“What are you planning for your date?” I asked her, desperately hoping to distract her. Dammit,thiswas what happened when you made friends—especially witha damn scholar.
She turned back to look at me, her eyes glinting, but she allowed the subject change for now. As we began to discuss our ideas, however, Zumra and Safira stood up to leave, and as they approached where we were sitting, Zumra slowed her steps with a nasty smile.
“Lady Jacinth, wonderful showing yesterday.” Her fake graciousness made me grind my teeth in an effort not to throw my butter knife at her face.
“You as well, Lady Zumra.” I cooed right back.
“I do hope you don’t disappoint the High King with your date,” she said, faux concern practically dripping from every word. “After all, a man like him deserves something with a bit more…class than some can offer.”
I nearly laughed thinking of the date I’d planned for us. Zumra might actually faint when she finds out where I’m bringing him.
“Oh, don’t worry about me, Lady Zumra,” Azurill’s voice called from down the table, making the lady twitch and turn to him with wide eyes. “I’m quite prepared for anything you ladies offer.”
His twinkling eyes met mine, and I couldn’t help the tiny, genuine smile that snuck out. His defense of me was surprising, but appreciated. Calling out Zumra as he just did, however, was what truly made my smile inch higher.
Watching her mouth fall open in shock was incredibly satisfying. As was her brisk, flustered nod in farewell before she took off, her embarrassment following after her like a bad perfume.
Safira’s eyes met mine quickly, and I was surprised to find a conflicted look on her face. She ultimately followed her friend, but I couldn’t help wondering what she’d been considering instead.
I looked back at Azurill, our matching smiles making my cheeks flush as I forced myself to look away. Only to land directly on Sania.
Her orange eyes were narrowed on me as she looked between me and the king.
There were too many people to watch out for in this snake pit. The more I got the king’s attention, the more the other ladies paid it as well, and in a much less appealing manner.
Waiting for night to fall,I was twitchy as my maids helped get me ready. More than once, they had to chastise me to stay still before I ruined their work.
I’d allowed myself the vanity of having them do my hair and makeup, but I’d insisted on something casual. My hair would be half up, as I enjoyed wearing it when I didn’t have to hide the braided locks beneath a hood, with the shorter pieces in front left down to frame my face.
My makeup emphasized my features, outlining my wide, pink eyes and pouty lips, but they didn’t overdo it, keeping it light enough that I wouldn’t look out of place where we’d be going.
My outfit was understated as well. My long white dress had a black corset over it, and matching leather cuffs around my wrists. In addition to the simpler dress, the gray cape I’d prepared to wear over it would help keep others from noticing us.
A smile graced my face at the thought of what Azurill would make of his own outfit. I hope he enjoyed it. I couldn’t imagine him ever having worn anything like it before.
Once the maids had finished, I donned the cape and exited my rooms to find Alfrikr waiting for me with an amused smile. He looked me over, shaking his head, but the mirth on his face was too obvious to fool anyone into thinking that he disapproved.
I smiled widely back at him, “Let’s go pick up my date.”
His laugh rang out behind me, and I couldn’t help the chuckle I let out in response.
“I can’t wait to see his Majesty,” Alfrikr admitted, his amethyst eyes lit up.
“Me either.” The words slipped out without my notice, and Alfrikr’s lips pulled into a smirk.
“Oh, I’m sure.” His taunting tone was playful, but the wrenching in my gut wasn’t.
I was merely excited to see him so off balance and out of his element, surely. I wasn’t excited to seehim.
Erodite, what was wrong with me?
I knew better than to fall under this spell. I wasn’t a noble lady who could titter around court after this was over. This was a one-time indulgence, and that was all.
I couldn’t get attached toanyof it.
My resolution came as we neared Azurill’s wing, and the sound of barking filled my ears. My head tilted, curious, as we made our way into his family’s wing.
Alfrikr led us deep within it, making me vaguely uncomfortable. I’d assumed he’d meet us at the entrance, but apparently not. Instead, I was treated to the gorgeous blue and silver interior as we passed through.
