I joined them, Kole staying a discreet distance behind us, and I said tentatively, “I was planning to. Is that where you’re both headed as well?”
“We are.” One of Lillith’s arms was looped through Koraline’s, and she reached her free arm out to me.
Smile blooming even broader, especially since my long-sleeved gown would hide my cool skin, I tucked my arm around hers and beamed, even more so when Koraline said stiffly, “Morning, Prim.”
Even though Koraline’s tone was anything but warm, I took hope in the fact that she’d not only greeted me, but she continued to stare at me without disdain, and I wondered if the testimonies at the last council meeting had truly begun to sway her.
Grinning, I replied, “Good morning to you, Koraline.”
Lillith fell into step again, and since she was in the middle of me and the crown princess, she pulled us along with her. She began chatting about her plans for the weekend and how she’d hoped to join some friends for a shopping spree in Brownsand. Their heartbeats thumped steadily in my ears, but I pushed those sounds away and asked Koraline if she was going too.
“I wasn’t planning on it,” she replied, her tone still halting, but at least she’d answered me. “Neb and I were going to visit a few floral shops tomorrow to pick out the flowers we’d like at our ceremony.”
“How exciting. Have you planned much for your upcoming nuptials?” I peeked forward to see her around Lillith as we continued arm in arm down the hall.
Koraline side-eyed me but replied, “No, not much yet. We’ve only just started to plan.”
“Well, if you would like any suggestions for what plants to use at your wedding, just let me know. There are so many species that could be used to heighten the magic and atmosphere, and if done in the right combination, they can help provide not only pleasant aromas, but they can exude magical tranquility or excitement or whatever emotion you’re going for.”
Koraline’s eyebrows lifted. “You know how to combine plants to do that?”
I nodded. “Indeed, my particular area of expertise is of the flora of our realm.”
Her throat bobbed in a swallow, and a very small smile curved her lips. “That’s good to know. I...may take you up on that.”
I beamed, and Lillith squeezed my arm against her side and gave me a quick covert smile.
Joy burst through me even more, and we carried on down the hall. At my back, Kole’s aura strummed steadily into me. Just as fast, a push of contentment came from him alongour bond, and I cradled that feeling. Like me, Kole obviously understood just how momentous a step it was for Koraline to grudgingly converse with me and then consider involving me in her wedding planning. It was such a huge step up from her betrothed ball, in which she’d chosen to have the official announcement outdoors, a place I’d been forbidden to attend.
For the briefest moment, I was able to forget about my uncle, his evil plans, the fact that my heart no longer beat, and what tonight could bring if Kole and I were successful in ambushing Arnel. For that one moment, I reveled in the fact that I was with my sisters, and for the first time since meeting them, I truly felt like a part of their family.
Surprisingly,the breakfast with my parents also went well. Koraline remained aloof, but she did speak with me each time I addressed her, and such a small feat had my mother grinning from ear to ear.
It was only near the end of the meal that I finally found an unsuspicious time to ask my parents about Arnel. My father had brought up the tile maker my uncle had met with, opening the perfect opportunity for me.
“Did Arnel go home after he met with him?” I brought my tea to my lips and took a sip. “I was hoping to discuss his book with him, but I’m unsure where he currently is.”
My father inclined his head, and a smile curved his lips. “I spoke with him last night via my looking glass. He’s back at home, staying there for the foreseeable future as far as I’m aware. Would you like to borrow my looking glass so you may contact him?”
Since I didn’t know how to get out of that offer without raising any eyebrows or reminding him that my magic could connect mentally with others, which kind of felt like I was bragging, I nodded. “That would be wonderful, thank you, Father.”
My parents stood at the end of the meal, not even trying to hide how pleased they were that we’d all just enjoyed breakfast together, and it hadn’t been filled with tension or strife.
Standing, my father pushed in his chair just as a few servants entered the room to begin clearing the dishes. “I’ll have one of my attendants drop my looking glass off at your chambers this morning, Primelle.”
“Thank you.” I picked up my skirts, planning to head out, but my mother stopped me.
“Prim? I believe your sisters were heading to the stables to enjoy a ride. Perhaps you’d like to join them?”
It was on the tip of my tongue to tell her, and them, that I didn’t need to force my company upon them, but before I could, Lillith agreed.
“I was just going to extend the invite, Mother.” She elbowed the queen teasingly, then turned to me. “Are you busy today, Prim? Koraline and I planned to ride for a few hours, taking our mounts out of the palace grounds to the Wood. A few others were going to join us too. Do you want to come along?”
I looked from her to Koraline, but since the crown princess didn’t object, I couldn’t contain my elation. “I would love that. Shall I meet you at the stables after we’ve all had a chance to change?”
Lillith nodded, her brown curls springing up and down along her shoulders with the movement. “That would be lovely. We’ll meet you there.”
Since Koleand I weren’t planning to leave until midnight, spending the rest of the morning and afternoon with my sisters was the perfect distraction.
