Page 28 of Weaving Winter

The dining hall was more modest than I thought, but then I realized it was the family hall, reserved for Bran’s family and close friends. Fenling’s dress swished as she walked. It was full-skirted, and she looked stunning. Her hair was fastened back on both sides with tiny braids.

As I followed her in, every one who was already seated looked up. I saw Bran, who gave us a smiling nod. He cleaned up better than I ever expected. He was already a handsome man, but now, dressed in the family colors, his locks held back like Fenling’s—with two little braids on each side, pulled back by a clip that held back the rest of his hair. I felt an odd flutter in my chest, now that we were indoors, safe, out of our heavy cloaks.

The prince, on the other hand, had pale hair, almost platinum, with ice blue eyes and chiseled, angular features. He was a handsome man, yes, but his eyes had a cool, aloofness behind them, and I immediately found myself raising my guard. Even before he spoke, I knew this was a man who could—and would—break others.

“Welcome back, brother.” Karehl turned to Bran. “I trust your time in the woods has been fruitful and not too difficult.”

I called bull. Karehl didn’t care how rough it was on the road, and everybody knew it. I could tell from the looks on the various faces around the table.

“Are you going to introduce me to our guest, dear brother?” Karehl continued.

Bran cleared his throat, looking annoyed. “Of course. Your Majesty, may I present Asajia? We met her in the woods where…she was being attacked by a snow-cat. Asajia, meet my brother, our prince and soon to be king, Karehl.”

I blinked, but quickly recovered myself. He had lied, for some reason. I quickly stood and curtseyed the best I could, waiting for him to speak.

“Well, stand, girl. Let me see you.” The prince motioned me away from the table. I awkwardly obeyed, still keeping my tongue. His eyes slaked over me like I was some sweet bun or cake. “You are a fair looking wench. What were you doing in the woods to attract a snow-cat?”

I cleared my throat. “I’m a hunter. I was out looking for game when I got caught in the snow storm.” It wasn’t an unreasonable lie.

“A huntress, you say? How interesting.”

By his side, a woman with golden hair and a cunning stare froze. She looked me up and down, her eyes narrowing, then her gaze shifted back to Karehl. I immediately knew I’d made an enemy, though I wasn’t sure why.

“My lord,” she said, an edge in her voice.

“Oh, yes. I present Princess Charla, my wife.”

I curtseyed to her. “Your Highness.”

She lifted her fork, biting into a piece of meat, before replying. “So now we welcome hunters to our table?” She let out an audible sigh. “Oh, very well. Welcome to our court, girl.”

I had never felt as dismissed as quickly as that moment. Even Garimorn had seemed kinder when he pronounced our family out of favor. The venom in the Charla’s voice and eyes would have killed me, had she been a snake.

“Thank you,” I murmured, wanting nothing more than to sit down again.

“Return to your meal,” the princess started to say, but the prince stopped her.

“Not so fast,” he said. “Turn around, girl. Let me see you from all angles.”

Blushing, I reluctantly obeyed.

“Perhaps we can have a chat later,” he added. “Very well, sit down and eat.”

Even as I returned to my seat, I could feel his eyes on me. The princess was staring at me, as well. I glanced over at Bran, who had a dark cast in his eyes. He was angry—I could see it right below the surface.

I ate very little, feeling under scrutiny until Karehl and Bran began to discuss the state of the Bramble Fel Forest. When I had the chance, I leaned over to whisper in Fenling’s ear.

“How long do we have to stay at the table?”

She glanced at her cousins before answering. “It shouldn’t be long now.”

Sure enough, a few moments later, the prince and princess stood and we all hastened to our feet, curtseying again.

“Brother, attend me in my study. The rest of you, I bid a good night.” Prince Karehl glanced at me once again, then led the way out, followed by his wife and Bran.

Fenling touched my arm. “Come, we’ll get something more to eat once we’re back in our quarters.” She led me through the labyrinth to her room, where she asked Tonyah to bring us some cheese and fruit and bread.

As soon as the maid vanished out the door, Fenling turned back to me and said in a low voice. “I was worried this would happen but there wasn’t anything I could do to stop matters. But we can’t talk here, and we can’t leave the castle right now—the guards would notice. Just follow my lead.”

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