“I might. I’d like to, before I must marry.” She sighed. “For today, I think it will be enough to pretend I am not myself just enough to dine somewhere other than the inn where I am staying.”
I raised a brow. “I doubt you’ll find better food at any other establishments.”
The princess gave me a look. “Most expensive does not mean best, as I’m sure you are aware. I bet you know a street vendor or two who sells the most delicious food for coppers.”
“I might.”
“Lead the way then.” She stared straight ahead. “And if you forgot to call me Your Highness for the next hour or so, I wouldn’t object.”
I smiled. “I can be forgetful.”
I led the princess through the streets of Leort, the traffic increasing as we went. “If you are truly looking for a surprisingly delicious meal, I have something better than a street vendor in mind, but if you don’t want to go into a tavern, there are plenty of other tasty alternatives.”
“A tavern is fine. So long as there are no ladies who recognize me, I will consider the meal a success. Supper last night was an interminable affair.”
I wondered if the princess was staying at the same inn as Lady Cecily. I should have spied on her instead of Marc; I knew that the princess was critical to their plot. Though if the princess was complaining about Cecily, at least it sounded like the lady hadn’t won her over.
“Here we are,” I announced, gesturing at the tavern.
Princess Charmina took in the window boxes full of twigs rather than flowers and the flaking paint on the door. “You are testing my resolve, aren’t you?”
I grinned. “A little. But the food is worth it, I promise.”
“It had better be, or I’ll make you dine at the inn with me tomorrow.”
Inside, the tavern looked nothing like the exterior had implied. It was clean, bright, and smelled of fresh bread and warm spices. Alec, the tavern keeper, took pride in his establishment; he simply never remembered the front door.
I led the princess to a table in the back where we’d both be able to watch the comings and goings with ease. A server came to the table in less than a minute.
“Isa,” Anna greeted me with wide eyes. “You’re back.”
I almost groaned. I had forgotten that I would have to defend my absence yet again at the tavern. There was something in the way Anna looked at me that made me pause before answering. After all the times I had repeated this conversation today, I’d have expected my response to come without thought. But then I realized the difference between Anna’s greeting and everyone else’s.
She was looking at me with genuine concern. She wasn’t looking for juicy gossip.
“I am,” I said simply. I gestured at the princess. “My companion and I were hoping you could bring us two servings of whatever smells so delicious tonight.”
Anna hesitated, her gaze flickering over Princess Charmina. She leaned forward and lowered her voice. “You’re all right, then? Your father said some worrying things.”
I shrugged. “You know how he is.”
She studied us both for another long moment. “I suppose.”
When she left, I braced myself. Sure enough, the princess didn’t miss the difference between this conversation and the countless ones that had come before it. “Your father?”
Everyone else had heard the rumors through a long line of whispers. But my father frequented this tavern—how had I forgotten that? Anna would have heard whatever story he was spreading directly. I couldn’t question her and make her doubt the source, though she ought to know better than to trust everything Edwin said.
I considered what answer to give, but apparently my luck had completely run out.
“Isabel! You’re home safe and sound!” Edwin’s voice rang through the entire tavern.
I must have missed his entrance while I spoke with Anna. I glared at my father. “I’ve been home for a few days, which you’d have realized if you weren’t out drinking every night.”
“I’ve been worried sick about you, my girl.”
The harsh clang of his lies made me grimace. So few people lied with such bold unconcern around me. “Don’t bother pretending. Your lies don’t fool anyone.”
His expression fell.
