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“Yes, I did,” I answered. But then I realized I hadn’t greeted him yet. He might be rude, but my mother didn’t raise me that way. “May your works be as magnificent as your skills.” I lifted my hand to my chin and my heart to greet him in the traditional Elvish way.
His expression changed, but I couldn’t quite place what it was. Regret? Longing?
“May your words be as eloquent as your tongue,” he replied, his hand going to his chin. “But you don’t need to do that again. Not to me or anyone else. Ever. You are a princess and you will be treated as one.”
If that was the case, why did he return the greeting?
“If that is what you wish.”
“I hope my presence doesn’t make you uncomfortable. It was unexpected.”
Not at all. The phrase was on the top of my tongue, but I remembered the ambassador’s words.
Don’t lie to him. No matter what.
“Your arrival was… a surprise,” I said instead.
He nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. “I understand. I did not intend to cause you any distress.”
“Thank you.”
We sat in silence, and I wondered if he would say anything else.
“It’s unexpected.” I decided to be kind. “I’m at work. But we were going to meet, eventually.”
“I’m familiar with your work.”
Because he studied me. I had to remind myself that he was the prince and it was his job to know about the people in his kingdom.
“Of course,” I said. “Hopefully, only the good parts.”
“I try to keep my knowledge as comprehensive as possible.”
I inclined my head. “A good quality in a future ruler.”
He smiled in my direction. His smile was predatory, and it didn’t reach his eyes. “If you’ll excuse me, I have business to attend to. We will have plenty of opportunities to get to know each other better.”
I folded my hands in my lap. “It was nice meeting you. But what do you mean by that?”
The Caid coughed, and I turned my attention to him. I felt Prince Maedras’ eyes boring into my back.
“He means we will spend a lot of time together from now on,” The Caid smiled, a fake one. “The crown prince wishes to get to know you better. And the people of Midar. He will stay here for a while.”
That was the last thing I wanted. To be constantly watched by him and his people. Not only me, but Midar. But I could tell from the Caid’s tone that it was not up for discussion. We didn’t have a choice. Or did we?
Plastering a smile on my face, I nodded. “How unexpected.” I turned to Prince Maedras. “But there’s no need for that. You are our prince. You already know your people. Probably better than we do ourselves. And I’m sure you have more important things to do than entertain me.”
“But you are not as familiar with the Elves,” Bers pointed out while Prince Maedras frowned.
“I suppose you are both right. She can get to know the Elves better by staying in Rossertham. It would be my honor to have you as my guest.”
The way he said it made it sound more like an order than a request. I didn’t have a choice in the matter.
He lifted an eyebrow. “Unless you prefer otherwise. I haven’t stayed in Midar in a while.”
That tactic wouldn’t work on me. “I think Rossertham will be just fine,” I said sweetly. “I’m ready to leave when you are.”
His face changed. The previous fake cordiality was gone, replaced by irritation. “Of course.”
