Clare lifted her itinerary and bit back a groan. “I have to have breakfast with the princess.”
Vera peeked at her in the mirror. “Perhaps it won’t be so bad. She can be quite pleasant, sometimes.”
Clare grunted. She hadn’t known what to expect from the princess, but she had assumed Serene would be at least mildly grateful—if not for Clare saving her life the other night, then at least for sacrificing her safety to be Serene’s decoy. Instead, the princess had been hostile.
Clare cleared her throat and continued reading. “After breakfast I have a meeting with the royal librarian to evaluate my studies.” The prospect was intimidating, but it would probably be a relief after spending time with Serene.
The next appointment made her stomach drop: Defense training with Captain Bennick Markam.
The fates hated her. That was the only explanation for her life.
She must have grimaced, because Vera’s fingers gentled in her hair. “Oh no,” Vera said suddenly, reading over Clare’s shoulder. “Mistress Henley is going to teach you etiquette? She’s awful.”
If Vera thought the princess could be quite pleasant but Mistress Henley was awful, Clare hated to think how terrible her etiquette teacher would be.
The rest of the day didn’t look much better. After lunch she’d have her first riding lesson, and if she wasn’t thrown or trampled, she got to suffer a dress fitting with Bridget. The only part of the agenda that looked appealing was a quiet dinner here in the room.
Vera had just finished pinning Clare’s hair when there was a knock on the main apartment door. They left the dressing room together, Vera hurrying ahead to open the suite door. She immediately dipped into a low curtsy. “Your Highness.”
Prince Grandeur wore a green tunic and his smile was warm as he faced Clare. “Miss Ellington, I hope I’m not interrupting.”
“No,” she managed to speak past her surprise. “Not at all.”
He waved back two bodyguards who attempted to follow him into the room. “I hoped to catch you before you left,” he told her.
“Oh?” Her palms were suddenly sweating. How was she supposed to act around the crown prince? Vera stood near the door with her head bowed respectfully, so Clare lowered her head, but Grandeur immediately lifted a hand. “Please, there’s no need for that. You’re practically part of the family now.” He came to a stop a couple paces away, hands clasped behind his back. “Your resemblance to my sister is truly remarkable. Although I must say you seem far too pleasant to be her.”
Clare’s mouth twitched, but it didn’t seem right to actually agree with him.
The prince glanced around the room. “You’re settling in all right?”
She nodded, then dared ask, “Is there something you needed, Your Highness?”
“I merely wanted to wish you luck on your first day of lessons. What’s your first appointment?”
“Breakfast with Serene.” The words tasted sour.
“Ah.” He winced. “I truly wish you luck, then. And every blessing the fates can spare.”
She once again found herself fighting a smile. “Thank you.”
The prince’s expression grew more serious.“Please let me know if she creates any trouble for you.”
Clare doubted she’d ever feel comfortable searching out the crown prince of Devendra, especially to complain about his sister. Even so, she inclined her head. At least one royal showed her kindness.
When Grandeur bid her farewell and left, another man entered the suite. He wore the blue uniform of the castle guard and he was young, probably only a year or so older than Clare. His skin was dark brown, similar to Prince Grandeur’s, making Clare confident one of his parents was Zennorian. His features were angular, his face smooth and attractive. His long black hair was tied at the nape of hisneck andhis brown eyes shonebrightly.“Goodmorning, Miss Ellington.” His heels clicked together as he came to attention. “Venn Grannard, royal bodyguard, at your service.”
The familiar name slapped her. No wonder the lying Captain Bennick Markam had been able to find his fake name so easily; it belonged to one of his men.
The real Venn’s smile was sincere and charming, and it wasn’t his fault his captain was a snake. Clare met Venn’s smile with her own. “Sir Grannard, it’s a pleasure.”
“Please, call me Venn.”
“Then I insist you call me Clare.”
“Happily, Clare.” He clasped his hands behind his back. “I’ve been assigned to escort you this morning.”
“I didn’t realize I’d need a guard when going out as a maid.” Unless the king was that worried she’d run. Perhaps he didn’t realize how effectively he had her trapped. Trying to run yesterday might have been her best chance of escape, but in the light of day she knew it had been foolish to think she could truly leave. Taking her family and running would have upended their lives, and if they’d been caught? The king wouldn’t have shown mercy. Clare needed to protect her brothers, no matter what. They were the reason she’d labored in the castle kitchen for more than half her life and she wasn’t about to stop sacrificing for them now. Even though being the princess’s decoy terrified her, she knew she couldn’t turn back on her oath. Not when her family was being provided for.
“I’m more of a guide than a guard,” Venn clarified, oblivious to her deep thoughts. “The castle is a bit of a maze. Easy to get lost. And Bennick insisted someone be with you at all times.”
“I see.” Perhaps Bennick had realized she’d tried to escape yesterday and he wanted to make sure she wasn’t given another opportunity.
Venn shifted his weight. “I’m on my second shift without rotation, so forgive me if I nod off. Especially during your meeting with the royal librarian. He’s extraordinarily boring.”
Her mouth twitched despite herself. “I’ll forgive your sleeping if you don’t tell anyone if I start snoring.”
He smiled, but his eyes shone with gentle understanding. “It can be difficult sleeping in a new place. But I’m sure you’ll become comfortable here.”
“Of course.” Unless death caught her first.
Venn
