Prior to learning my true identity, I’d had free rein on who I’d been involved with or had romantic encounters with. Now, I had to choose someonesuitableto court or marry. Whateversuitableeven meant. But at least I could return to my job now that Timith was well. At least, I thought I could.
I cocked my head. “On another note, may I return to my employment at the Whiteolf Academic Library now that Timith’s been saved? I promise to keep my Imperial Warrior close by at all times.”
My mother’s smile grew strained. “Well, that would be highly unusual. No other princesses work.”
“But that doesn’t mean I can’t work, correct?”
She and my father shared another look.
My father gave me an appeasing smile. “Let’s just take things one step at a time, shall we?”
I raised my eyebrows. “Is that ano?”
My father and mother smiled, but it didn’t reach their eyes. Finally, my mother replied, “Being a librarian scholar would be a strange role for a princess.”
“But nobles have scholarly positions,” I retorted.
“Nobles are not royals,” my father replied.
In other words, it was ano. I would not be working as a librarian again. Possibly ever. Even though I’d spent my entire adult life working toward that dream.
If I hadn’t been sitting, I would have fallen to the floor.
“Besides, you have no need to work anymore.” My father smiled in an appeasing manner. “Everything you need will be provided for you, but I know you enjoy research, so you can always read anything you like from the library. We shall ask your former employer to grant that.”
“I see.” Never mind that it wasn’t just about reading. Ilikedworking. I liked contributing. My research had done just that, but I didn’t argue. It was late. I was tired, and I had the sudden overwhelming urge to cry. “I think I’ll retire for the night. If that’s all right?”
“Of course, darling!” My mother smiled brightly, and even though her voice sounded like Opalin’s and her magical flavor was identical, I’d never known my adopted aunt to say words such assuitableor ball, or to speak of tailors coming to my chambers to do fittings, or to tell me that there was no reason to be employed ever again.
And a part of me realized once more that I didn’t know them at all, not truly.
“Thank you for supper, and please pass on my gratitude to the kitchen staff.” I mumbled the words, then hurried from the room before either could reply.
I burst through the double doors into the hall, startling both guards in the process, and I was in such a hurry to get away that I didn’t watch where I was going, not until I ran right into the Imperial Warrior who’d been waiting for me.
CHAPTER TEN
Kole stopped me before my face fully collided with his chest. “Prim? What’s wrong?”
He practically growled the words, and the guards standing at the doors gave each other side-eyes.
I clutched Kole’s tunic, my fingers curling around it. Scents of pine, the sea, and cedar encircled me, and I inhaled deeply. “Nothing. I mean everything?” I laughed shrilly. “I don’t know. I was just told that I can no longer work, and I’ll eventually be in an arranged marriage. Oh, and in the meantime, someone is sending creatures after me, and I can no longer go anywhere without a warrior.” I shook my head frantically, and my new reality hit me like a ton of bricks.
My life was over.
Everything I’d ever known in all of my seasons was gone.
I was a princess of Mistvale Kingdom. A dangerous enemy was after me, andthiswas my life now.
All of a sudden, I couldn’t breathe. “I need to get out of here,” I gasped.
Kole’s jaw snapped closed. “Follow me.” His hand drifted to my lower back, and his warm palm seared through my gown’s fabric.
Breaths shallow, I let him guide me away, but even with Kole’s help, it felt as if the walls were closing in.
A door loomed ahead, and then we were outside, in a large private courtyard somewhere within the palace. Soft moonlight bathed the grounds in silver.
Another shrill laugh escaped me. “You know your way around here too?” The hysterical sound bubbling out of my lips increased. “How is it that everyone but the king and queen’s own daughter knows this place? How is that possible?”
