‘It’s Princess Tiannie.’
Prince Ottone gave her a searching look and Alinore fidgeted under his gaze.
‘I’ve been looking for you all morning,’ he said. ‘I finally asked one of Mother’s ladies-in-waiting and she said she had heard that these days you are known to be often in the guest quarters.’
‘Which lady-in-waiting?’ she asked.
‘Lady Frankis.’
‘I should’ve guessed,’ muttered Alinore.
Lady Frankis was as much of a gossip as her mother-in-law, the Chief Lady-in-Waiting, Lady Vienlia.
‘Probably. There aren’t many left.’
Courtiers had also been in decline at Syonno Castle since the first inklings of King Borto’s disease. As more and more feasts, tourneys and balls were cancelled, courtiers wanting diversion and opportunities to fraternize were inclined to visit other courts. Only the older, faithful members stayed. And those like Alinore, who had no other choice.
‘Everyone has started pouring back for Samsel’s coronation,’ added Prince Ottone. ‘They’ll be throwing their daughters at him from the moment he crosses the region’s border. He’s twenty winters and he still has not chosen a wife.’
Neither have you,thought Alinore. But she quickly reminded herself that it did not matter. She did not care if Ottone married some small, pretty princess from another court. It was only natural he would, sooner or later. People talked of it often enough, whispering about how neither of the Donolaino Princes had yet taken brides. Alinore firmly told herself that she was not interested. She had her own path to follow.Thatwas what mattered.
‘How’re you faring after the news of …’ Alinore’s voice lowered. ‘King Borto’s passing?’
Prince Ottone’s drew in a deep breath and turned his face away. ‘I don’t know,’ he replied after a pause. ‘I’m sad, of course.’ He dropped his hands to his sides and when he spoke again, his voice was quieter. ‘But I suppose there’s some relief too. He wasn’t himself at the end. It was a shock to return from Journier and find him like that.’
Alinore had guessed that Prince Ottone might feel this way. She could hear a twisted mix of grief, disappointment and guilt in his voice.
‘He wasn’t exactly a doting father,’ Prince Ottone continued. ‘But he wasn’t unkind either. And I think he understood me more than Mother ever has.’
Alinore nodded. ‘King Borto was proud of you. Everyone could see that.’
Prince Ottone shrugged, but he looked relieved.
‘And I know what it’s like to lose a father,’ she added softly. ‘It’s difficult.’
Prince Ottone glanced up at her and, for a moment, Alinore thought he was about to reach for her hand. His gaze lingered, caught somewhere between warmth and hesitation. But then he looked away and the moment was gone.
‘Why were you searching for me?’ Alinore asked, trying to ignore the quickened thud of her heartbeat.
‘I came to speak to you about Cress. She seems worried.’
Alinore sighed. She thought Cressydashouldbe worried about her future at Syonno Castle. ‘I no longer spend time with the Princess,’ she replied with a shrug.
Prince Ottone nodded, his expression grave. ‘I’ve noticed. Why is that?’ he asked, leaning towards her. ‘What’s happened between you?’
They were close to one another and Alinore could see the tiny flecks of green in his dark eyes.
‘I’ve been busy,’ she replied. ‘I’ve had all my drills and training. You’ve seen how much I’ve progressed. I’ve been working hard.’
Prince Ottone’s shoulders fell. ‘Did you quarrel with Cress because she doesn’t approve of your plans for squireship?’ he asked.
Alinore felt her cheeks burn red. ‘What has she said to you?’
But Alinore had known Prince Ottone too long. She could see the way his features contorted as he tried to choose his words carefully. Her heart sank.
‘Surely you can see that your plan to apply for a squireship is …’
They both waited for him to finish.
