Page 5 of Rapunzel's Gambit (All That Glitters)

“We managed to revive him.” He shuffled his feet. “He claims the last thing he remembers was…was kissing your daughter, sire.”

I couldn’t conceal the smug expression on my face. “Oopsies. Was that me?”

“Thank you, Reginald. Tell Lord Morvain and his son that I will see them shortly and offer a personal apology, as will myverypenitent daughter.” He said the last few words through gritted teeth.

“Lord Morvain and his son are some of the few allies we have left,” Father said wearily after Reginald left and we were alone again. “Why would you ostracize the few who are still on our side?”

“You ought to be glad I picked him instead of an enemy. At least you know he’ll forgive us. Perhaps instead, you should wonder what foreign diplomacy tactics you’re using that resulted in us having so few allies.”

Father stared at me, and I matched his glare with a challenging one of my own. Finally, he sighed and ran his hand through his silver hair. “Why couldn’t I have had a daughter who enjoyed embroidery? The other kingdoms’ royalty have started calling you the Feral Princess of Rookwyn.”

“Ooh, the Feral Princess? I like it. A fitting name for the Dragon King’s daughter.”

Father’s anger faded as he handed me back my handbag, the corners of his mouth curling upward. “So, tell me, how did you get Harold to take the wyrmsleep?”

I took the handbag and tucked it under my arm. “The benefits of my womanly wiles. Shall I describe my exact actions to you?”

Father closed his eyes. “No. I don’t want to think about that. Just…don’t do it again.”

“I would never.” I held out my arms, and Father eyed me suspiciously. “What, you’re unwilling to hug your only child?”

Slowly, he wrapped his arms around me, but the hug felt perfunctory rather than meaningful.

“You’re impossible, you know that?” he sighed.

“So are you.” I broke away, giving his hands one final squeeze, and headed for the door.

“Rapunzel…” There was warning in Father’s voice.

I rolled my eyes and gave him back his coin purse.

“Now the rest.”

“I don’t have anything else.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

He raised his eyebrows and waited.

“Fine!” I slapped his cloak’s jeweled brooch back into his hand and closed his fingers around it. “Happy now?”

“Very. You’re worse than any dragon.”

“I know.” I beamed and turned away, discreetly tucking Father’s signet ring into my handbag as I did so.

CHAPTER3

Most of the guests had already arrived by the time I finally left my room. Father had sent multiple manservants up to pound on my door and relay his messages to not delay any longer. My handmaiden, Beatrix, deserved credit, she waved each manservant off with the sharp retort that if my father hadn’t delayed me by lecturing me, I would have been ready on time.

I turned to scrutinize my appearance in the mirror. I’d always been considered pretty enough, but after her administrations, I was no longer simply a thin princess, I was the regal future Queen. The stunningly beautiful woman gazing back at me looked far too innocent and sweet to be suspected of any wrongdoing. Perfect. I leaned closer, examining the way my eyelashes had been darkened to contrast my bright blue eyes and the matching gown.

“You’ve outdone yourself, Beatrix. Thank you.” In the mirror’s reflection, I saw her brown eyes crinkle as she smiled fondly from the praise and patted my long blonde hair. She was the closest thing I had to a mother, as my own had passed away during childbirth.

“Do you hope to find love before being forced to marry someone else?” one of the newer servant girls asked. Beatrix hissed and swatted at the lass, who murmured, “Beg pardon, Your Highness, it was not my place.”

A thin smile crept to my lips. “No need to apologize. My plan is not too far off from that.” If Father wanted me to give attention to men, I would give attention to men, just as he had requested.

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