Chapter 26

Jaterius of Rockdale was presented to her a moment later. She didn’t catch his family name as she’d been distracted, but he had lovely hazel eyes and a kindness about him Kit had yet to encounter in any of the other Representatives. “It’s lovely to meet you, my Princess,” he said, bowing low to her. His smile was warm and affectionate but there was something unassuming about him, as if he were unsure of himself.

“You as well,” Kit replied, offering her hand, which he took and planted a soft kiss near her knuckles. “I trust your trip was comfortable enough?” She felt as if she was always asking the same question, but then, none of the delegates would know that unless they had a discussion about her later, something she doubted would be happening just yet.

“Comfortable enough, my Princess,” he replied with a nod. He wasn’t much taller than she was, which also struck her as different. Most of the Representatives were tall and broad shouldered, and while he looked a bit more compact than the others, he was still attractive. It was his smile and the warmth in his eyes that made her curious to know him better.

“I am glad to hear it. Rockdale is a far distance from the castle.”

“Yes, it is. We have been traveling for several weeks.” The pleasant expression never left his face, but he looked tired, and Kit imagined such a trip would wear on anyone.

“Well, I do look forward to speaking with you again soon, once all of the Representatives have arrived.” She meant those words this time—noting that many of the other times she hadn’t meant them quite as enthusiastically.

“Yes, I look forward to it as well, and might I say, you have lovely eyes.”

Kit raised her eyebrows. It was the first compliment she’d received from any of the delegates, and she appreciated it. This man seemed to see her as a person, rather than just a prize to be won. “Why, thank you, Jaterius.”

“You may call me Jate if you’d like. All of my family and friends do.”

“Jate? I like that very much.” She leaned in closely, lowering her voice so that her mother might not hear. “All of my friends call me Kit. When we are together, you may certainly call me by my nickname as well.”

When she stepped back, she saw he was blushing. “Very well,” he said quietly, and she caught a glimmer in his hazel eyes. “I shall see you soon.”

“I am looking forward to it.” Once again, it was a statement she’d said frequently, but this time she’d meant it.

Once Jate had moved down the line and there was a break in his delegation, Rona grabbed her daughter by the elbow a bit too forcefully and pulled her closer. “What did you say to him?”

Kit glanced up, surprised, and discretely fought to free herself. “Why do you care, Mother? Certainly you must know I will be spending much time speaking to each Representative privately.”

“I only thought it seemed a bit conspiratorial, that’s all.”

Kit shook her head. Her mother needed to mind her own business and stop assuming everything had to do with her. “I only mentioned he may call me Kit, that’s all. While we are in private.”

“Kit,” her mother scoffed, turning the other direction. “Such a ridiculous name. I don’t know why you like it so much.”

Her forehead creased, and she had to look away from her mother, the sting of her words wounding her heart. “Father calls me that,” she said mostly to herself.

“Yes, he does, but he’s not the one who originated that foul nickname. If you remembered who first started calling you that, perhaps it might make more sense that you allowed it to linger. At any rate, we shouldn’t discuss such things with the next member of the Rockdale delegation approaching.”

Kit did her best to straighten up as a wide woman with a foot of red hair piled on her head approached. She had no idea what her mother was speaking of. She was quite certain her father had originated that nickname when she was just a little girl. He almost always used it when they were in close company or alone. If anyone else had called her Kit before him, she had no idea who it might be.

The sun seemed to be beating down directly overhead by the time the last of the Rockdale congregation moved through, though a glance up at the clear sky told her it was actually starting to descend, and she prayed that would cool the air. While the weather in Yewforia was usually pleasant, standing out in the late spring sun was by no means the best way to spend an entire day, and before the next delegation could reach them, Kit signaled to her ladies that she would like a drink.

She wasn’t supposed to speak to them out here, and it was all she could do not to mention any of the young men to Avinia as she handed her a cup of water retrieved from one of the servants. They exchanged glances, though, and that would have to be enough for now. Kit took Avinia’s arm for a second and handed her back the cup, giving her cousin a little squeeze. She could only imagine how awful it must be to stand out here when it wasn’t even for one’s own Choosing, but her cousins seemed far more agreeable than Kit had most of the day, and she supposed their happiness was truly excitement for Kit’s upcoming adventure.

The princess turned back around just in time to see the processional from Eastbury had finally wound its way up the road to the castle. In the lead was a tall, thin woman with silver hair piled atop her head, but Kit only looked at her for a moment. Just behind her, an equally tall, graceful blond with a tight set jaw and flashing blue eyes stood with his fingers interlaced as if he were nervous but hoped it didn’t show. So this was the young man she’d spent half the night worried about. She was glad he was so handsome; it would’ve been a waste to worry over someone who turned out to be less than interesting.