The Cup and the Prince (Kingdom of Curses and Shadows Book 1) by Day Leitao

Author:Day Leitao [Leitao, Day]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sparkly Wave
Published: 2020-10-14T16:00:00+00:00

10

New Challenge

Without any messages from Larzen, Zora took the morning to walk around the gardens with Loretta. There was a nice, cool breeze. She still remembered what she’d done for Griffin, somewhat incredulous that she hadn’t taken the opportunity to let him puke in front of everyone. Where had petty Zora been? But then, she’d learned he’d been interested or even involved with Alegra. Perhaps it would be useful. It was probably neat to be the Linaria princess, beautiful like a heroine in a story, the girl for whom everyone fell in love. It would be nice if her biggest love problem was having to choose between a handsome king and a gorgeous prince.

Loretta didn’t seem that happy either.

“So,” Zora said. “Met anyone interesting last night?”

Her friend shrugged. “Don’t know. I came here for something different, for a chance at… Something greater? Something more than just the people from where I’m from. Perhaps it was a hopeless romantic dream.”

Zora tried to encourage her friend. “There will be more balls. It’s still early to be disappointed.”

“Yes, but if a man is interested, he’ll court you early, not wait until his first options are taken.” She closed her eyes and sighed.

“You danced with so many good-looking men,” Zora insisted.

Loretta shook her head. “The only one who wanted to see me again was Ephemerus.”

“Oh. I thought you disliked each other. He’s handsome, though.”

Loretta sat on a bench and leaned back. “But what’s the point? I didn’t need to come here to meet him. It costs a lot, you know, to be one of the important guests like I am.”

“But it’s fun, isn’t it?”

She looked down. “I don’t know.”

It was weird to see Loretta like that. Zora sat and rubbed her hand on her friend’s back. “There will be better days. And nights.”

“Ephemerus proposed.”

Wow. Surprising. “Is that a problem?”

Loretta was still looking down. “He’s my competitor. I know that he wants this alliance to get rid of my shop.”

“Maybe he likes you.”

“Yes, but… That shop, it was my mother and me. She worked so hard, so hard. It was all she left me. I thought it would allow me to have my freedom, allow me to be the master of my destiny.”

Zora understood the need for freedom. “Maybe you could just stay single.”

“But I want love!” She got up, then sat down again. “Maybe I thought I could marry a poor champion. But then he’ll be interested in my money. And if I marry someone richer, then they’ll see me as their property. If I marry Ephemerus, I’m giving up all that my mother fought for.”

Zora took her friend’s hand. “I understand your dilemma. But try to listen to your heart. Maybe you like him. Maybe you could keep your shops separated. Or you could strengthen each other. Maybe you don’t like him, in this case, you’re beautiful, friendly, smart, and rich, and will always have plenty of possibilities. Give it some time.”

Loretta was silent for a while, then said, “You are right. I think trying to rush these things doesn’t end well.

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