Page 17 of The Prince or the Bard?
When we reach the top, Lady Taliana applauds.
“Very gallant, my prince,” she says from a smiling veneer so thick I might’ve imagined the fury she leveled at me moments ago.
Your stupid picnic set is saved,I think at her, wishing I could speak my mind.
Instead, I listen to the sounds of the approaching waves to calm myself, splashing ever higher as they attack the stairs. The water is halfway up them now. I close my eyes, trying not to picture diving into them.
“Fortunate you were here to help, isn’t it?” Lady Taliana says. I’m so engrossed in the sounds of the sea, I don’t at first realize I’m being addressed. “Whyareyou here, Queen’s Maid Laoise?”
Chapter Ten
My eyes pop open.Lady Taliana watches me, anticipation barely masking her anger at me. And I realize that Prince Ruairí also awaits my answer, his no longer mirthful gaze locked on me.
“The queen has asked to speak with you,” I lie, “on a matter of some urgency.”
“Has she?” His brows rise. As if in one movement, he bows to Lady Taliana and turns up the path, already walking away as he says, “Excuse me, my lady. The High King has entrusted me with Her Majesty’s care while we are away, until he might join us himself.”
“Of course, of course!” she calls out to his back, trying to sound gracious to a man she has no hope of delaying. “But what of our picnic?”
“Later,” Ruairí says. “Perhaps tonight.”
Perhaps tonight?Is it as serious as that between them, enjoying a private dinner together instead of dining with the party?
I don’t know what to think of a man who acts as this prince does. It might be that he doesn’t think at all, so strange are his actions.
And why in the sea goddess’s name would High King Tadhg entrustPrince Ruairíwith his wife’s care? They’re family, of course. ButRuairí?
Sleeps until one in the afternoon Prince Ruairí. Drains the castle’s supply of ale with his friends Prince Ruairí.Tries to kiss queen’s maids in front of the whole court Prince Ruairí.
Nowhere on that list is “trustworthy protector.”
Yet I just came to fetch him for that very purpose, didn’t I?
MaybeI’mthe one who isn’t thinking things through.
Am I relieved theprince has agreed to help me tonight? I find myself uncertain. Of course, I’m not even sure how much help he’ll be. He will not withdraw his invitation to dine privately with Lady Taliana.
“I must keep my word,” he says, crossing his arms as he leans against the stone front of the queen’s rented cottage.
I managed to stop him before he tromped right through the door of the mayor’s house and alerted the queen that I’m wise to her plans, but only just. We still stand around the doorway, our body language completely unnatural. To those strolling along the marginal way or down the village streets, we must look very suspicious indeed.
During a moment like this, it’s hard not to recall Fiadh’s warning. I can’t be seen as having the prince’s favor, or else my royal cousin’s opponents will be positively apoplectic.
“Are you certain this is what the queen plans?” he asks, lowering his voice.
In the process, his head inclines towards mine, narrowing the space between us.
Curses and bargains, it must look like we’re conspiring. Or worse.
We look like lovers planning a tryst.
“She had a look in her eye,” I answer, leaning away.
“And that’s enough to go on?”
“I know her.” I shrug. “Besides, that look runs in the family. My own sister has it from time to time. I know it like I know the queen. She thinks she can do something about the nightfall curse on the sea courts, or that she ought to see it for herself.”
Evidently, the curse isn’t news to the prince. He doesn’t even blink in surprise.
