Pippa of Lauramore Page 10

She raises a perfect eyebrow. “That was a hissy fit.”

  “I’m suffocating in here,” I say, motioning to Leonora’s beautiful and spacious sitting room.

  Marigold glances around, looking perplexed.

  Trumpets sound in the courtyard, announcing the arrival of another competitor. I crane my neck to look out the window, wishing I could see who it is, but there is a turret in my way.

  We’ve painted, we’ve sang, we’ve embroidered—I’m done. I need out of this room now.

  There’s a light knock at the door.

  “Enter,” Leonora calls in a voice that’s much more pleasant than the one she’s been using on me. “Hello, Queen Sabine.” She rises to greet my mother.

  Mother sweeps into the room, her eyes locking on mine. A large smile spreads across her pretty face. “Your father is going to allow you to come tonight.”

  I gasp. “He’s going to let me watch the winner’s announcement for the scavenger hunt?”

  She smiles and nods. “I will escort you to your room so you can prepare yourself.”

  “Has Prince Galinor arrived?” I ask, breathless with the news.

  Her smile dims. “Not yet, darling.”

  He’ll make it. Archer won’t let me down.

  ***

  I tug at my gown. It’s light blue, the color of my eyes, and brocaded with gold threads. It’s princess cut, tight at my waist, and very difficult to sit comfortably in. Mother picked it out.

  “Stop fidgeting and wave,” Alexander hisses from next to me.

  I glare at him but wave to the men entering the arena with their treasures. All items except the grim boars, which have been tallied and taken to the kitchen, are displayed at small tables in front of them.

  There’s only about ten minutes left, and Galinor still hasn’t arrived.

  What’s keeping them?

  Lionel is standing below, somehow managing to look smug and distant at the same time. He must have gotten a little too much sun in the last few days, because his large forehead and cheeks are bright red.

  “He’ll make it,” Leonora whispers from my other side. She smiles encouragingly.

  I can’t keep track of her moods. One minute she’s snapping at me, and the next she’s as sweet as usual.

  Rigel enters, and as always, his gaze gives me chills. He nods to me, and I give him a stiff wave. Twenty seven men stand, ready for the winner of the scavenger hunt to be announced. Two men lay in Yuven’s care in the palace, and one—Galinor—is still missing.

  “We have to start,” Alexander says.

  “No!” I exclaim, and then I spot Archer taking his seat in the crowds. He meets my eye and nods.

  Just as my father stands to begin, a trumpet rings from the edge of the arena. I let out a great sigh of relief when I see Galinor striding in. Though handsome as always, there’s something strange in his expression. He fights with something behind him.

  What does he have?

  The entire crowd squints to see what he’s brought. Whatever it is, it’s shadowed by the tall pillars in the arena entry, and it’s giving him trouble. Laughter breaks out through the crowds when he finally wrestles his last item in with him. I gasp.

  I’m going to kill Archer.

  “Oh, no,” Leonora whispers beside me.

  Galinor has brought a sheep.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Winner's Feast

  Galinor finds his place, dragging the reluctant sheep behind him. He wears a harried smile, and he’s studiously ignoring the other men’s whispers and taunting eyes.

  It doesn’t matter if he wins the scavenger hunt. My eyes sweep the other tables—most men only have two or three items. He’ll finish with at least four points. With two points for being my chosen, he will still be tied with the scavenger hunt winner—which will most likely be Lionel. The prince watches Galinor with a satisfied expression.

  I really dislike him.

  My father stands, clearing his throat. The crowd goes silent in anticipation. “Welcome back. You have all done well. We have requested difficult items, and many were dangerous to secure. There were twenty-three grim boars returned. Not only does that show your prowess in the hunt, but it also eases a threat to our kingdom. Very well done.”

  The crowd cheers, and the men nod and wave to them.

  “Twenty-six men obtained the maid-of-the-shadows,” Father says, waiting for more applause. “Fifteen retrieved the inger egg, two retrieved the eldentimber resin, and one retrieved the most valuable item in the kingdom.”

