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I balked. “My reputation!”
His smile faltered slightly. “You know what I mean, Elix. Everyone knows who you are here and what you can do. At least in Ironhelm, there are fewer who are aware of the magnitude of your abilities. It’s as good a place as any to get you out there.”
Again, I was left feeling conflicted. I didn’t want to meet a potential husband in another kingdom. That would mean leaving Saint behind. I couldn’t even get him to come and visit me at Goldhaven Palace. How would I get him to travel to Ironhelm, Silverhold, or Steelshire?
But I also told Saint I would listen to Jace.
I snuck another look at Jace, my ears heating as an intrusive thought tried to sneak in about him.And maybe Saint isn’t the only one I don’t want to leave behind, either.
“Fine,” I said quickly, before I could let that idea take hold.
Fake engagement, dumb-dumb. That’s what this is. Don’t let yourself forget it.
“Fine? As in, I should make the arrangements to go to Ironhelm?” Jace pressed.
“Yes, fine,” I muttered, still unsure if I was making the right decision. “Let’s go to Ironhelm.”
He tried to hide it, but my response pleased him. It was written all over his gorgeous face before he could replace it with his cocksure smile.
“Have you ever been out of Goldhaven?” Jace asked, amusement gleaming in his eyes as he stood. I shook my head. I’d never been further than the suburbs of Geldon, if I werebeing honest. But I didn’t say that to Jace. I already felt low class enough around him.
“Oh, you’re in for a treat!” Jace chortled, clapping his hands as if he’d told a hilarious joke. I simply stared at him. “You really aren’t up on your geography, are you?”
I gave him a baleful look, but if Jace noticed it, he didn’t comment.
“Ironhelm is stuck in the past, somewhat, although the new queen has taken strides to upgrade the area. I think you’ll like Zephyrine.”
I wasn’t going there to make friends. I was going because I’d promised Saint that I’d do whatever Jace asked of me… and because the king hadn’t ordered me to go. If he had come at me more commandingly, this entire conversation may have taken a very different turn.
He continued to describe the “backward” nature of Ironhelm, and how they struggled to keep up with the rest of the Mystara. His enthusiasm for their country was almost endearing.
And as I walked him to the door, I suddenly wished that we didn’t have to wait so long to go. He got me motivated to see that part of the continent now. Jace opened the door to the chamber. I lingered against the jamb.
“So now what?” I asked reluctantly.
“Now what?” he echoed. “What do you mean?”
“I mean… what am I supposed to do now that you’ve made the formal announcement? What of those queenly duties am I supposed to start pegging off the list?”
Jace snorted, but his smile was sincere. “That’s the spirit, Elix. Now you’re getting into it.”
He glanced in the hallway to ensure we weren’t being overheard by any nearby guards, but they stood near the wing doors. “Let’s just get through the event at Ironhelm, and we’ll go from there. Make sure you’re meeting me for meals, and we’ll tryto be seen together,” he murmured in a low voice. “The rest of the tasks will come later—more organically. We don’t want this to seem too forced, or others will start to wonder.”
I nodded in agreement, a smidgen of relief rushing through me. I thought that I’d be thrust into household staffing or the like over the next week, but Jace was letting me off the hook.
“In the meantime, try to enjoy yourself,” Jace added. “You’re in a palace, after all. There is no shortage of things to do.”
I gave him a watery smile.
“I’ll try my best,” I answered weakly, having no idea how I’d fill my days now that I knew I was free to do what I wanted—within reason. If I’d been in Geldon, at the apartment, I might meet a friend for lunch or take my sketchbook by the canal. Here, I didn’t know anything or anyone.
“There’s everything you need here,” Jace told me. “Gym, pool, sauna…”
“I know.” None of the amenities inspired me at the moment, mostly because they weren’t home.
He hesitated. “Do you have hobbies?”
I raised my shoulders and shook my head, but stopped. “No… well, I used to paint, but I don’t really get a chance to do that.”
