“Why?”
“Because I realized that I could do more good as the king’s ward than the king’s goose girl.” Robin hoped he would believe her. It was the truth.
“But it turns out?” He asked, repeating her words from a few moments before.
“She didn’t want to switch back. She enjoys being Lady Lockwood.” Robin did not add on the fact that Lind wanted Ian.
“She definitely enjoys Lady Lockwood’s dresses and desserts,” Ian said, his neutral facade slipping ever so slightly.
Hearing that small bit of frustration in Ian’s voice calmed Robin’s anger. “I am so sorry for deceiving you,” she whispered. “It was rash, and it complicates matters, but...”
“But a ward of the king would never be allowed to spar with a prince or chase a goose with her cape spread wide?” Ian smiled a small smile. He was making fun of her just a little.
“Exactly,” Robin agreed.
“Well, what to do now?” Ian asked.
“Wait for the horsemaster?” Robin responded, knowing that was not what he meant.
“No, what to do with you and this little game you’ve played.” His face had returned to the responsible expression of the crown prince.
“You believe me?” she questioned, a little concerned that it had been this easy.
Ian held her gaze for a long moment. “I do.”
“Thank you,” she whispered, suddenly feeling a little lightheaded.
“Do you have any way to prove this more substantially to my father?”
Robin’s eyes went wide. She was not looking forward to meeting the king. “Um.” Reaching up, she rubbed the back of her neck. Was there something she could tell the king about her father that only a family member or close friend would know?
She dropped her hand, absently bringing it back to Humphrey’s ear. Her hand was covered in ash.
She looked back at Ian. “I don’t think it will be difficult to prove at all.” She smiled.
Chapter 14
On the eve of Silverfest, the palace dining hall was ablaze with candles. Sitting side by side at the long tables lining the room were families from the city as well the palace staff.
The tables themselves were well laden with fresh meats and indulgent bakes. The harvests had been getting weaker, and the palace had been frugal all season. But it was Silverfest. A night to remember that not all days would be so dark.
Ian, seated with his family on the royal dais, let his eyes stray to a fair-haired beauty at a distant table. As if sensing his eyes on her, she lifted her face and sent him a light smile. He smiled back.
Next to him, “Lady Lockwood” attempted to engage him in conversation. He did his best to give her half an ear, but he could not help but think about what future meals would feel like when he could converse with the true Robin Lockwood.
Finally, his father turned to Lind.
“My dear,” King Frederich said to Lind. “I’ve heard you are quite a clever woman.”
Lind had the decency to at least fake a blush. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Perhaps you would help me to solve a dilemma, then? I could use the advice.”
She raised her eyebrows in surprise, but the smile on her face revealed how pleased she was. She squared her shoulders. “Of course.”
“Which would you say is the greater evil?” King Frederich asked. “To deceive one’s friend or to deceive one’s king?”
“That’s easy, Your Majesty,” Lind responded. “It is much worse to deceive one’s friend—with all due respect to yourself, of course!”
