Once Upon A Rose - Chapter 8
We have a promo to tell you about, then we’ll get right to our story!
There will be over 90 FREE ebooks this weekend…and some are already FREE. Be sure to check this out!
And now, the next chapter of our story!
Chapter 8
As Celsiana dressed for dinner, she decided that asking her father directly would probably not work. Instead, she planned to steer the conversation to the southern ports and see what she could find out.
As the servants brought in the main course, Celsiana looked over at the two princesses and smiled. “I’m so envious of you both. You’ve been able to travel here to see us, while I’ve never been to any of the other kingdoms.”
Arabella glanced over at Seraline and nodded, slightly. “It is a beautiful area and I’m sure you’ll be seeing it sooner than you think.”
“I’m especially interested in the sea with all those lovely shores and the ports…” Celsiana stopped as Arabella’s words sunk in. Hoping she meant visiting during the wedding, she continued. “How wonderful to have access to so many exotic foods and wares.”
Arabella nodded. “And there are so many eligible young men, but none as fine as your brothers.” She winked at Seraline. “And we must have you come to visit us after the engagement party.”
Celsiana smiled and glanced over at her parents. They didn’t seem to notice anything, so she continued. “That would be lovely.” She glanced down at her dress. “I’d love to go shop for fabrics and get some new dresses made before the wedding.”
“Oh, there are so many choices!” Seraline piped up, dark curls bouncing. Celsiana realized she’d finally found a subject that interested this princess. “My father has connections with all the best silk traders and the diamond merchants across the southern sea. Not to mention the sapphires…” She stopped and smiled. “Arabella plans to have sapphires made into two half rings to completely surround her diamond engagement ring.”
“Oh, how unusual,” Celsiana said, trying to seem more interested than she was. “And what would you like, Seraline?”
“I love emeralds,” Seraline replied, smiling brightly. “I have these absolutely amazing emerald earrings I brought to wear at the engagement party.”
Emeralds made Celsiana think about Nicholas and those green eyes. Forcing herself to stay on topic, she turned to Arabella. “It must be nice to have access to so many beautiful things.”
“It is,” Arabella said, but without the animation Seraline had exhibited. “Very nice indeed.” Celsiana felt a tiny shiver across her skin. Arabella had a coldness in her eyes she had not noticed before. And then, it was gone. Brushing her long blonde hair over her shoulder, Arabella smiled, adding, “My father promised me anything I want for an engagement present. I plan to make the most of it.”
“The shops are one of the things I will miss,” Seraline said, looking over at Trevor with a fondness that surprised Celsiana. Maybe this princess really did love her brother. “Although, being the second son means we can spend more time in both kingdoms. My father will be very happy about that.”
Celsiana nodded. “It would be difficult to leave your home and all that is familiar.”
“Which is why having Arabella here has been so much fun,” Seraline said, smiling at her friend. “We’ve known each other for years.” Then she reached across and took Celsiana’s hand. “And you will be the little sister I never had.” Seraline laughed. “I will take you shopping myself, when you come to visit.”
Celsiana smiled and glanced over at Arabella, who seemed a bit bored by their conversation. “I’m glad you came to the castle,” she said, smiling at Seraline, then glanced back at Arabella, adding, “Both of you.”
“It’s late,” Arabella said, standing up, “and I have many things to do tomorrow. Come on, Seraline, we need to write letters home. You wanted to ask about the orchids and I need to tell my father about plans…for the engagement.”
The way she paused made Celsiana wonder if Arabella was thinking about something else. But what else could it be? All they ever talked about was the party. It was probably something about the live doves.
Glancing over at her parents, Celsiana realized she probably had her answer. It was the diamond merchants that would interest her father the most. It was his preferred means of currency, when trading with other kingdoms. Having a cheaper way to access them meant the entire kingdom would benefit.
This might be why the guilds were trying to maintain control. They received a percentage of every good their members sold. Celsiana decided to find out more about this the next day. It was time to visit the village and get some help from her friends.
Read another chapter next Friday!
We also have a few BookFunnel promos you may enjoy. Just click on the banners to see the ebooks!
