“It was just breakfast, nothing formal. But I have good news. King Gerard and your father decided to throw a ball.”
“A ball?” Hannah beamed. “When? Who will be there?”
“Four days from now. Invitations will go out today to the lords of the four courts and their families, as well as other significant fae of the region. Hannah, this will be a great opportunity for you to meet many important people in Gryon.”
Hannah paled, then nodded.
“But mostly,” the queen continued, “a ball is an excuse for a new dress and a night of dancing.”
“Are you certain it was thekingswho came up with this plan?” Evelyn asked.
The queen’s eyes lit up. “They wanted Hannah to meet the lords. I may have been the one to suggest a ball was the ideal way to accomplish that goal.”
They better have wine at this party. And the prince needs to show up. I don’t think I’ll trust Alexander until I see what he and Hannah are like together.
The kings were engaged in Important King Business and did not come down for lunch. The prince was also absent and had not been seen since breakfast.
Queen Camille brought Hannah and Evelyn to a room on the second floor. Gabrielle, the royal dressmaker, did not waste any time moving Hannah onto a small raised platform to get the princess’s measurements.
Hannah picked a turquoise satin for her dress. Someone knocked on the door just as Gabrielle finished draping fabric pieces over Hannah to plan the neckline. One of the dressmaker’s assistants opened the door.
A maid entered and curtsied to the queen. “Pardon me, Your Majesty. Prince Alexander has returned and is requesting to see Princess Hannah.”
“Oh!” Hannah squealed. “He’s going to show me the garden!”
“Hold still,” Gabrielle scolded her.
“Please tell Alexander that Hannah will join him soon,” the queen directed the maid.
Hannah flew out of the room when Gabrielle released her a few minutes later.
She’s actually worried the prince will leave without her.
Evelyn stepped onto the fitting platform next. Gabrielle was marginally more patient with her than she’d been with Hannah.
Does she like that I’m not as fidgety as my sister, or is my dress less important than the future queen’s?
Future queen… Hannah would be good at that. Everyone loves her. She’s kind. She’s good at talking to people. The ball will be a breeze for her.
Evelyn decided on an icy blue fabric for her own gown. She was trying to remember why the color looked familiar when the queen spoke up.
“Did you enjoy your stroll on the beach last night?” Queen Camille chuckled when the question visibly surprised Evelyn.“You aren’t in trouble. I know how tempting that ocean is under a full moon.”
“It was beautiful,” Evelyn said. “I didn’t realize anyone had seen me, other than the guard.”
“Which guard?”
“Leo… He didn’t say a last name. He wanted to make sure I was all right.”
The queen raised a brow. “Leowas with you?”
“Yes… Should he not have been?”
“No, that’s absolutely fine. It’s just that Leo isn’t social often, especially with new people.”
“Oh. You know him well, then?”
“I do.” Queen Camille smiled. “He’s been with us a long time. You enjoyed talking with him?”
