Page 77 of Of Curses and Courtship

“What in the realms was that about?” Helena whispers once we are out of earshot.

Could Emyr not have waited until I was alone to make requests of me?

He and I have a secret that has entirely to do with saving his palace, and he should be better at keeping it. Oh, how frustrating he is. Does he not realize the conclusions my meddling companion will jump to?

I grind my teeth together. “Nothing.”

“That sure didn’tlooklike nothing. Is it a romantic escape? Will there be candlelight, and a second bed that goes unused? Or perhaps there will only beonebed?—”

“No. Helena, you must stop right this instant.”

“Of course. How right you are. That would be inappropriate,Miss Ophelia. He’s still betrothed, you know.”

“It would be—entirely inappropriate, unbecoming!” My stomach flips. “I would never… We’re going away on business, if you must know. That’s why he is arranging it—it’s work for me. Nothing more.”

We duck into our bedchamber, and Helena pins me with her scrutinizing gaze.

“But thereissomething more, isn’t there?” she hisses. “You must tell me. I consider you my dearest friend. You can’t keep secrets from me.”

“Helena, please…” What is there to tell? I wrestle with the words, staring up at the ceiling. “He and I have become better friends. That’s all.”

Will Helena understand that we’re more than friends? For we are, but it is not at all romantic. It is a simple alliance.

She squints. “Is that truly it? Friendship, with the prince?”

“Yes.” I clear my throat. “I’m sure you realize I have affections for him?—”

“I realized the day I met you, yes. It had been in good fun then, but now…”

Helena has every right to treat my feelings for the prince as a jest, but they’re not. They’re growing into something Ican’t manage, and her curiosity feels more like judgment. Sheshouldjudge me for adoring a betrothed man.

“Now it’s the same,” I say. “Nothing can come from it. You understand that.”

“…yes. I understand.” She seems reluctant to say it and quickly moves on, propping herself at the sewing machine in the corner of the room. “Guess I only have three days to make you the perfect riding habit.”

“Oh, I don’t need?—”

She glares. “Don’t argue with me. You’re travelin’ with a prince, and my hand-me-downs won’t do for this trip.”

There truly is no arguing with Helena when she looks at me like that. I’m so fond of her, and she considers me her greatest friend. I’ve never had a friend like this. If the one time she is fierce rather than comforting is when she wants to gift me with a gown, then so be it.

“All right,” I murmur. “Thank you, dear friend.”

CHAPTER NINETEEN

EMYR

As the carriage waits for me, Minetta stands close enough that her perfume gives me a headache. “You will be back soon, won’t you?”

The scant sun beats onto my skin, energizing me as much as possible through the shroud of the curse. “I will only be gone for the week’s end. You will not miss me one bit.”

“But I already miss you.” Her lips form a slight pout. “You have been so busy as of late. Are you sure I cannot come with you?”

No. Minetta must not join us. She won’t understand the work I am doing, and—no.

I force myself to speak calmly. “Alas, the carriage is full.”

It’s not unusual to bring our workers along on trips. Tibalt will join as my security, and my parents don’t question Ophelia’s presence—in fact, they don’t question the journey at all. Now that I’ve agreed to wed, they have given me free rein.