Page 11 of A Dagger in the Ivy

“I believe his father forced people to say that.” She lets out a small laugh. “Prince Torbin, on the other hand… I’ve heard he’s grown into a handsome man.”

I smirk. “Howhave you heard?”

“People talk. Especially the ladies of the court.” Nadya’s brows dance as she smiles. As daughter to the king’s head council, Nadya has been as close to the lords and ladies of the court as I have been. Closer, even. By all means, Nadya should have a room in the castle, but she insisted on staying at the Garrison. She claimed it was to be near me, but I’ve noticed her wandering eyes and the way she cozies up to the soldiers who live here.

And I’ve seen her disappear into her room with one or another of them in the late hours of the night.

Not that I’m one to judge—I've had my share of relationships, though often short-lived, long enough to know what Nadya is chasing. But I mostly keep my fleeting moments and whispered promises in the dark hidden from prying eyes, especially since my uncle lives in the same building.

“And they say he’s handsome?” My decision would solely be based on what is best for the realm, but if I had to marry someone, it wouldn’t hurt if he was pleasant to look at.

“I believe the descriptors I’ve heard are ‘dashing’ and ‘desirable.’”

A warm blush travels over my cheeks. “I guess that’s better than warts.”

Nadya lets out a hearty laugh. “Plus, you know him. It’s not like you’re marrying a stranger.”

“Idon’tknow him. It’s been twelve years. People canchange a lot in a decade. People can change a lot in a year.”

“That’s true.” She purses her lips. “So then maybe he’s outgrown torturing frogs.”

My face scrunches up in disgust, remembering Torbin chasing frogs, prodding them with sticks to get them to run from him in fear. “I forgot all about that.”

“Listen, think nothing of it. All boys are strange.”

“I hope you’re right. What if his frog torture has turned into something worse? What if I’m agreeing to marry a horrible monster? This is not how I imagined my future.” It isn’t that I’m opposed to marriage, but I just always imagined I would be a soldier for years to come and not have to deal with settling down until I was much older.

Her eyes widen, her lips curving into a smile. There’s a sparkle in her eye that always appears when she gets an idea. “Well, let’s see what’s in store for you.” She extends her hand as if she expects something from me.

“What do you mean?”

“Margie taught me some palmistry. I think I’ve got a knack for it. Let me see the palm of your dominant hand.” She lifts her chin, obviously convinced she’s already an expert.

I let out a small laugh and oblige. She pulls me closer on the bed and turns my hand over to study my palm. Her touch is delicate, and I squirm at the way it tickles as she moves her finger around.

“There are four major lines.” She concentrates on my palm, her face growing more serious as she speaks. “The heart line, the head line, the life line, and the fate line.”

“You think you can tell my future by looking at my skin? I have to tell you, my hands have been through some pretty rough battles. There may be lines there now that weren’t there before.”

“I have to admit that I only learned the four major lines. Everyone has other, smaller lines as well, but I haven’t learned what any of those mean yet.”

“So we’ll just look at the big four.”

She pulls her legs up on the bed and tucks her feet under herself. “Yes. First, let’s start with the head line.” She taps her fingertip betweenmy index finger and thumb and then runs it horizontally across my palm. “This represents what is going on in your head. It unveils your mind and the way it works, revealing your intellect.”

“Wow, you really paid attention when Margie taught you this.”

“I’m a good student when the subject is interesting.” She winks before she continues. “Your head line is long, which means you’re a good thinker, but it also means you tend to overanalyze.”

“But you already knew that.”

“It’s also curved, which means you are tolerant and realistic.”

“Hmm. Not sure if I agree with that.”

“You tolerate Isaac, and he’s the biggest ass I’ve ever met.”

I laugh, glad that Nadya can rescue me from the depths of my sorrow and worry.

---