rly morning hush quickly gave way to bustling excitement. The royal staff moved swiftly through the corridors, polishing silverware, setting

nt she had dreamed of since her son was a child. There would be delicacies from across the continent, the finest wines from their southern vineyards, and music

hirt. His princely attire was impeccable, but his expression was carved from stone. His stormy blue eyes, us

this day. He had no

, it wa

entered his chamber, her voice light with satisfact

adjusting the cuffs of his

one, but before she could speak further, the sou

with anticipation. She practically floated out of

rl until she gave up. Until her family called off the engagement. He had no interest

corners of his lips.

s announced the arrival of the Earl and Countess of Beaumont. Arm in a

ni

skin, her brown hair styled in a chic half-bun, she exuded both grace and quiet confiden

ime s

elled across kingdoms, been courted by baronesses and beauties alike, yet none had stilled the

er pretty girl,

to cling to that th

iends! How wonderful to see you again." She embraced the Co

ng announced gaily, waving his arm toward the long banquet

iend with a teasing grin. "I must say, Robbins

ghtly. "I am honor

ly, offering the king a

le oil, delicately smoked salmon, juicy chicken salad, tender kebobs, and the palace's famous onion rice. T

Narissa turned to Danica with a polished smile. "S

nd answered with practiced grace. "I'm currently studying

d, visibly intrigued. "I've always admired the

es emotion, provokes thought-it connects us beyond words. I've

ow delightful. A woman o

you'll be running other affairs besides your art

gh she sensed the underlying reminder: her fut

't said a word since the meal began. He watched her w

spoke, his voice

I've always appreciated art, though I've never had th

e was supposed to be aloof-arrogant,

Your Grace," she rep

th the Countess of Beaumont. "Well, it

re duchess or decorative bride, but as herself. Her

next steps if Prince Hans chose Danica officially. Plates

plan to intimidate her had vanished like smoke. Instead,

stood and turned to her wit

walk with me, my lady?" he

guard. But something in the prince's eye

our Grace," she sai

up. The King's goblet paused mid-air. The Countess of Beaumont b

suppose we'll just have to trust th

and. "Yes, of course. We trust

dens, bathed in afternoon light and the scent of lilacs,

ent," the Que

ed. "And perhaps that's

wing glance. Their daughter had just stepped