Page 4 of Unbetrothed

I must tell my parents about what I’ve done.They could fix it.

But that inner voice that knew how to pour salt over wounds whispered:You are giftless, choiceless, and utterly trapped.

CHAPTER 2

SUNLIGHT FILTERED THROUGH THEtall windows lining the long corridor at the back of the palace. Laude and I waited beside the garden entrance. My quivering breath fogged a windowpane, obscuring the queens, princesses, and high ladies from the eight Agata Kingdoms who mingled in the manicured garden just beyond the terrace.

Have courage. You will tell Mamá about the oath before the party.

Footfalls rumbled from the stairwell behind me. My older brother, Cosme, laughed with his three fellow Dotados,as they liked to call their little band of friends. As he passed through the sunbeams, the rays illuminated Cosme’s darkened skin, drab cloak, and muddied boots.

The other Dotados offered cursory bows and planted themselves next to Laude, gawking at all the ladies outside. Cosme patted my shoulder as if I were a pet dog. I scowled at him, and he chuckled in return.

I pressed my shoulder blades back. “Where have you been?”

“About.” He took my braid and tickled my cheek with its end. “Smile, dear sister. Such a sour expression will never get you a husband.” Cosme whistled and cocked his head toward another passage. His friends followed.

I rubbed my cheek and glared after him.Why should I be jealous of Cosme’s spy work?He only got to tramp about the farthest corners of the kingdom without opposition from Mamá and Papá while I begged to leave the palace.

Soon, Cosme would see my abilities and worth. I yanked on my sleeves, stifling a scream in my throat. Bronzed skin peeked from under the sky-blue lace, covering my markings yet revealing all the time I spent out at sea with my best friend, Prince Lux. Some things could not stay hidden.

Laude chirped with joy, observing the guests through the windows. “Princess Alexa’s frock is so unbecoming.”

Alexa was betrothed to the one suitor I wished I could choose. I pressed my lips into a hard line, so Laude wouldn’t see the smile she inspired. Inappropriate comments from lowly servants should not be encouraged.

I flicked my braid back over my shoulder and ran my fingers along my high silk belt. Laude had arranged my hair and finished off my look with a matching wide-brimmed hat, praising my appearance. Yet there was nothing anyone could say to ease the ball of doubt in the pit of my stomach.

Rustling echoed from down the corridor. Mamá appeared with several servants in tow. Her vibrant pink gown swayed, creating the illusion of her gliding across the floor.

I forced merriment into my voice. “That color suits you well.”

“You’re doing that nervous patting again.” Mamá grabbed my hands to stop my fidgeting and pulled me in for a gentle kiss on the cheek.

“Isn’t there another way?” My confession about my oath played on my tongue, straining to be exposed.

She cupped my face. “Your papá and I would never put you through this if we didn’t think it necessary. The Himzos might back down from their threats if they see a stronger alliance between us and the kingdoms around the Agata Sea. Now, where is my bold young lady?”

I inhaled and settled into a neutral expression. It’s best to appear put together when being the center of attention.I’ll tell her about my oath later. The conversation will go better when we’re around others and forced to appear civil.

Mamá waved for her servants to open the doors, and we stepped outside. The women applauded our promenade across the terrace and onto the grassy path. Over the mix of voices, I heard scattered conversations regarding my gown, whom they thought I’d choose, and even the dreaded words: unbetrothed and giftless.

An older woman curtsied in a sparkling white gown. “Princess, are you ready for the ball? I hear it’s going to be quite the spectacle.” Her bright smile grated against my sensibilities. “It’s a shame you and Prince Lux couldn’t marry. You two are indeed a pair.”

I nodded.It is amazing how people always find the exact concoction of words that stab a person’s heart.

“You are all kindness, Lady Ressin,” Mamá replied. Two smile wrinkles formed on her cheeks, and she led me to our seats under the white tent in the center of our vibrant garden. She leaned close to my ear. “Lady Ressin meant no harm.”

“Of course. Did I appear anything but pleased?” I straightened my back.

Mamá raised a smug brow. “I am your Mamá, and you are a poor liar.”

Sometimes Lux was even fooled by my polite gestures. How could Mamá see through them?

I scratched at my knuckles.This is the time to tell her.My heart quickened.

A servant in royal green livery handed her a cup of coffee and poured her a heavy helping of cream, then he handed me my cup. As I turned to speak to Mamá, Lord Pau’s mother approached, golden hair shimmering through the beaded netting at the nape of her neck.

“Your Majesty. Princess. Both of you radiate like flowers among the brambles.” Her face crumpled into deep crags. “I am sorry for my son’s absence and my quick return to the isles.”

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