Page 31 of Glass Hearts

It’s easy to be tempted into getting lost in the handsome prince’s affections.

All three for the past week have been showering me with kisses, gifts, and sweet dates to Harsekeep.

At first, I was a little hesitant to show them my world.

My worries subsided after a few visits. How special could it be if they could see the beauty I see?

See how special the community is? Maybe they can make a difference to my people.

I still think I am just a fun distraction for them, because at the end of the day, they still have to court the other women.

They will sneak heated glances my way and steal kisses in dark corners.

But I am still the taboo secret. Maybe that’s why it is fun for them—even at the expense of my heart.

If I have learned anything from my time as The Shadow, it’s that you can’t trust the fanciful words of men.

Yet—I would be lying to myself in thinking that I am not falling for the handsome Princes.

“Arabelly! We were snooping in the council’s quarters; there is something a little fishy about a few of the councilmen. One of them sneaks off into the darkness. Too fast for us to catch.” Bert says as I scoop him up.

“Is it the one councilman… I think his name is Hendrickson, who you catch frequently staring at me?”

“I think so. I don’t like that look in his eyes, Arabelly. He looks like he wants to hurt you.”

“Yes. I am worried as to why I have caught his eye. He hasn’t approached me or anything. I guess we will have to keep monitoring him.”

Kip is currently eating granola bar crumbs.

“Anything else of note, boys?”

“The icy wind prince is obsessed with you,” Kip adds.

“Ha, I don’t think so, Kip.”

“No, really, Arabelly! I know you think he is sleeping with that blonde court lady, but they only seem to have kissed that once. He goes to the library every evening. Not sure why he is lying to the other princes that he is out sleeping with ladies. Seems silly. Either you have a doppelganger in the castle, or he thinks you’re pretty.

He is always drawing you. And I think I always spot your old bandana in his pocket. ”

Could Archer really be into me? But then why does he treat me with so much hatred?

Grayer has imagined ideas that they would all be mine. But I can’t quite buy it.

Today is a reprieve from all the courting events.

Most of the staff, including me, get the day off.

Many of the workers and castle folk are heading into town, which leaves the castle quite quiet.

While I was grabbing breakfast, I overheard my stepfamily would be leaving the castle for a bit, too.

A small respite from them. I had been avoiding Bernice since her slap and unkind words.

Koi and Grayer were quite upset when Sylas told them about the slap.

It wasn’t the worst of her offences towards me, but I don’t need to mention that.

It did have them respecting my request to put more distance from me when my stepfamily is around to avoid any future confrontations.

Another reason why I can’t seem to stay mad at them keeping me a secret. Denial has been my new friend lately.

“Enjoy the well-deserved day off, boys.” I plop more snacks on the desk for my friends.

“Thanks, Arabelly! Stay safe, and have fun!”

A knock on the door sounds before I can even open it. I drop my bag in surprise as I see who is on the other side.

Elora squeals and takes me into a big hug, Bri at her side, holding two coffees, grinning ear to ear.

“Ella!”

We hug so tightly, her embrace feeling like home. We are both crying when Bri interjects.

“Sheesh, you ladies are going to shake the whole castle with your screeching and crying.”

“Replacing me with this peach, Ella?” Lo winks and throws her arm over Bri’s shoulder as if they had always been besties. But that is Lo, she has a way to make everyone melt in her presence.

“Never, though Bri makes a mean coffee compared to the soupy bean water you make.”

Lo throws her head back with her throaty laugh. Bri hands me the other prepared coffee in her hand.

“What are you doing here, friend? How did you get in?” Both enter my room as we close the door. Lo turns to Kip and Bert, scratching the tops of their tiny heads.

“Hey, boys! Thank you for taking care of my girl.” She goes into her pocket, removing another set of tiny clothes, this time little pyjamas.

Instantly, they look to me to help them put it on.

Lo turns back to me. “I was going to sneak into the castle. But rules and all that. So that’s when I pushed to get hired as a seamstress.

I almost didn’t get it, because apparently that isn’t an actual role in the castle.

Which is silly, with all the fancy dresses and whatnot.

