Chapter 8

“Every night?” She pulled her hand away and straightened her shoulders. “Why, Prince Russal, I do not have enough dresses for that.” She thought to bargain. “How

about two evenings a week?”

“Every night, Miss do Brode. I wish to get to know you and have realized that one night in seven will take much too long for what I have planned.”

“What do you have planned?” Her voice barely carried sound, and it surprised her when he heard her.

“To reveal the betrayer.”

“And yet, you said you would put aside suspicion.”

“We will put aside suspicion. You don’t trust me either, Miss do Brode.”

“That is because I do not understand you.”

“My intentions should be clear by now. I wish to fall in love with you and be betrayed.”

“You’re insane!”

“I am accepting the inevitable and awaiting my cure. Fighting it all this time has achieved nothing.” He turned to the servant waiting by the open balcony door. “We have finished our meal. Take everything away and tell the guard to step outside.”

Kambry’s heart hammered in her chest, and she stood. “Good night, Your Highness. Thank you for inviting me to dine with you.”

He faced her, his mouth set and his words coming out strained and demanding. “You are not leaving.”

She froze in place and shivered beneath her shawl.

The servants worked quickly and efficiently. One gave her a frightened look, and Kambry’s heart seemed stuck in her throat.

When they began wheeling the cart off the balcony, he came around the table and took her by the elbow, guiding her with a firm hand to the balcony wall. Kambry turned in time to see the cart and the guard disappear behind the chamber door.

“Everything is fine,” he said.

The door latched shut, and he released her arm, backing away from her.

He let out a noisy sigh. “That was quite a performance, don’t you think?”

“What?”

He eyed her neck. “You have no jewelry,” he said.

“What?” She shook her head and backed away until the masonry wall stopped her.

“I just noticed. You are wearing no jewelry save the ring I asked you to wear.”

“Prince Russal, you confound my senses, deliberately, I think.” Before she could stop herself, she said, “What do you really want from me?” He stepped forward, and she didn’t want the answer if it meant he had to be so close. The wall pressed her back.

She rushed into the posh parlor and hurried to the door. Finding it locked, she turned, fearful he would be right behind her.

The prince stood at the doors to the balcony. The servants had left one oil lamp burning in the parlor, and it didn’t illuminate the rearward portion of the room. Night had arrived, and his shape was only visible because of the candles still flickering on the table outside, a glow outlining him against the black sky.

“I don’t mean to frighten you, Kambry.”

His use of her first name put her desire for flight in full gear, and she turned back to the door to try the latch again.

“The guard won’t let you leave even if you could open the door. Please come sit down. I will not hurt you.”

Kambry turned to face him, her back pressed to the door. It was better to know where he was. Wasn’t it people who claimed they had to no plans to cause injury or lie that did so? She grimaced. By that logic, she would commit treason. But why did he make her so uncomfortable?

He had not left the balcony threshold. “I promise I will stay right here. Please sit down.”

Her shawl fell to the floor, and they both stared at it as if it were her dress.

Kambry felt utterly exposed, and she looked back at the prince.

“I would come over there to hand it to you, but I would break my promise. It is safe for you to pick it up. I will not come bounding through the room to capture you before you can rise.”

She felt a giggle rise in her throat. It was the word bounding, she decided, or perhaps the humor lacing his words. She could not imagine him bounding anywhere. She bent her knees until she could reach the scarf and rose, her eyes never leaving the gaze she could barely perceive.

“I still have my questions, Kambry.” He leaned against the doorjamb and folded his arms across his chest. “What is your favorite color?”

She stared at his shadowed figure then shook her head and said, “Sage green.”

“Your favorite animal?” “Canary.”

He tapped his chin. “So many questions. What have you learned most recently that has brought you joy?”

The pace of her heart slowed, and she thought that was his intention. “Archery. Marshal Burtram is teaching me.”

“Do you need a bow?”

At first, she thought he meant beau, and then, of course, archery. He meant bow. She felt her face flush. “No, the marshal has found a used one that is too underpowered for any of the guards to use.”

“What frightens you most, Kambry?”

There was no acceptable answer. Had he asked yesterday, it would have been spiders. Today, it was a prince named Russal.

“Nothing frightens you?”

