and far between. Perhaps his family simply said he had died so they could be spared this marriage, and he instead married
another royal from another kingdom.
My mind soon wandered as Lord Cole’s face popped up. He was handsome, striking even, and I wondered if he would be
in attendance tomorrow. He was here, after all and seemed to be of good standing. Not to mention, very easy on the eyes.
Smiling a little at that thought, I was grateful when Mother shooed me away and I headed back to my rooms. My mind was
lost in the clouds with the possibilities of speaking with Lord Cole once again. The flower he’d gifted me sat beautifully in a
single steamed vase on my vanity. I, of course, told everyone a little girl had gifted it to me to avoid questions.
A s the sunset beautifully, against a backdrop of orange, yellows, and lovely shades of pink, I leaned over my balcony’s
stoned ledge, holding a glass of wine as I took in the view.
Still, the preparations for my brother’s wedding were going ahead. Many of the castle staff made their way through the
courtyard, carrying boxes, tall plant pots filled with white roses, and other things that were needed for the celebrations.
I had spent the last hour writing my letters and was happy no one summoned me. Or that Talia hadn’t shown up to berate me
into telling her about my conversation with Mother.
Kathlyn had been and gone. I was already dressed for bed in a cotton white dress that grazed my ankles, and a sheer pink
wrap that kept the spring chill at bay. I was set for the night and did not wish to be disturbed until morning.
Once morning arrived, it would mean my duties were to start. I continued to think about what my shadow man had said. I
already knew his name, and I couldn’t put my finger on who it could be. I knew everyone at court, but then again, many kept
their secrets and didn’t always show their true nature at court. Which meant it could be anyone.
“Your highness, I have readied your bed. If I may…”
One of my lady’s maids was still in my chambers, preparing my room ready to sleep, and part of me wished I didn’t need
her. That I could take care of myself, and yet, it gave her life purpose, which saddened me. Once I ran my own household, I
would make sure all the maids and staff of my home were paid a fair wage, were given freedom, and enjoyed working.
“Yes, thank you, Lea, it is appreciated. You may be excused, and I will see you tomorrow.”
I didn’t look to see when she left, which was rude of me, but I was exhausted from talking to people today. My mouth hurt
from keeping that ‘princess smile’ on. Even during my lessons, I always had to be dignified and appropriate. In my bedroom
and when I wandered into the woods, I felt more like myself.
“Do you like it here, my princess?”
Turning around swiftly, my heart fluttered as a voice almost growling, whispered in my ear. Where did the voice come
from? Looking around frantically, I couldn’t see anyone else standing on the balcony, it was just me.
“Where are you?” I asked, hoping it was just the man I had not been able to stop thinking about.