Chapter 12
I arrived at my bedchamber to find Runa waiting with a bath already drawn. She had come to help me dress for my impending dinner with the king.
Butterflies swarmed my stomach at the thought of navigating an evening with unfamiliar mortal nobility. Every movement I made would be scrutinized. Every word would be weighed. I would have to give my most believable performance yet.
But if there was anything Doran had taught me, it was that the remedy for worry was preparation. So, in the bath, I silently practiced my response to every question I could think of, no matter how unlikely or absurd.
Heat had long abandoned the water by the time I was satisfied that Alara Veradis was ready to make her debut.
After my bath, Runa presented me with a gown. “I thought this one would bring out your eyes,” she said with pride.
The turquoise gown, crafted from fine silk, was exquisite. Delicate silver threads of embroidery accented its surface, weaving swirling patterns of vines that shimmered like moonlight dancing over a lagoon.
After she helped me dress, she fashioned my hair into an elaborate updo, leaving a few soft waves to frame my face. She completed the look with a filigree necklace that looked like an unblinking blue eye, caught in a web of gold.
I was taken-aback when I looked into the mirror.
Runa clearly had a talent for these things, and she’d been right about the turquoise—it brought out my eyes, making them appear more green than gray.
The fitted silhouette of the gown flattered my body, but it was a shame I could barely breathe.
The entire concept of a bodice was barbaric and I cursed whoever had tricked mortal females into believing it was fashion.
A knock on the door transformed the butterflies in my stomach into angry wasps.
It was time to go.
I was greeted by a servant who had come to escort me to dinner. It was a blessing because, even after my tour, there was no way I could navigate the castle alone.
Willing my shoulders to relax and my hands to stop shaking, I stepped into the hallway with my head held high. For the final time, I ran through the plan in my head.
Tonight, I would have to play a role. Around these people, I would be dazzling, but not draw too much attention. I would be personable, but maintain an air of mystery to intrigue and fascinate. I would be humble, but comfortable with partaking in lavish social events.
I banished the tension from my body with a deep breath and a slow roll of my shoulders. “Could we go via the entrance hall?” I asked the waiting servant.
He looked surprised, but he didn’t protest. Wordlessly, he led us through the labyrinth of vaguely-familiar halls, corridors and staircases.
“Here you are, Miss,” he declared as we arrived at the bustling entrance hall.
Almost instantly, I sensed a commotion out of the corner of my eye. I turned my head to investigate and was nearly bowled over by a figure bounding towards me.
“Ulf!” The glee in my voice was genuine, despite the fact that he pawed at my beautiful new gown.
“It seems as though you have already been acquainted?” an amused voice said. Prince Tarben was flanked by the remaining royal dogs, who appeared equally as excited to see me. My gamble had paid off.
“We are old friends, Your Highness,” I said, scratching each dog behind its long ears and making no move to bow to the prince. It was a risk not to fawn over him, but my instincts told me he was not the type to demand social graces.
“You seem to have made a lasting impression.” He chuckled as one of the dogs whined, seeking my attention.
“The feeling is mutual.” I smiled, enjoying the warm feel of their fur. I straightened and turned to face the prince.
My breath hitched at the sight of him. Dressed in midnight-blue finery, he looked devastating. He was certainly more alluring than I had anticipated.
“They wasted no time in greeting you. I thought it might be their way of facilitating an introduction to a beautiful woman.”
I tilted my head ever-so-slightly. “Doesn’t Your Highness have somewhere to be?”
His lips twitched. “I could ask the same of you, Miss Alara,” he countered.
“You’re right, I had better get to my next engagement.
I would hate to be late,” I said pointedly as I searched for the servant who had accompanied me to the entrance hall.
He had remained in the exact same position, seemingly unable to move a muscle until he was summoned. “If you’ll excuse me, Your Highness—”
“Why don’t I escort you? Seeing as we have the same engagement we would both hate to be late for?” His tone was casual, but his eyes held a question, as if he thought I might say no. A laughable notion.
“An escort from the prince would be the highest of honors,” I said, a playful note in my voice.
His answering grin hinted at mischief and secret laughter. “Not as high as escorting the guest of honor.”
A smile tugged at my lips. “A position I’m not sure I have earned, but I would be happy for the escort all the same.”
