AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Just now.”
“You were with the prince again?”
“I was. Sorry to wake you.”
She shook her head. “Don’t be. I’m glad I get to see you before your final test.”
She scrambled up, and since nervous energy was already buzzing around her, I didn’t tell her about what had happened in Isalee.
“Hungry?” she asked.
“Always.”
She rang for food, and within minutes, Patrice, Balbus, and Haisley were at the door. All three of the prince’s personal servants arrived with jubilant expressions and hands clapping in glee.
“Can you believe that at this time tomorrow we shall be addressing you as,Your Highness?” Patrice bowed deeply.
“I knew from the moment I saw you that you were destined for great things,” Haisley said in a nasally tone, then matched Patrice’s bow.
Balbus merely looked down his nose at the two of them. “Leave the lady be. She needs to get ready and eat a hearty breakfast. We shall be transporting to the stadium in two hours’ time.”
“Stadium?” I cocked my head.
“Oh my, she doesn’t know!” Patrice brought an aghast hand to his mouth.
“Know what?” But before anyone could answer, Daiseeum bustled into the room.
Tense energy vibrated around her as she shooed the prince’s servants away. “Out! All of you! Ilara needs to concentrate and ready herself for what’s to come today.”
My mouth fell open. “But...hasn’t the final test been postponed?”
All of the servants froze as Cailis gave me a quizzical look.
“Postponed?” Haisley replied. “No, Lady Seary, the entire castle is readying for the test at this very moment.”
I gave a tight-lipped smile.Of course.Norivun must not have reached his father or Sir Featherton yet. Things were still on schedule.
The servants turned into a flurry of activity again, so I grabbed Balbus’s hand. “Balbus, please find the prince. He was going to speak with Murl, Sir Featherton, and his father. Will you please ask him to come see me when he finishes?”
Balbus frowned. “I shall try, Lady Seary, but the king has already begun issuing orders. I’m unsure if I’ll be able to do as you request.”
A stone formed in my stomach. The tension building within me grew more and more with every second that passed.
“Please try,” I begged of him.
Balbus bowed. “Of course, my lady.”
He hurried off as Daiseeum’s lips pursed. “Sit and eat. We shall dress you as soon as you finish.”
I did as she said even though anxiety was threatening to swallow me.Balbus will find the prince. Norivun is probably talking to Sir Featherton and his father at this very second. Everything will be fine.
I forced food into my mouth as I reassured myself again and again.
But the minutes ticked past, and neither Balbus nor Norivun appeared.
“This was made for today. The king insisted that each female be dressed in her Territory’s colors.” Daiseeum held up a beautiful green tunic.
I fingered the soft, supple fabric. It stretched easily yet felt warm and sturdy.
