I twisted to see him. He was stationed near the door, arms crossed.
“How long have you been standing there?”I asked.
“The braid stays,” he said.
“The women here only wear braids when they’remarried,Elías,” I explained. “It’s been nothing but a dispute. The King said-”
“You are not a woman fromhere,”he replied. “Dispute solved.”
“I–”
“You’re Oreian, and your stay here is temporary,” he replied.
“The Prince asked me to stay until the end of summer,” I reminded him. “I think I intend to do that,” I said.
“Is your father aware of your plans?” he asked.
Josie took a step to the side. “I should go find–”
“You’ll stay right there,” I told her. “Tell him. Tell him I should stay.”
Josie didn’t.
“You’re supposed to stop in Áire,” Eli said. “Did you forget?”
“Please, Elías?” I asked. “Those girls don’t care about me. They’re knee-deep in exams and such. I’m just another interruption in their studies.”
“Your father will not allow it,” he said.
“He will if you tell him to.” I gave him a look.
Elías scowled.
“You know I am correct. Please?” I asked. “Please? Pretty please?”
“Give me a reason you should stay,” he said. “Just one. Make it good.”
“I–” I looked at Jocelyn. Then I looked at my reflection, then at him again. “I want to educate myself further on the people and culture of the Chalke Empire so that I may better serve them as Queen when my father resigns.”
“Hmph,” he said.
“That was anexcellentanswer, and you know it!” I cried, whipping around.
“Fine,” he said.
“It was not fine! You and my father are always– Wait. Did you say it was fine? Or fine?” I asked.
Josie and I met eyes. She subtly nodded.
“You said fine?” I realized. “I heard it! I did. You did say it! Josie heard it!” I declared. “She is my witness!’
“I did say fine,” he said. “Your answer was good. I will convince him you should stay.”
“Oh, thank–”
“On one condition,” he said.
“Of course there is,”I muttered.
