The Hidden Princess (Mages and Kingdoms Book 1) by Cara Coe

Author:Cara Coe [Coe, Cara]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: BKC Publishing
Published: 2015-06-01T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 25

Amelie

They agreed not to show a change in behavior in front of another soul. This didn’t stop the prince from flashing her a secret smile when heads were turned or brushing his leg against hers under the cover of the large oak dining table. During the day they walked the gardens an arms-length apart discussing everything from nature to politics.

“There is a reason that the five kingdoms function as they do,” Prince Seth argued during one of their many heated debates. “Each one touches land, sea, and forest. Each one is self-sustainable. Alliances would cause an imbalance in strength.”

Amelie sighed impatiently. She realized she felt impatient with the prince during many of their conversations. “But without alliances they have become wary of one another. In some kingdoms it is illegal to fraternize with the people of a neighboring kingdom and if it’s not illegal it is certainly frowned upon.”

“The borders need not mix. What for?”

“For trade.”

“We don’t need it, hence self-sustainable. The very few things we do need to trade have their lanes and are well governed.”

“Culture. Relationships among the people.”

They stopped walking and squared off playfully, facing each other. Amelie’s hands rested indignantly on her hips. Prince Seth opened his mouth and closed it again without speaking. A small smile played his lips. Amelie pressed on. “Had we a more fluid notion of intermingling among the kingdoms you wouldn’t need to wonder about our funeral customs.”

“Your point is made.”

“Had we more contact, you wouldn’t feel the need to bribe my father with ungodly amounts of land to move to a kingdom he knows nothing of, join a people he’s never met, and live off soil he’s never touched. The spring festival is only one of two events where my people ever even lay eyes on a foreigner and even that is restricted to nobles and farmers.”

Seth regarded her solemnly. “Your point is beyond driven into the heart of this argument, Amelie.” His hand rose to grasp hers, but he remembered his place and lowered it again. With an uncomfortable cough, he resumed their walk.

“It’s about time I won one,” Amelie muttered under her breath. The prince could not hold back a full-bodied laugh.

“We’ve been arguing over Draedean laws for two days. I clearly had the advantage since you’re Candorian. The moment we switch topics, you spear me through the middle with your sharp points.”

“I like our debates, Seth. You’ve taught me much about your customs and made me think about our own.”

“I have enjoyed them as well.” He paused thoughtfully. “I hope to keep enjoying them.”

Amelie squeezed her eyes shut. The burden of her truth suffocated her.

The second night of Prince Seth's return, he had slipped into her room. She heard the door crack open and she’d leapt to her feet from a lying position in her bed, crouched in self-defense. Seth held up his hands at her reflexes and chuckled. A small candle lit the mischief on his face.

“If you want me to leave, a simple command will accomplish that,” he teased.

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