My brow puckered. Trick me?
“Answer me.” His tone was hardening with his impatience. “You know the consequences that come from plucking an enchanted rose. Whose idea was it?”
The garden remained still and silent—not a single branch rustled; even the birdsong had ceased.
I hesitantly stepped forward. “Forgive me, Your Highness, but what did you mean by the gardens tricking me?”
“I meant exactly what I said.” He turned back to the vines, who rustled in a way that almost seemed…smug. “What do you have to say for yourselves?”
I didn’t have to be able to understand them to sense their continued refusal to answer; the prince’s hardening expression said it all.
“Are they always so defiant?” I asked.
“Pardon?” He turned back to face me…and stilled, as if he’d only just now noticed my appearance. His lips twitched downward as he stared at my face. I bit my lip to suppress a sigh. I’d seen that look far too many times to count. I lifted my chin and stared firmly back, daring him to say something.
“Is something wrong?”
The prince blinked rapidly and hastily averted his gaze, his cheeks crimson—one of embarrassment, not of a man caught staring at a pretty girl.
“No,” he lied before peeking up at me once more, as if he couldn’t help but steal a second look to discern whether I was really as unattractive as I’d initially appeared.
I rolled my eyes, which likely marred my appearance even further, but I didn’t care; I’d long ago stopped heeding my governess’s attempts to supplement what I lacked in looks with social graces. Several snappy, sarcastic retorts burned on my tongue, but I bit on it hard to prevent them from escaping.
Instead I returned to the matter at hand. “Begging your pardon, Your Highness, but I’m less concerned about why your guards allowed me into the gardens and more concerned about leaving them. If you could please order your vines to open the entrance, I’ll be on my way and not bother you any further.”
His expression cleared as he regained his composure. “It’s not so simple as that,” he said. “Now tell me: why did you enter my gardens?”
It was more an order than a suggestion, and although he was a prince and thus very different than my father, I couldn’t quite keep back my usual defiance whenever Father ordered me to do anything. “Forgive me, but my reasons for doing so are none of your concern.”
His eyebrows lifted in clear astonishment at my disobedience, and remorse prickled my conscience that I was, as usual, being rather…trying, as my governess so often put it. Although I knew better than to be difficult for a prince, my apology lodged in my throat.
He sighed, as if this entire conversation had wearied him. “Considering you’re on my grounds after you played off my guards’ sentiments, it very much is my concern.” His firm tone issued a warning I’d be a fool to disobey a second time.
I lifted my chin. “I stumbled upon the palace as I was wandering the woods. After hearing many marvelous stories about the enchanted palace gardens, I couldn’t miss an opportunity to experience them for myself.” It was part of the truth, at least.
For the first time since meeting this stoic prince, a shadow of a smile tugged on his lips. “Did they live up to your expectations?”
“Exceedingly. If only I could explore them further.”
“Because of your foolishness, your wish will soon be granted.” He folded his arms with another appraising look. “You’ve only given me part of your story. What were you doing wandering the woods without a chaperone?” His gaze flickered from my satchel to my torn and muddy clothes. “Ah, I see. You’re obviously running away. But from what?”
Father’s face filled my mind and I swallowed. “I can’t tell you, so please don’t press the matter any further. Just be assured that it was necessary.”
Concern immediately softened his serious expression as he stepped closer. “Are you in some kind of trouble?”
I rapidly blinked to keep my burning tears at bay. I never cried, and I wasn’t about to start now, in front of the prince. “I’m fine.” It was an effort to keep my voice steady, and I knew by his frown that he’d seen through my lie. It was yet another offense against my future king.
But I was suddenly too weary to care. Thinking of Father had only reminded me how much time I’d lost. I glanced up at the sky. It was nearing noon. I had to hurry if I was to have any hope of staying ahead of him.
I forced a smile. “I truly am sorry I plucked your rose. I’d stay and continue to apologize, but I’m afraid I’ve already lost too much time and must leave.” I dipped into a curtsy and turned to go, but I’d only taken a few steps before the prince’s words caused me to still.
“I regret to inform you that you can’t leave.”
My heart flared as I slowly turned back around. “Why? Am I to be punished?”
“Not in the way you’re likely imagining, but you’ll receive a punishment nonetheless.” His expression sobered. “I’m afraid you’re trapped here, Miss Maren.”
I stared at him. “What do you mean I’m trapped?”
“Exactly how it sounds: you can’t leave the palace grounds.”
I continued staring, my exhausted mind scrambling to comprehend his words. “Why? The vines let me in, so surely they’d let me leave as well.”
He shook his head as he advanced a step closer, limping on his injured leg. “That would have been true…before.” He gestured towards the foliage-covered entrance. “The vine archway is the only way in and out of these grounds, and it’s controlled by the gardens, who’ve made it clear that they’re forbidding you from leaving.”
I gaped at him. “But…why?” My indignation swelled as he motioned to the rose I still held. “Because I took a rose?”
“An enchanted rose,” he said calmly. “And don’t look at me as if I’m responsible. Your offense was against the garden, and as such, they determine the consequences. I’m sorry, Miss Maren.”
His apology was useless, for I had absolutely no intention of allowing myself to become a prisoner. Seeking freedom was why I’d run away in the first place, and I refused to trade one cage for another, even if this particular one was rather fascinating.
I set my jaw in determination. I’d found a way in, so I’d find a way out. I stomped past the prince and brushed the vines aside, searching for an exit, but the bougainvillea nipped me with its thorns.
I glowered. “Release me at once. I refuse to stay here.” I made another attempt to push through the vines, but they only pricked me again. “Ow.” I drew back and sharpened my glare, but it had little effect, so I turned it on the crown prince instead, who watched solemnly. “Are they always so rude?”
“Only to thieves,” he said wryly.
“Considering they tricked me into plucking that rose, such an accusation is unjust, so I suggest you order them to let me go.”
“I told you it doesn’t work that way, but since you clearly don’t believe me, allow me to demonstrate.” He turned to the vines. “I order you to release Miss Maren.”