Still she didn’t answer. What a quandary. Say “spiders” or admit I’m strangely, unreasonably terrified of him.

“Come, Kambry. I will not have the guard bring your nightmare in here to terrorize you. Tell me what frightens you.”

“You might wish to see the ring to make sure what I say rings true.”

“Lying to me about what you fear could hardly lead to treachery.”

“Maybe I don’t wish to reveal my fears to you.” “Tell me.” His voice was a stern order.

“You.”

He took a step toward her and then backed up. “I am sorry I frighten you. I said earlier I wish to get to know you. What is your favorite flower?”

“Proilis.”

“Now, Kambry.” He shook his head deliberately slow. “You said green, a shade similar to the old Kavin colors and now the flower which is the mark of Kavin. Are you trying to make me fall for you?”

“You said we would leave suspicion in the hallway.”

He barked out, “I expect honesty.”

She marched across the room to him and put her hand in the light of the candles outside. The ring shone deep purple. “My favorite color is sage green, my favorite flower is the proilis, and I am terrified of you.”

He pressed his fingers to her pulse under her chin before she could react. “I believe you. I have frightened you enough for one night, and I wonder why that is. Are you afraid I will fall in love with you? Or that you will fall for me?”

She hadn’t a response, quick-witted or otherwise, to give him. Besides, the fast beat of her heart was very distracting, as was the combination of the smile on his face and the way he leaned toward her.

He let his hand fall from her throat. “I’ll walk you to the door.”

Relief flushed through her muscles, leaving her weak but able to step calmly by his side. He rapped on the door lightly. It swung open to reveal the two guards. “Escort Miss do Brode to her room. And I would like to speak to Marshal Burtram at once.”

Kambry stiffened.

Prince Russal bent toward her. “You may continue to take your meals in the guards’ mess hall, but remember your evening meals are with me. I’ll not change your daily activities.” He smiled as she visibly relaxed. “Marshal Burtram has other duties besides being your archery tutor. I wish to converse with him about the other aspects of his position.”

She walked numbly back to her room, the same quiet guard leaving her at the door. She slumped into a chair and sat holding her shawl tightly around her shivering shoulders, although the room was not cold.

When he was warm, Prince Russal was disarming. When his voice grew stern, she lost all sense of calm. He had done nothing to harm her, yet she feared he would. Was that more because of what others had said than what he had done? What

was the worst that could happen to her? He would cast her out of Kavin far from home and alone. That was frightening, but it was not a death sentence.

She needed to give him reason to trust her, and it seemed he wanted to find that trust. Perhaps that was the menace that unsettled her. If he trusted her, she was in greater danger than if he didn’t. According to Sybil, the fate of the realm hung on her gaining his trust. What a conundrum!

