had given him as punishment for something trivial.
That scar was physical proof that the prince didnât always obey the kingâs command.
âPrincess Cleiona.â A voice greeted her from around the next corner. âHow lovely to see you today.â
It was Lord Kurtis, now standing before her, stunningly tall. He was even taller than Magnus, but with a more slender build with narrow shoulders and thin arms: traits of one whoâd spent his life in leisure. His smile was amiable, and his green eyes reminded her of the olive trees in the courtyard back at her home.
âItâs lovely to see you too,â she said.
âIâm glad our paths have crossed today.â His brows drew together. âI wanted to personally apologize for disrespecting your husband in front of you. It was incredibly rude of me and Iâm deeply ashamed.â
Cleo tried to think of the best way to reply, and made a quick decision to speak her mind as bluntly as a Kraeshian would. âPerhaps you could have acted more diplomatically, but I think the princeâs behavior was overly rude and uncalled for. Please accept my apology for your embarrassment.â
âIâd say embarrassment took second place to the fear that heâd actually have my throat cut, your grace. But thank you.â
âYou were only standing up for what you believed was your duty.â
âYes, but I should have known to show more care in my words and actions when it comes to the prince. After all, I already know . . .â
âGo on,â she prompted. âWhat do you know?â
He shook his head and lowered his gaze. âI shouldnât say any more.â
âNo, you absolutely should.â
Kurtis looked concerned, as if he were wrestling with whether or not to speak, which only made Cleo more eager to hear it. âPlease,â she said. âTell me.â
âWell . . . when the prince and I were children, we didnât get along very well. My father would bring me here with him when he had business with the king, and Magnus and I were expected to spend time together, to become friends. It didnât take long for me to learn that the prince is not one to have close friends. Heâs . . . forgive me, your grace, but he was a rather sadistic bully of a boy. And Iâm very sorry to see that little has changed over the years.â
A sadistic bully of a boy
. It sounded right on target for the son of King Gaius.
âI can only hope . . .â Kurtis trailed off again.
âWhat?â
He blinked. âI just hope that he hasnât been overly cruel to you.â
Cleo reached out and squeezed Kurtisâs hand. âThank you. But I assure you, when it comes to the prince, I can handle myself.â
âI donât doubt it for a moment. Youâre so much like your sister.â He smiled, but it quickly faded at the edges. âMy deepest condolences on her loss, your grace. She was truly remarkable.â
Cleo tried to ignore the jolt of pain that came from being reminded of her sister, and regarded Kurtis with new interest. âYou were a friend of Emiliaâs?â
âAcquainted, but Iâm not sure Iâd say that we were friends. We were rivals, really.â He raised a brow at Cleoâs look of curiosity. âWe met several years ago in Auranos, where we competed against each other in an archery tournament held in her honor. She was so talented, and she insisted that boys and girls should compete in the same matches.â
Cleo couldnât help but laugh at the memory of the festivals and competitions once held in the City of Gold. âYes, Emilia was an incredible archer. I envied her. But, then again, it takes years of practice to hone a skill like that, and back then I preferred activities that were much less athletic.â
Attending parties. Drinking wine. Exploring markets. Having her hair braided and
Elmore - Carl Webster 03 Leonard