Page 14 of The Marked Princess

Her eyes flickered over to the door, where Alex stood sentry, his eyes fixed forward, expression stoic. Turning her gaze back to Lord Dayton, she smiled. “You may, thank you.”

She slipped her hand into the crook of his arm, and they walked out of the room together. Stealing a glance over her shoulder, she saw Alex heading off in the opposite direction, probably relieved to be momentarily freed from the constant duty of escorting her. Lord Dayton said something, and she forced herself to give him her complete attention.

“I'm sorry, what did you say?”

He laughed. “Apparently nothing of interest.”

Josselyn wrinkled her nose. “Sorry. I guess I'm just a bit distracted by this whole Roshkan invasion. It just seems so... odd, don't you think?”

His expression sobered. “It is a bit suspect, but the message was signed and sealed by my father's man of affairs himself. He's not one to exaggerate the facts.”

“I don't know... the whole thing just doesn't feel right.” She gave her head a little shake and pasted a smile on her face. “But what's done is done. I'm sure you're father and General Weston will sort things out in due time, and until then, I'm afraid we're expected to proceed with things as planned, despite the trouble that seems to be brewing.”

“Personally, I'm looking forward to tonight's ball.” He looked down at her with a wink. “Especially if a certain princess agrees to dance with me. I rather think that should take my mind off my troubles for a bit.”

“Would it now?”

“Most definitely.”

“Well, then, let's hope this princess has a dance to spare.”

He grinned. “Let's.”

Chapter Nine

“Oh, Your Highness, you're an absolute vision.”

Jane stood admiring the new ball gown the king had made for the occasion, and Josselyn did a little twirl, enjoying the way the gown's blue skirts swirled around her ankles like water, the color flowing from dark to light as it moved up her body. Lady Merridale set a simple, gold tiara on top of her intricately styled hair, then stepped back, dabbing at her eyes with a lacy, white handkerchief.

“You look just like your mother when she was your age. Simply lovely, my dear.”

Josselyn placed a hand on her aunt's arm, her heart warming with genuine affection for this woman who drove her crazy but did so with the best of intentions. “Thank you, Aunt Merri.”

The older woman sniffed, smoothing her skirts. “Now, you must remember to be poised and gracious at all times. A little decorum goes a long way.”

“Yes, ma'am.”

“And be sure to pay proper attention to the men I mentioned before. They are all of high standing, each of them fine choices for the position of crown prince.”

“Ah, yes, what girl wouldn't love to choose a husband in the same matter they'd appoint a member of the staff?” Josselyn turned her back to her aunt with a small sigh and walked over to her bedside table. She slid the top drawer open and pulled out her dagger, smoothing her thumb over the cool emerald stones that glittered around the hilt. Without looking at her aunt, she pulled up the skirt of her dress and strapped the dagger to her calf. Letting the dress fall back into place, she whirled around, giving her aunt a wide smile as she fluttered her lashes innocently.

“Lead me to them.”

“Why on earth would you strap that thing to your leg before a ball?”

“I have to strap it to my leg, aunt. I'm not wearing my boots.” She pointed a slippered toe and traced a small circle in the air. “You see?”

Her aunt walked over to the door, grumbling under her breath.

“... stubborn girl... the death of me...”

Pulling the door open with a flourish, she made a shooing gesture with her hand. “Go on, then. The hostess cannot be late to her own ball.”

Josselyn swept past her aunt and down the stairs to the main corridor, where she found Alex waiting for them. His eyes seemed to widen for a moment when he saw her, but then he blinked, his trademark serious expression slipping back into place so quickly, she wasn't sure if her eyes were playing tricks on her. Her aunt came down behind her and ushered her through the corridor, Alex following at a discreet distance behind them.

King Frederic waited for them outside the ballroom, and the two women each took an arm so that he could escort them in. As the footmen opened the doors to the ballroom, her father looked down at her and smiled.

“You look radiant tonight, daughter. I expect I'll have my hands full tomorrow with proposals. You will have to let me know which suitor wins your affections.”