He instructed the dormant servant to take the dogs back to the kennels, then offered me the crook of his arm. I accepted, appreciating his scent—pine needles and leather.
“Have you been enjoying your time at the castle, Miss Alara?”
“Just Alara, Your Highness. Yes, I’ve had a pleasant time exploring the castle. I was especially impressed by the hedge maze.”
“Very well, Alara.” I liked the way my name sounded on his lips. “But only if you call me Tarben.”
“Very well, Tarben.” I did my best to imitate the way he’d emphasized my name.
His answering grin was infectious. He likes to play. Good thing I could play too.
“Did you dare to brave the hedge maze?” he asked as we made our way down a long hallway, passing a servant who immediately bowed to Tarben.
I hummed in amusement. “I’m afraid that if I attempted it, I might still be in there.”
“I don’t blame you. We’ve lost many good men to the maze. Some say their spirits still wander the pathways,” said Tarben with mock solemnity.
I raised an eyebrow. “Is that so? Perhaps they were lacking a good woman to keep them on the right path.”
“It almost sounds as if you’re volunteering yourself.” He smirked.
I had walked straight into that. “I’d never say never. Not for the right incentive.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” he said with a glint in his eye. “Has that been your favorite thing about Cliffcrest Castle?”
I pretended to think for a moment. “The castle is magnificent. Breathtaking views, and the gardens are certainly impressive. But its occupants have proven to be the most delightful thing I’ve encountered. I was especially taken by one dashing young resident.”
Was it my imagination or did his smile falter slightly?
“I believe you know him,” I continued. “He was in the entrance hall only minutes ago. He’s a bit rough around the edges and is very demanding when it comes to ear scratches, but he’s stolen my heart nevertheless.”
The sound of his laughter rang down the corridor. “Well, if that’s how you feel, we must make arrangements for you to become better acquainted. I often find myself on long walks with him and would be happy to facilitate future encounters between you. I’d be there too, to chaperone, of course.”
“Of course, I understand.” I nodded with severity, trying to suppress my smirk.
We arrived at a polished wooden door. His smile was infectious as he held it open for me. “I look forward to it.”
Over a dozen curious faces turned towards me as I entered the private dining room, followed by the prince. Some brazenly stared at us, while others averted their gazes and began whispering to each other.
A servant armed with a tray of beverages appeared to offer us red wine, which I happily accepted.
Then we were approached by the spider, Lord Helvig.
Ingrid had mentioned that he was the king’s royal adviser, so it couldn’t hurt to get in his good graces.
I took a sip of my wine—I had a feeling I was going to need it.
Helvig bowed to Tarben, then acknowledged me with a slight tilt of his head and a brisk, “Good evening, Miss Alara.”
As far as greetings went, his left a lot to be desired. Still, I mustered up a shy smile in return. Here we go. “Lord Helvig, it’s lovely to see you again,” I said in a timid voice that I barely recognized.
“You’re a vision this evening,” he said, some of his initial iciness melting away.
In response, I lowered my chin and averted my gaze.
My instincts told me modesty was the best approach with this man.
He likely thought females were meant to be demure and submissive.
It pained me to put on such a ridiculous display, but, if it would help me blend in, it needed to be done.
Satisfied with my performance, Lord Helvig began speaking about an upcoming hunt. I was only half-listening. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a young woman approaching.
She looked to be around my age with a petite figure, bronze skin and shiny brown hair that was braided away from her face to reveal large chestnut eyes and perfectly plump lips. She wore a citrine gown that clung to her beautiful, shapely figure. There was no denying it, she was gorgeous.
She moved gracefully and confidently towards us. “Miss Alara, please meet Lady Oriane,” said Lord Helvig. “Lady Oriane is an esteemed member of Court and a longtime friend of the royal family.”
“How do you do?” she said with a perfect curtsy and a beatific smile.
“It’s lovely to meet you, Lady Oriane,” I said with a fake smile and a curtsy. I wasn’t fond of the fact that Tarben had a longtime friend who looked like that. I needed to assess if this woman was a threat, beginning with flattery. “Your gown is breathtaking.”
She released a breathy laugh. “You are adorable. Where did they find you?” she asked, directing her attention towards Tarben. The way she batted her eyelashes at him did not escape my notice. She wants the prince, how predictable.