  I hold my breath, though I know in my heart it’s Lionel’s black pearl.

  “Prince Galinor of Glendon, you are our scavenger hunt champion.”

  We’re all stunned, including Galinor. The arena is silent. A sheep is the most valuable item in the kingdom?

  “Prince Galinor, could you explain why you chose a sheep?”

  Galinor blanches, looking pale at the thought of explaining his choice to bring a sheep—an animal so common you can’t look in any direction without spotting one. He glances at Archer, who is staring at him intently. Obviously, they’ve already been over the answer.

  “Your Majesty, the mountain sheep feed your people with their meat and milk, clothe your people with their wool, and they are the primary export of your kingdom. Sometimes an object’s value isn’t in its individual worth or how rare it is. Though beautiful and rare, your kingdom could not survive on black lake pearls alone. That makes the lowly sheep infinitely more valuable.”

  I’m speechless. I glance at Archer. He’s nodding to Galinor. I know where the speech came from.

  My father smiles. “Well said.”

  The villagers filling the stands burst into riotous applause. Galinor smiles, more at ease now that he’s done speaking. He gives me a deep bow.

  “Tomorrow we will hold a festival and feast for our scavenger hunt victor. The archery tournament will be the day after that. I encourage you all to practice with your bows. Our master archer has designed the tournament, and he has more than a few tricks up his sleeve.” Father holds his hand out to Archer, who rises.

  The crowd cheers, all excited about the festival tomorrow.

  Lionel gives Galinor a hard look as he exits the arena. Galinor acknowledges him but says nothing. Irving, who did well with three points, congratulates him. The Triblue princes join them.

  “I will have Anna bring up your dinner,” Father says, turning from the crowd to me. “You may be excused.”

  “What?”

  “Your punishment is not yet over, Pippa. I was feeling generous this evening. Please do not tread on my kindness. Kimble will follow to make sure you don’t get lost on the way to your room.”

  I turn on my heel and trot down the stairs, not waiting to make sure Sir Kimble is behind me.

  ***

  Mother told me to dress for the feast tonight on the off chance Father decides I may go. I wait by my door. Someone should be here to tell me the news soon. I did not slip away to go to the festival today, hoping the good behavior would soften Father up. I left the balcony doors wide open, though, trying to soak up some of the festive spirit.

  I jump at the knock and then throw the door open myself, startling my guard.

  My spirits fall. It’s only Percival, and I’m sure he wouldn’t have been sent with good news. My maids have put me in another dress with fabric stitched between arm bands and cuffs, and I turn from the door and begin to remove them.

  My brother comes in, looking amused. “What are you doing?”

  “I’m not wearing these in my room all night. They get caught on everything.”

  He looks at me, and his expression is void of emotion. “I have spoken with Father—”

  “And?”

  “You may go, but only for a few hours. You may also go to the archery tournament and feast that follows.”

  I throw myself at my older brother, hugging him. He laughs and pushes me away. “I’m here to escort you to the feast.”

  I pr
actically run from my room. Percival takes my arm to slow me down. I bounce on my toes, waiting for him to catch up.

  “Where’s Leonora?” I ask.

  “She’s feeling ill from too much sun this afternoon. She said she will join us soon.”

  I frown. It’s not like Leonora to feel ill.

  I hear music and laughter as we near the great hall. It was a beautiful day, and tonight the doors are open to Mother’s gardens. The smell of summer flowers, which are not only outside but also in large vases through the hall, mingles with the wonderful smell of the food. This feast will not be a great buffet for all, as my birthday was, but rather a formal meal with the competitors and other nobles of the kingdom.

  Percival escorts me past the long covered tables and shows me to my seat, which is right next to Galinor. He has taken his place of honor in the middle of the largest table on a platform—a place usually reserved for my father, but tonight it is his.

  He stands when I arrive and pulls out my chair, his eyes gleaming. “Princess.”

  “Congratulations, my Prince,” I say as I beam at him.

