“I’m fine,” Sophia said unconvincingly. She saw Elowen’s disbelieving expression, and bit her lip. “I didn’t sleep very well. I know it’s foolish, but…I had dreams of being crushed under falling stone.”
Elowen made a sympathetic noise in her throat. Poor Sophia. They’d been friends all their lives, and Sophia had always been the less confident of the two, but as she neared adulthood, her timidity had increased startlingly. Elowen didn’t like to see it. But she didn’t comment, instead turning to practical matters.
“By the way, Sophia,” her voice was very low, “you’ve probably guessed as much, but I won’t be able to meet as normal this afternoon, because of Prince Theodore’s visit.”
“Yes, I assumed that,” Sophia said. “It doesn’t matter anyway, because Simeon really does appear to have left the capital. I couldn’t find him anywhere.”
“Without asking leave of your brother?” Elowen demanded. “That’s very unlike him.”
Sophia cast an unhappy look at her brother, then shrugged.
“Whatever the reason, he’s not available for our…weekly ride.”
There was no time for more. Patrick had just arrived, along with a few other younger members of the court who’d evidently been invited after Elowen retired from dinner the night before. A number of grooms were also waiting on the far side of the courtyard, each holding a mount, Elowen’s own mare among them. Her heart lifted at the sight of Ochre. She preferred being on horseback when she was with a group of courtiers. It provided a natural and much appreciated barrier from the overeager ones among her peers.
Speaking of whom…
“Princess Elowen.” One of the gathered men, the younger son of an earl, approached her with a spring in his step. “I’m honored to be included today.”
Elowen barely managed to keep her smile neutral. As if she’d been the one to invite him.
“I look forward to competing in your honor at the betrothal celebrations,” the man went on, his eyes shining as they swept over her features. “I hope to prove myself worthy in your eyes, even if…” His voice trailed off, and he glanced darkly at Theo.
Elowen wanted to groan. Why must her parents insist on upholding the traditional betrothal tournament, when the event hadn’t been meaningful in at least three generations? The whole week was bound to be full of mortifying conversations like this one.
“I’m sure you’ll acquit yourself well, My Lord,” she said, her tone polite but firm as she edged toward Ochre, gripping the saddle like an anchor. To her chagrin, she saw that Theo was studying the nobleman with a contemplative air. When his eyes slid smoothly to her face, she looked away.
She was about to mount Ochre when Bertrand materialized at her side, not waiting for any sign from her before grasping her waist and boosting her up toward the saddle.
“I don’t need assistance,” she told him sharply, her eyes flicking back to Theo. Once again, he was observing the exchange in expressionless silence.
“My mistake, Princess,” said Bertrand, his good humor undimmed by her displeasure. She would never understand his idea of charm. The viscount sprang lightly onto his own horse, addressing the group at large.
“What a perfect day it is for our outing. Did I mention that you’re all expected back at my family’s city dwelling for a luncheon after we’ve visited the gardens?” His eyes slid to Theo. “Not that I mean to unduly claim your time, Your Highness. Of course I will understand if your diplomatic duties prevent you from joining us.”
Elowen drew in a breath at the thinly veiled rudeness. Theo regarded Bertrand in cool silence, wisely not responding to his words at all.
“What is Bertrand doing?” The muttered aside came from Sophia, and Elowen was heartened to hear her friend recognizing her brother’s poor behavior for once. When she turned to respond, however, Sophia was urging her horse forward, apparently not eager to discuss it.
The remaining members of the party mounted quickly, everyone eager to reach the floating gardens. Elowen couldn’t claim much excitement about the outing anymore. She’d pictured a quiet ride with Theo, and a chance to get a senseof the man she was to marry, not a spectacle for the courtiers. She knew how it would be, with the girls giggling over her every interaction with Theo, and the men vying to pull her attention away from him.
The group had barely ridden through the castle gate, however, when Patrick was hailed by a man Elowen recognized as a member of his guard. They all drew to a stop as Patrick steered his horse, an enormous stallion, back to where the man waited at attention.
Elowen urged her horse toward her brother, catching only the end of the report.
“—imminent, according to the reports. The duke has already left the capital, and he desired me to carry a message to Lord Bertrand. His Majesty is unable to attend to the matter himself, but has requested that you do so, Your Highness.”
“Certainly, I will,” Patrick said. “I’ll leave immediately.” He dismissed the man with a nod.
“Leave for where, Patrick?” Elowen asked.
“It’s nothing to concern you, Elowen,” he said. “You enjoy your ride with Prince Theodore—please give him my apologies for not joining you after all. I imagine I’ll be back by evening.”
“No.” Elowen’s voice was firm as she reached out, grabbing the stallion’s bridle at an awkward angle. “You and Father are keeping something from me, and I want to know what’s going on, Patrick.”
“Don’t be dramatic, Elowen,” he said, removing her hand. “Nothing drastic is going on. A dam is on the point of bursting its bounds, which would have significant effects for the surrounding farms. I’m going to visit the site and try to avert the disaster.”
She raised her eyebrows incredulously. “They needyourexpertise on the structural reinforcement of a dam? What arethey expecting you to do that local stonemasons can’t? Will you wedge your crown into the crack?”
