“How long has the town been struggling?” Prince Ira asked.
She gave him a sad smile. “I suppose you capital folk don’t feel it quite as much. It’s been a slow sort of fall, but I’d say the last ten years have been the hardest. Most of those kids out there don’t know a time when their parents didn’t smile, and working was the only thing to look forward to.”
“That’s terrible.” Prince Ira said.
There was such a sorrow laced through the words that Luci pulled her face from Calcifer to see that face that only knew how to smile pulled down into thin lips and heavy eyes. If there was one thing she knew about Ira Vencia, it was that he didn’t know how to lie or deceive. That was genuine emotion pooling behind his eyes. These were his people and their suffering, now that he knew of it, was his to bear as well.
“I hope your streets will once more be filled with festivals and laughter,” he said.
The old woman might not have known it, but Luci did. In that moment, he wasn’t just wishing for them, but making a promise. Something burned inside Luci’s chest, and though she wasn’t the type to pin hopes and dreams on anyone except herself, she thought if she were going to take a chance on anyone, it would be him.
The woman wipes at her eyes and sniffs loudly.
“Look at me making a fool of myself. It’s old age. Makes my eyes burn as I douse them in salt water. There is no use for it. Anyway, the crown prince’s marriage is rumored to be happening soon, and I’m sure we will have a right celebration for it. So you see, there is always something to look forward to.”
The burning in her chest froze over, and she was reminded once more of why she was standing there. Brielle.
“My name's Agnes, by the way, Agnes Gray. This inn has been in my family for generations. Once upon a time, the beds were said to be blessed by the sleeping princess’s godmother, for it was here that her prince spent the night on the way to rescueher from her curse. That’s the family lore, anyway. There I go rambling again, my husband used to say I’d talk to the wall if the fancy took me. You two must be tired. What names should I put down for the registry?” she asked, going back around to pull out a dusty leather-bound book.
The previous names were all faded till their names were nearly lost to time. Agnes smiled brightly up at them, her pen hovering over the cream paper.
“My name is-” Prince Ira began.
“Liam and Bridia Walker,” Luci said, shooting him a glare.
Prince Ira raised two eyebrows as a sly smile started to creep over his face. Luci shot him a glare, but even as he turned his gaze back to Agnes, his dimples gave away his amusement. Why Luci gave the name of the son of Blythe’s gardener and his wife was beyond her. All she knew was that the idiot next to her was absolutely about to give away his identity at the first chance.
Agnes finished her perfect scrawl as if she wanted to make the entry count and raised her eyes, first to Luci and then to Prince Ira, her wrinkles pulling back as she broke into a wide grin.
“I know those looks well enough. My husband used to say there was no greater pride for a man than hearing his bride be called by his family name. I used to blush something fierce, just like you, Ms. Bridia, but it’s little things like those that make me miss him most. You two are lucky to be young and in love. It’s the greatest gift there is.”
A tear leaked from her right eye that she quickly wiped away, and the grief in her words put to sleep the frustration at her presumptions. This was a woman who had loved and lost. Luci wouldn’t- couldn’t begrudge her the products of her memories.
“It has truly been a pleasure to meet you, Agnes.” Prince Ira said, bowing her head to her.
Her sorrow was quickly packed away by a laugh that rippled like wind on a lake.
“What a charmer, no wonder you fell for him,” Agnes said.
“Unfortunately, my wife is immune to charm; I think it’s my quick wit that did her in,” he said.
Luci’s stomach did what could only be considered a flip, where it then tried to rearrange itself inside of her. She was absolutely going to ignore all of that, and his words lingered in the air. Under no circumstances was she going to even think about the way his dimples shone against his bright smile.
“More like pity.” Luci bit out.
Agnes chuckled.
“Just like my Thomas and me. Come this way, I’ll show you to your room. Grettell should be done now.”
Agnes made for the dark oak stairs that curved up and in towards a balcony with several doors at the top.
“After you, darling.” Prince Ira said, holding out his hand.
Luci narrowed her eyes at him before stepping closer so Agnes wouldn’t hear.
“I’m going to let Calcifer suffocate you in your sleep,” she said.
His laugh was midnight fires and warm apple cider.