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Merletta had expected Heath to want to linger in Bryford after the ball, given how much he’d talked about all the things he wanted to show her. But the very next morning, she heard him speaking with his father about plans to return to their seaside manor.
It was several days before the family actually left, however, and Heath was certainly eager to show Merletta around during that time. He took her to the nearby waterfall that graced the river which formed the border between Valoria and Kyona. He showed her through some of Bryford’s markets, and they spent a delightful afternoon losing themselves in the castle’s records room.
But with the exception of Bianca, and her twin Brody, he made no effort to introduce Merletta to his extended family. The twins were friendly, considerately keeping their obvious curiosity unspoken. And it wasn’t as though Merletta was sorry not to be introduced to the royal family—the thought of rubbing shoulders with a regent was intimidating, to say the least. She still felt a little uncomfortable at every reminder that the carefree, often barefoot Heath of her island memories was actually the titled son of a wealthy duke.
It did strike her, however, that Heath’s avoidance of the royal family was at times pointed. He even dodged introducing her to his grandmother, which surprised her. From the way he’d spoken of the elderly princess, Merletta had formed the impression that they were close, and had expected him to want Merletta to meet her.
As it happened, that opportunity arose just as the family was preparing to depart—in spite of Heath’s efforts rather than because of them, Merletta thought.
Merletta was carrying a case to the waiting carriage, unwilling to let a servant do it for her. The case was packed with a number of lovely gowns, some of which were gifts from Bianca, and some of which had been generously ordered for her by Heath’s mother. She spotted Princess Jocelyn in the courtyard in conversation with Heath’s father, and slowed her steps, eager to get a closer look at Valoria’s first power-wielder.
“Yes, I was hoping to speak to Heath before—oh, there he is!”
Merletta followed the elderly woman’s gaze to see Heath approaching from the stables.
“Heath,” called the princess. “You’re leaving already, I gather?”
“Yes, Grandmother, I’m afraid so,” Heath said, embracing her. His eyes darted around the courtyard, and he smiled as he saw Merletta. She thought the expression looked slightly strained, but she told herself she was being overly sensitive.
Not wanting anyone to think she’d been spying, Merletta sped up, joining the group at the carriage.
“You haven’t met Merletta yet, have you, Grandmother?” Heath’s voice wasn’t entirely natural, although Merletta couldn’t pick what had him on edge.
“No, I haven’t had that pleasure.” The older woman’s eyes lingered on Merletta, their expression searching.
“I’m glad to meet you, Your Highness,” Merletta said politely.
“Oh, none of that,” she responded, flapping a wrinkled hand. “I’m very glad to meet the girl who’s had such an effect on my grandson. Are you…are you visiting for long?”
“I, uh…” Merletta hesitated, and Heath jumped in.
“As long as I can convince her to stay.”
The duke had been called away by a servant, and Heath’s grandmother’s tone changed abruptly.
“Heath, I’m not sure that’s wise. Surely someone has told you what the dragons said about a reckoning.”
“Yes, I know the dragons are upset about the restrictions,” Heath said, his voice a little too loud. “But I don’t see any immediate danger. You know how dragons are, Grandmother. Their idea of time is different from ours. They might take a decade deciding how best to respond to King Matlock’s new laws.”
“Heath.”
The word was an admonition, the princess’s eyes fixed sternly on her grandson. Merletta’s suspicion that she was missing something grew to certainty.
“Heath, be careful,” the older woman said. “There are things you don’t know…things which…” She glanced at Merletta and changed tack. “They won’t just let this go.”
“Well, we’re heading back to Bexley Manor,” said Heath, his face unusually stubborn. “So if they descend in wrath on Bryford, we’ll be safely out of the way.”
“Heath,” the princess tried again, but Heath’s mother was approaching across the courtyard, a smile of greeting on her face, and the topic was dropped.
Merletta saw Heath’s grandmother studying August shrewdly when he appeared at Merletta’s side, but she said no more.
“What was that about?” Merletta asked when they were settled in the carriage. “She seemed very worried about the dragons. Are the king’s restrictions so offensive?”
“Apparently,” Heath said lightly. His eyes grew a little more serious as they met Merletta’s. “Remember what I told you—the other dragons aren’t as predictable as Reka. It’s wise to be cautious of them. But,” he added hastily, “I don’t want you to be alarmed. Others can worry about the dragons.”
“You don’t seem to be worried,” August commented. “Even though from all I’ve observed, everyone else is.”
Heath shrugged, his tone evasive. “Today has enough to worry about without borrowing troubles from tomorrow.”
