A Dove's Tale

Chapter 5

"Thank you, Prince Leon," I said, making a point of using his title as I followed him across the library to the hallway. I didn't know where Prince Chevalier's office was, so I was glad for Prince Leon's offer to take me there, but I was still cautious. All the princes were trouble so far.

"Ivetta, right? You've got quite a reputation already."

That was news to me.

"I can't imagine why, your highness," I said, trying to hide my surprise.

"I can. You looked scared to death of me, but you were cool as a cucumber with Chevalier. You know you've got that backwards, right?" he asked, smiling down at me with warm, genuine amber eyes.

"Well, I do now, but I didn't know who you were then, your highness," I replied, finding myself returning the smile in spite of my caution around princes. Was he truly being kind and considerate, or was there some ulterior motive? The other princes had left a bad taste in my mouth. I would have liked to trust him, but it was far too soon for that.

He laughed, genuinely, and without a trace of mockery. "I guess so. How long have you worked here now?"

"This is my fourth day, your highness."

"Four days working for Chevalier? That's got to be a record. And I don't think he's ever let a servant in his office unsupervised, let alone given out his key." He laughed again, that good-natured, genuine laugh, and I didn't know what to say. I didn't doubt what he said, but it was odd to me that a man who was angry enough to engage in a physical altercation with Prince Chevalier just a few minutes ago could laugh in such a carefree manner now.

"He treating you okay? You can tell me the truth."

I looked up at his friendly smile, wanting to believe it was real, but I still hesitated. "Prince Chevalier has exacting standards, but I seem to be managing so far, your highness," I said carefully, looking away to avoid his gaze, searching for something else to focus on. A flash of gold in my peripheral vision caught my attention. His boots. They were black, like the rest of his outfit, with gold toes.

"That's not what I asked," he said. "Look, Chevalier's a pretty intimidating guy, but I can handle him. If he ever gives you any trouble, don't be afraid to let me know, okay? I'll straighten him out for you."

I looked back up into his warm amber eyes. Either he was actually concerned, or he was the best liar I'd ever met.

"I'll keep that in mind. Thank you, Prince Leon," I said, smiling.

"No problem. This is Chevalier's office. Mine is down the hall on the right. Don't be a stranger," he said, walking away with a casual wave.

He was about as different from Prince Chevalier as night was from day, I thought, biting my lip nervously as I inserted the key into the door. I knew Prince Chevalier wasn't in his office, but it was his, and Prince Leon said he never gave his key out. Telling myself to relax wasn't working. I just had to deliver the letter, and then I could leave. That was it.

A letter about a purge.

The door was already unlocked, and my heart started to pound. Either Prince Chevalier had left it unlocked, or, more likely, somebody else was already here. Who was in his faction? Prince Clavis, I knew, but there were two other princes, too.

I swallowed hard and let myself in.

The office was neat and tidy, like Prince Chevalier's bedroom. A large white desk with gold trim was the centerpiece of the room, in front of a backdrop of two large windows separated by another built-in bookcase. Intricate gold designs adorned the wall above each window, and above it all was a chandelier from which hung tear-drop shaped crystals that shone like diamonds. But it was hard to appreciate the beauty when Prince Clavis, who was leaning over the desk, reading something, looked up at me with those glittering golden eyes. He flashed me a grin. It didn't ease my tension.