“That’s a complicated question,” Rocurt said.
“No, it isn’t,” she whispered.
“He’s fully grown. So no. He could stop owning them, but he wouldn’t stop wanting to.”
She nodded.
For a moment, Evston thought she might still say she wanted to marry him. He held his breath. He wanted her to say it and for Rocurt to insist. He wanted her in every way there was to have a woman.
“I’m very tired,” she said. “I’d like to go home.”
“Whatever you want you can have,” Rocurt said, lifting her down from the vehicle.
Evston didn’t say goodbye. Neither did she. And she didn’t look back.
* * *
They purchased a PrincessBrandese wig from a shop and Brande wore it home looking almost as if her adventure had never happened. Everyone made an enormous fuss when she arrived, which was awkward. She pretended nothing had changed, but so much had.
She recited the story she’d made up. Then she repeated it several times as Lana and her father and her security detail asked her a thousand questions.
Finally she was able to extract herself. She took a shower, dressed in a long shift, and crawled in bed. She was only there for a short time before her sister climbed in with her and wrapped her arms around Brandese.
“I was so worried, darling,” Lana said.
Her older sister was truly wonderful. Her only regret in running away had been that she knew Lana would worry.
“I’m all right. I always will be, even during times when I’m away. I have always been able to take care of myself,” she said, wanting to reassure Lana, since she had every intention of running away again.
“At least you had a chance to see the Calex brothers. And Lord Evston gave you good advice as always, I’m sure. Whatever’s been troubling you, you seem calmer now.”
“Yes,” Brandese said, though she wasn’t calm. She was resigned.
“Perhaps he’ll come to visit in a few days. To check on you. Would you like that?”
“Do you think I could be in the legislature, Lanamoar? Not now, at this age, but later.”
“What? Why would you ask that?”
“Aside from Father and the commander, they’re the most powerful group of people in the realm. I’ve done well in all the historical block courses. And in critical reasoning and negotiating tactics.”
There are things I want to change about Endricane, she added in her mind.In time and given the right opportunities, I could do it.
“Wouldn’t that be a better question for Lord Evston, since he’s in the legislature?”
“I know his answer. He would say yes. I’m destined for great things.”
“How lovely of him to think so. He’d make a good husband. He obviously cares for you and respects you. I think it’s time to move things along.”
“No, I think I’ll—”
“You must. Or things may be moved along for you.”
“What do you mean?”
“There’s been talk.”
Brandese understood. There had been rumors of her father’s arrangement with the Ketturan savages.
