Caleb stops and slides from his horse. I bring the carriage to a halt, and the knight opens the door for Joceline, offering her his hand. I grip the carriage reins as she takes it, stepping out and allowing Caleb to walk her to the bottom of the steps. Prince Bryson comes down the stairs towards her.
“I present to you, Princess Aria of Auradale,” Caleb says.
He lets go of her hand and bows. Joceline dips into a curtsey, then rises and stands with her hands at her sides. She has certainly slipped into my role easily with no hint of her usual bashful demeanour. I take a deep breath and stare at the Prince. He’s far more handsome in person than in his portrait. But that proves nothing. He could be an arrogant idiot.
“I’m very pleased to meet you,” Prince Bryson says. He comes to the bottom of the steps and takes Joceline’s hand. He bows and presses a kiss to the back of it, then straightens and smiles at her.
Not arrogant, or an idiot then, but a gentleman.
The Prince steps aside, and the King and Queen come forward. Joceline curtseys again. She does it so well, but then she’s had plenty of practice as my maidservant.
“Your Majesties, it is so very nice to be here,” Joceline says. “I’m looking forward to becoming part of your family.”
I climb down from the carriage. My skirt catches on the corner of the seat, and I tumble to the ground. The force of my landing sends a jolt through me. I cry out, and when I look up, everyone is staring at me. Joceline frowns.
Good one, Aria. Fall over in front of the Prince and his parents.
“Are you all right?” Prince Bryson comes to my side and helps me to stand. When he touches my arm, a pulse runs through me, like a wave of warm water over my skin, and I step back.
“Yes. I’ll be fine.”
I dust my hands off and smooth them over my skirt. Everyone is still staring, and I realise my mistake.
“Apologies, Your Highness.” I curtsey to the Prince. “Thank you for your assistance.”
He tilts his head to the side and studies me for a few heartbeats. I hold my breath, wondering what he’s staring at. Then Darren falls out the door of the carriage.
Joceline gasps.
“Goodness,” Queen Lynna says. “Whatever is the matter with him?”
“If you don’t mind,” Caleb replies, rushing to help Darren. “My comrade needs assistance. We came across some bandits on the road. Sir Darren took an arrow, and I’m afraid he’s not too well.”
Prince Bryson tears his eyes away from me and looks to where Caleb tends to the other knight on the ground.
“Why didn’t you say something right away?” the Prince says.
I move to Joceline’s side as people flurry around us to take Darren away for some medical help. Falada stamps his hooves and nips one of the Rivergate knights as he passes. The knight jumps, and Falada rears up, whinnying loudly. Caleb’s steed spooks, and the two horses pull against each other on the tether. Caleb yanks the knot free and grabs his horse’s reins. Falada runs off towards the gate.
“Is that your horse, Princess Aria?” the Prince asks.
I elbow Joceline, and she nods.
“We’ll have one of the stable hands tend to him,” King Marlowe speaks for the first time.
“Now, please come.” The Queen takes her husband’s hand. “You can freshen up before supper.”
Two guards at the top of the stairs haul the enormous doors open. The King leads his wife up the steps and inside.
“We make a good first impression, don’t we?” I whisper to Joceline.
“It has been a comedy of errors,” she whispers back.
“Because you took my hairpin.”
“And you lost the handkerchief. You’ll have to do better.”
“Is everything all right, ladies?” Prince Bryson asks.
I stand straight and compose myself, putting on the most sincere smile I can muster. I’ll have to do better? She can’t speak to me like that.
“Yes, everything is fine.” Joceline holds her hand out to the Prince. He takes it, but he doesn’t look at her.
He locks his gaze onto mine instead. “And what might your name be?”
I stare at him for a moment, wondering why the Prince of Rivergate wants to know the name of a servant. “It’s Ar—” But I can’t finish. “Joceline,” I say, remembering I’m under a spell and no longer look like myself.
“Arjoceline.” The Prince raises an eyebrow.
“Just Joceline.” I smile.
I wish I didn’t agree to Joceline’s spell. That I didn’t let her talk me into switching places. Prince Bryson seems very nice. Not that I can determine that from the few words he has said. But there is something about him that seems so noble. He has kind eyes, and being very handsome also helps. Despite not wanting to marry someone I’ve never met until now, Prince Bryson is someone I might like to get to know better.
“Ahem,” Joceline says. “Are your parents expecting us?”
The Prince finally looks at her. “Yes, my apologies. This way.”
Prince Bryson lifts Joceline’s hand, and they walk up the steps together. I follow them into the castle, and he leads us to the second level and Joceline’s—or rather my—new chambers. She squeals with delight when we enter, and I have to stop myself from scolding her. I would not squeal, but I can’t reprimand her in front of the Prince. He doesn’t know what I’m like. Still, I’m annoyed that this is how he gets to see me act.
“I trust this is to your liking?” he asks.
“Oh yes.” Joceline runs her hands down a post of the four-poster bed.
I stare at the canopy hanging over it. Rich blue velvet streaked with gold. It’s definitely fit for a princess. I gaze around the room at the beautiful furniture and opulent trimmings. Back in Auradale, Joceline had a small room off my chambers. This suite has a bathing room, as well as another adjoining room, but it’s larger and doesn’t seem to be a servant’s bedroom. I stand in the doorway and take in the bookshelves and opulent armchairs.
“And where am I to sleep?” I ask.
Prince Bryson turns to me. “There will be room for you in the servants’ quarters in the outer court.”
“But I’ve always been by Aria’s side.” I stare at him. He can’t separate us now. In a new place where I’m not even the person I’m supposed to be.
“It will be all right,” Joceline says. “There’s no need for you to be here all the time. And besides, your room back at Auradale was so small. Just a cupboard, really. This way you’ll have much more space.”
I switch my stare to her, unable to comprehend what she’s saying. It’s been so long since we’ve been apart. Her bedroom wasn’t that bad. It had everything she required, and she was always right next door. She has always been there when I needed her. How can I be away from her now? I can’t believe she isn’t stating that she wants me with her.
Two guards enter the chambers carrying my glory box. They set it down at the end of the bed. A maidservant comes in and adds the rest of our luggage beside it.
“I’ll leave you for a moment to freshen up. Collette will assist you.” Prince Bryson nods towards the maid, then bows and leaves the chambers, pulling the door closed.