“I don’t think I’ve ever even seen him with a woman,” Charlotte says. “I don’t think he knows how to do anything other than work. Maybe when he was younger? He was with the prince all the time.”
“Wait, you said he was raised with the prince, right? Why would the emperor do that?” The emperor wasn’t known for his kindness.
“I think whatever they saw when they found him must have been terrible,” Katherine pushes her plate aside. “He doesn’t talk about it, though.”
“He doesn’t seem to get along with the prince.” I remove the cloth that was wrapped around my hair, then run my fingers though my already dry tresses. When I leave here, I need to take one of these with me. “When I see them together, they don’t really act like friends. Let alone brothers.”
“I hear they used to be close. Something happened.” Antonia rises from her chair and takes the cloth from me.
“Thank you,” I say as she leaves the room with it.
“Probably a woman,” Charlotte says. “Probably chose the prince over him and that’s why he doesn’t date anymore.”
“Then where’s this woman the prince stole from his friend?” Katherine asks. “I never see the prince with anyone. I’m not sure he’s seeing any women, either.”
“That’s because he makes them leave before morning.” Antonia freezes in the doorway and slaps her hand over her mouth. Then she slowly lowers it. “I am so sorry, Your Highness. I’m sure those were rumors.”
“It’s fine. I am not delusional enough to think a prince has never had any lovers before he weds.”
“I’m sure he’ll be faithful to you,” she says quickly.
The only thing keeping me from saying something I shouldn’t is the fact that I don’t intend to marry him at all.
Marian sweeps into the dining room, carrying a dress. “It’s here!”
The ladies all rise from their chairs and gasp. I join them, taking in the dress. Black beads cover the white satin bodice in floral patterns. A full white skirt shimmers in the light. The back laces up with a thick ribbon that will crisscross down my back and continue past my hips, tying into a bow right at my tailbone.
My ladies help me into a corset before lowering the gown over my head. Finally, they tie the laces up the back. The fabric is soft against my skin, and it fits me like a glove. It’s tight around the bodice before flaring out at the waist. The white cap sleeves are embroidered with more floral patterns, similar to the ones in the beading. I wonder if it’s an homage to the late empress’s love of plants.
The sun dips behind the horizon and lamps glow softly around my rooms while my ladies put the finishing touches on my hair and makeup.
The mood is festive, but I’m at odds with that energy. Tonight is going to be a true test of whether or not I can pass as Princess Sabina.
The ladies here accepted me without question, writing off anything odd as inexperience in their court. The prince and the enforcer just see me as a pawn. I have no idea who will be present at this dinner, but if there’s anyone from Iskvaland or from Sabina’s past, I could be in trouble. While I know I look similar enough to the princess to fool anyone who’s only seen her in paintings, I don’t know that I could trick someone who truly knew her.
But then again, the man in the cells said he’d bedded the princess, and he thought I was her.
And to protect my lie, he died.
Marian walks toward me, and I fix a smile on my face, sending the swirling thoughts away.
“You seem nervous,” she says.
“I am,” I confess.
“It’ll be over before you know it. Just smile and bat your lashes, and after tonight, you’ll be free to leave your rooms and finally explore your new home.” She pats my hand.
That is enough to help me snap out of my worries. I need that freedom.
I’m surprised when a pair of legionnaires I don’t know arrive to escort me to the dinner. I wonder if Brevan is off destroying another village.
We walk to a part of the castle I haven’t been in yet. So far, I’ve remained in the north wing, but we cross into the south side of the castle. Immediately, I notice a difference in the décor and overall feel here. More art covers the walls, and sculptures are set into recessed spaces or on pedestals. The stone floors are polished and gleaming. While the rooms I’ve been in containluxury, the hallways are lined with only floral tapestries and the floors don’t shine.
I slow down as we pass a massive mural showing a battle between two armies, one wearing the emperor’s crest. When I notice the dragons, I stop. We all know dragons used to exist, but I heard they’d died out before our empire began.
Night legionnaires drive swords into the bellies of the massive beasts. Archers fire arrows. The emperor’s cavalry charge toward the opposing army, facing off against an enemy riding and commanding dragons.
There’s no way this is real. It has to be a fantasy. A work of art meant to show the empire’s prowess. But the paint is cracking and fading in places. It’s been here a long time. Then again, the emperor has been here a long time, too.
