styled by skilled attendants. Being fitted for extravagant gowns. Spending time with good friendsânot that any of them had sent a single letter or condolence since the deaths of her father and sister.
Kurtis nodded. âIt was unusual for a princess of her statusânot to mention an heiress to the throneâto take up such a hobby, but she deeply impressed me. And I was even more impressed when she became the champion of our match.â
Emilia must have loved that, Cleo thought. To have beaten the boys at their own game. âPlease donât tell me you
let
her win.â
âFar from it. I tried my very best and came in second place . . .a very
close
second place. I would have loved the glory of the win, especially at that young and vulnerable age. Iâd always hoped for a rematch, but some dreams arenât meant to come true.â
âNo, theyâre not,â Cleo mused. Her sister had practiced with her bow and arrow every day until she fell ill with the disease that stole her life. Cleo used to joke that Emilia could bring back enough venison for a whole year after just one afternoon hunting trip. Or, perhaps, defend the palace with the rest of the guards if they were ever attacked.
Cleo had no such skills with weaponry. Sheâd been able to defend herself so far with a sharp dagger and a great deal of luck. Otherwise, she was dependent on others to protect her from danger.
âLord Kurtis . . .â she began, an idea suddenly brewing in her mind.
âPlease, princess. Itâs just Kurtis. My friends neednât use my title to address me.â
âKurtis,â she repeated with a smile. âYou should feel free to call me Cleo.â
His olive-green eyes sparkled. âWith pleasure,
Princess
Cleo.â
âClose enough.â She laughed. âTell me, Kurtis, now that youâve been relieved of many of your duties around the palace, you must have a great deal of time on your hands, yes?â
âI suppose I do. Although, I hope to be invited to future council meetings, at Prince Magnusâs discretion of course. I believe I could still be of help.â
She wondered how likely it was that Magnus would agree to that. âWell, youâve just reminded me of something my sister loved and did very well. I would like to take archery lessons to honor her memory, and it seems that you would make an excellent tutor.â
âIt might seem vain to agree with you, your grace, but I would. And Iâd be honored to be your tutor.â
âThatâs wonderful news, thank you. Can we meet every day?â she asked eagerly. âI tend to get bored with new hobbies unless I fully immerse myself in them.â
Kurtis nodded. âEvery day it is. Iâll try my very best to teach you well, princess.â
âTeach her well?â Magnusâs deep voice cut between them. âTeach her
what
, might I ask?â
Cleo thought it best not to act guilty. After all, they were speaking plainly in a hallway, not whispering in an alcove or guarding the conversation from potential eavesdroppers. Further, she had nothing to be guilty of, and so she turned to the prince without hesitation.
âArchery,â Cleo said. âLord Kurtis is a skilled archer and heâs agreed to tutor me.â
âHow very kind of him.â Magnus studied Kurtis with a sharp, even glare, as a bird of prey might study a small rabbit, right before tearing off its head.
âYes. Very kind.â Her heart sped up again, but she couldnât falter now. âMagnus, I need to speak with you.â
âSo speak.â
âIn private.â
Kurtis bowed his head. âIâll leave you alone. Princess, perhaps we can have our first lesson tomorrow at midday?â
âPerfect.â
âUntil then. Your highness, your grace.â Another bow and Kurtis turned on his heels and walked down the hallway.
âMy deepest