The queen chuckled. “We were in no danger of starving.”
“Speak for yourself, my love,” King Gerard said. “Let’s eat!” He walked out of the room, capturing his wife’s hand to take her with him.
Well, at least he’s in a better mood today. Probably because Leo is with Hannah.
Haydn offered Evelyn his arm to escort her to lunch. A quick glare from her father on his way out told her not to refuse. Evelyn dropped her smile but took Haydn’s arm.
She could feel Leo and Hannah behind them, like you can sense the power of the ocean without facing it.
Has he told Hannah anything? Will she ask him about last night?
“You are even more beautiful today, Princess,” Haydn told her loud enough for Leo to hear.
I don’t want compliments today, even from him. I want to hide in my room and not see Leo.
“Thank you, Councilor,” Evelyn said, her voice tight.
“You can call me Haydn.”
“I will not be doing that.”
“Can I call you Evelyn?”
“No.”
“What does the prince call you?” Haydn whispered in her ear, so close she could feel his breath on her skin. “Or are you and Hannah both justPrincessso he doesn’t get confused?”
Evelyn ripped her arm away. “You?—”
“Evelyn!” her father called, a warning masked by his friendly tone. “You’ve spent so much time away from the palace this week, Councilor Ritter probably knows his way around better than you do.”
“Is that why she was late?” Haydn laughed and put a hand on Evelyn’s back to get her moving again.
“I was barely late,” Evelyn growled.
“But you prefer adventures around the kingdom rather than the routines of court life?”
“I suppose.”
“Sounds like you wouldn’t enjoy being a queen, then.”
Evelyn’s breath caught in her throat.
Whoever Leo marries will be the queen someday.
“I never said I wanted to be a queen.”
“She would hate it,” Hannah added unhelpfully. “Evelyn misses breakfast half the time because she sleeps in.”
“Will you make oversleeping a capital offense when you become a queen, sister?” Evelyn asked, not hiding the menace in her voice.
Hannah didn’t respond, but everyone had reached the dining table. Haydn was a gentleman and pulled Evelyn’s chair out for her. Next to her, Leo did the same for Hannah, and Evelyn nearly lit her napkin on fire.
The dining table was enchanted to increase or decrease in size based on how many guests were there. It could expand to fit two dozen people, only limited by the length of the room. But if just a few were present, it would turn into a small square table. This fascinated Evelyn normally, but right now she resented how it brought everyone closer together. Haydn sat directly across from Evelyn, with Leo beside him. Evelyn could feel both of them watching her.
She saw movement in the periphery, then noticed Leo’s attention shift. Evelyn followed his gaze. Rory and Damien now stood against the wall. Damien gave Evelyn a small nod before glaring at Leo, who appeared confused by his friend’s unexpected appearance.
“Councilor Ritter,” King Tristan began. “It’s a shame you have to leave already. Can we expect you back on the continent again anytime soon?”
