Stress tightened her chest. Either that or Prince Chad—who was conspicuously absent—would come looking for her, though he certainly hadn’t seemed all that interested in staking a claim.
While she certainly didn’t welcome either prospect, if given a choice, she’d take Chad over Tatiana any day. The man seemed to be harmless. Tatiana was less complicated, but her intentions as transparent as glass. Chad appeared reasonable. Normal, even.
By the time the bells were rung for the midday meal, she’d relaxed. To her astonishment, neither Tatiana nor Chad had sought her out. She’d had several hours on her own, time she’d used to shower and change into a dress her mother would consider suitable for court.
When the light tapping sounded on her door, she nearly jumped out of her skin. So much for relaxation. Heart pounding, she opened the door. Looking thoroughly annoyed, Prince Ruben stood in the hall.
“What is wrong with this place?” he asked, storming into her room. “I simply asked to be brought to your chambers. Everyone acted as though you don’t even exist.”
Mouth dry, she eyed his rugged, beautiful face and debated whether or not to tell him the truth. “Actually, to most of them, that’s true. I don’t exist. They take their cue from the king and queen. I think my parents actually wish I’d never been born.”
She’d shocked him; she could tell from the way he recoiled. “Why would you say such a thing?”
“Because,” she said sadly, “it’s the truth. There are multiple reasons for this. It’s rumored that my mother had an affair and I am the unfortunate result.”
“That would be her fault, not yours,” he said, making her feel warm at his fierce loyalty. “And the other reason?”
She sighed. “My appearance is distasteful to them. Here, two things are valued above all others. Beauty and magical powers. Because I have neither, I am considered worthless.”
He frowned. “I don’t know about magic, but you have beauty.”
Unsure whether to laugh or blush, she considered him. Was he serious or was he making fun of her? Stars help her, she saw nothing but sincerity in his face.
“You really mean that?” she asked.
“Yes.” He gave her shoulder a quick squeeze. “I’m not trying to hurt your feelings, but if we’re going to work together, honesty is important, don’t you think?”
Again, she heard only the important part. “Work together? Are we?”
“Of course. I need you to help me get home once I’ve completed my quest, remember?”
Just like that, her spirits deflated. “Oh, I don’t think I’ll be forgetting that any time soon,” she said drily. “Are you ready to eat?”
Again she saw she’d startled him. Had he truly forgotten about the noon meal? Her stomach growled, letting him know she hadn’t.
“Sorry.” He flashed a rueful smile. “But if this place is what I think it is, I don’t think I’m supposed to eat.”
“Why not?”
“I remember reading something or hearing something.” Scratching his head, he seemed sheepish. “About if you don’t want to come under magic’s spell or be trapped in the land of the Fairies forever, you shouldn’t eat.”
For a moment she was struck speechless, a major feat for her. A second later, she shook her head. “So tell me, do you howl at the full moon?”
He frowned. “Of course not.” Then, as comprehension dawned, he grinned. “Are you saying the food thing is superstition?”
“Yep. It’s only an old wives’ tale.” Taking his arm, she steered him in the direction of the dining hall. “Now let’s go eat. I’m starving.”
“I’m pretty hungry myself,” he admitted.
Since the luncheon was usually served buffet style and they were early, they had the place to themselves. Willow went through the line, filling her plate with brightly colored fruit and fresh crispy vegetables. Ruben followed along behind her doing the same, but stopped when they reached the end of the long table.
“Where’s the meat?” he asked, his voice pitched so low he sounded as if he was growling. In a way, he was. His wolf demanded meat, and plenty of it. “Beef or pork, or even chicken? Any of them would be fine.”
“We don’t eat meat,” she began, stopping at the pained look of horror he gave her. For a second, she saw the wolf again, teeth bared in furious hunger. At least now that made sense.
“I’m a carnivore,” he explained, unnecessarily.
Willow shuddered. “I’m sorry. You won’t find animal flesh here.”
Placing his plate on the nearest table, he dropped into a chair. “I can exist on fruit and vegetables for