“It sounds like it will be a grand event.” My hand slippedfrom his arm to catch the train of my gown as it tugged on each step.
Soren pushed back a dark strand of hair that fell over his eyes. “You are very beautiful, Princess Ashlyn.” He said it like he had expected someone much worse.
Fyn cleared his throat. It echoed from where he remained on the steps.
“I am pleased you accepted my invitation,” Soren said. “I will admit I was surprised you did.”
I had expected more pleasantries—more anything, but his eyes just held mine while he awaited my response. “I’ve never been one to shy away from an adventure.”
“Your brother said as much.”
“And what else did he say?” I swallowed hard.
“That you are fierier than you look.” Soren gestured for us to step back down the stairs.
“And yet you still invited me?” I scoffed on the inside, thinking about all the things Agan could have said—suddenly worried about what he did say.
Agan wanted this alliance. He always had, but telling a suitor I was fiery didn’t seem like him at all.
“I had told him how dull I find many of the women in our court.” Soren laughed. “A promise of something different seemed enticing.”
We paused as we stood across from each other.
“You don’t need to perform pleasantries for me.” Soren’s voice grew softer. “I am not the sort of prince who cares for them.”
“What sort of prince are you, then?” I was desperate to hear he would be who I wanted as I forced my eyes to remain with him, even when Fyn coughed in the distance.
His eyes widened as he lifted my hand to his lips. “One who is deeply curious about the princess in front of me.”
“Time shall reveal all my flaws.” He may not be able to look past them. I was certain no one ever could.
“I’m serious about this arrangement, Princess Ashlyn. I wouldn’t have invited you here if I wasn’t.” As he spoke, the sensation flooded me again.
It prodded at me.
“As am I.” Warmth pulled at my spine. “I fear I’m more tired than I originally thought. Maybe it would be best if I go lay down.”
Suddenly, I was too exhausted to do much else.
“Of course. I look forward to seeing you again tonight.” He bowed his head. “Do you require my help finding your chambers?”
“No, I remember the way.” I spoke it with certainty I didn’t have. Suddenly, the same warmth struck me harder.
I stood there watching him until he disappeared around the corner.
“Please tell me you know how to get back to our corridor.” I turned to Fyn the moment I knew Soren had gone.
“Why did you just tell him you did?” Amusement gleamed in his eyes.
“I was overwhelmed.”
“I see… so you thought you’d just pretend you knew the way in a castle you’d just arrived in. That’s most?—”
“Lower your voice,” I scolded him.
A guard from down the hall watched us both.
“I need to go rest. You can help me find my way back,” I said.
