she was no prisoner.  What about now?  She wondered if she’d be so lucky here.

They reached the end of the corridor and stepped into a gallery.  No soaring columns or marble halls.  Just drab gray everywhere she looked.  Her heart hammered when she noticed King Phinneas walking towards her, talking animatedly with Jeffrey.

—And find me some clothes to change into.  I can’t believe I’m still wearing these rags.  I’m a king!

I know, Sire, Jeffrey said, not meeting his eyes.  But, we left so quickly, the men didn’t grab anything from the Sappington cave.  We thought there’d be provisions here. 

Frances gasped, noting the accusation in Jeffrey’s tone and flinched, knowing King Phinneas would recognize it as well.  As he turned to tell Jeffrey that insolence would not be tolerated, his eyes fell on Frances, who froze, hand over her open mouth.

And what did you bring me this baggage for?  He sneered.  I’m looking for supplies, not traitors.

David took her arm, preventing her from leaving.  She spent the night in Areli’s camp.  I thought she might have some intelligence.

King Phinneas eyed her with renewed interest.  Well, speak, girl.

Frances glanced uncomfortably back at David, her whisper still carrying.  I didn’t spend the night.  I left to find you as soon as the camp quieted down.

Useless as usual, King Phinneas said, turning back to Jeffrey.  Get her out of my sight, he glanced at David.  For good this time.  David gulped but nodded.

Wait! Frances cried, pulling her arm from David’s grasp.  That doesn’t mean I didn’t hear things.

This better be good, David whispered. I’m not going down with you.

Slowly, King Phinneas spun on his heel, turning once again to face them.  I’m listening, he said, steel eyes narrowed.

Frances gulped, casting around for any snatch of information that would save her life.  He’s pursuing you.

King Phinneas rolled his eyes.  Obviously.  Hence, these mediocre accommodations.  Now, if you have nothing else. He waved his hand dismissively.

He left Michael behind.  He was in the hospital tent with me when—

What? Jeffrey interrupted.  He didn’t bring Michael?  Why not?

Or Hadar.  Now that she was talking, the words poured from her. He was going—

So, the old man’s by himself, is he?  King Phinneas’s lips curved into a smirk.  You’re sure about this?  Frances’s head bobbed like a toy.  Believe me when I say if you’ve lied to me, these will be your last words.

Frances held to this ace like a lifeline.  I’d never, Sire.  You’ve always had my loyalty.  I’ve returned to you twice now.  Does that count for nothing?

Yes, yes, King Phinneas waved her away like a persistent fly.  But, no Hadar and no Michael.

That wasn’t the real Hadar anyway, David said before he realized who he was talking to.  King Phinneas glared.  You, um, told us Areli was pretending. He finished lamely.

Of course it wasn’t Hadar. King Phinneas said just a bit too loudly.  I’m sure he’s just dropping the charade because we found out.  But, Michael.  What’s he doing there?

Maybe he realized Michael’s a liability.  Since we caught him, maybe he’s not willing to risk it again.  Jeffrey guessed.

Oh, that girl!  King Phinneas spat. 

Emma.  Jeffrey supplied.

She’d better not cross paths with me, or she’ll think what I did to her friend was merciful, King Phinneas snarled.

She didn’t accompany them either, Frances supplied.

He glared at her interruption.  Of course not, you idiot.  She lives in Sappington.  I’m letting you live, girl, for now, but don’t get used to it.  You still have much to atone for.  Frances looked down, eyes brimming.  When would it ever be enough?

David took a step away from her, drawing King Phinneas’s attention to him.  Get back on duty, boy.  And take this to the maid’s quarters.  Third corridor.

Frances curtsied and rushed after David, who was eager to get away. 

In there.  He pointed to a doorway before hurrying away.

Frances pushed the door open to a room tightly stacked with bunk beds.  The finery had never extended to the maids, but she thought her repeated loyalty might have earned her a bit of comfort.  She dropped onto an empty bed, jamming her face into the pillow.  Curling into herself, she tried to subdue her wrenching sobs.  At last, she fell into a fitful sleep. 

Chapter 2

"Trusting is hard.

Knowing who to trust is harder."

~ Maria V. Snyder Poison Study

Mary and Nykole clung together as they walked in the caravan from Sappington.  Since Emma had stayed behind, they felt more like outsiders.  She had always included them, but they didn’t know any of the strangers milling around them.

What if it was all an act?  Nykole whispered as the two kept pace. 

Mary looked up at her, eyebrows drawing together as she turned.  What if what was an act?

Nykole glanced nervously at the soldiers around them, keenly aware they were surrounded.  She lowered her voice still further.  What if King Areli was just pretending to be the good guy because Emma and Michael were here?  What if he’s going to punish us now that they’re gone? 

