“Yes,” I grumbled, slouching further in my seat.
Eileen forced a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Excellent. Now that that’s settled, I’d like to discuss today’s plans. Would you like to visit the waterfall with me, Rosie?”
“Will he be joining us?” I asked, not even sparing that guard a glance.
“Of course he will.”
“Then no thank you.”
Eileen sighed. “This is ridiculous, Rosie. Don’t avoid me because of Alastar.”
I folded my arms and stuck my chin in the air. “If he’ll be there, then I won’t be.”
Hurt filled Eileen’s expression. She turned her wounded expression towards Aiden, who sent me the deadliest of glares for inflicting pain on his beloved wife.
Even though it was childish, I remained undeterred. I spent the remainder of the day continuing to avoid Eileen—and thus Alastar—and plotting until I finally came up with a brilliant plan to take back what was mine: I’d sneak into the scoundrel’s room, steal back my spell, and thus restore my story back to its proper course.
After Eileen and Aiden left for the waterfall—taking that thieving guard with them—I put my plan into action. It’d taken some snooping in the royal library to uncover a map of the palace in order to locate the guards’ quarters—and considerable more time spying outside the guards’ rooms in order to learn which one was Alastar’s—but naturally I, Rosalina, had succeeded.
I made my way through the labyrinth of corridors, encountering no one except for the parlor maid who’d been openly flirting with Ali the other evening. I froze, my heart flaring at her presence so near Ali’s door. What was she doing here? If I hadn’t been trying to be stealthy, I’d have confronted her. As it was, I hovered behind the corner and watched her suspiciously until she disappeared down the other end of the hall.
I tiptoed towards Ali’s door and tentatively jiggled the knob. Excellent, a spot of luck: it was unlocked. Cleverness was obviously not in his bag of villain tricks.
I slipped inside and for a moment simply basked in the fact I was inside Ali’s room—or rather, Alastar’s. I looked around hungrily. His room was simple and impeccably neat, with no sign anyone lived here. I poked around in hopes of discovering something about my foe. Unfortunately, that quest ended most disappointingly. I paused, blinking rapidly to tug myself from my curious snooping. I couldn’t afford distractions. I had a mission: locate my spelled chocolates.
I expected to have to tear the room apart, but to my astonishment they were in the first place I searched—beneath the mattress. What an obvious hiding place. Clearly he’d greatly underestimated my determination, taking no thought to hide them in a more secure location. Alastar really was the worst villain ever. But no matter; I had what I wanted.
I unwrapped them from their cloth prison and admired them. They looked even more perfect in the sunlight streaming through the window, exactly like chocolates one would purchase in a candy shop. I, Rosalina, was amazing. I carefully wrapped them back up, but before doing so, I did something quite clever.
Now, an ordinary heroine would take the batch in its entirety, but I was more crafty than that. I wrapped two chocolates in my handkerchief and tucked them into my bosom. I slipped the rest of the chocolates into my satchel and tiptoed from the room, escaping unnoticed. I was just congratulating myself on a scheme well done when someone cleared his throat behind me.
I closed my eyes with a heavy sigh. Of course he’d catch me. How did he always know when I was up to something? But a heroine encountering obstacles during a quest was, unfortunately, an essential element in any story. I suppose things had been a bit too easy up until this point.
I slowly turned around and plastered on a fake smile. “Fancy seeing you here, Ali—Alastar. Guard Alastar.”
“I was going to say the same thing, Miss Rosalina, before you stole my line.” He gave me a searching look. “What is a prestigious guest such as yourself doing in the servants’ section, specifically outside my bedroom?”
“Just…wandering the palace, as usual.”
“Seems out of character to see you engaged in such an activity at any time other than midnight.” His eyes narrowed and I wriggled beneath his penetrating stare.
“I’m not doing anything wrong. Eileen granted me free rein of the palace.” My voice shook, betraying me. “What are you doing here? Slacking in your guarding duties?”
