Was the Crow responsible, or could it be someone else? Maybe someone within the castle? They could easily be hiding their power from the mortals, like I did. If so, the witch could be anyone.
After breakfast, I wasted no time in hurrying to the library, determined to uncover whatever I could about witchcraft.
I shouldn’t have bothered—I scoured the tomes for hours and found no mention of it. When I asked the librarian about it, he appeared scandalized, informing me that such knowledge was forbidden within these walls. He urged me to banish such inquiries from my mind. To dispel his suspicion, I accepted his recommendations, which mostly consisted of mortal fairy tales.
All too aware that I needed to get ready for my rendezvous with Tarben, I left the library disheartened and with a handful of books I had no intention of reading.
Back in my bedchamber, Runa took extra care while dressing me, seemingly just as invested in my courtship with Tarben as I was. I requested something show-stopping to wear, and she had taken the task to heart.
Inspired by the dusk, she selected a blush pink, silk gown with a portrait neckline and a low-cut back. It was very daring by mortal standards, and completely inappropriate for autumn in Solvardunn, but I didn’t care. It was exactly the type of gown that ignited passion and inspired poems. But I didn’t need pretty words, I just needed therightones.
“You look so radiant, you rival even the sunset,” Runa declared, satisfied with her work. “Once you tend to that speck of greenery between your teeth, that is.”
“That wasn’t quite the view I was hoping he’d admire this evening,” I laughed, removing the offending green speck.
“Even if your entire face turned green and you sprouted feathers, the prince would still gaze at you in wonderment.”
I huffed a laugh, appreciating her easy manner around me. It was a welcome change from my lady’s maid back home, who remained mute unless I addressed her. I also happened to know that she reported everything I did back to my grandmother. “I doubt that’s true. Although hedoesseem rather wonderstruck, doesn’t he?”
She nodded. “The servants are saying they’ve never seenthe prince quite so captivated. They think he might be falling in love.”
“Is that right?” I asked, smoothing my wavy hair in the mirror and biting back a smirk.
“Oh yes,” she said. “Apparently there’s a number of very unhappy ladies in the castle at present.”
And I was willing to bet Oriane was one of them. The thought shouldn’t have filled me with such glee, but shehadcalled me a harlot. “Oh dear,” I said, touching my lips.
“What about you? Do you share his affections?”
I smiled and shrugged. I was about to give a vague, noncommittal response when there was a knock at the door. It was time to go.
She squealed then rushed to open the door. “Have fun and stay away from any foods with parsley in them,” she cooed, swinging open the door to reveal my escort.
“I can assure you, there will not be a sprig of parsley in sight if it offends the lady,” Tarben grinned.
I gaped at him, startled by his appearance. Usually, he sent a servant to escort me, but here he was, peering curiously over Runa’s shoulder.
“Don’t look too pleased to see me,” he joked.
“What are you doing here?” I blurted, admittedly flustered by how handsome he looked in his cream tunic and jacket and beige pants.
“I couldn’t deprive myself of the opportunity to surprise you.” He shrugged, his eyes crinkling in amusement.
“Good afternoon, Runa,” he greeted the maid, who had frozen like a rabbit ensnared in a trap.
“Good afternoon, Your Highness.” She bowed.
I would have laughed at Runa’s reaction had I not been so taken aback. I flushed at the sight of the undergarments and discarded gowns strewn around the room in our frantic rush todress me. I was a self-professed slob, but he didn’t need to know that.
I cleared my throat and said, “Can I come to expect any more surprises from you this evening, Your Highness?”
Tilting his head to the side, he wore a smile that hinted at trouble. The kind of trouble I wouldn’t mind getting into with him. “Always.”
Accepting the crook of his arm, we made our way down the corridor. “You look sensational,” he said. His low voice spoke directly to that something deep within my core. Something that felt like both a rush of warmth and a shiver.
I needed to snap out of it. This evening was too important for me to lose my head. His unexpected appearance may have slightly disorientated me, but, starting now, I would do better.
Chapter 22
