Page 11 of Unbetrothed

I glanced at my brother, who nodded and took a gulp from his flute. Unease burned in my stomach. These wards protected all the kingdoms around the Agata Sea from invasions. “I didn’t know wards could go missing.”

“Yes, wards diminish after a time. As of late, there have been many that have gone missing. It means our enemy is scheming for our land again.” He must have seen my agitation because he amended, “So long as I’m around to replace them, our kingdom is safe.”

“Brother, did you know about this? No one has told me anything.” I tried to conceal the hard edge of my voice.Another reminder about how useless I am.

Cosme levitated another glass from a server’s tray two arm spans away. “Yes, I did. You already have a lot to consider. We didn’t want to worry you. Take heart, I will be out to sea tomorrow, investigating.”

“That reminds me.” I examined his polished leather shoes and white stockings, such a contrast to his appearance earlier. “Where had you been this morning before the garden party?”

He clicked his tongue and shook his head. “Papá forbids me to share Dotado business.”

Of course, I’m not privy to important information.

The air in the room grew stifling, and I plopped my glass on a passing servant’s tray. “I’m feeling indisposed. Brother, could you escort me to my room?”

Cosme grinned with a spark in his deep, brown eyes. “I would, but I need to speak to Don Marcoin. I’m sure Sir Lucas will be happy to take you.”

Screaming was not an option. I looped my arm through the crook of Sir Lucas’s elbow. My hands balled into fists, nails jabbing into my palms. Heads turned as we strolled past insipid suitors and their mothers. I assumed they thought I had chosen a suitor. Angry tears formed behind my eyelids by the time we arrived at the foot of the royal staircase.

I stopped and pulled away from Sir Lucas. “Thank you for accompanying me, but I can walk myself from here.”

“Are you sure?”

He must have noticed how I did, in fact, need his assistance. A blister had formed on my little toe. I wasn’t sure if I could make it up the two flights of stairs and keep my dignity.

A servant passed, and I called, “Hello there! Retrieve Laude for me.” I turned back toward Sir Lucas and ground out, “You are all kindness. Laude will be here shortly.”

Sir Lucas stood by my side while I waited. His boot tapped the marble floor, filling my ears with an uneven beat.

“Will you be staying the week?” I asked.

“Yes, I will. I hope to spend more time with you, Princess.”

My eyes widened. I knew he was in the running, but hearing him say it wrung my insides.

Laude’s frizzy hair peeked out the servant’s door, and tension seeped out my muscles. “Look, there’s Laude,” I said.

She scampered toward me, wiping her palms on her apron. When she saw Sir Lucas, her jaw dropped, and she maintained a dreamy-eyed stare while striding toward me. Lucas twiddled his fingers and blinked even more.

I tried to shoo him away with a dismissive wave, but he didn’t budge. “Laude, could you escort me to my room?”

“Of course, your Highness.” She came alongside, and I linked arms with her. When I leaned heavily, she wrapped her arm around my waist instead. Lucas meant nothing to me, so why did this embarrass me? We reached the top of the steps.

Laude dashed a glance at Sir Lucas again. “He’s awfully cute. Are you going to choose him?”

I pursed my lips. “Just help me to my quarters, and please stop staring.”

CHAPTER 6

THE TIME HAD FINALLYcome. Twirling a pink frilled flower between my fingers, I strolled on a grassy path in the garden with Lux by my side. Last night’s coming-of-age ball was just the beginning of my search for a husband. It hadn’t been a day yet, and I already needed a break—no, I needed to escape.

I passed a sly glance over at my companion. “What gift do you possess?”

Lux stopped mid-step and cocked his head. “We’ve known each other since we were born. How do you not know?”

“You’ve never talked about it. I know it has something to do with the way people see you. You used to have a deep scar down your cheek, and I don’t see it anymore.” I squinted at him, sun blazing in my face.

He closed his eyes while taking a long breath of sea air. In a blink, a scar stretched from his eye, down his cheek to his jawbone, and disappeared again.

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