Is she nervous?
Roman wanted to smile like an idiot. “I don’t think my friends count.” He used the wordfriendsloosely. Most people around him were only there because of his title. Leaning back against the railing, he sighed dramatically. “I have to stand on the dais with my parents and shake hands all night. It’s boring.”
Violet lifted herself onto the railing beside Roman. He started to steady her but yanked his hand back at her amused expression. “Sorry,” he muttered. “I thought you might fall.” His coat felt tighter around his neck, and he pulled at the stiff fabric. “Why areyouhiding?”
The insects of the forest chirped through the quiet. She blew out a loud breath. “I don’t like parties either.”
She seemed embarrassed, but he didn’t know why. “Is Griff not here?”
Griff was the only person he’d seen her with regularly. Not that he watched her all the time or anything.
“He’s with the other junior warriors, and I didn’t want to tag along and listen to them talk about stabbing things.” Roman laughed, and she smirked in response. “I would’ve stayed home if my mother had let me.”
“Me too,” he mumbled under his breath. “What about Vivian?” As one of the top junior warriors in their class, Vivian had a ton of friends. Surely Violet knew them too.
Violet shifted uncomfortably on the railing, and Roman knew he’d assumed incorrectly. “We see each other enough at home.”
He almost asked why that mattered—they were sisters, after all—but the look on her face told him to drop it. “We can hide out here together,” he offered instead and climbed up beside her.
The balcony door opened, and Roman’s mother stepped outside. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” She glanced at Violet and smiled warmly. “Hello, Violet. You’ll have to excuse Roman.” She looked back at him, her face hardening. “To the dais,now.” With a final warning glare, she disappeared inside.
Roman groaned and jumped down, reluctant to go. “I guess I’ll see you later.”
“Wait.” Violet slid off the railing, and Roman fought the urge to pick her up and set her down safely. She dug into a secret pocket in her dress, and he homed in on the movement, wondering how many pockets that thing had. She produced an envelope and held it out. “Happy Birthday.”
Roman stared at the envelope, shocked anyone other than his parents had gotten him something.
Violet withdrew her arm. “Never mind. It’s stupid. Happy birthday, Roman.” She tried to hurry past him, but he reached out and snagged the gift from her grasp.
“Hey!” She swiped at the paper, but he held it out of her reach.
“You said this is mine.”
“Actually, I didn’t.” Every inch of her exposed skin glowed bright red. He liked it. A lot. “Give it back.”
Roman’s face split into a wide grin. He felt genuinely happy for the first time all week. “No. It’s my present, and I want it.”
Violet stomped her foot with a smallharrumph. “You don’t have to pretend to want it. It’s just a stupid card.”
The lumpy envelope rattled when he shook it. “It sounds like more than a card. No one gives me gifts, and I want it.”
After an intense stare off, she rolled her eyes. “Fine. Goodbye.”
Roman stared after her as she spun around and marched toward the ballroom door. “Thank you, princess,” he called after her, earning himself a glare before she slipped inside.
Later that night, Roman stared at the bracelet of green pebbles in his hand, then read the note again.
Roman,
You may not remember, but last year you said you liked my bracelets and maybe you’d want one someday. I know youthinkyou were kidding, but I saw the way your eyes watered because you didn’t have one. (You didn’t have to cry, I would have made you one if you’d asked nicely).
I decided to forgo shells since they break easily with your nasty habit of running into things. I don’t know your favorite color and decided on green stones to match your royal coat.
It’s a terrible color, really. A shame they make you wear something the color of human grass. It would be better if it were a prettier color, like purple. Maybe even a nice shade ofviolet. I bet you can change it when you’re king. (hint hint)
Anyway, happy birthday, Roman.
Violet