Mary considered the thought, letting her eyes rove over the troops.  It was true that with Hadar’s leaving and Emma and Michael remaining behind, everything familiar was gone.  King Areli too hadn’t spent much time with them.  But, that was just because he was busy, wasn’t it?  She closed her eyes, and Michael’s face swam in her thoughts, one eye swollen from Phinneas’s brutality.  It’s not an act.  She smiled.  Remember when he went to get Michael?

Nykole touched her arm, her head shaking.  It wasn’t Michael at first, she cut in.  He was going to save Frances.  A tear slipped down her face as her fears for themselves turned to fears for Frances.

I know.  Mary’s smile deepened.  And what was Frances to him?  Nothing.  She’d refused to come with Emma, endangering us all.  She couldn’t care less about him.  Still, he came.  Why would he put on an act like that?  There’s a difference between saying you care and doing something about it.  He cares all right.  He’s proven it.

Someone cleared his throat behind them, and both girls whirled around, hands on heart or sword.  Mary recognized Gabriel as the captain of King Areli’s guard.  When she turned to tell Nykole, she noticed Nykole was staring at Gabriel, flushed scarlet.  Mary elbowed her.

Um.  Hello, ladies. Gabriel said, shuffling his feet in a manner unsuited to someone of his rank.  I’m glad you’re coming with us.  He looked supremely uncomfortable.  Finally, he tore his eyes from the ground to meet theirs.  How are you, Nykole?  His voice turned soft and wistful.

Gabe, The word came out like a released sigh.  I thought I’d never see you again.  I thought—  Her voice faded.

Mary’s eyes bulged.  You know him?  She asked, How? 

Nykole just shook her head, wide eyed, lips clamped shut. 

We were friends as kids. Gabriel supplied, though he still gazed at Nykole, more searching than happy.  I saw her a few times after I’d left for King Areli’s, at the village before it was destroyed.  Then, when I heard Phinneas had captured her, I tracked her to the cave.  We met there before—  His voice trailed off as Mary’s eyes grew wider and harder. 

She whipped around to face Nykole, hands on her hips.  "This is the Gabe you were seeing?"

Well, it’s been a pleasure, Gabriel turned on his heel, hurrying away without a backwards glance. 

Nykole closed her eyes, the color draining from her face.  That went well, she shook her head, turning to face Mary. All those years of missing him, worrying what I’d do if I ever got to see him again, not knowing if he was even still alive.  And when we finally meet, you scare him off.

Patches of red flamed on Mary’s cheeks.  "You?  How do you think I feel?  My best friend was sneaking out to meet the enemy’s commander, and I thought it was romantic!"

Nykole shook her head, He’s not the enemy.  Didn’t you just say King Areli is the real deal?  That he truly cares about us?

Mary tossed her brown curls in a very Emma-like fashion.  "He is on our side.  But, you didn’t know that.  You betrayed us!"

Nykole’s eyes widened in disbelief. So, are you mad because I considered joining King Areli before you did or because I betrayed a horrible man who we believed saved us?

Mary snorted, and soon both girls were laughing ‘til the tears ran.

Now, that’s a sound I love to hear, came King Areli’s voice as he walked up to join them.  What’s so funny?

The girls exchanged a look.  Irony, Nykole said, a giggle escaping.  They all laughed. 

Chapter 3

Living is messy.

~ Traci Chee The Speaker

Emma leaned deeper into Michael as the gentle breeze found them rocking on his front porch swing, more like old lovers than young.  The hint of a chill foretold the approach of Autumn, meaning these lazy days were coming to a close. 

Emma broke their reverie.  I still don’t know what to do with myself, she sighed, staring at their interlocking fingers as Michael absentmindedly stroked her knuckle.

He laughed, twinkling green eyes finding hers.  I think this is a fine use of your time. He squeezed her hand.  But, I know how you feel.  The words caught and seemed to shatter his smile.  And my parents.  King Areli has been our whole life.  He looked away.

Emma nudged him playfully with her shoulder, missing his laughter the instant it was gone. I’m sorry you had to sacrifice so much to court me.  She looked at Michael’s profile against the inky darkness.  When he didn’t respond, she looked away, pursing her lips.  She disentangled her hand on the pretext of fixing her hair.  But, the smile died on her lips as her words hit home, reminding her of all she’d been asked to sacrifice as well.  He really had given up everything to be here. 

She felt his fingers entwine with hers, and he reached to turn her face towards his.  She gazed into his searching eyes.  It was a sacrifice, Emma.  For all of us.  I can’t pretend I don’t wish I was riding with the army, chasing a chance to wipe a smirk off Jeffrey’s face.  Man!  I want that.  But, to be here with you, that’s the sacrifice I made.  He lifted their hands and pressed hers lightly against his lips, leaving them both smiling.  King Areli let our family have this new assignment.  Rest is good—I know it is.  But, I can’t pretend it’s easy. 

