“Then stay here,” he said. “Do what you want, per usual.”
Mr. Evergreen muttered an apology next. My hand fell from his frame as he stepped back, and when I didn’t move, he did, walking around me and my shock to leave.
I flipped. “Don’t walk away from me!” I said. He didn’t stop.
Enlarged, I charged past his shape, and though we traveled in the same direction, a sea grew between us. I walked quickly and arrived at Sam before the swordsman could.
He stopped, cocking his head to gawk at me, as frustrated with the offense as I had hoped he’d be, and in response, I coiled my hand around Sameer’s arm.
Both Agatha andMiss Swiftraised a brow, but I only sought to fester Mr. Evergreen’s dismay by clinging tightly to the Prince’s arm the moment he became aware.
Then I leaned into my betrothed’s shoulder, and I batted my eyes for him, deciding then and there that Mr. Evergreen would pay for my displeasure.
I said, “You know, I’ve given it some thought, my Sam. I really would love to see our chapel soon.”
“You would?” he asked. He went to follow where I looked, but I turned his cheek.
“Please?” I asked. “I think seeing it would help me decide on the flowers we should use.”
Sam swallowed. He glanced at Agatha but hurried back. “Of course, my love. I’ll, uh, I’ll clear my calendar, and we’ll make a day of it. Does tomorrow work?”
“Tomorrow?” Aggy asked.
“Every day works for me,” I said.
She cleared her throat. “Same—er,Your Highness, I do not wish to interfere with your wedding plans, but tomorrowisthe day you promised to take Attie and me to town. For the chocolate, remember?”
“Oh.” He took a quick breath. “Uh. No. This is important. I shall reschedule for you, love,” he said.
“You have plans?”I feigned disappointment and coyly met Miss Agatha’s eyes. “Drat. What luck. Oh, or…you could, I don’t know…? I mean, much as you originally designed the tour, you could just haveMr. Evergreenescort me in your stead. That’s a thought. He is a decent guide, and it’s not as though it’s our actual wedding day. Right? You don’t have to be there if you preferothercompany.”
We watched each other. She did not remark, but it did pique her curiosity.
I arched my brow and added, “Then you and your friends could enjoy the city, and I would have time for my own inspiration.”
“Inspiration?” Sam asked.
“Yes. For the wedding,” I explained.
Aggy butt in. “Yes, I get your meaning, Your Highness. Seeing the altar will help her envision how it should look.”
“Yes,” I said. “Things like the flowers along the back, Your Highness. Then I could return and share all my whimsical ideas with you, whenever you make time.”
She glanced at Miss Swift, then me, and said, “I, for one, think that I would support such a lovely idea, Princess. Though I would be profoundly in your debt for changing your plans so abruptly.”
“Nonsense,” I told her. “The decision benefits us both.”
“Then it settled. And, after the sweets, Attie and I shall visit Miss Swift at her shop and browse all her new pretty things. You’re open again tomorrow, aren’t you, dear Lydi?” She touched the woman’s hand.
Lydia nodded, but she did not seem as certain as Agatha was proud.
“Delightful,” she replied. “A shame you can’t come with us, though, Your Highness.”
“Another time,” I said.
“I look forward to it,” she said.
“I must say, smashing collaboration, ladies,” Sameer cheered. “It all sounds as perfect as the women behind it.” He placed his hand over mine and beamed as he turned. “Doesn’t that sound perfect, Cy?”
