“I just don’t understand. I thought he loved me. I keep thinking there must be some reason—some explanation. Iwould have given up everything for him. Sometimes I think I still would.”
“You still have feelings for this man?” Leonora asks, appalled.
“I don’t know,” I say. “It’s very foolish if I do, isn’t it?”
“Yes!” They both exclaim.
Leonora sits forward. “You are a lady of Primewood. You can marry anyone—anyone at all. A real prince! Don’t pine over this wandering rogue!”
Marigold gives me a pointed look. “No matter how handsome he is.”
I blow on my steaming cup, knowing they are right even if my heart is not ready to admit it.
“What of you, Marigold?” Leonora asks. “How are things progressing with Galinor?”
I choke on my tea, and they both give me questioning glances. I wave for them to continue.
“I don’t know,” Marigold says, still eyeing me. “He’s as nice as always, but it’s so hard to talk to him.”
I take another sip, keeping my eyes averted.
“I was telling him about a cartography lecture I had hoped to go to in Vernow next year, and his eyes glazed over.”
Leonora laughs. “That’s shocking. A cartography lecture sounds scintillating.”
Marigold rolls her eyes. I’m surprised how comfortable she is around Leonora. I feel a little wisp of jealousy and wish I had been here for the tournament as well.
“You don’t have to talk to Galinor.” Leonora smirks. “When you can look at him.”
We all laugh, but I swear I blush deep red. They don’t notice.
“It’s not really enough, though, is it?” Marigold sighs. “There must be a man out there that looks like Galinor, but is willing to discuss migratory cycles with me.”
Leonora gives her an odd look that says,not likely, but she doesn’t argue. She turns toward me. “Let us find you more dresses.”
“Do you have anything I can ride in?”
“Sidesaddle?” she asks, hopeful.
I shake my head. “Astride.”
Her face falls, and she runs a hand through her hair. “I don’t—but I know someone who does.” She gives me a feline smile and pulls me out of her quarters.
Chapter 5
Bright and early, I find Galinor in the stables readying his horse. I clear my throat, and he turns. His eyes drift over me. The expression he wore the first night I met him shadows his face.
I run my hand over the burgundy tunic and admit, “I borrowed it.” The half-gown cinches tight at my waist and flares out to my knees. Under it, I wear a tight set of trousers that fit like a second skin. “Leonora said it would be all right.”
It’s Pippa’s.
The unspoken admission hangs between us. Galinor claims he wasn’t in love with the princess, but the color drains from his face, and I can’t help but wonder.
“If it bothers you, I can change,” I say quietly, looking at the straw on the floor.
Leonora promised Pippa wouldn’t mind since she’s in Errinton now, but I didn’t think how it would bother Galinor.
He meets my eyes. “It’s fine. You look lovely.”
