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“May I show you something you might enjoy?” Wren hesitated, unsure about him, and unsure what he would think she would enjoy. Her mind roared with questions and uncertainty.
She wanted to tell him that he didn’t know her and he barely spoke to her so how could he possibly know what she enjoyed, but then she remembered she had just asked him to be honest and if this was his attempt to make peace then she would be wise to accept it.
She knew so little about the person he was and what was important to him. If she was asking him to communicate with her, then she needed to put in some effort as well. Wren forced her eyes to his as she asked, “What was your proposal?”
Malaki’s eyes flashed with surprise at the question before he blew out a breath as if the question caused him great annoyance. He looked like he wished he could escape answering the question, but he too seemed to recall their truce. “A decrease in taxes.”
“Very illuminating, Your Highness.” Wren thought she saw a small smile pass over his face, but it was gone just as quickly.
“I proposed a plan to lower taxes on the villages in our lands and increase the taxes on the noble houses. I also proposed taxing the temples, which was apparently the worst thing one could suggest.” His words were sarcastic, but she could see the anger in his face.
“Why would you propose that?” Wren knew very little about taxes or politics, but did not want to seem ignorant in front of the prince. Still she did know that taxes being increased was something her Uncle had often talked about angrily.
Malaki's face was impassive as always before stating coolly. “You do not have to feign interest.”
Wren felt a flush of anger at his assumption. “I asked you because I wanted to know. I feel no obligation to converse with you.”
Malaki’s lips quirked upward, and Wren felt a strange sense of satisfaction at the response. “Thank you for clarifying your position, Princess.” His voice was lighter than it had been before.
Despite his amusement, Wren chastised herself for being so hostile when they were clearly trying to reach some sort of peace. Before she could be too angry at herself she remembered that she did not owe him or anyone here false politeness. “I only meant to say, if I ask you a question, it is because I wish to know the answer.”
He shrugged one shoulder. as if acknowledging the validity of her response. “If I agree to tell you, will you agree to let me show you something?”
Wren had forgotten the previous request. Not having a good reason to deny him, she agreed, and Malaki gestured for her to step from the alcove. He followed behind her and they fell into step easily. “The people of this kingdom struggle to feed their children and maintain a home while we and the rest of the court delight in this massive castle and enjoy many other estates. If we expected less of those who have less to give and more from those who have more to give, the kingdom might thrive more.”
“I fail to see how that makes anything other than logical sense.” Wren could not understand why anyone would disagree, but then she knew enough of the world to know that people were often greedy.
“Yes, but logic is not the wealthy’s concern. Their concern lies only in maintaining their wealth and even growing it. My plan would put a damper on that for them, though not to a significant degree. All the same, it was denied.” He said the words as if they were of no consequence to him, but she could sense the frustration he tried to hide.
“Someday you will be king and you can do what you like.” Even though they continued to walk, she could see him tense at her words.
“Nothing is certain in this kingdom.” He stopped walking then, bringing her to a sudden halt. “Wren, you need to understand that I may be the crown prince and you may be tied to me, but there are no guarantees for the future.”
Wren felt strangely hurt by his words. Did he mean to say that he was already looking to replace her? Of course, she knew that he did not care for her, and she was a burden thrust upon him. Anxiety began to rack her as she wondered if he was able to put her to the side would her death sentence still take effect, or if not, how would she live? She had gotten comfortable in Sophie’s friendship, in her familiarity with the castle, but this was not her home and she truly had no home. No family to fall back on. She was entirely alone.
Malaki tilted his head slightly as he watched her a moment before walking forward again. Then just as suddenly stopped. “What were you thinking? Just now when I told you there are no guarantees for the future.”
“It does not matter.” Wren didn’t know what she would say, but the truth seemed a very poor place to start.
“Itdoesmatter. I would know if you would tell me.” His words were almost gentle, coaxing. His eyes were piercing causing her to shift, suddenly uncomfortable.
She paused for a while searching for an answer. After what seemed an eternity, she decided to tell part of the truth. “I only hope that we can find a way to send me home soon.”
He continued to stare at her like he knew there was more to it than that, but he did not ask. Instead, he only continued to walk.
Wren picked up her pace to catch up, grateful to have his piercing eyes off of her. They spent the rest of the short walk in silence before coming to a wooden door the prince casually opened, not bothering to knock.
When they walked in, Wren could see a room full of instruments and portraits. Each portrait contained a picture of someone holding some sort of instrument. In the corner, two men were speaking to each other and abruptly stopped, seeing who entered the space. They quickly came over, bowing and giving pleasantries.
“Borno, I thought Princess Wren might enjoy the music chamber and that you might give her anything she requires.” The prince seemed to relax with the older man.
“Of course, Your Highness. It would be my great honor. My son, Hector, and I will be happy to assist in whatever way we can.” Borno did seem rather eager. “I have noticed that Your Highness is very fond of music.”
Wren felt startled by the white-haired man’s assessment before she realized he was likely in charge of the musicians at dinner each night. It was not a secret that Wren enjoyed dancing, and in fact, she knew people talked of it.
“Is ityourmusic that I hear each night in the hall?” she asked.
Borno nodded and smiled, causing the many lines in his face to melt together until where they began and ended were indiscernible. “Yes, Your Highness.”
