Page 19 of Dragons & Dumplings

"By sleeping with him."

"I don't want to do that." I frown as I think about what I'm saying. "Should I?"

"You're the only one who gets to decide. Do you think he's attractive?"

"I've not really thought about it." I eat some more of my bread and conjure thoughts of Nate. "I like spending time with him, and he's my friend. That's really all there is to it."

"Fair enough." She goes back to eating her breakfast. "Have you ever met anyone that you want to sleep with?"

"I don't think so. Should I have?"

She shrugs. "It's fun, why wouldn't you want to?"

"I can't say I've given it much thought," I admit, watching the rain as it patters on the glass in front of us.

Veronica sits back and sighs. I'm not sure if her frustration is to do with me, or something else.

"Are you all right?" I ask.

She gives me a weak smile. "I'm fine. I just suppose that I was hoping youweresleeping with your baker."

"But why? It doesn't change anything for you, does it?"

"I suppose not." She chews on her bottom lip. "I've always just thought about my future as marrying a royal I don't necessarily even like that much. Our parents' choice, naturally. And then being sent far away from everyone else."

"I don't think they'll make you marry anyone you don't want to. They might hope that you marry another royal because it's helpful for Falhaven, but I don'tthinkthey're going to force you."

"I hope not. But every time I think about it, I end up worrying that it's not going to be the case. Or what if they don't approve of the person I love?" Her voice cracks as she speaks.

I reach out and touch her arm, hoping that it's comforting, but worrying that it isn't. "I'm sure our parents wouldn't want you to feel this way," I say softly. "And that they'll love whoever you love just because they love you."

She raises an eyebrow. "You can't possibly believe that?"

"Why wouldn't I?" I respond. "They always tell us that they married for love, surely they will want that for us too?"

"You say that as if the delegation from Someil isn't coming next month. Everyone is going to want Arthur and their Princess to marry."

I shrug. "Maybe they're bringing the Princess for you."

"I doubt that."

"You never know. It would be an advantageous match no matter if it's you or Artie who marries her. And I still don't think that's going to happen. Artie said himself that he didn't think our parents would make him marry against his will."

She raises an eyebrow. "You've talked to Artie about this?"

"Yes. It was only in passing," I respond. "But he was certain, so I am too."

"It must be wonderful to live in your mind."

I grimace. "I wouldn't go that far. Sounds are often too loud, and I hate the way formal dresses feel against my skin."

"Then you need to get different chemises that won't irritate your skin as much. I can help you talk to the seamstresses, if you want," she offers.

"You would?" I can't help but feel hopeful over that. "Whenever I deal with them, I want to say something, but then I hear Mama's voice in my head about being proper and not complaining about our dresses because not everyone has such fine clothing."

"That's no reason for you to be uncomfortable," Veronica responds. "But if it shall make you feel better, we can take your old chemises, and any dresses you no longer want to wear, into town and give them to anyone who needs them."

I nod. There's a part of me that hates the idea of going into town, though not because of the people, just because of the noise. But sometimes, needs must, and I would feel better about having new chemises if my old ones are helpful to others.

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