Emma covered their hands with her other one.  I don’t deserve you.  The corners of her mouth twitched.  How you put up with me . . . She shook her head.  Like Lizzy.  Her eyes dropped.

Michael slipped his arm around her shoulders, and they both stared into the flickering shadows, each lost in a swirl of memories.

Michael Bartholomew, you had better escort that girl home or Lora and Henry will never let me hear the end of it.

"Bartholomew!" Emma mouthed, eyes dancing.

Michael shoved her playfully before exclaiming, Mom!

Melanie Warner materialized in the doorway.  She was a dark, handsome woman with deep-set green eyes which would have looked haughty on another woman, but were balanced by the crinkles at the corners.  Despite her plain farm dress, she had a litheness that bespoke the warrior Emma knew she was.  Yes, son?  She answered, grinning mischievously. 

Whatever Michael had been planning to say, he seemed to think better of it.  Glancing at Emma sheepishly, he said, Um, I’m going to walk Emma home.

Melanie turned her smile to Emma, who laughed.  I think that’s a wonderful idea.  Give your parents my regards.

Mine too. A voice boomed from the drawing room.  Tell Henry I’ll stop by before I go hunting tomorrow.  He’s welcome to come if he’d like.

I will, Mr. Warner, Emma called.  Seeing Mrs. Warner turning to head inside, a thought struck Emma.  Mrs. Warner, how should I tell my parents where I’ve been?

Knowing Emma wasn’t referring to just tonight, Melanie stood for a moment, resting her hand on the door frame before turning to Emma, kind eyes searching.  You mean you still haven’t? 

Emma looked down, fiddling with the piping on her bodice.  I’ve started to a dozen times, but I don’t know how to tell them without hurting them.

Oh, my darling, Melanie sank down beside Emma, reaching to cup her cheek.  Both the words and the gesture were so much King Areli’s, Emma’s heart ached.  But, the Warners had absorbed so much of King Areli, it simply oozed from them.  It was another reason Emma loved it here.  Melanie continued, The truth is often painful, but a lie hurts far worse.  Believe me, your parents will understand. Emma looked skeptical, and Melanie laughed, but she plowed on.  Oh, don’t get me wrong, you’ll likely be grounded until you’re 25, but they will understand why you made the choices you did.  To withhold this from them is to withhold who you really are.  There is nothing a parent wants more than to hear your heart.  Her eyes strayed to Michael’s, and she reached over to squeeze his hand.  They both smiled, allowing Emma a glimpse of the love shared by mother and son.  Let me consider the best way, and we’ll talk more the next time you’re here. She stood, pulling them up with her.  If your parents don’t kill you for missing curfew.  Now get going!

Chapter 4

"The first duty of men is the seeking after

and investigation of the truth."

~ Cicero

Frances awoke several hours later, the pillowcase stuck to her face.  She peeled it off, running her fingers through her dark, tangled curls.  Might as well find the other maids and get started, she said to the empty room.  How she missed Mary and Nykole! 

She was saved the trouble of looking when the door opened, and two giggling shapes entered, stopping abruptly when they saw her.  Frances!  You’re back!  The two girls practically threw themselves on the bed beside her, Alexandria bouncing up and down in her excitement, her short brown hair flying. 

Frances smiled in spite of herself.  Jessica and Alexandria!  It seems like ages since I saw you!  She hugged each of them in turn, almost falling into Alexandria who was still bouncing. 

Jessica tucked her long brown hair over one shoulder and leaned in, her gray-green eyes dancing.  I heard you were in Areli’s camp.  How was it?  What’s it like?

You have to tell us everything, Alexandria grabbed her arm, drawing her attention from Jessica.

Frances pulled away, confused, and looked back and forth between the girls.  Why would you be interested in Areli’s camp?  He’s the enemy.

Because, silly, Alexandria pushed her playfully, then crossed to the mirror where she surveyed her reflection carefully.  Did you see the men he had with him?  She flashed Frances a smile before turning back to the mirror and pouting her lips.  Poor misguided souls.  I bet we could convince them of the error of their ways.  She rested her chin coyly on her hand and batted her eye lashes at her reflection.

Jessica giggled and elbowed Frances, making her wince.  Jessica frowned, and then her eyes widened.  Oh, Alexandria, we forgot.  Frances, I’m so sorry.  Here we are giggling over boys, not even thinking about how you suffered there—being beaten!

Alexandria turned back, horrified.  That’s right!  Oh, Frances, are you okay?