“Not in the least,” Alastar said. “Her Highness decided not to go to the waterfall after all, due to missing her best friend, who is currently avoiding her for childish reasons. I was sent by Her Highness to plead for you to get over your annoyance with me, commanded quite forcefully to do whatever it took for us to resolve our squabble, and told to inspire the proper guilt in order to cajole you into joining Her Highness for tea in the garden.”
The intended guilt at my being a terrible friend prickled my heart; Eileen didn’t deserve to suffer because of Alastar’s mischief. “Tea in the garden sounds lovely. Let me just…go to my room for a moment.” I’d taken no more than a single step when Alastar stepped forward.
“What’s in your satchel, Rosalina? Spelled chocolates stolen from my bedroom, perhaps?”
I stared wide-eyed at him. What did a heroine do when the antagonist detected her scheme? Only one thing.
I turned and bolted down the corridor, but Alastar easily caught up to me and seized me from behind. I immediately shrieked and fought to break free.
“Let me go, you fiend! Unhand me, you villain! Release your prisoner, you dastardly scoundrel!”
“Trying to decide which bit of dialogue sounds best?” Alastar’s breath tickled my ear as he whispered into it. For a moment I stopped fighting in order to savor his firm, warm arms wrapped so snugly around me.
Goodness, what was I thinking? This was exactly how villains kidnapped unsuspecting girls—by luring them in with their charming wiles before revealing their true dastardly colors—and I was anything but a stupid heroine.
I jammed my elbow into his stomach, but although he oofed, his confining hold didn’t loosen; the only damage seemed to be my throbbing elbow. “Are your abs made of steel?”
“I’m a guard, Rosie, and thus am expected to maintain a well-built physique, which I understand most girls seem to appreciate.”
I froze and a strange burning tightened my chest. “Which girls? I knew you were having flings with half the palace maids.”
He chuckled and had the audacity to give me a snuggle. “Oh Rosie, you certainly have an imaginative mind.” My entire body shuddered and I cursed my body’s reaction, ill-timed in a moment when Alastar was definitely the scene’s antagonist. “Your reaction means we’re still friends after all.”
“We most certainly are not.”
“We are, even when you become furious with me for doing this.” He reached into my satchel and snatched my wrapped chocolates. I shrieked and made to grab them, but he easily held me away.
“Why do you have to be so strong?” I panted. “It’s especially annoying when you continually use your strength to thwart the heroine’s goal.”
“I look at it more as helping the princess.” He set me down and tucked my chocolates under his arm. “I recommend studying lock picking in the royal library, for I’m never leaving my door unlocked again.”
“I can’t believe you were foolish enough to do so in the first place.”
“Well, I figured you’d want these back.”
“Hence it was idiotic not to lock your door.”
His lips twitched. “I clearly underestimated you.”
I made another futile attempt to steal the chocolates, but after a wrestling match—which I unfortunately lost quite horribly—I figured I’d given enough of a fight for Ali not to be suspicious of my giving in so easily.
“You may have won this battle, but the war isn’t over, Ali…Alastar.”
“Indeed, I know it’s not,” he said, his tone far too cheerful for him currently being
threatened by a very determined heroine. “I’m looking forward to your next plan of attack. It will definitely keep me on my toes, I’m sure.”
“It certainly will. Prepare for your demise.” I flounced away, smiling the moment my back was turned at the knowledge of the two spelled chocolates safely hidden in my bosom. What would follow next in my tale would be a spelled prince, a royal wedding, and my living the rest of my happily ever after in the the Dracerian palace, for my formidable foe, the dragon Alastar, had been successfully vanquished, and as such wouldn’t be able to meddle in my story ever again.
Chapter 16
I hadn’t seen much of my prince since he’d arrived at the palace a few days ago due to his being trapped in boring meetings with Aiden, but he was much more princely than I’d remembered. I admired each of his regal features hungrily as we sat together in the parlor—wavy golden hair, startling blue eyes, engaging conversation, and a charming smile…there was no doubt about it: he was the one.
