“To hell with you, Winnie Balden!” Lady Diamond protested, smashing her face into my arm. “Let us celebrate.”
My mind reeled. While there was much to digest—my parents’ arrival, how long it had been since my last letter from them, how the castle would soon be filled with unfamiliar faces and, undoubtedly, new dangers—my thoughts continued to snap back to the fact that I was now confirmed to be engaged to the man I’d purposely avoided for weeks now.
“Do tell us, my fortunate friend: how exactly do you plan tocomportyourself for the wedding night?” Angharad asked, spurring an uproar from the other ladies. “Have you gotten to know His Majesty on a more intimate level?”
Winnie gave up on stopping the women, taking a seat nearby. I started to sweat. “I’ve kissed him on the cheek.”
“On thecheek?!”Lady Diamond guffawed. “Good heavens! Send for a priestess!”
“Oh, Princess,” Angharad lamented, already testing out the new title on her tongue. “That won’t do at all. If you save everything for your wedding night, you’ll be overwhelmed.”
“Perhaps she could practice with the viscount,” Lady Maeve suggested. Her tone was innocuous, but the hush that fell over the chamber spelled a different story. A dozen girls leered my way. “Since he’s so handsome, and you’re good friends....”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing, or that the seed it planted took so quickly. I could almost see his reaction to such a request: the initial freeze, a crinkle in his eyes as he fought to suppress his laughter. Maybe his gaze would darken like it had in the tavern. He’d make some awful joke, but then…
No. He’d refuse. If he didn’t laugh me off, he’d declare his loyalty to Nicolas and leave straight away.
A chill ran down my spine. The weight of Lady Diamond and Angharad shifted away from my sides. They watched me now; even Winnie’s glare said:you’d better not let that slide.But I liked Lady Maeve; she was kind, doe-eyed. This required a delicate touch.
“Perhaps I could practice with you, Lady Maeve. You’ve a big mouth and a loose tongue, should be perfect for kissing,” I said, and the women fell into fits of laughter. It registered to the blonde that she had spoken out-of-turn, and she swiftly rose to bow in apology. Still, I had to pull this by the roots before it worsened. “As for the viscount, while he may be handsome, we are friends and nothing more. I would not dare to jeopardize his station as my guard with even a mention of such a scandal.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” Lady Maeve said quickly, bowing again. “I am very sorry. I meant nothing by it, truly.”
I considered Angharad’s statement and figured there must be truth to it. I wasn’t daft, and knew fully well what was supposed to happen on a wedding night. Too many firsts, if I did not kiss him soon, and there remained a rift between myself and the prince that required swift remedy, as much as I disliked him.
I brushed my skirts down as I stood, then adjusted my hair. “I think I shall pay a visit to the prince.”
Admiringoohs ushered me on. Winnie took my arm, turning me away from the ladies. As we neared the exit, she spoke quietly. “My la—I mean, Your Highness—you must be careful. You know the strength of Prince Nicolas’ desire. Shall I remain on guard at the door?”
“Oh, please.” I scoffed, patting her hand. I took care to cover the tremble in my voice; I had every reason to fear what might come of this encounter. “He’s controlled himself thus far. I do not believe he would take me by force; there has been ample opportunity for that.”
In the corridor, Quinn lingered outside the Lord’s Chamber, reclined against the doorway and listening to some conversation within as he swirled a nearly-emptied chalice. His attention shifted to us.
“My lord,” Winnie greeted, “we’re walking.”
Quinn swallowed the rest of his drink, then passed the cup to a servant within the room. “Duty calls,” he said, following along.
There was no guardsman posted outside of Nicolas’ chamber. I sought him elsewhere, travelling up to the next floor. Sure enough, Sieur Eldridge and Guardsman Russel were both positioned outside of the prince’s solar.
I straightened, motioning for Winnie and Quinn to fall back; then I stood before the door, awaiting my announcement.
Prince Nicolas appeared in short order, surprised by my unexpected arrival. His smile was natural, partially open from an elated laugh.
“I wasn’t sure I heard them right,” he said, motioning for me to join him. The door clicked behind me as I went in. My eyes fell to the papers atop his desk.
Embarrassed by the negligible clutter, he hurried to clean up.
“Sorry. I’m tasked with writing my own invitations for our…” He paused, looking at me. “Our wedding.”
“It all feels a little more real now, doesn’t it?” I replied, taking a seat. The smell of cinnamon and cloves filled the air, drifting out from a steaming kettle.
Sensing my curiosity, Nicolas crossed the room and poured hot cider into two pewter cups. He delivered them back to the table with care, setting one before me. “It does. I had planned to check in on you, but I’m glad you came to me. After our last conversation…”
I chose to keep a barrier between myself and that memory. Nicolas, however, was obviously uncomfortable.
“I thought it better to give you time, though I have felt every minute of your absence.”
Realizing what he was saying, the prince turned his attention elsewhere. I smiled into my cup.
