“Sorry. We thought it better if you didn’t know, just in case you failed,” she says.
“So you could continue in my place.” Lee had even less faith in me than I thought.
“That won’t be necessary. The prince likes you. You’ll find what you need soon, I’m certain of it.” She removes the dress from the hook. “Now, let’s get you changed for your date with the prince.”
Seventeen
“I’ll be right outsideto escort you to your rooms when you’re finished,” Brevan says as we stop in front of the double doors that lead to the prince’s quarters.
Apparently, Caiden has a free afternoon and thinks we should spend some time together.
My palms are damp with sweat. I can’t believe how nervous I am. This won’t be like our nightly meals. Dinner is usually short because he’s busy, and I tell him I’m tired. Conversations are kept to safe topics. I flirt enough to keep his interest but make sure I’m not over the top. He’s been on his best behavior, like he wants to impress me. I have no idea what today will bring.
Caiden himself opens the door. “Come in, Princess.”
There’s a table in the center of the room that wasn’t there last time. A black tablecloth has been draped over it, and there’s a chessboard in the center. Caiden gestures toward it. “I thought we could play a game.”
“I didn’t know you like chess,” I say.
“I’m guessing there’s a lot you don’t know about me,” he says as he pulls out my chair.
After he’s seated, he gestures to me. “Ladies first.”
I’m suddenly grateful for the late nights when my brothers would play chess. I watched more often than I played, but at least I know the rules.
“I haven’t played since I was a child,” I say as I move a pawn.
“It’s been years for me as well. Brevan and I used to unwind with a game from time to time. But I can’t recall the last time we did,” he says.
We focus on the game, making the first few moves in silence. After a while, I feel like I’ve reacquainted myself with the board.
“Did you play games with your family?” I ask.
“No. Never. Father was too busy and Mother was…Well, she had her attentions elsewhere,” he says.
“Who did you spend time with? Just Brevan?” I ask.
“Sometimes one of my father’s councilmen or their children. After Brevan arrived, we kept each other company on occasion, but it wasn’t long before both of us were sent to training and no longer had time for games.”
“That sounds lonely,” I say.
“Can’t be much different than your childhood,” he points out. “Unless your parents were more involved.”
What was Sabina’s childhood like? Probably similar to his. “There were a few more children around. Girls,” I add because of what Brevan told me, “who I had as playmates.”
“Yet, you snuck out alone.” He pauses with a pawn between his finger and thumb.
“And that was supposed to be private,” I scold.
“I won’t tell. I went through my own rebellious phase.”
“You did?” I ask. “What was that like?”
“I don’t think you’re ready for those stories.”
There’s a knock on the door, and he rises, then answers it. I catch sight of two legionnaires before he steps into the hall. It’s not long before he’s back in the room, his expression dark.Brevan is by his side. “Warships from Duneport just spotted off the coast. I have to go.”
“Would you like me to escort the princess to her rooms before we leave?” Brevan asks.
