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“Then I wonder if we might go for a walk, Wren. I am eager to learn about life here from someone also new to it.”
Wren nearly sighed in relief at the prospect of leaving the hall.
Understanding, Malaki released her arm from his. She looked up at him and regretted it instantly; he was the cold prince she had first met. Nothing of the man who played games with village children and teased Sophie was there any longer.
He turned to say something to Richard, ignoring her entirely. As she went to take Mary’s arm in hers, Wesley put his hand on her arm. “Are you okay?” he whispered quietly.
Wren turned back to see if Malaki had noticed, and saw that he was still engaged with Richard. “Everything is fine,” she whispered back. She could tell from the way he looked at her that he did not believe her. Mary only patted his arm and moved to take Wren’s arm in hers, finally freeing herself from the hall. They walked along the corridors passing nobility and servants alike.
“Was the journey very difficult?” asked Wren awkwardly.
Mary shrugged. “It was, but I think it was worth it. Rumors abound about the Haradon court, but I will appreciate seeing it for myself. How do you find the court?”
Wren wasn’t sure how she truly felt about the court here. There was certainly good to it and the nobility were not too terrible. The king was clearly oppressive as was the Bishop, but other than that it was not terrible. “It’s all very formal. It’s as if we are all playing a game and I do not understand the rules.”
Mary laughed. “I believe that is any court, but yes, I can see how it is a bit more already.” They walked a little farther in silence before Mary said, “Are you happy here, Wren?”
Wren frowned. The princess was blunt and that was refreshing while also being intimidating. “There have been times where I have been happy while here. I think it is more so happiness with people that I have found.”
Mary tilted her head to the side, reminding Wren of a small bird. “Is my brother one of those people?”
Wren desperately searched the halls for onlookers and nearly let out a sigh of relief when there were none. She took a deep breath. “I am very fond of Wesley. He…” Wren was having difficulty gathering her thoughts. “I think there are very few people who are as genuine and kind as he is.”
Mary nodded. “He spoke very highly of you in his letters, especially when he finally sent for me. Truly, I am grateful for whatever it is you said.”
“I only think everyone should be able to choose for themselves,” Wren said dismissively.
“Not a small thought in a place such as this,” said Mary.
Wren wasn’t sure how to respond to that, and simply kept walking with the other woman. Their walk took them down into one of the many gardens.
“May I be frank, Wren?” asked Mary.
Wren laughed. “Have you not been already?” Then immediately regretted it when Mary’s cheeks flushed. “I did not mean to be rude, it’s just the way you speak is both refreshing and unsettling.”
“My brother says it’s because I am the youngest of the two of us and received special treatment from everyone making me spoiled.” Mary laughed at the memory, but it quickly vanished from her face. Mary stopped and looked at Wren. “I have never seen my brother so unsure of himself. He may be kind, but he is strong. He does not doubt himself very often. I see it in him when he speaks of you and even more so when he looks at you.” There was no question in her words. “I have asked him what has happened between you, but he will not answer me, which is very rare indeed for my brother to deny me anything. I am asking you now.”
Wren bit her lip hard enough that it hurt. She didn’t want to lie to the other woman, but she could not give her what she wanted either. “Do you love Richard?”
Mary gave her a sour look. “I detest deflection.” When Wren didn’t offer anything else she said, “I am very fond of Richard.” Her voice lingering on the same word Wren had used to describe Wesley. “When he came to North Helm, I found the life of the second heir was something only he could understand. He was easy to talk to, and I found I greatly enjoyed his presence. I think it is obvious that such a union would be to the benefit of both our kingdoms, securing continued peace.”
“Is that enough? Is it enough to sacrifice your own happiness for the good of others?” asked Wren with pain in her voice.
“I don’t know,” replied Mary somberly. “I think it is, but I do not know.”
The question sobered both of them and they turned to walk back to the hall where their absence had surely been noticed.
After a little while, Mary said, “There was one other thing I wanted to ask you.”
Wren braced herself for whatever hard truth the younger woman would ask her to confront.
“Our court sorcerer demanded that he come with me here. You may not understand how strange it is, but he has never traveled to any kingdom and he certainly never demands anything. My parents were quite insistent that he not come, but he would not hear otherwise. I have asked my brother why this is and he assured me he does not know. I am asking you if you know.”
A flare of hope shot through Wren at the revelation. She had expected months of correspondence delaying much needed answers, but now he was here. She tried to remain unmoved by her words, but she was sure the princess missed very little. “I could not say, I am not privy to much that happens at court.”
“Indeed,” was the only response Mary gave. The rest of their walk back was spent in idle chatter about the weather and styles of dresses within court. She could tell that Mary was not interested in them, but was speaking out of obligation. Wren wished she could have told her it wasn’t necessary.
When they entered the hall again, it was much unchanged. The king had moved from the throne and was speaking with the other nobility. Richard and Malaki were together speaking with Lady Daugherty. Wesley was where they had left him, hands folded behind his back as he studied one of the portraits on the wall.
