Page 23 of The Promise Born
I fussed over my dress, a soft lilac color with red detailing throughout the skirt. That was the one thing I missed about my old life, the dresses. As much as I wanted my freedom, I hated that it meant giving them up. But I couldn’t realistically parade around my bakery in lacey gowns that were too expensive for my income to cover. It would have raised my customers’ suspicions.
I thought we might be going somewhere away from the palace. Somewhere we could get privacy, but apparently Asante meant what he said about keeping up appearances. Because the guard led me to the picnic style dinner setting in the center of the massive garden that sat east of the palace. Underneath a canopy of bright yellow and purple leaves, Asante stood waiting for me. He smiled at me, completely ignoring the salute the guard gave him before leaving us alone.
“This is beautiful,” I commented as the leaves rustled gently above his head.
“Well, I know you like nature, but I didn't want to risk taking you out far again, just in case.”
“I told you. My ankle is fine.”
“I know, but my uncle gave clear instructions to keep you off of it as much as possible. You’re supposed to be resting. Not going on nature hikes. And besides, but my uncle is not one to be disobeyed.”
“The two of you are very close, aren’t you?”
“Yes, we are. The curse of being the second born. Important, but not the focal point. I spent a lot of time with my uncle while my parents prepared my older brother for his duties as future king.” He paused. “My uncle was there for me when it felt like everyone had forgotten me.”
“And what about now?” I asked. “Now that everyone is looking at you?”
“He is still there.” Asante nodded. “He helps me stay grounded. I expected none of this. I was content to live my life as the brother of the king. It felt like the best option. I see what my father has gone through. Missing out on so many things because of his duties, but my uncle was always there.”
“I thought he was your mother’s brother.” I let the words slip before I could think better of it. Shouldn’t I know their family history? Royalty or not, if I were a fire dragon, I would know those things. Asante didn’t seem to think it was a problem.
“Many people think that.” Asante smiled. “It’s understandable. He refers to her as sister because they’ve known each other for so long, but he is my father’s brother.”
“I’ll have to thank him for taking such care of me.”
“He’ll say your resting and healing is thanks enough.” He ushered me to the padded seating on the ground. “Is this comfortable for you?”
“Yes, it is. Thank you.” I adjusted the dress around my legs. “So, tell me, what else should I know about you?”
“Excuse me?” He asked as he began plating our food from the basket.
“I’m supposed to be your love interest, I should know more about you. At least the basics.”
“You’re right. If anyone asks, you’ll need to be able to answer honestly.”
“Exactly. So, lay it on me. Tell me everything important about Prince Asante.”
Between eating and drinking, he told me everything about him, from his childhood into his adulthood. He told me about his brother and how he felt his mother wanted a daughter. Asante boasted about how proud he was of his father and how he wished he could spend more time with him. Our conversation moved between serious topics and lighthearted ones.
It was during a bout of laughter when a voice interrupted our pleasant meal.
“Isn’t this nice?” The queen spoke, standing across from us in the garden. Neither of us had heard her approach, her footsteps muffled by the grass covered grounds.
“Mother.” Asante stood and I followed suit. “What are you doing here?”
“Am I not allowed in my garden?” She looked around him at me. “I see you two are enjoying it here.”
“Yes, we are.” He moved closer to her and said something under his breath I couldn’t hear.
“If only she was from a good bloodline.” The queen said, and I heard that just fine.
“Please, just leave.”
“Fine.” She paused. “But I want time with this woman. Kiala. I hope you’ll join me for tea tomorrow."
“Of course,” I bowed. “It would be an honor to have tea with you.”
“I’m sure.” She turned her nose up, shot Asante a hard side glance, then left.
