Page 20 of The Mirror and the Curse

“If only I could,” Ianthe sighed.

“Eddi, please don’t tell me you’re still pining over Prince Fidelio.” Maria’s voice held a hint of scorn.

“I’m not pining.” Eddi sat upright in her sofa corner. “Last month he expressed real interest in me, and I invited him to bring his winged horse and practice for the Cup with me this summer.”

“Whoop-de-do,” was Maria’s response. “You should go after Prince Giancarlo. He’s vastly better looking.”

“He’s gorgeous,” Ianthe added.

“I have nothing in common with Carlo, and he annoys me.”

“I think you’re in denial about Dino,” Ianthe declared. “He’ll be a Grand Duke someday, Eddi. So much better than a third-born prince.”

Eddi’s friends never heeded her advice about their crushes and romances. Why were they so sure she needed theirs?

That evening, when Eddi was just about to prepare for bed, she heard a knock at her door. “Letter for Princess Eddi,” piped a small voice. In past years she’d always found her mail on the floor, slipped under the door. Curious, Eddi peeked out to see a brownie holding up an envelope. As she accepted it, the little guy’s face lit up in a cheery smile. A smiling brownie?

“Thank you.” She couldn’t help smiling back.

“My pleasure, Your Highness.” He swept her a graceful bow. “I’m Jig. If you need anything at all—any messages delivered or suchlike—just call me, and I’ll be at your door.”

“Pleased to meet you, Jig, and thank you for the offer.”

The brownies’ role at the resort must get lonely or frustrating at times, Eddi reflected as she closed her door. After all, few people would feel the need to thank or compliment invisible waiters and delivery boys.

Noting the return address with a smile, she ripped it open.

Dear Eduardi,

I had hoped to arrive today, but that didn’t pan out, so I’ll be there with you in just a few days. Ruggero will arrive after the Summer Ball, and I’ve invited several other Cup contestants to bring their horses and practice with us. Look for me Monday, okay?

Yours,

Fidelio

“Yours.” Eddi read the word aloud. A common closing word, yet she couldn’t help wondering if he’d chosen it just for her.

This was her chance. She could surely win Prince Fidelio’s heart and hand this summer.

She flopped down on her bed to savor the prospect, deliberately picturing his heart-stealing smile and bright eyes . . . but her mind kept straying . . .

Who was this Toressa Warmane?

No. She couldn’t go there. Not now. Not ever. Kai was free to date any dwarf girl he liked.

Not until Eddi clicked off the light did it occur to her that Raquel must be one of the contestants Fidelio invited.

Did such a thing as a faithful man even exist anymore?

Come morning—a late morning, for her—she firmly shelved her doubts, showered, primped a bit, and set a new course. Which included a pre-breakfast visit to the stables. It took some scouting around, but she tracked down Kai at last. He was cleaning stalls in one of the smaller barns. “Good morning,” she trilled.

He glanced at her from under a lock of his unruly brown hair but didn’t stop forking filthy straw into a wheelbarrow. “Good morning. What’s up?”

“I need to talk to you about something.”

“I figured.”

He was in a mood, that much she knew instantly. Eddi propped herself against the doorpost and watched him work. To keep him from guessing how much she liked what she saw, she asked, “Why do the dirty work when you don’t have to?”

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