by Cait Marie
Shane shook his head with a quiet chuckle. “Most people seem to think it’s one of the noble ladies.”
That eased some of her worry. It would be extremely difficult to carry on as normal for the next couple months if the people thought their princess was getting married.
“But we both know it’s really you,” he interrupted her thoughts with a wink. Quickly, he jumped back out of reach as she moved to hit him again.
Their laughter was cut off by a handful of people rushing through the doors. There was an urgency in the way they moved down the hall. When closer, Adalina saw a man being carried between them on a blanket. Melanie, Adalina’s lady’s maid, led the group. She met the princess’s eyes and rushed over to the pair.
She bowed her head. “Your Highnesses.” As she raised, she lifted a hand to usher them up the stairs. The group passed. The carried man looked barely conscious, and his moaning could be heard over their movements.
“What’s wrong with him, Melanie?” Adalina asked as she paused.
“Nothing for you to worry about,” she explained. “He’s come down with something, but he’ll be fine. You two should head upstairs though. We don’t want to take any chances.”
Shane thanked her and grabbed Adalina’s elbow to pull her along. As they climbed, she looked back over her shoulder and saw the people disappear around the corner. Adalina knew something more serious was going on—the former nursemaid didn’t even scold her for addressing her improperly—but she let it go for now.
“Don’t worry, Ada,” Shane said as they reached the landing. The study was a few feet away, the door firmly shut. “They’ll bring him to the infirmary and take care of him.”
Adalina looked to Shane and nodded. Moments like these, where he took charge and comforted her, reminded her of the king he would one day become. His air of confidence made him appear older and wiser than his twenty-four years. They paused outside the door that led to where the king schemed. There were still three months before the ball, but the closer it got, the less they saw of him. It concerned both of his children.
“You never answered me,” Shane said, bringing her back to the present. “Are you excited about Michel coming?”
She laughed and shook her head. “You’re very persistent.”
“It runs in the family.” He nodded toward the book tucked under her arm.
“Yes, I’m excited,” she replied, moving a strand of auburn hair behind her ear.
“Good.” With a hand on the doorknob, he added, “Just wait until after my own engagement announcement for yours please.”
Then he was gone, and she was staring at the dark, wooden door. With a sigh, she turned and walked up another flight of stairs to her bedroom. She thought of the prince across the sea and couldn’t stop the grin from spreading. Biting her lip, she quickened her pace, nearly skipping to her door.
Her room sat empty, but a small flame crackled in the fireplace. It fought off the chill that made its way into the air with the changing season. Outside of those in the castle, Prince Michel was her closest friend. She remembered visiting Rayerna after her mother’s death—spending the summer with a prince who knew nothing about cheering up a little girl only a year younger than him. But that hadn’t stopped him from trying. Images of running through the gardens and bright-colored flowers that seemed to glitter in the sunlight filled her mind. Unlike her brother, Adalina loved celebrations and couldn’t wait for the ball. The thought of Michel proposing made her heart pound.
Adalina crossed the room and sat on the edge of her bed. Her fingers slid between the pages of the book and expertly pulled out the card of Loxley. She trailed her thumb down the side. Clenching her jaw, she put the card with the others, then put the book into the drawer of her bedside table.
She flopped back onto the soft comforter, replacing the book that was so often held to her chest with a small pillow. In a few months, she would be engaged to a man she loved. She would one day rule beside him as the queen—not that that truly mattered to her. What she wouldn’t have was her mother there to see her marry someone who made her happy.
Thinking of her mother and the book safely hidden away, Adalina rolled over and hugged the pillow tighter. Shane was right: she needed to move past the fairy tales. She needed to live in the real world. Knowing he was right didn’t make it easier. She thought about his disbelief in the story—in her understanding the symbols—and she fought the tears threatening to fall. Instead, she focused on the memory of hazel eyes and a prince always fighting to make her smile.
Adalina kept her promise. She didn’t bring up the book again. It stayed in her drawer, locked in her room until she was alone at night. She knew she was on to something with the rose. Other symbols had started making sense too.
“All right, turn for me, Princess.”
Adalina slowly turned on the spot. She faced the mirror, and her eyes went wide. The annual harvest ball slowly approached. Every year, the streets filled with makeshift markets and celebrations for a couple weeks. At the end, the castle gates were opened, and a ball was held for the people. This year it would be used to make Shane’s betrothal with the Duchess of Prillia official.
With about a month to go, Adalina visited one of her favorite dressmakers. The gown she wore was beautiful. Its lavender bodice was tight and firm, with off-the-shoulder sleeves that flared out once they reached her elbow. But the skirts took her breath away. The multiple layers of tulle mixed with chiffon would have made anyone feel like a princess.
She moved her hips back and forth, watching the colors swoosh around. In the mirror, she saw the seamstress watching with anticipation.
“I love it,” Adalina told her. “It’s perfect, thank you.”
The elderly woman was pleased and resumed pinning different pieces of the fabric. Adalina held as still as possible, but her mind floated up to the clouds.
