I wince, looking down at my hands.
“It’s fine,” she assures me. “It’s better, really.”
Though I’m still undecided, Candace sweeps back into the room with several maids, interrupting a conversation I don’t want to have in front of her. She murmurs apologies, directing the maids to the broken glass. Her eyes drop to my trousers before she casts a concerned look at Frederick.
“At least it was white wine,” he says, attempting to lighten the mood. “Once it dries, you won’t even notice.”
I snort under my breath, pretending I’m not self-conscious.
“Shall I bring more refreshments, Miss Candace?” one of the maids asks.
Candace nods and then turns to the rest of us. “There’s no reason to stand about. Please, sit.”
I end up next to Frederick, with Sabine across from me. Candace sits to the left of the princess, and it’s apparent the two women are anything but comfortable next to each other. A few minutes later, Candace’s aunt and uncle enter the dining room, accompanied by Lord Cavinder, Phillip, and a few of the family’s acquaintances who appear to be joining us as well.
My eyes follow Frederick’s father as he greets his son, disliking how often he’s been showing up lately.
Lord Cavinder turns to the princess, giving her a friendly smile. “You’re here as well, Miss Sabine? What a lovely surprise.”
Her expression is reserved as she acknowledges him, cordial but not overly friendly. As soon as he turns to Frederick, her eyes meet mine. With a start, I realize I’ve been staring at her, and I quickly look away.
Introductions are made, and the staff serves the soup course.
“Did you complete your business earlier, Frederick?” Candace asks.
He nods. “I did, thank you.”
“You said you had a meeting with a tenant?”
“That’s right. He wanted to speak to me about purchasing a flock of sheep to put in a pasture that’s currently empty since we sold off the cattle last year.”
“I imagine you’re grateful to have a son to see to estate matters,” Candace’s uncle says to Lord Cavinder, offering a friendly smile to Frederick. “I’ve heard your organization is busier than ever.”
Lord Cavinder frowns, setting aside his soup spoon as he sits back in his chair. “Sadly, that’s true. It seems Davon will never have a lack of the destitute.”
“What is it you do, Lord Cavinder?” Sabine asks.
“I oversee several halfway houses throughout the city. My people assist the poor, many of whom were previously imprisoned for petty theft. Now that they’ve served their punishment, we work with them to integrate them into society and find suitable jobs.”
“A noble cause,” Candace’s aunt says. “You’re truly a saint among men, Lord Cavinder.”
Frederick’s father shakes his head, adamantly refusing the recognition. “It’s an honor, and I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many genuinely wonderful people.”
I focus on my soup, not wanting my feelings to show on my face. Though I cannot deny the cause he supposedly supports is good and necessary, I don’t think Lord Cavinder’s nature is as altruistic as he would like his peers to believe.
“Miss Sabine, is there a chance we’ve met before?” Lord Cavinder asks. “You look so familiar to me, my dear, but I cannot place why.”
She demurely sets aside her napkin and gives him a smile that she probably doesn’t realize is regal. “I don’t believe so, sir. I’m afraid I’ve lived a rather sheltered life.”
“Where did you say you’re from?” Candace’s aunt asks.
Keeping her answer vague, Sabine answers, “I’m from the northwest.”
“I’ve never been up north,” Candace’s uncle says, changing the subject, much to the princess’s great relief.
Lord Cavinder turns to the man. “You must go when you get the chance—beautiful country, especially the land that borders West Faerie. If you’re adventurous, you could even venture to the Auvenridge Court. I’ve heard the princess has extended the length of safe passage.”
Sabine stiffens ever so slightly. If I weren’t watching her so closely, I wouldn’t have noticed.