Elías looked somewhere else. “Youarethe product of undeniable love; your parents loved each other. I know it.”
“You don’t have to lie to me, Ser. I’m a woman now–an adult. I understand very intently that some marriages are not romantic.”
“It’s not a lie,” he said.
“Miss Hellveig told me they fought like wet felines, and every single day,” I said.
“She was not around when Eliza was around,” he said, harder. “Hellveig didn’t know her. I did.”
I glanced at him. “Fine, but look me in the eyes and tell me my parents were flirting and frolicking, then,” I said.
He didn’t. He met my eyes. “Your parents loved each other, Svana,” he said. “But love doesn’t look the same for every person. It changes."
At the end of the path, one of the Palace’s maids waited for me. She curtsied and used my full title as we arrived.
“I beg your mercy, Your Royal Highness. Your gown was delivered,” she said. “Shall we try it on?”
With that, I inclined my head politely toward my knight. “I’m afraid duty calls,” I told him. “I must bid you farewell, Lord Commander. Thank you, for the amusing conversation.”
Chapter 22
It was no secret to myself that I bore a hateful, jealous torch for Miss Swift and her relationship history with my Sword, but everything she created–and I meant everything–was beautiful and insanely detailed. The woman was such a skilled tailor, that had she not been previously slated to becomeMrs. Cyrus Evergreen, the very moment I looked at myself in the mirror, wearing the gown she’d made, I would have made it a point to find her. I would have offered her jewels and gold just to follow me back to Oreia for all of time to serve as my personal dress-maker. I would have gone as far as to assign her a house in King’s Land. I would have praised her every day, every hour, for as long as she lived, but, no matter how gorgeous the construction of the garment was, with its emerald sheen and strict boning on the sides, all I could imagine was her conning Mr. Evergreen into rekindling their love affair the moment we all returned home. Yet, the dress was brilliant. It had gold piping and near-invisible floral details. I wanted so badly to hone her creativity for my own, to cage it like lightning in a jar, but I just couldn’t allow her anywhere near my Cyrus. He hadn’t planned to return with me, either, but…
I scoffed, muttering to myself as I realized the fact. Evergreen would be in Chalke.
“Maybe Ishouldsteal her from here?” I whispered.
The maid looked up, eyes attentive. “Your pardon, ma’am?” she asked.
“Oh,” I said. My cheeks flushed. “I was… Sorry, I was thinking of something else.. A horse. Yes. My horse. From the Prince.”
“Ah, yes, Your Royal Highness,” she said. “The staff is talking of your mare. They say her coat is as white as snow. It’s only natural you should take her with you when you leave. Though I’m sure His Royal Highness would allow you to. No thievery required.”
I nodded, casually, running my hands down my sides along the bodice. “Yes. You're right. Of course.”
“The gown is very flattering, ma’am,” she said. “Miss Swift is the best seamstress Chalke has to offer. She is skilled in such a vast knowledge of things. She even dresses some of the men in court. I’ve seen her designs. Very striking. Very handsome.”
“Yes,” I said. I glanced her way, my eyes narrowing a bit. “Miss Swift is very talented. I agree.” A pause. Then, “...Since we’re on the topic of taking things–horses—to Oreia… Do you think Miss Swift would travel? If offered a position…?”
The maid stopped, giving it serious thought. “Travel, Your Royal Highness?”
“Yes. With me. Back to Oreia.”
“Um,” she said. She hesitated. There was something she wasn’t saying. I waited, mentally trying to pry it from her. “No, my lady, I don’t believe she would travel. I’ve heard she’s quite rooted here.” She looked away, busying herself with settling the non-existent ruffling in the dress.
Cyrus.That is what she was rooted in, I thought. Who Miss Swift was staying for. My hands began to tremble. I linked them together quickly, settling the tremor.
“Though I have heard stories of staff accepting positions with other houses. For the right copper, or location, or even Lord or Lady,” she went on, absently. “It couldn’t hurt to ask. If Miss Swift felt a sense of loyalty to you, or if you paid her well enough, she mayconsiderthe offer. Though, I don’t know the woman well. I’ve only met her once or twice while she accompanied Mr. Evergreen for events His Royal Highness attended, too.”
“I see,” I said. I stood a little more rigidly. “Loyalty. Yes. And what ofMr. Evergreen? …If I was in need of say, a sword-instructor… or a personal guard… Would he accept an offer?”
“Mr. Evergreen, my lady?” she asked. Her attention went to mine. She was silent for a moment, then looked at the dress again. “Mr. Evergreen has not been rooted here since his father passed. Since his engagement ended. At least that’s what they say. Sometimes he travels… Though, he is extremely close to His Royal Highness, ma’am.”
“Yes.” I nodded, cautiously. “I know.”
She looked to the corridor. “Would there be anything else, Your Royal Highness?
I shook my head. “No, thank you. You’ve been very helpful. I appreciate your… insight.”
