He bowed to his sovereigns. “The prince’s delegation is approaching the castle, Your Majesties.”
Elowen smoothed her gown and took a deep breath. She’d gotten her promise not a moment too soon. It was time to meet her future.
Chapter
Two
Theo looked up at the castle towering ahead. It was a beautiful building, he noted with approval. Solid but elegant. The capital through which they’d just traveled seemed well-maintained and prosperous, and everything about the castle proclaimed strength, from the broad moat to the battlements above. His eyes lingered on a tall, narrow tower of a type he hadn’t seen before, curious as to its purpose.
He didn’t think Siqual would have reason to regret the planned alliance with Torrens. It was time to put the tension of the past few years to rest and move forward.
As for whether he’d have reason to regret the alliance…well, he didn’t let himself consider that question, because there was little point.
He directed his horse across the drawbridge behind the escort of the Torrenese guards who’d accompanied them through the city. The courtyard within the castle gates was large and busy, although all activity paused as Theo dismounted and handed his horse off to a groom. Within minutes, he was being led up the castle steps and into a large, open entranceway.
He paused, allowing his eyes to adjust to the lower light. It had been hot under the late afternoon sun, and the cool of thecastle was a welcome change. A group was waiting for him, the four members of the Torrenese royal family unmistakable at its front.
Curiosity flared within Theo at the knowledge that he was, for the first time, in the same room as his future wife. But politeness kept his gaze fixed calmly on the king and queen as they greeted him.
“Your Majesties.” He executed a quick bow. “Thank you for your welcome. I’m delighted to be your guest.”
“I trust your journey was smooth,” Queen Lisbeth said graciously. Her smile was very regal. “We know it was at least efficient.”
Theo inclined his head. “I must apologize for the inconvenience of my early arrival.”
“Not at all,” King Ronan said. “It’s our gain to welcome you sooner. Allow me to introduce to you my son and heir, Patrick.”
Theo greeted the prince, his mind still fighting with the constant pull on his gaze that was the princess on the queen’s other side. Crown Prince Patrick was tall and upright, his features stern beneath his ash-blond hair. Nothing like Siqual’s crown prince, Theo reflected, sparing a rueful thought for his often-outrageous older brother.
“And of course, my daughter, Elowen.”
At last, Theo allowed his eyes to follow their desired course. He turned to greet the princess, a little shocked by how much he struggled to keep his expression steady as his gaze fell on her face.
“Princess.” He took her offered hand, bowing over it before returning his eyes to her face. “It’s a pleasure to meet you at last.”
He kept his voice even and formal, as was appropriate. But his thoughts were much more animated.
Princess Elowen was beautiful. Stunningly beautiful. She was, he acknowledged frankly in the privacy of his mind, the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. Her features were delicate and her frame willowy, but she didn’t project fragility. Her bearing was confident, and her eyes—a clear blue—were sharp with intelligence. Pale, silky hair was piled atop her head in elegant braids, and her gown was fit for the royalty she was.
Warm satisfaction flooded Theo, and he scolded himself for caring so much about something so superficial. He hadn’t thought Princess Elowen’s appearance mattered to him, but his own reaction proved him wrong.
He didn’t show that he was starstruck, of course. There was the honor of Siqual to be upheld, and he maintained a calm front.
“I’m pleased to meet you as well,” Princess Elowen said calmly. “I hope you’ll feel at home here.”
Impossible not to wonder about her thoughts. Was she pleasantly surprised, like him? Or disappointed with what she saw? He suddenly realized he was still holding her hand, and lowered it at once.
“The arrangements are all made for the betrothal celebrations to begin in two days’ time,” Queen Lisbeth said. “I regret that your family are unable to attend.”
“As do they,” Theo said politely. “But they’ll come for the wedding, so they won’t have long to wait.”
“We can discuss a date for the wedding at a later time,” interjected King Ronan. “In the meantime, I’m sure you’ll wish for the chance to change from travel before dinner.”
Theo looked from the queen to the king. “Yes,” he said carefully. “That would be welcome.”
There was something strange about the king’s dismissal of his mention of the impending wedding, but he didn’t know hishost well enough to assess what it was. Surely the Torrenese weren’t going to pull out of the agreement?
He exercised his iron self-control to stop his eyes from straying back to the princess as a servant led him toward his rooms. He was disappointed with himself for losing his head over her beauty.