Perhaps I was making more progress in our romance than I’d initially believed, for he cast me frequent glances throughout tea. My spelled chocolate waited in my reticule, in a pretty box tied with an aqua ribbon, for the perfect moment to give it to him. Unfortunately, Ali—Alastar—had so far foiled my actually doing so by monitoring me a bit too closely. Aggravating. Why would he be suspicious when he thought he’d stolen back all my chocolates?
I sent him several glares until Liam turned to talk to Aiden, giving me the opportunity to stomp to where Alastar rigidly stood at his usual place against the wall. “You’re supposed to be watching Eileen, not me,” I hissed.
“She’s asked me to keep you out of trouble,” he said.
This time I glowered at my so-called friend, who’d noticed me talking to her guard and smiled back a bit too innocently.
“Did she, now?” That was a decidedly non-best-friend action for her to have taken, and behind my back nonetheless.
“Naturally, for it wouldn’t do for you to cause mischief when a prestigious guest is visiting.”
“I’m not causing mischief; I’m plotting.”
“Meaning you’re about to carry out something devious.”
I rolled my eyes. “You are, as usual, annoying.” I flounced back to my seat. As I settled against the satin cushions, Eileen leaned forward with a conniving smile.
“How is dear Alastar doing?”
“He’s obnoxious, as usual.” I took the opportunity to send him another delicious glare. He didn’t react as he continued watching me with the intense attention only a guard could give. “Why did you ask him to watch me?”
Eileen sipped her tea with a bit too casual of an air. “I figured he’d be doing it anyway, so he might as well not be shirking his duties in doing so. Besides, I recognize that gleam in your eye—you’re up to something.”
I tightened my jaw. Why did everyone always assume I was up to mischief? Writing stories was anything but.
A reprieve from the awkwardness of that accusation came when the maid Eloise entered the room with a fresh tray of tea and sweets. I smiled at her and was thrilled when she returned it. She was the maid who cleaned my room, and whenever I happened to see her, I made it a habit of sitting on my bed and keeping her company while she worked.
She glanced at Aiden and Eileen—who hadn’t even looked up at her entrance—before pointing to her bulging apron pocket, where I glimpsed the note I’d written for her and left on my pillow with one of my famous sugar cookies. Excellent, she’d received my treat.
I glanced at Alastar to see if he’d taken notice of the maid, but his gaze remained riveted to me. Despite not wanting him to watch me because he was suspicious, this thought still cheered me. At Eloise’s departure, I attempted once again to find a way to capture Liam’s attention. I sensed Eileen’s gaze and turned to find her smiling.
“Is she one of the servants you’ve befriended?”
“Yes, Eloise,” I said. “She’s a lovely person who has adorable twins. She let me play with them the other day when you and Aiden had that long meeting. I love babies. When are you and Aiden going to have one?”
My question yanked Aiden’s attention from his conversation with Liam. A rare blush filled his cheeks, but Eileen’s expression lit up. “I’m not sure. Hopefully we’ll be blessed with a child soon.” She reached for Aiden’s hand and he leaned over to whisper in her ear, leaving Prince Liam without a conversation partner. I saw my chance and scooted into the seat next to him.
“Prince Liam, it’s a pleasure to see you again. It’s been far too long since we last conversed.”
“Indeed it has, Miss Rosalina.” A strange smile played across his face. He cast a glance over my shoulder at something and I turned around to see that it was Alastar. I glared at him once more before turning back to my prince.
“How were your travels, Your Highness?”
“Quite pleasant. I always enjoy the journey to Sortileya. Such beautiful scenery.”
“I imagine,” I said. “Draceria is also picturesque. There’s nothing quite like your kingdom’s rolling green hills.”
“Sortileya’s own forests are quite stunning.”
“I thoroughly agree.”
And just like that, our conversation ground to a halt. I bit my fingernail as I struggled to come up with something, but what did one talk to a prince about? Politics, perhaps, but that topic was a real bore. The weather? No, Rosie, too cliché.
As I deliberated, I noticed Eileen and Aiden frowning at me, as if they sensed I was laying a snare for Prince Liam when really I was only luring him to his happily ever after.
We’re only talking, I mouthed to Eileen before turning back to Prince Liam, who studied me closely. But the moment we made eye contact his strange look settled into an easygoing grin. He had a perfect princely smile, complete with gleaming white teeth and that adorable dimple.