  He did it. Or rather—we did it. What difference does it make in the grand scheme of things? He won the scavenger hunt, and that’s all that matters. Only four more competitions to go.

  “You look beautiful tonight,” he says, his eyes a deep and wonderful blue. “You are always beautiful.”

  My heart warms, and I set my hand on his. “I’m going to announce that you are my chosen tonight.”

  He leans forward. “Are you sure that’s what you want?”

  His question startles me. “Of all the men in this room, Galinor, you are the only one I can imagine spending a happy life with.”

  He smiles. “I’m sure I’m not the only one.”

  I’m about to argue, but he cuts me off. “Would you do me a favor?”

  His quiet request makes me lean forward. “Of course.”

  “Wait to announce me as your chosen until the end. It will be all the sweeter if it sweeps the victory away from Lionel at the last moment.”

  I smirk in approval.

  Lionel takes his seat at one of the lower tables, and the look he sends our way is hostile at best. Galinor notices and raises his eyebrows. “I see why you have no affection for him.”

  The tables are almost full now, and a manservant is bringing around large pitchers of soup. I breathe in the wonderful aroma and sigh in ecstasy.

  “It’s beef!” I exclaim, and I bring the handled bowl to my lips.

  Galinor gives me a curious look.

  I wonder what it will be like to eat beef often when I’m his bride. I sigh, satisfied, after my small sip of broth. I have to remind myself to take it slowly. I don’t want to look like a glutton in front of my future husband.

  Soon large baskets are passed with every imaginable type of bread in them—rolls brushed with herbs and butter, some kind of dark sweet loaves, crispy flat breads, and sugary fruit scones. Instead of trying them all, as I would like to do, I choose one small roll.

  Galinor takes five. Five! I stare at them greedily but say nothing.

  I glance around the room, trying to remember faces and names. Many I remember. Irving and the man who came with him, who I’ve learned is his uncle Howell, are next to Anna. They seem to be thoroughly charming her. The Triblue princes are seated next to two of the younger ladies of the kingdom, and by the looks of it, they’re enjoying themselves as well. Knights, lords, ladies, and visitors have all been strategically seated by my mother.

  Archer is next to Marigold. Again.

  I don’t see Rigel. I look around for him and find him seated at our table next to Percival. He and my brother are deep in conversation. Leonora finally shows up, but she is looking a little peaked. I wonder if she’s still feeling ill or if Rigel is making her uncomfortable.

  The soup course is whisked away, and massive silver platters of grim boar are brought in. They smell delicious. I have no idea how something that reeks when it’s alive can smell so wonderful after it’s cooked.

  I savor dinner, but I do hope we don’t linger over it forever. Mother said there was to be dancing tonight, and I have no idea how long Father will let me stay. I would like to dance before I’m sent back to my room like a naughty child.

  Finally frozen cream and fruit pastries—a great treat—are brought out in dozens and dozens of little dishes. I accept mine with eagerness. About to dive in, I catch myself and wait until we all are served.

  “What is this?” Galinor asks as he prods the frozen cream.

  “It’s milk that’s been cooked with eggs and sugar and then frozen. It’s uncommon in the summer. Someone from the kitchen must have ventured into the high mountains for ice.”

  “Sheep milk?” He looks a little hesitant.

  I laugh. “Of course.”

  The cream melts in my mouth. It’s smooth and silky. Truly wonderful. I look down the table and see Leonora looks as blissful as I’ve seen her in days. She sighs in my direction and smiles.

  When the dinner is finally finished, the tables are efficiently swept to the sides of the room. Plates are whisked away, and baskets and platters of leftover food are arranged for hungry guests to nibble through the night. A quartet of players set up on the corner stage.

  “Dance with me,” I say to Galinor, grinning.

  His eyes go wide, and he looks nervous. “I don’t dance.”

  “What do you mean?” I shake my head, baffled.

  He clears his throat. “I don’t dance well.”

  “You have no choice.” I grin at him. “You won the scavenger hunt—you take the first dance with the princess. Don’t worry. Others will join us.”

