CHAPTER SIXTEENLumina spent the next few days entertaining the Avadierish. The prince had invited her to go on a country horse ride, since she loved horses so much—but Lumina had declined, despite needing to keep the Avadierish out of the palace so her father could interview replacement palace guards. She had decided that if she was suddenly agreeable, the grand prince would become suspicious. By design, her father had overheard her declining the invitation and ordered her to go. She obeyed, and concentrated on boring her companion.
When his eyes started glazing over, she smothered a smile. He caught this and sniped, “You manage to win these little mind games of ours with such ease, Your Highness. It’s like you don’t even need to try.”
Lumina groaned inwardly and focused once more on usi
