Page 51 of Glass Hearts
Sylas flips me the bird in response, continuing to kiss our girl.
We fall into natural conversations while the fights continue. And for once, almost everything seems right in the world.
Arabella
It’s easy to be tempted into getting lost in the handsome prince’s affections. All three for the past week have been showering me with kisses, gifts, and sweet dates to Harsekeep. At first, I was a little hesitant to show them my world. My worries subsided after a few visits. How special could it be if they could see the beauty I see? See how special the community is? Maybe they can make a difference to my people.
I still think I am just a fun distraction for them, because at the end of the day, they still have to court the other women. They will sneak heated glances my way and steal kisses in dark corners. But I am still the taboo secret. Maybe that’s why it is fun for them—even at the expense of my heart. If I have learned anything from my time asThe Shadow, it’s that you can’t trust the fanciful words of men.
Yet—I would be lying to myself in thinking that I am not falling for the handsome Princes.
“Arabelly! We were snooping in the council’s quarters; there is something a little fishy about a few of the councilmen. One of them sneaks off into the darkness. Too fast for us to catch.” Bert says as I scoop him up.
“Is it the one councilman… I think his name is Hendrickson, who you catch frequently staring at me?”
“I think so. I don’t like that look in his eyes, Arabelly. He looks like he wants to hurt you.”
“Yes. I am worried as to why I have caught his eye. He hasn’t approached me or anything. I guess we will have to keep monitoring him.”
Kip is currently eating granola bar crumbs.
“Anything else of note, boys?”
“The icy wind prince is obsessed with you,” Kip adds.
“Ha, I don’t think so, Kip.”
“No, really, Arabelly! I know you think he is sleeping with that blonde court lady, but they only seem to have kissed that once. He goes to the library every evening. Not sure why he is lying to the other princes that he is out sleeping with ladies. Seems silly. Either you have a doppelganger in the castle, or he thinks you’re pretty. He is always drawing you. And I think I always spot your old bandana in his pocket.”
Could Archer really be into me? But then why does he treat me with so much hatred?
Grayer has imagined ideas that they would all be mine. But I can’t quite buy it.
Today is a reprieve from all the courting events. Most of the staff, including me, get the day off. Many of the workers and castle folk are heading into town, which leaves the castle quite quiet. While I was grabbing breakfast, I overheard my stepfamily would be leaving the castle for a bit, too. A small respite from them. I had been avoiding Bernice since her slap and unkind words.
Koi and Grayer were quite upset when Sylas told them about the slap. It wasn’t the worst of her offences towards me, but I don’t need to mention that. It did have them respecting my request to put more distance from me when my stepfamily is around to avoid any future confrontations. Another reason why I can’t seem to stay mad at them keeping me a secret. Denial has been my new friend lately.
“Enjoy the well-deserved day off, boys.” I plop more snacks on the desk for my friends.
“Thanks, Arabelly! Stay safe, and have fun!”
A knock on the door sounds before I can even open it. I drop my bag in surprise as I see who is on the other side.
Elora squeals and takes me into a big hug, Bri at her side, holding two coffees, grinning ear to ear.
“Ella!”
We hug so tightly, her embrace feeling like home. We are both crying when Bri interjects.
“Sheesh, you ladies are going to shake the whole castle with your screeching and crying.”
“Replacing me with this peach, Ella?” Lo winks and throws her arm over Bri’s shoulder as if they had always been besties. But that is Lo, she has a way to make everyone melt in her presence.
“Never, though Bri makes a mean coffee compared to the soupy bean water you make.”
Lo throws her head back with her throaty laugh. Bri hands me the other prepared coffee in her hand.
“What are you doing here, friend? How did you get in?” Both enter my room as we close the door. Lo turns to Kip and Bert, scratching the tops of their tiny heads.
