The sun was high in the sky, surrounded by wisps of cottony clouds. Despite the cool fall breeze, Aerity was warm enough to break a sweat.
Men shuffled around them as the two princesses and the prince stood in a row with Aerity in the middle, their quivers with single arrows fit tightly over their backs. Aerity did not look toward the crowd, though she felt their eyes on her. She’d taken many years of calisthenics and archery, but was not accustomed to having a large audience.
Aerity focused her sights on the target and took a deep breath, relaxing her muscles. She felt the light weight of the quiver on her back, and gripped her bow tighter, tucking it at an angle across her body. Then she took ten steps back, her brother and sister doing the same. In her peripheral view she could see them smiling as they watched her.
“Ready . . .” Aerity began. “And go.”
They sprinted forward, gaining quick momentum, and at the same time all three of them launched themselves into forward flips, tucking their legs. As she felt her body completing its arc, Aerity reached back and snatched the arrow. She had it lined up, and her bowstring pulled back as her feet smacked the earth. Her eye met the target in a blur as her knees bent, and she loosed the arrow. She heard the slaps of feet and pings of arrows beside her. In a rush all three arrows hit the targets with synchronized thwats. Donubhan’s wobbled in the outer ring. Vixie and Aerity’s both hit the inner ring, but not the bull’s-eye.
Still, the men raised a great cheer and Aerity laughed in relief. Vixie jumped up next to her.
“Nice one, Vix,” Aerity said.
A few men from Kalor stepped up with smiles and motioned to the targets.
“We try?”
“Oh yes, please.” Aerity and Vixie moved out of the way. Donubhan was more than happy to assist the dark-haired men.
When Harrison walked over to inquire of Wyneth’s well-being, Aerity stepped away with Vixie to let them talk.
“Very impressive, princesses,” said a jovial voice behind them.
Aerity and Vixie turned to find Tiern standing there. Aerity returned his smile and glanced past him to see Paxton walking slowly to join them, as if forced.
“Vixie, this is Tiern Seabolt, a local lad,” Aerity said.
Tiern gave her a friendly nod. “You’re as full of spunk as they say.”
High seas, Vixie’s eyes grew and her face turned a dark shade of pink, reminding Aerity that her demure sister was less than two years younger than them, and quickly maturing.
Aerity intervened on her sister’s sputtering behalf. “I’m sure you could do that stunt with your eyes closed, aye, Tiern?”
He laughed.
“He doesn’t have time for playful antics. Some of us have to work for a living.” Once again, Paxton’s words and tone struck an uncomfortable chord. Aerity eyed him, trying to figure him out. He looked her over in return, causing her heart to dance against her ribs. She wanted to level him with a witty quip, but her mouth felt glued shut.
“We spend most of the day with dreadful tutors,” Vixie said, seeming oblivious to Paxton’s cutting remark. “The king says schooling is our job at the moment.” Aerity wished her sister would hush, but she kept on. “I just wish he’d fully lift this daytime curfew so we could visit the stables again.”
In truth, the curfew on the royal children was ridiculous, and Aerity intended to speak to her father about it at once. They’d already begun lessons again. It was time to get back to normal as much as possible.
“You like to ride?” Tiern turned his eyes to Aerity.
“Aer’s afraid of horses,” Vixie answered for her, causing Aerity to grit her teeth.
“I’m not afraid of them.”
“Only when they go fast.” Vixie bumped her hip to Aerity’s, and the older princess wanted to strangle her.
“I thought you royal lot were supposed to be as lively as dolphins, doing tricks of all manners,” Paxton said. Unlike when Tiern spoke, Paxton’s words felt like accusations and judgments. He stared at her with laughing eyes. If he wanted a reaction from her, he was out of luck.
“You should see Aer on the silks,” Vixie said. “She’s dazzling!”
“Enough, Vix.” Aerity was feeling uncharacteristically embarrassed, but she refused to appear rattled. “I’m sure these hunters are not interested in our pastimes.” She cleared her throat and forced her eyes to Tiern. “Lochlanach is lucky to have hardworking lads such as yourselves.”
His eyes and smile became soft and dreamy as he gazed at the older princess. “And the kingdom is lucky to have a kind, smart, talented princess such as yourself.”
Paxton crossed his arms, looking away.
Vixie abruptly piped up. “Do you plan to kill the great beast and marry my sister, then?” The girl watched Tiern with a curious expression.
Oh, seas. . . .
Paxton’s head swiveled to Vixie. “That is your father’s plan, isn’t it?”
Their group went still. Tiern swallowed, his eyes darting up to Aerity in apology.