I struggled to find something to say. It was strange having my words so stubbornly elusive when normally I never ran out of things to talk about. I glanced sideways back at Prince Liam, looking at me almost expectantly. My cheeks warmed. Desperate for a distraction, I seized a lemon tart from the tea tray. “These are divine.”
“I agree. I always eat far too many sweets when I visit Aiden. I suspect he’s trying to fatten me up because he’s jealous about how good-looking I am. But I can’t help being the most popular prince in the five kingdoms.” Prince Liam winked, a gesture which, as usual, caused my heart to flutter.
“Don’t worry, Your Highness; no number of conniving acts from the Dark Prince could ruin your princely fame.”
Prince Liam laughed and I smiled, pleased he found me witty. But unfortunately, this topic quickly ran its course, leaving me once more scrambling for another. Goodness, why was it so difficult talking to my intended? Hopefully, conversation would be easier after he’d taken the love spell. I ached to give it to him now, but Aiden and Eileen were being especially attentive of our conversation.
Topic, Rosie, think of a topic…any topic. “Have you heard any good stories lately, Prince Liam? You always have such entertaining ones.”
“Unfortunately, nothing new since we last spoke.” Prince Liam snagged a lemon tart and shoved the entire thing in his mouth in a very unroyal manner. “Father keeps me busy with all manner of dull royal duties, not to mention my fiancée, Princess Lavena, is currently visiting for a few weeks. Hence it was a great relief when I was expected in Sortileya for meetings. As much as I detest them, they provide me the perfect excuse to leave, not to mention the company is much more pleasing here.” He gave me a wink.
He’d come to see me! How spectacular.
Aiden shook his head with a chuckle. “Still avoiding Lavena? You can’t evade your fate forever.”
“Perhaps not, but I can delay it for as long as possible. It’s unbearable thinking I have to marry that horrid woman.” He shuddered. “There has to be a way out of that dreaded arrangement, but I have yet to discover an escape clause.”
/> This was going splendidly. He was avoiding Princess Lavena in order to spend time with me. Luckily for him, my love spell would be the answer to all his worries. I immediately plotted my next move.
“You seem to be enjoying the lemon tart, Your Highness. Might I interest you in some chocolates I baked? It’s an old family recipe.” I slipped it from my reticule and held it out to Prince Liam.
Prince Liam smiled and untied the ribbon. “Thank you, Miss Rosalina, this is most thoughtful.” He lifted the lid to reveal the chocolate nestled inside. “Mmm, I do love chocolate.”
Alastar leapt forward. “Rosie, you little scamp. Don’t eat that, Your Highness.”
Prince Liam paused with it halfway lifted to his mouth. “Why, is it poisoned?” He winked at me.
Eileen and Aiden looked up at Alastar’s cry. Eileen’s eyes widened. “Rosie, is that—”
I gave her a look to tell her to keep quiet and not interfere, but it was nowhere near the piercing death glare I sent to Alastar. Eileen spun on her husband.
“Aiden!”
He leapt from his seat. “Liam, don’t eat—”
Prince Liam popped the chocolate in his mouth. “Why is everyone so ruffled? Jealous that Miss Rosalina chose me to share her sweets with? Hmm, this is quite tasty. I’m quite…enjoying…it…”
His chewing slowed and a blank expression settled over him. I waited with clasped hands and bated breath. How long did it take for a spell to go into effect? What would happen if it didn’t work? What if I’d done something wrong? Oh dear, I hoped I hadn’t inadvertently poisoned the heir to the Dracerian throne.
“Prince Liam?” I asked hesitantly. He swallowed and blinked rapidly before settling his gaze on me. For a moment, he merely stared, his look smoldering, as if he’d never quite seen me before now.
His mouth fell open. “Oh Rosie, never has such beauty as yours graced my vision. Indeed, with your hair flowing as waves of gold and your eyes the color of sapphires, no creature who ever has ever lived could ever outshine you. You’re finer than any jewel.”
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