Series: Willow Winters
Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 72146 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 361(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72146 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 361(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
“Do you wish she would?”
He hesitates. “Yes, I think I would prefer it, for us all to be together again. I think it would bring her more comfort than she knows. With you and a growing family. A wife and princess to heal this family… I think it will mend pieces of her heart as well and bring joy back to our kingdom much in need of it.”
“I do not think I would mind it,” I tell him, feeling as bold as I did after the ball. “I do not think I would mind getting to know your mother and father. I cannot help but wish my own mother were here to be part of the wedding ceremony, and…and see my happiness. The happiness you’ve both given me.” I’m gentle and quieter with my last sentence and Isabel has the good sense not to let on that she heard them. Casen peers at her first and then back at me, with a nod of his head in understanding.
“Ah,” Prince Jasper says, softer. “Do you think you would be happy after such a ceremony?”
“I do think so,” I allow. “But I will not rush to judgment. You have brought me here so that I might be sure, haven’t you?”
“Of course I have.”
I can see in Prince Jasper’s eyes that he is already sure of me, and that thought takes my breath away. I consider telling him that I am just as sure, but I must not do that. I must take my time, as he says. I must speak with his brother, as well. I have made many bold decisions lately, and while they have brought me great pleasure, they have also brought me sleeplessness and worry.
“Is there anything else you’d like to show us now, while we wait for our things to be brought up?” I ask, giving him a wide smile. “I’m sure there is much more to see in a castle as beautiful as this.”
“I am not sure there is anything to match your beauty,” he says, “but if you wish, Princess, I will try.”
Prince Jasper lingers over more of the art on the walls, then. He tells us of the master craftsman who laid down the tiles in the bathing room, then painted them to make it look as if the fish have swum up from the sea and joined us in the bath.
Isabel shudders. “Is there…a bathing area without such tiles? They are beautiful indeed, and I appreciate the craft, but—”
“There is,” Prince Jasper answers gallantly. “Just through here. There are several areas, Princess, and of course the servants can bring water to the bathing area in your private rooms. I promise you, there are no such tiles to be found there.”
“I am happy to hear it,” Isabel says, blushing. I know this isn’t because she has suddenly developed feelings for Prince Jasper. It is only that she has a fear of fish and swimming things. “When I was a child, I was swimming in a pond on our lands, and something quite large brushed against my foot. I have never quite recovered from the feeling.”
I smirk at her and her smile widens. “Maybe it’s foolish but I do prefer my baths alone.”
“I can assure you that you will not be pressured into any ponds,” Prince Jasper promises with humor. “However, you might enjoy the salt baths we offer, though of course there is no rush.”
It’s then we hear the arrival of footsteps and a young man appears. He clears his throat, “My Lords,” he starts. The page comes to bring a message. He delivers it in a quiet voice to both princes. Prince Casen nods, though he is not the one who turns to speak to us.
“Your things have been delivered to your rooms and unpacked,” Prince Jasper says. “We thought you might enjoy some time to yourselves to bathe and change for an early dinner.”
“Yes,” Isabel agrees immediately. “I would like that very much.”
We meander back through the castle. Prince Jasper stops to greet many people, giving them a word of praise or some small task to do for him. The stewards we encounter seem glad to see both princes, and Prince Jasper’s care of them does not seem to be a performance for my benefit. It seems the two princes have formed a family here, despite the king and queen living elsewhere.
Prince Jasper shows Isabel to her room first, and Prince Casen ducks away, nodding to us as he goes. Then Prince Jasper comes to the doorway to my room, but does not step inside.
“It’s beautiful here,” I tell him. “I am glad you invited me. I am glad to be here.”
“I am glad you came,” he replies, and presses a kiss to my cheek. “These rooms are here for you and Isabel for as long as you wish to stay. And I must admit, Princess…I hope it is not a short visit. I hope you make this castle your home.”