“No. You tossed around the idea, but there wasn’t a proper proposal.”
“What would make it proper?”
“Actually asking me, not suggesting marriage as a trade for magic.”
“Okay. Will you marry me?”
Evelyn’s stomach flipped.
I’ve been imagining those words coming from Leo. Did I really get that question from Haydn instead?
She scowled at him. “You can’t ask right now! We’re eating dinner at court.”
“No one is paying attention to us anymore. They’re all drunk.”
Sure enough, the volume of the room had increased. Lord Robert and Lord Grégory were gearing up for a song. Even Hannah had pink cheeks.
“That still doesn’t count as a proposal.”
“You should be more specific with your requirements,” Haydn teased. “You said all I had to do was ask the question.”
“Aren’t you supposed to offer me a ring? You’re only holding a fork.”
Evelyn felt a sudden weight on her left hand. She gasped at the ring on her finger, hidden beneath the table. A large, oval-cut emerald was set on an intricately woven gold band. It was stunning and fit perfectly. Evelyn forgot to breathe as she stared at it.
“Do you like it?” Haydn asked. “I can get a bigger emerald if this one isn’t enough. I thought the green would look nice on you.”
Evelyn accidentally met Leo’s eyes. He was too far away to know what was happening, but he seemed close to demanding an explanation.
She turned her attention back to Haydn. “Please, I can’t do this right now.”
He didn’t argue. “Okay.”
The weight left her finger and she breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”
“Anything you want, Princess.”
Do I want an engagement ring? From Haydn? I know he talked about it last time I saw him, but I didn’t take him seriously. Would he really marry me, just like that? Does he want something from me?
36
Surprise
“Go for a walk with me,” Haydn told Evelyn after dinner.
Lord Grégory and Lord Robert were singing, if you could call it that. Lord Stuart was half asleep with his head in his hands, and Lord Nicolas had disappeared somewhere. Councilor Moeller, Leo, Hannah, and King Tristan were all talking. Two guards had replaced Rory and Simon for the night shift, and Damien had reappeared only briefly to give them mystery instructions.
Evelyn and Haydn stood up from the table, and Leo’s gaze immediately fixed on them. Ignoring him, they strode out the back doors.
Will Leo follow us? No, he’s already speaking with Hannah.
“Beach or garden?” Haydn asked.
“Beach,” Evelyn said. “I’m avoiding that garden. I hate roses and this kingdom is obsessed with them.”
“Why don’t you burn the garden with your Fire magic?”
“Believe me, I’ve thought about it.”
