the pit of my stomach something churned. I swallowed down bile, rejecting a harsh truth that ate at my insides. The truth that, despite my thoughts on Calix, I didn’t really know him. He had the cabin prepared when he took me. And there was the question of Courtney being set on fire. Not to mention, I still didn’t know what was in the flask he’d given me. He’d harbored many secrets, secrets that left my chest aching because deep down I was sure they were terrible things. Things I wouldn’t be able to come to terms with. Things I couldn’t really blame him for, or at least that was the argument I kept in my mind.
“Good morning, Princess,” the head designer, Marisole, greeted me after knocking on the door and stepping into the room. “We have something for you.”
“Great,” I murmured, still lost in my thoughts. The women walked into the room carrying a large garment bag. They approached me and began fussing immediately.
I gazed in amazement as they pulled the most gorgeous gown I’d ever laid eyes on out of the large bag.
“Beautiful, wouldn’t you agree?” Marisole gushed as two others started to undress me for the fitting.
“It is,” I breathed out, fingering the delicate emerald material. It was the softest satin I’d ever touched, the material cascading easily over my hand. Despite my reservations about the ball, I was eager to try on the dress. After they slipped it over my head, I gazed at my reflection in wonder, unable to believe how beautiful it all was.
The bodice was an emerald green, fitted corset with intricate black stitching along the front. It was strapless, and the sleeves cascaded into wide-open ends where my hands emerged. The back laced up, and the gown billowed out in waves of emerald splendor. It was a true ball gown with a bustle in the back.
“A perfect fit,” Marisole exclaimed. “Do you like it?”
“I love it,” I whispered, twirling, completely forgetting the reason behind it.
“Your betrothed will appreciate it,” Janis, another of the designers, said.
My heart plummeted. Of course. My betrothed. Aside from Soran’s birthday bash, this was my wedding announcement.
“I should take it off,” I said hastily.
The women quickly helped me out of it. By the time they decided on how to do my hair, it was well past lunch. I made my way down to the kitchens and was relieved to find Mabel bustling away with about fifty other people.
“Hello,” I greeted her softly.
“Ana,” she exclaimed happily. “I was worried about you. Are you well?”
“No,” I answered truthfully, and she gave me a sympathetic look. “It looks like you’re very busy. Perhaps I could help?”
“Help?” she asked, surprised. “Yes, yes, of course. We need some vegetables picked from the gardens.” She handed me a large basket and frowned. “Oh, my word. You haven’t been eating. I knew we had far too many leftovers. I’ll fix you a sandwich. You’re wasting away.”
I smiled gratefully at her as she threw together a thick sandwich with meat, cheese, and vegetables. She quickly filled a glass with fresh squeezed honey rind and sent me on my way. I quickly scarfed down the food and drink, my stomach almost hugging me for it.
I set to work, picking and pulling the vegetables. When I’d filled my first basket, I grabbed another from the edge of the garden. The help cast curious stares at me as I filled basket after basket. It was nearly dark by the time I brought in my last basket with my hands and face dirty, my hair tangled, and my feet muddy.
I’d spoken to a few of the workers, and they all seemed very kind. I felt like I fit in better with them, rather than with the royalty. My father had been scarce. I’d heard mention that he’d ridden to meet with another kingdom before the ball and had returned only this afternoon.
“There you are. I went to your room to find you and you were gone.” Rowan shouted, coming into the kitchen dressed in his blue military uniform.
“Oh, sorry. I got hungry, and I wanted to take my mind off things, so I came down here and ended up working. What did you need?”
“Your brother approaches. The king and queen have called for your presence. It’s tradition to meet the incoming troops at the gates.”
“Oh!” I exclaimed, eager to see my brother. “Is Kellin with him?”
“Kellin?” Rowan questioned. “I don’t know who that is.”
“Why does no one know him?” I