Chapter 8: a Second Coming
1326 Words
“That’s not him,” Eiley declared. As she watched the man get out of the carriage, she was sure it wasn’t the visiting prince, but as sure as she was of that fact, she had absolutely no idea how she knew it.
Lord Carys shook hands with the man, and Eiley could just hear him introduce himself as Lord Kyron.
“That’s too bad,” Teresa whispered. “He’s gorgeous. He would be quite the catch.”
Eiley didn’t respond. Her gaze was trained intently on the open door to the carriage. When a foot stepped out, she felt an instant sense of familiarity. “There,” she whispered.
“How do you know?” Annabelle whispered.
The man who stepped out next was frowning deeply. Eiley pursed her lips for a moment before forcing a practiced smile onto her face. She stepped forward, even as her friends tried to hold her back. Even though she’d been instructed to wait for her father’s call, she was eager to get this over with.
“You must be Prince Warren,” she said, curtsying before him.
His head jerked up in shock.
“Princess Eiley,” Carys admonished her carefully. “It’s proper to wait for introductions.”
“Must we bother with propriety, Lord Carys,” she said, smiling at him. “If Prince Warren and I are to be betrothed, I think it’s only proper that we get to know each other.”
“Prince Warren, my deepest apologies,” Carys said, turning to the guests.
“Think nothing of it,” Prince Warren said. He bowed to Eiley and said, “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Princess Eiley.”
King Nathanial stepped up to the small group, trying to look relaxed. “Eiley?” His voice had a warning to it.
“Hello,” Warren said, bowing to King Nathanial. “You must be the King of Saint Galame.”
“Prince Warren, I want to welcome you to our kingdom and to our home,” The King said with a warm smile, refusing to look at Eiley.
“How were your travels?” Eiley asked Warren, refusing to look at her father.
Warren frowned. “It’s been a long week getting here. I’m looking forward to experiencing the famous Galamian hospitality.”
Eiley grinned at him. “I’m sure. May I show you to your rooms?” She’d planned to foist this task off on a servant, but somehow she thought she’d be free of this interaction faster if she escorted the Prince to his quarters herself.
Warren looked back into the carriage until Kyron elbowed him, bringing him out of his distraction. “That would be lovely, thank you.”
He held out his arm to Eiley and she slipped her fingers into the crook of his elbow.
“Lord Kyron, will you see that the carriage is unloaded and the horses are tended to?”
“Yes, your highness,” Kyron said with a bow.
Warren turned to Eiley with a forced smile. “Shall we?”
Eiley returned the smile with equal force and said, “Right this way.”
As they passed the gathered welcoming group, Eiley flashed a look at her friends. From their nods, she was certain she’d find them in her parlor when she was done with Warren.
She guided him towards the door and stepped into the entry hall.
The pair walked through the castle. Their footsteps echoed through the stone hallways, punctuating their silence.
“Th-thank you for escorting me,” Warren said, staring pointedly down the hallway.
“Yes,” she said. “Did you get to see much of the countryside on your way here? I’ve been told it’s lovely this time of year.”
Warren smiled, “It was lovely. We passed through much too fast for my liking. I’m sure it would make a very enjoyable tour.”
“Yes,” Eiley said, looking away. She remembered the trip Ronan had taken to see their country, and scowled at the memory that she was not allowed to attend. “My brother, Ronan, took a tour. Maybe you can talk to him about it. He speaks very highly of the experience.”
“I’m hoping I’ll have an opportunity to experience more of your country while I’m here.” He paused uncomfortably, then said. “I know we’re going to spend a day on a hunt. Perhaps you can show me some of the localities?”
“Hmmm…” Eiley said with a laugh. “You don’t seem to understand a hunt.”
“What am I missing?” he asked, giving her a quizzical look.
Eiley sighed, suddenly full of irritation. “I’m sure I’ve already told you,” she snapped. But as soon as the words left her mouth, she realized they were untrue.
“We’ve just met,” Warren said, carefully. “Maybe you’re thinking of another suitor?” The joke sounded more uncomfortable than he meant it, and Warren settled on silence.
Eiley felt the tension between them like a wall, but she had a strange feeling that she’d find an escape soon. They rounded a corner and Eiley said, “Angie, can you–”
She looked around, but Angie was nowhere to be found.
“Who is Angie?” Warren asked.
“She’s one of our servants,” Eiley answered. “I…I thought she’d be here. I don’t know why.” She took another look down the hallway, in a bit of a daze. She finally shook her head and said, “Anyways, your rooms are this way.” She led him further down the hall, searching for something to say.
Warren cleared his throat and said, “It seems like this part of the castle is newer?”
Eiley rolled her eyes but said, “Yes, the addition was made about 100 years ago.”
“Are you rooms nearby?”
“Why? Are you planning on visiting me in the night?”
Warren blushed furiously at this and Eiley’s grin fell.
“No,” she said. “The royal family has quarters in the old tower. It’s not as grand, but it’s a little cozier.”
“That must be nice,” Warren said, still blushing.
“Yes,” she agreed. “My mother wanted us to grow up in a more homey environment.”
“Wow, that’s very thoughtful,” Warren said. “And your father agreed to this?”
“It was never even a question,” Eiley told him. “He adores my mother and would agree to nearly anything she wanted.”
“Does he do the same for you and your brother?” Warren asked.
“No,” Eiley said with a frown.
Warren was saved from response by their arrival at his rooms. Eiley opened the door and let Warren walk inside before her.
“Are the rooms to your liking?” Eiley asked, standing uncomfortably in the doorway.
Warren looked around then warmed his hands by the fire. The room was comfortably furnished by Galamian standards, but somewhat sparsely decorated. The housekeeper had ensured that there was a selection of food waiting for the delegation’s arrival.
“This is excellent, thank you,” he said. Warren looked over the display of food, and after a moment, he said, “Would you like to stay and have something to eat?”
Eiley forced herself to smile. “No,” she said, belatedly adding, “Thank you.” She took a step backwards towards the door. “I should leave you to settle in. We’ll have plenty of time to get to know each other this week.”
“Yes, I’m sure we will.”
“Then I’ll see you at dinner this evening!” She tried to make her voice cheery, but she left so quickly, she had no idea if he believed her enthusiasm.
- Writer