The sun sat high in the sky when she left the small shop. With two guards in tow, she walked down the cobblestone streets of Ferda. The atmosphere bustled with activity as people prepared for the following weeks. It wasn’t just the prince and duchess visiting for the ball. Foreign dignitaries from all over came for the celebrations. People in every trade would be trying to sell their goods and services to the visitors.
A group of children ran down the street, their laughter contagious. Adalina couldn’t help but smile. She stepped to the side to let them pass, and her shoulder bumped into something hard. Turning around, she gasped as she took in the sight of a tall, angry man.
“I am so sorry!” she apologized. He squatted to retrieve the supplies she’d knocked from his hands. She knelt beside him, grabbing bandages and vials before they could roll away.
“It’s fine.” His gruff voice surprised her. He appeared only a few years older than her, but his demeanor suggested otherwise. As did the rags he wore. He placed the errant medical supplies in a bag at his feet.
Adalina reached for the bag to add what she’d collected, but a hand grabbed her wrist to stop her. She winced at his fingers digging into her, and the two guards stepped forward quickly, their hands on their swords. She raised her free hand and told them it was all right. The man stared at her, not releasing his strong grip.
“I said it’s fine,” he repeated through a clenched jaw.
“I was just trying to help.”
He let go of her wrist with a huff and slid the bag closer. Careful of the glass vials, she placed them inside and ignored the throbbing pain in her hand.
“Don’t you have somewhere to be?” the stranger asked. “A luncheon or tea, or whatever it is you nobles do with all your free time?”
Adalina stared at him, taking in his appearance once more. He obviously didn’t know who she was, and she didn’t correct him. She wondered if he was from Detmarya or visiting for the upcoming festivities. His bedraggled clothing led her to believe he was from the impoverished part of the kingdom, but on closer inspection, she saw a cleanliness to his skin and hair. They placed the
last of the supplies in the bag and stood.
“You know,” Adalina said as the man made to leave. “Instead of insulting someone with assumptions when they apologize and try to help, most people usually just say thank you.”
He continued walking away, but she heard a mumbled thanks under his breath. She shook her head in disbelief. A shadow fell over her as one of the guards stepped closer. The other stood a few feet away watching the people passing by in the street.
“Are you all right, Princess?”
Adalina smiled. “Of course.”
Phillip took another step closer, looking down at her wrist. “He didn’t hurt you?”
“No, I’m fine.” She held up her wrist but couldn’t hide the grimace when she rotated it. At his concern, she added, “Really, it’s fine.”
“Ada,” he whispered.
He held his hands out and hesitated before touching her. When she nodded in approval, he gently held her hand and forearm as he inspected the damage. She sucked in a breath as he tilted it back.
“It’s not broken,” he said. “I would be cautious of it though. It’s probably going to be sore for a bit.”
Adalina nodded. “Phillip,” she said nervously. “I know he’s your best friend, but please don’t tell Shane about this.”
He opened his mouth to argue, but she cut off his words. “There’s no real damage. Please, he’s got enough to worry about right now.”
With a sigh, Phillip agreed. He knew all about her brother’s stress. He knew their father and what difficulties they faced. A throat cleared. Adalina reluctantly pulled her hand away. She looked at the other guard still on alert with a chuckle and continued down the street.
She stopped in a few shops, buying trinkets along the way. The bookshop had always been a favorite, so she made a point to stop there and say hello to the owner. He gave her a new book, and she bought some stationary before leaving. As she neared a bakery where delicious smells wafted from the open door, she heard yelling from across the street.
“Guards!” An older lady ran out as they moved closer to inspect the commotion.
Phillip asked what was wrong, and she replied in a flurry of words. “A man came in, asking about different medicines. He asked about something I don’t have on display, and when I went in the back to look for it, he stole from me!”
They stepped just inside, and Adalina went still. Along one wall were vials and jars with a number of concoctions. Scattered about were medical supplies, and she could see curtained-off beds along the other wall.
Adalina clutched her stomach. Guilt rolled through her as she realized she had inadvertently helped the thief get away. The woman gave a detailed account for the guards of the man they had just encountered. Neither mentioned seeing him, and Adalina silently thanked them.
When the woman finished, Adalina reached for the woman’s hands. “Ma’am, my name is Adalina.”
“Princess Adalina?” The woman’s eyes widened, and she bowed. “I did not recognize you.”
Adalina lifted her hand, insisting she stand. “I am deeply sorry for what happened today. I cannot replace your store, but I can pay for what was taken.”
She pulled a few coins from her small handbag and placed them into the woman’s hands.
“Thank you so much, Princess Adalina.” The woman looked on the brink of tears while she thanked the princess again and again as they left.
Having had enough excitement for one day, Adalina decided to head home. Reaching the safety and privacy of the castle halls, Phillip bumped her shoulder. She hadn’t said a word the whole way.
“It’s not your fault,” he told her with a friendly smile. “There is no way you could’ve known he was a thief.”
The second guard continued down the hall as they paused in the entryway. He patted Phillip’s shoulder as he passed them and laughed under his breath. Adalina watched as he shook his head and walked away. She nodded and thanked Phillip.
