Evelyn followed Leo a ways down the road, out of earshot from the rest of the group.
“You left early,” he said irritably. “I’m sorry you felt obligated to be here.”
“I’m not upset that I’m here,” Evelyn corrected. “Gryon’s funeral traditions are just very different from what I’m used to.”
Leo sighed. “That makes sense.”
“Are you mad at me for walking away?”
“No, but I wished you were there.”
“You had Hannah to hold your hand.”
Leo froze. “I wasn’t expecting to sit with Hannah today.”
Evelyn turned around to face him. “Today has been full of unexpected things.”
“What does that mean?”
“Nothing. Never mind.”
“I haven’t seen you all day. Why were you hiding?” Leo asked.
Evelyn kicked a loose stone on the road. “I was in my room.”
“Please tell me what’s wrong.”
“Nothing is wrong.”
“Evelyn—”
“It doesn’t feel right to focus on this right now,” Evelyn said, copying Leo’s words from that morning. “I’m sure you want to get back to the palace.”
“I do, but?—”
Evelyn spun toward the carriages, heading for Damien. Her father and Hannah were already gone.
“You okay?” Damien asked.
“I’m a princess,” Evelyn said bitterly.
“Most princesses wouldn’t stomp away from a king.”
“I didn’tstomp.”
“Sure you didn’t.”
“I’d like to see you stomp through grass in heels!”
“Do you want to see me in a dress, too?” Damien asked. “Orjustthe heels?”
Evelyn blushed, then cracked up laughing. She quieted down once she noticed people staring. “You can’t make me laugh at a funeral.”
“But I love making you laugh.” Damien smiled. “Your eyes light up even more than when you’re scowling at me.”
“Princess Evelyn,” a guard interrupted. “There is a carriage ready for you.”
Damien took her hand. “Come on, let’s get far away from here.”
