Page 19 of Lost Starlight
“Are they still searching?” I asked Michael, ignoring Mother.
“Yes, I heard that the queen sent another task force of guards to investigate again,” Michael said, taking a bite from his egg.
“I am glad of that. I must go,” I said, fleeing the room as fast as I could, while still being graceful. Once I left the breakfast table, I moved to the front door, my hands fisted in anger. It was early, and the royal carriage would not be arriving to pick me up for ten more minutes, but I could not sit there a moment longer. I would give John a piece of my mind for suggesting an arranged marriage. I was grateful that Michael changed the topic of conversation, although it added some worry to my mind. I had always appreciated the queen. Her kindness was known throughout the entire kingdom. I was grateful she was still lookinginto those missing children, although sad that nothing had been found.
How could there be no trace of them?
I pulled my shoulders back and tried to focus less on my anger and worries, and more on the day ahead of me. I was going to see Prince Peter. I had grown fond of him. He was kind, fun, and I had become very comfortable in his company. Seeing him every day was the only light in my life. I hated being at my home, and his need for a storyteller brought me a freedom I had never realized I could have. Securing that position for me was one of the only good things my mother had ever done for me.
But while I had formed an attachment to the prince, he had not become attached to me in the same way. He needed me to be his storyteller, and that was enough for him. We had spent much time studying there with Martha in the background, but he had also taken me to read to him at the beach, in the garden, in the ballroom, and countless other random places.
“My Lady, the royal carriage is here.”
I nodded, tucked the book under my arm, and walked to the carriage.
As the footman opened the door for me, I stepped up, seeing another hand, then a head, pop into focus.
“Gwen!” Prince Peter said as he tugged at my hand and pulled me beside him inside the carriage.
Chapter Seven
Peter
Ten Months Before Present Day
She was always so surprised whenever I changed our plans. It was not the first time I had come to pick her up. For some reason, I wanted her to see all the beautiful things I loved. It had to be because I felt indebted to her for all she had done for me; her storytelling had softened my curse in a way I never imagined possible.
“Your Highness!” she said. It had been nearly two years; surely we could be past formalities. But of course, that was not Lady Gwendolyn Darling. Her words were just as regulated and proper as was her clothing. Everything was precise, well-maintained, and well-mannered.
“What? I thought it was a perfect day for a story on the sea!”
“Onthe sea? Do you mean a ship?” she said, looking at me skeptically.
“I do. William is becoming a captain in a few months, and I am still working with him. He needs to practice on a larger Navy ship.”
“We are going on a Navy ship?”
“Yes, but do not worry—no one will bother us.”
“I am not worried about someonebotheringus, Your Highness. I am worried about being the only woman on a ship.”
“Why?”
I was thoroughly confused.
“Have you not heard that it is bad luck to take a woman on board a vessel? I do not wish to cause any trouble,” she said.
“Oh, that is not true! My mother has sailed, and she is well.”
“Yes, but—”
“Gwen, dearest Lady Gwendolyn Darling—all is well. I assure you.”
“Well—” she began.
“I mean, you know how to swim, right?” I said, interrupting her.
“How to swim?” she gasped.
