“Yes,” Aurora answered. “We have a grand picnic planned. We’re going to celebrate the marriage of my cousin.”
A woman with golden hair stood at Aurora’s side. Adam cast her a glance. She wasn’t as pretty as Lady Aurora.
“Would you like to accompany us?” Aurora asked.
“Would I!” Adam exploded. He glanced back at Justina. A scowl furrowed his sister’s brow and she shook her head. “Please,” Adam begged. “Please, just this once. I won’t ask for anything else. Please.”
Justina’s lips thinned. Adam knew that look well enough to know the answer was no.
Adam frowned.
Aurora straightened. “Next time, Adam. It’s all right.” She led the group past Gawyn and Justina.
Adam watched her walk away. He clenched his jaw. He just wanted to go on a picnic with the princess. Was that too much to ask? Justina was so mean! He crossed his arms and gritted his teeth as they walked toward their room.
Gawyn stopped at their room. “Are you sure you won’t stay?”
Justina didn’t even look at him. She shook her head.
Adam knew that for whatever reason, Justina had made up her mind.
“I’ll have your horse saddled. I’ll wait for you in the inner ward.” Gawyn walked away.
Justina opened the door.
Adam pushed by her into the room. “You’re so mean. Why can’t I go on the picnic?”
“Because it’s time to leave.”
“Why?” Adam demanded. “Why can’t we stay?”
“It’s not fair to leave Uncle Bruce alone with the all the chores.”
“He said we could go! One more day. Please! I just want to go on the picnic.”
Justina whirled on him. “And before that it was the falcons. What will it be next? Maybe you just want to move into the castle?”
Anger burned through Adam. He had never seen falcons before.
“Stop being so selfish. We are leaving.”
Adam didn’t move. He stood like a statue, glaring at his sister. He wanted to go on the picnic with the princess. She had invited him! And he would probably never be back here. Justina wouldn’t allow it. He would probably never see Lady Aurora again because of his sister! He was going. He wasn’t going to listen to his sister anymore. He ran to the door and threw it open.
“Adam!” Justina called.
“I hate you!” he snarled. He ran out of the room. He was going on the picnic and there wasn’t anything she could do about it.
