A Bride for Two Princes

le to fulfil. The emerald gown, which was elegant and very different from the homespun garments of Eldermoor, clung to her body.

ough her thoughts. "The crown prince will soon be introduced to you. Miss Harper, you

r heart thumped terribly in he

rvings of vines and winged lions. With their palms on the hilts of shining swords, two guar

nd marble to shimmer and give off an almost ethereal aura. The walls were covered with tapestries that

s dark hair was neatly brushed, and his piercing blue eyes watched Zoe wit

her voice carrying across the vast space. "

owing Lady Seraphina's instructions, she lowered herself into

aric said, his voi

lue eyes, there was no warmth, simply a measured curiosity, as if

I expected," Alaric said after a

e slight? She didn't know how to react. "I am honoured to b

ent crossing his face. "Honored, are you? I

ast a desperate glance toward Lady Seraphina, bu

an to presume,"

ink you have the audacity for that." He looked at her again, evaluatin

were cold, dismissive, and yet they carrie

ke sure she is ready for her court introduction tomorrow." "I have fa

hness," Lady Seraphi

regret in Alaric's eyes as they returned to her one final time. However,

dismissed

f and awkward, and allowed Lady Seraph

-

e flooring, the trip back to her quarters was quiet. With the prince's scru

hen they arrived at her suite. "Miss H

. "I-what d

ent. The instant they detect your vulnerability, the

d was reeling. Confidence? Poise?

and you cannot afford to fail." With that, La

-

r-stuffed pillows and silk sheets, seemed strange and uneasy. Her mind

, routine life she had known. She recalled the children's clinging to her ski

eyes, his contemptuous remarks, the way he had treated

eyes. Nothing would change if she cried. Th

-

ce's eyes were the same shade of sapphire blue as the exquisite gown they wore for her. Her face was p

She had the grace and refinement of a noblewoman. On the insi

As they went, she urged her to keep in mind what she had been taught. "Speak only w

gh her palms wer

ith nobles dressed in ornate clothing, and Zoe's head was spinning from the noise of their

ear the center of the room. "Stay here," she

She could feel the eyes of the nobles on h

that

ermoor? She doesn'

, I suppose, but har

even though the words hurt. She refused

nce, Zoe turned to see Crown Prince Alaric walking into the hall. He breezed thr

s tone cool but not unkind

"Thank you,

taking it. Together, they moved through the room

es in a brief speech. Every word and gesture she took wa

Her face ached from forcing polite smiles, and h

arters, he finally spoke in a tone so

rise. "I... thank y

face softened for the first time, and she believe

ly. "But you are here now, and you must learn t

heart pounding. "I'll

st of a smile crossi

walked away, leaving Zo

time since she had arrived at the pala