Page 140 of Arrows and Gems
She tried to push him from her mind as she dressed. Le Capuchon had wanted Margit, but Crown Prince Raphael didn’t want the political difficulties of Princess Helena. She hadn’t heard from him since leaving Amitié. It stung, but he had sent her away to avoid the heartache. He was unlikely to write.
“Helena, what are you wearing?” Liesl asked in a strangled voice. “That isnotthe outfit your mother picked out last night.”
Glancing down at her tunic and trousers, Helena pretended to inspect her wardrobe choices. She wrinkled her forehead. “It isn’t?”
“No. And I’m afraid Queen Carina would faint if she could see you,” Liesl replied, looking a little faint herself. “Where did you even get those?”
“I don’t see the problem,” Helena breezily replied. “This was the height of fashion in my outlaw days.”
“Don’t see the problem,” Liesl echoed weakly. Gathering herself, she gestured to a chair. “And what hairstyle would you like to complement ‘the height of outlaw fashion’?”
Helena shook her head. “I don’t know why you’re offering. Aren’t you Katy’s lady’s maid?”
Waving a dismissive hand, her friend said, “Katy won’t be up for an hour. I decided to help you get ready. After all,” she lifted her chin and looked away, “you’re getting betrothed today. You’ll want to look your best for the men competing for your hand.”
“Dear, sweet Liesl.” Helena gently picked up her friend’s hand. “I don’t plan to announce my betrothal today.”
Liesl’s eyes flew over to her. “What? But I thought you said—”
“The council agreed that anyone could participate.” Helena winked. “So I need to ask a favor of you. I’m feeling unwell and will be unable to attend the contest. Could you please let my family know?”
Liesl’s green eyes widened. “No. Don’t tell me you’re—”
Releasing her, Helena strode to her neglected bookcase and belted on her quiver, then swirled her dark green cloak around her shoulders. “Of course I am. What better way to ensure the winner refuses my hand?”
~
“Name?” the bored guard requested. He barely lifted his eyes from the paper in front of him.
Helena lowered her voice; it didn’t take much to make her alto a convincing tenor. “Tucker,” she grunted. “I go by Tuck.”
The guard scrawled her name on the form and waved to the side. “That way. You’ll be assigned to a group and given further instructions there.”
As she walked past the stands set up for spectators, shelowered her head. Her family stood in front of them, talking quietly as they surveyed her potential matches.
“You don’t suppose she’s had second thoughts, do you?” Mother worried. “Should we send someone to her room?”
“She promised, Mother,” Axel soothed. “And remember, this was her idea.”
“Besides, Liesl saw her this morning. Right, Liese?” Katy added. She leaned back to maintain her grip on her wiggly son. “Did she look like she planned to run away?”
Liesl didn’t answer immediately. Helena held her breath as she passed.
“No,” Liesl said at last, shaking her tawny curls. “I am certain that she has no plans to run away again.”
Helena began to smile, but then her eyes caught on the brawny blonde man in their party. Katy’s and Liesl’s cousin Otto, former guardsman and now a nobleman. He watched her walk by with a slight tilt to his head.
She’d forgotten about the guard who identified people by their gait. Would he give her away?
One side of his mouth might have curved before his head dipped in the world’s tiniest nod. Then instead of calling her out, he turned back to the royal family.
Helena grinned as she hastened toward the meeting spot. And to think, a few months ago, she had believed she was alone in the world.
~
“Second ring: two points!”
Helena rested her bow on the ground and shifted her weight while she awaited her turn. She had made the first three rounds predictable. Who could argue with simple targets and points based off which ring a competitor struck with each of his three arrows?
