“Ser Willoughby,” I said.
“Ah. Right. Do you fancy a trip to town with me tomorrow?” he asked.
“A trip to town?” I blinked a few times, confused. “No. I have plans with Mr. Evergreen.”
“I see,” he said. “Then the day after?”
“Well, I- No. I have plans with Mr. Evergreen then, too.”
“What fun it is that you should be friends,” he replied. “Though, I do thinkweshould be seen together more.”
“Why?”
“I have been absent. It looks weird, it was suggested.”
“You’ve been gone by choice,” I reminded him.
“Aye, by choice, and I’ve apologized for it, I’m sure. Give me a chance to right my wrong, love.”
“A month ago, I would have believed that request,” I said.
“Then youdisagreethat we should be seen?” he asked.
“No, but…”
Across the room, Agatha and her sister traded whispers and watched. My stomach churned, my lashes fluttered, and I looked up at the Prince.
“Your friends are waiting for you,” I said.
He didn’t look. “I know. Let’s finish our dance.”
“Did you…?” I searched his face. “Did you fight with your mistress?” I asked.
Sameer shushed me, brightly. He smiled at a passerby and then met my eyes.
“Please, the dance?” he asked.
“Iamdancing,” I said.“We’redancing.”
“Right, sorry.”
I shook my head. “Unbelievable.”
“I am sorry,” he said.
“No, I… Your Highness, as a woman, I must tell you, the longer you remain attached to me this evening, the worseshewill feel, and the worse your punishment shall be, should that be what’s happening.”
He sighed.“How terrible you must feel in her shadow.”
My eyes narrowed and I let go of his hands, severing our link. He looked around, unsure of how to respond, then figured to take a cordial bow.
“Your Highness,” I said, pursing my lips.
“Svana—”
I curtsied. “Go. You’re free.”
He whispered, “I?—”
