Raisel of Arkhollow

❈ 2 ❈

I stood next to my mother as the first carriage rolled in. I kept a smile on my face, even though I was inwardly panicking. I hated having things happen at the last minute. Absolutely hated it.

Mother, on the other hand, lived for it. I could never understand her love of surprises, but over time I'd grown used to it.

That still didn't mean I liked surprises.

The carriage rolled to a stop and a handsome young man stepped, out. I wasn't going to lie to myself that he was attractive. He had dark, almost black hair, and brown eyes, with caramel skin. Must be from one of the southern kingdoms then, with such a complexion.

"Presenting Prince Kaius of Bahovi," the herald announced.

I curtsied slightly, while Mother just inclined her head. Queens could get away with that.

"Welcome, Prince Kaius," Mother said with her most regal air. I murmured my own greetings as well.

"Your Majesty, Your Highness, I thank you for inviting me," Prince Kaius said with his own bow.

I fought the urge to correct him. I didn't invite him. Mother did. But I couldn't say such things aloud. I was a princess, for goodness sake. If anything, I had to learn how to hold my tongue.

Eirlys never did, but I pushed the thought away before it could even form.

Mother summoned a footman to direct Prince Kaius to his rooms, and we waited for the next prince.

Unlike Prince Kaius, the next rode his horse rather than inside a carriage. He was the exact opposite of the southern prince as well. Up close, with his wheat blond hair and bright blue eyes that held a twinkle of mischief, I started to wonder if maybe the visit wouldn't be quite so bad as I had originally thought.

I decided that this prince was more boyishly handsome, but handsome nonetheless. He reminded me very much of a storybook prince, and I hoped he also had the personality of one.

The herald announced this prince as Prince Lars of Iceford, one of the northern kingdoms. I suspected as much from his coloring. We exchanged the same greetings and the prince was shown inside.

This went on and on, many princes and lords from the surrounding kingdoms pouring into our courtyard. I lost track of their names, and my feet started to grow tired from standing so long. Mother showed no signs of discomfort, however, so I made an effort to hide mine.

The last prince safely inside—Prince Henrik of Norscael—I was finally allowed to go back to my room and rest. I was not looking forward to tonight in any way, but I was ready for it to be over with.