Her hand strayed to her neck. His fingers had been tender and hadn’t helped one wit to slow her heartbeat.

~~~~~~~

Kambry ran to the edge of the shooting range with Teddy and Neal by her side.

“You okay, Miss?” asked Teddy. “You’re not laughing like yesterday.”

She looked down at both their faces, seeing their concern. “I’m sorry. I suppose I’m distracted.” They carried the arrow tubes to the archers’ stalls. Forcing a smile to her face, she rumpled Neal’s hair. “Shall we race next time and see who gets the most arrows?”

The smaller boy nodded.

Teddy tipped his head, more astute at reading past her smile. “But are you okay?”

“Yes, Teddy. I’m fine. I didn’t sleep well last night, but knowing you two care about me has made me feel much better.” She did feel better. Dining with Prince Russal wasn’t until this evening. Why should she let him ruin her day? “Let’s go get ready.”

Her laughter even fooled herself for an hour into believing she was no longer worried about the evening meal. But her lesson with Burty couldn’t remove the tension at her throat as if someone was threatening to choke her.

“Miss do Brode, you are not concentrating. You’re shooting wild.”

“Burty, I guess I’m not up for it today. I didn’t sleep well.”

He gazed down at her, his eyes scanning her face. She swallowed and raised her chin.

“Has someone said something unkind to you?”

“No.” She shook her head. “As if any of your guards would do such a thing.”

“Did the prince upset you last night?”

She had been raising the bow to sight her target, and her arms jerked. “What?” She straightened her shoulders and forced herself to concentrate.

“Servants talk.”

“You shouldn’t listen to gossip, Marshal Burtram.” “Burty.”

“Then call me Kambry.”

He sighed. “If I do, will you tell me what’s wrong?” His tone had the same wheedling quality her dad’s did when he worried about her. But Marshal Burtram wasn’t her father; he was a direct subordinate of the prince’s.

“I don’t think it would be appropriate.” “Then may I give you some advice?”

She lowered the bow. “I think I would like some advice.”

“The prince has been through troublesome times since the death of his parents. I think you know something of this.”

She nodded, remembering Sybil’s telling of their murders.

“When a man has faced treachery, time and time again, it makes trust difficult to give in to. Rulers must find ways around such difficulties or they will find their kingdom under attack from within as much as from without.” He paused.

Kambry watched emotions cross his face. He was struggling to find words or perhaps choose his words so he did not reveal too much about his prince.

“Kambry, he is a principled man fighting for his kingdom. He thinks you are integral to saving it.” His mouth twisted. “Remember, I am here watching and will let no one harm you.”

“Even if that person is your prince?”

“I trust he will not harm you. I ask that you trust him.” “I am afraid of what the prince demands of me.”

Burtram did not speak for several seconds. “I know my prince will not harm you. I can say this because I am confident he has no intention to do so.”

“But it’s all right if he frightens me?”

He leaned down close to her ear. “You frighten him.” He stood straight and smiled at her disbelief.

“Then I am surprised he is allowing you to teach me how to shoot.”

“I don’t think he will let you bring the bow to dinner.” “Can you join us for dinner?”

“I cannot invite myself, Kambry.”

“We have our meals on his balcony. You could stand in the shadows of the garden and watch from a distance with your bow.”

His eyebrow raised. He whispered, “You anticipate a need for me to shoot my prince,” the statement laced with laughter.

“It’s not funny, Burty.”

“I tell you again. He will bring you no harm.” He gazed at the two boys sitting on the ground waiting for them to finish. “Go have lunch. They look famished.”

Lessa did not return for lunch, so she invited Neal and Teddy to join her. They kept her sidetracked enough to ease some of her tension. After the meal, she found herself uncertain what to do with her time. She didn’t want to go to the garden, disliking the idea the prince could watch her from his balcony. As if he spends his time hanging out there in case

he can catch sight of me. Though she made herself go to the garden gate, she turned aside, choosing instead to explore the castle.

After wandering down various corridors, she came upon the weaver hall. The soft shush of the shuttle and clap of the reed drew Kambry into the busy room. The rhythm of the looms were in sync as though one person were at work instead of ten. She closed her eyes and drew in the smell, the dyed wools and cottons shuffling her memories of home, her mom’s voice woven in the fabric of her memories.

A hand touched her arm. She opened her eyes to a smiling woman. “May I help you?” she asked.

Kambry looked around the room, noting a pair of women threading heddles. It was tedious work requiring concentration. “I would like to help. I was an apprentice for a weaver for a time. I would be grateful to help the ladies over there prepare the loom.” Kambry knew how it could make one’s back cramp and suspected they would not mind the help. She could tell that they were not threading it for an important fabric.

The woman hesitated.

