The Castaway Prince by Isabelle Adler

Author:Isabelle Adler
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: friends to lovers, lgbt, bisexual, crossdressing, romance, fantasy, royalty
Publisher: NineStar Press

Chapter Two

Blue banners flapped listlessly above the castle towers, heavy from the drizzling rain, yet still animated by the wind. Ships and boats sailed underneath the bridge-castle, the water traffic bustling as the preparations for King Feden’s annual ball were in full swing.

As they approached the castle in their hired coach, Stephan tugged nervously at his high lace collar. A lower neckline would have been more in keeping with Esnian fashion, but he preferred to err on the side of caution. At least the padding in the dress bodice and the full skirts helped create the illusion of a womanly figure.

The sight of the looming walls put Stephan’s resolve into question yet again. He briefly considered turning back, but as he’d said to Warren yesterday, they’d come too far already, and he wasn’t prepared to admit defeat just yet. Besides, there was nothing for him to do now but sit back and let Warren do all the talking. They were traveling under the names of Lord Ivar and his sister Lasia of Graymouth. Stephan had gone to considerable trouble and expense procuring personal invitations under false pretenses, but being a royal, albeit an insignificant one, had its advantages. Thankfully, His Majesty King Feden of Esnia wasn’t in the habit of going over the guest list himself, and the real Lord of Graymouth was too old and feeble to care that someone might take his place at the ball.

He kept his eyes downcast as Warren gave their names and the invitation to the guards at the gates, and they were ushered inside. The long and narrow entry courtyard already teemed with horses, carriages, and carts of all shapes and sizes. They disembarked and were led by a harried-looking servant into the guest wing.

Despite Stephan’s apprehension, no one looked at him askance or pointed fingers to expose him as an impostor. His appearance never met with suspicious scrutiny or untoward attention. He fumbled a little on the stairs, the heels of his shoes and the hem of his skirt apparently being in disagreement with one another, but somehow managed to arrive at his room without embarrassing himself completely. He declined the offer of a maid, and waited for his bags to be brought up. Being as the castle was packed with guests, they were lucky to be offered separate quarters, however small and unrefined. Smells of fish and rain wafted through the window. Stephan hurried to close it, but lingered, staring down at the gray waters churning around a huge column. Far below him, tiny fishing boats scurried across the river or drifted with the current, seemingly without aim or purpose.

He liked Warren’s company, his warm, solid presence and his calm, slightly sarcastic manner. It was always welcome, always comforting, even if at times his closeness stirred confused feelings in Stephan. But now he was grateful for a chance to be alone.

He hadn’t been able to find mooring at home; he was ever an embarrassment to the crown, was ever the blight-stricken branch of the family tree.

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