Page 18 of To Sway a Bard
Zula lifted her chin. “No, but I didn’t expect prisoners to work so hard.”
A cough of laughter burst from his throat. “Where did they put you? The kitchens? The mending? Surely not the stables with your lame foot.”
Zula reached him and hesitated. Instead of standing back to give her room to pass, he continued to look down at her. Did he have to be so tall and tower over her? He must have recently bathed, for he smelled clean with a hint of coconut.
“Not the stables,” she explained. “Does there have to be so much preparation for a masquerade?”
“It is tradition—an annual masquerade to celebrate the peace we’ve achieved with our neighbors. Peace that was threatened when you attempted to steal from the trolls. Even though the treasure has been returned, the relationship between the kingdom and the trolls now has an unexpected level of tension.”
Zula sucked her tongue, aware the tension was her fault. She hadn’t considered the fallout of her actions, only the shiny purse that awaited her. So she said nothing.
Neo stepped toward her. “I’d like to know who hired you to steal the egg, because I believe whoever did this had a much bigger plan.”
“I can’t give you that information.”
“Can’t, or won’t?”
Neo’s voice carried a menacing note, allowing Zula to see there was more to him than the slightly awkward, lanky prince. How had she never seen it before?
The way he walked spoke of comfort because of his elevated title. He was used to strolling through the world, having people at his beck and call. Had she fallen under his spell and considered him soft-hearted and slightly gullible? He might have caught her, but he was still the sheriff. Even the queen had complete trust in his ability to hunt, to capture those on the wrong side of the law. She thought she’d besotted him with her ukulele, but what if he had some magical effect over her, too? After all, he was a royal. Magic flowed through his veins, but what kind of magic?
“Both,” she countered, stepping closer to prove to him she wasn’t intimidated. “It was a new contract,someone I’ve never worked with before. I was on my way to meet them with the egg when you interrupted. I assume this individual or group of thieves is long gone.”
“Anything you can remember about your interactions with this group will be helpful. I may only be the sheriff, but I also work to secure the kingdom.”
For the first time, she felt bad about her actions, and her ankle started to throb. “You’re not just the sheriff, you’re a prince. It’s natural to want to protect your family.”
“It is.” He held her gaze. “And my family also protects me.”
She didn’t want to be the first to look away, to admit defeat. She’d already lost so much. Tamping down the beginnings of regret and shame, she boldly returned his gaze.
The Neo of today was much calmer and more in control than the Neo of a day and a half ago, leaving her wondering who he’d talked to. There was more of the confident prince in him and less of the awkward man she’d met in troll territory.
Neo cleared his throat. “Just so we’re clear, I’m not besotted by your ukulele. It doesn’t affect me. I like you, Zula. You. Your life choices have been unfortunate, but this is the time to turn it around. Let me help.”
17
NEO
The enchanting sound of the orchestra tuning their strings filled the courtyard along with the soft evening breeze, the tantalizing scent of lotus flowers, the hum of the night creatures. Neo adjusted the collar of his shirt. He’d never grown accustomed to the finery. As a man of action, he preferred clothing that would not limit him should the night turn devastating.
Ambient sounds of the party hummed in his thoughts, and with a practiced eye he watched the guests gather in gilded masks and feathered finery, noticing every detail: quiet touches, furtive looks. Each guest was recognized; there were no intruders, at least not yet. A crowd would gather, indulging indelectable foods and dazzling drinks. It was the ideal night to slip away into the shadows. Would she take the bait?
Neo strode with surety up to the room where she was preparing and knocked on the door. “Are you ready?”
A sigh, followed by a reluctant response. “If I must be.”
His heart squeezed, and for a moment the shape of his sister flashed before him, holding a dagger and threatening what might happen should he give in to his emotions. Pushing the uneasy thought away, he let the door swing open.
Zula stood on the other side, fully transformed into a beautiful woman worthy of the kingdom. Each day he’d noticed the change in her, the rogue thief fading under the spell the palace wrought. She’d been given a simple gown made of silk, dyed peacock blue, the one color that hinted at her profession. Although it wasn’t custom-made for her, it clung to her curves, accentuating her womanly form.
Noticing his gaze, she held up a gold mask and twirled it. “I’ve never been to a masquerade. Isn’t there dancing? I can’t dance with my sprain, and I’m not sure what shoes to wear.”
“Slippers,” Neo murmured, feeling momentarily lightheaded. Curling his hands together, he pinched his wrist, forcing himself to stay in control.
“Slippers,” Zula repeated, giving him a wry smile. “Is that the fashion of the palace?”
Neo shrugged and held out his hand for her mask. “I wouldn’t know. Will you allow me?”
