“Never,” I say, almost believing it. “I don’t ever want to marry. I will travel and read books. I am a good navigator, after all.”
“Sounds nice,” he allows. “But lonely.”
“I like my own company,” I say pointedly.
He bows his head. “I understand you find my presence distasteful, so I will leave you in peace.”
Oh, he looks hurt by that. I didn’t think it was possible for a barmaid to hurt a prince. My heart is beating too quickly, and I want to protest:I didn’t mean it so harshly!
Honestly, I don’t know what to think of him. Why does he pay me any mind? Only because I’m useful, I remind myself. I know his secret. He has to be nice to me now—keep me quiet. He’s a shameless flirt, and it doesn’t mean anything. He’s a royal prince, albeit a cursed one, and I’m just a barmaid. I turn away and start folding a pile of dishrags.
Dietan’s quiet, but I can tell he’s still there. There’s a long, heavy moment between us until I hear the stool scrape as he pushes back from the bar and then the heavy clatter of coins on the table.
“Thanks for a royal breakfast,” he says.
I can’t quite read his tone. Is it sarcastic? Cold? Or downright sincere? I can’t tell. It doesn’t matter.
Now that my sisters are settled, he’ll leave Evandale, and it can’t happen soon enough. Even if the thought brings a lump to my throat. Of course, I’ll miss my girls. And he must promise not to put them in harm’s way.
I look over my shoulder again when I hear his heavy boots heading toward the door. He pulls up the hood of his cloak, pinching it closed at his throat. Before he can go out into the rain, Father ambles up the steps.
Harvest Mother, why is he out in this weather? He must have come to check on me. He’s been worried since the night of the harvest festival. Father leans heavily on his cane, watching his feet, and startles when the prince speaks to him.
“Good day, sir,” Dietan says, his voice strong. “What a lovely surprise.”
I’m tempted to intervene, but to my dismay, Father’s smile grows wide. He hasn’t smiled like that in a long time.
“Your Highness! What good fortune! I’m surprised to see you here so early.”
“Yes, I’ve heard the most amazing things about this tavern. You own this establishment, correct?”
“I do, but my daughter here runs it. I’m very proud.”
“Yes, indeed. I’m so glad I came to Evandale. I know theremustbe a woman here who can keep me on my toes, who deserves to wear only the finest silk!”
He’s taunting me. Asshole. Reminding me that he came to find a bride, not a barmaid. I scowl as I furiously wipe down the bar for a third time in lieu of committing regicide.
“Yes, with my daughter Ophelia so happily settled, I do hope her twin Sonja makes a worthy match soon,” Father says mildly.
Dietan looks surprised for a moment, as if he hadn’t considered the idea, which puzzles me.
“How much longer are you staying, Your Highness?” Father asks.
“I believe we’re leaving, weather permitting, at first light tomorrow. I can think of a few reasons to stay a bit longer, if given the opportunity. Alas, perhaps I have overstayed my welcome.”
With that, Dietan shakes Father’s hand and disappears into the rain, leaving me to fume in silence.
Chapter Fourteen
Aren
That evening, there is a real engagement party for Ophelia and Jared at the town hall. The prince is hosting, making up for missing his friend’s proposal. He evidently wants to put on a grand show, ordering food and drink from the Raven’s Beak on a few hours’ notice, leaving me scrambling to get everything ready instead of just attending the party as the betrothed’s family.
If he thinks he can get under my skin, he’s mistaken. I’m more than up to the challenge, and if he’s paying for it, then I’ll make certain my sister is sent off with the most elaborate feast imaginable.
I spend the better part of the afternoon rolling barrels of ale to the town hall with the help of Bonnie and a handful of royal soldiers, and laying the large table with hearty fare prepared from the freshest bounty of the year’s harvest.
All the while, I pretend not to notice the marquis, who stalks around the place barking unnecessary orders. I do, however, note with satisfaction the damage Dietan did to his face. While the very sight of the marquis still makes me shiver, I feel safer with Loegrian soldiers everywhere. The marquis keeps out of my way as well. If I didn’t know him better, I’d think he was avoiding me.Good.
