Page 33 of Tricky Princess

“I could have,” he grumbled. “If someone hadn’t magicked the room against it.”

Ellea smirked at him, and he glared back. It had actually worked. Every morning before Duhne arrived, she had been practicing summoning, creating, and even sword work, using a light sword she had created with her magic. All of that didn’t include what Azzy was also teaching her at their designated tea times or before dinner. The barrier spell was new and had been a bit harder to master.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Right,” he said, crossing his arms. He gestured toward the door. “Your Highness.”

Ellea rolled her eyes. “I’ll see you boys tomorrow.”

“No, you won’t,” Duhne said angrily. “Mythis, I would have expected better of you.”

Ellea looked back at the general, who was now pale. Kas and Midgy had their heads bowed, shuffling cards and trying to look invisible.

Ellea pursed her lips. “It was only a bit of cards.”

He didn’t answer, only forced her to walk ahead of him.

“How’d you find me?” She crossed her arms over her chest and didn’t bother to hide her pout.

“After we lost you yesterday, I had you followed without you knowing about it. Mythis I don’t mind; I don’t trust the other two.”

“I was fine.” She stopped to glare up at him. “I took care of it the first time.”

“What do you mean ‘took care of it?’” He paled. “If anything happens to you, my uncle will string me up by my balls.”

She hid her smile at the vision. “They got mad. I kept winning, and they tried to jump me.” Duhne dramatically brought his hand to his chest. “It was fine, I had it handled. I stabbed Midgy in the leg and was this close to slicing Kas’ neck. They haven’t tried anything after that.”

“Ellea,” he said, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“It was fine, easier than the demon that tried jumping me in the hall.”

Duhne looked like he was about to be sick. “I’m going to have to tell my uncle about this.”

“I’m sure Daddy Azzy already knows,” she said with a wave of her hand.

“What? You know what, never mind. Let’s go. You have a dinner to get ready for, and it’s not just going to be Azzy,” he said with a disgusted shiver.

“What?” It was her turn to look shocked.

“Some of the courts and kings are tired of my uncle keeping you hidden. So, we are having a full banquet tonight. Dancing, debauchery, everything.”

Ellea found it hard to swallow. This must be why Azzy had been working with her on so many non-magical skills.

“I need Florence,” she said, quickly walking down the hall.

“She is already in your room and would like to know how you snuck past the wards.”

“Is she mad too?”

“No, she wants to know how so she can figure it out.”

Ellea hid her smile. Of course, she would want to know.

Duhne threw Ellea’s doors open and then threw himself on a chaise, grabbing one of the romance novels from the small table next to it.

“Finally,” Florence said, rushing out of Ellea’s bedroom. “Oh my Gods, you smell like a tavern.”

Ellea sniffed her arm and didn’t smell anything. “Wait, you have taverns?”