The Firethorn Crown Read Online Free Page B

spell of Hazel’s undiluted smile, Holic fumbled for words. “I—the orphan’s home. The children were watching from the street. With flags. I had to stop.”
    Hazel was one of the least artistic among them, but she encouraged the children’s creativity, supplying them with paper, inks, and what little knowledge she had. Two years ago, she’d petitioned Father to hire a proper instructor for those who wished to learn more than she could pass on. Without knowing it, Prince Holic had made more progress winning Hazel’s affections than anyone before him.
    “You will take good care of it, of course,” Hazel said, handing the picture back.
    “Of course.” After carefully folding the paper, Holic put it back in his pocket. He paused and cleared his throat. “Delighted to meet you.” His smile grew, as if he recognized the awkwardness of the situation, having preempted the introduction.
    Hazel offered her hand, and Holic held it a few seconds longer than needed. Lily exchanged a look with Gwen. They both knew the poor prince had no chance. He was a third son, and Hazel was determined to have an heir.
    Melantha was introduced before things grew too uncomfortable. She wore green again, and Holic didn’t seem to notice that her wild hair was still wet and her circlet was slipping. He attended to her and Mara politely, with frequent glances at Hazel, who didn’t quite succeed in keeping her face properly forward and disinterested.
    When he came to Neylan, his smile faltered. “You’ve a dragon on your ear.” He leaned forward, peering at the creature.
    He wouldn’t have seen a butterwing as far north as Osha. This one, its brown belly round with bugs, was too fat to be perched on an ear and had loosed several curls trying to steady itself. Yellow wings flapped in irritation, and it stretched its lips in a silent hiss. Neylan stroked the dragon’s back, and it settled, watching Holic warily. Few dignitaries showed much interest in her hitchhikers.
    “I don’t want to unsettle your guest,” he said. He clasped her offered hand barely long enough to be called proper. Neylan smiled. Holic had won over another princess.
    Pol introduced the remaining princesses. Junia blushed, Coral giggled, and Azure endured the hand-kiss bravely. Ivy lifted her gaze from the floor long enough to satisfy Mother, and the twins entertained with their ability to talk in unison.
    Pol took charge then and escorted the prince and his entourage out of the hall.
    Lily sighed, and her shoulders relaxed. That hadn’t gone bad, and she wouldn’t see Holic again until supper. Mother couldn’t scold too much.
    “I will see you in the king’s study in half an hour.” Mother strode from the room, glittering silver-and-gold in the afternoon sunlight.
    Then again, maybe she could.

Chapter Three
     
    L ily braced herself to endure a reprimand from Mother regarding their tardiness and untidy state, although they could hardly be blamed. They couldn’t have known that Prince Holic would arrive a whole day early. She couldn’t guess what else Mother wanted to discuss, unless it was the disaster that had called Father away. Dragon Festival was a time to put aside regular duties, a whole week to enjoy mingling with the citizens of Eltekon and to spend time with her sisters, so it wouldn’t be anything official. She would have liked to ask Father what he meant by giving Runson his blessing, but that would have to wait.
    She smoothed the almond dress with its simple gold belt—much preferable to a ballgown—and tension drained from her. Her hair was still up, barely, and she wore her own comfortable slippers again. She could do this.
    Mother sat at the window seat, her face turned towards the sky. The soldier-king had designed his study to have a view of The Guardian River that flowed from the north, embracing his people before rushing down to the sea. The queen’s study next door had the same view.
    Lily waited for Mother to speak first. She