Page 75 of Once Upon a Crown
“How many cups have you had?”
“Two.” He looked down at the cup. “Maybe three.”
The musicians below started a new tune, and a few people gathered to dance. I pressed myself against the wall to avoid being spotted by the guests.
Lance stood next to me, with his shoulder leaning against the wall, allowing him to look as casual and unfazed as he always did.
“How long are you and your father to stay here in Norrandale?”
“We are leaving tomorrow actually.”
“So soon?” I attempted not to sound disappointed.
“I’m afraid we’ve received news that my sister is unwell. We must return to Levernia immediately.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Why? Are you going to miss me?” The guests were temporarily forgotten. I could think only of his close presence.
“No.” I was surprised by his bluntness. “I meant your sister.”
“So, you won’t miss me, then?” He was teasing me now, I could tell. And I didn’t know how to respond. Had never had a boy speak to me like that.
I decided to try to focus on the party again, but I could feel his eyes lingering on me.
“You should come to Everness one day.”
“Why?” Was he suggesting that I visit him or did he simply believe himself to live in the superior kingdom?
“The library,” he said, clearing his throat. “You like reading, don’t you? The palace at Levernia has a very fine library.”
The second, then.
“Perhaps one day I will. Though I doubt my mother would allow me to leave the kingdom. Not unless she found me an Evernean husband, and even then, I think she is too much of a loyalist to do that.”
When Lance didn’t say anything, I looked back up at him. A strand of dark hair had fallen across his eyes, and before I could stop myself, I brushed it out of the way. We stared at each other for a moment, as if both having realised what I’d just done.
Then Lance lowered his head and pressed his lips to mine in a kiss. It only lasted for a moment, but I could have sworn I was no longer breathing. I didn’t know if I wanted to slap him for having the audacity or ask him to do it again.
Instead, my mouth fell open with no words coming out and I stood there like an absolute idiot.
“I’m afraid I must go, or my father will start to look for me.”
Anything. Say anything.
“I bid you goodnight, Lady Gwen.”
It was the last time I saw the Prince of Everness until I walked into the Palace of Levernia a few months ago. By the time I’d risen the following morning, Lance and King Magnus had already departed. I knew it was foolish of me to hope I would hear from him and yet... Was it entirely deluded of me, as a young girl, to hope that he might have liked me?
But there was nothing. As the weeks passed, I came to realise that the spoiled prince did not care for me in any way. Instead, he was simply bored and looking for something to pass the time. I promised myself I would never fall victim to a prince like that again.
* * *
“What?” Lance asked, full of surprise.
“You,” I said, jabbing a finger at his chest. “Stole. My. First. Kiss.”
He took a moment to respond. “When?”
