Page 131 of Bride of the Gilded Prince

“You shouldn’t be here,” I said, keeping my voice low. “It’s too dangerous.”

Darith’s face changed when she saw Emre, and she grabbed my arm. Her hand was steady, but the tension in her grip was clear. She was just as surprised to see him as I was. I wanted to ask what was going on, but she shook her head slightly, and I knew she wanted me to stay quiet.

I took a glass of strawberry juice from the tray and sipped it, while Emre and Darith stared at each other. It wasn’t hatred I saw in their eyes, but more like they were trying to figure each other out. A silent conversation was happening between them, one that I wasn’t privy to.

Suddenly, Emre turned and looked at me. It was like he had forgotten I was here. “I brought you some stuff from home,” he said, and I saw a bag next to his feet. “I thought you would want it.”

I put my glass down and reached for the bag. It was filled with letters and trinkets from home. I pulled out a stack of letters, and my heart bled a little when I saw my father’s handwriting. The looping letters were so familiar, and it made my chest ache.

“Thank you,” I whispered, as my voice threatened to break.

Emre nodded, and I could see the emotion in his eyes. He understood what this meant to me. “Your mother wrote to me, and she asked me to give them to you.”

“Thank you.” I bit my lip. “I didn’t know she wrote to you.”

“She did,” Emre said. “When she found out I was coming here, she asked me to keep an eye on you.”

My heart sank. “And you agreed?”

The last thing I wanted was for Emre to get into trouble. His kind heart would be the death of him one day.

“Of course, I would do anything for your mother.” He paused, and I could see the sincerity in his eyes. “And for you.”

I swallowed hard, and I nodded as I hugged the bag to my chest and turned to look at the stage again. The Dryads were gone, and the courtiers were applauding. Their attention would soon turn to us, but he was my friend. And I would not betray him.

Emre cleared his throat.

I turned to look at him. “How are things at Al-Fihri without me? I received your letters.”

Darith turned her head, and I knew she was listening to our conversation. Her tense posture relaxed a bit when she realized we were talking about mundane things.

“Well, they finally found a substitute for you.” He grinned. “But he’s not as good as you, so everyone is still complaining about your absence.”

“I’m sure they’ll get over it.” I smiled nervously. “He’s new, so he just needs some time to adjust.”

On the other balconies, I saw the courtiers looking at us, drawn by the sound of our voices. We spoke Caelish, but our accents were so distinct that they could easily pick us out. It wasn’t the attention I wanted. I wanted to intrigue people, not make them suspicious of my loyalties.

“I guess,” Emre said, but he didn’t sound convinced. “How are things here? Are they treating you well?”

“Everyone has been very kind, and I’m enjoying myself.” I bowed my head slightly. “House Finardsil has been very generous.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” Emre raised an eyebrow. “You deserve to be happy.”

The disbelief in his voice was clear. My act fooled others, but Emre knew me too well. Becoming a princess was not something I ever wanted. It was something that happened to me.

“Is ambassador Hatice here?” Darith asked, her voice cold.

“Yes, she’s here.” His smile faded, and he turned to look at Darith. “She’s been keeping to herself, but I think she’s enjoying the party.”

A Werewolf was at the party? And I hadn’t been informed? The political implications of that were huge.

“I’m sure she is.” I waved my hand. “It’s a lovely party.”

Emre placed a hand on his face. “Yes, if you ignore that the food is inedible, the music bores you to tears, and the company is stifling.”

“Now, now, let’s not be so negative.” My eyes scanned the area, and Queen Menthe caught my gaze. I smiled and inclined my head slightly. He followed my gaze and his eyes landed on the Queen. “Not everyone appreciates your brand of humor.”

Emre snorted. “If you say so, Your Highness.”

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