Page 51 of The Promised Prince
Slowly, she raised the small piece to her lips but stopped just short of them. “Is this where you poison me?”
“Do you thinkeveryoneis trying to kill you or just me?”
“Just you, I guess.” Renna smiled. “It smells good.”
“Would you just eat it?”
She quickly placed the foreign food into her mouth. Trev watched as her expression changed from nervous anticipation to complete bliss. “You have ruined me. I don’t think anything else will ever satisfy me again,” she said, taking in the delicious flavor.
“I feel the exact same way.” Trev stared at her intently, all hints of joking gone from his handsome face.
Renna panicked. She did the only thing she could think of; she punched him in the shoulder and then whispered. “You are the biggest flirt I have ever met. Are you practicing all these lines on me first before you use them on Seran?”
Trev’s unwavering gaze broke as if the mention of Seran reminded him of who he should really be spending his time with. He looked over his shoulder at where Seran stood, her back to them. “I should go to her, but I’ll see you tomorrow. It’s the first day of the Tournament of Games.” He began to walk away slowly, still speaking to her as he went. “You’re really going to like all the competitions. I know it.”
Then he was gone from her side.
18
Renna
Abuzz of excitement surrounded the outside of the palace for the Tournament of Games. The grassy lawn in front of the palace had been transformed into a small arena. Booths were set up with food vendors, and a few portable toilets lined the outskirts of the grass. Young men from the army and working-class men from nearby villages eagerly waited in line to sign up for the different competitions. Winners from each day would compete on the final day in a tournament of champions.
Renna felt the energy as she strolled among the crowd. Joyful sounds of laughter rang from young children as they ran around their mothers. Groups of women chatted while their men bragged about their own skills and talents. It was a happy day in Albion.
She smiled at passersby and tried not to look for Trev. Her smile faltered a bit when she finally saw him. He was seated in the stands next to Seran, front and center where the best seats were. They leaned their heads in close together, and Seran was smiling at something he said. The carefree feeling of the morning escaped with Renna’s breath.
But it was good. Good for her to remember he was Seran’s.
Someone better would come along for her. She just had to make it through the wedding, and then she could go home.
Renna found an open seat next to her mother and sat down. Luckily, Trev and Seran were several seats away. It would be easier to act like she didn’t care about him if she could ignore him. But then she heard Trev and Seran talking.
“Why are there so many men signing up?” Seran asked. “What kind of prize do they get if they win?”
“Well, the tradition in Albion is for the winner to receive a kiss from a woman of his choice; I’m sure most men would choose you.”
Seran let out a light laugh.
“Are you comfortable with that?” Trev asked.
“I suppose there’s only one man I wouldwantto kiss, but I’ll consider it an honor to perform the duty if called upon.”
Renna leaned forward to see Trev’s response to Seran’s words. He looked flustered; or maybe he was thrilled. It was tough to tell. Renna slammed her back into her seat, hiding them from her view.
“Prince Ezra,” her mother called. “Join me for a moment.”
What? Why?
Renna’s heart stumbled as Trev stood up and came their way.
“Your Majesty. Miss Degray. You both look lovely this morning.” His comment was meant for her mother too, but his eyes lingered on Renna a little too long.
“Prince Ezra.” Queen Mariele nodded back at him. “How kind of you to arrange such an exciting competition during our stay. Will we have the pleasure of seeing you compete in any of the games this week?”
“I’m afraid it’s not customary for royalty to participate.”
“Of course not. You wouldn’t want to be injured,” her mother replied.
