I only wished Papa would be able to hear of my growth, too.
I pulled my bindle closer and broke into a run down the lane. I arrived home breathless, buzzing with excitement as the door opened with a creak. I’d need to oil it again soon.
“Lyranore!” Asha cried, leaping into my arms. I pulled her in close, her dark curls tickling my cheeks.
“Hello, you,” Mama said, looking me up and down.
I sent her a wink. “Hi.”
“What’s put such a smile on your face?”
I rolled my eyes, but my lips stayed curved, as if they were light as air. “Nothing.”
A knock at the door made Asha release me. Dread and nausea filled my next breath, the smallest hint of a premonition warning me. But I didn’t need the strange magic to remind me what I’d cruelly, stupidly forgotten.
I opened the door.
David offered a wan smile. “I was supposed to walk you home?”
“I’m so sorry, David.” I wrinkled my brow. “I forgot!”
“I tried to catch up to you, but you were sprinting.”
“I can’t apologize enough. It’s been a hectic week at the palace.”
He cocked his head, more confused. “Has it?”
My eyes widened. “I…”
Mama cleared her throat, and I stepped back, grateful for the interruption.
I hadn’t thought to tell David about my lessons, but to be honest, I hadn’t been thinking of him at all. I reached down to grab my engagement ribbon, but it was tucked beneath my sleeve, out of reach.
David hugged Mama and sat beside Kelara. Asha immediately jumped into a conversation with him about his latest sighting ofPrincess Lilah, the youngest royal, and I chuckled to myself.
“David’s here?” Mama whispered.
“I forgot to mention it.”
“That’s unlike you.”
“I’ve had an eventful few days,” I said. I tugged at the collar of my gown.
She narrowed her eyes.
“I’ll tell you later,” I mumbled.
She nodded, then clasped her hands together. “It’s good to see you, David,” she said, interrupting Asha’s rant on the perfect tiara. “I’ll prepare another place at the table.”
“Need any help?”
She waved a dismissive hand. “You’re too sweet, but no guest of mine is setting the table for us.”
He chuckled. Mama scurried into the kitchen.
“So how’s guard work?” Kelara asked, adjusting a ruffle in Asha’s dress.
“It’s good,” David answered. “Could be better. The nobles we watch can be a bit much sometimes.”
