Page 18 of A Wayward Movement

“That’s all well and good, but charm goes hand in hand with deception, my dear,” Mrs. Pincer said wisely. “We’ve all heard his reputation. Don’t let any sweet words he said to you cloud your judgment.”

“Trust me, Mrs. Pincer, I’m in no danger of that,” Alina laughed. “When I said he was charming, I didn’t mean to me. I served his table only once, and he didn’t say a word to me.”

“Why not?” Lilah demanded loyally. “You’re prettier than any of the other girls who work at the tavern.”

Alina laughed again. “Are we offended now to not be the subject of inappropriate attention?”

“I suppose not,” Lilah said, relenting with a smile. “Anyway, we’ll hopefully see his famed charm for ourselves soon.”

“What do you man?” Alina asked warily.

“Apparently they’re going to be doing interviews around town, to see if anyone knows anything,” Lilah explained. “Or that’s the rumor, anyway.”

“And you think they might come here?”

“If they’re trying to interview everyone, I’m sure they will,” Mrs. Pincer said. “I don’t know if it will be today, though.”

Alina didn’t respond. Dismay was washing over her. She’d planned to lie low and avoid the prince until the group moved on, but that was optimistic if they were going to interview everyone in town. She’d be wiser to prepare herself for a face-to-face meeting, rather than let one catch her off guard.

“We should all present ourselves accordingly, just in case it is today,” Mrs. Pincer added, with a surreptitious glance over Alina’s worn dress that had her fighting a wince.

The memory of the prince’s words about her the night before flashed through Alina’s mind.

“Cheerful, friendly service here, isn’t it?”

“Yes, there does seem to be a wealth of timid girls in this town.”

Determination flared through Alina, irresponsible but irresistible.

“Mrs. Pincer,” she said. “I’m going to take your advice.”

“What advice is that, dear?” the older lady asked vaguely, her attention back on the ledger she’d been filling out.

“I’m going to buy that green gown.”

“You are?” Lilah clapped her hands delightedly. “I’m so glad!”

Guilt prodded Alina as she went back upstairs for coins, but she tried not to let it in. If she was forced to face Prince Xavier in her current circumstances, she at least wanted to do it with her head held high.

“It fits you perfectly,” Lilah said half an hour later, having followed Alina back to their rooms to see the effect. “You never do anything for yourself, Alina, this is wonderful.”

“No, it’s not,” Alina said, grimacing at her reflection in the spotted glass on their wall. “It’s ridiculous. I shouldn’t have done it. I can’t afford extravagances like this.”

Especially now she would have no more work at the tavern.

“It seems you can,” Lilah said. “You had the coins, why not spend them to clothe yourself? We have food enough.”

“I was saving them to help you and Benji get to the capital,” Lilah said. “So he can apply for the scholarship.”

“Well, you shouldn’t be.” A flash of annoyance crossed Lilah’s lovely face. “Alina, you already do so much for us. We don’t pay to live with you, and we only ever agreed to that because you convinced us to save our coins for Benji’s application instead. There’s no reason you should be doing the same! If you have coins to spare, spend them on your own needs.”

“I do,” Alina said quickly. “I’m provided for, Lilah. Don’t worry.”

“Girls!”

The call from downstairs cut off their conversation and sent them both into motion.

“Sorry, Mrs. Pincer,” Lilah said breathlessly, once they re-entered the shop. “I didn’t mean to be gone so long from—”