A word of advice
The hunt was absolutely grotesque. Sweet, innocent animals had lost their lives and for what? For sport. Watching their corpses be displayed for the entire hunting party to see, only to then be tossed to the servants for them to deal with appalled her greatly.
Despite this, Evie kept up appearance. She was aware of the importance of hunting among the royals and the nobility, and she knew that questioning the so-called sport would not only risk sending her into the bad graces of the prince but also the entire court. So, she smiled, and even congratulated both the king and prince on their conquests. Of course, she made sure to keep some distance between herself and the king at all times. Throughout the hunt he had sent quite a few longing glances her way and that brought her about as much discomfort as the killing of animals did.
Lunch time couldn’t have come quicker, and Evie was pleased to learn that the prince wanted to spend some time just the two of them, as proven when he brought them closer to the stream rather than the rest of the party.
“I am enjoying it immensely, my prince.” She answered sweetly and gave him a smile. Hiding her true feelings and intentions had never been a problem. She was much like her father, in that regard. She knew that there was a time and place for speaking plainly and this was not it.
“I did not know that you were such a good hunter.” She then said, encouragingly. “Although I suppose I should have known. I’m sure there is nothing you’re not good at.”
Despite this, Evie kept up appearance. She was aware of the importance of hunting among the royals and the nobility, and she knew that questioning the so-called sport would not only risk sending her into the bad graces of the prince but also the entire court. So, she smiled, and even congratulated both the king and prince on their conquests. Of course, she made sure to keep some distance between herself and the king at all times. Throughout the hunt he had sent quite a few longing glances her way and that brought her about as much discomfort as the killing of animals did.
Lunch time couldn’t have come quicker, and Evie was pleased to learn that the prince wanted to spend some time just the two of them, as proven when he brought them closer to the stream rather than the rest of the party.
“I am enjoying it immensely, my prince.” She answered sweetly and gave him a smile. Hiding her true feelings and intentions had never been a problem. She was much like her father, in that regard. She knew that there was a time and place for speaking plainly and this was not it.
“I did not know that you were such a good hunter.” She then said, encouragingly. “Although I suppose I should have known. I’m sure there is nothing you’re not good at.”
Luca realized that he must have offended her. She had expected a different response than to be called out on her inappropriate behavior, but not calling her out would have in turn made him equally at fault and he was not about to play such dangerous games of treason for the sake of a queen who appeared to have forgotten her place.
“Alright, my queen.” He responded and as she offered him her hand, he made no attempts to catch it and show the respect worthy of a queen. Instead, he bowed his head ever so slightly before taking a step back.
His eyes followed her as she turned, and for a moment they wavered and instead journeyed across her ladies. How much of their conversation had they heard? He wondered if they were more trustworthy than him. He hoped for her sake that they were.
“My queen.” He spoke, to gain her attention once more. “A word of advice; be careful what you wish for. Especially out loud.”
Once more, Luca Romano gave a nod, then he turned and walked away in the opposite direction. Further into the beautiful garden.
