Chapter 28

The rest of the line of people came by, but Jecobian’s dazzling smile stayed in Kit’s mind’s eye, and once the next delegation came into view, down the road quite a ways, Kit thought she might not make it through another meeting such as that one. She needed a fan, some water, and a place to lie down.

“You liked that one, didn’t you, darling daughter?” her mother asked, a hint of excitement in her tone.

“I did,” Kit admitted. “He has been one of my favorites thus far.”

“Good,” was all her mother said in response, and Kit wondered what it was about Jecobian that made her mother so pleased. She doubted she’d ever find out. Questions about what really happened in the attack lingered, but she knew she’d not get answers from her mother whose lips were sealed tight on that matter—and most others.

It took an hour for the next delegation, presenting Owin from the province Alderleef, to move through, but once they were all done, the road was clear, and the queen declared an end to day two. It had been almost as busy as the day before with eleven provinces greeting the princess so that her grand total was now at twenty-three, leaving nineteen to go. Scouts who had been out along the roads leading to the castle had informed her mother earlier that they believed there were about eight or nine delegations close enough to reach the castle the next day. While they still had a full twelve days, it seemed most of the provinces would have Representatives present by the end of the first week, and Kit was hopeful that would mean no more standing outside for long hours at a time.

Walking back into the castle side by side, Rona took a deep breath and said to Kit, “Remember, should you encounter any of the gentlemen in the hallway, you are forbidden to speak to them.”

“Yes, Mother,” Kit replied, her eyes glued straight ahead. It seemed like a silly rule to her. After all, if the provinces wanted their Representatives to have extra time with her, they could’ve left sooner.

“If the majority of the Representatives arrive within one week as I expect they will, I will consider lifting the ban for next week, though the official festivities for you and the men may not begin until the week after. The provinces must have two weeks’ time to arrive before any official contests can begin or balls can be held.”

“Yes, Mother,” Kit repeated. They’d reached the junction in the hallway where her mother would bare to the right, and she would go to the left, toward her own chambers. Rona froze in her tracks as if she suddenly remembered something, and Kit waited in silence, hoping for an explanation.

“Let us cancel dinner this evening,” she said with a heavy sigh. “I know you are tired, and I have some unfinished business I must attend to directly. You may use the extra time to rest and ready yourself for the morrow.”

Kit was so happy to hear her mother’s words, she almost hugged her, until she remembered her mother, the queen, did not like that sort of affection. “Thank you, Mother,” she said calmly, though she was still grinning foolishly.

Her mother rolled her eyes. “Contain yourself, child.” She headed off toward her own chambers without so much as a “good evening” to her daughter, and Kit fell into step with a few members of her own guard, thankful that she’d be allowed to spend the evening in her own room, with just her ladies, gossiping about which gentlemen were the most attractive. She was certain Blankka would have dozens of questions, and for once, she was looking forward to answering them all.

She turned the corner and began to make her way down the hall that housed her chambers, her satin slippers sliding easily over the marble floor. She was glad she’d decided to wear sensible shoes and was just letting her mind wander to what sort of shoes she might wear tomorrow when she heard a small gasp and looked up.

Down the hall, just a few yards, stood Jecobian with his liegeman. He was wearing a different outfit, though it was the same deep blue, and a crooked grin greeted her when her eyes wandered up his muscular torso to his handsome face. She couldn’t help but smile back at him.

“My Princess, I remind you that you’re not allowed to mingle with the Representatives just yet,” Siev, the tall dark skinned guard she’d admired while spying from the hallway window so long ago, reminded her.

“I am aware, thank you,” she replied as they traveled a few steps further down the hallway. Jecobian moved as well, and his eyes never left her.

Kit cleared her throat and stopped walking once she was parallel with him across the hallway. Turning her attention to the stone wall beside her, she said, “Excuse me, wall. I was wondering how you might have found your accommodations. It would be such a pity for you to have traveled so far, wall, and not be comfortable.”

It seemed to take Jecobian a moment to realize what she was doing, but after he caught on, he said in a cheerful voice. “Why, good evening window. I was just telling my liegeman here what a splendid place Castle Wrenbrook truly is and how I find my rooms so inviting and comfortable. I should like to stay here for a very, very long while.”

Kit giggled and Siev said quietly, “Your Majesty, if your mother discovers what you’re on about….”

“Wall, I am delighted to hear what a wonderful place this is. I hope you get plenty of rest these next few days as I intend to speak with you often, once I am allowed more freedom.”

“Window, I am looking forward to several days of relaxation and recuperation so that I am at my very best in time for the beginning of the Choosing. It isn’t every day a nobleman such as I myself has the opportunity to win the hand of a fair maiden as beautiful and kind as the sweet Princess Katrinetta.”

While a few of his words would’ve normally sounded alarms in her mind—win the hand, for example—Kit knew his intentions were truly to woo her, to impress her with his charm and wit, and she was entranced already. “I am looking forward to speaking to you again soon, wall. I’m afraid I must be on my way now before my whereabouts is questioned.”

“Have a lovely evening, window.”

“You as well, fair wall.”

Kit turned and locked eyes with him, beaming at him across the hall as they shared a silent laugh, and Siev gently placed his hand on her arm. “All right, Princess. Let’s stop stretching the rules and hurry on before we all get sent to the chopping block.” He exchanged glances with the other guard who accompanied them, and they both shook their heads as if they thought it was possible the princess’s antics could get them in trouble.

Under no circumstances could Kit imagine her mother sending any of those present to the chopping block for her silliness, but she sighed and said, “Very well,” and continued on down the hallway. Right before she reached her door, she turned to see if Jecobian was looking at her and was pleased to see he hadn’t moved from his spot by the window. His eyes lingered on her as Siev opened her door. She gave a small wave, which the Representative from Eastbury returned, and then slid into her chambers, giddy with excitement and possibilities.