Page 52 of Glass Hearts
“Hey, boys! Thank you for taking care of my girl.” She goes into her pocket, removing another set of tiny clothes, this time little pyjamas. Instantly, they look to me to help them put it on. Lo turns back to me. “I was going to sneak into the castle. But rules and all that. So that’s when I pushed to get hired as a seamstress. I almost didn’t get it, because apparently that isn’t an actual role in the castle. Which is silly, with all the fancy dresses and whatnot. But I digress—before I was turned away, Prince Sylas walked up and asked if I was the infamous ‘Lo’ thathisgirl loves. Girl, we have SO much to catch up on, it seems.”
“You don’t know the half of it, Elora,” Bri interjects, snickering into her coffee.
“Oh! Maybe we can have a sleepover girls’ night! Like old times.”
We haven’t had a sleepover since we were young girls, but knowing my sweet friend, it’s her way to catch up with me while also including my new friend, Bri.
“I think that is a splendid idea! I will ask one of the princes if we can use my first room.”
“I am surprised you aren’t in one of the hot princes’ rooms.” Lo wiggles her eyebrows.
Bri laughs as she loops her arm through Lo’s.
“Anyway, I still need to show Elora around the castle and which room she will use.”
“Just call me Lo, Bri. Let’s go check out my new home for a while.” Lo gives me one more big hug, before looping her arms again in Bri’s. “See you later, Ella!”
I grab my coffee and get back to exploring the castle during my day off. One of my primary goals is to find that infamous library once more. Of course, I got lost a few times, needing to ask spiders for directions to the library.
I open the ornate doors to the quiet library, instantly feeling comforted by the smell of books, ink, and dust. I may be looking for the third installment ofThe Duchess and the Rake, but I am also looking for a book on the history of the Isles. My knowledge is a bit limited, but something feels off about the council and their involvement with the princes. Selfishly, I also want to see if there is a way I can make them mine.
Before I can reach the history section, I spot Winona curled up on one of the old leather couches, a book on the ‘The history of Villiany’in her hands and a blanket covering her legs.
“Arabella!” She closes her book and shoots up into a sitting position. “Please come sit with me; I need to apologize.”
“For tricking me into going on a surprise date?” I questioned with a smirk, joining her on the worn-in couch. Her face falls a bit, looking remorseful.
She cornered me during one of my shifts, begging me to help her get medicine for her cramps, saying the castle was out. I was more than happy to help her, but I also saw it as an opportunity to get out of the castle since she said she was going to set up a distraction for the princes.
“Your prince was very insistent on this plan. Plus, I could only hear so much about you from him. No offence—that man isobsessed.”
At first, I was jealous of his relationship with Winona, but hearing how Grayer still only had me in mind warmed my heart.
“Honestly, no worries, Winona, I am not upset at all. It ended up being one of my favourite nights. I am curious, and you can tell me to shove it… But why are you here if you didn’t want to get married either? Grayer had mentioned that you both bonded in being forced to be married.”
“It’s.. a long story. Involves an overbearing father unhappy that I am powerless, and a poor decision I made involving an enchanted apple. I am just buying my time until I can find a way to escape his clutches.”
I lay back into the couch. “I completely understand the feeling of wanting to escape the claws of people looking to control you. It’s a hopeless feeling. If there is any way we can help, let me know,” I offer; the girl looks like she needs a friend. I have noticed how she avoids the other ladies at court. She smiles at me.
“We? I suppose the Princes may be able to help with all their power… though I may need you to help me convince them.”
“Bah, that will be easy. But my friend Lo could probably help you, too, maybe. Her magic work is mostly in making clothing items… maybe there is something she could do.” Then I get abrilliant idea. “Why don’t you join us for a sleepover tomorrow night? I know we are grown-ass women, but it will be with me, Bri, and Lo. If you don’t mind hanging with the help.”
“You ladies sound like a much better time than hanging with the power-hungry leeches. I will be there.”
“Excellent! I will let you get back to your book. I will send you more details later.”
I wave goodbye to Winona and head to the history section. This corner of the library is a bit darker, only a few sconces light it, and dust coats the bookshelves. As I am perusing the books, I feel the heavy weight of eyes on me. That’s when I spot the white-haired prince looking directly at me from a small leather chair in the corner with his eyebrow raised, ankle over his knee. He is wearing glasses. I didn’t know the prince needed them. Damn it, he looks so dang attractive.
“Oh! My apologies for disturbing you, Prince Archer.”
He waves me off, removing his glasses. He brings the stem to his lush lips, and I track the movement.
“Please, have a seat, Arabella.” He points to the other leather chair across the small table. I sit, feeling a bit nervous. Archer has always set me on edge. Not because I am afraid, but I worry about getting lost in his intensity. His observational gaze feels like he can read me. Like he could call me on my half-truths and lies.
“What are you looking for in the history books? I don’t think you will find any more of those romance books in this section,” he jokes.
He gives me a sweet, playful smile. My heart skips a few beats. It takes me a few moments to gather my thoughts, shocked at his friendly and flirty tone. Is this a trap?
