The king nodded. “What about mathematics? Can you do more than sums?”
She winced. “I can multiply and divide and my geometry is good. Algebra is my weakness.” Father had been teaching her algebra just before he died, and trying anything beyond the simplest equations had made her heartsick.
The direction of this conversation was now so obvious she could no longer hold back. “May I beg to know why you ask these questions?”
The king smiled almost exactly as his son did. “After you answer one more of mine, Mistress Fowler. I’m told you enjoy teaching. What is it you love most?”
Sage blinked. She’d never really thought about it, but her love of teaching was something Alex, Darnessa, Clare, and her aunt and uncle had all seen clearly. “My father found joy in learning and in teaching me. I suppose it reminds me of him. But what I enjoy most is how I bring something useful into the life of another. I give my student the tools to build a life that suits them.” Sage looked down, embarrassed.
“And what life suits you, Mistress Sage?” the king asked, his voice gentle.
What if Alex wanted to marry her? He talked like he did, but it would be years before he could. A lot could happen in that time. She took a deep breath. “I should like to teach and also to learn more where I can. That is what brings me fulfillment.”
She heard a smile in the king’s voice. “I have two young ladies in need of a tutor. Would you like to meet them?”
Sage’s head snapped up. Surely he didn’t mean…?
King Raymond turned to Robert. “Go fetch Rose and Cara, please.”
The door closed behind the prince before Sage found her voice. “Your Majesty, you cannot be serious! I’m not qualified to educate royalty!”
“We would proceed only if you wish, but the queen has expressed concern that the princesses aren’t enjoying their studies. She also desires them to have a proper female companion closer to their age. This would all be subject to a trial period, of course, but I’m very optimistic.”
Sage twisted her hands. How had she found herself in this position? “And if it doesn’t work out?”
“We will find you proper employment elsewhere. The kingdom owes you a great deal; I find it only fitting to reward you.” He paused and tilted his head to the side. “Unless you wish to continue apprenticing with the matchmaker. Mistress Rodelle and Lady Clare seemed to think you would rather not.”
He’d already talked to Darnessa and Clare about her. Sage might have been angered that everyone—including Alex—had gone behind her back in arranging this, but they had all done it for her. And if so many people thought she deserved this honor, this happiness, perhaps they weren’t wrong.
Sage wiped her sweaty palms on her skirt and raised her chin. “Your Majesty, I accept your generous offer. I shall endeavor to be worthy of your trust in me.”
“I do have one condition, Mistress Sage,” said the king, hazel eyes twinkling. “You must be honest with me about the girls’ progress and also about your own happiness in this job.”
“Sire, you may count on the first part. As for the second…,” Sage hesitated. “When I’m unhappy, I think everyone knows it.”
The king was still chuckling when the princesses arrived, eager to meet their new tutor.
91
BETWEEN WEDDING PREPARATIONS and Sage’s dizzying orientation to her new position, she and Darnessa barely crossed paths over the next two days. The matchmaker released her from her apprenticeship when Sage related the king’s offer, but said little about it. Sage felt too awkward to attempt a discussion.
To her great embarrassment, Sage also discovered she was somewhat of a celebrity, especially now that she was connected to the princesses. The final banquet and ball before the traditional mass wedding at midnight were exhausting, and she was introduced to face after face until they all blurred together. As the dancing began, Clare slipped up to her and pressed a note into her hand. Sage’s heart skipped a beat when she recognized the script. She looked up with a start, scanning the room for the dark face she craved, and spotted him near the door, watching her with a hungry expression.
She tore open the note and devoured the words inside.
After living the longest and worst days of my life, I cannot wait any longer to hold you again.
Make your excuses. I’ll be in the garden.
—Alex
Sage looked up again, but he was gone. With shaking fingers, she refolded the paper and planned her escape. She thought she was finally finished with acknowledging everyone she felt necessary when Darnessa approached. “There you are. I haven’t seen you in days.”
Sage grimaced. “Sorry. It seemed like you had everything in hand, and there were so many people and things to attend to. I’ve barely had time to breathe.”
The matchmaker waved her hand dismissively. “Don’t worry about it. You look lovely, by the way.”
Sage brushed her hands over her simple but pretty blue skirt, a gift from the queen, who’d taken her under her wing. She couldn’t wait to show Alex. “Thank you. So when do you head home?”
“In two days. Tomorrow will be mostly packing. They’re sending a squad to escort me back, but it’ll be just me. All the maids are staying with various ladies, even Poppy. Is there anything you’d like me to take back to your aunt and uncle?”
Sage laughed at the thought of her family reacting to all the news. Stunned as he would be, Sage looked forward to putting her uncle’s mind at ease that she was well taken care of, though both her aunt and uncle might be disappointed it didn’t include a match. Yet. “I think I’ll spend most of tomorrow writing a very long letter.”
“Good idea.” Darnessa smiled at her fondly. “I’ll miss you, Sage, but I’m happy for you. You deserve this opportunity, this life.”
Sage hugged the taller woman. “I’ll miss you, too, though maybe not the job so much. I don’t think I’m cut out for being a matchmaker.”
“Wild Sage, I never thought you were.” Darnessa squeezed her tight and blinked back the moisture in her eyes. “But I did want to help you.”
Sage pulled back but kept her arms clasped on Darnessa’s. “Are all your matches made, then? Is there anything else you need help with before you go?”
“I just have one more deal to close up, and actually I do need your help.”
Sage raised her eyebrows. “We’d better hurry, then. What do you want me to do?”
Darnessa tilted her head in the direction of the door and said, “Go down there to the gardens and talk to that soldier who’s waiting for you.” Sage put her hands on her hips and scowled at the matchmaker, who only winked back. “Don’t worry about my fee on this one, either.” She patted her cheek. “Now go.”
*