“I am Prince Galinor of Glendon and traveling with me is the Lady Anwen of Primewood. We beseech the lord of this fine castle to allow us rest for the evening.”
The guard nods and passes the message to a runner next to him. Our horses shift under us as we wait for the reply. They too are weary.
Soon the gates open, allowing us entry. We ride in andhand our horses to a groom. I’m just taking in the tall, lonely castle when a woman throws open the doors and comes racing for Galinor. Her red hair flies behind her in a cascade of waves.
I stare, dumbstruck, as she jumps up to embrace him, laughing and chattering like a wild thing. At first, Galinor’s shocked, but then he laughs with her, asking questions and answering her own.
“Pippa, this is Anwen,” he finally says, and then he turns to me. “Anwen, this isPippa.”
Chapter 23
It’s Pippa. Of course it is.
The princess I remember was very pretty. This woman is gorgeous. She would make a siren look average. She makes me feel very plain, indeed.
“Hello,” I say, my voice quiet.
Pippa doesn’t seem to notice my hesitation. She grabs me by the hand and drags me into the hall. “I have no idea what you’re doing here, but I couldn’t be happier.” She turns to me. “Do you know how many visitors we get?” She holds up her hands, exasperated. “None. You are the first.”
A man with light brown hair and friendly eyes enters the hall. “Pippa, allow them to breathe.”
Though very good looking, he’s not as handsome as Galinor. Pippa must disagree, however. When she sees him, she lights up, a wide smile stretching across her face. “Archer, look who’s come!”
Archer smiles at his wife’s exuberance. “Yes, I can see.It’s good to see you, Galinor. You are well?” He then turns to me. “I’m Archer. You are most welcome in our home.”
“Home,” Pippa scoffs with a grin. “It’s cold and gloomy.” She laughs again. “But, yes, you are welcome nonetheless.”
Then, with nothing left to say, the hall becomes quiet. Both Pippa and Archer look at us expectantly, waiting for the story of who I am and why Galinor and I are together.
“Lady Anwen is Baron Millner of Primewood’s daughter,” Galinor offers.
I nod, unsure what to add.
“You must know Irving and Marigold,” Pippa says.
“I do, yes. We grew up together.”
“How is Irving?” Archer asks.
They lead us through the halls to a small, intimate dining area. A fire burns, and it’s much warmer in here than the rest of the castle.
“He is well,” Galinor answers. “He’s engaged to a street performer.”
They both raise their eyebrows, but neither looks all that surprised. Apparently, they came to know Irving well during his stay in Lauramore.
“And you are in Errinton because…?” Pippa lets the question hang in the air.
“It’s a long story,” I mumble.
Pippa’s obviously not going to let it go. She leans her elbows on the table and rests her chin in her hands. “Oh, good. I hope it’s nice and long. I’ve been bored to tears.” She smiles encouragingly.
I let Galinor tell them our tale. He glosses over theembarrassing bits, making me sound much more like a damsel in distress than I truly am.
“How horrible.” Pippa’s expression is as serious as it has been since we arrived. “But, Galinor, why did you go to the mountains for an iktar? And why would you hire a guide?”
A shadow passes over Galinor’s face.
“We’ve no idea what they are,” I admit. “I’ve never heard of them.”
