“The day after the ball, when Haydn and I went for a walk after lunch,” Evelyn explained.
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
“I didn’t know I was obligated to share all of my private conversations.”
“You aren’t, but… what did you tell him?”
“I haven’t given him my answer yet.”
“But you’re considering it?”
Evelyn crossed her arms. “Why shouldn’t I?”
“You don’t even like Ritter!”
“Don’t I? He’s been kind to me. He’s upfront with his intentions and open about his feelings. He makes promises and ishonestwith me.”
Am I talking myself into this? Maybe I already have.
The hurt in Leo’s eyes increased with every detail. “You’re really thinking about it? You would actually marry Ritter?”
Evelyn didn’t blink when she said, “If Hannah is getting married, why can’t I?”
This probably isn’t what Damien had in mind when he told me to keep quiet.
Leo reeled back like she’d slapped him. “No, Evelyn, please just?—”
“Alexander!” Magalie yelled from down the hall. “We have work to do!”
“You shouldn’t keep everyone waiting,” Evelyn advised.
Leo took a step toward her. “You can’t marry Ritter. Tell him no.”
Evelyn’s heart squeezed, but she ignored it. “Is that an order, Your Majesty?”
All emotion wiped itself from Leo’s face. “No. You are free to do as you wish, Princess.”
Damien showed up at Evelyn’s room in the afternoon. “So Leo is in quite a mood today. Does that have anything to do with you?”
Evelyn took the plate of food he offered. She had skipped lunch to avoid Moeller. And her father. And Leo.
“Not that I’m aware of,” she said evasively. “I’m sure he has lots of things on his mind.”
“Right. What about the—” Damien stared at her. “What are you wearing?”
“…A dress?”
He seized the chain of her necklace and exposed the locket.
“Excuse you!” Evelyn protested.
“Where did you get this?”
“It’s just a necklace!”
“No, it’s not. Where did you get it?”
She didn’t answer. The golden light reappeared inside the locket, like the necklace knew they were talking about it.
