That’s why I’m currently standing in front of my cousin Ralph who is sitting in his study, going through some official-looking documents. Another accomplished hunter, Prince Ralph whose name I’ve also used with Willam to get my favor, is giving me a narrow-eyed look.
“It’s a little late in the day to organize a hunt,” he says. “You have no idea what a hunt entails.”
“You’re right, I don’t. I’ve only been on a couple of hunts in my life and even then, it was more of a ride through the woods in a carriage, following the hunt from a distance.”
He nods, his attention back on the document. “Well, then. There you go.”
“Only, I have a problem,” I say.
It takes him a moment to lift his gaze again. He’s starting to look annoyed. “Yes?”
“You like me, don’t you, Ralph? I told your father to stop pushing you to play with the palace dogs when we were little, because I could see that you were scared of them. I also helped you kiss that visiting princess, Maere, when we were ten. Remember?”
His mouth twitches. “I remember.”
“Am I not your favorite cousin?”
He closes his eyes for a moment. “What do you want, Selina?”
“I told you. Take my fiancé on a hunt. Or a ride. I don’t care. Take him out of the palace, out of the town until nightfall.”
“But—”
“I want him to have a good time,” I say, “and that would give me time to prepare a surprise for him. Obviously, don’t tell him that. That’s the meaning of the word surprise.”
“I know what a surprise is,” he scoffs. “I’m just not into romantic… stuff.”
“No need to be. Take him hunting. Entertain him. Have fun. That’s all I’m asking. Show him where you hunt. Show him the grounds. Show him the haunted woods for all I care.”
“Is this some pre-wedding tradition I’m not aware of?” He shudders. “I’m never getting married.”
“Ah-huh. It’s a tradition somewhere, surely. I want to show Iason my appreciation and my excitement for our engagement, is all.”
“I thought that traditionally you’d show him your appreciation in the bed-chamber.”
“Don’t be so crass. I’m a princess.” I lift my chin. “He’s not going anywhere near my bed-chamber until after the wedding. This is an innocent surprise. Food, drink, music. A juggler. You’ll see. Of course you’re invited, too.”
“I don’t care about such nonsense,” he says, glances down at the document. “I have to read through this.”
“Please, Ralph. Can’t it wait?”
“It’s serious palace business,” he says haughtily but I can see the struggle written all over his face.
“Just a ride. Show him the horses, show him the countryside. It’s a beautiful winter day. I bet you can catch some small game for fun.”
Because that’s how men around here have fun, apparently, when not visiting brothels. Him and Ralph and Iason, and all the others. I eat meat, I’m not pretending to be innocent of slaughter, but often enough the game they bring back remains unused and untouched, left to rot or thrown to the dogs to eat because of the amount of food already cooking in the palace kitchens.
“Fine,” he says with a small sigh. “I’ll take your fiancé out for a ride.”
I clap my hands. “And not a word about the surprise.”
“Just go, Selina, and leave me in peace. You’ll get what you want. Once I’ve finished reading through his damn document.”
I give him a wide, heartfelt smile. “Thank you, cousin. Your kindness slays me.”
“Last time, Selina, remember that. No more favors. You’re a grown-up now.”
“No more favors,” I agree and look at my cousin one last time. It strikes me that this may well be the last time I see my family.