Page 48 of Pippa of Lauramore
“Tomorrow we will hold a festival and feast for our scavenger hunt victor. The archery tournament will be the day after that. I encourage you all to practice with your bows. Our master archer has designed the tournament, and he has more than a few tricks up his sleeve.” Father holds his hand out to Archer, who rises.
The crowd cheers, all excited about the festival tomorrow.
Lionel gives Galinor a hard look as he exits the arena. Galinor acknowledges him but says nothing. Irving, who did well with three points, congratulates him. The Triblue princes join them.
“I will have Anna bring up your dinner,” Father says, turning from the crowd to me. “You may be excused.”
“What?”
“Your punishment is not yet over, Pippa. I was feeling generous this evening. Please do not tread on my kindness. Kimble will follow to make sure you don’t get lost on the way to your room.”
I turn on my heel and trot down the stairs, not waiting to make sure Sir Kimble is behind me.
Mother toldme to dress for the feast tonight on the off-chance Father decides I may go. I wait by my door. Someone should be here to tell me the news soon. I did not slip away to go to the festival today, hoping the good behavior would soften Father up. I left the balcony doorswide open, though, trying to soak up some of the festive spirit.
I jump at the knock and then throw the door open myself, startling my guard.
My spirits fall. It’s only Percival, and I’m sure he wouldn’t have been sent with good news. My maids have put me in another dress with fabric stitched between arm bands and cuffs, and I turn from the door and begin to remove them.
My brother comes in, looking amused. “What are you doing?”
“I’m not wearing these in my room all night. They get caught on everything.”
He looks at me, and his expression is void of emotion. “I have spoken with Father?—”
“And?”
“You may go, but only for a few hours. You may also go to the archery tournament and feast that follows.”
I throw myself at my older brother, hugging him. He laughs and pushes me away. “I’m here to escort you to the feast.”
I practically run from my room. Percival takes my arm to slow me down. I bounce on my toes, waiting for him to catch up.
“Where’s Leonora?” I ask.
“She’s feeling ill from too much sun this afternoon. She said she will join us soon.”
I frown. It’s not like Leonora to feel ill.
I hear music and laughter as we near the great hall. It was a beautiful day, and tonight, the doors are open to Mother’s gardens. The smell of summer flowers, whichare not only outside but also in large vases throughout the hall, mingles with the wonderful aroma of the food. This feast will not be a great buffet for all, as my birthday was, but rather a formal meal with the competitors and other nobles of the kingdom.
Percival escorts me past the long covered tables and shows me to my seat, which is right next to Galinor. He has taken his place of honor in the middle of the largest table on a platform—a place usually reserved for my father, but tonight it is his.
He stands when I arrive and pulls out my chair, his eyes gleaming. “Princess.”
“Congratulations, my Prince,” I say as I beam at him.
He did it. Or rather—we did it. What difference does it make in the grand scheme of things? He won the scavenger hunt, and that’s all that matters. Only four more competitions to go.
“You look beautiful tonight,” he says, his eyes a deep and wonderful blue. “You are always beautiful.”
My heart warms, and I set my hand on his. “I’m going to announce that you are my chosen tonight.”
He leans forward. “Are you sure that’s what you want?”
His question startles me. “Of all the men in this room, Galinor, you are the only one I can imagine spending a happy life with.”
He smiles. “I’m sure I’m not the only one.”
