“This is my eldest daughter, Princess Hannah,” King Tristan said proudly.
Hannah executed a perfect curtsy. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Councilor Moeller.”
“The pleasure is all mine, Your Highness,” Moeller told her, but the lack of any emotion in his voice gave away his disinterest.
“And this is Princess Evelyn, my younger daughter,” King Tristan said next.
Evelyn started to curtsy but stopped when Moeller’s expression shifted from indifference to distrust. He eyed her up and down, his gaze lingering on her curly hair. Evelyn’s skin prickled at the sensation of being inspected.
Moeller’s eyes shot back to King Tristan. “Is she…”
“The second Princess of Carrowmore,” the king said tightly.
Evelyn narrowed her eyes. “Is something wrong, Councilor?”
Moeller’s hard expression softened to mild annoyance and he sighed. “Not my castle, not my horses.”
Evelyn’s patience ran out. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
Moeller cocked his head curiously. “Well, I see now why Ritter decided to make you his problem.”
“I am no one’sproblem.” Evelyn snarled.
“It will bemyproblem,” her father hissed, “if you don’t calm downright now.”
Evelyn glared at Moeller, who smirked at her.
“I apologize for any offense,Your Highness,” he said.
“No harm done,” King Tristan said brightly. “It’s been a stressful few days. We’re glad you are here to help us, Councilor.”
“I will do what I can.” Moeller inclined his head, then left to speak with General Savatier.
King Tristan rounded on Evelyn. “What is the matter with you? You cannot speak to our ally like that!”
“But he’s allowed to treat me with disrespect?” she countered. “Did you see or hear anything that just happened?”
“I heard you swear at a High Councilor of Lochmatten!”
Stand up straight and smile. Pretend you’re a princess.
Evelyn adjusted her stance and forced a pleasant expression. “I’m sorry, Father. I guess I’m not aswell suitedfor court as Hannah.”
King Tristan blanched, but she walked away before he could reply.
Leo caught up with her inside. “Evelyn, wait!”
She put the smile back on her face. “Yes, Alexander?”
Leo hesitated at her formality. “What was that all about? Why did Moeller say that you are Ritter’s problem?”
Evelyn noted the anxiety in Leo’s voice.
Good. Let him be confused and frustrated. Gods know I’ve felt enough of that lately.
“Moeller must know that Councilor Ritter asked me to marry him.”
Leo paled. “What?”
