Page 3 of Unbetrothed

The servants scuffled about so loudly it would have wakened me had I been in deep slumber. I rolled my eyes. After the door tapped shut again, I scratched my forearms.

Had my vines really glowed so brightly?

What if I made the wrong promise?

I traced the gifting marks whirling on my cinnamon skin. Nothing seemed to have changed. Should I try another word of power? Would I be struck down if I said the wrong word?

Biri-Biri-Bum-Biri-Biri-Bum.

Rhythmic music drifted from the town below, announcing that the waste collectors had started work. A powerful gust carried a sweet, yeasty aroma, a baker’s wind-shifting gift in use—the perfect special ability to garner more customers.

The sun continued its ascent, revealing the interlaced roads and flat-roofed houses throughout my seaside kingdom. Though all else was calm, a riptide churned in my chest.

Saying an oath wasn’t a crime. There was plenty of time to plan an excursion into Valle de los Fantasmas. My parents wouldn’t expect me to decide on a suitor tonight.

“There you are!” Laude’s shrill voice prickled the hairs along my back. “Good morning, Princess Beatriz. Would you like breakfast at your settee or bed?”

I straightened up, trying to subdue a sting of annoyance. “What do you suppose?”

Laude skittered in with the tray and touched the tip of her glowing finger to a candle wick. A tiny flame danced into life. She placed the tray on my side table. “Which gown should I prepare for you: the red, yellow, or blue?”

“Douse the flame.” I inhaled sharply, hoping she’d let me enjoy the morning air.

“Sorry, Princess.” She blew out the candle. “There are so many gowns for your big day. I’m sure you’ll be betrothed once the suitors get a look at you.” She sighed with longing and threw her arm out in her expressive fashion, toppling over a cup. Papaya juice drenched my toast.

I massaged my temples.

“Ai-yi-yi! Sorry, Princess.” She yanked a white cloth from her arm and mopped the amber liquid. “Did you hear of the letter from the Agata Isles? Everyone is talking about it. Lord Pau cannot make it because his father broke an oath.”

An oath?

Laude continued, “They say the land ripped apart beneath his father’s feet. The land ate him! Can you believe it?”

I pressed my palms together over my mouth and let out a small gasp. Laude took it as an encouragement to keep talking, though I stopped listening. Her story burned in my ears and twisted terror into my soul. A man was devoured because of a broken oath. And Laude, the queen of gossip, had to tell me.Why must they send Laude on a day like today?I pursed my lips to prevent any rash words from slipping out.

“But so many other guests have arrived—very handsome lords indeed.” She let out a long whistle. “I ran into a suitor last night. His eyes nearly pierced my heart. And Blanca said she saw one who could turn his skin into scales of gold.”

Princesses don’t choose their suitor. Princesses are arranged to marry a prince. And what sort of men line up to be chosen? Lowly lords! That’s who.I pulled my shoulders back, mimicking Mamá’s elegant gestures. “Why would I stoop to choose a beggar for a husband?”

Laude’s cheeks flushed, accentuating her freckles. “I meant no offense. All the men were handpicked by your father.”

“Set out whatever gown you like. Send Myla to dress me. Now, leave.” I forked a wedge of mango in my mouth to chase away the stale taste.

“But, Princess—”

“Leave.”

“But … I was told not to go back down until you come with me.”

My eyes snapped wide open. “On whose word?”

“Your mother’s.” Laude fidgeted with the corner of her apron.

At least she was not exuding joy anymore. Yet, no amount of correction smothered her perky disposition or impulsive tongue for long.

“Lovely.” With a curt flourish of my hand, I dismissed her from the balcony.

Laude’s story about Lord Pau’s father rang through my mind. She was prone to exaggeration, but there must have been some truth to it. Mamá had mentioned the wordoathtoo.

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