“I am Kambry do Brode, and the prince said I could find work where I wished as long as I didn’t slow the work down. My mother is a weaver; I truly have experience.”

“Let me talk to the master.” She strode away and stopped at the side of an old man who was instructing a weaver. He looked across the chamber at Kambry as the woman spoke. He nodded, and she hurried back.

“You may help those two.” She pointed at the loom being threaded.

The day passed quickly as she worked, first threading and then assisting with winding the shuttles for a more complex loom, producing an intricately patterned coverlet in many colors. Being able to focus on a task that demanded cooperation with others and little opportunity to allow other thoughts to intrude helped bring her contentment.

The men and women in the workroom spoke to her very little, but her skill and ease at the job didn’t require much more than an occasional gesture or single word to keep their nimble fingers swift and sure.

The master approached her as she was about to leave. “You may return tomorrow if you wish.” Then he walked away and began organizing the fibers in a manner recalling her mother’s habits of preparing for the next day.

Guards watched her pass without suspicion in their gaze, and she nodded at those she had become familiar with. Walking into the corridor on her way back to her chamber brought all her worries about the evening full force. There was no one to turn to who could step between her and the prince, and the thought of being alone with him made her nervous and excited by turns. Would he run warm or cold tonight?

The gardens below her chamber window displayed joyous color even in the falling light, but none of it brought her any comfort. She watched from her window the last of the evening dwindle. It was time to turn to the wardrobe and select her evening wear.

She intended to wear the blue dress since it was the one she hadn’t worn the evening before. Pacing, she struggled with not going at all. Surely, after last night, he must have rethought his plans to dine with her daily.

Recalling how adamant he had been, she sighed. There must be some reasoning that would convince him. She stared at her neatly made bed until she finally conceded. No excuse allowed for her to avoid dinner with the prince.

She strode to her bureau, drawing the comb from her hair, ready to take out her frustrations by brushing. Her hand had just clutched the silver brush, when she noticed the jewelry box on her bureau. That hadn’t been there before.

She let go of the brush and lifted the lid of the long, highly polished box. It contained two compartments. On one side were delicate pierced earrings. On the other side of the

partition lay several elegant necklaces stretched in horizontal rows.

Prince Russal had commented on her lack of jewelry. How very awkward. She didn’t want to be here, never mind wearing satin and lace dresses. She didn’t want to have dinner with him, but he was refusing to allow her to leave Kavin, and to make things more complicated, he supplied her with gowns and now jewelry. Was he trying to win her trust with expensive items or would it be inappropriate for her to dine underdressed with the prince? How exasperating!

Nothing about the man made any sense. He wanted to fall in love with her and her to betray him. Ridiculous. How could he hope to fall in love while distrusting her so much? Not that he stood a chance of having that love reciprocated. He ran cold and hot, and he’d hardly find her of interest beyond the intrigue of treason. Was that it? She intrigued him?

She peered at the jewelry and fingered the intricate chains. Along with amethysts to match last night’s dress, there were sapphires to go with the blue dress. But what of these other jewels: a pink topaz choker; chocolate zircon in a dripping gold setting; a pale-green pendant cut like a teardrop, perhaps peridot; and a cascade of opal. All intricate necklaces with matching earrings.

Kambry turned with trepidation to face her wardrobe. She opened it and counted six evening dresses of the type she’d worn the previous night, each a match to the jewelry in the box. So no excuse that she didn’t have enough dresses. She didn’t care if she wore a dress more than once, but had assumed that would not be acceptable several days a week with a prince.

She hoped to talk him into two days a week. Was negotiating for the fewer days still a viable option? There were only six dresses. Could she convince him to give her one evening alone? She clenched her fists. She’d wear the pale- blue dress with its navy accents and ask him to take back all the others. Surely, he could see there was no point to torturing them both with daily debacles.

Running her hand through the dresses, she allowed herself to enjoy the textures and gemstone colors. One, a deep chocolate with a gold lace overlay, was the most splendid dress she had ever seen. She pulled it out and held it to her. Without a mirror, she could only imagine how she would look in it. She’d have to wear her hair up to do justice to the lovely neckline of gold threading and the V-cut to the shoulder blades on the back. She shoved it back into the wardrobe and yanked out the blue dress.

