“Please don’t worry, Wyn,” Aerity whispered.
“Is it strange that I’m jealous?” Wyneth asked softly.
Aerity’s chest tightened. “Would you like to join me?”
“Nay.” She shook her head. “It’s just the thought of being out there, free, with you and Harrison . . .” She smiled to herself. “But I fear I would slow you down. And I think I’ll be needed here to help calm your parents and sister.”
Relief rushed through Aerity. She had been counting on Wyneth to keep things running as smoothly as possible in her absence. “I don’t imagine I’ll be missed. My ideals arebothersome to them. They kicked me out of the office today! I am afraid of what is happening in this kingdom.” She eyed her cousin. “Am I completely horrid to leave when things are the way they are?”
Duty warred with her heartfelt desires.
Wyneth took Aerity’s hand tightly. “You have the rest of your life to sacrifice all for this kingdom. Lochlanach will rule you as much as you rule it. A single month, in the scheme of things, is nothing. If the most wayward time of your life happens before you’re even of age, then I’d say you will succeed.”
Aerity’s eyes burned. Nobody understood her quite like Wyneth. “I have a favor to ask. Are you willing to deliver messages to Harrison and Miss Rathbrook asking for their help? And will you see me off from my chamber tonight?”
“Aye. I will be there.”
An hour after sundown Caitrin knocked quietly on the princess’s chamber door before opening it slightly. Aerity waved her in.
“Quickly. Shut the door.”
Caitrin bustled in, her cheeks pink. She held a brown cloth bag.
“Do you have everything?” Aerity asked.
“Aye, Your Highness.”
“Did you tell anyone at all?”
“Nay, Your Highness.” Caitrin appeared tight withdiscomfort, as she had each time Aerity saw her since catching the girl with Lord Alvi.
Aerity stood and took the bag from Caitrin. The maid dashed past her and set to work making a fire. She then filled a pot and hung it in the fireplace to warm. Once she finished, she stood awkwardly, like a beaten dog awaiting its next command.
Aerity approached her. “Have you not thought of me as somewhat of a friend, dearest Caitrin? Have I given you reason to fear me?”
Caitrin’s eyes squeezed shut, pressing out beads of moisture. “Nay, my princess, you have always been kind.”
“Then why fear me now?”
“Because I deserve your punishment, Your Highness. I am s-so ashamed.”
Aerity had to calm her if they were going to make any progress that night. And it was breaking her heart to see her in this state.
“Be honest. Did you seek Lord Alvi?” Aerity asked. Caitrin’s eyes flew open, and she shook her head. “Did you set out to seduce him?”
“Nay, my lady! That is, I do not wish to speak ill of him—”
“My betrothed is a scoundrel,” Aerity said flatly. “He saw a pretty girl who blushed at his flirtations, and he advanced. I’m sure he was quite flattering. In Ascomanni, men have no qualms about such things. Married, single, engaged—mendo as they please and women live to make them happy. He is handsome and charming. You never thought anyone would find out. And I’m certain it will never happen again.”
“Never, Your Highness.Never!” Caitrin began to kneel, but Aerity made her stand.
“Then let us put this in the past, aye?”
Caitrin’s lips tightened as she appeared to suppress another surge of emotion.
“Here is what I need from you tonight, without question.” Aerity walked to the chair and took off her robe. She wore only a thin shift underneath. “You will cut my hair from my waist to my midback, and then dye it dark brown. I will be leaving the castle for one month’s time and then returning to my duties. I will leave a letter for my parents. You will not be named as an accomplice. I plan to find Paxton Seabolt and give him the proper good-bye that was robbed from us. Do you have any questions?”
Her maid gawked at her, speechless.
