She wrung her hands. “You’re the highest-ranking soul besides the stewards in the castle at the moment!”
“I’m not part of the household,” I said quietly.
“But you are a diplomatanda representative assigned by the Assembly! That makes you even more fitting than the stewards to greet him.” Her eyes were wide with pleading. “Please.”
That sounded like a weak justification to me. But bluffing had brought me this far. I stood slowly, straightening my skirts, and lifted my chin.
Catrin grinned. “I knew you’d see reason.”
In truth, my heart was thudding with trepidation. Sure, I’d gotten used to speaking with Nisien, and even a bit comfortable conversing with a large group during the last meeting, but another noble one-on-one? I was in over my head.
“Am I even dressed appropriately?” I asked, glancing down at the soft wool day gown in muted green, unadorned save for the golden belt at my waist.
Catrin winced. “He’s nearly at the steps. You could be in rags, and it wouldn’t matter.”
That didn’t inspire confidence. I followed her quickly through the castle, smoothing my hair and composing my face into something I hoped looked serene and stately, pretending my borrowed authority fit like a crown instead of a mask about to slip.
Two footmen threw open the heavy doors at our approach. I could already hear the clatter of hooves and the creak of saddle leather.
Sunlight spilled across the flagstones of the porte cochere. Accustomed to the dim interior of the castle, I squinted to make out our visitor. A tall man, he swung off his horse with practiced ease, boots hitting the ground as if he were used to immediately springing into action.
My spine was ramrod straight, my smile serenely fixed, but a cold dread, a cacophony of fear, pulsed beneath my skin, screaming that my deception was about to be unmasked.
The visitor’s dark chestnut hair framed his face in a way I could only describe as rakish. A closely trimmed beard framed a strong jaw. His blue eyes, so dark they seemed violet, met mine steadily.
When he smiled, it was not the golden gleam of Nisien, nor the haunted smolder of Emrys. It was the earthy, disarming kind of smile that still held something of an edge.
Interesting.
Behind me, a servant cleared his throat with ceremony. “Announcing His Highness, Crown Prince Owain of Larethia.”
Prince.
A gasp clawed up my throat, but I strangled it before it betrayed my surprise. Larethia was Darreth’s neighbor to the east, and lately more friend than foe.
The prince stepped forward and bowed deeply. “My lady.”
I curtsied in return, hoping my face didn’t betray the sudden tumble in my chest when he took off his helmet.Another handsome man.
Inside my skull, I unleashed a parade of curses at Emrys for vanishing when I needed him most. This was above my rank and possibly above my ability to survive with my head attached if he was the moody sort and I managed to botch this seriously.
“Prince Owain,” I said, voice even despite the flicker of nerves in my belly, “Darreth is honored by your presence.” I met his gaze. “I am Mage Isca of Caervorn, sent by the Assembly to serve in a diplomatic capacity. His Highness Prince Emrys is presently unavailable, and Prince Nisien is granting his blessings upon a marriage. I do hope my greeting in their stead is not too disappointing.”
He reached for my hand, raised it gently, and brushed his lips across my knuckles. “On the contrary,” Owain said, eyes twinkling with warmth, “I rather prefer this greeting. Beauty and civility. Two things Prince Emrys…lacks.”
A soft laugh escaped me, too late to pull it back.
“Only honesty, I assure you.” He winked.
Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad.
None of the emotions I sensed from him were hostile. He emanated gentle curiosity, devoid of malice. And he was surprisingly comfortable visiting a foreign seat of power. From that, I guessed he must’ve visited Tir Darreth before, and on good terms.
I turned to the steward standing stiffly behind me. “Has a repast been prepared for the honored guest?”
“Yes, Lady Isca,” he replied with a bow. “Rooms as well.”
The servants were complicit in our show.Thank you, Catrin.
