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Despite the sorrow and the need for retribution, Wren felt the need for answers more than anything. “I could talk to the Bishop, maybe he will give something away.”
“Absolutely not,” Malaki growled. “How could you even suggest it after what he did?”
His words forced her to flinch. They were sharp and too accurate.
She felt as if her body were made of frayed fabric. “Because I need to know.”
The momentary softening of his face was all she received for sympathy from him. “I said no. You are not to go near him or my father, do you understand me?”
Gone was the tender prince who had timidly asked to see her arm. It seemed the true prince was back again.
She was about to insist that it was her life, her problem, when he waved to the door. “Go, both of you. I need to think.”
Wren felt indignant at the dismissal, but Sophie only stood up.
“Fine, you ass. Gods, you are the worst.” Sophie grabbed Wren’s hand and pulled her not towards the entrance, but through the bedroom towards the door connecting their rooms where she noticed the key was still in the lock.
Wren snatched the key from the door and placed it in the small pocket of her dress. Before she closed the door behind her, she wondered why the prince’s rooms were covered in debris, as if he had ripped apart the room.
Chapter 15
Sophie’splantointroducethe new fashion trend worked instantly, and soon all the ladies of court were walking around with dresses where the sleeves went down into a point to the middle finger. Wren was surprised briefly at the effect a rumor of Malaki’s preference would spark such change, but then again she remembered her own reaction to seeing him yesterday. They obviously hadn’t spent enough time with him, else they would know how ill-tempered he was.
After the chaos and revelations of yesterday, she longed for something to ground her. She inquired after Wesley from the servants, finding a sudden need for his calm presence. She was always surprised at how much the servants knew. They seemed to know everyone’s whereabouts at all times.
She found Wesley in the library of the palace. Wren was struck upon entering at how there could be so many books in the world. The room was a rotunda of two stories filled to the brim. Comfortable chairs were placed around the room for people to sit and enjoy the many volumes. There were also desks in some corners where some men bent over books and wrote their thoughts on them. She tore her eyes from the magnificent room and found Wesley in one of the chairs farthest into the room, head dipped over a book.
She walked over to him, and he was engrossed enough in the pages that he did not notice her approach. “And what sort of book does a prince read?”
He jumped slightly at her interruption, but his easy smile soon fell into place. Wren wondered at the flip her stomach did, but decided it was better off to ignore it. His curly, blond hair was perfectly placed, and she couldn’t help but admire his sharp features.
“Wren! To what do I owe such an honor?” The way he said her name did make it feel like an honor.
She wasn’t sure what to tell him. That she had sought him out because she felt she needed to? That she couldn’t explain it? She was saved from having to answer when he suddenly stood up. “Oh, pardon me, let me get you a chair.” He started to move to one of the chairs, then turned towards her awkwardly. “That is if you want to stay? I shouldn’t have assumed.”
She smiled at his insecurity. “Of course, I would love to.” He smiled back at her and pulled a rather heavy-appearing chair towards her. Though he made it look simple, she could tell the weight of it was straining and she couldn’t help but give a small chuckle at the prince’s chivalry.
He gave a small bow and gestured for her to sit. She curtsied and let out a laugh as she folded herself into the chair. There was a loud hush from the second floor and Wesley grinned at her. “Being royalty means nothing in a library.” His whisper was conspiratorial.
She smiled and repeated her first question. “So what is it that you are reading?”
He gave a mock affront. “That is a very bold question, Princess. We hardly know each other.”
Wren rolled her eyes at him, and she wondered at how she already felt lighter with his easy-going attitude. “As it so happens, I find you quite agreeable so I will allow this one indiscretion.” His serious face could only be maintained briefly. “I am reading a book on fish.”
Wren could not hide her shock, of all the things she had expected, that was truly not it. “Fish?” she said skeptically.
“Yes, Wren, fish.”
Her heart fluttered at how his voice lingered on her name.
“It turns out fish are quite interesting as well as a self-sustaining resource. There is much we don’t know, but what we do know of their life cycle is fascinating.”
Wren found herself admiring his sincerity. “I will just have to take your word for it.”
He raised an eyebrow, “Or you could read the book.”
“Fair point.” Somehow she did not think she would be reading his book recommendations. A thought occurred to her then. “Do you think they have any books on magic?”
