IANN
Deean sucks up a snore as he rushes into a sitting position, surprised I hit him with one of the extra fluffy pillows on the bed.
“Sleep well?” I let my full irritation ring as I rest my back against the headboard.
He rubs at droopy eyes before raising both arms and arching his back. The stretch sends a tremble down his body. “Not half bad. I prefer my own bed, but this one is decent. Better than the workers’ quarters, I imagine.”
“Why imagine when you can test the theory and try out the workers’ quarters tonight, disrupt their sleep for a bit.” He waves off my suggestion and makes his way into the bath chamber.
“You think it might be suspicious to have the servants draw two baths?” he calls from the other room.
“What’s the point? We are about to hunt. You’re destined to end up filthy, anyway.” I smother the last of my words as my hand glides down my face.
He replies but his words become distant mumbles as I stop listening. My fingers ebb at a headache that is slowlyintensifying. Between getting very little sleep—thanks to Deean’s endless snoring—and today’s early hunt, my mind is a feeding ground for restless thoughts.
At last night’s dinner, Queen Cayleen insisted Marcel and I join her and other notable advisors for an early morning fox hunt.
If we were in my kingdom, I would have certainly told her no. While hunting treasure intrigues me, animals not so much, they make for better companions than trophies. I also think it strange that the Queen, who is so interested in the creatures, would suggest such a sport.
But not wanting to be perceived as rude, we both agreed to participate. Though, I suspect Marcel was happy to say yes. Hunting is not new to him and happens to be one of his favorite activities back in Saden.
A sudden knock at the door eases my hands away from my temples.
Deean comes back into the room as he makes sure his fake beard is secured tight. “Who the bloody hell is knocking this early in the morning?”
At the door he lets in Esha, whom I’m more than happy to see. “Please tell me you’ve come to take over for this imposter.”
Esha offers a bow. “Indeed. I thought Your Highnesses might need some help this morning.”
Deean smacks Esha on the back. “Great thinking. I’m about ready, but Iann can use the help.”
I roll my eyes and they get lost somewhere in the back of my head. I knew Deean wasn’t actually going to be of any use and replacing Esha was a folly on my part.
When I’m done dressing, Deann steps back to examine my outfit. “I’m a bit dubious of our royal host. I can spot a woman scorned anywhere, and Queen Cayleen has been burnedmultiple times. But I’ll give it to her, she can put together one hell of an outfit. You think she has some extra for me?”
My trousers are the color of fresh sage and surprisingly, fit perfectly. Not too constricting or baggy. The beige shirt, which reminds me of the Saden sands that fill our shores, matches well with the dark russet coat, and the fur lining on the inside keeps me at a perfect temperature. It’s a carefully considered outfit.
Once ready, Deean—or rather, Eli—and I make our way to one of the many courtyards, while Esha finds his way back to the workers’ quarters.
“Good morning, Your Highness.” A voice, bold yet tender, rings out from around the corner. Dark ringlets spill before me as Ariah offers a bow. There is a sudden, but subtle, urge to wrap one of her curls around my fingertips, but I rid myself of the thought knowing it would not only be inappropriate, but also weird. “I hope you and Prince Marcel are pleased with your outfits. Queen Cayleen charged me with picking them out.”
“You’re responsible for this?” I straighten the coat, all too aware of her staring.
Her eyebrows bridge upwards and I can’t tell if she’s offended or waiting for a compliment. “It’s okay if you don’t like it.” There is something telling me it isn’t okay if I don’t and that makes me smile.
“I asked people you are traveling with about any styles and specific customs when it came to hunting in Saden.” She leans in close. The scent of amber floats between us. “They told me to take extra care when it came to your brother’s selection. They said you wouldn’t fuss too much.”
“Prince Iann, was admiring it all morning,” Deean interrupts.
“Everything is perfect,” I follow up before Deean can carry on, and I watch the worry melt from her face. “And you asked the right people. Marcel will certainly make a fuss if he doesn’t get what he wants.”
Deean mumbles something inaudible behind me just as a trumpet sounds from the courtyard.
We gather with the rest of the group in the center as Queen Cayleen makes her way to us. As usual, she carries a fox in one arm, draped over a tawny long-sleeve of her dress, and behind her are a few of her ladies-in-waiting and two hounds.
“Good morning, all,” the Queen calls as she walks to the center of the group. Her smile is a rarity. She held one upon our arrival but it felt forced. Today she seems eager for the hunt. She looks as though pure excitement courses through her veins. “As you all know, we have the pleasure of being in the presence of not one, but two of Saden’s royal princes. During their stay it is everyone’s duty to show them the best of Haymel. And what better way to showcase this kingdom than with our customary fox hunt.” The crowd claps as she spins to Marcel and me.
“If you haven’t guessed by now, foxes are my favorite creatures.” That much I knew about her. She is always carrying one in her arms as if it were a cat or puppy. I wonder if it serves as a type of service animal to her. Something that provides her comfort and security. Marcel and I still haven’t gifted her the golden fox yet, but I know she’ll be pleased with it.
