Page 2 of Song of the Heart Scale
“I have none. I’m just going with the flow.” I affected a nonchalant expression and leaned back on the bed.
Maeve stared at me for a moment, her brow furrowed in deep concern. “Just going with the flow?” she repeated, clearly skeptical. “If you’ll pardon me saying so, that doesn’t sound like you, my lady.”
I snorted and rolled onto my stomach, propping my chin on my folded hands. “What else can I do, Maeve? Throwing a tantrum won’t change anything. Besides, I've learned that apparently, princes don’t take kindly to being punched in the face. Who knew?”
I’d learned that the hard way with Damien, then again with Julian.
She shook her head and returned to sorting through my closet, pulling out an elegant emerald dress embroidered with delicate gold threads. “If it helps, my lady, I’ve heard whispers that the Crown Prince is… generous?”
I raised an eyebrow. “Generous? Sure, if we’re talkinggenerousin terms of narcissism. I’m pretty sure he can fill anentire ballroom with his ego. Probably two, actually. Three, if he really tries.”
Maeve’s lips twitched, but she quickly masked it. “You really ought to stop speaking this way, especially around the staff. Rumors travel fast, and they could reach the wrong ears.”
I groaned dramatically. “Fine, fine. No more disparaging his royal ego. Instead, let’s focus on something productive.” I perked up. “We could still have a party. An Elarian version of a bachelorette party. I mean, no strippers, obviously, but we can improvise. Maybe some shirtless guards? A dance-off? Drunken games of chance?”
Maeve dropped the gown she was holding, her eyes wide in horror again. “Shirtless guards, my lady?”
“Oh, come on, Maeve, live a little! You act like you’ve never seen a naked chest before.”
Her cheeks turned crimson, betraying the truth, and I laughed harder. “Oh, sweet Maeve, we really need to expand your horizons. You’re missing out.”
She cleared her throat and adamantly shook her head. “Such frivolity isn’t suitable for someone of your standing, my lady… or of who you’repretendingto be.” She looked at me pointedly. “Besides, the Crown Prince explicitly forbade any unsanctioned gatherings before the wedding.”
I gave a dramatic eyeroll and pushed myself upright on the bed again. “Well, then it’s settled. We’re absolutely having a party. Unsanctioned is my middle name. Alongside stubborn, impulsive, and mildly reckless.”
Maeve sighed heavily. “I fear you’ll be the death of me.”
“Nonsense!” I chirped. “I’ll be your salvation. Think of all the fun you’ve missed by being so proper all the time! Now, round up some of the household staff you trust. We’ll do it tonight, in the gardens behind the Ryder residence. No one ever patrols there. Bring wine and food and tell them to prepare for gamesthat will surely scandalize the entire household if anyone finds out.”
Maeve looked utterly terrified yet oddly intrigued. “Are you quite certain, my lady?”
A wicked grin crept across my face as I felt a surge of excitement for the first time in days. “Absolutely. What’s life without a little risk? Now go, my dear Maeve. Spread the word. The future Crown Princess demands a scandalous night to remember!”
She bowed, still clearly conflicted but resigned to my mercurial whims. “As you wish, my lady.”
“Oh, and Maeve?” I called as she headed toward the door.
“Yes?”
“Find someone attractive to handle the drinks. Eye candy is essential.”
She muttered something unintelligible under her breath, flushed even deeper, and fled the room.
I chuckled softly and collapsed back onto the bed, where I stared up at the intricately painted ceiling. My heart pounded lightly in anticipation as bittersweet realization settled over me.
If I had to be stuck in this world playing a princess, I would at least have some damn fun with it.
That night,the gardens behind the Ryder residence looked like a medieval carnival. Lanterns hung from tree branches, casting flickering amber and gold light onto tables laden with food and wine. A music troupe played lively tunes from their corner, fiddles and lutes mingling into an upbeat rhythm. Household staff moved around excitedly and ringing laughter echoed through the air.
Maeve stood by my side, nervously clutching a goblet of wine. “Are you certain no one will find out, my lady?”
“Relax, Maeve,” I reassured her, sipping from my own goblet. “Lord Zacharia and Jacob are in Dragon Valley for a council meeting with the emperor, and Gianna is out with the posh ladies of the Northern district. All that’s left are us and the servants. And, well… if they say anything, we’ll just say this was a ceremonial rite of passage.”
Maeve laughed, her eyes darting shyly to the guards, several of whom had willingly lost their shirts, flexing muscles and earning appreciative whistles from some of the staff.
“You did good.” I teasingly nudged her shoulder. “I knew you had excellent taste hidden beneath all that propriety.”
Maeve blushed fiercely and hid her face behind her goblet. “My lady!” she gasped.
