I turn from his glare to Leland, who’s looking at me as though realizing how little he truly knows about me. How could he know all my preferences when we are only just beginning to learn one another?
Prince Leland looks away. “Yes, well, all in good time, friend,” he says to Kieran, but his embarrassment is plain. He knows we’re strangers trying to make the best of our situation.
Astoria glances at me, a grimace on her lips.
Queen Penelope doesn’t bother to hide her irritation. “Mr. Blackwell, I believe you have meetings to prepare for. Genevieve, darling, perhaps you and Astoria should take Prince Leland into Crawford. He must know how much you love visiting town—from all those letters.”
I nod in agreement. “Excuse me. I’ll go prepare for a trip to Crawford.”
As I rise to leave, Kieran meets my eyes. There’s something unreadable in his expression, beyond his open disdain.Is it longing?Surely not. My cheeks heat. He must stop looking at me like that. If he doesn’t, everyone will suspect there’s more to us than I’ll allow.
Leland looks from his friend back to me, and I turn away, afraid to reveal too much of my own treacherous heart.
9
Genevieve
The fresh air blowing past the barouche carriage is just what I need. Astoria and I sit side by side, waving to the friendly townspeople as we pass. The scent of apple blossoms drifts through the air, and the clean cobblestone streets remind me how much I love visiting Crawford.
The capital of Naseria, Crawford has found a neighborly balance between bluebloods and redbloods, leading to a harmonious life amongst former enemies. I’ve traveled so little outside the city that I often wonder if the rest of Naseria shares this balance. Mother would have me think so, but as I grow older, I’ve begun to doubt her word. Yet she still controls all aspects of my life. A tour of the country for my honeymoon will be just the thing to allow me to make my own assessment of the state of Naseria.
Leland was gracious enough to take the seat facing the opposite direction, saying he preferred the view of two beautiful women to that of the road into town. The remark turned Astoria a shade of crimsonI’ve only seen in a tomato. She didn’t complain about joining us, but I know it must be uncomfortable for her to accompany Leland and me as we try to get to know each other better. She would never disobey Mother’s orders, but I think she’ll be more than happy to slip off into the city for some time to herself.
As we bump along the cobblestone road, a silence settles over us. Usually, a trip to town relaxes me. I look forward to time away from Fairbright, but today it’s all I can do to calm the nerves coursing through me.
“It’s such a treat to be in warmer weather. We’re still deep in winter’s grip in Icelantica,” Leland says, breaking the silence as he leans his head back to take in the blue sky, scattered with soft white clouds.
“I don’t know how you endure such long winters,” I reply, placing my hat at my side and reveling in the sunshine on my face. I know I should cover up to prevent further freckling, but the sun feels too good, and its warmth soothes my fractured spirit. Astoria doesn’t dare remove her hat, but she tips it back just enough for the sunlight to illuminate her pale face.
“A long winter is part of life in Icelantica, and it’s welcome there. Cozy evenings by the fire, ice skating on the lake, skiing the trails outside the castle—all fond memories of my childhood. But I think I’ll enjoy these changes,” he muses, smiling at me.
The carriage stops outside my favorite bakery and tea shop, The Wild Rose. I want to share my favorite parts of Crawford with Leland, so a stop here had to be first on our list. Lady Clementine, the owner, is a dear friend, and I need her to meet him.
The first time I brought a man here, it was a gangly boy. The memory of sharing a sweet with Kieran—of the surprise on his face at the frosted delicacies—fills me with warmth. We were only eight then, and Father allowed Kieran to join our outing. It was shortly afterKieran arrived at Fairbright, still a skinny wild child. Father had to warn him to slow down or he’d make himself sick from all the sugar. Kieran’s father had just been appointed head gardener, and Kieran had recently lost his mother. I think that’s why Father encouraged us to play with him. But before long, he became the boisterous companion who joined the Ashcroft children in all our adventures.
After that, we’d sneak into The Wild Rose every chance we had to share a sweet and cup of tea. But those visits became fewer as we grew older—the gap between a blueblood princess and a redblood gardener’s son too vast to ignore. Eyes were always on me, always reporting my behavior to the queen, and soon I was separated from anyone Mother deemed a bad influence. Especially redbloods like Kieran or Clementine.
Now I’m bringing my blueblood betrothed with me. The irony is not lost on me that I’ve done exactly what I once promised Kieran I’d never do—marry for the crown. But he did exactly what he promised never to do—leave me without fighting for our love. We both broke those promises so long ago, it hardly matters that our words of love have turned sour.
Leland steps out of the carriage first and offers me his hand, waving the footman off. I appreciate that he takes the time to help others, a rarity amongst the blueblood gentry. After he releases my hand, he offers the same courtesy to Astoria. She curtsies to him and turns toward me.
“Genny, would it be alright with you if I went down to Crawford Paints?” Astoria asks. While I know she tries to visit the shop as frequently as possible, I also suspect she wants to escape watching the fragile relationship between Leland and me unfold.
“Of course, go have fun! Maybe Mr. Guthrie will be there to instruct you,” I quip with a coy smile. I know shy Astoria is attracted tothe owner of Crawford Paints, but she’s far too reserved to let her true feelings be known.
“Are you an artist, Astoria? I would love to see your work!” Leland says enthusiastically as he steps closer to me, his tall frame blocking the sunlight that had been falling on my bare face.
“Wouldn’t we all? Astoria keeps her artwork under lock and key. I fear there may be booby traps involved,” I tease, and see Astoria’s cheeks flush. I shouldn’t have embarrassed her in front of Prince Leland. Her naturally reserved disposition makes it difficult for her to open up to others, and I know she would rather keep her artwork private.
“They’re nothing—really. Just a way for me to fill my time. I enjoy mixing the colors and the seclusion my art affords me.”
“The pressures of royal life can be exhausting,” Leland agrees. “I understand the need to find an outlet. I keep a few hobbies for myself as well.”
I look at him, wondering what this charismatic man could possibly keep to himself.
“Very true, Prince Leland. I look forward to hearing all your opinions on our capital city. Enjoy your time together!” Astoria replies before parting from us, a footman walking close behind her as they make their way through the bright streets.
The bell announcing our entrance into The Wild Rose rings as we step into the shop. Scents of freshly baked pastries and pots of tea fill my senses, but it’s the bright, cheerful voice that greets us that makes me smile.
