Evelyn met Queen Camille and Hannah in the dining room for breakfast.
“Good morning, Evelyn,” the queen said. “Are you excited for the ball?”
“Not as excited as Hannah.”
“Did you see all the flowers in the ballroom?” Hannah gushed. “It’s going to be amazing!”
Evelyn waited until Hannah looked away before she rolled her eyes.
“I know Hannah wants to dance with the prince, of course,” the queen continued. “Evelyn, is there anyone you are hoping to dance with tonight?”
Evelyn didn’t look up from her plate and refused to let herself smile. “I don’t think so.”
“There will be plenty of gentlemen in attendance. Captain Fontaine will be there.”
“I’ll know one person, at least.”
I would like to see Damien. Not just because I know I can’t spend the whole party with Leo. I like being around Damien.
“Did you see Gabrielle this morning?” the queen asked. “She’s been in a panic since yesterday.”
“Yes, I was just with her.” Evelyn thought of the color of her dress and had an idea. “Queen Camille, could I ask a favor?”
“Do I get to know what it is before I say yes?”
“Do you have a tiara with sapphires I could borrow? The ones Hannah and I brought have rubies to match our Fire magic. I would love one with sapphires to complement my new gown.”
“Of course, dear,” Queen Camille agreed, seeming pleased by the request.
Evelyn followed Hannah up to her room after breakfast.
“Are you sure you’re ready for the ball?” Evelyn asked, closing the door behind them.
Hannah swept her long braid over her shoulder. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
“It’s a really important night for you and the prince, right? That sounds stressful.”
“Are you worried because you haven’t met him yet? Alexander is really nice!”
Why haven’t I met the prince yet? He didn’t check on me in the hospital yesterday, even though both of the kings were there. Where the hell has he been?
Evelyn shook her head. “That’s not what I meant. I think things will become moreseriousbetween the two of you after the ball.”
“Alexander hasn’t even kissed me yet.” Hannah blushed. “He’s handsome, so I wouldn’tobjectto him taking me to bed if that’s his plan. It’s not like I’ve never?—”
“He’s going to propose!” Evelyn blurted.
All the color drained from Hannah’s face. “What?”
“I, um, heard some of the maids talking,” Evelyn lied. “The prince is supposed to propose tonight.”
Hannah stood perfectly still, except her chest rose and fell with rapid breaths. Her smile didn’t reach her eyes. “That’s good news. It’s faster than I expected, but that’s good. It will be good to move forward and not wait around anymore. An engagement is good. Tonight will be… good.”
Hannah’s reaction is anything but good.
“You don’t have to say yes,” Evelyn reminded her. “You can tell him you aren’t ready.”
“Of course I’m ready!” Hannah said quickly. “I’m a princess and he’s a prince. We’re supposed to get married. That’s why Father brought me here.”
