Natalie’s mind came into crystal focus. Had she only imagined the extra emphasis Rose had put on the second sentence, and the way the other girl’s eyes now bored into her own?
She tried to keep her expression steady as she slowly nodded.
“Yes, of course,” she said. “I remember.”
She did remember, and now she had further confirmation. Rose was definitely expecting a note of some kind, even if she didn’t know its exact contents. And she just as clearly meant to cut Natalie out of whatever was going on.
“I can promise it was nothing but inanities last night,” she said with a decent approximation of her usual tone. She allowed a note of dissatisfaction to creep in. “All except one conversation which went on forever and was just a constant stream of reminiscences about your parents and grandparents.”
Rose looked alarmed, so Natalie rushed to reassure her.
“Don’t worry. I just smiled a lot and said almost nothing, so I don’t think I gave anything away.”
Rose relaxed. Apparently she wasn’t going to insist on an immediate return to their true positions. That was one relief at any rate. Because Natalie was more determined than ever to remain in the princess’s role until the nominated time for the secret meeting.
CHAPTER 6
“Please have a seat, Princess Rose.” The young noblewoman gestured toward a rich blanket spread out on the grassy hillside.
Cushions had been scattered invitingly across it, and spread out before it was a view of not just the city but also the palace. Clearly the blanket had been placed in the best available spot—but it was also empty.
Natalie forced a smile and sat down, trying to arrange her legs in a graceful manner—a frustratingly difficult feat. When she had accomplished it to the best of her ability, she took a surreptitious look at the other blankets strewn over the grass around her. Each of them contained a group of young people whose conversation and laughter floated across the gentle breeze.
She looked up hopefully at Lady Trina—the host of the event—but the other girl didn’t sit.
“I’ll have the servants select a plate of delicacies for you to eat.” Trina hurried away, intent on her self-assigned task.
Natalie sighed and looked around again. Most of the group had gathered in front of the palace for the walk to the hillside, but Leo had failed to join them. Natalie had assumed that meanthe would meet them at their destination. There was still no sign of him, however.
The courtiers in attendance were all young, and Natalie thought she’d met them all the night before. At least, she assumed so, given no one had supplied their names.
If only everyone didn’t say the exact same things. Then she might have a hope of remembering everyone’s identities.
Trina returned, and Natalie smiled as welcomingly as she could. But as soon as Trina had delivered the plate of food, someone called to her, and she bustled off, visibly full of the importance of hosting.
Natalie sighed again.
“You don’t need to glare at the food so ferociously,” said a laughing voice. “I promise I didn’t prepare this menu either.”
Natalie looked up. “Oh. It’s you.” She wanted company, just not this company.
Luca’s lips twitched. “I’m sorry to disappoint.” He threw himself down beside her, lounging comfortably among the cushions.
Natalie looked behind him hopefully. If Luca had just arrived on the hillside, maybe his cousin had too. There was no sign of Prince Leo, however.
She deflated, fiddling with the closest cushion and trying not to sigh yet again. From the corner of her eye, she caught Luca watching her, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. He must think her very unlike a proper princess. She sat up straight and pasted on her best royal smile.
“Your Highness!” Trina returned, slightly out of breath, as if she’d hurried straight back from whatever hosting responsibilities had occupied her. “I’m so sorry for the interruption. There are certain complications with this location, but I was sure you would appreciate the view of our beautiful city and consider it worth any inconveniences.”
“Lanare is stunning,” Natalie said with sincerity.
The southern kingdom was entrancing—utterly unlike her own home in the mountains. But she couldn’t add that, so she fell silent.
Trina bobbed a shallow curtsy to Luca. “I’m so glad you could make it, Prince Luca. I was sorry to hear Prince Leo had other duties that required his attention.”
Luca smiled, his manner easy. “It’s Leo’s loss. He would much prefer to be outside than stuck behind a desk.” His expression suggested Leo was well known for this trait, and Trina laughed. Natalie chuckled as well, a beat behind. “But with his parents away, he takes his responsibilities seriously,” Luca added.
“Of course!” Trina said quickly. “You must let him know that we all completely understand. It’s our honor to help entertain Princess Rose during her visit.”
