When I emerged from the catacombs, an unpleasant surprise waited for me.
Troubadour stood at the edge of the patio overlooking the gardens. He had his harp tucked against his side, and the wind made his blue cloak billow. If I hadn't had a taste of his arrogance and prejudice at Forest Castle, I would've thought him handsome and dashing in the pose—the effect he no doubt wanted to have.
He seemed lost in thought, and I pondered slipping away, but my conversation with Ellerin had reminded me I needed to act like a crown princess, not a coward. Sometimes that would mean keeping my enemies close, or at least finding out what they wanted.
I thought about waiting for him to turn around, but I needed to get back up to Kestrel and couldn't afford the delay a cat-and-mouse waiting game would ca
