The Princess's Dangerous Betrothal

Chapter 4

“Please excuse my driver, he only speaks Reslandian,” he said with a smile.

“That’s him?” Annabelle said.

At the same time, Teresa whispered, “He’s so gorgeous.”

“Ladies!” Eiley hissed, but she started blushing. She watched the man talk with Lord Carys, and started to get a nagging feeling. “I don’t think that’s the prince…?”

Her friends gave her questioning looks. “How can he not be?”

Eiley felt a strange sense of disappointment that she couldn’t explain. Another figure appeared in the door of the carriage, and a sense of familiarity seemed to click into place for Eiley. “Because that one is the prince.”

The man who stepped out of the carriage went largely unnoticed. His movements were stilted and he had a dark look on his face. He blinked heavily and raised a hand to block his eyes from the warming sun.

King Nathanial stepped forward and took Eiley’s elbow in one hand to guide her forward. He waited for Lord Carys to introduce him, but Eiley kept her eyes on the scowling man. The King must have noticed the distracted look on her face, because he jerked her elbow, prompting her to smile at the man talking with Lord Carys.

Carys finally turned, welcoming the King and Princess. “Allow me to introduce his Royal Highness King Nathanial.”

Eiley smiled warmly at the man, following the duty her father had ordered, but she kept stealing glances at the other man. She watched him run his hand through his hair in frustration and lean against the carriage weakly.

“I am Lord Kyron, advisor to the Prince,” the first man said.

Muted whispers sounded behind the King, but he ignored them.

Lord Kyron turned an open palm to the second man and said, “And this is, Price Warren, heir to the Reslandian Kingdom.”

Prince Warren stood up straight and offered a forced smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness,” he said. He coughed briefly and pursed his lips.

Undeterred, the King said, “This is my eldest daughter, Princess Eiley. I believe you will get along splendidly.”

Warren turned his attention to the Princess, and Eiley felt exposed under his gaze. He looked over her, with scrutiny in his eyes, but she didn’t let her warm smile falter. With a scowl, he said, “Yes, I believe we will get on. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” His words sounded rehearsed, but the King barely noticed.

Eiley sent the Prince a questioning look, but he wouldn’t meet her gaze. “Thank you for coming to our Kingdom, Prince Warren. I hope your travels were easy and comfortable.”

The King smiled serenely, pleased with Eiley’s adherence to his instructions.

“The trip was fine, thank you,” Warren said with a grimace.

Eiley forced herself to keep smiling. “I’m sure you’d like to be shown to your quarters to rest, but I was hoping you’d accept my invitation to a tour of the castle grounds once you’ve settled in.” Eiley gave him a mischievous smile. “I have a feeling we might enjoy a private tour of our winery.”

The King sniffed at this deviation, but said nothing.

“None of that will be necessary,” Warren said.

“Oh, it’s really no problem at all,” Eiley said, trying to move into his line of vision, and failing to hold his gaze. “I had no other plans for the day, and I want you to feel welcome in our kingdom.”

Warren turned away from her and spoke to Lord Kyron. “Please see that a message is sent to my father about our arrival. And, please have any reports from the front line brought to me immediately.”

“Yes, your Highness,” Kyron answered, but the two exchanged a smile that hinted at a deeper friendship than their positions implied. He subtly tilted his head towards Eiley and gave Warren a pointed look.

Warren sighed and looked at Eiley once more. “Uhh, I would…appreciate it if you could show me to wherever we’ll be staying?” He glanced at Kyron who nodded encouragingly.

“Yes, absolutely,” Eiley answered, pretending this wasn’t part of her father’s plan.

“Excellent,” Warren said, sounding distracted. He offered his arm to Eiley, who dutifully took it.

She began to lead him towards the door while Kyron and their driver led the rest of the delegation in unloading their trunks and tending the horses. The court began following them inside, starting with the King and Queen. Lord Carys stayed to oversee the preparations along with several members of the castle staff.

When the pair passed Teresa and Annabelle, both women glanced meaningfully at Eiley, but she kept her gaze straight ahead, ignoring her friends entirely.

When they stepped through the door, Eiley said, “We have some room set up in the East Wing for you and your delegation. It’s the newer section of the castle, built only 100 years ago.”

Warren only nodded, not bothering to respond to Eiley’s attempt at conversation.

“Did you enjoy the views of the countryside?” Eiley asked. “Or did you only see the inside of the carriage?” She laughed, hoping to put him at ease.

Warren’s distracted expression focused at this. “No, I rode horseback most of the way.” He looked down to Eiley at his side to say, “It was long, but truly beautiful.” He hesitated, then said, “Have you seen much of the country lands?”

Eiley’s smile faltered. “No, I haven’t had much opportunity to leave the castle.”

Warren missed the regret in her voice, and said, “Of course. I’m sure that’s beyond your interest.”

Eiley clenched her jaw, but didn’t answer.

A servant bowed to Eiley and Warren before the passed him, and Eiley stopped abruptly, pulling her arm from Warren's loose grasp. His expression noticeably lifted when Eiley pulled away.

“Angie,” she called to the servant. “Will you please escort Prince Warren the rest of the way to the chambers prepared for him?” Her question was phrased to leave no room for argument.

“Yes of course, My Lady.” Angie curtsied to the pair, then said, “Right this way, Your Highness.” She turned and waited for Prince Warren to join her.

Warren looked to Eiley with a confused expression. “Um, thank you for the welcome. Princess Eiley.”

“Yes, I’ll see you at dinner. I suppose.” Eiley darted away, not bothering to give Warren a second glance as she fled.

“Yes, I suppose we must,” he muttered to her retreating form. He turned to follow Angie, relieved at Eiley’s departure, but desperately eager to be alone. In the distance, he heard an echoing laughter ring through the stone halls, and for once, he was right when he assumed it was about him.