Silk & Dagger (Vascan Empire #1)

Chapter Two

Valeria knew she was going to get an earful from Karine once they reached their rooms at the other end of the royal palace. For now, Karine all but smiled as the Queen bid them goodbye and left followed by the ladies and servants.

However, the Prince stayed back and gazed at Karine who was picking up her things. Val was not surprised as made her way over to her sister. Her sister attracted the worst kind like a magnet.

"Your majesty!" Kar exclaimed as glanced up to find the Prince staring at her. "Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Yes, my Lady" the Prince gave her a charming smile. "I apologize for my behavior earlier. I was surprised to be invited here abruptly, that's all. I do have some worthy suggestions for you. I was hoping perhaps we could discuss this in detail in my chambers over dinner?"

Val wasn't convinced one bit about the Prince's intentions. Apparently Karine wasn't either. She stiffened as Val pushed her way between chairs and sofas to stand beside her. Val crossed her arms. The Prince raised an eyebrow at Val in mild annoyance, waiting for Karine's response. The way he angled himself, ready to walk out the door indicated he was expecting Karine to accept his offer. It almost looked like he didn't expect Kar to say 'No'. Well, Val wasn't going to let that happen.

"Your highness, this is my sister, Valeria" Karine pointed at her. "She is here as my assistant. We were planning on getting dinner at the common hall together. I would love to dine with you, but I'm afraid Val here is a little shy and needs me with her." Val stopped herself from rolling her eyes.

The Prince looked surprised and his gaze narrowed at Valeria. "I'm sure, we can find someone to accompany your sister to the dining halls" he waved her off and moved to go look for a servant. Val neatly stepped in to block his path. "Prince. We will meet here again tomorrow same time. You can share your ideas then."

The Prince scowled. "Actually, I also have a favor I need to ask Lady Litsky." He nodded at Kar. 

"You could ask this Lady Litsky" Val pointed at herself her temper flaring. 

The Prince looked offended and outraged and opened his mouth to shout. But quickly shut it and wore a mask of indifference.

"Alright then. If you will follow me, Lady Litsky" he said casually and walked off without looking back. Val shrugged and mouthed to Kar "I'll take care of it". Kar gave her a worried look but Val shooed her off to the dining halls and proceeded to catch up with the Prince as his back disappeared off a corridor.

They stopped in front of a fancy looking door and the Prince walked in without acknowledging her. Val waited for a few seconds before barging into the Prince's chambers. The Prince disappeared into another room but came back holding a package.

"Here. I need you to drop this off at Lord Carrigan's room" he thrust the small package into her chest and she stumbled back a bit. 

"Umm, where are his rooms?" "Your highness" she added.

"Ask a servant, for god's sake lady." he bellowed. "Now leave" he opened the door.

"You are welcome, your highness," Val said before he slammed the door shut on her face.

It took Val nearly an hour to locate Lord Carrigan's rooms at the West Wing of the palace. She had to ask nearly a dozen servants rushing about for directions. Her mood was slowly turning sour every minute. She focused her vexation on the package in her hands.

It was small and covered in a brown paper outlining a cardboard box, but she couldn't fathom what was inside it. She shook it near her ear several times but no sound came. When she reached the Lord's rooms, she banged on the door not caring. Thankfully the Lord was at dinner and a man-servant opened the door.