Page 77 of Song of the Dragon Rider
Angie grinned. “Oh, princess, inthisworld, people pay alotof money to look good.”
My lips pressed together as I considered this option. The profession was beneath me, undoubtedly. But until I found a way home… perhaps it was worth trying.
“Fine,” I sighed. “I will… attempt to paint faces. But if I find it beneath me, I will do something else.”
Angie smirked. “Fair enough. But don't say I didn’t warn you. Hollywood isfullof spoiled nobles who think they run the world. You’ll fit right in.”
I huffed, but for the first time, I didn’t entirely mind her teasing.
22
CAT
After the emperor’s visit, I hardly slept. Tossing and turning, I wondered if Damien made it safely back to the island. Hell, I was even worried about whether Garrick was able to slip away without being seen. I hadn’t heard from either of them, but at this ungodly time of morning, I was probably the only idiot still awake.
Maeve knocked on the door earlier than usual, and her tone was more serious than it typically was first thing in the morning. “My lady, you have a visitor in the courtyard,” she announced.
I groaned and seriously considered ignoring her, but when she knocked again, I dragged myself to the door and opened it. “Who is it?”
She grimaced and shook her head. “You’ll see once you get there, my lady.”
Curious and more than a bit apprehensive, I hurriedly dressed and followed her to the courtyard, surprised that the usually quiet space was already buzzing with people. My family, along with a large crew of servants were gathered around, all staring at something—or someone—who seemed to be making quite an entrance.
With a start, I realized it was Crown Prince Thorne. He looked every bit the royal he was, flanked by servants unloading large chests wrapped in red bows.
Jacob looked as stunned as I felt. “Hey, bro. What’s going on?” I whispered to him.
He peered over at me and his eyes widened in shock. “Arya!” he gasped. But instead of explaining what the hell was happening, it was as if a cat caught his tongue.
I looked across the way and saw Gianna wearing a bewildered expression tinged by blatant jealousy. What the hell was going on?
The instant Thorne noticed me he stepped forward, his approach almost theatrical as he addressed me with a flourish. “Lady Arya, these are your betrothal gifts,” he announced, gesturing to the servants to lift the lids.
The chests were opened one by one, revealing enough treasure to support a small kingdom. Heaping mountains of gold and jewelry made the courtyard echo with gasps and awed murmurs.
My eyes widened as I gaped at all the gold, then swung my bewildered gaze back to Thorne. I waved him closer to whisper in his ear. Thorne smirked and leaned down. “What’s going on, Your Highness? I’m not sure what betrothal gifts are, but they sound a lot like wedding gifts. And unless I’m suffering from amnesia, I don’t remember marrying anyone.”
Thorne chuckled and shook his head. “No, you haven’t married anyone, but you will. That’s what the gifts are for.”
I frowned. “From Damien?” I asked, since that’s the only person who would marry me.
Thorne shook his head again. “No.Me.”
I stumbled backward. “What? No!”
Before I could understand what was happening, Thorne leaned in and whispered, “This is by royal decree.”
Right on cue, a servant trotted over with a fancy scroll, which he handed to me with a courtly bow. I unrolled it to see the emperor’s official seal and a bunch of words that basically said, ‘Surprise! You’re engaged to the crown prince now.’
“Wow, nothing says romance like a forced engagement,” I muttered under my breath, half-amused, half-alarmed by the absurdity of it all. There I was, essentially being traded in a political game I had no interest playing. And they said chivalry was dead. I handed the scroll back to Thorne. “Look, buddy, I appreciate it, I really do, but I’m not marrying you.”
By the chorus of startled gasps that rang throughout the courtyard, you would have thought I’d just disrespected Beyonce or something.
Thorne stood there frozen for a moment, processing what I just said, when Jacob sidled up next to me. “Apologies, Your Highness, but may I please speak with my sister for a moment?”
Thorne nodded and motioned for us to go ahead.
Jacob practically dragged me to a quiet corner where we’d have more privacy, even though dozens of ears were straining to hear every word.
