He nodded. “Yes. And it is His Highness’ favorite affair. You shouldn’t be late.”
Josie nodded, then looked away, then back. “Good afternoon, Mr. Evergreen. Farewell, then.”
“Farewell,” he returned.
They looked at each other, silent, then they both looked at me expectantly.
“Oh,” I said, sliding off the desk. “Yes. Of course.” I moved toward the door, then stopped. “Will I see you tomorrow, Mr. Evergreen? I do hope so.”
He was hesitant to say, looking at Josie again.
“It’s alright, my love,” I told him. I glanced at Josie, signalling to her to prove it. “She’s a friend. We can trust her.”
He knit his arms together, but nodded. “Aye. Friends are nice. Do we have a ride scheduled tomorrow, Your Highness?”
I made a face, half between amusement and the other with annoyance. “Come, sir. It’s Josie. It’s not as though she’s stupid,” I replied. “She knows what’s going on.”
“And I would never dream of accusing Miss Jocelyn of such a thing,” he said.
I scoffed. “She’s been present at every picnic.”
Josie cleared her throat.
“Tell him,” I said. “What does he think you started coming with us for?”
Josie sighed. He straightened. “I believe what Miss Svana means to say, is that I am aware that you and the Princess possess aspecialsort of friendship, one that thrives best in the comfort of private conversation and not outside eyes like my own.”
He bristled. “I–”
Josie continued. “I have no intention of revealing such things, Mr. Evergreen. It’s not my place and if we’re quite frank, you’ve always been very kind to me. I’m not in the habit of wronging those who’ve been kind to me.”
“See?” I said. I touched her arm, happily. “She won’t tell. You can relax.”
Josie bowed a fraction.
“I see,” he replied. He eased a little, collecting my hand. “Well, I certainly pray Miss Josie is better at keeping secrets than you are, love.” He kissed the knuckles then released me.
Josie laughed. “She doesn’t make it difficult, really. A small child could keep a better secret.”
I scoffed. “Well, we can’t all beMr. Evergreen.”
He smirked but Josie frowned.
She looked between us. “If there’s a joke there, I didn’t get it,” she said.
“There’s no joke,” Cyrus replied.
He stepped back once, then excused himself. When he was gone, Miss Jocelyn’s eyes nearly bugged out of her head.
“My, that is quite the development, Svana!” she declared, touching her chest.
I fluffed my skirt mindfully. “I am so embarrassed. The Masquerade is tonight and I am so devoutly taken by Mr. Evergreen, that I didn’t even remember it was tonight. I’d forgotten about the dance completely.”
“That’s alright. I’ve got it all up here.” She tapped her temple. “You’re wearing the green gown with the gold lining,” she said. “The festivities start at six. They’re serving roast.”
“Do I have to go?” I asked.
“Yes, Miss Svana.” She shook her head, chuckling softly.
