“Evie…” Celine said again, turning from my reflection to look directly at me. But something in my face made her pause and put on a smile. “You’re right. Not meeting me would naturally have been a terrible fate.”
“Of course, Your Highness,” I said demurely, grinning when she stuck her tongue out at me. Sometimes when she was particularly sensitive and thoughtful, as she had been just now, I forgot she was still half child.
After I had helped her back into her regular gown, she took me by surprise with a quick hug. “Don’t worry, Evie,” she said, “we believe you.”
Back in my tent that night, I lay awake for a long time feeling the weight of her arms around me and hearing her words again and again. Sometimes my mind wandered back further to the beach. The feel of Frederic’s arm beneath my hand was still vivid, along with the intensity of my relief and gratitude when he backed me up, stark against the humiliation of the moments before. But I found I couldn’t dwell on that moment for long, it awakened something in me that I wasn’t ready to look in the face.
Do you really still think they’ll drop you eventually, like children who grow tired of a new puppy? asked a small inner voice. But something else in me rebelled. I had been given many promises before, and I had grown too experienced to be taken in again.
Chapter 8
My hands trembled as I dressed myself in my own bathing costume the next day, glad the tent had already emptied of its other occupants. I didn’t usually dress so lavishly, but the spark of defiance that had awoken on the beach gave me courage. I had sewn the costume for myself not really thinking I would get the chance to wear it—just creating it had felt like a small rebellion. But here I was about to face both my old tormentors and royalty, and I knew I needed to look my best.
The material I had brought with me had come from my personal stores, and I had reminded myself that the commissions I received for my creations were making me into something of a wealthy woman. Even after I had hired assistants some months ago, I had been left with no shortage of coin. It was time I dressed the part.
But still I gulped twice and had to stop to gather my courage before exiting the tent. My own costume had been made in shades of blue, green, and aqua, also starting dark and fading down to a pale pastel at my ankles. Bearing in mind the queen’s orders, I had made Celine’s costume to drape across her collarbone. I, on the other hand, wasn’t fifteen. Mine gathered at each shoulder, the material coming down to cross at the bust. It gave me a v-shaped neckline only slightly higher than I might have crafted for a ball gown.
Moving through the tents, I heard a few whispers following me, but I held my head high and walked quickly to the front terrace of the manor house. Most of the rest of the group had gathered already, meaning I had missed the initial response to Celine’s outfit. But from the satisfied look on the young princess’s face, I suspected she had made a splash.
“Evie!” she called, waving to me. “We’re to ride to the beach.”
A group of horses along with several grooms—a couple carrying large, covered baskets—waited to one side of the terrace. I might have suspected Monique of trying to discomfort me, except she already knew I could ride well. A moment’s further reflection suggested the truth. She wanted to limit the time she spent in her own less-than-comfortable costume.
Looking around, I realized we were only waiting for the princes. No sooner had the thought crossed my mind, than the two of them stepped through the front doors. They strode toward us, nodding greetings to the various members of the assembled group. They still wore their sparring clothes and looked comfortable and relaxed. Their matches against Julian had obviously gone well.
Frederic came to a sudden halt when his eyes fell on his sister. “Celine, what in the kingdoms are you wear…” His eyes traveled on to me, and his word trailed off, a dumb-struck look on his face.
Yes! I barely restrained a celebration. I didn’t usually get to witness the effect of my creations at the various occasions they were crafted for, so it was satisfying to see the reaction for myself. To get such a response from the usually serious crown prince was even more of a triumph. Even the detached Cassian looked visibly shocked. Even with the covering skirts, the outfits looked impressive.
“We’re to ride,” I said, moving over to them. “So you’ll have your cool dip, soon enough. Did you triumph in your matches?”
“Matches?” Frederic looked confused for half a moment before shaking his head. “Oh, against Julian.”
“We had some success,” said Cassian, helping him out. “Although Julian is a formidable opponent.”
Julian, who had emerged just as I approached, nodded his acknowledgment of the praise. He had raised both eyebrows at sight of our costumes, which I considered a compliment coming from him.
We were all soon mounted and winding our way through the trees. The children of a local baron, ranging from Celine’s age to older than me, had joined us, and one of the girls started up an island ditty. Other voices soon joined hers, and I surprised myself by singing along. I had never felt so free with this group of people before, and I wasn’t sure if it was the time that had passed away from the island, my stunning costume, or the presence of the royals. But somehow my heart felt much lighter than I would have thought possible.
When we arrived, the grooms took the horses and began to set out the picnic, while the nobles made for the water, the boys shedding clothing as they went. Most of them even discarded their undershirts, diving bare chested into the cool water. The girls followed more slowly, their cumbersome outfits making the water less inviting. I noticed that the younger two of the baron’s daughters had worn plain cotton dresses and secured them in the way used by the common islanders.
Celine wandered over to me, clearly happy to make a late and sensational entry to the water. I soon had both of our overlay skirts removed, and we walked down to the water together.
“Look at them,” giggled Celine, “if they don’t close their mouths, bugs will be flying in.”
I smiled, even more pleased at the look on the girls’ faces than she was. It was very obvious that if I could just convince Celine to organize an expedition to a swimming beach down the coast from Lanare once we got back, the orders would soon be pouring in. I could probably hire a new assistant just to sew swimming costumes.
The water, cool enough to be refreshing but warm enough not to bite, provided a welcome relief after the hot ride. I soon waded all the way in and was making lazy strokes through the water.
“This is incredible,” said Celine, not far behind me. “It’s so light and easy to move.”
“You look incredible,” said Delphine, swimming up beside us. “And so comfortable. How do I order one? I want one, and I don’t even care if it costs me my whole season’s dress budget.”
I smiled at the baron’s second youngest daughter. She had always been friendly toward me, although she had been painfully quiet when I was last here. Apparently she had gained some confidence in my absence.
“I made them. You can send an order to my shop in the capital, but I’m afraid I won’t be back until after the Tour.”
“Oh, of course, I should have guessed! I can’t believe I nearly forgot your skill with a needle. Monique and Shantelle haven’t been half so well dressed since you left.” Her smile faltered, and I could almost see her full memory of the situation returning.
But I knew the words had been kindly meant, so I smiled at her reassuringly.
“I didn’t mean…I mean…” She stopped and shook her head. “Some of us were sorry to see you go. Especially in such a way.” She frowned and then muttered, “No one is stupid enough to hide such a valuable item beneath their own pillow.”
I laughed in jubilation. “Thank you! That’s what I said.”
“It’s only common sense,” said Celine, now floating on her back. “But some people only see what they want to see.”