I was not here to make friends but I certainly couldn’t have a twelve-year-old girl as my only ally at Cliffcrest Castle. Besides, I quite enjoyed Livia’s company.
Runa returned shortly afterwards with a message that Livia was indisposed. A shame—I would have to find another way to fill my day.
My disappointment didn’t last long; good news arrived shortly afterwards in the form of a note.
Dear Alara,
Ulf cordially invites you to accompany him for a leisurely stroll this afternoon.
Please grant him the pleasure of your company. If not, I fear his gentle heart would be sorely disappointed.
He eagerly anticipates your reply.
Your Faithful Chaperone,
Tarben
He was charming, I’d give him that.
I instructed Runa to send word to Tarben that I accepted his invitation. The prospect of my impending afternoon with theprince sent her into a tailspin. She vigorously raided the armoire, declared that nothing was suitable, then left to hunt down the perfect piece.
An hour later, she returned with an exceptional candidate. Carefully, she helped me slip into the sage green brocade gown with intricately woven floral patterns. Once the torturous act of securing the bodice was complete, she tied a matching green ribbon around my waist, forming a bow. The effect was both feminine and flattering.
When it was time to leave, she helped me into a fine woolen cloak, its green hue so dark it was almost black. “Have a wonderful time, Miss,” she said, tying its ribbon fastening.
“I’m sure I will,” I said with one final appraisal of my reflection in the mirror. Today I looked sweet and innocent—like a doll. Unsurprisingly, the outfit brought out the green in my eyes. Runa had a real talent for dressing and styling. Maybe, once the curse was broken, I could convince her to come work at Vellamere Palace. She’d be the only mortal in Vantillios, but that hardly mattered with a talent like hers. “And if I don’t, I’ll just sit in the bathtub and gorge myself on Cook’s chocolate cake.”
When her face fell, I quickly added, “A joke, Runa. It was a joke.”Mostly.
I would be lying if I said I was completely calm. I was uncomfortably aware of the heightened thud of my heartbeat against my ribs, the sudden dryness of my mouth, and my quickened breaths. Everything rested on this afternoon. Apparently, my body needed to remind me how important the next few hours would be.
Regardless of how I was feeling, I would wear my mask of composed confidence. I never let it slip, not even in front of Mae at times. My grandmother had trained me well in that regard.
I relaxed my features and sculpted my mouth into a gentle smile. The face I wore at court.
With my head held high, I took a deep breath and walked out the door.
***
By the time I reached the entrance hall, Tarben was already waiting with Ulf. The moment his eyes fell on me, his face brightened with a smile—unrestrained and warm. Ulf didn’t hold back either and advanced on me before I could utter a word of greeting.
“Afternoon,” Tarben said, his gaze never wavering from me. “You look incredible. And he agrees with me.” He inclined his head at the dog who was sniffing and pawing at me with enthusiasm.
“I think he’s hoping that I’m hiding a stick,” I said, scratching Ulf’s ears.
“I’d be impressed if you were.” His eyes roamed appreciatively down my gown.
“I’m sorry to disappoint,” I responded, palms raised.
Grinning, he held out the crook of his arm for me. “The only thing that disappoints me is that I couldn’t see you earlier. My father had me tied up in discussions with his advisers all morning.”
Accepting his arm, I said, “Sounds boring.” I knew all too well how punishing those meetings could be.
He huffed a laugh. “You have no idea. Fortunately for me, my day just got infinitely better.” His blue-green eyes fixated on mine.
Pretty words from the prince. It was my turn to laugh. “Are you this shameless a flirt with every woman in the kingdom?”
He clutched his chest like he was wounded. “I’m hurt you think so little of me.”