It was nearly time for dinner, but she was exhausted and wanted nothing more than to collapse in bed. As she headed to the stairs, she asked Phillip to tell her brother that she’d take her evening meal in her room. He reached out a hand, careful to avoid her wrist.
“You sure you’re all right, Ada?” he asked as she turned on the first step.
At this level, they were closer in height. She leaned forward and kissed his cheek. “I’m fine. Go. Your shift should probably be over by now anyway.”
Phillip laughed. “Is my shift ever really over?”
She shook her head with a grin and playfully shoved him away. “Go find Shane.”
A knock on her door as she sat down to eat dinner surprised Adalina. Before she could respond, her brother walked in with his own tray of food and sat across from her.
“Please, won’t you join me?” she teased.
Shane ignored her and began eating. “How was your trip into the village?”
She shifted and took a sip of wine. “It was good. I have a dress for the ball. The seamstress is finishing up the final touches. I got a new book and some stationary from Pierre. The people are excited and already preparing for the celebrations. Some were even building a platform in the square.”
“That sounds exciting,” he said.
She ripped off a small piece of bread and ate it before continuing. “We should probably increase security near the shops. A healer stopped us in the street to report a thief. A lot of her supplies were stolen. I paid for the items…”
“Yes, I heard about that.” Shane gave her an expectant look.
“Phillip.” She sighed, rolling her eyes. “He promised he wouldn’t say anything.”
“And you believed him?” He laughed. “Ada, we’ve been best friends for over twenty years. Besides, he shouldn’t have to be the one to tell me these things.”
“I didn’t want to worry you. You have enough going on right now. It wasn’t that big of a deal.”
“Oh really?” He raised a brow. “How’s the wrist? I see you’re eating with your other hand tonight.”
“I’m going to kill him,” Adalina muttered under her breath.
“Don’t be mad. He was just concerned. You’re like a sister to him too, you know.”
“I know,” she agreed. After their mother died, Shane basically raised her, but Phillip had always been right there beside him.
Shane reached across the small table and gently covered her hand with his. “I don’t want you to hide from me. No secrets, remember?”
Adalina smiled. As children, they promised to always tell each other everything. “Fine. No secrets.” She took in his somber stare. “You really need to lighten up. When is Lady Saundra arriving? Maybe she can help.”
Shane scowled, but she could tell he didn’t truly mean it as he reached for his wine glass. “So, why do you think the man stole all those medical supplies?”
Music played softly in the distance as Adalina twirled around the ballroom. Blurry faces surrounded her while she looked for her missing prince. It had been months since they last saw one another. As if her thoughts summoned Michel, he swept her away in his arms. He tightened his grip on her hand, but when she looked up, his blue eyes morphed into sea green. Her breath caught in her throat, and her heart pounded as she focused on the familiar gaze.
“Princess,” he whispered into her ear. “Where are you?”
Adalina’s eyes snapped open, and she bolted upright in bed. She rested her forehead in one hand, trying to steady her breathing. It was the same dream she’d had every night that week. The same dream that haunted her throughout her entire life. The early morning sun peeked over the horizon, bringing its golden rays into her room. Knowing sleep would not return, she stood and wrapped a warm, wool robe around her. She held it tight, and with crossed arms, she made her way to the hall.
The guards stationed outside the royal family’s bedrooms said hello but didn’t question why she was up. With her father’s paranoia, their presence had increased over the years, and they we
re used to seeing her wander the halls at random hours. She had started doing it as a child. It helped her think and relax.
She walked through the dimly lit hall and down the grand staircase, trailing a hand along the banister. The quiet castle at such an early hour held a peacefulness that calmed her nerves. A maid left the small dining room and held the door open for Adalina as she approached. The woman curtsied, and the princess greeted her with a smile.
Shane already waited in the room only ever used by the royal family. A fire crackled in the fireplace, warming the space. The smell of pastries, bacon, and eggs made her mouth water as soon as she entered.
“Good morning,” Shane said with a nod as she took a seat.
“Good morning,” she replied before glancing to their friend standing against the wall. “Phillip.”
“Your Highness,” he said, bowing his head slightly.
Adalina let out a soft laugh and shook her head. Shane smirked as she began piling a plate with fruit, trying to hide his grin. They ate in silence for a few minutes. The sounds of their silverware and the fire behind them the only noise in the room.
“Stars, this is awkward,” Shane said with a chuckle as he pointed to a chair. “Will you just sit?”
Adalina choked on her orange juice and nearly spit it out. A laugh escaped her between coughs.
It wasn’t proper for a guard to join them, but Adalina knew no one would question it, even if they hadn’t been alone. Everyone knew Phillip’s relationship with the royal siblings. They remembered his father, who was a guard before him. Phillip relented and took a spot across from the princess. Shane sat at the head of the table—their father rarely joined them anymore.
“You’re ridiculous,” Phillip told her with a grin. “What are you doing today?”
Adalina glanced at Shane then back down to her food. She poked a grape with her fork, pushing it around on the plate. “I thought I’d see if Father needed anything done for the ball.”
When she looked back up to her friend, she saw him shift his gaze between her and Shane. “What’s going on?”
