Page 109 of Reaper’s Curse

Neive repositioned herself on folded knees. “Who’s Chace?”

The question drew me back to the conversation and the group on the blanket.

“Just a friend.” I continued to pet the raven perched on my arm.

“A really handsome friend!”

At the sound of the child’s voice, I jolted, jerked sideways. The sudden movement sent Poe jumping from my arm to the top of the lunch basket. He gonked and tilted his head toward Kira, who now stood beside our picnic setup. Poe’s second gonk gave me the oddest sensation that the bird was agreeing with Kira’s assessment.

“Really?” Neive clapped her hands together at her chest. “Where can I find this handsome friend of Raven’s?”

“He’s usually⁠—”

The small hand of her afflicted twin clamped over Kira’s mouth, stopping her coming confession. Myla shook her head, and the twins stared at each other as if holding a silent conversation.

“It’s a secret, then?” Neive fished.

“Top,” Kira said as both twins spun their attention to the group gathered on the blanket. “But he only has eyes for Raven.”

Kira turned a bashful smile in my direction.

Heat flooded my cheeks, and I returned my focus to Poe, stealing a few moments to compose myself. The last thing I needed was to turn beet red in front of Lucas and Neive over the mention of a guy.

“Why is this the first we’re hearing about this suitor?” Lucas prodded.

To which Neive added, “And when will we get to meet him?”

Chace is not a suitor.

With a deep sigh, and the desire for a subject change, I turned toward the twins. “What brings you to the palace, girls? Where’s your mom?”

“Mom’s just over there.” Kira pointed to the long front walk. “She’s delivering the dress today. Just barely in time, right?”

All eyes turned to Camilla and the garment she guided on a tall rolling rack. The bagged dress was clipped at an angle to accommodate its length and girth. Camilla waved, clearly keeping an eye on her children’s whereabouts.

“Ooh!” Neive exclaimed, her eyes wide on the covered dress, to which Lucas added, “When do we get to see it?”

“Not until the ball. Mom says it’s a secret.”

Myla nodded in support of her sister’s statement.

“Well, boo.” Lucas slouched, then popped straight. “But I guess Neive and I will be among the first to lay eyes on the vision, given our position and all.”

“Aren’t you going?” I asked.

“Of course,” they sang in chorus.

“Then you’ll need that time before the ball to get ready.”

Neive pressed her fingers to Raven’s arm. “Don’t worry about us. We’ll have plenty of time.”

Lucas wagged his eyebrows. “And none will be taken until you’re ready to slay a royal with a single glance.” He covered his mouth with a fist and coughed, “Or slay a secret suitor.”

My eyes widened before I could control my reaction, and Neive giggled.

Myla elbowed Kira in the side.

“Ow!” The twin rubbed at the hurt, glanced at her sister’s fierce stare, and smiled. “Right. I almost forgot.” She stepped beside me, raised her small hand to my ear, and whispered for only me to hear, “Myla drew some pictures she wants to share with only you.”