  I pull him to the middle of the great hall. I’m sure he’s better than he says. He’s a prince after all—they are instructed in dancing. It’s a necessity.

  We begin, and after the third or fourth time he’s stepped on my foot, I realize he wasn’t exaggerating at all.

  “I’m so sorry,” he mumbles.

  “It’s all right,” I assure him. “I believe this song is almost over.”

  It doesn’t matter if Galinor can dance. I like to dance—but not everyone does. I’m feeling vaguely disappointed, but I’m being selfish. Dancing isn’t important.

  The song ends, and he escorts me back to the side of the room. He looks glad to be safely away. Another song begins, and I accidentally turn into Lionel, who has come up behind me. He holds out his hand, and I have no choice but to take it.

  Galinor grimaces, and I can tell he’s sorry.

  Lionel leads me into the dance. He’s good. Cold—but good. “You haven’t taken my advice, Philippa.”

  His use of my full name makes my skin crawl.

  I smile at him, trying to look sweet. “What advice was that?”

  He wrinkles his sunburned brow and looks as if I should remember. Oh, right.

  “Am I still acting like a…how did you put it?” I tap his meaty shoulder. “Oh, yes. An adventure-lusting tavern wench?”

  He presses his lips together. “Can’t you behave like a princess? You’re disgraceful. They say you were found in the middle of the night with the archer.” His says archer like it’s a disgusting word.

  I narrow my eyes. “If I’m so disgraceful, why don’t you pull out of the tournament and save yourself from certain humiliation?”

  “If it wasn’t for that ring proving you’re still pure, I would think you were a common harlot.”

  I’m wondering where the line is between dislike and loathing, but thankfully the song ends before I can contemplate it further. I march away from him, not bothering to thank him for the dance.

  I try to find Galinor in the crowd, but he seems to have vanished. If I stand here too long, who knows who I’ll have to dance with? I grit my teeth when there’s a tap on my shoulder. I turn. It’s Percival.

  “Dance with me, little sister,” he says, smiling. I can tell from the apologetic look on his face that he saw what ha
ppened with Lionel.

  I let him lead me. “I can’t stand him, Percival.”

  “He’s changed.”

  “Why is he even here? He hates everything about me! He called me a harlot,” I add, just to make sure my brother is on the right side.

  Percival bristles at the word. “His father wants this union.”

  “Why?” I demand. “If the son thinks so ill of me, why would the father want the marriage?”

  My brother sighs. “You are very beautiful, Pippa. In Vernow, they collect beautiful things. They are rich and powerful. They see you as a pretty accessory to adorn their castle.”

  I have suspected as much, but hearing it aloud—and from my brother, no less—makes me feel squirmy. “Does Father know this?”

  “He does, to a point. He sees Vernow’s riches, and he truly thinks you will be happy there. There is so much to do—theater, shopping, riding—he believes you’ll find plenty of things to entertain you.”

  “And he thinks I’ll be bored in Glendon?”

  Percival nods slowly. “There is not much to be gained from a match with Glendon. Don’t despair, though. He was very impressed with your Galinor’s performance in the scavenger hunt.”

  I feel vaguely melancholy when our dance ends. I spot Galinor across the room. He has found Archer, and the two of them are speaking with Lady Marigold.

  Archer must like her. He’s been with her all evening.

  I’m not alone for more than a few moments before there is another tap at my shoulder. My heart is weary, and I’m not sure I feel like another dance. I turn, thinking I’ll decline, when I see Irving’s handsome face.

  “No you don’t, Princess.” He pulls me to the center of the hall.

  “No I don’t, what?”

  “You were going to turn me down. I saw it all over your face. I was about to get a cheerful decline.”

  I laugh. “You’re right. Before I knew it was you, I was.”

  His eyes flash with good humor. “I’m wearing you down, aren’t I? Soon you’ll turn away from your grand tournament and run away with me.”

  “I don’t think so.”

  “You will. We’ll sneak down to Triblue first, and then find a fast ship that will take us out to sea. We’ll explore tropical islands and eat coconuts for the rest of our days.”