The False Prince: Chapters 24–37

“No, it's true," Roden said, obviously dismayed. “Conner made it very clear at supper tonight that I've been a disappointment to him and you're too unstable. He didn't say anything at all about Tobias. If he had any problem with him, he'd certainly have said so."

I was more careful this time to let her do her job without giving her any particular attention, though I still felt the entire charade was ridiculous.

With considerable struggle, I managed to stay awake that day and even paid a semblance of attention to the morning tutors.

Mistress Havala also said there wasn't enough time to review what had been discussed while I was—she generously used the word indisposed—but gave me two books that she said contained much of the same information.

"Cregan says you're all good enough on horseback to pass initial scrutiny, and Conner has other plans for you this afternoon.”

Kitchen duty that afternoon was tedious.

She showed us how to pour a drink, and even let us sample a taste of Conner's best wine. I was interested in a detached sort of way and so was Roden. It was nice to know, but did me little good.

It would irritate Errol, I knew, but lately that fact was more motivation than deterrent.

I pulled off my shirt and threw it into the fireplace, which still bore a few smoldering ashes.

Roden laughed and shook his head incredulously. "You're the craziest person I've ever met. Tobias may be more educated than you, but he's not the smartest of us."

It looked shinier than usual, and he wore clothes nearly as fancy as Conner's. He was to be distinguished tonight as something more than a servant, though still not worthy to sit at the table.

With a very stern voice, he said, "As long as none of you does anything stupid, I believe tonight will be successful. Here are some things each of you must remember. Never address a master first and never look them in the eye unless they are speaking specifically to you. You follow my directions and never take any initiative with the princess unless I order it."

Amarinda was as beautiful as Conner had described her, with chestnut brown hair swept away from her face and falling in thick curls down her back, and piercing brown eyes that absorbed her surroundings.

Her parents understood that as an heir to the throne, she was far more important than they were, and deferred to her in leading the conversation.

She glanced over at Conner, who feigned appropriate concern.

There was laughter at the table, except for Amarinda, whose solemn voice took control of the room.

I exist only to ensure there is a reputable queen for Carthya when the time comes.

Tobias entered more quietly than usual and lay down on his bed indifferently.

The queen in particular never gave up searching for any trace of him in the years that followed. It was all in vain. I doubt he was even alive by the time his ship sunk.

“We can use that to our advantage. Use her fear to make her more apt to accept the prince when I present him. So that even if she has doubts, she'll accept him because she needs it to be true.”

I couldn't hide my disdain as I glared at him. It was disgusting that he'd think so quickly of how he might benefit from her pain.

How convenient it must be for you to play the pious victim when it benefits you, or to be the prince, or the servant, or the orphan! Yet I must at all times be the keeper of this unholy plan.

Amarinda left with her entourage early the next morning and our tutoring schedule resumed.

It was relentless in my dreams at night and haunted my steps in the day.

“The encouraging news is that he has heard the rumor that Prince Jaron may be alive. I knew he was meeting Princess Amarinda earlier today, to travel with her as far as Eberstein on the outskirts of Drylliad, where he maintains a home. I expect she told him. This bodes well for my prince's acceptance at court, if it is less of a surprise when I announce him.”

If there were inconsistencies between his look and Jaron’s, they could easily be explained by the changes in a face over time.

The rock foundation of the house was showing its age. Using small gaps in the mortar, we had a limited view outside.

"Perhaps we should eat first,” Veldergrath said. "I anticipate you’ll feel less hospitable to me after we talk business.”

"It’s diplomacy,” I said, irritated they couldn’t see that. "It’s all Conner can do right now, and for all of our sakes, let’s hope it works. C’mon.”

I’m told in the previous week, you scoured the orphanages of Carthya and even collected a few boys.

Conner's voice remained calm, despite Veldergrath’s clear insinuation that Conner was the one who had poisoned them.

“But we have friends who are less certain of your character. So to appease the other nobles, who are suspicious of you, I ask your permission to search Farthenwood.”

"No harm will befall any innocents here."

"A soldier clubbed me across my calves. That sent me to my knees, and I was in no hurry to get up again. For a moment I thought King Eckbert would stop the entire procession, but he didn't. He only shook his head and continued on.”

We immediately fell silent when footsteps clambered up the stairs near us.