Page 12 (1/2)

"Everyone ready?" Steffen asked as the Arcainian flag--a white swan set on a background of black and gold--unfurled above them

"I hate formal wear," Nick complained "We look like fairies, or a set of tiara brothers," he said

"Hush up, and s the Nick’s crooked circlet

Only the king and queen of Arcainia wore crowns All other members of the royal fae Henrik and Queen Clotilde started up the wide, sweeping stairs that lead to Brandis, Elise started playing her flute

She played perfectly The song was bright and cheerful It was meant to sound like a welcoh Elise privately wanted to do everything but welco was exactly on, and she finished the song just as King Henrik and Queen Clotilde joined Elise, Gabrielle, and the princes on the top step

In unison, the siblings bowed "Welcome to Castle Brandis," they said

"Thank you," Queen Clotilde said, re Henrik’s arm so she could properly e line She s Henrik kissed her forehead "That ell played, darling," he said before he ht behind King Henrik She didn’t es "You and I have much to talk about, F&uu

"Yes Henrik tells me you are the chief of the Treasury Department"

"I am"

"I wish to discuss Arcainia’s finances with you Could you make time for me later this week?"

Elise kept her smile firmly in place "Of course, my queen"

"Thank you, Fürstin," Clotilde said before she olden key that hung from the red sash of her work unifor a new dress for the wedding

Erick had guessed right Clotilde unsettled Elise, but that wasn’t all

Clotilde made her skin crawl

Chapter 3

"I think we should have a race to see who has the fastest horse," Nick said a sunny, spring afternoon as the royal fa a horse ride at the request of the king

"Only if Rune is banned fro He alins," Gerhart complained

"Coht You spend too much time in the saddle, so you and your horse have an unfair advantage Elise, you will join us, yes?" Nick said

"Perhaps she doesn’t wish to join in this folly," Falk said, lining his horse up with Nick’s

"Nonsense All of us royal siblings love horses and going fast Come on, Elise," Nick called

"Elise, if I ave her foster brothers an apologetic look before she turned her mare in the direction of Queen Clotilde’s pony cart, for once not sorry to attend to her