Corintine 19, 1669
So much has happened these past few months. I think the time with my companions is coming to an end. We seem to be going our separate ways, but I think we have accomplished our task. The cardinal is dead, Reis is dead and Villanova is dead. There are other names on the list, but I doubt they can do much. Villanova was, most likely, the leader of the demons. With the head destroyed, there is very little the body can do. Even though it's been months, it all seems rather sudden.
My father was in Castille. He simply appeared at the door to my room one night. Even now he is on ship with me. I think he's even more impatient to meet his grandchildren then I am. My father is not quit what I imagined, but he is most defiantly a good man. I suppose no parent is ever what any child imagines. It is very strange situation. I spent most of my life thinking my father was killed by Montaigns, and yet I find him alive and well. However he can not publicly be my father. While I understand and I am not about to argue with him, it is still painful. I want nothing more to announce to the world that this is my father and I love him, but I can not. However there is far more between him and Celeste then I had thought. I realize, now, just how jealous I am of her. She can openly be his lover, with little to no reprisal, yet I can not be his daughter. He never married my mother, not because he didn't love her, but because she didn't quite understand the concept. My father was with Celeste before my mother died. I have not asked my father about that. I am afraid to know the answer. I know my mother loved him very much. I prefer to think he loved her the same way and would really rather not think about the alternative. It is most likely that he left for our protection. The assassin was meant for him, not my mother. The lies didn't keep us safe. A part of me wonders if the truth would do any better, but we will never know.
Also I am saddened to know that I will probably never meet my brother. Male marrow's aren't as sociable as there female counterparts, nor do the resemble seals or humans. There are always twins though. The thought that my son could be some tentacled sea monster is not comforting. But then again, a marrow has never born the Horned King's children, so maybe there is a chance that they will take after their father. If not I hope that I will be able to spend some time with my son before he swims off to the depths of the ocean.
Rachel is marrying the Emperor of Montaign. I'm do not like this situation, but there is precious little I can do about it. I worry that he will dispose of her as easily as his previous wife. She has, for months now, tried to convince me that marrying the King of Castille is a good idea. The idea is completely repulsive. I love him, but the thought of marrying my Uncle is just so…wrong. Papa was amused by the situation. He has a strange sense of humor. I think he is coming to Rachel's wedding. It will be good to see him again, even if I am as big as a house. Neither Rachel nor Father Giuseppe realizes that my tarnished reputation is a benefit. The people of Castille loved my father, and many still think that he is the true king. He does not believe this and is happy to watch over my Uncle and allow him to rule. There are those who would see his daughter as a means to the throne. However, no one would think of putting a bastard daughter, unmarried daughter, with children on the throne of Castille. I see this as a good thing.
The trick now is if I can keep Rachel from finding out. Who knows what scheming she would do then? I'm already getting introduced to her step-grandsons. I wouldn't put it past her to arrange a political marriage. While I have given up on love, I refuse to marry without at least friendship.
And Luc got the girl. Angela is his wonderful wife and at some point, we might actually be able to see how happy he is…but I doubt it. It seems everyone has found someone, except me. Rachel has the entire court of Montaign, Luc has Angela, Bleys has found himself a port sorceress, Father Giuseppe has the church, and Celeste has my father. But I have yet to find someone, but then I met the O'Bannon in a tavern in Inismoore. I certainly wouldn't mind a repeat of that.