A Dove's Tale

Chapter 11

"Good morning, Prince Chevalier," I called, opening the drapes at nine o'clock as usual. "It looks like the weather's going to be perfect for Rhodolite Foundation Day. Are you planning on attending the festivities?"

I went to his bureau to pull out his clothes for the day while I talked. He'd never told me to do it, but it would increase his efficiency, which was something I knew he would like.

"Why would I do that?" he muttered sleepily.

"Oh, I don't know, maybe just to have some fun, your highness." I dropped the clothes on the sofa at the foot of his bed as he sat up, rubbing his eyes.

"You and I have very different views of fun, it seems," he said coolly.

"But of course. I'll be back with your breakfast, your highness."

Well, that would answer Prince Leon's question when he asked me later. Prince Chevalier would not be attending the festival.

I set his desk with his breakfast and made his bed while he finished up in the bathroom. He swept past me with his usual haughty chill to the desk, and I went into the bathroom without a word to tidy up in there.

"Are you going to the festival?" he asked when I emerged from the bathroom. The question was distinctly conversational. His tone, as usual, was not.

"No, I'm not, your highness."

He was still sitting at his desk, but he had turned to look at me. I had nothing left to do other than collect his empty dishes, which would require me to walk right over to him, stand right next to him - very much within reach if he should get into one of his moods.

"Because of your mother?"

"Partly," I said, swallowing my fear and walking over to him. "I could go after I get her settled, but festivals aren't much fun alone, and it's not really safe for me to wander around at night, anyway."

He sat unmoving as I stacked the dirty dishes on the tray, his gaze unnerving even though I wasn't looking at him.

"There will still be plenty to see on my walk home," I continued, heading for the door with the tray. When my hand touched the doorknob, I hesitated. Should I just ask? Or wait until later?

"Now would be better," he said, answering the unspoken question as usual.

I sighed, and then I turned to meet his cold blue eyes. "Prince Chevalier, did you pay my mother's doctor's bill?"

"What reason would I have to do such a thing?" he scoffed.

He didn't deny it. That was as much as confirmation coming from him, actually.

"I couldn't presume to say, your highness, but thank you," I said genuinely. "And please, don't do that again," I added quietly.

Even if it was an uncharacteristically simple act of kindness, I didn't want any charity, especially from him. He didn't reply, and I opened the door and left. I had the answer to one question, but now there were so many more. Clearly, he had been checking up on my situation. There was more than one doctor in the area, and I didn't see him sending payment to all of them, hoping to get the right one. How much did he know about Mother's illness? Did he know...?

"Hey, Ivetta!"

Prince Leon's cheerful voice pulled me out of my thoughts and back to reality. I turned around to see him wearing his easy smile as he sauntered down the hall toward me, beyond the door where Prince Chevalier was exiting his room.

"Good morning, Prince Leon."

"Ready to go to the festival?" he asked, passing Prince Chevalier without so much as a glance. I met Prince Chevalier's icy gaze briefly, but Prince Leon tousled my hair to get my attention.