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He winked, but got little more than a scowl in response.

“You… you really won’t tell anyone about us, will you?”

“I already said I wouldn’t. What’s the matter, don’t you trust me?”

“No, not at all.”

He placed his hand over his heart. “The lady wounds me so.”

Eirwen flicked his shoulder, causing him to wince. “Wrenwounded you. But I’m happy to add to your growing collection if you come back here.”

He sighed deeply, sweeping into a bow and taking her hand. He’d barely realised before, when she was sewing him up, how rough and calloused her hands had become. Not the hands of a princess, not any more. He thought about telling her that a lady shouldn’t have hands like hers, worn to bone by labour, but she’d probably snap at him and tell him no one should have hands like that.

And she’d be right, again, as always.

His sigh wasn’t so put on, any more.

“Farewell, Eirwen,” he said, desperately hoping it wasn’t forever. “If…”

“Yes?”

“If ever there’s a way I can return your kindness… let me know.”

She blinked. Evidently, she had not been expecting this. “I… thank you. Goodbye, Cole.”

∞∞∞

Eirwen watched until he’d faded from view.

Just to make sure he’s really gone,she insisted.

Even Ivy got bored of watching, after a while, and Juniper was able to drag her away for a game of tag.

Garnet appeared at her elbow, her knowing smile screaming.

“What?” said Eirwen.

“So... who was that?”

“You know who that was! Prince Cole, son of my sworn enemy.”

“And your former stepbrother.”

Eirwen cringed.

“You know, I don’t think I’ve ever heard you mention him before.”

“He wasn’t worth mentioning. And we weren’t raised together. We lived under a very large roof for two years and spent only a couple of hours each day in each other’s company, and even that was too much. He’s an arrogant idiot who thinks he’s charming.”

“You mended his shirt.”

“Nothing else would have fit him and he’d have made a tremendous fuss otherwise.”

“If you say so.”

Garnet was still smiling. Eirwen narrowed her eyes. “You still have a strange look about you.”

“You stayed with him.”