Immediately, the memory of their kiss returned. However, this time, confusion settled in her mind. She’d been floating on clouds all yesterday afternoon because of the time she and Ryder had spent together, and yet the dinner social with Prince Ormond had changed everything.
But why?
Out of the two men, Ryder was definitely better looking, and built very well. Because of their past, she was more at ease with him. She didn’t have to act like someone she wasn’t, and he accepted her no matter what happened. Ryder could make her laugh, and as children, they certainly enjoyed getting into mischief. Wouldn’t he make a better companion than someone she had just barely met?
She rubbed her forehead as a slow pain throbbed in her skull. Closing her eyes, she leaned against the wall. It was odd to think she hadn’t wanted to search for a man to marry, and yet, in just one day, she had found two. No wonder she was so confused.
Did she want to marry just because her parents wanted it, or didshereally want it?
And why in heaven’s name would she have these strange feelings for Prince Ormond when they just met?
A shuffling of feet echoed in the hallway, and she pulled away from the window and focused on the person disturbing her mixed-up thoughts. One of the maids entered the music room carrying a vase of Rapunzel flowers.
“Princess Clarissa,” she curtsied, “these flowers were just delivered for you.”
Clarissa’s heart leapt. She didn’t have to be told who they were from. Smiling, she hurried to the servant and took the vase. She put her nose to the flowers and inhaled deeply. A mixture of lavender and vanilla wafted around her. So very lovely...
When she pulled away, she smiled at the maid. “Were these from Prince Ormond?”
The servant shrugged and handed Clarissa a missive. “I know not, Princess, but this note came with the flowers.”
Clarissa hurried and opened the parchment. She scanned the details quickly, searching for Prince Ormond’s name.
Dearest Clarissa, I saw these flowers today and thought of you.He signed it,Your Prince Ormond.
Sighing heavily, she grinned. Such a sweet man. Yet, she really wanted him to mention something about when she’d see him next.
Feeling as if her head were in the clouds, she practically floated to the nearest table and set the vase in the middle. He hadn’t mentioned when they’d meet again; however, she knew it would be soon. If he didn’t contact her by tomorrow, she would be contacting him.
“Will you be needing anything else, Princess?” the maid asked.
Clarissa glanced at the girl. “Is my father home yet?”
“Yes. He just arrived.”
“Good. I want to speak with him.”
“Would you like me to send him a message, Princess?”
Clarissa shook her head. “That won’t be necessary. I shall seek him out.”
“As you wish.” The girl curtsied before leaving the room.
Giggling like a schoolgirl, Clarissa sat at the table. She forgot her manners and leaned her elbows on the table as she stared at the flowers. She sighed. Would Prince Ormond find her charming enough to consider marriage? She didn’t know why she felt this elated, but nothing mattered right now except smiling and sighing with happiness.
She wouldn’t mind living in his kingdom and in his palace, especially if he could pick her Rapunzel flowers all the time. They were so very lovely, and they smelled so sweet...
Suddenly, a noise pulled her out of her daydreams. Had someone just cleared their throat? She blinked and glanced around. Standing at the doorway, peeking into the room, was Ryder. When her gaze rested on his, he grinned.
“Are you busy?”
“Of course not. I’m never too busy for a friend.” She stood and motioned for him to enter. Although she should be excited to see him, for some reason, irritation tried to take over her feelings.Ridiculous!Why would she be annoyed with Ryder?
He took cautious steps toward her, and then stopped when he reached the table. “How are you today?”
She wanted to throw up her hands in frustration.How am I?He had eyes. He could see she’d been daydreaming...and that he had interrupted her. “Fine.” She tried not to sound agitated. “And you?”
“I’ve wanted to see you all morning, but I was assigned to ride to the hospital with your father.”
