Chapter 34
1147 Words
34
Lu peeked around the corner and into the room where Chiza sat with the other princesses. She looked miserable. His heart soared at the sight. He’d been willing to go along with this plan, but when he met the prince he wasn’t so sure she wouldn’t fall for him anyway. He was tall, handsome, and mysterious-looking. What chance did a greenie from Tero-Joro have with a princess when she was promised to a prince like Bashir?
Lu took several steps into the hallway and whistled like the birds in the woods. Chiza had liked that best. It didn’t take her more than a few seconds to leap up from her chair, and, ignoring the concerned questions of the other girls, step into the hall. He waved to her from around the corner and she joined him. There was no one here, but it wasn’t private. Someone could come their way at any moment. Lu reached out and grabbed Chiza’s hands.
“Are you all right, darling?”
“I am, thank you. I will be so miserable without you.”
“As will I.” He pulled her close and kissed her hard and desperately. “I don’t want to leave, but I must.”
“I understand. You won’t forget about me while you’re off having courier adventures with Rash, will you?” Chiza threw her arms around his neck.
“I won’t. Even when we’re not in communication, I’ll be thinking of you every minute.” Lu put his arms around her waist and squeezed her tight. He heard someone enter the corridor, and he jumped back and away from her. He gave her one more longing look before he dashed down the hall.
Lu’s heart was racing. He’d wanted more time, no, needed more time. Chiza would be all alone here. The other princesses were notorious for jealousy and unladylike behavior during The Choosing. He only wished he could spare her that.
When he reached the lower level, he found Jak and Rasha in the room where they’d cleaned up. Not a room, more like a suite with a separate bedroom and bathroom area. Jak and Rasha sat on high backed upholstered chairs in the seating area. Like most of the other rooms in the palace, it was decorated with luxurious fabrics in deep rich colors. This room’s primary color was red, covering the carpeted floors, bed, and draperies. A rug in intricate designs of varying reds covered most of the floor in the entryway.
“Where have you been? You don’t want to get Chiza in trouble!”
“I had to see her one more time,” Lu said. He hoped his feelings weren’t too obvious. Not that it mattered too much. They were his friends. His secret was safe.
“We’ve been invited to dine with the prince this evening, so make yourself comfortable,” Rasha said. There was something playful in her eyes when she said it.
“I’m looking forward to a royal feast. I think we’ve earned it,” Jak remarked. He lifted Rasha’s hand to his lips and kissed it. When had they become so intimate? Lu wondered. Rasha wouldn’t allow anyone to touch her, let alone kiss her in public. He felt jealous of them. Jealous that their love would be open and public in hours and his had to wait the months until The Choosing ended.
“Did you talk to the prince about our licenses?” Lu asked, leaning over her shoulder.
“Yes, he says it’s already done,” Rasha replied.
“Then I’d rather get going,” Lu said.
“What?” Rasha jumped up and rushed over to him. “I thought you’d be thrilled to be seeing Chiza again, what’s wrong?” She sat down on the bed while he packed.
“I’ve said my goodbyes. There’s no way I can sit around watching the prince fawn all over her and the others.”
“I see,” Rasha said. “Well, I’ve already told the prince I’ll be staying. I understand if you feel you have to leave.”
Lu dropped his bag. She’d already given her word. He’d wanted them all to leave together, but maybe this was the way it would be now. She had Jak, one of the most well-known trackers and couriers in the ten kingdoms. Why would she need him?
“You all have a nice time. I’ll be on my way.”
Staying there waiting around made his stomach ache. He couldn’t bear it. He finished packing, and the others got ready for dinner. They’d all be gathering in the great hall. Temi whined; he’d been confined to the room all day. Ready to leave, he paced back and forth between Lu and Rasha as if he understood they weren’t all going together.
Lu opened the door with his bag in hand and bumped into the prince outside their door.
“Hello,” Bashir said. “Are you going somewhere? You’re all invited to stay for dinner. I hope the invitation wasn’t lost.”
“No, I was—” Lu looked around for an answer and found Temi. “I wanted to take Temi hunting.”
“Oh, of course. We have food here for him too. I’ll have someone bring him some treats after our meal. Your companion?”
“Yes, Jak’s coming,” Lu took a quick glance behind him at the closed door.
“I’m glad I have the chance to speak with you alone. Lu, is it?”
“Yes, what can I do for you, your majesty?”
“I was hoping you could tell me about your impressions of Chiza.”
Temi growled at his feet. Lu silenced him with a hiss between his teeth. Temi sat down, his eyes never leaving the prince.
“Chiza?” Lu’s mind raced. What could he say to the prince that wouldn’t be an encouragement nor disgrace Chiza?
“Yes, you spent time with her on your journey. What were your impressions of the young lady?”
Lu tried to think of something but nothing came to mind that didn’t sound like raving praise from someone in love with her.
“She’s a nice person.” Lu could kick himself for being so ridiculous.
“Nice?” The prince nodded. “Any indication she’s got someone waiting for her at home?”
Lu’s face was green. Had he been any other color he’d have gone three shades of red.
“What makes you ask that?”
“Our introduction earlier. It felt cold, as if she were holding back. I’ve seen it before. It’s a sign that the young lady’s heart is elsewhere.”
Lu’s own heart soared at his words. The prince had already noticed that Chiza was in love with someone else. She would not be chosen. She was safe.
“Um, well, I couldn’t say for sure, your highness. A woman’s heart, who can know its depths?” He remembered that quote from a famous Tero poet.
“True. I see the others are coming. Shall we go to dinner?”
“Well, um, sure,” Lu replied as he was swept along.
“I’m afraid your beastie will have to stay, there will be far too much food to tempt him.”
Temi half whined and half growled as Lu directed him back to the room.
“Just a little longer, fellow, then we’ll be on our way.”
“Change your mind?” Rasha asked, walking out of the room with Jak in tow.
“Yes, well, the prince is here.”
“He’s what?”
“I thought I would escort my guests to the dining hall. You’re the only ones here who don’t know the way,” Bashir said, popping into view. “I thought you were upstairs,” he gave her a once over, “getting changed.”
“Jak and I had business to discuss. I’m sorry. I’ll hurry upstairs and change.”
“No time for that now. Dinner will be served in moments. My parents don’t like to be kept waiting. Please, follow me.” He put out his arm for Rasha.
Rasha seemed flustered, but she took it and let him escort her. As they followed, Lu looked over at Jak. His expression was unreadable.
- Writer
