Page 48 of Bride of the Midnight Prince

“That you needed this position enough to put up with a capricious master,” I reply. “There. Are you glad you successfully passed the test?”

She clamps her mouth shut. She isn’t going to forgive me so easily.

“You earned yourself a request.” I drum my fingers on the tabletop, then move my piece to surround her spot near the Fool. “Ask what it is that you want, and I will endeavor to grant it.”

“I do not want to be mocked or tested,” she answers readily.

“Very well.”

Her eyes dart up toward mine in surprise. They are a rather nondescript shade of brown, yet now I notice the way they shine golden in the sunset. She looks away just as quickly.

“Nat,” I say, softening my voice. “Look at me.”

Begrudgingly, she lifts her eyes to mine. Waning sunlight plays across her face, her wild hair. I lean across the table, too quickly for her to jerk away from, and pluck the leaf out of her hair. I drop it in front of her.

“I’m sorry.”

Why am I doing this? I’ve only been in the human lands for a few days and I’m already apologizing to a servant who is actively lying to me about her identity, her history, and her motives. It must be the stink of this air combined with my constant dosing ofolleathat influences me.

Yet I cannot find it in me to regret the apology. I mean it. I mean it more now after seeing just how much more frustrated and hurt she was by today than I realized.

She purses her lips, hesitates, then nods once.

Apology accepted.

Just for that, I let her claim another spot near the Fool. I’ll win the game, of course, but she can have this little victory.

Neither of us speaks for the rest of the game. Unlike the beginning of the game, however, the silence is pleasant. I didn’t lie yesterday—she is an interesting opponent, with unusual maneuvers, and it keeps my mind engaged in the game more often than when I play Pavi. Many of the maneuvers are careless and poorly thought out, but interesting all the same. I never would have thought she had learned the game only yesterday.

Night has fallen when we finish.

I slide the board into its container and we each dump our minions inside. The Fool goes last of all. “I regret that the queen’s ball will keep us from playing every night this week.”

She chews her lip, then admits, “Me too.”

This time, neither of us are lying.

Chapter 15

Kat

Thenextmorning,Iam not as mad at the prince as I ought to be. True to his word, he leaves me alone. I work hard at my usual tasks, sore from yesterday, but I focus quietly instead of fuming. My body is already adjusting to my new routine of vigorous activity. There is something very satisfying and verysimpleabout working hard all day, and then when I’m finished—I’m finished.

Prince Rahk leaves mid-morning and doesn’t return until nearly evening. I’m not the only one who is relieved to have him gone. All the staff, even Mrs. Banks, are extra chipper, chatting more while they work. I find myself smiling when Becky waves from her stool. Edvear is in good spirits too, his characteristic furrowed brow smooth as he talks to Charity.

I’m not the only one frightened by the prospect of living with a fae prince, it seems.

The prince returns as I am setting out his supper. He strides into the room, a package tucked under one arm. He wears human garb for the first time—an embroidered vest over a collared shirt and a pair of dark brown trousers—and with his hair tied back, he . . .stilldoesn’t look human.

I skitter to one side and bow.

The prince looks at me before noting his meal. He takes the package from under his arm and holds it out to me. I hesitate for a second before walking forward and taking it from him.

“Where do you want me to put it?” I ask.

“It’s for you.”

“For me?” I blurt, turning the package over in my arms. It’s some large tome, wrapped in brown paper. “What do you mean?”

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