Chapter 2 #2
“Zara, I hear that you and your ladies maid went out to the woods alone. Again.” My father, King Jeffery, leans forward on his throne, looking every bit the supreme ruler he is.
He’s dressed in his “casual attire” which consists of an all-black brocaded doublet over a stark white pair of trousers.
He raises his thick eyebrows high over his hazel eyes as he appraises me.
His silver hair is tied neatly behind his head, and his matching salt-and-pepper beard is freshly trimmed.
His mere presence commands respect, and many have trembled beneath his stern gaze.
But not me. I should be nervous, but the glint of mischief in his eyes as he assesses me reveals his true feelings.
He’s amused.
A smirk plays on my lips, and I do a poor job of concealing it.
My father’s mouth twitches in response. “What were you two doing out there?”
I think about telling him the truth—that we were climbing to the peak of the tallest cliffs overlooking the entire forest, hoping to spot trolls and considering jumping into the river flowing along the ravine.
But the truth would get me locked in the south tower for the rest of my life.
“We were simply enjoying a stroll and took a wrong turn, Father.”
Alix stifles a laugh behind me, and I smile sweetly at my father, hoping he won’t pay any attention to my bodyguard. The king forms a tight line with his lips. He’s not a fool.
“Young lady, do you understand how important it is for Alix to accompany you wherever you decide to flit off to?” Elara pushes through the silent joke between my father and me.
My stepmother peers down her pointed nose at me, a thin eyebrow raised high enough it nearly touches her hairline.
“You never know what evils might be lurking out there.” She lowers her brow and relaxes back against the cushion of the throne.
She takes a handheld mirror from the skirts of her lacy black gown and smiles at her own reflection before slipping it back into her pocket.
Her long raven hair cascades around her delicate shoulders as she casually inspects her crimson-painted fingernails.
If she’s genuinely concerned about my safety, she has a peculiar way of showing it.
My smile instantly fades, and I gaze at her, waiting to see if there's anything else she wants to lecture me about. When I'm confident Elara’s done ranting, I nod and say, “Yes, ma’am, I understand. It won’t happen again.”
“Good. We wouldn’t want anything to happen to you, would we?” Elara stares at me and reaches out to grasp the king’s hand. “Besides, you’re about to become a bride. I’m sure the Prince of Lanray would be heartbroken if the marriage fell through before he even meets you.”
I press my lips together. I’m sure he’d really be broken up about it.
I lower my chin in a slight bow and turn to exit the room, dismissing myself.
“Zara?” My father calls.
I pivot back to face him. “Yes, sir?”
“Speaking of Lanray. The royal family will be joining us tomorrow evening for dinner.”
“Yes, so please be on your best behavior and make yourself presentable. You’re a princess, for goodness’ sake.
You look like a peasant.” Elara purses her plump lips as she drags her gaze down to my dirty tunic, disappointment sharpening her features.
“The prince will want nothing to do with you looking the way you do, and this marriage alliance is key to strengthen our courts. I trust you understand the importance of the union.”
I simply nod again and race from the throne room, Alix on my heels.
I ignore him for the entire walk to the south tower. As we approach the narrow, winding staircase leading to my rooms, I turn to him, pointing my finger at his face. “You could have warned me about the Prince of Lanray coming here tomorrow!”
He shrugs his large shoulders, his breast plate inching up with the movement. “I thought you knew.”
I huff and run up the stairs, taking them two at a time.
“I guess I’ll just…wait,” Alix calls to my back as I disappear into the tower.
I pace around my rooms in just my dressing gown, wringing my hands. I shouldn’t be so nervous. It’s only my future husband after all.
I sigh heavily, falling back onto the midnight blue comforter covering my bed and stare up at the ceiling onto a painted image of the night sky.
Each night, I drift off to sleep gazing at the constellations and dream of the world beyond Masseda.
Tonight, as I look upon the painted expanse of infinite silver stars, I wish I could float up to the ceiling and lose myself in the imaginary night sky.
Then I’d never have to come back down to accept my fate.
A knock sounds at my door, and before I can grant whoever it is permission to enter, Emlyn slips inside.
Her grin brightens her eyes as she trolls over to me and lies beside me on the comforter, gazing up at my painted ceiling.
“I used to be so envious of your celestial decorations. My ceiling is rather dull. I’m contemplating sprucing it up to cater to my more…
adult needs. Do you think your father would mind if I placed mirrors above my bed? ”
I burst out laughing. “Shameful!” I toss a pillow at her, and she chucks it back, sending us both into fits of laughter.
I catch my breath and sit up before pulling out the note from its hiding place in my tunic sleeve.
I hold it up and wave it in front of her face. “Speaking of, look what I’ve got.”
She reaches for the note, and I snatch my hand quickly away. She frowns and plops back down on the bed. “Well, go on then. Where’s the party tonight?”
“Let’s see.” I unfold the parchment as slowly as possible, heightening the intrigue.
“Ugh! Hurry up and get on with it.”
I clear my throat dramatically. “My lady, please join the evening’s festivities in town at the ‘spot’.” I waggle my eyebrows at the last word. “I guess we should get dressed.”
She puckers her brow. “Do you think it’s a good idea to go tonight? After being scolded for our exploits this afternoon?”
“Probably not. But since when have I ever been worried about getting into trouble?” I climb off the bed and stroll into my closet.
Emlyn’s voice carries from the bed. “I can’t stop thinking about what happened in the Woodlands. I mentioned it to Alix—”
I poke my head out from the closet door. “You, what? Why would you say anything to Alix? He’s only going to be even more on guard.” I rest my forehead in my hand, massaging it with my fingers.
She falls back onto the comforter, covering her face with her arms. “I know! I’m sorry, but it really scared me.”
I traipse toward her and perch on the edge of the bed. “What did he say?”
Her voice is muffled by the weight of her arms. “He said we were crazy to be out there. He also mentioned that Byron issued a warning to the guard to stay out of the Woodlands.” She lowers her arms and turns her head to face me. “I haven’t heard anything like that around court. Have you?”
“Why would Byron warn the guard and not the court?” I muse, more to myself than to Emlyn.
I look down at her. Her amber eyes are filled with unease, and I smile at her.
“I’m sure it’s just Byron and Alix being overly cautious.
The Woodlands have always been somewhat unsafe—I mean, trolls can be vicious.
” I take her hand and give it a squeeze.
“Besides, we aren’t going to the Woodlands tonight. ”