Frances’s eyes welled.  Jessica and Alexandria had always been kind to her, but they had each other, and she had Mary and Nykole.  Or at least, she’d had them until recently.  Mary and Nykole are still with him.  The tears spilled onto her cheeks.

Alexandria gasped.  What!  With Areli?  We’ve got to save them.

Jessica nodded, reaching to rest a hand gently on Frances’s arm.  We’ll go with you, Frances, right, Alexandria?  She looked over at Alexandria who nodded.  It can’t be that hard.  If that girl can escape from us, surely we can sneak them out of Areli’s camp.  I mean, you got out, so you already know some of their weaknesses.  Jessica’s voice trailed off, and her brows knit.  She looked searchingly at Frances.  Wait a second.  If you got out, why didn’t you rescue them too?  I thought you three were best friends. 

Tears streamed down Frances’s face.  We are—or were, at least.  But, I didn’t get out. She wiped her eyes savagely.  He let me go.

What!  Jessica was standing, her sword extended before Frances had even finished wiping her eyes.

Alexandria rushed to stand in between them.  "Jessica!  What are you doing?  It’s Frances.  She’s been with us for years."

But, Jessica didn’t move except to get a clearer shot at Frances.  Has she? Frances was surprised at the coldness in her voice.  That girl got out somehow.  And now she’s back without her best friends in the world?  Jessica’s sharp eyes fell on a corner of bandage that peeked out of Frances’s collar and scoured over the shape of bandages.  And he fixed her up too.  Sounds like a spy to me.  King Phinneas will reward me this time.

Alexandria looked back at Frances before taking Jessica’s arm.  Let her explain, Jess.  We’re between her and the door.  She can’t run. 

Jessica’s head rocked back and forth as she pondered that.  Still, she didn’t drop the sword.  So, explain.

Frances felt an involuntary shiver pass through her.  Taking a deep breath, she chose her words carefully.  I didn’t have to break out because Areli doesn’t keep prisoners.  Anyone is free to go.  Mary and Nykole could have walked right out with me, and he’d have let them go too.  They didn’t know I’d left.  She took a shuddering breath.  They had chosen to go to Areli when I came back the first time.  I didn’t know how much they’d been brainwashed, and I couldn’t risk them trying to stop me—not after I’d broken away twice.  I just couldn’t.  She heaved a sigh.  But, they didn’t come after me either.  More tears slipped down her cheeks.

The girls exchanged a glance. Alexandria asked.  You mean servants can leave too? 

Frances nodded, then shook her head before clarifying.  He doesn’t really have servants.  Just—I don’t know—subjects.  They all work. But more like—I don’t know—family.  She shook her head, squirming under the intensity of their stares.  I asked the nurse in their infirmary how long she had to work to pay for Areli’s accommodations.  She looked at me like I’d said it in Greek.  She said, ‘I don’t have to work for him, darling.  I do it because he saved me from Phinneas.  That’s a debt I’ll never repay.’

Alexandria looked incredulous.  She’d been with King Phinneas? She ran her fingers through her short brown hair as if trying to push the thought into her mind. 

Yes!  I couldn’t believe it either!

She had to be lying, obviously, Jessica said, but she lowered her sword.

That’s what I thought too, Frances nodded, shifting her position. But, do you remember when Kirkville got destroyed?  Both Jessica and Alexandria nodded.  That was her village.  She described it perfectly.  The method sounded so much like what happened to our village, it had to be the same.

Alexandria shook her head, But, Areli destroyed our village, she countered.  We woke up to the devastation, and King Phinneas rode in, apologizing for not being there earlier and offering to protect us if we came to work for him since chasing Areli would take all of his effort. 

Frances shifted, not quite meeting their eyes.  Jessica’s keen eyes caught the change.  What is it, Frances? She asked, eyes narrowed. 

Frances squirmed uncomfortably.  She said the exact same thing.

So, Jessica crossed her arms.

And the same thing happened at my village.  Isn’t that strange that Phinneas is always chasing Areli?  Why isn’t he ever there first?

Alexandria and Jessica exchanged searching looks.  King Phinneas, Alexandria said quietly, and Frances noticed now both girls’ hands rested on swords that had flickered into view.  And, are you saying what I think you’re saying? 

Frances shifted her weight, letting her hand slide to her waist so her own sword’s bright red stone was illuminated.  I don’t know, she said truthfully.  I don’t know what it means.  But, when three different villages tell the same story, well— Her voice trailed off, and the words hung in the air.

You’ve listened to too much of Areli’s crazy talk.  That’s what.  Jessica’s sword flickered then vanished.  She crossed to the mirror and began to brush her hair, separating it into three strands and beginning to braid.  It’s just not possible.

Alexandria simply shrugged, letting her sword vanish too.  She flopped down on her own bed and turned to watch Jessica expertly