The Heart of a Wielder (Book One of The Wielders Trilogy) ✔️

Chapter Eleven

"I have a problem," Maren announced at dinner with the Prince.

"Only one? I congratulate you," he said.

She couldn't help but laugh. Part of her hated to admit it, but the Prince could be very charming when he wanted to be.

"Alas, this is only the most pressing matter," she explained. "Lady Vanessa has invited me to tea twice, which I declined, but I received a third invitation today and I really cannot decline again without a good reason."

"Then you should go," he said. "Unless, of course, you're looking for a reason not to?"

She grimaced slightly, not entirely surprised that he had forgotten his directive.

"Ah...you may recall —"

He cringed.

"I told you not to, I had forgotten," he said and sighed. "I do apologize that was most unreasonable, and I apologize for forgetting I had done that. Please — do as you like," he added.

She waved him away, "It's no matter, I had no great interest in having tea with her and whoever else. I only mentioned it because declining her a third time would look rather...suspicious."

He nodded. "Yes, you should probably go." And then, after a pause, he asked, "Tell me, is there anything else I told you not to do that I have forgotten about?"

She thought for a moment.

"The only other thing I recall was you ordering me not to run away on a horse, which really didn't require an order, as that's just rather good sense."

The Prince laughed, "I expect so. Well, if you happen to recall any others, do let me know."

The next day, Maren sent a note to Lady Vanessa that she would be delighted to join her for tea. It wasn't exactly true, but Maren supposed it would at least be mildly entertaining.

Afternoon tea was held a few days later in Lady Vanessa's quarters. Apparently, she shared a suite with Lady Angelina and two of the other unmarried ladies at Court. Maren had no idea where their suite was though and needed Lucy to show her the way. It was in an entirely different part of the residential wing of the palace that Maren assumed must house anyone who wasn't royalty or guests of royalty.

Maren arrived a few minutes late, which she hoped was fashionable but not shameful. She was unexpectedly nervous. She couldn't ever recall attending a social gathering with women her own age before.

Maren knocked and Lady Vanessa herself opened the door.

"Lady Maren! I am delighted you were able to join us!"

Maren was preparing to curtsy, but Lady Vanessa surprised her by seizing her by the arms and kissing Maren on both cheeks.

"Ah...thank you so much for having me."

Lady Vanessa was a very lovely woman. She had an enviable hourglass figure and a lively face. Her blonde hair was beautifully curly. Maren thought more than one other woman at Court spent hours trying to make theirs as curly.

"And what a lovely dress you have on!" she said.

"Thank you," Maren said.

She felt rather uncomfortable about that particular dress. It was rather pretty, rich green with billowy long sleeves that were fitted around her wrists and white lace around the wrists and neckline. She felt uncomfortable because the Prince had bought it for her, along with several others.

Maren never would have agreed to such a thing, but Mrs. Whitley insisted that she had to expand her wardrobe. She had run through all the clothing she brought with her, which had been somewhat limited due to the nature of her travel. Maren still hadn't wanted any more clothing, but Mrs. Whitley said it would reflect poorly on the Prince if it appeared he wasn't providing for her appropriately. So she relented. Mrs. Whitley had ordered lovely dresses, but Maren still felt awkward about the whole thing.