But I digress—before I was turned away, Prince Sylas walked up and asked if I was the infamous ‘Lo’ that his girl loves.

Girl, we have SO much to catch up on, it seems.”

“You don’t know the half of it, Elora,” Bri interjects, snickering into her coffee.

“Oh! Maybe we can have a sleepover girls’ night! Like old times.”

We haven’t had a sleepover since we were young girls, but knowing my sweet friend, it’s her way to catch up with me while also including my new friend, Bri.

“I think that is a splendid idea! I will ask one of the princes if we can use my first room.”

“I am surprised you aren’t in one of the hot princes’ rooms.” Lo wiggles her eyebrows.

Bri laughs as she loops her arm through Lo’s.

“Anyway, I still need to show Elora around the castle and which room she will use.”

“Just call me Lo, Bri. Let’s go check out my new home for a while.” Lo gives me one more big hug, before looping her arms again in Bri’s. “See you later, Ella!”

I grab my coffee and get back to exploring the castle during my day off. One of my primary goals is to find that infamous library once more. Of course, I got lost a few times, needing to ask spiders for directions to the library.

I open the ornate doors to the quiet library, instantly feeling comforted by the smell of books, ink, and dust. I may be looking for the third installment of The Duchess and the Rake, but I am also looking for a book on the history of the Isles.

My knowledge is a bit limited, but something feels off about the council and their involvement with the princes.

Selfishly, I also want to see if there is a way I can make them mine.

Before I can reach the history section, I spot Winona curled up on one of the old leather couches, a book on the ‘The history of Villiany’ in her hands and a blanket covering her legs.

“Arabella!” She closes her book and shoots up into a sitting position. “Please come sit with me; I need to apologize.”

“For tricking me into going on a surprise date?” I questioned with a smirk, joining her on the worn-in couch. Her face falls a bit, looking remorseful.

She cornered me during one of my shifts, begging me to help her get medicine for her cramps, saying the castle was out. I was more than happy to help her, but I also saw it as an opportunity to get out of the castle since she said she was going to set up a distraction for the princes.

“Your prince was very insistent on this plan. Plus, I could only hear so much about you from him. No offence—that man is obsessed.”

At first, I was jealous of his relationship with Winona, but hearing how Grayer still only had me in mind warmed my heart.

“Honestly, no worries, Winona, I am not upset at all. It ended up being one of my favourite nights. I am curious, and you can tell me to shove it… But why are you here if you didn’t want to get married either? Grayer had mentioned that you both bonded in being forced to be married.”

“It’s.. a long story. Involves an overbearing father unhappy that I am powerless, and a poor decision I made involving an enchanted apple. I am just buying my time until I can find a way to escape his clutches.”

I lay back into the couch. “I completely understand the feeling of wanting to escape the claws of people looking to control you. It’s a hopeless feeling.

If there is any way we can help, let me know,” I offer; the girl looks like she needs a friend.

I have noticed how she avoids the other ladies at court. She smiles at me.

“We? I suppose the Princes may be able to help with all their power… though I may need you to help me convince them.”

“Bah, that will be easy. But my friend Lo could probably help you, too, maybe. Her magic work is mostly in making clothing items… maybe there is something she could do.” Then I get a brilliant idea.

“Why don’t you join us for a sleepover tomorrow night?

I know we are grown-ass women, but it will be with me, Bri, and Lo.

If you don’t mind hanging with the help. ”

“You ladies sound like a much better time than hanging with the power-hungry leeches. I will be there.”

“Excellent! I will let you get back to your book. I will send you more details later.”

I wave goodbye to Winona and head to the history section.

This corner of the library is a bit darker, only a few sconces light it, and dust coats the bookshelves.

As I am perusing the books, I feel the heavy weight of eyes on me.

That’s when I spot the white-haired prince looking directly at me from a small leather chair in the corner with his eyebrow raised, ankle over his knee.

He is wearing glasses. I didn’t know the prince needed them. Damn it, he looks so dang attractive.

“Oh! My apologies for disturbing you, Prince Archer.”

He waves me off, removing his glasses. He brings the stem to his lush lips, and I track the movement.