“I’m sorry, Your Highness,” she said, trying to keep the detest from her voice. “Please excuse me, I must prepare for this evening.”
Mayra rushed forward and placed a cloak upon Allyssa’s shoulders. The princess yanked the hood up, concealing herself so no one from the court would see her all sweaty. She swept out of the room, not looking back. She could have sworn she heard the prince chuckling as she hurried down the corridor.
“Why didn’t you use the opportunity to speak with the prince?” Mayra asked, trying to keep up. “He obviously sought you out.”
Allyssa’s eyes sliced over to her lady-in-waiting. “Because,” she snapped, “I don’t want to talk to someone who flatters with pointless words.”
Mayra laughed. “He is rather charming.”
“He appears to be exactly as a prince should,” Allyssa said. “And I have no interest in princes.”
“Aiming a bit higher?”
“No,” Allyssa replied. “I’m aiming for someone a bit more real.”
Entering the Royal Chambers, Allyssa walked straight through the sitting room without stopping. She knew what was there—flowers, jewelry, letters, and gifts from every available suitor who deemed themselves an acceptable match. Nobles from all over the kingdom, all desiring the wealth and notoriety of her position. All they saw when they looked at her was a crown and the power that came with it. She despised the tradition that dictated suitors send gifts before a ball or party to make their intentions known.
Just as she was about to turn down the hallway leading to her bedchamber, a small, wooden box caught her attention. It was made from simple oak, and it was the size of her hand. She stood staring at it. Everywhere else in the room, on every single surface, were gaudy flowers and ornate boxes. This one was completely out of place. Grabbing it, she took it with her.
The royal guards remained outside Princess Allyssa’s rooms and only Mayra and Madelin went in with her. Both girls hurried to the dressing closet to start preparing Allyssa’s gown. She plopped onto her bed, staring at the simple box. Oak was found in the Bizantek Forest that stretched from the northernmost section of Emperion, to Fia, through Telmena, and into Fren. There were no carvings or markings to suggest where the box had been made. The smoothness of the wood indicated someone had skillfully carved it.
She lifted the lid. Inside was a simple, hand-carved wooden ring. Upon closer inspection, there were several words engraved in a language she didn’t recognize. Allyssa traced her finger over the foreign words. Perhaps Mayra would know what it said, but Allyssa didn’t want to show the gift to anyone.
It was beautiful, and on a whim, she slid the ring on her finger. It fit perfectly. There wasn’t a note or letter accompanying it. Where did the ring come from? Who had given it to her? She opened her bedchamber door, and her soldiers snapped to attention.
“Find out who was on duty this afternoon. I want to know who delivered this box.” Her guards nodded, and she closed the door. Removing the ring, she gently placed it back in the box and set it on the table near her bed.
“Well?” Madelin asked, smiling proudly as she stood next to Mayra, both observing Allyssa. “What do you think?”
Allyssa just stared at herself in the mirror. The gown was the most elaborate dress she’d ever worn—even more so than the one she’d had on in the Throne Room to greet the prince.
“It’s heavy,” was all she said. She feared if she bent her knees, she’d actually collapse from the weight of the fabric. “Will I even fit through a doorway?”
Mayra shook her head. “You look exquisite, so stop being sullen and moody.”
Allyssa laughed. “You’re right, I’m sorry. Thank you for making me look beautiful.” Turning away from the mirror, she faced her friends. “Are you two coming?” she asked. Since her father had opened the invitation up to the entire court, her ladies-in-waiting were officially allowed to attend.
“We are.” Madelin beamed.
“Then you better hurry and change. Stop fussing over me.” After Mayra and Madelin left to dress for the ball, Allyssa went over to the table where the box sat and opened it. She couldn’t help but stare at the simple ring. Wearing it on her finger would be completely inappropriate; however, perhaps she could string it on a chain and use it as a necklace. Then she could tuck it under her dress where no one would see. She slammed the lid closed, wondering why she was indulging herself with thoughts of a simple, wooden ring.
Allyssa joined her parents in the sitting room.
“You have quite the admirers,” her mother cooed. “Whatever will you do with all these gifts?”