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CHAPTER 5

S O MUCH FOR A private conversation.

Marcoin, one of Cosme’s closest advisors, approached Lux and me out on the terrace. “Princess.” Marcoin bowed so low his beard almost touched the stone floor.

“Is something the matter, Don Marcoin?” I asked.

“No, dear Princess. Your brother requests an audience with you.”

My brother must have seen us exit. I flashed Lux an apologetic smile. Lux nodded in understanding, cheeks dimpling. I reached for his hand but stopped short. Marcoin would tell Papá about my impropriety, yet again.

“Prince Lux,” I released every bit of my sentiment into my tone, “will you honor me with your presence? Tomorrow, before you return to Pedroz.” I would declare my love before fulfilling my oath. It was my last chance.

“As you wish, Princess.” He tipped his head.

I whipped my crimson train behind me and followed Marcoin into the palace, peeking through the windows at Lux. His gaze settled on the palace walls, a brooding expression furrowing on his brow. What ran through his head? At least he was not running to Her Haughtiness, Princess Alexa. Even thinking her name set my blood churning.

We crossed the threshold into the hall. Dancers clapped in rhythm and twirled their partners. Courtiers in bright velvets and silks from every province prattled in tight circles. Marcoin greeted and maneuvered his way past the dancers while I teetered behind him. Pain shot through my pinched feet, and I held my breath, giving curt nods to various suitors. All the formalities tired me to the bone. Play your role tonight . When we reached the opposite side of the room, Marcoin bowed to my brother.

Cosme brushed his lips against my cheek in greeting and stepped back, wearing his version of an engaging smile. “Dear sister, I’d like you to meet my friend, Sir Lucas.”

Sir Lucas, a taller gentleman, drew in a long breath and bowed. Sandy hair flopped over his forehead. I had danced with him earlier but chose not to converse. He looked like every other suitor with a grin and a styled mustache.

“Princess, it’s so good to see you again,” Sir Lucas said.

“The pleasure is all mine.” I stretched a practiced smile from cheek to cheek and addressed my brother. “What urgent matter do you wish to discuss?”

“Nothing of a serious nature.” Cosme sipped a ruby liquid and waved a hand in the air, levitating another flute from a server’s platter into my hands.

There he went again, exhibiting his gift. I sniffed the liquid and recoiled—the pungent stench of spirits repulsed me. Must he look so smug after interrupting my time with Lux? Cosme met my fury with a playful raise of his eyebrow and darted a meaningful glance at his friend. I squeezed my glass, knowing I needed to bide my time and be amiable, as Mamá liked to say.

So I turned to Sir Lucas, who downed a fizzy, orange drink. “How do you know my brother?”

“Prince Cosme and I spar. He has quite the jab. But don’t worry, Princess, I make him work hard for a win.”

I wasn’t worried. Lucas fidgeted his hands and blinked. A nervous tic, perhaps? Be kind, Beatriz. This man has nothing to do with Cosme’s scheming .

I said the first thing that came to mind. “What gifting do you possess?”

“I cast wards.”

“Like warding spells to keep the Himzos out of Giddel?”

My brother cut in. “Yes, you shouldsee him cast one some time. It’s quite the spectacle.”

Sir Lucas gave an embarrassed smile. “It’s nothing special, Princess. Mostly, I replace wards that have gone missing.”

I glanced at my brother, who nodded and took a gulp from his flute. Unease burned in my stomach. These wards protected all the kingdoms around the Agata Sea from invasions. “I didn’t know wards could go missing.”

“Yes, wards diminish after a time. As of late, there have been many that have gone missing. It means our enemy is scheming for our land again.” He must have seen my agitation because he amended, “So long as I’m around to replace them, our kingdom is safe.”

“Brother, did you know about this? No one has told me anything.” I tried to conceal the hard edge of my voice. Another reminder about how useless I am.

Cosme levitated another glass from a server’s tray two arm spans away. “Yes, I did. You already have a lot to consider. We didn’t want to worry you. Take heart, I will be out to sea tomorrow, investigating.”

“That reminds me.” I examined his polished leather shoes and white stockings, such a contrast to his appearance earlier. “Where had you been this morning before the garden party?”

He clicked his tongue and shook his head. “Papá forbids me to share Dotado business.”

Of course, I’m not privy to important information.

The air in the room grew stifling, and I plopped my glass on a passing servant’s tray. “I’m feeling indisposed. Brother, could you escort me to my room?”

Cosme grinned with a spark in his deep, brown eyes. “I would, but I need to speak to Don Marcoin. I’m sure Sir Lucas will be happy to take you.”

Screaming was not an option. I looped my arm through the crook of Sir Lucas’s elbow. My hands balled into fists, nails jabbing into my palms. Heads turned as we strolled past insipid suitors and their mothers. I assumed they thought I had chosen a suitor. Angry tears formed behind my eyelids by the time we arrived at the foot of the royal staircase.

I stopped and pulled away from Sir Lucas. “Thank you for accompanying me, but I can walk myself from here.”

“Are you sure?”

He must have noticed how I did, in fact, need his assistance. A blister had formed on my little toe. I wasn’t sure if I could make it up the two flights of stairs and keep my dignity.

A servant passed, and I called, “Hello there! Retrieve Laude for me.” I turned back toward Sir Lucas and ground out, “You are all kindness. Laude will be here shortly.”

Sir Lucas stood by my side while I waited. His boot tapped the marble floor, filling my ears with an uneven beat.

“Will you be staying the week?” I asked.

“Yes, I will. I hope to spend more time with you, Princess.”

My eyes widened. I knew he was in the running, but hearing him say it wrung my insides.

Laude’s frizzy hair peeked out the servant’s door, and tension seeped out my muscles. “Look, there’s Laude,” I said.

She scampered toward me, wiping her palms on her apron. When she saw Sir Lucas, her jaw dropped, and she maintained a dreamy-eyed stare while striding toward me. Lucas twiddled his fingers and blinked even more.

I tried to shoo him away with a dismissive wave, but he didn’t budge. “Laude, could you escort me to my room?”

“Of course, your Highness.” She came alongside, and I linked arms with her. When I leaned heavily, she wrapped her arm around my waist instead. Lucas meant nothing to me, so why did this embarrass me? We reached the top of the steps.

Laude dashed a glance at Sir Lucas again. “He’s awfully cute. Are you going to choose him?”

I pursed my lips. “Just help me to my quarters, and please stop staring.”