His attention jumped up to meet his mother’s gaze. A crimson blush covered his face before he quickly stood and faced Clarissa.
“Umm...” His Adam’s apple jumped and he licked his lips. His gaze darted around, briefly landing on her before shooting somewhere else in the room. “These flowers are for you, Princess.”
She tried not to show the disgust she was feeling for the man right now, and forced herself to stand and smile. Standing was easy; smiling was not. “Thank you, Prince Ormond. They are very lovely.”
“Queen Ruth?” her mother questioned in a tone that was higher than normal, and rushed, as well. “Is that the Rapunzel flower, by chance?”
“Indeed, it is.” The other queen smiled wide. “I’m impressed you know your flowers.”
“Yes, well...this particular species is hard to forget,” her mother continued. “The flower’s true name is called Campanula Rapunculus, but it was shortened to Rapunzel years ago.”
Clarissa studied the pretty bouquet. Six petals, all open wide, showing the inside pistil and stigma. They formed a star-shaped blossom. Perhaps this characteristic is what made them so special, besides of course, her father’s story that accompanied this flower.
“The Rapunzel flowers are rare, indeed.” Clarissa offered her best smile to the queen and her awkward son.
“Collins,” her mother motioned toward the hall for the butler, who hurried inside, “will you fetch a vase to keep these precious blossoms? I think we shall put them on the mantle above the fireplace.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Collins bowed and left the room quickly.
“Tell me, Queen Ruth,” her father asked, “does Edan grow this particular flower?”
“Oh, yes. It’s the favorite flower in our kingdom,” Queen Ruth nodded.
Clarissa looked back at Ormond, who continued to stand in front of her with eyes downcast. He nervously picked at the sleeve of his coat made of green and silver velvet. Why would a royal be so backwards and shy? Hadn’t he grown up the same as she and grown accustomed to being in the spotlight? Strange how she could tell how different they were, and yet she barely knew him.
“Thank you again, Prince Ormond.” She didn’t know what else to say, but he acted as though he waited for her to do or say something.
His gaze met hers again, and he nodded. “The flower’s scent is the most refreshing smell you’ve ever enjoyed.” He looked at the flower, and then down to the floor.
She really hated the squeaky tone of his voice, so she leaned into the bouquet to keep everyone from seeing the displeasure on her face. On instinct, she inhaled deeply. The fragrance of lavender—and another scent she couldn’t quite detect—enveloped her senses. For a brief moment, dizziness filled her mind. She closed her eyes, pulling the blossoms away from her nose as she tried to clear away the wooziness engulfing her.
When the feeling disappeared, she blinked her eyes open. Taking in a deep breath of fresh air, she met Ormond’s gaze again. This time he kept his focus on her without looking away. For the first time, she could distinctly see his face. Why had she thought him unattractive before? Finally, she could peer into his eyes, and what she saw made her heart skip a beat. He had the most mesmerizing green eyes, and the way his stare moved over her face in pure interest left her breathless.
Slowly, he smiled, and she almost swooned. The shape of his lips was perfect. And when he smiled, his eyes gleamed with desire.
Oh, my!Why hadn’t she seen him this way when he first walked in? The quick rhythm of her heart let her know that she would definitely like to get to know this man better.
Taking a deeper breath, she tried to calm her erratic heartbeat. “Oh, Prince Ormond! These flowers are absolutely perfect!”
“Perfect flowers for a perfect lady,” he murmured in a sultry voice.
Once more, her breath caught. Good heavens! How had his voice changed so drastically? She adored the way he stood in front of her as if a knight, come to her rescue. The tone of his voice was like heavenly harps playing in her ears, and had her melting. He now practically oozed confidence, strength, and most definitely sensuality.
For a moment, shyness consumed her, and she had to shake the indifferent emotion away. Odd, because she was never shy. Yet, for some reason, he made her heart pitter-patter like it had never done before. Actually, maybe it had once before... No, that must have been a dream.
“You are too kind, Prince Ormond,” she answered sweetly.
She couldn’t stop staring into his beautiful green eyes. Heavens, the only time she’d seen that color was in the summer when the grass was at its fullest color. So very dreamy...
Her father cleared his throat and she snapped out of the spell Ormond had put her under, and glanced at her parent. Confusion filled the king’s expression as he studied her with drawn eyebrows.
“I think dinner is ready,” her mother announced hesitantly.
“Yes...yes, I think it is,” her father agreed in a rush.
Ormond held out his elbow for Clarissa. “May I escort you into the dining room?”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” She slid her hand around his arm that felt muscular, though it didn’t show.
