His vulnerability was difficult to ignore. He rounded his shoulders as he tucked blond locks behind his ear.
“Perhaps, Your Highness,” I said softly.
“Nicolas,” he corrected, voice breaking on his own name. He cleared his throat, flexing his fingers. “You called me by name just a moment ago. I permit you to continue, going forward.”
I bit my lip and nodded, then departed from his study, leaving us both to wonder where enchanted devotion ended and genuine feeling began.
Chapter 13
The city ofPontarena served as a border between Gallae and Hadria. There was an unusual combination of the nations’ architectural influence dominating the isthmus. Every building shined with polished, colorful tiles that accentuated whitewashed walls and terracotta rooftops. Cobblestone and marble clashed in the streets, as if the land that so frequently changed hands over the centuries had been revisited time and again by different masons. Narrow streets spilled out into sun-drenched plazas that smelled of the seas, jasmine, and rosemary.
Moving the carriage’s sheer curtains aside, I pressed my palm against the window frame and pushed down, letting the glass panel slide into its housing. A welcome breeze filled the cabin. The townsfolk carried on as usual, paying little mind to our procession.
By the time we approached the palace, I understood why the commoners ignored our showcase of wealth. A great symmetrical structure overlooked the town below, a permanent reminder of excess. White limestone facades were dotted with both arched and rounded windows, flying buttresses lead to round towers that emerged from the water on either side, and scenic balconies were fenced with elaborate braids of wrought iron. A citrus orchard lined the incline, the tangy scent especially mouthwatering after another day of travel.
The viscount rode off to the side, plucking ripe oranges from the lower branches and placing them in a woven basket. He delivered them to the carriage, reserving one for himself. “Ladies?”
“Well, aren’t you a gentleman?” Winnie thanked him, receiving the basket through the window. She passed the oranges along to the handmaidens, then peeled one for me. The cabin filled with their pleasant scent.
Winnie’s remark might have been playful, but it was true. Lord Quinn—perhaps just Quinn to me now—wasrather sweet.
I smiled at the viscount. He faltered, then flicked the reins and trotted his gelding to the prince. He made an inaudible comment, and Nicolas’ laughter carried to our cabin as he threw his head back in mirth. The sound was rich and unguarded, so different from his usual demeanor.
The coastal sun transmuted gold from Nicolas’ hair. One of the handmaidens sighed dreamily at the sight of him. “It always brings me joy to see them together. The viscount has a way of bringing out another side of our dear prince, as if the masks of station are removed and the souls beneath lay bare.”
The other servants got a rise out of that, seeming more amused by how it was said than the meaning of it.
“Gods, look at it,” Winnie remarked as her gaze returned to the palace. “It extends nearly to the sea on both ends.”
As the only land-based route from Gallae to Hadria, the palace capitalized on its prime location. A wide gate split the building in half, heavily-guarded and equipped with a small office for toll collections.
The carriages arrived in the courtyard, halting to the left of the palace thoroughfare. A fat man pushed his way through an oversized set of doors, and by the ostentatious way he dressed and conducted himself, I knew that this was the reputed Lord Marius Costa. The cap of his skull shined in sunny reflection, and he was so rotund that he rather resembled an egg in a cup. Jewelry clinked along with the rhythm of his stride, shining atop his doublet of blue and mulberry. Despite the ornate nature of his clothes, he appeared comfortable in the coastal warmth, whereas the Gallaeans all shimmered with sweat. Fortunately for me, the warm climate meant I didn’t have to wear makeup. My skin thanked me for the reprieve.
“Hello, good Prince Nicolas!” Lord Marius bowed with a flourish. “It’s been too long since you last graced us with your presence! But I shall not hold you up—not with you all dressed like mountainfolk. Your women will faint in such drapery.”
“This location is blessed,” Nicolas said from atop his white horse, the sea breeze tousling his hair. His usual tension was entirely absent as he climbed down. “The wind keeps it temperate.”
Lord Marius smiled in agreement, then turned to Quinn atop his mount. “By the gods, surely you cannot be Quinn Navarro! But how you’ve grown, little lord!”
“I was an adult, last we met,” Quinn countered. “I haven’t been a ‘little lord’ in some time.”
“Aye, but in my mind’s eye you are still the lad brought to me for fostering. I fear that image will remain until there’s gray in your hair,” said Lord Marius. Quinn snorted and swung down from his mount. “Come along, all of you! My servants shall bring along refreshments and fresh clothing for tonight’s gathering. I’ll personally see you to the guest chambers.”
The prince and Quinn stood beside him as everyone else filed into the building, save for the coachmen. I walked with Winnie, pausing to greet the lord at the entrance while Nicolas made introductions. “Lord Marius, this is my intended, Lady Alana Chastain.”
Lord Marius kissed my hand with full, damp lips, then moved on to both of my cheeks. I looked to the prince for help, thoroughly moistened by sweat and slobber. Behind him, Quinn snickered.
“Hadrians are an expressive lot,” the prince spoke up, tickled by the lord’s outrageous welcome. “By nightfall, your cheeks will ache with the weight of their greetings.”
I hesitantly curtsied, unsure of how to reciprocate. Lord Marius held his stomach as he laughed. “Have I rendered you speechless, dear lady?”
The prince cleared his throat, folding his hands behind his back. “My lady is quite religious, my lord. She cannot speak in the presence of men other than myself. It is part of a sacred vow made to please the Lady of Day.”
Quinn raised an eyebrow at the lie, but Lord Marius accepted it. “Well, a quiet woman! I did not think such a thing existed in the world. The gods are good.”
Now why didthatsound familiar?
I craned my head to Nicolas, but his smile faltered. “I consider myself privileged, actually. The rest of you don’t know what you’re missing.”
