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“Yes. And my mother is throwing a ball in three nights. All the dignitaries from the surrounding kingdoms will be there. Come to it, and I will make a vow of undying love before the world.”
Odette gasped, trying to act surprised and amazed all at once. Instead, she felt the triumph of her victory coursing through her. A ball. She hadn’t expected breaking the curse to bethiseasy. It was perfect. “Oh, Torsten… I mean Prince Torsten.”
He took her hands in his. “Please. Call me Torsten.”
“Torsten, I…” She frowned, taking on a worried expression.
“What is it?”
“So many people will be there from so many distant lands. What if my sorcerer is there?” Chances were Rothbart would attend, and Torsten didn’t know that the queen’s royal sorcerer was the one who had cursed her.
His jaw clenched. “Then he shall pay for his actions.”
“He is powerful. What if he stops us before—”
He pressed a finger to Odette’s lips. “Do not fear, my sweet. I will have the royal sorcerers there. And if it will ease your worries, I shall convince Mother to make it a masked party. I will protect you, Odette.”
She buried her annoyance deep down. His overconfidence, after all, was playing to her advantage. “I’m unsure what to say.”
“Then say nothing. You will be mine.”
He leaned in and kissed her. His lips were unmoving. Very chaste. Very careful. Odette waited for it to be over, wondering if this was his first kiss. When he pulled back, he smiled at her as if he had delivered her the greatest gift. Odette faked a grin in return.
Prince Torsten was a terrible kisser.
She glanced at her clothes in dismay. “Please tell me you will have another dress for me?”
Torsten laughed. “If you wish it.”
Everything was falling into place.
Odette caught the sight of Elna coming toward them and her feelings of victory puttered out.
What in the world? Something must be wrong.
“Elna, what is it?”
Prince Torsten turned in surprise as Elna curtsied before them. If dread weren’t coursing through her, Odette might have laughed out loud on any other occasion.
“Forgive me, Princess. But the sorcerer is asking for you.”
Shit. She better leave now. She cast a fearful glance for Torsten’s benefit. “I better go.”
He caught her arm. “I am short on beans. I must return and get more. But on the night of the ball, I shall use the beans and escort you to the dance where I shall announce before the world my love for you.”
He planted a kiss on her cheek and Odette took it, though she wanted to shove him away.
“I shall attempt to make it back tomorrow night,” Torsten murmured in her ear.
“No,” she blurted. She couldn’t stand more of these silly make out sessions. “I mean. The sorcerer has grown suspicious. We cannot meet again until the ball. I fear what might happen should he catch us.” That is exactly what she feared. She had what she wanted. She wouldn’t take any risks before the ball.
“As you wish, my love.” He turned to her and kissed her on the lips yet again. “I swear, Odette. I will make this vow, and it shall be from the bottom of my heart.”
She squeezed his hands, hoping she looked excited. “Until then, my love.”
And after forcing her to endure one last kiss, he threw his bean and disappeared through the portal.
Odette spun toward Elna, taking long strides to match the woman’s hurried gate. A sharp breeze blew through the large trees overhead.
