“There’s to be a ball?” I asked.
“Yes,” he said. He was excited. “To launch the Season. Though with you here, I shall reconfigure it to honor your arrival in tandem. And, of course, to celebrate our engagement.”
“I, uh,” I flustered. “I’m deeply flattered, sir, but I am not prepared for such an affair,” I explained.
“Why not?” he asked. “What preparation do you need to dance?”
“I, well, I came for the quorum,” I said. “I didn’t pack a gown for that.”
“I see. How longareyou here?” he asked.
“A fortnight.”
“A fortnight? That’s all?” Sam asked. “No, it won’t do. I mustimploreyou to stay longer.”
“Sam,” Cyrus said.
“Until our wedding night, I say,” he said.
“Our wedding night?”
Evergreen pulled him into a private conference. Sam waved him off.
“Sameer,” the King said.
“No, you’re right, Father,” the Prince said. He sighed loudly. “I suppose that would eliminate your entire summer, and I’m sure you have obligations and whatnot as the Princess. I understand.”
“I don’t, actually,” I said without a thought.
“You don’t?” he asked.
“No.”
“Do you not host events of the Season then?” Lord Evergreen asked.
Sameer and I both looked at him.
“Sorry, how do you know each other?” he asked.
“We met in town,” I said.
“In Town?” Sam checked. “Hold on. You were in town? Just now? Or another day?”
“Well, it was earlier, but.…”
Cyrus shrugged. “I know for a fact there’s a knight’s hunt, isn’t there?” he asked. “You’re at that usually?”
“I-?”
“Cy, I’m sure her father can find a replacement for a bloody hunt,” Sam said. “You met today?” he asked.
“His Majesty wou–” Lord Evergreen caught himself trampling over my attempt to speak. He said, “Apologies,” then gestured for me to finish.
“My pardon, sir,” I said. “He is correct, though. I do have some assignments. Have you attended the Hunt, sir?”
“No.”
Sameer furrowed his brow. “Hunt or not, don’t you think her season should be here with me?”
