His answering grin was infectious.He likes to play.Good thing I could play too.
“Did you dare to brave the hedge maze?” he asked as we made our way down a long hallway, passing a servant who immediately bowed to Tarben.
I hummed in amusement. “I’m afraid that if I attempted it, I might still be in there.”
“I don’t blame you. We’ve lost many good men to the maze. Some say their spirits still wander the pathways,” said Tarben with mock solemnity.
I raised an eyebrow. “Is that so? Perhaps they were lacking a good woman to keep them on the right path.”
“It almost sounds as if you’re volunteering yourself.” He smirked.
I had walked straight into that. “I’d never say never. Not for the right incentive.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” he said with a glint in his eye. “Hasthat been your favorite thing about Cliffcrest Castle?”
I pretended to think for a moment. “The castle is magnificent. Breathtaking views, and the gardens are certainly impressive. But its occupants have proven to be the most delightful thing I’ve encountered. I was especially taken by one dashing young resident.”
Was it my imagination or did his smile falter slightly?
“I believe you know him,” I continued. “He was in the entrance hall only minutes ago. He’s a bit rough around the edges and is very demanding when it comes to ear scratches, but he’s stolen my heart nevertheless.”
The sound of his laughter rang down the corridor. “Well, if that’s how you feel, we must make arrangements for you to become better acquainted. I often find myself on long walks with him and would be happy to facilitate future encounters between you. I’d be there too, to chaperone, of course.”
“Of course, I understand.” I nodded with severity, trying to suppress my smirk.
We arrived at a polished wooden door. His smile was infectious as he held it open for me. “I look forward to it.”
Over a dozen curious faces turned towards me as I entered the private dining room, followed by the prince. Some brazenly stared at us, while others averted their gazes and began whispering to each other.
A servant armed with a tray of beverages appeared to offer us red wine, which I happily accepted. Then we were approached by the spider, Lord Helvig. Ingrid had mentioned that he was the king’s royal adviser, so it couldn’t hurt to get in his good graces. I took a sip of my wine—I had a feeling I was going to need it.
Helvig bowed to Tarben, then acknowledged me with a slight tilt of his head and a brisk, “Good evening, Miss Alara.”
As far as greetings went, his left a lot to be desired. Still, I mustered up a shy smile in return.Here we go.“Lord Helvig,it’s lovely to see you again,” I said in a timid voice that I barely recognized.
“You’re a vision this evening,” he said, some of his initial iciness melting away. In response, I lowered my chin and averted my gaze. My instincts told me modesty was the best approach with this man. He likely thought females were meant to be demure and submissive. It pained me to put on such a ridiculous display, but, if it would help me blend in, it needed to be done.
Satisfied with my performance, Lord Helvig began speaking about an upcoming hunt. I was only half-listening. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a young woman approaching.
She looked to be around my age with a petite figure, bronze skin and shiny brown hair that was braided away from her face to reveal large chestnut eyes and perfectly plump lips. She wore a citrine gown that clung to her beautiful, shapely figure. There was no denying it, she was gorgeous.
She moved gracefully and confidently towards us. “Miss Alara, please meet Lady Oriane,” said Lord Helvig. “Lady Oriane is an esteemed member of Court and a longtime friend of the royal family.”
“How do you do?” she said with a perfect curtsy and a beatific smile.
“It’s lovely to meet you, Lady Oriane,” I said with a fake smile and a curtsy. I wasn’t fond of the fact that Tarben had a longtime friend who looked likethat. I needed to assess if this woman was a threat, beginning with flattery. “Your gown is breathtaking.”
She released a breathy laugh. “You are adorable. Where did they find you?” she asked, directing her attention towards Tarben. The way she batted her eyelashes at him did not escape my notice.She wants the prince, how predictable.
Biting back my irritation, I schooled my features into neutrality as Tarben spoke.
“I’m sure you’ve heard, Oriane. Alara rescued Amalie from the shipwreck. She swam them both to safety.” He sounded undeniably impressed. I did an excellent job of fending off the smirk threatening to settle on my face.
To my satisfaction, her perfectly-shaped eyebrows rose in surprise. “Indeed? Of course, I had heard the rumors, but I certainly wasn’t expecting the princess’s hero to be so…”
“Sophisticated?” I offered.
“Tall. Though I suppose I shouldn’t be so taken aback. Those long limbs must come in use for propelling yourself through water,” she remarked, exaggeratedly scanning me from top to bottom. “No offense intended, of course,” she added with a smile that barely masked the offense she did indeed intend.
