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“You are my favorite sister… now.”

At that, I grin around a forkful of cake. The minty filling between layers of chocolate sponge is divine. “Your birthday was rather ruined.”

“Your gifts were the highlight.”

I wouldn’t think the cushion for a crown he may not wear would bring him much joy at this point unless he’s so confident in winning.

“Your refusal meant a lot to me.”

Oh, that gift. “Of course. We’ve all always known the throne would be yours. This entire mess is absurd.”

“Absurd indeed, but it’s going to happen. And you do have to participate.”

“Rylan, I don’t want it. I don’t want the pressure of uniting the kingdoms; I don’t want the anxiety against the idea of uniting the kingdoms; I don’t want to take the crown from you.”

“Thank you, but if you don’t participate, there will always be discord over whether you would have won. Also, Marcus and Nina will no doubt team up against me. I could use your help.”

I shake my head as I shovel more cake into my mouth. “Can I help by reasoning with them?” I swallow my cake after that glorious example of why I should be no one’s queen. “If we have to go along with this, perhaps the three of us can just let you win.”

“I do not need you to let me win.”

“Well, I don’t like the idea of waging a war against the twins.”

He sighs and leans an elbow on the back of the sofa. “You may want to wait a while before negotiating a peace treaty. Things got a little… heated after you left.”

Rylan tells me the story as I eat my cake. Nina’s questions took the turn of assuming she’d win which aggravated Ry beyond the limits of his grounded patience. The vision of garlands ensnaring Nina as our parents and grandparents tried to stop their fight is much too funny for me to keep being solemn. I almost wish I had stayed for that part.

“When she torched the branchlets, which I admittedly should not have shackled her with, the tablecloth caught fire,” Ry says. “Marcus dowsed the flames. The dining room is a bit of a disaster.”

“But you saved the cake.” Laughter rocks my shoulders. Of course, Nina would never be angry enough to destroy the cake.

“You’re welcome.”

Laughing with Ry after all that is as surprising as the announcement was. The outlook for the two of us may be all right, but the trials—and getting past the twins—are far from over.

I wonder if my note has arrived. That’ll give me something to look forward to in the morning.

Chapter four

Glittery dewdrops outline spiderwebs in the sunshine. The world smells new this time of year—fresh and damp and floral. I could go to the cabin we keep out here, but being outside is so much more calming. On a nearby hilltop, Mirador Palace overlooks these meadows and forests. From here, the entire capital city of Mirador defines regal serenity. No one would imagine the turmoil buzzing within the elegant main keep. I had to get out and clear my head before dealing with it all.

My horse whinnies as hoofbeats thud toward us. A brown mare stops where mine is tied to a tree before the rider dismounts. As he secures the horse, I say, “I was beginning to wonder if you’d come.”

“Who am I to disregard a summons from the Princess?” Tomas gives me an exaggerated bow, his dark hair falling across his brow.

I return his greeting with a graceful curtsy. “Your loyalty to the crown is a testament to your house, my lord.”

He approaches me with slow, measured steps, his gaze never straying from my face. “You look lovely with your hair loose, Your Grace.”

“I like to feel the breeze blow through it.”

“You could have a breeze blow through it whenever you like.”

I squeeze my hands together to keep from fidgeting with the ends of my long curls. Or worse—reaching out for him. “It’s different when it’s natural. I like to let the wind be free.”

“Oh, you don’t always need to be in control?”

Flutters low in my stomach threaten to make me squirm, but I hold still. “Giving up control in some situations can be rather… liberating.”