Page 6 of The Marked Princess

Edmund raised an eyebrow at that. “Really? I would have thought you'd hate having to get all done up and paraded around like a trophy.”

Josselyn scrunched up her face. “Well, yeah, that part is rather odious. The dancing, though.” Her face lit up with a rosy glow. She focused on her dagger as she admitted, “I do love the dancing.”

When she lifted her head again, she saw Edmund watching her. His eyes sparked with an unfamiliar intensity. He leaned in, bending his head so that their faces were just a hand's width apart. “Then you must promise to save a dance for me, as well.” His eyes held hers captive, as he added with a murmur, “princess.”

A loud coughing sound interrupted the moment, and Josselyn took a step back.

“Yea... yeah, sure. Of course. I'll do that. Save a dance, I mean.” She held up her new dagger. “And thanks again for this. It's great, really.”

Edmund grinned, giving her a roguish wink. “You're welcome.” He looked over at Alex, who had started walking towards them, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword. “You okay over there? Sounds like you could use a drink or something by the sound of that cough.”

Alex glared at him. “It's getting late, Your Highness. Don't you think you should head in for breakfast before the servants clear everything away?”

“Oh, you're right. I hope there's still some bacon left, I'm starving.” She turned back to Edmund but avoided meeting his eyes. “I'll see you later, Edmund.”

She turned and beat a hasty retreat toward the castle's side entrance. Alex followed a few paces behind.

What was that all about? I've never seen Edmund look so... serious, before. Strange.

They walked in silence, climbing the main stairs to the third floor, where a smaller stairwell at the end of the corridor would lead them up to Josselyn's tower room. Lady Merridale was constantly pestering Josselyn to take a room on the second floor, where the rest of the royal family kept their rooms, but she refused to move. The tower room had the best view in the entire castle, as well as the added benefit of discouraging frequent visits from her aunt.

As they walked down the third floor corridor, a door swung open and Prince Stefan stepped out into the hallway. His eyes passed over her with disinterest, and he started to pass the two of them by. Then suddenly, he stopped and jerked his head back around to look at them.

“Princess Josselyn! I didn't recognize you at first in your... simple ensemble. I'm afraid I mistook you for a servant of some sort. My apologies, Your Highness.”

“It's nothing, I assure you.” She held her arms out wide. “I imagine you're feeling a bit more relieved at our lack of betrothal, now that you see me in my natural state.”

She smiled, batting her lashes in an exaggerated fashion.

Prince Stefan tilted his head, studying her closely. “Not at all, my lady. I believe I like you even better like this.” Leaning down and whispering in her ear, he added, “Glistening with sweat.”

Alex growled, moving between her and the prince. She touched his sleeve and gave him a warning look.

“If you'll excuse me, I was just on my way to wash up before breakfast.”

The prince stepped back, casting an imperious look in Alex's direction before taking Josselyn's hand and brushing his lips across her knuckles.

“By all means, princess. I won't detain you but a moment longer, to ask if I might have the pleasure of your company this afternoon? I thought we might take a walk together in the garden, discuss our kingdoms' futures.”

I'd rather spend the afternoon having each of my teeth pulled out with a pair of rusty pliers.

“A stroll before dinner sounds lovely.”

“Excellent.” He winked, and Josselyn had to fight to keep from pulling a face. “I'll see you then.”

He sauntered off, and Josselyn's fake smile melted away. “I think I lost my appetite,” she muttered.

Alex glared daggers at the prince's retreating form. “Why did you stop me from teaching the rat some manners? He has no right to speak to you in such a way.”

“Maybe not, but what were you going to do? Attack the visiting prince who's the only hope we have at finally forming a peace treaty with Antos? Our kingdoms have been at odds with each other for too long. We can't afford to offend him over something as trivial as that.”

“Your honor is not trivial, Your Highness.”

She gave him a small smile, tucking her hand into the crook of his elbow.

“If you would be so kind as to escort me to my room, sir?”

“I thought you hated being escorted.”