Bribery. That’s what it was. Pure bribery, which she would not fall for. She dressed and returned to the dresser to brush out the tangles of the day. How she wished she could so easily untangle the mess she was in.

The gems in the box twinkled in the oil lamp’s flame. She held up a sapphire earring to her ear and studied it in the hand mirror. She would wear them and the necklace to show she wasn’t ungrateful, but the others must go. With only the comb, there was little she could do with her hair and settled on reverse braiding it from the nape up to her crown and rolling what remained into a bun to secure on top with the comb. What she could see with her hand mirror seemed adequate. She blinked at the updo and turned to the wardrobe she’d left open. She would not wear the chocolate confection of a dress.

The shawl she’d left draped on a chair back would do. She captured it up and stomped to the door. No guard awaited to escort her, and she took a moment to recall the trail through the castle to the prince’s apartment. Sybil had said to be cautious, but that there were guards at every corner. She’d be fine if she didn’t get lost.

After the first turn, she slowed her steps. She should imagine the dress as armor. She looked confident and dressed for a visit with a prince. It was just another dinner. She was nervous but ready. Sure, she would have to be on her guard and find some way to keep him at a distance; maybe she could pretend she didn’t hear half of what he was saying or somehow redirect the conversation.

Because that would be so easy. Since when had she been able to redirect anyone? She had enough trouble just

convincing herself she was worth listening to.

Kambry took a breath and surveyed her surroundings, certain it would keep her nerves calm as she walked to the prince’s chamber. The faint hint of lemon polish scented the air. The woodwork gleamed. Her hands unclenched. She was in control of her path through this strange land.

Behind her, a voice said, “Miss do Brode, may I walk with you?”

She turned to find a tall man of an age near her own in a red brocade tunic and ruby trousers striding up beside her. He wasn’t familiar, but his smile was friendly. Thick brown hair curled at his temples and dark-green eyes stared at her.

He slowed his pace to match her own. “We would have met last night, but the prince explained you had experienced a rather involved day and needed a quiet evening.” He leaned in toward her. “We were not all that raucous.” He straightened up. “But we understood that meeting several unfamiliar people when you’re not feeling well can be trying.”

“Thank you,” was all she could think to say.

He smiled and tipped his head. “You’re feeling better today?”

“Yes, better,” she said. Who was this man? She didn’t wish to encourage a stranger but hardly wanted to appear impolite.

He smiled. “I’m pleased to hear it. Maybe His Highness will arrange another evening for you to meet some of his friends.”

If all of them were as welcoming as he was, perhaps it would be beneficial to dine with a group rather than be with Prince Russal alone.

“I would like that,” she said.

“Until then, good evening.” He nodded and turned at the next corner when she continued straight.

Now that he was out of sight, she wondered how he had known who she was. She didn’t remember seeing him in her

wanderings around the castle or in the garden. He was memorable enough to have caught her eye, but hardly someone that her few friends among the guards would have pointed her out to.

She knew her own brother to keep track of all the pretty women in Paddlyrun. Why wouldn’t a lord be so inclined? She looked back at the corridor behind her. Did she really want that kind of attention right now? She shook her head. The prince was difficult enough to deal with.

The guards at the door responded immediately to her arrival. The one on the left opened the door, and the prince stepped into view as if he’d been waiting. Tonight he wore gray silk and a brocade jerkin with black accents and red stitching in decorative swirls that made his tunic look like a relief image of long-stemmed tulips, their heads prettily bent.

“Please come in, Miss do Brode.” He stepped out of the way, and she entered.

The guard closed the door.

“We’ll be eating out on the balcony again. It is another very nice evening. Please join us.” He took a step toward the open double doors, and she settled her shoulders and followed. The room was well-lit with several lamps. Even the balcony had more than the candles on the table, judging from the amount of light she could see through the doorway and the darkening evening sky as a backdrop.

Prince Russal adjusted his step so they could walk side by side, but he kept several inches between them. Even when she stepped onto the balcony, he maintained the distance, not even placing his hand on the small of her back as he had done the previous night.

The servants had already set the table, this time for four individuals. A lady and gentleman sat at the square table. Their gazes greeted her with warmth. The man stood upon seeing her. Prince Russal guided her to a chair across from the woman, and then the two men sat down at the two ends.

“I thought meeting two of my friends would be better than a large number,” Prince Russal said. “This is the Lady Amily Condori. We’ve known each other for some time.”

