Still, a small part of me had hoped for such a confession.
That someone would see me andknow.
* * *
Ronan spends the rest of the walk into town pointing out who lives where, naming fae I’ve never even heard of. He is a wealth of information, responding to any questions I have about the city or the buildings with clear, concise answers.
When we finally reach the tea house, we’re given a table along the cobblestone walk where the rich perfume of roses sweetens every inhale. I add honey to my tea, preferring it extra sweet. The peach and blueberry pie served with vanilla custard is transcendent, although the servings are so large, we cannot finish it all.
We talk about everything and nothing, life in the mountains and in the castle, the people we grew up with, and the people we want to be.
Ronan has just refilled our teacups when I catch a glimpse of his friend Trevor making his way up the lane. When Trevor glances at the tea house, our eyes meet, and his lips curve into a smile.
Then he sees Ronan sitting across from me, and his smile fades to a frown.
At first, Ronan doesn’t seem to notice Trevor, but when he does, the prince waves him over to our table.
Trevor slips off his glasses, tucking them into the leather satchel slung across his chest before running a hand through his chestnut hair. “Good to see you again, Kerris. Ronan.”
Leaning back in his chair, Ronan drapes an arm over mine. “Fancy meeting you here, Trev.”
“You mean at the restaurant where I come for lunch every day? Yes. What a coincidence.”
Hold on. Did Ronan choose this placebecausehe knew Trevor would be here? If so, that was dreadfully underhanded. I might be out with the prince today, but that doesn’t give him the right to scare away any other potential suitors.
“I’m looking forward to our tea tomorrow, Trevor,” I say, making it clear that my decision has not been made. Yes, I had fun today, but I could have even more fun with Trevor tomorrow.
Trevor’s whole countenance brightens, his spine and shoulders straightening. “I was thinking we could go to dinner instead, if that’s all right with you?”
“Dinner sounds wonderful.” When I get back to the house, I’ll have to bring my mother’s dresses to Madame Ella to see if she can alter any in time for the date. It seems such a silly, senseless thing, but I’d hate to wear the same gown two dates in a row.
Trevor deserves his own dress.
Trevor tells us goodbye and makes his way further into the tea house to sit at a table all by himself.
Setting my teacup down, I try to read Ronan’s expression but come up short. “May I ask you something?”
He flashes me a blinding smile. “You can ask me anything.”
I could tell him there’s a bit of blueberry stuck between his front teeth, but that will depend on how he answers my next question. “Did you choose this tea house because you knew Trevor would be here?”
He glances away, his cheeks turning the slightest shade of pink that has nothing to do with the sun washing over us. “I didn’tnotchoose it for that reason.”
That’s what I thought. “I am not a prize to be won, Ronan.” I am a woman who deserves to make up her own mind.
He sits up, his hands finding mine. “But you are, Kerris. And if I must fight dirty for your proposal, I will.”
I’m not sure whether to be flattered or appalled.
Perhaps a bit of both.
But since I do not approve of his underhandedness, I don’t tell him about the blueberry.
* * *
After tea, Ronan makes a quick trip to the privy. When he returns, the berry has been removed from between his teeth.
He doesn’t mention it, and neither do I.