Page 19 of Tangled Sails

Chapter six

LYRIELLE

The maid who had helped me dress seemed surprised that I was still in the castle the next day, and maybe even…annoyed by it? Perhaps it wasn’t normal for the royal family to have guests, especially guests like me who held no important position or title.

Still, when I asked for some scissors, she obliged and went to find some. She even offered to help me cut it, but I declined, not liking the idea of this discontent young lady taking scissors to my hair. I spent quite a while cutting it, trying to even out the sections that had been so hastily cut by Tavric. Learning to use the scissors was a little tricky, but the overall result was at least better than it had been.

The maid braided and pinned up my newly-cut hair, then offered to show me the way to the dining hall again, but I just smiled and assured her I could find it on my own. I looked forward to meeting Tavric there again, expecting that it would be a repeat of the quiet meal we’d shared the day before.

I was very wrong.

When I entered, it was to find the prince surrounded by several people. Advisors or nobles, I didn’t know which—maybe both. Each seemed to have important questions or favors to ask or papers to be signed, and new ones kept coming in, replacing the ones who were sent on their way.

I was worried that I would be an inconvenient presence, but since I chose a seat at the other end of the table, no one paid me any mind, and the swirl of activity was fascinating. I watched Tavric and the way he responded to everyone vying for his attention. At first, he seemed cold and intimidating, which was so different from the way he’d treated me that I couldn’t resist staying to study him further.

Then I noticed the way his fist would clench when someone spoke especially loudly, or how he clutched at his plate and sent away the servant who tried to remove his food, which he hadn’t really had time to touch.

At one point he looked up and caught my eye, and all I could do was give him an encouraging smile. It seemed clear that he was uncomfortable, and I wondered how often this was part of his daily life. It was then, just after I’d smiled at him, that one of the nobles looked in my direction, his eyes raking up and down my frame as his brow furrowed in disapproval. He was older, stiff and stuffy, and the way he looked down his nose at me made me wonder if I had done something wrong.

When it was evident the chaos would not let up any time soon, I got up to leave, a little disappointed that I hadn’t been able to speak with the prince. After all, he and his mother were really the only two people I knew.

I chewed on my lip as I left the dining hall, wondering where I could or should go. Was I allowed to go anywhere I wanted? And if so, where would I start? The possibilities were endless, yet terrifying, especially if I didn’t have someone like Prince Tavric to show me the way. I was all too aware that in addition to being unfamiliar with this land, I also had no knowledge of how to comport myself in any social situation.

Only a few steps outside the dining hall, I was waylaid by a man with a neatly trimmed beard.

“Miss Lyrielle,” he said with a bow.

“Oh.” I didn’t know how to respond to a bow. “Hello.”

“My name is Harlan, miss.”

“You were on the ship.” I recognized him as one of the more rational crew members.

“I was. I act as His Highness’s first mate when he sails.” He studied me for an extra moment, then gestured down the hall, encouraging me to walk with him. “His Highness was asked by his father, King Valtren, to fill in for him today, so he regrets that he won’t be able to show you more of our kingdom.”

“I didn’t expect him to,” I assured him. I had hoped for it, but not expected it. “I don’t expect anything, I’m just—”

“I know, miss. His Highness has a protective streak though, and he asked that I make some suggestions for how you might spend your day.”

“Is he in there, Harlan?” someone asked from behind me. I turned to see a man with dark eyes and blond hair approaching. He had a distinct air of authority and privilege.

Harlan bowed to him. “He is, Your Highness.”

“Why isn’t he in my father’s study?”

“You’ll have to ask him, Your Highness.”

The prince—he must have been one if Harlan was calling him Your Highness—let out a frustrated sigh. He spared me a glance, giving me a head nod and saying only, “Miss,” before turning toward the dining hall and leaving us behind.

“That was Prince Dorian,” Harlan said. “Next time, you really should curtsey.”

My cheeks burned. “Of course. I just wasn’t expecting…”

“No harm. Now let’s find something for you to do.”

Ultimately, I ended up going to the village. I felt bold and brave exploring the streets. There were so many people, so many shops to see and vendors to speak with. I talked with merchants and bakers and cobblers. Some people were kind, some were abrupt, and some ignored me. I just soaked it all in. Many people smiled at me without wanting anything in return. No one was telling me what to do or demanding that I give them anything.

Harlan had arranged for a young boy to tag along with me and make sure I didn’t lose my way. He’d even provided me with a small number of coins that I was able to use to buy fresh rolls and fruits that I’d never encountered in Eldmere. A small part of me felt guilty, knowing full well the gift I was being given, but the larger part of me was so desperate and excited to just be out that I was determined to take advantage of this boon while it lasted. I would need to seek a position and start providing for myself, but just for today, I was going to experience as much of the world as I could.