“Since we were children,” she said. The woman smiled kindly, her eyes bright blue. “Please, call me Amily. We can dispense with being overly polite. I know we’ve only just met and proper courtesy calls for stiffness and protocol, but may I call you Kambry?”

“Yes, I would like that.” Anything to not be alone with Prince Russal.

“Good,” Amily said. “We are setting the tone right off as four friends having a meal together and quiet conversation.”

The prince continued his introductions as if she had not interrupted him. “The gentleman to her right is—”

“Tomo, just call him Tomo,” Amily said. “Think of him as the local tinker from down the road, not some lord so-and-so. We will have a lovely evening, right, Tomo?”

Tomo had sleepy eyes, his lids drooping as though he were too easygoing to raise them. “My dear, it will be just as you wish.” He patted her hand, and for a moment his face brightened as he gazed at Amily before sliding back into quiet ease. He sat in the seat sideways, his arm along the top of the seat back and his legs stretched out, ankles crossed.

She liked them both instantly. Looking to the prince, she saw a slight smile on his face. Was he pleased at their interaction?

Amily said, “Your brown eyes quite sparkle like those sapphires, Kambry. Don’t you think so, Russal?

Kambry stiffened when their eyes met. Prince Russal gazed at her, his smile still in place. “I think the jeweler was inspired. The stones replicate the same sparkle and contrast nicely.”

If his voice had not been warm with humor, she would have taken his words as meant to mortify her. She didn’t want him looking that closely at her eyes. Everything about him seemed opposite to the previous evening. What did he have

planned? She gazed at Amily and Tomo and tried not to reveal her unease. Were they as they appeared or was some trap prepared to spring on her?

Prince Russal raised his hand, and the servants began serving.

A strawberry-rhubarb compote over a fragrant vanilla custard tantalized her appetite. The combination of sweet and tart matched well with the heated fruit over the cold custard.

“Oh, just what I was craving,” said Amily, taking up a spoon and eating at once. “Tomo, try it.”

“Is it sour?” He eyed the silver bowls lazily. “Kambry, take a taste. I cannot trust Amily. She’ll eat anything that isn’t moving.”

Amily slapped him on the arm, but grinned as she took another large mouthful. She spoke around it. “Please, Kambry, tell him how delicious it is. He’s so indolent that he can’t get his own second opinion.”

Prince Russal watched with a raised eyebrow. Kambry looked to each of them before raising her spoon to her mouth. The prince leaned forward. Even Tomo moved a little toward her, his ankles uncrossing.

Amily slapped them both. “You tiresome boys. This is not a science experiment. Kambry, ignore them, but do try the custard.”

Kambry took the bite, keeping her gaze on Amily alone. In her peripheral vision, Prince Russal put a large spoonful in his mouth and pulled it out dramatically. He chewed noisily.

Amily knocked his elbow off the table and rolled her eyes. “We ladies should have had dinner alone.”

“Delicious,” said Kambry. “Isn’t it?” Amily squealed.

Tomo looked to Prince Russal. “Russ, what say you?” “Listen to your wife or miss out on excellent food.”

Tomo turned to Kambry. “He’s not a bad prince. His directives are plain and easy to follow.” He put a heap of the custard and fruit in his mouth and grinned at Amily. She dabbed a napkin on his lips.

Tomo groaned with pleasure.

A thick soup came next with similar displays of teasing humor.

Amily ate everything as if she were starving. She was so petite, Kambry wondered how she could eat so much. She even stole a bite of Tomo’s roast from his plate. A big bite. He whined hilariously, and Amily gave him a steamed carrot.

While they relaxed with glasses of red wine, Amily entertained them with stories about her dog, a miniature corn muffin according to Tomo.

“Someday, I will mistake him for an appetizer and be sorely surprised.”

“You will not,” Amily said. She focused on Kambry. “I have to admit because I cannot keep a secret that I begged Russal to invite us tonight. Will you forgive me, Kambry? I had ulterior motives.”

“Selfish motives,” added Tomo.

“Stop it, Tomo.” She lifted his wineglass and motioned him to drink. “Kambry, Russal told us you are a scribe. Is that so? Tell me he wasn’t teasing me.”

“I am a scribe.”

Amily reached beneath her seat, and Tomo glanced under the table. “Don’t tell me you brought it? If you intend to trick someone into doing you a favor, you wait a few days after meeting them. Have you no patience, wife?”

“Shush.”

Prince Russal leaned back in his seat as if they were an entertaining play.

“Kambry, I have this favorite illustration in a book read to me when I was a child,” Amily said. “I want a larger version

of it, and I can find no one willing to do it for me.” She put up her hand, hiding her mouth from Tomo. “Honestly, I think he’s been paying people to refuse to do it. But he hasn’t got to you yet. If you agree, I know you won’t back out later.” She pulled up the book and slid it across the table before opening it to a page marked with a ribbon. “Scribes draw illustrations, right?”

“We do.” Kambry looked at the vibrant image.