Page 72 of Songs and Spun Gold
“Wisdom of the ages, that,” the prince remarked, traces of a smirk hovering around his lips.
Whirling, she shook an angry finger in his face. “Don’t think that means you’re off the hook, you—” She might be irritated, but she wouldn’t reveal his secret. “I’m still mad at you.”
He took a step back and held his hands up palm-out, but his eyes laughed at her.
“You see how he treats you! He’s mocking you!” Fritzprotested, the frustration evident in his voice. “How can you stay with him?”
“I can handle him,” she said grimly. “Nothing has changed. Trust me, as soon as I can convince the king to let me out of this without harm to my family, I’ll be headed straight home.”
“And if you can’t convince him?” he challenged.
She gave a little shrug. “Then I’ll do what I have to do to protect my family.”
“I really think we should leave now,” Angelika interrupted. She stepped around Katy and set a light hand on Fritz’s shoulder. “I think we’ve worn out our welcome.”
“Nonsense,” the prince cheerfully stated. “Our friendly banter is delightful.”
Fritz’s eyes were hard. “If Katy is staying, we should enjoy the time we have left.”
“You think I’m enjoying this?” Katy scoffed. She alternated her glare between them. “This posturing is ridiculous! I would love to escape it, but I’m afraid to leave you two alone together.”
Assuming a shocked expression, the prince splayed one hand over his chest. “You think thatIwould engage in a physical struggle with one of your friends? Even if I did, I promise I would not harm him.”
“Whoever said it was Fritz that I was worried about?” she replied, raising an eyebrow at him before looking pointedly up at the tanner’s greater height.
“You worry about me?” Prince Axel said, turning rapturous – but twinkling – eyes upon her. “I cannot tell you how blissful that makes me!”
By the time Angelika and Katy convinced Fritz to give in, Katy was at the end of her rope. She was fond of them both, but she had never been happier to see Fritz’s back, and she was ready to see Prince Axel’s as well.
“Shall we commence with our tour?” the prince suggested with a light smile. Her friends had just exited through the massive front door, and she and her unofficially-betrothed were standing in the entryway. A footman nearby was pretending that he wasn’t watching curiously.
“I’ll wait for Otto.” Spinning on her heel, Katy marched off toward the hallway. “I’ve had enough of suitors for today.”
The thudding of his boots echoed in the large space as he trailed behind her. Instead of saying anything, he casually leaned against the wall when she slowed down after the corner. Katy ignored him, striding down the hall in what she wished was a confident manner. Unfortunately, she was soon forced to a standstill.
Glancing over her shoulder, she saw him watching her from his place by the wall. She looked down one path, then the other, and still he was silent.
He was going to make her ask, wasn’t he?
Closing her eyes, she dropped her head for a moment. She could wander aimlessly until she found a servant who didn’t look busy. But her stubbornness shouldn’t add to their work.
She lifted her head with a sigh and turned toward him. Raising her voice enough for him to hear, she grudgingly said, “I suppose you may escort me to my room.”
The brat looked down the hall behind him before looking back to her, pointing to himself, and raising his eyebrows in surprise. Exaggerated, clearly, since she could see the change from where she was.
“Yes, you,” she said crossly. He smirked but didn’t move. “I wasn’t paying enough attention when Britta brought me here, and everything looks the same.”
Pushing off from the wall, he stuffed his hands in his pockets and sauntered toward her. When he was within arm’s reach of her, he stopped. “Are you telling me that you’re lost?”
“I’m not lost.” She put her nose in the air and pointed back the way they’d come. “The main entry is that way.”
“And your suite is…?”
Katy crossed her arms and glared at him. “I can bother a servant if I have to.”
“Heaven forbid.” Chuckling, he stepped closer and offered his arm. She transferred her glare to it. The prince stepped back and swept one of his flashy bows before presenting his arm again. “Pardon my manners. Axel Dracovich, son of King Steffan of Ralnor, at your service, my lady. May I have the pleasure of escorting you to your desired destination?”
She gave him an unimpressed look.
