“I’m just looking for what you like.”
I groaned. “Again, you’re askingseparateconcepts. For example, I have many favorite novels, but if they were to burn in a fire or get wet, I’d simply replace them. Ilikemany dresses, but if they ripped I’d write the modiste for something new. Prized; at least to me, feels as though it should be something I would mourn the loss of or be incapable of replicating its existence should it be destroyed.”
“I did not mean for this to be so deep,” he said.
“I know, and I apologize, but… But this is who I am.”
Cyrus’s face was warm. It was concerned. I felt bad and sick to my gut.
“My…” My throat was dry, and I hated that I felt compelled to rattle on. “Mr. Evergreen, my governess was… strict. I do not declare this to earn your pity but instead to explain my impairment with your question.”
“Strict?” he asked.
“Yes. My father hired her specifically for her specialization in etymology and its importance within political structure. I…I have been conditioned to process information differently than you or others do, I’ve found, not because I am royalty, but because of my exposure to her skills.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I’m sorry, I… Let me try again. If I answer your question poorly, you’ll think I am a brat. I…“ I swallowed. “Patience is a virtue, sir. One that I both require in this moment and will cherish should you grant it. Yes, itisdifficult for me to make such a decision. On the surface, it presents simplistically, but inside myself, I am worried to say it wrong.”
“Ah, I see now,” he said. “You’re traumatized.”
“I did not mean?—!”
“No, I was being sincere,” he said. “Prized, love.That’swhat I’m after here. What matters most to you? What would you mourn the loss of?”
I sighed.
“You truly will not confess?” he asked. “Or do you not know?”
“That depends. How terribly will you tease me for my answer?” I asked.
“Not sure there’s a measure so large.”
“Then I value nothing,” I said.
“Oh, come on!” he cried with a grin. “Please?”
“No.”
“Pretty please?” he asked.
“No. Just assume I am as shallow as you believe I am and ask me something else.”
“I do not think you’re shallow.”
“You just told me you would mock me for my answer, and besides, it’s since rotted and withered away, like most things of beauty do. It is not as if you will see its appraisal.”
“Rotted and withered? Are you a taxidermist, Princess? Disgusting!”
“Ugh!” I groaned. “It was a feather!”
“A feather?” he asked. He looked shocked.
“I meant…” A sharp breath left my lips. “I, well, yes. A feather. Once. I don’t know. Oh! You are so awful to me,” I said. “I don’t know why I entertain your terror. Please. Forget it.”
“Afeather?”he asked again. “Like from a bird?”
“Yes. Afeather,sir. From a swan, not just any bird,” I said. “It was agift, alright? One you’ll prod me details for, I have no doubt, but what’s the use?”
