It also struck her, as he began to add a darker green to shade the edges of her gown, how lonely he must be. To observe so much and not be able to express it any other way than through art…
Lady Freya had been right. He really was quite clever.
She walked to the side and studied him, trying to see him the way he had seen her.
His wide shoulders and muscled legs–for they really were too muscled to be ignored, impertinent a thought as that might be–were a testament to how dedicated he had remained tolivingeven after his illness. And somehow, despite losing so much, he still smiled.
As she thought this, Norah was struck with shame at how often she had complained of her own trials using the very words that had been denied him. How was it possible that she smiled so much less?
They remained outside for another hour. Then, as though some silent bell had been struck, servants appeared and began to remove his painting supplies. Phillip looked up at her and smiled politely before holding out his arm as he always did now. Norah took it and found herself led into a part of the palace that she hadn’t yet seen, but one that intrigued her all the same.
Apparently, the palace had a second library. But this one was much larger than the first, and while the walls were covered in shelves of books, she realized upon examining them that they were of a very dry variety–law books and historical documents. There were also several large wooden writing tables scattered about the room.
Phillip led her to a large cushioned chair that sat before a blazing fire. Once she was seated, he made his way over to the nearest writing table and began to look through the stack of parchments sitting in its center. Not two minutes later, they were joined by Lady Freya, her husband, and a round man with round spectacles.
“Your Highness!” the man stuttered when he spotted Norah. “These are sensitive documents we’re about to discuss!” He turned to Lady Freya. “Surely you can’t mean for a stranger to sit in on this meeting!”
Norah wasn’t offended by his objection. She herself was surprised they would allow her to attend any sort of meeting that involved secrets of the state. Not even her parents had allowed her in on such meetings when she was small. So it was even more surprising when Sir Oliver answered in a surprisingly frosty voice.
“Sir Callen, surely you recognize our guest.”
Sir Callen frowned at Norah again, squinting several times through his spectacles before his eyes flew open wide and he threw a meaty hand over his mouth.
“No! But it can’t be!”
“It is,” said Lady Freya firmly. “And I suggest you show the princess the respect due her title.”
Phillip was now openly frowning at the man, but Sir Callen seemed so shocked that he didn’t even notice the prince, which only seemed to annoy Phillip more.
Norah bit back a smile. It was the first time she’d seen him look so thunderous, and that he was out of sorts on her behalf after only a day of her company seemed nearly ludicrous.
But then again… if she had been inhisposition, and there was only one person with any hope of breakinghersilence, she’d be annoyed too if someone tried to run that person off.
They began discussing kingdom issues after that, and were soon joined by several other people, each nearly falling over when they realized who Norah was. But Lady Freya’s demand of secrecy concerning Norah’s presence was delivered severely enough that each left with a healthy dose of fear when the meeting was adjourned.
What Norah found more interesting than their interest, however, was Phillip’s determination to take part inrunning the kingdom. He couldn’t speak, write, or even nod or shake his head, it seemed. But when someone would ask him a question, he would quickly shuffle through the papers or maps or whatever they had been discussing and point to the answer, and Norah’s chest tightened with emotion as she watched him.
This man, if any, deserved to be king.
Norah stood and began to walk the room, looking as though she were studying the books on the shelves. But in her mind, she was plotting. If Phillip could exert himself so as to be a part of his own kingdom, despite being bereft of most communication, surely she could think of ways to get to know the man behind his smile.
Chapter 8
A Place to Start
Norah didn’t know what to expect the next day. After all, she was gifted in healing, not in mind-reading. But if nothing else, she would try.
Much to her relief, she found that the servants had delivered her note to Phillip the night before per her request. For when she made her way down to the breakfast balcony, as she had come to think of it, she found Phillip seated, waiting across from an empty chair. Taking a deep breath, she forced the sudden rush of butterflies back down her throat and into her stomach, and launched into a speech that sounded both ridiculous and practiced.
Probably because ithadbeen practiced.
Many, many times.
But as they were short on time, Norah had decided the night before that honesty would be the best policy. So she might as well speak her piece.
“I… I wanted to say something before the day begins,” she said, suddenly unable to look anywhere but at her hands. Phillip didn’t answer, but then again, she knew he couldn’t. So she hurried on.
“I’m aware that we need to fall in love to break your spell. And… and I’ll admit that I’m not really sure how to do that. I’ve never been in love, and with your… situation, it’s going to make this a whole lot harder.” She drew in a deep breath. “But I’m willing to try.” She peeked up sheepishly at him to find his eyes wide. “Iwantto try. If you’ll let me.”
