Chapter 11
A Chance…
Two days later, Phillip escorted Norah to the large library, where meetings with their advisers were always held. But this time, he didn’t lead Norah to her usual chair near the fire, away from everyone else. Instead, he seated her at the largest table in the room. Then he sat beside her.
The chairs were cushioned, but they were far from comfortable. They couldn’t be when she was the topic of the upcoming meeting–especially if she was largely to blame.
Which she very well might.
Norah gave Phillip a long look as advisers began to arrive, each pausing at the door to greet Lady Freya and Sir Oliver, but he seemed too lost in his own thoughts to notice.Is this our fault?she wanted to ask. Had their impromptu fun turned the kingdom toward war? She had been too afraid to voice the question before, and now it was too late.
When nearly all the chairs set around the table were filled by various lords and advisers, Norah thought her misery couldn’t get any worse. But then two more men and a woman walked in. The older man had dark hair, though much of it was silver, and he wore a military uniform Norah recognized.
The blue uniform with its thick silver braid draped over the shoulder meant that this officer–for such a distinguished sailor couldonlybe an officer–was from Ashland. Ashland, which had the largest and strongest navy in the western realm.
The other man was younger, perhaps in his mid-thirties, and on his arm was a woman with silky dark hair and olive-tinted skin. He, too, was wearing a uniform, but unlike the Ashlandian officer, he was also wearing a circlet on his head. And when he walked in, everyone stood and bowed or curtsied, which could only mean one thing.
This man was royalty.
“Your Highness,” Sir Oliver said, walking toward the newcomers. “Welcome. And you as well, Admiral Starke.”
Norah felt the blood drain from her face. This wasn’t just any naval officer. Admiral Starke was the captain of the Ashlandian navy’s flagship,The Adroit.She’d seen it docked at their harbor several times. He was the most important man in the entire Ashlandian military.
The only thing that could make this worse would be if–
“Everyone,” Sir Oliver turned to their company, which was still standing. “I’m honored to introduce Prince Lucas of Maricanta, and his wife, Princess Jaelle.”
Everyone bowed or curtsied once again, but Norah wished she could melt into the floor.
Had she and Phillip started an international incident?
It was justonetime!she pleaded silently to the Maker.Just a few hours! Please don’t let this be a result of us!
Norah had met Prince Lucas before, but that had been back when she was very young. The coastal kingdoms between Maricanta and Ashland were mostly small, which meant that, excepting the wasteland Terrefantome, they stuck together. The pirates were too much of a threat not to. She remembered him from their first meeting, which was odd, as she had been small. More specifically, she remembered his smiles. Prince Lucas,Norah remembered, seemed to always be smiling. But just because Norah had met the prince as a little girl didn’t mean she was ready to meet him again now. At least, not under these circumstances.
“I would like to thank you all again for coming,” Lady Freya said. As she spoke, several servants appeared at the door and hurried to serve everyone tea. “We’ve been discussing the pirates, of course, at length over the last few years, but recently, we’ve acquired a… a new guest who has changed everything.” She nodded at Norah, who had no choice but to stand and curtsy.
When she did, several people gasped. Even Prince Lucas looked shocked. The only one who betrayed no hint of surprise was the admiral. Though based on his stern countenance, Norah got the feeling that very little surprised him. And even if it did, he probably wasn’t the kind of man to let anyone know.
“I don’t mean to interrupt,” Prince Lucas said, half rising from his chair. “But are you…” He smiled hesitantly, his eyes full of wonder. “Surely you can’t be one of the Bianne princesses.”
Norah forced a smile and hoped it didn’t look too sick. “I am, Your Highness.”
“But… how?” another guest asked.
“Norah’s guardian somehow smuggled her off the island when the pirates attacked,” Lady Freya said. “She kept her hidden for a long time out of fear that the pirates would come after her. And it seems now that her fear was justified. For they were the ones who chased her out of hiding and into our arms just weeks ago.” She paused. “Unfortunately, they appear to have no plans to forget her either.”
“What’s even stranger,” Sir Oliver added, “is that, according to the princess, the pirate who tried to abduct her pronounced himself in love with her. He spoke as though he’d known her a long time.”
Phillip straightened at this, his warm eyes suddenly dark andcold. Was he…
Indignant?
Prince Lucas was frowning too, an odd expression on such a pleasant face. It made him look much older. “It seemed strange to us when Arianna told us of the pirates’ plans,” he said slowly. “To gather their fleet to go after one girl.”
“But if she’s a Bianne princess…” the admiral muttered. Then he leaned forward toward Norah. “Pardon my impertinence, Your Highness, but you must be theyoungestprincess, yes? The only one who was unwed?”
Norah nodded. “I was only betrothed. And yes, my sisters were all a good deal older than I was.”
