“The empress informed me that a grand ball is being held in our honor at the end of the week.”
This was the first she’d heard anything about a dance. “I’m looking forward to it,” she replied. A servant approached and set a tray of food down on the blanket, curtsied, and left. Allyssa took a pear even though she wasn’t hungry.
The prince nibbled on a piece of bread. “If we’ve finalized the marriage contract by then, we can announce our engagement that evening.”
She was staring at a rose bush a few feet in front of her, lost in thought. Engagement.
Prince Odar took his pointer finger and lifted Allyssa’s chin, forcing her to look at him. “What are you thinking about?” he asked.
She glanced over at the guards and Jarvik watching her every move. “Why is your squire always with you?” she asked.
“Most people never notice Jarvik when I’m around,” he said. His hand dropped away from her face, and he answered, “He’s my best friend and closest confidant. Since I’m in a foreign country and I’m not sure who I can trust, I asked him to accompany me.”
“Will he move to Emperion with you?”
“I’m not sure. I’d like to have him here, but I don’t want to ask him to leave his family—it wouldn’t be fair.”
Family? She never considered the possibility of Jarvik being married. He wasn’t particularly handsome, and he was derogatory. “He doesn’t seem the sort of person who would have children.”
Prince Odar laughed. “I understand why you say that, but he is actually quite good with kids. However, the family members I am referring to are his parents.”
She took a bite of her pear.
“What necklace do you have on?” Prince Odar asked.
She was wearing the wooden ring strung onto a golden chain around her neck, concealed by her dress. Her face flushed. She dared not pull it out for fear he’d laugh. It was not something a princess should be wearing.
“It’s nothing,” she said, putting her hand to her neck, ensuring the ring stayed safely tucked under her dress. She didn’t know why she wore it. Perhaps it was because it had been carved by hand and had a special meaning. Most men lavished her with expensive gifts. However, this one came from the heart.
Wanting to change the subject, she said, “I’d like for you to tell me more about yourself.” She twirled the pear between her hands.
Leaning back on his elbows and stretching his legs out, he said, “I grew up at court with Jarvik. Our parents are close.”
That sounded familiar. Maybe she and the prince weren’t as different as she thought.
“I was engaged, once,” he admitted, surprising her. “I was young, and I thought I was in love.” Staring up at the sky, he continued, “It turned out she only wanted to marry me for my wealth and position. Luckily, my parents discovered the girl’s true motives and prevented the marriage. I was angry at the time.” He rolled onto his side, staring at her. “What about you?” he asked. “Have you ever been in love?”
“No,” she admitted, tossing the pear back onto the tray. An uncomfortable silence stretched between them.
“I’m not much of an army man, much to my father’s disappointment,” Prince Odar said, filling the quiet. “I can wield a sword, but not very well. Jarvik is the real sword master. I am, however, a superb dancer.” He continued talking about himself, about growing up in Fren’s court, the subjects he studied, the books he’d read, and what he enjoyed doing in his free time. Allyssa finally felt as if she had an idea of who Prince Odar was.
When he finished talking about himself, he asked her all sorts of questions about her life. He wanted to know who to avoid at court, why she enjoyed running with her father early in the morning—which he found highly amusing—and what her favorite desserts were. She laughed, telling him her choice of cake and pastries were not important, but he insisted the information was vital.
Before she knew it, hours had flown by. The sun was setting and the sky darkened. Prince Odar sat up beside her. “Thank you for today,” he said. “I enjoyed becoming better acquainted with you.” He leaned toward her, too close for comfort. Reaching his right hand out, he cupped her cheek. He was so close she felt his breath caress her face.
He inched forward. Was he going to kiss her? She’d never been kissed before and had no desire to be kissed right now, especially in such a public place with so many people watching them. The prince tilted his head and closed his eyes. She stiffened and slid her hand onto his chest, gently stopping his advance. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I like you, I really do, but I’m not ready.”